#and snot I'm still very much sick

[leconcombrerit]

Almost done with this potatoe forsaken drawing. I don't know if I'm slow or if it's complicated or both, but it definitely wasn't supposed to take that much time.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Eddie noticed things. Well, not always right away, but he noticed things. He noticed that Steve liked to be affectionate with the people he cared about: Robin, Dustin, Nancy, and so on. He tried not to read into it when Steve immediately started doing it with him in the Upside Down. He could still feel the tingles from when Steve had placed his hand on his lower back for the first time. The shock that shot through Eddie and the realization that it might not be just women for him nearly sent him crashing to the ground. Worst time to have a sexuality crisis. It had made him realize that he had been checking out Steve on that boat, though. They hadn't gotten together for a long time, though, with them both still healing and Eddie dealing with the aftermath of everything, still dealing with the weight of Chrissy's death. Not until after the kids had gone back to school again.

"I'm just worried, you know! Nancy, Robin, Jonathan, and Vickie graduated. Who's going to look after the kids? Plus, becoming a basketball coach is something I would definitely enjoy doing. Is that stupid?" Steve asked.

Eddie was leaning back against the counter, watching Steve restock the shelves in Family Video. It was empty except for them. He loved the way that Steve’s eyes lit up all protective-like when he talked about the kids. It made Eddie's insides all fuzzy.

"Fucking marry me," Eddie had blurted out.

"Buy me dinner first," Steve said, blushing.

"Okay," Eddie said. "It's a date."

Steve looked at him for a moment, trying to decide if he's serious or not. His face split into a grin, and he put the wrong video on the shelf. He was ridiculously goofy-looking with the way that he grinned, the way his hazel eyes got bigger, and his prince charming hair just looking even better today. Eddie couldn't help but let out a dreamy sigh. That was that. Being with Steve was an adjustment because he had to change his entire view of jocks. He could no longer look at them all as the enemy. It was just a game, just like his own game. The real assholes were the ones that hunted him down, who accused him of murder, and bullied him and his group of misfits. No, the real enemy were the people like Higgins who thought there needed to be division and hatred because they had different interests. Eddie couldn't prove it, but he was pretty sure that Higgins had encouraged their behavior and, because of that, had given Eddie a skewed view of jocks. So, it's all Higgins' fault, really.

Over the last few months of being with Steve, he had come to accept a few things: that jocks weren't all bad, that he was actually starting to like sports, and that he was absolutely in love with Steve. Though he wished Wayne would stop cackling at him. Yeah, yeah, all the shit he gave Wayne about liking sports, and Eddie had to go fall for a jock. The one thing he really loved about Steve was how much he would do for the people, but he hated that he would sacrifice taking care of himself to do it. Although, Eddie was guilty for taking the opportunity to swoop in like a brave knight to help take care of the former king of Hawkins High.

"Where do you think you're going?" Eddie asked from the doorway of Steve’s bedroom.

"Dustin needs a ride," Steve groaned as he rolled out of bed.

"How are you going to do that when you're sick?" Eddie asked.

"I'm not sick," Steve scowled. "I do not get sick."

Steve sneezed so hard that he fell back onto the bed. He groaned, a snot bubble coming out of his nose.

"Sexy," Eddie grinned.

"Fuck off," Steve groaned.

"You say such sweet things to me," Eddie said.

Steve got up off the bed, stuffed his feet into two different pairs of shoes, and tried to move past Eddie. He grabbed Steve’s shoulders.

"I got to give Dustin a ride," Steve said. "I promised."

"Hm, okay, what day of the week is it?" Eddie asked his very stubborn boyfriend.

"It's Tuesday," he scoffed.

"Yeah, try again, big boy. It's Thursday," Eddie said.

"If it's Thursday, does that mean I already gave him a ride?" Steve asked.

"I gave him a ride, and I'm here now. You don't have to be a single mom anymore, Stevie," he teased, flashing his dimples. "Daddy's here."

Eddie picked Steve up and laid him on the bed.

"You're just trying to get into my pants. I'm not sick," Steve said and coughed up phlegm.

"And what's that?" Eddie said.

"I forgot to swallow again," Steve said. "I'll do better. I just need practice."

"Right."

Eddie had stayed all week to take care of Steve and another week for Steve to take care of him when he got sick. Supposedly, he had been worse than Steve, but he was pretty sure that Steve was lying. Steve hadn't complained about it, though. Apparently, he had gotten used to it when he had to take of Eddie when he gotten bit by the bats. Eddie really didn't remember how needy he had been, but apparently, he had been. It was amazing how easy it had been to slip into the role of caring boyfriend, considering that he had never really been one. The first girl he had been with had been a dare for her, and the second had been Paige. He had epically screwed that up. He wasn't perfect, and neither was Steve. Oddly enough, he liked that about their relationship. They didn't have to try so very hard to be perfect. There's always a little give and take in every relationship, though.

"Steve, honey, what are you wearing?" Eddie asked him one day when they were hanging out at Steve's house.

He was dressed all in black. Okay, the black pants were a good fit, but there was something off about everything else. There was something missing.

"You don't like it?" Steve pouted.

"I mean, I do, and I don't," Eddie said, shaking his head. "Where the fuck is your polo?"

"I just thought a change might be good," Steve said.

"No! Nope! No way!" Eddie exclaimed. "If I wanted to date myself, I would take my hand out for a nice little dinner!"

"Robin said - "

"Robin also believes that there are little demobat eggs waiting to burst out of us like in Alien," Eddie said. "So, what she says might not be so trustworthy especially since there's the possibility that she's fucking with you."

"So, you really don't like it?" Steve asked.

"Steve, baby, I love your sweet little sexy numbers," Eddie said. "Do you know why I love seeing you in them?"

"Why?" Steve asked.

Eddie sighed and pulled Steve into his lap.

"Because you like wearing them," Eddie said. "I don't want you to be me or anyone else. I fell in love with Steve Harrington, and Steve Harrington is what I'm going to get. I love everything about you, from your pastel colors to your polos to you playing basketball. Everything. So, if you don't want to wear these clothes, you shouldn't."

"I love you, too," Steve said. "I mean, I kind of like the black pants with the polo, but other than that, I'll change back."

"Yeah, I figured," Eddie grinned. "I mean, there's nothing about me that you want to change?"

"No! I love everything about you," Steve said. "I mean, I wish you wouldn't leave the wet towels on our bathroom floor. I totally busted my ass on them the other day."

"I think I can work on that," Eddie said and caressed his butt. "Wouldn't want to do anything to damage this sweet thing. But seriously, Stevie, don't change a thing. I'd rather you butt ass naked than try to be me."

"I think I can work on that too," Steve grinned and kissed him. "Let me go change."

Eddie sighed and watched him walk out of the room. When Steve came back in, he wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing, and his hands were firmly on his hips.

"Well, I was going to put on my polo, but I got a little hot and bothered," Steve said.

"Goddamn, darlin," Eddie whistled, stood up, slapping Steve’s ass. "I guess I have to go put up those towels. It's not fair if only you make the effort."

"I love you!"

"I love you more!"

"More than Dungeons and Dragons?!"

"Don't push it!"

[eldritch-spouse]

I can imagine a distant future of Santi overcoming his nature and finally realizing his dreams of having and raising kids. Then, one time he goes to visit his old friend Vesper who's like " So how are you and your *gags* chi- *gags* child *gags* the family is doing ?"

[*Snort*. This is a collection of little moments between Santi and Vesper after Santi has kids.]

Santi doesn't visit as often.

It's only a given, not only does he now have children of his own to take care of, the incubus also knows his presence has stopped being as pleasant to the Ring of Lust as it once was.

He's not necessarily surprised by such.

After all, Santi behaves in a much more subdued manner, dresses a lot more, his clothes have the stink of children, even when he washes them. He can't blame Vesper for scratching at himself and snorting in distaste every now and then. They are still friends, but life has taken them down very different paths.

That doesn't mean some encounters aren't funny to the incubus.

" No. No no! " The King covers his eyes with a clawed hand. " You did not just walk into my chambers with a turtleneck sweater. "

Santi's cheeks are puffed. " King Ves- "

" A fucking sweater, this absolute- " Santi can't help but let a cackle slip. " Take it off right now, I feel sick- I'm going to call the imps over to strip you if you don't! "

[...]

Santi passes his phone to the King, allowing the demonlord to swipe through an album full of family pictures.

Vesper's lips keep curling higher at every picture, no matter how much he tries to muffle that response.

" Well uhm. They're... They sure are. " The King tries, but all he sees are snot-nosed ankle biters who likely stink of all that's nasty.

" They are. " Santi parrots, a devious grin on his face at the other's discomfort.

" I- " A long, pensive hum follows. " They look... "

" Is it really that hard? " The darker demon snickers.

" I'm finding it, Santi. Be patient. "

[...]

While cooking, you get to listen to a call between your husband and the King of Lust on speaker. When the topic becomes inappropriate, both adults switch to infernal language. Santi helps your daughter dress her baby doll, while your son sits by the carpet watching his favorite show.

" Alright, I should get a move on. " Santi says, watching you struggle with a few pans. " We can catch up eventually. Say bye to uncle Vee. "

Both children parrot mildly enthusiastic goodbyes, until your son pipes up. "Dad? " Santi hums. " When will uncle Vee visit? "

" Never. " Comes from the phone immediately, and the incubus doesn't need to see the King to know he's shivering in dread.

Your kids start deflating, to which their father is quick to think of something. " Ah, see, uncle Vee can't visit us. "

" Why? " The little girl sits her doll down, now brushing its hair.

" Uhm. " The incubus opens and closes his mouth a few times. " He's trapped in a biiig castle. " Pause. " And there's a dragon. "

" A dragon?! " Your son's fixation has been mentioned, he's almost vibrating.

" Yes. " Santi nods. " It's very big. And it doesn't like little boys and girls. "

" Aww.... " Both of them huff.

The girl frowns. " I'm sorry uncle Vee. "

" No, it's quite alright. I'll live, the dragon isn't that bad. " Vesper seems to sigh in relief.

" That means a knight is going to save you soon! " She brightens up immediately. " And then he's going to woo you, and you're going to marry! Can I go to the wedding, uncle Vee? Can I? "

Santi covers his mouth with his palm so as to not openly bark in laughter.

" I uh- Y-Yes, of course sweetie. Goodbye now, the uh, dragon, is calling me... "

[panda-writes-kpop]

hiii i love ur works!! may i request Dreamcatcher and Lesserafim reaction to reader coming down with a cold or sinus infection? like, the reader is sneezing a lot and just needs lots of tlc :3

Le Sserafim - Reaction to Reader Having a Sinus Infection/Cold

a/n: the college mentality of "due tomorrow 》》》 do tomorrow" still plagues my brain as I didn't have the motivation to finish this fic until today 🥲 but I'm going to try to have the other dreamcatcher reaction out later this week! I'm glad you enjoy my works, dear anon! ❤️ as someone who gets sinus infections regularly, I felt this request in my soul and had to do it. hopefully this brings you all comfort in your time of sickness 🫶

tw: sick! reader, mentions of vomit, vivid description of a cold at the beginning, eunchae's part is written as platonic :)

related fic: dreamcatcher's version

♡ Masterlist ♡

Prompt: You swear you didn’t feel this terrible yesterday. All you had was a bit of congestion and a scratch in your throat. Today, when you woke up, you could barely lift your head off of the pillow due to the congestion in your head. You were sure that you had enough snot to fill a trash can within your two nostrils. All you wanted to do was lay down and rest, but the ding of your phone causes you to lift your head again.

My Love: Do you mind if I come over? I miss you :(

You text her back with what you think is a comprehensible answer, and you rest your head against the pillow.

The next moment you’re awake, your girlfriend is sitting right next to you. So much for self-isolation.

You're awoken by the soft clink of two needles brushing past each other, and oddly enough, you find serenity in the sound. You've learned to associate the sound with Sakura's presence, and she smiles softly at you as she continues to knit.

“Are you feeling better?”

“A little.” You croak out before trying to sit up.

She stops knitting and places a hand on your chest.

“You need your rest, babe. I'll order takeout or see what I can make in your kitchen.”

You offer a quick smile back to her before she tucks you back into bed.

“A goodnight kiss?” You stick out your bottom lip as Sakura chuckles to herself.

“It's not nighttime, and I'm not kissing you until you feel better. I put one of my homemade blankets on you - it should feel like a warm hug. Hopefully, you can deal with it until you get better.”

You grab the blanket and tug it over you.

“Thanks, Kkura. See you when I wake up.”

“I'll be here when you do.”

She continues her knitting, and you fall asleep to the sound of clinking that you had awoken to.

A light hand on your shoulder stirs you from your slumber as your eyes snap open.

You cough as you try to take a breath and gather your surroundings.

“Baby, are you okay?” Chaewon hovers over you before grabbing a chair from nearby. “You didn't answer my text, and I got worried.”

“I-” You pause to sneeze. “I'm okay, I promise.”

Her burrows furrow - you were very unsuccessful in hiding your sickness.

“You're not feeling well. Let me run you a bath, and then I can make you some soup. Then we can have some tea, if you're up for it, and then a walk outdoors can help you clear your nose-”

“Chaewon, love, we don't have to do that all right now.” You grab her arm to stop her ranting. “The soup and tea are fine since I don't feel like getting out of bed.”

“Okay, I can do that.” She presses a small kiss to your face before getting up. “I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything, don't be afraid to say something!”

“I won't.” You find yourself smiling after Chaewon leaves the room, and with your spirits lifted, you're sure that you'll feel better in no time.

“How are you feeling?”

You manage to pull your eyes open as you shake off the sleepiness. When you're conscious enough to face the day (nevermind the cold), your head turns toward Yunjin.

“You didn't have to come, I know you were busy-”

“You send a text that said ‘help me’ with a bunch of random symbols and emojis after it. I was worried that someone had broken into the apartment or that you were in the hospital.”

Her arm grabs yours as you pull yourself out of bed. You gently rub your head as her hand travels to rub your back. In her other hand, she holds a take-out bag with your favorite foods inside of it.

“You were going to fight off my attacker with fast food?” You joke, and she softly laughs.

“I remembered that you were pretty out of it the last time you were sick, so I was hoping that your message wasn't an SOS for emergency services.”

“Good call.” Your stomach rumbles as you stare at the food. “I hope you brought enough for the both of us, I'd feel bad if you were going to just watch me eat.”

“I know that you would want me here with you, plus, it gives me an excuse to see you more.” She winks before handing you the food and grabbing the TV remote. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Me too, dear,” You sigh before opening the food, “me too.”

You're awoken by the sound of silence - well, nothing besides the numbing headache in your skull.

As you sit up in bed, a gentle knock beats against your door.

“Come in.” You hoarsely call out before grabbing the water from your night stand.

