#and so cas and poppy both focus on him

[harmonicaorange]

i cant believe how surprised i am at the amount of hate twotq got because of the joining and the possibility of poppy cas and kieran becoming a throuple. like that sounds like fantastic news to me!

[willifaint]

People say that there would be an unbalanced dynamic between Poppy, Cas, and Kieran since Cas and Poppy are Heartmates but… hear me out

Casteel and Kieran had that immediate bond between them. In twotq it’s said that they spent more time together in a crib than not. The connection through the bond seems like it was based in relying on one another, and this deep care and love.

Cas and Poppy had an immediate connection, and it was romantic and sexually fueled. And it also has that deep love and care.

Poppy and Kieran don’t have that immediate connection. They didn’t seem to really even like each other at first. The relationship between Poppy and Cas, and between Kieran and Cas, are both made from the rules of this fantasy world. But, Kieran and Poppy’s friendship actually feels like a friendship that could read as normal in our world in terms of how it progresses. That is, of course, if we ignore that they spent time with each other because of Cas and that they bonded over that deep love that they both feel for him.

People tend to focus very heavily on the sexual bits, which makes sense given the fact that this story is in the eyes (mostly) of Poppy, and she has that sexually charged relationship with Cas.

But for all three of them to love each other this deeply? That’s not what’s unbalanced. It’s the sexual and romantic parts that are making people upset. That pull between heartmates. But Cas and Poppy spent time together alone after being with Kieran. They discussed Kieran finding someone he loves in the same way Poppy and Cas feel love towards one another.

The relationship between them all doesn’t seem to be based in sex or even romance. (I think that’s why jla didn’t show much of the joining, it’s supposed to be about love and trust, not the physical stuff) That’s just Poppy and Cas. They can all be together physically once (or as often as they want, just because Poppy and Cas have that sexual relationship it doesn’t mean Kieran can’t join) but that’s not what keeps them together.

What keeps them together is them having these intense feelings for one another which comes from that deep love they all feel. Kieran and Cas already had that long before Poppy.

What I’m assuming the story was building towards is a life in which Poppy, Cas, and Kieran all feel that deep love for each other, they just have different separate emotions attached to it. I don’t think we should think of it as Cas and Poppy then Kieran on the outside. We should think of this as Kieran and Cas, and Poppy and Cas, now with this new love and care between Kieran and Poppy.

It isn’t like how it would be in this world we live in, they have a relationship that is so otherworldly (due to bonds and heartmates and all that) that we can’t compare it. So why does a “relationship” between them have to be like how it would be in this world?

I’m sure Kieran will probably find someone, but that doesn’t mean they can’t all three love each other still. I don’t think it’s one or another, he can have his own relationships that are based in romance and sex like Cas and Poppy’s, and still have this dynamic with these two people in his life.

They can have a relationship deeper than family or friendship, and not be in a sexual and romance based relationship. It’s love based, fantastical, unrealistic, and that’s what’s beautiful about it.

Fantasy books add in new species, new powers, new lands, but I find it funny that new love is seen as too strange or too unrealistic.

[anastasiaavd]

HEAVY FBAA SPOILERS

I just trying to figure these books out, understand the prophecy, find who the dark one is and I would have very good theories IF JLA DIDNT HAVE THE HABITS OF LYING AND CHANGING EVERYTHING WE KNOW IN EACH BOOK.

I’m not even sure about the whole primals to gods to deities to godlins thing bc its so complicated. And then what are Atlantians ? What makes them, what makes them more than mortal, how are the bloodlines created ? By the union of deities and mortals ? Are they godlins ? that are the "basics" I don’t quite understand or just can’t remember.