“Hey, honey, are you ready for company? I can leave if you want, but I wanted to let you know what I brought.” Kazuha peeks her head in after opening the door.

“No, it's alright, you can come in. You didn't have to bring anything, I could've ordered something in.” You try to reassure her as she closes the door behind her.

“I wasn't able to come to see you until later, but I saw your text before dance rehearsal. I called one of your friends to come check on you, and you were fast asleep so they didn't want to bug you. They made you a big pot of soup that I divided up and put into the fridge. They also left some tea bags and a few honey sticks, if you want any of that.” Kazuha explains. “I brought over some of your clothes from my place because I wasn't sure what kind of sickness you were dealing with, but I'm glad it's not vomit.”

You both grimace at the thought as you smile to yourself.

“Do I get a kiss for not puking?”

“No way! I don't want your germs.” She jokes as you sulk.

“Damn, it was worth a try. I'll take the soup, though, if you don't mind getting it for me?” You tilt your head as she sighs and nods.

As Kazuha leaves the room, you wonder how you got so lucky with such a kind, funny, and sweet girlfriend.

Unfortunately, for you, your girlfriend didn't answer or show up at your door. So, you text the next person who will come to see you because the fridge is soo far away and you don't feel like getting up and getting a water.

You're sure that Eunchae breaks a world record as she knocks at your door minutes after you text her.

After letting herself in, she rushes to your side and gives you a big hug.

“Aren't you worried about getting sick?” You ask as she nervously laughs.

“Not really, since I think I had your sickness a bit ago? I hope not, because I felt a lot worse than you sound.” Eunchae gives you a gummy smile before letting you go. “Do you want me to order something? I don't want to dig through your kitchen without your permission.”

“Of course, go ahead. My card's over-”

“I got it!” She cheerily says before digging out your phone. “Don't worry, I'll take care of you.”

You have doubts that everything she will do with you will be helpful to your recovery, but at least you'll feel better. That counts for something, right?

[iamjacksragingboner]

Overbearing Soap 3

Overprotective Soap gets sick, and is hellbent on making you do things for him: feed him, wash him, jerk him off, all the regular things people do for you when you're sick.

Part 2

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings: Smut, hand fucking, jerking Soap off, dub con, you know the deal

A/N: Gonna be real with you, I've never actually written smut before. Shits difficult when you don't know what the fuck goes on. YOU'RE TELLIN ME THE PEENER GOES WHERE? Anyways go easy on me shawties.

You weren’t entirely sure when you got used to Johnny living with you, but you had kind of just accepted your joint occupancy at that point. You’d spied on Johnny’s laptop—apart from the various open porn tabs which you didn’t dare click on—his emails to the landlord, moving out of his apartment and putting his name on your lease as well. He hadn’t exactly discussed this with you, but then again, you figured Johnny never really tended to discuss any of his decisions with you; they just sort of happened, and you were just along for the ride.

There was a time where Johnny woke up with a fever, all sniffly and hot, yet shivering in bed next to you. “I swear, if you get me sick, Johnny, I will have your guts for garters,” you moaned, dragging yourself out of bed and away from the blubbering snot machine.

You were surprised and equally concerned to find that he didn’t have the strength to retort at all, instead settling for a groaning, almost whimpering noise, which wasn’t good in the slightest. You pressed the back of your palm to his forehead, and grimaced as it came away burning hot. “Alright,” you sighed, “let’s get you on the mend, big guy. I’m thinking a cold washer, some soup, and lots of water for you.”

You, of course, held true to your promise. You felt that you were obligated to—he’d practically bent over backwards to accompany you through your own healing process, whether you liked it or not. It would be cruel of you not to return the favour.

Johnny was not, by any means of the phrase,ba willing patient. He seemed to be outright adamant that he was a) not sick and b) able to take care of not only himself, but you at the same time. Of course, he had said this to you with his head in the toilet and you kneeling next to him, rubbing his back as he hurled once more.

“Honestly, Johnny, it’s fine,” you said, running your fingers through his now shaggy mohawk, as he rested his head against the seat of the toilet, eyes half closed. “You did the exact same for me, if not more; I’d feel bad just leaving you to fend for yourself.”

Johnny hummed, his eyes slipping closed as you scratched the back of his head. “Don’ want ye ta get sick, bonnie,” he murmured, “I’d feel worse than I do now if I did.”

You couldn’t help but sympathise with the man; he clearly cared a great deal for you, which at one point in your time spent together, confused you greatly. Why had this great big soldier that you didn't actually know all too well insisted on taking care of you, to the almost obsessive degree of moving into your home and following you around like a shadow, or guard dog?

You had to practically drag the man out of your kitchen and back to bed when you came home to him attempting to cook. You say attempting, because his eyes were half open, and he kept putting the knife down he was using to cut garlic to go blow his nose. He hadn't gotten very far in his cooking adventures.

"Lass!" he called, his voice pinched and nasally. "Go put yer feet up, 'm makin' soup for us!" His enthusiasm was punctuated by a rather loud, honking sneeze, and you grimaced at the thought of how much food he'd likely already contaminated.

"I'm good, thanks, John," you said, gently, reaching around him to grab the knife from his hand and put it down. Placing your hands on his shoulders—ignoring the way he seemed to lean affectionately into your touch—you guided him over to the couch. He would still be able to see you at work in the kitchen, which would satisfy his guard dog tendencies, and would be off his feet and relaxing, satisfying your own anxieties about the cleanliness of your kitchen. "You stay here and just chill out, I'll handle the cooking, honestly."

Johnny, a little affronted at being kicked out of the kitchen, and probably delirious, went to stand up. Within an instant, he was hit with a wave of light headedness, and stumbled into you. You were quite frankly amazed that you didn't crumble under his weight, as you guided him back down to the couch. You left your hands pressed against his chest for just a moment—in your mind it was a preventative measure to refrain Johnny from getting up again, feeling his pectorals was merely a side effect—before straightening up. "Stay," you said authoritatively, pointing at the sickly man before you for good measure.

You made the soup to the comforting sounds of the TV on low volume and Johnny's grunting little snores, tasting it every so often so that it was to your liking, but making sure to cut the onion up small—Johnny didn't like onions, the big baby. You left a bowl to cool on the counter for a bit as you tiptoed over to Johnny's sleeping form on the couch.

He looked so peaceful; curled around a cushion, one arm under his head, his lips parted just so, curls from his overgrown mohawk trickling down his face, eyelashes pressed against freckled cheeks, stubble covering those scars on his chin that you always thought about tracing with your fingers as you lay awake at night, listening to his snores.

You reached out longingly, a finger just barely brushing his chin before Johnny's eyes shot open, and he grabbed your wrist with a speed and force that made you cry out in shock. His eyes softened as he realised it was you in front of him, and he cooed, bringing your hand up to your mouth to kiss your knuckles.

"Ye scared me, bonnie," he whispered, and fuck if that groggy whisper didn't make your cheeks heat up. Maybe you'd caught his fever.

"Soup," you said simply, pointing to the dish on the counter. There was no way you were flustered. Absolutely none.

"Soup's ready, is it?" he asked gently, the words muffled by your knuckles still pressed against his lips. "Yer gonna have ta feed me, lass; I cannae feed myself, my arms are too weak, I'm too frail ‘n weak."

If you were in any right mind you would have called his bluff, given the speed at which he grabbed your wrist, but unfortunately you were too busy turning beet red at his lips still brushing against your skin. They were so soft. You had definitely caught his fever.

-

Feeding Johnny soup was surprisingly more difficult than you initially expected. This was mostly because while he kept saying he was too weak to possibly feed himself, he kept trying to grab the spoon from you to feed you.

"Johnny, don't!" you had cried out for what felt like the umpteenth time that evening. "You're sick and you've eaten off that spoon, that's so gross."

Johnny, seemingly unconcerned with possibly spreading his germs, shrugged and continued to try to force feed you soup, even adding plane noises to further entice you. It was, in fact, not working. "Ye need sustenance, let me feed ye, bonnie."

"What happened to not wanting me to get sick too, hmm?"

"Changed my mind—we die together like men."

-

Once you had finally managed to feed the sickly goblin of a man, it was time to put him to bed. This also meant breaking the news to him that you would not be sharing the bed that night.

"Whaddya mean?" Johnny asked, incredulously. "Who am I supposed to hold when I sleep?"

You sighed, hands on your hips like a tired mother. "A pillow or something? Look, Johnny, it's just one or two nights, I'm sure you'll survive."

Somehow you managed to get Johnny to agree, and you went and slept on your lumpy little couch. It was a little colder without having the living radiator sleeping next to you, but you managed.

You woke up the next morning with your arm hanging off the couch, with someone holding it. Peeking over the edge of the couch to look, you were greeted with Johnny's sleeping face once again, your hand held in his, pressed to his mouth. You had to physically restrain yourself from crawling down there and wrapping yourself in his arms, instead choosing to gently release your hand from his grip.

-

"Johnny, I'm sorry, but you reek—you need to step like three more steps away from me or have a shower, like pronto." Johnny had pressed himself against your back as you worked in the kitchen, having no real concept of personal space even when ill.

Johnny huffed and puffed like a petulant child, refusing to step back from you. "Been so weak though, bonnie, cannae wash myself. Might need ye ta wash me."

"I am not going to wash you."

-

How you ended up in the shower with Johnny, both of you more naked than you'd like, you'd never know. All you knew at that current moment was Johnny asking you to wash his dick.

"It's not gonna bite ye, lass, ye dinnae need ta worry."

"That's actually not what I'm worried about, Johnny."

You had already washed the rest of him, his skin covered in soap suds, and you were absolutely not enjoying the view. Definitely not.

'Just do it, it's for a good cause, I'm sure. He helped you, just return the favour! It definitely isn't weird, and is very normal actually. Nurses do it all the time!'

Mustering up what little courage you had, you reached down with a sponge and began to wash his lower stomach, gradually working your way down bit by bit. You made it your mission to not look at it or Johnny, keeping your eyes trained instead on the wall beside you.

"What good are ye gonna do starin' at the wall? Gotta look where yer scrubbin, lass." With a heavy hand on the back of your head, Johnny guided you to look down, directly at his dick. This definitely wasn’t doing anything for you. What was worse, was that it was pointed directly at you, twitching any time the sponge got just a little too close to it.

"You're hard."

'Nice going, captain obvious; got any other astute observations up your sleeve?'

"Well, it's a very normal bodily function, lass, nothin' ta be afraid of. Though the view I've got certainly isn't helpin' things."

If you weren't uncomfortable with the situation before, you most certainly were now. It didn't help that you were definitely going to have to dig through your drawers for your vibrator after this. For unrelated reasons that definitely weren't related to Johnny's dick.

"Fine, fine, fine, let's just get this over with." You ran the sponge across his length, stopping immediately when he grabbed your wrist and hissed.

"Not with the sponge, lass! Steamin' bloody Jesus, are ye tryin' ta kill me? Use somethin' softer!"

Unless you counted the toilet scrubber, you didn't really have any other cleaning implements in the bathroom at your disposal. Johnny seemed to notice your hesitation and grabbed the sponge with his other hand, dropping it on the floor of the shower.

"Ye can just use yer hands, love; nothin' wrong with that."

Plenty wrong with it, actually, according to you, especially with that sweet tone his voice had adopted to guide you. But, it wasn't like he was going to let up any time soon. You held your breath as Johnny steered your hand along his dick, not bothering to question the fact that he could suddenly use his hands again, instead keeping your attention glued to your hands. He guided your hand to its base, and you ran your fingers through the curls in some sort of attempt to keep this strictly professional. You were here to clean. Nothing else.

Of course, you could only do so much to the hair at the base of his dick, there was still the elephant (dick) in the room to consider: would washing his dick for him essentially be like jerking him off?

You got your answer pretty quickly in the form of the grunt he made as you finally began to properly wash his dick, your hand, covered in soap suds, gliding up and down its length. In all fairness, there wasn't really any way to wash his erection that didn't bring him any pleasure. It was just incredibly awkward.

You huffed. "I'm not washing your dick if you're going to make sounds while I do it. It's clean enough." You let go, letting it twitch and throb at the absence of touch, and Johnny whined.

"I cannae leave the shower all pent up like this, bonnie," he groaned, taking a step towards you, his dick moving with him. You tore your eyes away in exchange for looking him in the eye. Horrific mistake on your part, the combination of wet curls and those kicked puppy blue eyes was a double whammy—you'd do anything those eyes told you to. "I cannae deal with it myself..."

"There's no way I'm doing that."

"Please, lass, ye cannae leave a poor, sick man hangin' like this."

"I can and I will."

"Please..."

"... Fine."

You knelt before the man, a little uncertain about the position, but eager to get it over with—Johnny seemed eager too. It seemed that the minute your hand even grazed his aching dick, he was buckling in the knees and holding the walls of your shower for support. The tip of his dick wept petulantly, beads of precum dribbling from the slit, only to be wiped away by your thumb.

You weren't a prude, you'd slept with people before and you knew what you were doing, it was just... a little weird to do this with someone who was essentially your roommate. Who slept, pressed against your back in the same bed as you. Who held you hand any chance he got. Who grew jealous of any man who spoke to you. You were starting to think it was a bit of a stretch to call him your roommate.

"Come on," Johnny whined, wrapping his hand over yours and thrusting into it, impatient as ever. It was mesmerising, the way the head of his cock, pink and weeping, glistening in the shower lights, would peek through your closed fist and retract again, Johnny grunting above you, his eyes closed and head thrown to the ceiling. "Fuck, been waitin' for this, bonnie. Yer hand's so soft."

You didn't respond, stuck between feeling turned on and horrified. Johnny was fucking into your hand with unbridled enthusiasm, and you were there for moral support, you supposed.

"Ye look so good on yer knees for me, lass, so pretty for me."

At least he was nice about it. You didn't mind all that much, you’d decided. It wasn't like you had a particularly bad view either, staring up at Johnny's naked form, water trickling down his hairy chest, down his stomach and into his happy trail. Big blue eyes stared down at you longingly, raking across your body as if you were his and his only.

With a grunting moan, Johnny came, white hot ropes dribbling down your forearm as he thrust into your closed fist, his hand tightening around yours. With a shuddering sigh, he sank to his knees in front of you, and laced his fingers around yours. Bringing your hand up to his lips, you were met with the familiar sensation of Johnny kissing your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours. You were left in silence.

"Thank ye, bonnie," he murmured against your hand, staring at you through his lashes. "I'll pay ye back, I promise. Let's get ye cleaned up, aye?"

[sweet-villain]

Just A Cold~ E.M

Author's Note : why thank you lovely, you make my day too. I just got over the flu so this was a great idea to request me <3

Anonymous asked:

I had this idea and I was wondering if you could write it?

Eddie comes home to you sleeping on the couch wrapped up in a ovwrsized blanket. You could do it cuz you were staying up for him, or you could do it where you are sick and fell asleep while watching cartoons and there is medicine and tea or soup on the table next to you.

Your blog is amazing and you make my day ✨️

@ceriseheaven

Eddie walks through the doors of the trailer, ready for you to greet him with a big hug and a kiss and when you don't appear, he frowns as his eyebrows scrunch up together in worry.

" Sweets?" he calls out to you. His eyes fall onto the bundle on the couch wrapped in blankets with only your head popped out. He takes notices of the many cups near the sink filled with tea bags and medicine on the counter. He sees from one bottle, some of it has dripped and spots the spoon that you used.

There a few napkins on the floor around you. He takes notices of the TV running on commercials, chuckling to himself knowing you had stayed up waiting for him watching cartoons.

Why didn't you call him to tell him you were sick? He would of came home earlier.

He shrugs off his boots as he makes his way over to you. He kneels down on the floor on his knees as he brings his hand towards your head to feel if you have a temperature.

" Oh baby.." he says feeling your head is very hot. " My poor baby.."

He picks up the tissues on the ground, not really caring if they had your snot on it or not. He carries them to the trash before putting the cups into the sink and he would wash them later.

He looks around the medicine you have been taking.

A sound of your sneeze causes him to look up at and notice you sit up to take another tissue from the box near the floor. You groan as you grip your head.

" Sweetheart" you hear your boyfriend voice causing you to pause from taking the napkin. Your head turns to where his voice came from seeing him standing there with his hair tied back in a low bun, with his overalls on. There is grease on them and on his cheek too.

" How was work?" you ask with a small groan as you pull the blankets up to your chin. " Work was fine, why didn't you call me to tell me you were sick, baby?"

You shrugged, another sneeze and another groan.

" I called Steve, he came to bring me medicine. He wore like these big glasses and bandana over his nose and gloves too when he came in-"

Eddie shook his head as he cuts you off, " You called Harrington instead of your boyfriend?" he pouts as he walks over to you and kneels besides you.

" 'm sorry Eds, but I didn't wanna bother you at work" you brought the blanket down that he can see your pout.

" It's okay, sweets. Next time if your feeling sick, you call me. I don't care where I am at or what I'm doing. You're my priority"

" I love you" you tell him, a small cough comes from you.

" Have you had any food? Drank anything?" he stand back up with his hands on his hips. " I had some crackers and juice" you sniffled, wiping away with the sleeve of your shirt.

" Why didn't you call Wayne? Im sure he would of came over to look after you"

" I didn't wanna bother him, he's done so much for me already" you laid back down. " I wanted you, my pretty boy" he pauses in his steps when he makes his way back to the kitchen, his cheeks going red at the compliment.

" I'm here now" he says offering you a smile.

" Aren't you going to shower?" you ask noticing he was still in his work clothes. He glances down and shakes his head, " You're more important to me right now. I need you fed, taken your medicine, check your temperature and I need you in bed."

"But-"

" Just let me take care of you, sweets"

" Okay, but I was I was going to say that I can't wait till the day I get to marry you, Munson" you cough as you groan, gripping your head.

He turns to the fridge as he opens it, getting the things he needed to make you something to eat.

" Soon, sweets" he notices that you had fallen back asleep. He looks towards his closed door hoping that the box he has hidden in his drawer is still hidden.

He was planning to marry you the day he met you. You were the love of his life.

[chaoticghostgremlin]

Patient Zero prompt idea for you:

Val wakes up with a slightly runny nose that also feels congested. As the day goes on, he starts feeling worse and worse. Vox and Velvette tell him to rest. Vox takes care of him (he also hates that Val doesn’t cover is mouth when he coughs or sneezes plus Val just throws his used snotty tissues everywhere). The next day, Vox wakes up feeling a little off, but not enough to be concerned about. As the day goes on, he starts showing signs of the nasty cold that Val has. Instead of resting however, Vox tries to go along his day as if nothings wrong, that is until Velvette hears Vox sneezing (he doesn’t kno that she’s home) and she confronts him and tries to force him to rest, of course Vox is a cocky stubborn man. Velvette now has to take care of both men, one is absolutely disgusting and the other is stubborn and in denial that he’s even sick even tho it’s obvious. The next day, Velvette wakes up with a sore throat, and a stuffy nose that progressively becomes worse throughout the day, when sickly sniffly and sneezy Vox notices Velvette, he suddenly feels bad for her as she tends to get the worse fevers. Now all 3 of them are sick and easily get on each others nerves.

Sorry that’s all I can think of. Also sorry that this is so damn long 🤣. Doesn’t have to go this way, you can change it to how you want it, but here’s my prompt for it!

Cw : Contagion , mention of Val's poison, a bit of descriptive mess

Thank you for prompt!! I went a slightly different direction and Voxxy will caretake in part 2. I haven't written much in years but this was fun

Patient Zero part 1

The hell flu had been very bad this flu season and half of Val's employees were out sick. But not before they so generously made the porn overlord so sick. 

On a Saturday morning, Val blinked his eyes open slowly . He couldn't see shit so he put on his glasses but his vision was still so blurry. He had a wheeze to his breathing and he couldn't breathe out his nose. He swore if Vox brought home another cat he was going to spank him. The throbbing of his head indicated this wasn't allergies though. The moth groaned and noticed his partners werent in bed. He slowly got up and stretched , stretching out his aching wings and body. The shift in his sinuses from getting up made him sneeze twice "ah-ah-ah-ah?? " he fanned his face and was released uncovered towards the ground "ACHEWWW ACHEWWW , conyo, disculpe" .He sprayed towards the ground, a faint red mist of poison making it obvious when he didn't cover.  This was going to be a long day. He put on a fluffy housecoat and shivered.

 He went downstairs to find Vel and Vox eating breakfast , a coffee and plate set out at his seat for him. "Gracias, mis amores" Valentino said , then let out a few coughs as he sat down. Velvette shot him a glare and said "you better not get me sick I have an important fashion show coming up, cover your mouth mothman". Val was very nonchalant when it came to keeping his germs to himself ,which most of the time made him patient zero. "Disculpe, meñeca " Val said, though he didn't mean it.  Val picked at his omelette , not feeling very hungry. The taste of the coffee brew was lovely on his sore throat. He sniffled obnoxiously from the steam. Vox gave him a look and Val blushed .  Vox wordlessly  slid him the tissue box they kept on the dining table and Val said "thanks mi amor". He got up , grabbed a few tissues and went into the hallway. The moth demon blew his nose very wetly and loudly. Velvette cringed but at least he walked away. Valentino came back and sat at the table putting the used snot filled tissues beside his plate on the table . Vel rolled her eyes and said "I'm leaving before patient zero makes me sick", grabbing her bag quickly and putting on her shoes. She then walked out the apartment, going towards her studio.

 Valentino said "patient zero? That's dot true mi amor" , looking offended. "She has a point , baby boy. You kind of don't keep your germs to yourself and get spray everywheres" Vox said, shrugging. "But you like my fluids Voxxy "Valentino said with a wink and Vox sighed. "Just be careful alright? Don't overwork yourself " Vox said and kissed the moths forehead. What did that earn him? His arm getting sprayed with germs when Valentino went into a coughing fit. "Ewww, maybe you should stay home actually. You sprayed meeee. I have to run my antivirus protocol immidiatly. I am NOT catching this shit Val" Vox said, looking at his robotic arm that had specks of red and spray on it now. The tech overlord said "I have to go to work, try not to contimanate the living space love" and tentively gave the sick overlord a hug. Valentino melted into his touch, shivering and appreciating the warmth which Voxxy radiated. Vox ran an anti virus protocol , zoning out and making sure his body wouldn't catch this. He didn't hear the moths breath hitch and then all of a sudden Val sneezed loudly "heh-?? USHIEWS ISHIEWW ISHIEWWW CHEWW HXNEWW, oh disculpe amorcito. " . The moth had gotten Vox's chest, spraying him with snot and red mist. "I'm uh gunna go change,Jesus Christ. Damn you bitch. Salud.youre lucky you sneeze so adorably”The tech overlord muttered and lead the shaky moth to the bedroom.

The lanky moth leaned against his boyfriend and shivered as he was guided go the bedroom. He had a harsh coughing fit, mostly uncovered but pulling his robe up to his face at the last second. The air had germs and red mist in it around them. Vox sighed and said “Can you please make an effort to cover your mouth? I have important meetings pequeña pollila” . “Mm sorry heh-ISHIEWW ISHIEWW V-voxxy. Disculpe” Val said sleepily and aimed the sneezes into his robe sleeve. He cringed as it left red specks but wasn't obvious since his robe was red. The porn overlord let the tv man tuck him in bed . 

Everytime Val was patient fucking zero and it pissed him and Vel off. The tech overlord felt a bit of pity for him though and got him some water , pain relievers, fever reducers and cough medecine. He also brought a few boxes of tissues into the bed and put the meds and water on the bedside table for when Val would wake up. The moth snored and Vox leaned over, taking off his sunglasses. Val shivered and curled up in a ball as Vox kissed his forehead then left for work.Vox went off to work and hoped against all odds that he wouldn't fuckin catch this thing.

—------------------------------------

Notes : My favorite part of this was adding Spanish . I'm not fluent but figured Franglish is similar to Spanglish enough. Hope someone enjoyed. Again, my grammar isn't the greatest due to learning disabilities and sometimes forget words in English . 

 Meñeca=doll

Mi amor = my love

MI amores= my loves 

Disculpe= excuse me 

Conyo=damn 

Amorcito= my love,my darling, my honey 

Pequeña Pollila= little moth

[luwritesomething]

hey!! i saw what you wrote about mickey, billy and stu taking care of the sick reader. so i was wondering if i could request something with billy and stu x the reader? basically, stu ends up catching the world’s WORST cold. we’re talking the poor love can barely get through a sentence because he keeps sneezing, shivering, and my god it is tissues galore up in this house.. SO, billy and the reader step up and insist on taking care of him! (sick stu would be so fucking adorable)

(also it’s up to you if you want to include billy or not!!) i don’t mind at all!)

ps: your work is absolutely AMAZING!! :)

Stu Macher Heacanons: Him catching a cold would include...

Warnings: Swearing lol, probably typos or bad constructed english, poly!ghostface (aka poly relationship between reader and billy/stu. not a warning in reality)

Edited?: Like always, no.

Reader's pronouns: Not stated, gender neautral (reader gets called 'angel' once)

Summary: Stu catching a terrible cold!!!!

Author's note: THANK YOU FOR REQUESTING FOR STU, I LOVE YOU. he gives me so much comfort <3 i made this in the form of headcanons, hope you don't mind. also, anon is referring to THESE headcanons, so you should go and check them out. also thank you so much for the compliment, you're lovely <3 here's my billy and stu playlist because why not.

criticism, comments and reblogs are always appreciated! requests are open, especially for scream! hit that anon button and tell me your ideas. in the scream fandom, i write for billy loomis, stu macher, randy meeks, tatum riley, sidney prescott, mickey altieri, kirby reid, chad meeks martin, mindy meeks martin, tara carpenter, anika kayoko and laura crane.

i feel like you wouldn't find out about him actually catching a very bad cold until billy appeared on your doorstep with the news.

it would literally go like this,,,

"billy?"

"we're going to stu's. he's sick."

"oh, hell."

it wasn't often that stu got sick, but you knew the eternal annoyance journey a sick stu would put you through.

you still love him, he's always so adorable, but oh sick stu...

the firsts days are the worse for him, because those are the days in which he really feels sick and he's shivering and coughing and covering himself up in blankets.

but once those days pass... he becomes a menace.

billy is the bad cop, you're the good one. neither of you had really realized the reality of that dynamic until a bedridden, fiverish stu called you out.

you two have learned to take advantage of that, though

"i said put the fucking thermometer!"

"NO!"

"stop yelling, you two! stu, please, put it on."

"...fine."

billy makes him soup, and during the few times you don't stay by stu's side, you help billy with whatever he's doing in the kitchen.

first time, stu accidentally poured the soup over himself because of his hands shaking so much and the three of you panicked.

constantly checking for fever, by putting either your hand or lips to his forehead.

billy can take a lot of things, but not snots. he gets really grossed out at the amount of tissues in stu's room, so if stu is too sick or tired to throw them out, you do it for him.

the amount of attention he receives from the two of you is worth the cold for stu.

"i'm sick of the soup."

"c'mon, stuwie. billy made it for you. have one more spoon?"

if billy loses his patience with stu, you're there to ease him and ground him.

and it works the other way around, because stu may call you angel, but everyone can lose their patience.

when billy starts getting tired of stu's sickness, he locks himself somewhere else and copies homework and the notes that stu has missed from school. it helps him stop being so cranky.

"you can't smoke when you're sick."

"...please?"

"... i can't say no to you. if billy finds out we're dead, so make it quick."

watching movies with him !!! even if he keeps sneezing !!!

y'all can't cuddle like you use to, but billy sits on the floor, you sit on a chair and stu sits on his bed as you all watch the movie on his bedroom's tv.

okay, listen !!

reading to him so he falls asleep. hell yeah,,,

billy would read him stephen king or some of his scary books, and you read him whatever he wants --- even if it's just comics.

he's just so happy about having you two taking acre of him.

[riririkinzi]

NIMONA GOLDENHEART HEADCANONS

In the comic version, Bal is older while Ambro is younger

But in the film version, Bal younger while ambro is older

When Bal started his training, he has to tie his hair tightly 24/7, from ponytail to hairbun.

Bal was a very shy, introverted and quiet kid, so Ambro greeted first but Bal worries that he might be like Todd and his goons.

If one of those who have the most sense of humor it's Ambrosius, he always the one who makes Bal laugh and smile and loves doing so.

Bal fell first, because of how Ambro easily charms Bal with his golden retriever energy, but Ambro fell harder for his skills, pretty eyes and smile.

But he soon warms up to Ambro and often approaches to him evertime.

He'd let Ambro play with his hair, from hairstyling to accessories.

He was even suprised that Bal's natural hair is wavy curls and he adores it very much.

When Ambro saw Bal in his haircut, short and straight, he'd ugly cried with the snot on his nose because he's gonna miss playing with Bal's hair.

Baby Ambro: (Sobbing) Why!? Why must you cut off your beautiful hair Bal!?

(Even Valerin is upset but does not show it)

Bal pretty cries with his rosy cheeks and big round eyes, Ambro ugly cries with snots.

As kids, Ambro talks, likes to run around and play in the dirt, while Bal listens, reads and stays under the shade.

When it comes to how they sing, Bal sings like an angel, something like this but doesn't believe that it's good. But Ambro does and he adores it, while Ambro sings off Key and something like this.

And they still do as adults

Who ever's responsible on making Bal laugh, it's Ambro because he loves seeing Bal laugh and smile, and must keep going, even Ambro's terrible singing makes Bal laughed so hard.

When Bal's not training, he often goes to the garden to read, holds out his fingers so he can hope for a butterfly to come.

For Ambro's parents, I'm tired of snobby asshole parents, I mean the bloodline last a thousand years, I'm sure it happened to his parents before because based on some fics I read, I hc that he has both loving and supportive moms, and adores Bal more than Ambro does.

Ambro's mom: (cuddling baby Bal) "Ambrosius dear, who's this little kitty he's adorable".

Ambro's dog coded energy is something he inherited from his mama

During pre teens, Bal came out as trans to Valerin first, saying that he doesn't feel like a girl but rather than a boy, he got his top surgery way in hie late teens.

During the night before the day when they have no training or studying, Ambro and Bal would have small make out sessions, but the reason why it's short because Bal worries that they might get in trouble.

If you're wondering who gets into many fights, it's Ambrosius, because he's so sick of Todd and his cronie's shit, but Bal often prevents the fights from happening but sometimes it doesn't work.

The way how Ambro dressed, is simple, comfy practical, such as simple hoodies, sweaters, sweatpants, simple sneakers and comfy loose short, in bright, pastel and muted tones and etc.

For Bal he'd wear something academic, studious, simple and 5% formal like, academia but comfy, such as blouse and sweater vest, turtle necks and some simple yet causal pants, in pastel, earthy, eye catching and dark tones, because he often worries of how people will see him.

During the post canon, Ambro choice of clothing stays the same except more free spirited, some ear piercings and let his hair grow a bit longer.

But for Bal, he started wearing more gothic and emo, black and dark tones more with earrings and ear piercings too, along with makeuo, such as eyelinear, surma, and masscara as he slowly reaches out of his shell thanks to Nimona.

Ambro wakes up first since he's the early bird, and everytime he does, he always kisses his sleepy Ballister good morning and kisses him good night if Bal falls asleep first.

Like canon, Ambro's the big spoon, a very clingy big spoon, and Bal's the lil spoon.

Ambro's love language is act of service, qualite time physical touch which means he's super clingy to Bal like a puppy, while Bal's language is also the same but physical touch in a delicate way head petting.

Who handles spicy food the longest?

Todd can only last a bite

Diego can last half of the meal

Ambro would finish almost the whole meal before chugging down a gallons of ice cold water.

But for Bal and Nimona, it's childs play for them, they'd add extra hot sauce that would scare the heck out of everyone.

Ambro's scared of dentist and big injection, so every appointment he always have to hold onto something or hand everytime.

And when he realise that Nimona shared the same fear of Injections, during Nimona's first appointment, he hides them in his pockets, but Bal caught them.

Ambrosuis's pet name for Ballister: Princess, sweatheart, kitten, 주방, 천사, Babydoll ,Doll.

Ballisters's pet name for Ambrosius: Darling, rose, Ambro, پیاری, دھوپ.

Want some smut headcanons and more?

Staytuned for the reblog

[joanaa--filipaaa]

A new beginning - Baji Keisuke & Chifuyu Matsuno

Characters: Baji & Chifuyu of Tokyo Revengers Theme: Sadness, love, affection, anxiety, depression, suicide attempt, sensitive content, new beginning, overcoming.

Word count: 907

__________

Here I am, sitting on the balcony of our building, drowning in my little box of memories, remembering all our moments.

I catch our first photo, when we were 8 years old, making faces at the new camera that his mother had just bought. I remember that that day we had gone to the ice cream store, I bought you, with your allowance, a good strawberry ice cream. You tasted mine and I tasted yours, I can't look at the chocolate ice cream with vanilla without remembering you. I move on to another photo, in this little polaroid we were 9 years old, we were about to enter our new school when my parents had the magnificent idea of taking a picture of us, me crying because I didn't want to go to the shit of that hell, and you were consoling me, saying that regardless of anything you were going to stay with me for all the time, making me feel good.

Another one appears, it was at my 10th birthday party. That photo marked the moment before you sent me with my cake in my own face, me smiling and you already holding the cake, about to get me all dirty, I remember that at that moment I was upset with you, but at this moment I just wanted you to throw my birthday cake in my face again. Another photo is revealed, this one already 13, you in the uniform of the Toman, proud to wear that costume that only brought you problems, and death.

I take the most recent, the one from our last meeting, the one from our first time, the night I gave you a piece of me and you gave me a piece of you, when you made me yours, and I made you mine. Little did I know that this would be the first and last time I would feel you, touch you and kiss you. Already drooling, snot and tears, I tighten our commitment necklace, the one you gave me before you left me.

With your last words in my head, "I'll be fine, just take care of yourself! He thinks that soon we will be together again. I promise you that at night I will make you scream louder, I want all my neighbors to know that you are mine! I love you more than anything Yn, don't forget me… Never." I scream, "I just want you back! I just want you back! I JUST WANT YOU BACK FUCKING BACK! COME BACK TO ME KEISUKE! " " YN! " I hear a familiar voice, but I don't care, I just want to go to my baji's side, I just want to go to his arms.

I run to the edge of the building" Throw yourself down! Go to your boyfriend go! Kill you Yn! Will! Will! Will! " The voices get louder with each passing second, I just want this to end, until a comfort hits me. "Shh, it's okay…"He says grabbing me, pulling me to the ground, far away from the edge, hugging me tightly.

Chi-Chifuyu. I want him.. Back! " "I know, I want him too Yn. But think he's in a better place, I'm sure that right now he's here hugging you, along with me." The boy starts to caress me on my back, making me calmer, only keisuke could calm me down, but now, chifuyu could too, and I'm very grateful for that. "I… I hope he's here now! I wish I could tell you how much I love you! Even after 6 years since that horrible day… I still can't stand the pain! I.. I just wanted to see him one more time… Kiss him just one more time… Play it just one more time.. I'm tired.. "

"He knows that you love him a lot, he also loves you a lot, because he also did that to save you Yn. Now I think it's better to enter.. It's getting cold and a certain girl can get sick! " He says already standing up, taking me along. "Ye-yes"

__________

After calming down, I went to take a relaxing bath, while I dried off, Chiuyu started to make our dinner, until I decided to talk to him about something that was already in my head "Chifuyu?" "Hm?" "Why have you taken care of me since that day?" "Well… Baji, he made me promise one thing. If it ended as it did, I had to take care of you for the rest of my life…" "Ah.. I… I didn't know that…" "Yes.. It was a secret of our own… "I… I would like to live the rest of my life with you chifuyu.. " "Ahh.. Why?! "

"You make me feel safe… As Baji also made me… I feel that being with you is the same as being with baji… " "Oh… Yes Yn, I understand." Chifuyu and I stared at each other and started eating our meal. After we finished, we went to wash the dishes, while he washed, I dried. Our hands would sometimes growl like this, making us blush. Until the specific time our hands touched again, chifuyu grabbed her and looked at me, we stared deeply and then kissed.

__________

Meanwhile, Baji Keisuke sees the loves of their lives start over. Happy and at peace, Baji left for good, thus going to another world, being able to rest, ceasing to wander in the lives of Yn and Chifuyu. Perhaps this is a new beginning, after a long good and depressing chapter has closed.

[kurtmustdie]

hate the ultimate guide. heres a few reasons why.

reused art: I understand how hard it is to make art, especially at that calliber of detail. I'm an artist, I get it. but the charm of the original ultimate guide was that we had these hand painted, unique pieces of art of these characters, it showed a little personality too.

How stale and lifeless the art is: This is a complaint that I've had with the current western artist for years, the art is just... boring. the colors are pretty, yeah, like wow hyperrealistic cats. cool. but what else? can we see their personalities? what's the book gonna be like? the old covers had that charm, but not these ones. at all. (also is that even... i could not tell that was runningnose and littlecloud. i mean. runningnose has water in his snout, thats not what cat snot looks like but go off. he just looks a little soggy ig, not in a perpetual state of sick.)

Lack of Personality: this is a different complaint I promise. I dont like how the art seems to take away the personality of every character so theyre staring stoicly at the camera. some of these characters arent all that stoic. I never liked the firestar art in the last hope because I deadass thought it was mapleshade until someone told me it was firestar. firestar isnt this scary, stalky cat in the shadows. not to normal people at least. if i can mistake your main character as one of the villains in your cover art that isnt fucking good. I don't want to see these cats staring bug eyed at the camera, I want to be able to tell what they're like JUST from a glance at the art. Who is that- harestar?? why doesnt he look nervous?? he looks almost noble here, which is the opposite of who he's supposed to be, he's a wuss and a loser and i love him for it. like girl that is NOT mudclaw thats some random cat i saw at the shelter once, WHERES HIS ANGER? WHERES HIS FUCKING RAGE??? RISE RISE RISE RISE RISE RI

the Characters are hard to recognize, even with the title cards: Who are these cats. who. who the fuck are they. I can recognize a few cats, sure, but thats if I can pick out a defining trait. Squirrelflights tail, Scourges Collar, Ravenpaw's white chest, those are things that are explicitly told to us that these characters have, but everyone else??? WHO??? Like that was supposed to be leafstar?? HUH?? Wait that's supposed to be Oakheart? I cant even tell if hes red, its so YELLOW OUT I CANT FUCKING TEL WHO HE IS. Sagewhisker is described with yellow eyes, yet she has blue ones in the ultimate guide (i dont usually get pissy about eye color but not only are these cats supposed to be distinct from each other but i really like sagewhisker and i would die for her, yes i will gatekeep her from the artist fucking fight me), Bluestar is barely recognizable, i didnt know who half of these cats were before i read their nameplate. thats not a good thing.

Red mapleshade. Why she red. WHY SHE RED.

Leafpool. I didn't even know that was you at first but man they did you dirty.

sol. dude that is not sol no matter how much you stretch it- why is he a tabby?? hes supposed to be a tortie, why does he look like lionblaze?? and even then he doesnt look that lionlike, even though hollyleaf literally thought he was when she first saw him like what?? HUH???

mothwing. why she anger. also why she not fluffy

squirrelflight. i always hated her SE art but seeing the whole thing makes me angrier. like she isnt not accurate to canon or anything i just... hate it. i hate it withe very fibre of my being. ALSO WHERE IS HER PERSONALITY I WANT TO SEE HER BEING ENERGETIC NOT STARING 😐 AT THE CAMERA FUCKING HELL-

yeah, so im not gonna buy this book. i dont even want to know how they wrorte any of the female characters to make them somehow evil or how they somehow make a completely irridemable male character a sweet uwu baby. and everyone has talked about the ableism to death so im not going to beat this clearly still living horse, im just gonna let you find it yourself.

[shyvioletcat]

A/N: I'm gonna be honest, i lost my editing steam about halfway through Rowan's second POV, so past there we're just going to ignore any errors due to my impatience. Thank you so much for your patience, this chapter has been sitting in my brain for a long time. It's something other than poorly edited

~ Made of Ashes Masterlist ~

~~~~~

Aelin was so tired she didn’t know how she was conscious or functioning. The inevitable had happened, her precious little baby was sick. And she was left floundering.

It had started out fairly mild. Just a little bit of a runny nose and some irritability. The first few days had been next to nothing and Aelin had been able to cope fairly well. She was a little sleep deprived and a little anxious, but that was all and overall it hadn’t been too bad. And then Elsie didn’t get better, in fact she got worse, and everything flipped on its head. Now Elsie was coughing, often wheezing, a low appetite and a fever just to round it out. Aelin was doing her best and she managed to get Elsie to take some pain relievers that helped the baby sleep. The real issue was getting Elsie to eat enough, she was still only breastfed but Aelin fed her whenever she wanted, no matter when. It just felt like it wasn’t enough.

It had been two days of Aelin barely sleeping while fretting over her fussy daughter. Every cough and whimper had her nerves on edge, as did trying to placate to Elsie’s every whim. Aelin was battling this fight on her own. Her parents were on a business trip in Rifthold and she didn’t want to risk spreading the infection to Rue, and Korby was already sick. So Aelin would soldier on, in the trenches and on the front lines. 

Seeing her daughter sick was heartbreaking. It left her with a deep feeling of helplessness, because at the very heart of it there was nothing Aelin could do to ease her baby’s suffering. Nothing seemed to please her and the best Aelin could do was hold her just about every minute of the day. When Elsie wasn’t attached to her mother she cried like her own heart was breaking. Aelin hadn’t showered in a good 36 hours and sustenance came from whatever she could make and eat one handed. 

They were currently on Aelin’s bed with the pillows stacked so that she could lean back and rest Elsie on her chest so they were both mostly upright. Elsie fussed, fighting sleep, her little whimpers sounding congested. Aelin knew her daughter needed rest, it would be the fastest way to get better. A nap would do them both some good in fact. 

“Come on, darling,” Aelin whispered, eyes closed like all her energy diverted to keep her mouth moving. “Just sleep, even for a little bit.”

Elsie protested, rubbing her face on her mother’s shirt, no doubt getting drool and snot everywhere. Aelin didn’t care, dirty clothes weren’t a concern right now. Keeping her eyes closed Aelin started to hum and there was a moment of quiet before Elsie started fussing again. She changed to singing You Are My Sunshine softly. That one almost worked but Elsie’s contentment only lasted about a minute. And then a song came into her head at random, and Aelin was singing it before she even realised what she was doing. 

Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,

Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;

Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,

Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away!

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,

List while I woo thee with soft melody;

The song was one Rowan used to sing all the time, one that his mother used to sing to him if he was to be believed. Aelin’s voice was weak and uneven, but she did her best. This song sounded better when Rowan sang it, his accent adding a bit of whimsy, almost making it sound like some kind of faerie lullaby. 

Gone are the cares of life's busy throng

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,

Mermaids are chanting the wild Lorelei;

Over the stream let vapours are borne,

Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,

E'en as the morn on the stream let and sea;

Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Elsie went quiet and Aelin let out a shaky sigh of relief. Finally, a reprieve. Aelin sang it again and Elsie stayed quiet, and half way through the third time the baby was asleep. Too tired to care, Aelin didn’t bother trying to open her eyes knowing that sleep was hovering over her. It was barely a minute later and she was asleep. 

Something pulled Aelin to consciousness, not even realising how deep of a sleep she had fallen into. Within a few heart startling moments she would realise it was mother’s intuition. Elsie was still on her chest, awake and in distress. Her breathing was rapid and Aelin was sweating herself from how hot the infant was. Aelin’s body reacted first—tipping forward and cradling Elsie in her arms so that she could see her better. 

Elsie’s breathing was deep and rapid and she was looking pale. One of her fists waved about, knocking the side of her head and ears. And then Elsie coughed, an awful sound that had Aelin’s insides twisting with panic. Her baby was unwell, severely unwell.

Aelin fumbled for her phone, her hand shaking from panic and exhaustion. She couldn’t manage the string of numbers so she went to contacts instead, tapping frantically on the one that simply read: Mum.

“Hello, hello,” Evalin said cheerfully, her face appearing on the screen. 

“Mum, what do I do?” Aelin asked.

Concern flooded her mother’s features. “What do you mean?”

“She’s breathing so hard and her temperature is so high,” Aelin said, her voice heightened with her increasing alarm. “I just fell asleep for a second, just a second.”

Aelin was aware she was reaching hysterics but she couldn’t help it. Panic well and truly had set in and the overwhelming need to protect had taken over, except there was no physical threat. There was nothing she could do. 

“Show me what her breathing is like,” Evalin said, the tension in her voice clear but she was trying to stay calm.

“It’s ah… it’s fast,” Aelin flipped the phone to show Elsie. “And she’s coughing and the pain medicine must have worn off because her fever is back.”

Elsie’s breath caught and she coughed, disrupting her breathing more. Two sets of worried turquoise eyes met each other through the phone screen. Aelin broke. 

“Do I take her to the doctor or the hospital? How am I supposed to drive? I can’t watch her if I’m driving, what if she stops breathing?”

“Oh my sweethearts,” Evalin sounded devastated. “I’m sure she’ll be okay but I think you should take her to the hospital.”

Aelin sobbed, she couldn’t help it. She tried to keep it together but exhaustion and fear were overwhelming her—she was so alone right now. 

“Aelin, don’t drive. Call someone to come get you,” Evalin said. 

 But Aelin’s brain was scrambled, no one immediately came to her. “Who?”

“Aedion, he’s the closest.”

“Yeah, okay,” Aelin said a bit weakly. 

“Call him and then call me back,” Evalin said. “I’ll stay on with you until he gets there.”

Aelin hung up, then called Aedion straight away. She was holding her breath until she got an answer. Somehow she managed to be coherent and Aedion promised to be out the door moments later. Aelin was about to call her mother back when Elsie had a coughing fit, lasting so long that the baby vomited. It covered both of them and Aelin swore under her breath as she tried to contain the vomit and make sure Elsie was all right. 

Elise cried and cried, her pain and discomfort obvious. Aelin tried to comfort her as she bundled Elsie up the best she could and headed for the bathroom, snatching a change of baby clothes from a clean washing basket on the way. There wasn’t time for a shower and Aelin didn’t want to risk the chill Elsie might get after. Aelin stripped the soiled clothes off both of them and threw them in the bathtub and then yanked down a towel to give Elsie a wipe down before dressing her in leggings and a long sleeved t-shirt. The crying hadn’t stopped and Aelin felt tears gathering in her own eyes. The helplessness was overwhelming.

“Aelin.” Aedion was standing in the doorway, his face tight as he took in the scene.

“She’s sick,” Aelin said, sniffling. Her brain was fried and she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Yeah, poor thing.” Aedion’s tone was soothing, low and soft. 

Aelin stood, keeping a safe hold on her daughter. “We gotta go.”

Aedion stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. “Hold on—’’

What was he doing, didn’t he realise they had to leave? Now. Aelin was about to verbally protest when Aedion gave her a look that had her biting back the words.

“You don’t have a shirt on, and you’ll need your wallet and the nappy bag.”

Aelin had been so concerned about getting Elsie dressed after the vomiting that she hadn’t got a change of clothes for herself. All Aelin wore was a crop bra and pyjama pants. She couldn’t go to the hospital like this. 

“Pass her to me and go get what you need,” Aedion said, holding out his arms to take the baby.

Aelin nodded, passing Elsie over. “Clothes, wallet, bag.”

Over the crying Aedion repeated, “Clothes. Wallet. Bag.”

Aedion left the bathroom, murmuring to Elsie as she cried, but Aelin forced her brain to focus on what she needed to do now. She needed clothes, and her wallet, and stuff for Elsie. Three things and then they could go. In her bedroom Aelin threw on a pair of leggings and the first clean t-shirt she could find, also grabbing a sweatshirt because hospitals were always cold. Next she darted off to Elsie’s room, stuffing more clothes and nappies and a pacifier into the bag. All that was left was her wallet that was on the kitchen counter. 

She found Aedion pacing between the living area and the edge of the kitchen, whispering to Elsie. Aelin was so focused on getting out the door that she didn’t notice the quiet at first. Her daughter was still whimpering softly but the desperate crying had stopped. It irrationally hurt to see Elsie settled when Aelin had been trying so hard—for days. Aedion’s eyes met hers over the top of Elsie’s head and he gave her a weak smile. 

Aelin didn’t return it, too single minded to sort through her feelings. So she just grabbed her wallet from the bench and she was done. “Ready.”

There was a wordless agreement that Aedion would keep Elsie, at least until they got to the car. Elsie was content for the time being and there was no use disturbing her more than she needed to be, even though it caved in Aelin’s chest a little to keep the distance. Blessedly the elevator was quick to arrive and there were no stops down to the garage parking lot. Aedion unlocked the car, but Aelin opened the door and he eased Elsie into the car seat. As soon as the connection to her uncle’s chest was lost the crying started again. Each second seemed to drag on, and for a few of them Aelin waited just holding the door. When Elsie’s cry broke into a screech it kicked Aelin into gear and she was darting around to the other side of the car and climbed into the back seat. 

“I’m here, baby girl. I’m here,” Aelin tried to soothe and Aedion finished up with the buckle. Elsie’s eyes peeked over at her, her bottom lip pouting. “Just hold on, we’re going. You’ll feel better soon. 

The drive consisted of Aelin repeating assurances over and over again, words of comfort and keeping her hands on Elsie so she knew her mother was right there with her. When they got to the hospital everything passed in a blur. Aedion dropped her at the doors and Aelin hurried with Elsie through the doors. As a sick infant Elsie was seen within minutes.

Aelin felt like she was in a limbo as she waited for Elsie to be assessed. To help with her initial comfort they gave Elsie oxygen and put a monitor on her foot. Next it was quickly determined that she was at risk of dehydration so they attached an IV too. That was traumatic, and Aelin thanked the gods that Aedion was by her side when that happened. He was able to hold Aelin’s shaking hand and help keep Elsie still while the nurse injected the needle in her hand. Aelin wasn’t letting her daughter go, even if she barely had the strength. 

It was nearly another hour before they got the full diagnosis. The doctor had introduced herself as Sorsha and Aelin had to hand it to her, she had an excellent bedside manner. She was patient with both Elsie and her mother while the stress was high. Her hazel eyes were kind and sympathetic, but she was assertive and clear every step of the way. 

Sorsha delivered the news on Elsie’s diagnosis herself. She had RSV, which led to an ear infection and bronchitis. Aelin’s heart seized at the words but Sorscha assured her that it sounded scarier than it was. All three were common and treatable, and it was all caught early enough that there were no serious repercussions. And on top of that they had discovered there was a slight structural abnormality in the tubes that connected her ears to her sinuses which had been the cause of the ear infection. It had to do with drainage and bacteria, but Aelin had been too focused on fixing it that most of what was said went over her head. She was told Elsie would most likely grow out of the ear problems, she would just be more susceptible to more infections until she did. The doctor commended Aelin on her actions and left her to process what she’d just heard. 

Aelin had done the right thing, Elsie was okay— just needed to be monitored.

They were moved from the ER department to a room in the children’s ward of the hospital because they would be staying for at least a few days. Aelin barely left Elsie’s bedside, and quickly fell back into the habit of barely sleeping. There was a reclining armchair for her to sleep in, a consideration made for those parents that would be staying with their children. But the constant beeping and noise of the hospital kept her awake, as did the anxiety over her daughter’s welfare. It didn’t help that every time Aelin started to drift off she was graced with dreams of Elsie screaming, or crying, or vomiting. She would startle awake, unsure of what was reality and what wasn’t, only to find Elsie sleeping soundly. 

Aelin’s mother arrived around lunchtime on their first full day in the hospital, and it was only then that she managed to get a solid amount of sleep knowing that someone else had eyes on Elsie. She was unfortunately woken up about an hour later by a nurse coming in and doing another check. The consensus was that Elsie wasn’t declining, but she still needed to stay in for observation. 

Evalin went out for food, which Aelin only picked at until visiting hours were over. Elsie’s condition had kind of plateaued instead of getting better. Everyone kept saying at least she wasn’t getting worse. What ate away at Aelin was that maybe she hadn’t done enough, that she hadn’t seen the signs earlier and acted too late. Maybe all this could have been avoided if she had been more vigilant. Aelin had been hanging by a thread so she hadn’t noticed how serious Elsie’s condition was. To punish herself further Aelin had googled the what ifs in those hours that she couldn’t sleep and was berating herself for letting it get this far to begin with. 

Another night in the hospital was spent watching Elsie as she slept, sometimes fitfully in between medications. They gave her doses to keep her comfortable but it couldn’t take all her ailments away. The tiny girl still woke up in distress, crying from pain or discomfort from the IV, or coughing and waking up in an unfamiliar bed. Aelin was doing everything she could to make sure Elsie was comfortable and content. But it wasn’t enough. 

A new day started and Aelin was still staring at her daughter, cataloguing everything. Her breathing was easier, but it still shuddered every once and a while. There was a slight decline in the frequency of the coughing fits and blessedly they deemed that Elsie was eating enough that she was unhooked from the IV, temporarily at least. 

Evalin was their visitor today and had taken it upon herself to fill everyone in with the updates, using the group chat on Aelin’s phone. Lorcan was checking in incessantly, because guilt was riding him too. Unbeknown to everyone Korbin had RSV, and yes, it was the consensus that was where the sickness had come from. Elide and Lorcan had kept him home instead of coming to dinner that night, but it seemed that Lorcan had been the one to pass it on to Elsie. He felt awful and had sent Aelin numerous apologies, he even went as far as calling which was all but unheard of from him. Aelin told him it wasn’t his fault, reciting the statistics of how common infections were this time of year. It was winter, it was cold, people got sick.

All her friends were rallying to Aelin’s side, offering any and every kind of help they could—mainly in the offering of food to keep the visitors down in the hospital room. Her mother was in charge of crowd control, Evalin was a pro at managing people and telling them when to do things. That was probably the reason why the next guest arrived.

“Hey,” Fenrys said softly from the doorway. 

Aelin nearly jumped despite the non-startling care he had taken. “Hey, Fen.”

“I’ve got some snacks,” he said, holding up a bag as he walked into the room. “How’s she doing?”

Aelin looked back at Elsie, who was sleeping. “She’s doing okay. Getting better.”

“That’s good,” Fenrys said. 

Fenrys drifted over to where Evalin sat by the window, passing over the food and chatting quietly. Aelin didn’t bother to try and decipher what was being said, the beeping of Elsie’s monitor was too loud. As were the thoughts tumbling around in her head. 

“Go home, Aelin,” Evalin said, snapping Aelin out of her trance. “She’s okay, I’ll be right here.”

“I can’t,” Aelin replied. 

“You can,” Evalin’s voice was a little firmer. “Have a shower, get some clean clothes. I won’t leave her side, I promise.”

Aelin looked up to her mother’s face, seeing the honesty there. If she promised not to leave Elsie’s side, Aelin believed her. It would be hard but Aelin knew it was the right thing to do. She’d been in these clothes for two days and she hadn’t done more than wash her face. 

“I’ll drive you, come on,” Fenrys offered. 

Fenrys dropping by with food had truly been divine intervention or very purposeful planning. Aelin supposed it might be the latter. She might have been able to take her mother’s car, but she wasn’t too confident in her driving right now. With Elsie sleeping and Aelin didn’t want to wake her but she couldn't leave without pressing the softest of kisses to her daughter’s head. 

On the way out to the car Aelin stopped by the nurse’s station just to let them know what was happening and that she would be back as soon as they could. They nodded along and promised to ring if anything occurred while she was out. When they undoubtedly saw the colour drain from Aelin’s face they told her nothing would, because Elsie was doing fine. It still left Aelin’s stomach in a tight knot. 

Fenrys led her out to his car and opened the door for her. Aelin fingers drummed on her thigh as she waited for him to get in. The quicker they left, the quicker she could get back. The usually talkative man was silent on the drive back to her apartment and Aelin wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse. She didn’t have the energy for conversation but the silence also left her alone with her thoughts. They swirled inside her mind, building and inflating into what felt like a treacherous storm.

“Want me to come up?” Fenrys offered as he yanked on the handbrake.

“Um,” Aelin's brain was foggy. “If you want?”

Fenrys looked at her for a moment and then made his decision. “I’ll come up.

As soon as they were out of the car Aelin had her keys in her hand, ready and waiting to get her to her apartment. Then it was just the habitual ride up the elevator and walk down the hallway. 

Being inside her apartment had Aelin relaxing, even if it was just by the smallest amount. She wanted a shower, maybe some food, but then she found she couldn’t move from where she stood in front of her couch. Aelin’s tumultuous emotions were winning, try as she might she couldn’t hold them at bay any longer. She wrapped her arms around her body as the last defence of keeping herself together. It failed and a sob tore out of her before she could stop or flee to where no one could see her long held in breakdown.

“Aelin,” Fenrys said tentatively. She didn’t answer, she just cried harder. 

Fenrys was moving closer and a little voice in the back of Aelin’s head told her to stop crying, wipe her face and smile. But she was tired and sad, her daughter was sick in the hospital and it was all her fault.

“Hey, come here.” 

Arms that weren’t hers wrapped around her and Aelin was pressed against a hard chest. She let it happen, accepting the small gesture of comfort. Tears soaked Fenrys’ shirt, but he didn’t seem to mind, he just kept holding her until she was the one to call it. Aelin was embarrassed at how long it took her to calm down, and even then she couldn’t stop tears from gathering and falling down her cheeks. 

“I’m okay, Fen,” Aelin murmured, not pulling away just yet though. “Sorry about your shirt.”

“I don’t mind,” Fenrys said. “You wanna talk about it?”

“I—” the words were choked on a sob. “This is my fault.”

“What? No.” Fenrys pulled back enough so that he could look down at her. “This is not your fault.”

Those words meant nothing, guilt and despair was all consuming. “It is. Because I am not enough for her. I let it go too far, I should have taken her to the doctor or the hospital sooner, but I was just so tired and I have no idea what I’m doing. Elsie is suffering because I am not enough. I am supposed to be everything that she needs and I failed her.”

“No, Aelin. You know that’s not true,” Fenrys said.

“It is. I should have seen the signs but—”

“Aelin, please listen to me,” Fenrys actually pushed Aelin back so that she could look her in the eyes. She couldn’t hold the eye contact, she turned away, eyes closing and squeezing more tears from her eyes. “Kids get sick, and you were everything Elsie needed. There is no doubt in my mind that you sacrificed just about all of yourself for her benefit. That was enough for her, but shit happens, things that are out of your control. That is what happened. Not you.”

Aelin exhaled, her body shuddering as she tried to wrangle some control over her emotions. She risked a glance at Fenrys’ face. This man was known for his perpetual joking and troublemaking, seeing him so serious was odd but comforting.

“You are more than enough for Elsie,” he said. “You always will be. We’re all here for you, the both of you, but you are all she needs.”

“How did I mess up so badly then?” Aelin’s tears fell with a new fervour. 

“Because you’re new to this and you did do the best that you could. And when you had to, you asked for help,” Fenrys told her. “And RSV is so common, it’s something that they say is only a matter of time.”

“How do you know that?” Aelin asked, dabbing her nose on her sleeve as she finally felt brave enough to step away. 

“I did my research once your mum let us all know,” Fenrys replied. “She’s awesome by the way, real cool lady.”

“I’ll have to tell her you said that, she’ll be flattered.” Aelin felt a bit lighter. 

“What makes you think I haven’t told her myself?” Fenrys said cheekily. That made Aelin laugh and he tapped a knuckle in her chin. “There we go.”

“That’s gross, Fen. Who knew it would take you hypothetically flirting with my mother to break me,” Aelin's voice was shaky with laughter and withheld tears. 

“Had to get you to listen to me somehow,” Fenrys said with a genuine smile. 

“Um, watch TV or whatever,” Aelin waved at the couch. “I shouldn’t be too long.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

That question threatened to trigger a new wave of tears. Aelin had always been too independent for her own good, the last few days had proven that. So not wanting to set off another round she declined and all but fled to the bathroom and showered. It felt amazing and she was more than refreshed when she stepped out onto the mat and grabbed her towel. It was then she noticed that the vomit covered clothes had been removed. Someone had been in and tidied up, and instead of feeling embarrassed she just felt gratitude. 

Dressed and ready to go, Aelin did a quick check of her phone to see if there were any messages. Just one, from her mother, letting her know Elsie had woken up but was content. Aelin knew that would only be for the time being she would have to get back as soon as she could to prevent a monster meltdown. She also noticed that it was mid afternoon on a Tuesday—time and space had no relevance in the hospital. 

Fenrys was sitting on her lounge and Aelin shot him the question her phone had triggered. “Shouldn’t you be at work?”

“Nope,” Fenrys said, not looking over right away. Like he needed a moment to form his single word answer.

“But, it’s a work day. Don’t tell me you took it off for me.” If he had… it was just something else that she would beat herself up over. 

Fenrys now doubt sensed her rising panic as it was broadcasted across the room because he said without hesitation, “I quit. Finally.”

Aelin remembered something about a game company seeking him out, but as far as she knew he had stuck with Stone City. “You what?”

Slapping his hands on his things once, he stood from the couch. “Come on, let’s get you back before your mum eats all the good snacks.”

There was something more going on here, Aelin could feel it. But she definitely lacked the tact to get it out in the right way. So she just nodded and grabbed what she needed. They stayed silent until they got to the elevator, right up to when Aelin started to fidget again. Fenrys hip checked her, making her smile. 

“Remember what I said, okay?”

Aelin turned so that she could face him, finding him looking quite serious but still with that underlying playfulness which she decided to take advantage of. “What exactly? You say a lot and most of it is straight bullshit.”

Fenrys raised his eyebrows at her, like that was the most preposterous thing he’d ever heard her say. But then made a show of contemplating the words, making Aelin smile.

“You may be mostly right,” he conceded. “But you are everything and more to Elsie. You will always be enough, don’t forget that.”

Those words were said with such sincerity that Aelin felt her frayed emotions rise up again. She nodded and then turned away before the tears could fall. Fenrys, being the decent guy that he was, pretended not to notice. Damn him and his unfailing charm because despite herself, Aelin might just be starting to believe him. 

~~~~~

It had been an uneventful few days at work. The company was in their post Yulemas lull, giving all the employees a slight breather. All their clients had blown out their budgets in the lead up to the biggest commercial season of the year and were now recuperating and re-evaluating their next steps. So, all Rowan had to do was maintain contact and scope out new clients, wooing them through stories of successes from the past few months. 

The wider office outside his door was fairly quiet as Rowan read the company email that went out everyday. It was full of information he already knew, most of which he had some hand in as part of his managerial role. Skimming it, Rowan assumed there was nothing he needed to take note of. 

And then he almost missed a memo, it was so short and brief and he’d been intent only glancing over the words. But Rowan’s eyes caught on a familiar name and that was enough to give him pause and to give it the time of day. His eyes went a bit wider and he even went as far as checking his phone like the answer would appear. It didn’t, all he had were email notifications from clients. 

Rowan sat back in his chair, reading over the memo again. Fenrys had left Stone City Advertising. There was no explanation, just a short note that he was leaving that was meant to notify everyone else that there was no point in contacting him. Rowan didn’t know why, but none of his friends had said a thing about it. That unsettled him, and it also made Rowan question why he wasn’t notified as part of his role as manager. He picked up his phone ready to send a text off to Lorcan to ask him about the sudden departure when there was a knock on his office door.

It was Dresenda, a new hire. Maeve’s assistants usually had a two year job life span before they started to look for employment elsewhere. Rowan liked his job well enough but he would never want that job. “Hey, Rowan. Maeve just got in and she wants to see you.”

“Thanks,” Rowan said, standing and slipping his phone back into his pocket. 

Maeve had been over in Terrasen, wooing a high profile client and from how long she was gone, it seemed like some sight seeing as well. It would be bitterly cold there this time of year. The end of January into February was when winter sunk its claws in. Snow would cover the city for days, maybe weeks if they were lucky. In Doranelle the weather was milder all year round, snow was a rare sight here. Rowan loved the cold, it had made Terrasen feel like home in a way—like that climate was made for him. All things considered it certainly didn’t feel that way anymore. 

It was irrelevant, he was here—his life was here. His affection for the cold wouldn’t be enough to draw him back. Roman wasn’t sure there was anything that would lure him back to that city that had so painstakingly thrown him out.

~~~~~

Rowan should have been working. Not technically, but there were things he needed to do. It was a Thursday evening and he’d only left work half an hour later than everyone else with the plans to go home and finish off a few things before he went to bed. And he had opened his laptop and left it by the chair he planned to eat in… but then he’d got distracted. Rowan had made his dinner then had every intention of reading over some reports when he very randomly opened a website for one of the local department stores and was now scrolling through pages of children’s toys. 

He didn’t know much about kids but he knew that they liked toys. His company had developed more than enough advertisements to appeal to the younger audiences to know that it was a very lucrative business to be in. What Rowan hadn’t been prepared for was the sheer amount of variety. 

Dolls, building blocks, miniature kitchens, unicorns, plush toys. The list went on. His mother had mentioned that Elspeth’s birthday was coming up soon, and an idea had taken root. In his quest to get to know his daughter better he had the idea that he might buy her something. To him sounded dangerously close to bribery, but he was willing to try anything. 

Rowan was cleaning up after his fairly late dinner when there was a hurried knocking on his door. He shook his hands off over the sink and then snatched the tea towel from where it hung on the over handle to dry his hands. The knocking came again, this time more urgently. Curiosity had him moving a little faster, wondering who was insistently trying to disturb his evening. 

This time the knocking was short, sharp and hard. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Rowan muttered. 

He swung the door open and the sight in front of him made his heart skip a beat. Aelin stood there, Elspeth cradled in her arms. The child didn’t look good, her skin was pale and her body seemed to be shuddering. 

“She’s sick,” Aelin said, stating the obvious. 

For a moment Rowan just stood there, trying to process. Then his brain kicked into gear, along with a healthy dose of panic. “What’s wrong?”

“I just need you to drive us to the hospital,” Aelin said, ignoring his question. “Please.”

“Yeah, of course,” Rowan wouldn’t press the issue—not when he could see the urgency of the request. “Just one minute.”

The door swung when it was released but didn’t close but Aelin didn’t bother with entering his apartment. All Rowan did was grab his wallet and keys and then found them waiting in the hallway. Elspeth’s head was now resting on her mother’s shoulder and Aelin swayed in place. There was a bag hanging off Aelin’s arm and taking that small burden was the first thing Rowan did.

Aelin rushed off to the elevator and Rowan followed. He kept a cautious eye on Elspeth, feeling useless as they waited. What he was trying to comprehend was that Aelin had come to him for help. It must have been a real emergency then if she wasn’t going to wait around for someone else. Or maybe, Rowan selfishly thought, this was progress.

The elevator finally arrived and Aelin stepped in, Rowan right behind her hitting the button for the garage. Elspeth coughed and then let out a whimpering cry. It was an awful sound, something in his chest twisted because of it. 

“My keys are in the small pocket, we’ll take my car,” Aelin said, nodding at the bag Rowan held. 

He found the keys, holding them in his hand so he was ready. Rowan wanted more information but he knew this wasn’t the time or place to ask, he would just have to silently manage his building concern. And even though he was being useful, he still felt a little helpless struggling with the unknown. He would drive them to the hospital and then what? What would happen to Elspeth when they got there? Would it just be a short stay or would it be longer? Would Aelin want him to wait? What could he realistically do to help in this situation when they got to the hospital? Rowan could feel the tension in his body building with each new question. 

It wasn’t much longer until they were at the car. Rowan left Aelin to get Elspeth sorted and he dropped into the driver’s seat. His long legs were bent uncomfortably and he pushed the seats back. This brought him back to years ago when he would drive Aelin’s car. He always copped it afterwards if he didn’t put it back to the original position. 

“I know, baby I know,” Aelin murmured as she strapped Elspeth into her car seat while she protested. “I know you don’t want to go but we need to make you feel better.”

Rowan monitored the progress in the rearview mirror. When Aelin sat back and clicked her seatbelt into the buckle he started driving. 

Elspeth whimpered and complained, and he saw her reaching for her mother. Aelin lent over and kissed that little hand and gave Elspeth and her own to hold onto. “You’re okay, Elsie. I know it hurts, but we can make it better. 

Rowan was tempted once again to seek some explanation over what had Elspeth so distressed, but it seemed he didn’t have to. 

“She’s okay,” Aelin said, no doubt noting how Rowan couldn’t stop checking the rearview mirror. “I would have taken her to the doctor but it’s after house and the quickest and easiest way to get her seen is take to the hospital. It’s just a bit of a cold but they hit her pretty hard and I just want to get some things checked.”

“Poor thing.” Rowan couldn’t think of anything else to say. 

“We manage.” 

Those words were clipped and a little defensive and they had no need to be. Rowan wouldn’t come for her over this. Gods, seeing Elspeth so miserable and in obvious pain… Aelin was doing the best that she could. And it would have taken a lot for her to knock on his door for help. It stung a little that she would still assume he would think so negatively about her in that way. 

It was ten minutes more before they reached the hospital and Rowan dropped them as close to the doors as he could. Aelin hadn’t said anything besides thanks before she left so Rowan wasn’t sure what he should do. Maybe he’d just wait in the car, but when he parked he saw the bag that Aelin had been left behind. 

Rowan ended up in the waiting room, the bag keeping him company on the seat beside him. Neither Aelin or Elspeth were in sight, and he was glad that they were seen so quickly. To kill time he mindlessly scrolled through his phone, his mind too muddled to do anything productive. The bag next to him was all the prodding he needed to approach the reception desk and get whatever information they would give him. 

“Excuse me, I was wondering if I could get an update on Elspeth Galthynius?” Rowan asked. 

The woman at the desk gave him a polite smile and then clicked a few things. “She’s been moved to the children’s ward.”

“Her mother left a bag with me, am I right to take it through?” He held up the bag as evidence. 

“No problem, go through.”

“Thanks,” Rowan said and then followed the signage to the children’s ward. 

He was stopped again at those doors and he gave the same story and was let through without much fuss. They had also given him a room number so he kept an eye out for the right one. The door was open and he found Aelin sitting next to Elspeth’s bed, watching her daughter. There was a monitor bandaged to Elspeth’s hand and he noted there was an oxygen apparatus next to the bed that wasn’t being used. Besides that Rowan couldn’t decipher anything about her condition because Elspeth was asleep. Rowan could immediately tell that Aelin was less stressed and that was reassuring. She didn’t look ready to fight the nearest threat anymore, her shoulders were looser, the lines of her face more relaxed. He knocked and then stepped into the room. 

“Hey, I just wanted to see if there was anything else you needed,” Rowan said, handing over the bag.

“Oh,” Aelin looked and sounded exhausted. “Um, no we’re okay.”

“Alright,” Rowan still hesitated. “Is anyone else coming? I can leave your car here and get myself back.” 

“Shit, I didn’t even think of that. Take my car, Fen should be here soon,” Aelin replied, rubbing at her face. “Thank you, again.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Rowan moved closer so he could lower his voice. “What’s wrong?”

Aelin rubbed her hands on her thighs and swallowed hard. “When Elsie was just about four months old she got RSV, it’s a respiratory infection. Since then she’s been more susceptible to reinfection or getting a bad cough when she gets sick. She also has something a little off about the structure of the inside of her ears, so whenever she gets sick we usually get ear aches as well. Just… Overall she gets infections easier so I always want to make sure they get seen and diagnosed right away.”

Elspeth being this unwell explained why she had fallen asleep so suddenly on him the other day. 

“Do they happen often? The earaches?” Rowan asked and Aelin nodded. “I had ear problems too, the eustachian tubes, Right?”

Aelin swallowed again, eyes darting from him to Elsie. “I didn’t know that.”

Rowan took a chance and sat down on the chair next to Aelin, feeling less awkward and imposing. “I used to get horrible earaches, so bad that I still remember them vividly. But I eventually grew out of them.”

Aelin just nodded, eyes fixed on a spot on the floor. They were quiet for a while and then Aelin laughed stiffly. It left Rowan a bit surprised and he didn’t know what he was supposed to respond with. 

“It hurts so much to see her in pain and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s a sickening kind of helplessness,” Aelin explained. “I try… but it never seems good enough. She wanders off and licks the glass at work or something, or we go to the library and some random kid coughs on her.”

That comment made Rowan huff a small laugh, and to his surprise his response made Aelin lips quirk in a fraction of a smile. But it fell away too quickly and when Aelin looked to where Elspeth slept Rowan could see the unshed tears in her eyes. 

“Last time you saw me I lost her and then there was her almost taking a solo ride in the elevator,” Aelin said. “I don’t know what it is but you seem to keep witnessing my worst mothering moments. I just—”

Aelin broke. Her breath caught and Rowan recognised her tell tale efforts she was dedicating to stop herself from crying. It stunned Rowan for a moment and he was about to tell her that these supposed failings didn’t affect his opinion of her as a mother, but he didn’t get the chance. From what he had seen, Aelin was a dedicated mother, this evening had been proof of that. Right now she was practically shaking—he could see the tremors in her hand from where it rested on the arm of the plastic chair. 

He wasn’t sure what made him do it but he reached and took Aelin’s hand, squeezing it just a little bit. 

“You’re doing great,” Rowan said, hoping she could understand how genuine he was. 

Aelin looked from his hand to his face, reading his open sincerity. She swallowed, and she withdrew her hand to stop tears from rolling down her cheeks. Rowan was searching for something else to say when there was a knock on the door. Aelin’s head jerked towards the door, Rowan looking away from her to send his eyes in the same direction. A pretty doctor stood in the doorway, probably around Aelin’s age, her hazel eyes darting between him and Aelin. 

“Dad, I assume?” she said. 

“No,” Aelin said quickly. “I mean, yes. But no. Gods,” she muttered.

Rowan’s gut twisted at hearing that awful and hurried explanation. He didn’t dare contend it.

“Can we talk outside? I don’t want to wake her.” Aelin stood and was halfway to the door when she stopped. “Is this… you all right with this?”

Meaning being left alone with Elspeth. 

Without hesitation Rowan gave his answer. “No worries, I’ll sit with her.”

An expression filled with mixed emotions appeared on Aelin’s face and then she followed the doctor out the door. Rowan was left alone in the room with Elspeth. It was quiet except for the quiet hum of the machines and Elspeth’s sharp intake of breath every once and a while. She was still asleep, laying on her stomach, her hand with the monitor attached resting beside her head. Her skin was still pale, but there was a rosy flush on her chubby cheeks. Every once and a while she took in a deep breath and it jerked her whole body, making Rowan start every time. He had never seen her this still, she was usually so energetic and it gave him the opportunity to study her. 

She looked so much like Aelin. He could still recall the photos of her as a child that he had seen and Elspeth was like a mini double. But Rowan was also starting to see himself in her too. His mother had been right, the way her brow furrowed was like him and maybe there was something in the shape of her face that was like him. And there were her green eyes, of course. 

Those eyes that opened now, lost and hazy for a moment before they focused on the unfamiliar room and what was weighing down her hand. Elspeth’s face fell, tears quickly gathering.

Rowan was out of his chair in an instant, panicking with the need to calm her down. “Hey, there sweetheart. It’s okay.” 

That did nothing and tears ran down her cheeks as she raised her head up, no doubt looking for her mother. 

“Hey, Elsie, it’s okay,” Rowan said, crouching beside the bed. He realised a moment later that was one of the few times he had said her name. But it seemed to get her attention. “Mum’s just outside, she’ll be right back.”

”Mama,” Elspeth just about squeaked. 

“Yeah, she’s talking to the doctor, she’s still here,” Rowan assured her. 

“Hurts, Rowan.” She remembered him and was saying his name a little better. Elspeth pulled on her ear. “Hurts here.”

So carefully, he pulled her hand away from her ear so that she didn’t irritate it more. “I know, sweetheart.”

Elspeth held onto his thumb, not even trying to go back to her ear. Her hand was so godsdamned tiny compared to his. She didn’t say anything, but did start to cry harder.

”Hey, hey,” Rowan tried to soothe, scrambling for something. “How about a lullaby, one from when I was small?”

She didn’t give a verbal response, just watched him with expectant and wide eyes. Rowan cleared his throat and then started singing. 

Beautiful Dreamer, wake unto me,

Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee

Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,

Lull'd by the moonlight have all passed away

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,

List while I woo thee with soft melody

Gone are the cares of life's busy throng

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,

Mermaids are chanting the wild Lorelei

Over the stream let vapours are borne,

Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,

E'en as the morn on the stream let and sea;

Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me

Rowan stopped singing and it seemed to have worked. Elspeth breathed a little faster and her eyes fluttered, but she was relaxed and happy. The smile she gave only reached half her mouth with her cheek squished on the mattress. Regardless, it was sweet enough to make Rowan’s chest tighten. It was beautiful in a heartbreaking way. She tried her hardest to keep her eyes open but they stayed close, and just like that she was asleep again. For longer than he should have, Rowan let Elspeth hold onto him, not wanting to lose the small weight of her hand just yet. It was only when he was sure she was soundly asleep and that moving away wouldn’t wake her, he did so. A little regretfully because he had been more than happy to offer her that small comfort as long as she needed it. He sat back in his chair and just waited. 

Aelin came back into the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. “How’d she go?”

”She woke up for a second but then she settled,” Rowan said, some of that awkwardness from before still lingering. 

“Thank you,” Aelin said. 

Rowan couldn’t help the slight smile that tilted his lips, remembering  Elspeth’s little smile. “I was no problem, Aelin.”

“I mean for everything.” 

Rowan took in the way that Aelin stood with her arms crossed, but not with hostility. It was enough of a reprieve to prompt him to ask, “Why me?”

“You were closest,” was Aelin’s simple answer. “I might have been able to drive myself but I would be fretting. Everyone else is on the other side of the city right now and I don’t like to wait, not when it comes to her.”

”I would never have turned you down,” Rowan said. He almost added I hope you know that but Aelin answered before he could. 

But he didn’t need to. “I know that.”

They fell into silence again, slightly awkward, but when weren’t things awkward between them these days? At least they’d expended most of their anger. Aelin shaking her head drew Rowan’s attention, and there was nothing he could think to say. Then he heard hurried footsteps and then the door opened. Fenrys stepped into the room, concern written all over his face. 

“How’s she doing?” Fenrys asked, all his focus on Aelin and Elsie. Rowan wouldn’t have been surprised if his presence was going completely unnoticed. 

“She’s okay,” Aelin said, as Fenrys met her at the foot of the small bed. “It’s her ears again.”

Immediately Fenrys wrapped an arm around Aelin, and it was over her head that Rowan was finally noticed. Fenrys’ dark eyes went a bit wide, but there was no other reaction besides that. Rowan shifted his attention back to Elspeth who was still soundly asleep thanks to his singing. Aelin and Fenrys were conversing quietly and it was apparent that he was no longer needed, so he’d excuse himself and leave. 

“I’ll head back,” he said. “Hope she feels better soon.”

”Thank you, Rowan,” Aelin said again. 

In response Rowan nodded, and with one last look at Elsie, he left. He didn’t get far before he heard his name being called. Turning, Rowan saw Fenrys walking towards him. It gave Rowan a chance to take the other man in—he looked dishevelled, his curls were messy and there was almost a frantic air about him. He must have raced from wherever he’d been, likely getting caught in traffic. 

“Hey,” Fenrys said when he got close enough. “Thanks for bringing them here.”

This was the first civil interaction since the park and, like now, they had been in public. But this time there was no impactful audience here in the hospital hallway. Nothing about what Fenrys was doing right was performative, that much was very clear. 

“Don’t mention it,” Rowan said. “Even if that was the least I could do, I was happy to do it.”

“I know.” Fenrys extended his hand. “I mean it. Thank you.”

This was strange for Rowan. Once upon a time he would have been Aelin’s knight in shining armour, now that role was taken by someone else. Fenrys’ affection for both Aelin and Elspeth was genuine, there was no doubt about that. And Rowan saw the hand shake for the peace offering it was. This was an offer for burying the hatchet once and for all, prompted on by gratitude. 

Rowan had nothing to lose here, and everything to gain. Holding onto this grudge when he didn’t even have the full story of how things ended up the way they had was going to keep him from his goal. Rowan’s priority was Elspeth, any animosity that remained would only cause more damage to everything he was working so hard to build. More than that, seeing the way it had unfolded tonight, how many times had Fenrys been the one to step up when no one else would?

His daughter had benefited from that care and attention. That was the bitter truth of it, because Rowan was not there himself. 

Rowan shook Fenrys’ hand. “It’s all good, Fen.”

Some of that tension lifted from Fenrys’ face, and a soft smile appeared instead as he glanced back to the hospital room. “I’ll let you go.”

”Look after them,” Rowan said and left before he got any kind of reply. 

It was clearer than anything now, Elspeth—and Aelin— had everything they needed. And it wasn’t just a ride home for the hospital. If Rowan left tomorrow, the impact he would leave on Elspeth’s life would be next to nothing. She would go on and forget he existed. That didn’t sit well with Rowan. His daughter didn’t need him but Rowan was beginning to wonder if he was the one that needed her.  

~~~~~

Rowan left and Aelin felt like she could breathe again. She had been thankful for the way he hadn’t even hesitated to get them to the hospital, but there was still so much tension when he was around. 

“I’ll be back in a sec.”

Fenrys left, dropping a kiss on the top of Aelin’s head. She didn’t know what he had to say to Rowan and she was too tired to try and eavesdrop. It didn’t feel like her place to monitor their every interaction, not like it had before. All the volatile feelings that led to adverse reactions seemed to have worked themselves out. That was good, one less thing for her to worry about.

Her boyfriend wasn’t gone too long, and he ended up leading them over to one of the chairs, pulling Aelin down to sit in his lap. She’d been stuck in a trance watching Elsie breathe and hadn’t realised how close her legs were to giving out until they started moving. Aelin leaned into Fenrys, letting the closeness of his body and his steady heartbeat relax her. She dropped down a bit more so she could rest with her feet on the other chair.

“What happened?” Fenrys asked softly. 

Taking in a deep breath Aelin explained everything. Elsie had been rundown for a few days, Fenrys had known that, he’d even been the one to point it out when he picked them up from the shopping mall the other day. It had started with a runny nose, then a cough, then this evening Elsie’s temperature had spiked and the earaches had started. Aelin knew what would happen next, the symptoms would escalate and so would Elsie’s distress. When her daughter was sick she would wind herself so much that it would exacerbate her cough, then she’d vomit and then it would go down from there. At the hospital they could put her on oxygen and give her pain relief, minimising the risk of dehydration and worse.

“Elsie was close to vomiting and I couldn't get her to keep the medicine in her mouth,” Aelin explained. “I weighed my options and Rowan was the best of them.”

”It was good of him to bring you two down,” Fenrys said. “I thanked him for it.”

”I did too,” Aelin said, then she laced her fingers with Fenrys’ and snuggled into his side. “So, it turns out that Elsie’s ear problems were inherited. From him.”

Fenrys huffed out a breath. “Guess that they have more in common than that frown, huh?”

“Mhmm,” Aelin hummed. Then she was silent for a long time, considering if she should say what she was thinking, knowing Fenrys would rally to assuage her doubts. But she couldn’t leave it, not when old insecurities raised their ugly head. “Do you think she might have suffered less if I had of known?”

Just as she knew he would, Fenrys wasn’t hearing a bar of it. “Chances are she would have had the same problems no matter what. Maybe we might have cottoned onto the cause a bit earlier, but don’t beat yourself up about it. Elsie is fine, she always is and always will be as long as you’re her mother.”

Aelin tilted her face up while Fenrys looked down at her. Her boyfriend was full of shit and she was about to tell him so when he stopped down and kissed her. “Don’t start. I’ll always win. I have years of evidence to counter every argument.”

“Fen,” Aelin said, her throat getting tight. “You’re too good to me.”

He kissed her again. “Maybe.”

There was a soft groan from the bed and Elsie stirred, her free hand rubbing at her eyes and she panicked for a moment while she tried to work out where she was. Aelin was instantly moving, sitting on the edge of the bed and smoothing a hand over Elsie’s hair. 

“Hey, I’m here. We’re at the hospital, remember?” 

“Where Rowan?” Elsie asked, raising her head up a bit, but that seemed to disturb her ear which she started pulling at.

Aelin gently pulled that hand away. “He went home.”

Her daughter looked visibly upset by that. “He sung me my song, Mama.”

“He…” it took Aelin a moment to figure it out. The lullaby she had stolen from him. “That was nice of him.”

“He’s my friend,” Elsie said with full confidence, as much as she could be in her sickly state. 

Aelin didn’t know how to take that little bit of news, little did Elsie know that biologically he was much more than that. 

“Uncle Fen!” She said when she saw who was seated behind her mother.

Fenrys gave the girl a smile full of adoration. “Hey there, Pumpkin. Not feeling good?”

Elsie shook her head. “Ears, uncle Fen.”

”We should get rid of them,” Fenrys said, making Elsie gasp.

”No.” she drew out the word, her voice hoarse. 

“I’ll do mine to match.”

Elsie laughed and Aelin smiled along with her. But then her daughter’s demeanour changed to something more serious.

”Home, Mama?”

Aelin shook her head. “Tomorrow, my love.”

Elsie frowned in response, Aelin hated to see her upset.

”Can I come up there and give you a hug?” She asked. 

Elsie nodded enthusiastically, and Aelin cradled her in her arms, rocking back and forth gently. Then she started humming the lullaby again, knowing that it would calm Elsie down immediately. Because Aelin had been singing it for years, ever since that first hospital visit. That lullaby had been one thing she could rely on to soothe her fussy child. While Aelin hummed her way through the tune she tried not to think about the unexpected and lasting effects the father of her child seemed to be having in not just her and Elsie’s lives, but what it might mean for him now as well. 

~~~~~

I have no faith in the tagging system at the moment, for better notifications please follow @works-of-shyvioletcat

[thebrimstoneclub]

Being Sick Is The Worst

*You're away at college and have caught just the worst virus imaginable. And the only medicine is Eddie. AKA, I'm so very sick and would like Eddie to take care of me too*

The knock at the door is the most painful sound you've ever heard. For the past few days, your head has been on the verge of splitting in half, cracking open from steadily building sinus pressure. A hoarse groan comes from your cracked lips in your best attempt in asking who decided to interrupt your attempt at a nap. After your last class of the day, you dragged yourself to your dorm room with no intention of leaving bed unless absolutely necessary. Due to an outburst of people coughing and refusing to cover their mouths, you had fallen sick with a vicious bug. As your first experience being sick entirely on your own, it was far from pleasant. You had been more focused on trying to just survive through classes between shots of cough syrup.

"Special delivery," a voice calls out in response. Sitting up stirs another coughing fit, but you force yourself out of bed. With your blanket wrapped around you, you shuffle across the room and crack open the door.

This was clearly a fever dream. It's the only explanation for Eddie standing in front of you, grinning playfully and bouncing with nervous energy. Even in your fugue state, you just want to hold onto him. You throw your arms around his shoulders and burrow your burning face into his chest. Your congestion muffles the familiar soothing smell of him. His warm laugh fills you as he slips his arms around your waist to hold you just as tightly. 

"My poor princess," Eddie murmurs between kissing the top of your head.

"You're here?" you croak, tilting your head up to squint at him.

"Uncle Wayne said you called yesterday," Eddie answers and brushed your frizzy hair away from your clammy forehead. The foggy memory returns: you feeling as if you were both being burned alive and thrown into ice water, grappling with the phone for a few minutes before finally dialing the familiar number, your raspy request for Eddie and Wayne apologizing that he wasn't home yet.

"But you're here," you repeat. Your mind is too heavy and slow, still trying to process anything beyond just how it feels that Eddie's holding you.

"Of course I am," Eddie beams down at you. "What sort of knight would I be if I didn't ride my steed as fast as I could as soon as I heard my princess was struck by the plague?"

"My knight," you laugh, even though that causes the pressure in your chest to swell and ache even more. You very much want to kiss him, but the sheer amount of snot coursing through you causes second thoughts. So, you resume pressing against his chest as much as you can. Which also helps since it feels like you might drop to the floor at any moment. Eddie must sense this since he gently tries to nudge you backwards towards your open door.

"Let's get you back into bed, huh?" he says when your legs stagger but don't really move in any direction.

"You're always trying to get me into bed," you tease before coughing with such vigor that it feels like your lungs might be possessed.

"Can you blame me?" Eddie winks slyly at you. He squeezes your waist before turning you around to walk into your dorm. You certainly look as if you were struck by the plague, with a red and dripping nose, bloodshot eyes, rumpled pjs. But Eddie still thinks you're as perfect as ever. He helps you back into bed, tucks you under the blanket, peppering in light kisses to your forehead. You finally notice the small bag he carried. More coughing keeps you from speaking so you weakly wave at it.

"I wasn't sure what kinda sick you were, so I just got a mix of stuff," Eddie explains with a sheepish smile as he unpacks cans of Ginger Ale, crackers, soup, cough drops, tissues. You manage a few sips of the soda and blow your nose until it hurts too much to continue. Eddie sits on the bed, gently rubbing your leg as you do. "At least eat one of the crackers? When was the last time you ate anything?"

"I had tea this morning," you mumble while Eddie opens the package.

"Tea's not food, sweetheart." He shakes his head, but his smile remains kind. You relent with a nod and manage to eat three of the crackers before it's too much effort to keep sitting up. Eddie tries to move as quietly as possible while cleaning up. You're burrowing into the blankets and pillows, trying to find a balance between the fluctuating temperatures.

"Wait..." Your mind is starting to work again, as Eddie crawls into the bed next to you. He doesn't get under the blankets, propping himself up on one arm to wait for you to continue. "Today is Wednesday..."

"Is something happening on Wednesday?"

"There are classes tomorrow."

"Sweetheart, have you seen yourself? You can skip a class or two."

"No, no, no," you shake your head, then wince from how painful it is. It takes another minute for your train of thought of resume course. "You have classes tomorrow!"

"So? It's not as if I haven't taken them before." Eddie shrugs before resting his head on the pillow next to yours. If you had the strength, you'd swat at his arms, continue the argument. Instead, all you can manage is a grumble and a nudge to his shoulder. But Eddie knows you well enough to know the words you'd say if you were properly coherent. He kisses your forehead again before sliding in close to you. "This is all about worrying over you, alright? We can worry about me next week. And yes, I do have someone who will lend me their notes. And yes, I will turn in all missed assignments. And no, I will not be leaving your side until you can breathe without collapsing."

"I made it all the way to the door without collapsing," you offer, but you aren't really protesting his instance on saying. Your arms snake around his waist and you quickly (or as quickly as you can) transfer your head from the pillow to his chest. If you were feeling better, Eddie would run his fingers through your hair, but he knows when your head hurts you can't stand anything touching it. So, his hands, which rarely stay still, settle for rubbing small circles over your lower back. He feels so cool and soothing against you, like your own personal ice cream on the hottest day of the summer. You wriggle in closer against him with the hope it might be the cure for your fever.

"You did, and I'm so proud of you," Eddie laughs softly and kisses your temple even softer. A soft hum slips from your lips. Having Eddie truly felt better than any medicine. You almost feel like a functioning person again.

"I'm really glad you came," you whisper after a weak cough.

"Yeah, well," Eddie can't help but chuckle, even though he refrains from making a joke. As much as he wants to, his worry for you is battling against it. You've both seen each other sick before, but he's never seen you this bad before. You're shivering even though you're burning up, and there's little color left in your skin. Eddie can feel the rattle in your chest with each shallow breath. He doesn't know at what point a doctor needs to be called. Does a college campus even have doctors? You and Eddie are so good about taking care of each other, but tend to let self-care fall to side, which is why Eddie decided to make the long drive as soon as Wayne told him about the call. He knew you wouldn't do anything beyond collapse from exhaustion. To prove his point, he asks "When did you last take something?"

"Advil, this morning," you answer after having to think for over a minute.

"It's not morning anymore," he says, looking around your room. Something that looks like Advil sits on your desk, but fetching it requires leaving the bed. No wonder you hadn't taken it again. After another tender forehead kiss, Eddie attempts to slide out from under you. One hand clutches his tee shirt. It's an instinct anytime he gets out of bed, but this time it's a little tighter.

"I'm so tired, Eddie," your words slur together a little.

"I know, darling. I know. After you get this Advil, and some ginger ale, you can sleep. I'll even tell you a bedtime story," he reassures you while resting his hand on top of yours. He knows how much you love it when he reads to you or regales you with dramatic reenactments of Hellfire sessions. It succeeds in convincing you to release him. Eddie practically jumps across the room to grab the medicine and return to your side as swiftly as possible. A hand on your shoulder helps you up enough to sip enough ginger ale to swallow the pill. Eddie wordlessly offers another pair of crackers that you eat without protesting. After blowing your nose a few more times, you slump back onto the pillow.

"Love you," you continue to mumble as Eddie lays down next to you again.

"Love you." Eddie gently repositions you so you're resting atop him again. One hand slide under the back of your shirt to try and provide a bit more relief. Both your legs are tangled together in a familiar way. You can barely keep your eyes open at this point, your body getting heavier. Eddie's heartbeat in your ear is a steady melody, complimented by his warm voice, weaving the story of a noble princess and her love-struck knight defeating a most foul plague.

[sunwoowrites]

Best Friends?

Part 1

Y/n x BangChan

fem!reader

angst, comfort.

TW: swearing, self-degrading

I used to be your best friend. Used to. Just stop sulking y/n. I sighed as I stared at my phone screen. Our chats were dry. The very few texts resembling tumbleweeds across a desert. He doesn't fucking care about you, you know. I know. I switched my phone off and pulled the duvey cover over my head. I should say hi. Its 3 am he won't reply. He will. He works late doesn't he. How would you know. He doesn't speak to you anymore. Touché.

I pulled the duvet off. But its worth trying? And if he doesn't reply, you'll just end up being the needy slut you are. A tear rolled down my cheek. I'm not a needy slut. Sure.

Y/n

Heyyy...Its been a minute. How are you?

Attention whore. Shut up.

I stared at the screen. Its been like a month since we last texted and it wasn't even a proper convo...we would text all the time. I sighed. What happened to us. He got tired of you.

Channie

Hey Y/n. I've been okay. You're up late.

He replied. Out of pity. He sounds like he's sick and tired of you. He isn't. Oh really? Ask him whats he been up to. Or better yet tell him that you're up thinking about how he hasn't messaged. That you're always thinking about him. That you're in love with him. Tch. In love with someone who is hardly even your friend. Matter fact doesn't even want to be. Shut up. Shut up. Shut the fuck up. I wept silently. Soaking my pillow with tears and snot, mustering the all in me to type out a reply.

Y/N

yeah couldn't sleep. So what you been up to.

Channie

Here and there. Mostly in the studio. You know how it is.

Y/N

yeah I know...

Channie

So...anything new?

Wow. He's bored. Boy am I surprised. Shut up. I sniffled. It hurts. Of course it does. Everything hurts for you. You weak little bitch. Go away. Oh but I won't.

Y/n

Not really no. You're probably busy. I should leave you to your work. Sorry Channie|

Channie? You've got guts. He's not yours you know. He probably has someone better. A new bestfriend, or girlfriend. How could you even possibly think that he'd like you? That he would care for someone as low as you. He deserves someone pretty don't you think? Someone smart. Someone like him. I know....you have no right calling him that.

Y/N

Not really no. You're probably busy. I should leave you to your work. Sorry Chan.

Channie

Y/n? Is something up?

You're such a whore for everyones attention aren't you y/n. Tell him.

Look I know we don't talk much but you're still my best friend. You can talk to me you know.

Oh the pity.

Y/n?

Y/n

Channie...

Channie

You at home? I'm coming. Wait right there angel. I'll be right there okay?

oh see what you've done. Now he has to drive here late at night because you can't take care of yourself. You're useless. Please stop.

Y/n

You don't have to do that Channie. I'm fine. I promise.

Channie

I'm on my way y/n. You wait for me.

I sighed and sat up. I got out of the bed and went into the kitchen. Tears still rolling down my cheeks. I took out the best friend mugs I bought with channie, We are best friends. were. Right. We were...

I made two cups of tea and took out biscuits, layed then on a plate while sniffling. I stumbled back into my bedroom, putting on my slippers and went back to the kitchen. I moved the things to the coffee table one by one. Everything seems to just fall apart these days. How dramatic.

I heard a knock on the door. I walked so fast as if i walked any slower he'd leave. I typed out the passcode and opened the door. "y/n" Chan breathed out.

I looked up at him, eyes and nose red, still sniffling and tears still falling uncontrollably now. "hey channie." I mumbled moving to the side. "come in." He frowned but still came in changing his shoes. "you made tea?" I shrug my shoulders. "yeah i'm sorry, its weird...." He turned and I hiccuped. "Don't apologise angel. Its not weird its just. You know you dont have to do this all for me. I'm your best friend." I moved to sit on the couch. "are you....?" I whispered out. "what?" He sat down next to me.

"are we still best friends?" I looked at him and sniffled.

[themeraldee]

Fun fact there are conditions that can make afab people lactate without being pregnant. Idk why but I have a hunch Homelander would be really down for that.

Hmm interesting hunch that 🤔

Totally wonder why you'd think that! 😂

So I've heard of this before even without the use of drugs but didn't know the validity to the claim! I thought the idea of it being caused by nipple stimulation only was a stretch but reading up that can even be caused by birth control I'm more convinced.

Anyway! In Firecracker's scenario where she did the hormone drug regiment I know Homelander would be whipped by you doing that just for him. Especially if it's without him mentioning it and you did it out of your own initiative. Being super observant, clever while serving his needs would totally give you a massive plus in his book.

In the show we see her gets sick as a side effect from those drugs (though a quick google search tells me none of that are the side effects for those specific hormones but I know they wanted to make it obvious) so I wonder whether seeing that in you, his love (not someone he doesn't care for like Firecracker), would make him feel any sort of guilt? Would he still be disgusted by the sickness of it all? I'm sure, selfishly, it would be a big decision whether he gets to indulge all the milk wants or if having to hang around you while you're all snotty or sick would just be too much!

(I imagine he'd HATE to be around you when you're sick as is. So I believe it'd kinda ruin the milk for him. Like if he can only have some while he can still smell the snot on you and hear you sniffle, yeah that's a bit grim!)

the FUN way of getting you to lactate by nipple stimulation only would be a lot more fun to explore. He is 1000% a tits man. No matter the shape or size he is locked and loaded on those puppies. I'm sure it wouldn't take long for him to accidentally stimulate your nipples into leaking. Switching between kissing you and sucking on your nipples while he's got you in missionary until he tastes a little bit of milk leaking into his mouth... you can't tell me he wouldn't bust on the spot! You're definitely not leaving the bed anytime soon.

You might need to buy some nipple cream because they will be SORE very soon after.

[lheslie]

Taehoon with an S/O who has a kid

He never thought he'd fall for someone who has a kid

He doesn't like babysitting that's for sure. He thinks kids are disgusting eating boogers and snots.

But your kid is well behaved. Sometimes too energetic but is very clean.

"I make sure they're always clean, so they won't get sick." You tell him while feeding the kid some food

The kid in question was just looking at Taehoon.

This kid was basically planned by you and your ex-lover m, but your ex-lover just decided he wasn't ready and left you, and the kid behind.

Even though your lover had left. You still studied in to finish school.

Your kid was shy, hiding behind you while looking at Taehoon and Taehoon just stares back at him like there was a staring contest.

But one day you had something important to go to and no one was going to watch your kid so you asked Taehoon if it was alright for him to watch them.

Taehoon didn't like the idea but he had no choice since you were practically begging him.

The kid was looking at him staring. "What do ya want?" he asked the kid and the kid shrugged.

"Then just sit there and be quiet." He said as he started to exercise and the kid was just staring at him but was now amazed.

The kid started to imitate him. Taehoon noticed "Ya like that?" he asked at the kid nodded.

He walked some the storage room and took out some Dobok and gave it to him.

"Lemme teach ya Taekwondo" He said as the kid took the clothes.

"Uhm, I don't know how to wear these." Your kid said as Taehoon sighs and helps the kid change into clothes and even gave him a white belt.

The kid was jumping in joy ready to learn Taekwondo as Taehoon explained the origin of Taekwondo.

Later you came back to take your kid home to see them training with Taehoon.

You thought it was adorable. You were just watching them as your child noticed you and ran to you.

"Took ya long enough. The kid started imitating me when I practiced so I taught them some. You practically owe me some fees."

You giggled "How much?"

"Nah, just kidding."

You were happy they started bonding.

Taehoon still wasn't used being with a kid but he learned to adapt.

He noticed your kid was matured for their age. The kid was understanding but still sometimes naughty.

He stopped cussing, smoking and drinking beer whenever the kid was around.

He even started to buy the kid some gifts.

If the kids sometimes a bit naughty he'd kick them. Not too hard tho.

Your kid basically learned some things from Taehoon.

The kid basically bacame Taehoon Jr. You were actually shocked when your kid started to cuss. And you got mad about it.

Your kid is understanding and would not cuss inside the household. They would only cuss whenever they're outside beating the shit out of people.

Taehoon would basically be proud of them. And one time they accidentally called Taehoon dad and Taehoon smiled.

Even though your kid was a Taehoon Jr. They were still respectful and kind it's a good thing you were their parent.

He would also use the kid as dumbells and your kid is enjoying it.

He almost can't wait to see Taehoon everyday.

"Stop being loud kid."

"Shut yer trap"

"Slow down ya might trip again"

"Yer too annoying"

"If you got lost, I won't be finding you."

"No, means no." will buy the kid what they want in the end.

He can't resist the kid.

He would mostly Teach the kid to live how ever they want.

"Ya wanna do what? Yea sure. Just don't die. I don't got no money for yer burial expenses."

If the kid got into fights. Taehoon would only care if the kid won.

"Ya should've crippled them" Taehoon said to your kid while he was applying ointments."

"Taehoon..." You sigh.

"What? You shouldn't give em any chances of attacking again."

"Look, I'm proud that they stood up for themselves but crippling them would mean Jail and I don't want them to go to Jail" You tell Taehoon.

"Relax, we can bail em." Taehoon said as you just looked at him wide eyed.

"Really?"