PLUS they’re so many characters I love it but it’s a lot and we can never be sure who they really are bc jla loves to play w us ;) but i have it kind of figured out. I will try to share and explain some theories I saw left and right. Maybe these are well known and already discussed and shit but I’m new on here and I’ve never been able to rant and exchange w FBAA fans before so I’ll give it a try, feel free to react in fact pls DO REACT

So according to some theories, Isbeth is not really poppy’s mother and she just tries to mess w her, which I think would be kind of a deja-vu turnaround but whatever, so my guess is that poppy is the daughter of ires (that we know for sure.. I hope) and JADIS, nektas daughter. It would made her a god AND some kind of draken, although I’m really not sure about this, it would be sm cooler than Isbitch and would explain (if there is anything to explain, it might just be details, not a big part of the plot) why poppy is so interested in shape changing creatures and why the draken are becoming highlights of the books (poppy meeting nektas, the draken being what they are : the super powerful protectors of primals, jadis being that cute baby everybody love in ASITE, then going missing w ires and now we don’t know what happened to her). But I’m pretty sure JLA confirmed Isbeth was her real mother so let’s just focus on the REAL THING >> THE DARK ONE.

Two options in my opinion : Kolis or the supposedly dead son of malec and isbeth. Kolis bc the Dark One is described as a whole different entity compared to everything we know, he has no face, pretty much no soul.. he’s just a void yk and that would match Kolis bc in the ASITE timeline, one way or another, he was dispossessed from both title, he cannot be life nor death since by usurping one he lost the other. AND they manifest in the same way : when Nyktos went to claim Sera in the ASITE prologue, he had a hood covering his face and shadows and darkness were surrounding him. Exactly like the dark one during poppy’s attack. So he just goes around doing shit till he finds poppy during the attack that killed her adoptive parents, spare and protect her BC SHE IS SOTORIA REBORN (cus she’s a descendant of sera who is sotoria reincarnated, and it goes on and on) AND HE CAN ONLY PROTECT THE OBJECT OF HIS UNDYING LOVE THAT HE LOST THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO. We can add to this theory that he is in some ways linked to Isbeth great design like maybe he was order to get poppy for isbeth idk or the other way around everything is the plan of Kolis trying to get revenge and he uses Isbeth bc she too wants revenge AND isbeth was all mysterious and teasing a greater plan to cas in the first chapter of TWOTQ (pre-released) so them working together or her for him would make sense (I’m saying this bc it would be weird for the fucking former primal of death to work for a fake god yk but this is just me thinking about everything little single details bc I have adhd and ocds). Anyway maybe they are just two salty bitter bitches who are willing to destroy the worlds for their ego but it’s really not the point even if I’ve been developing this for so long damn write your own book. OR malec and isbeth’s dead son. It would add sm spice to an already way too complicated and spicy plot but we love it. Because yk there’s no proof he’s really dead and maybe Isbeth LIED (that would surprise no one) and she very much would know where he is and how he is doing because bc he’s be very much alive.. and if we want to go further, but again it’s just me saying shit cuz I don’t have the patiente to write my own book, kind of alive bc the Dark One is, as said earlier, a void like no life no death no soul no thoughts head’s empty. Anyway long short story he’d be a revenant, created by Kolis, or not, I just really feel like Kolis has to do w EVERYTHING, since he’s shady and has a habit for doing shit between life and death. That would make sense and just be cool for the plot since he’s Isbeth’s son and she, as far as we know, owns the Revenants. In both cases the Dark One could be connected to Isbeth, or not, depends on how deep you want the plot to go. AND I think Kolis is linked to the Revenant one way or another. But then I’m wondering how could Isbeth be such a big deal.. she was just king malec’s mortal side chick, she’s really overstepping and being dramatic here 🙄🙄 That’s it for now I’m tired I WILL analyze the prophecy later bc I HAVE AN EXCELLENT IMAGINATION

[imaginationintowords]

Folklore [song series]

my tears ricochet

Modern Day AU! Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff; Steve Rogers x OC!Reader

Plot: Inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore. The story follows the timeline of Bucky and Elizabeth’s life throughout the years

[warnings: death, and funeral]

word count: 4829

[a/n: sorry for such a long wait. I've been busy. I thought once I was done for the semester I would have a lot more time to work on my stories, but if anything my summer break has been more hectic. Just because I haven't been posting, doesn't mean I haven't been working on them. Just know that I am working on the new chapters for this and for TKWBA, just need a bit of patience from you all. Also thank-you for the continue love and support on all my work]

Series Masterlist

Tag list info here [if you want to be tagged please read this]

Age: 21

Year: Sep. 2015

Location: Brooklyn, NY & Stanford, CA

Elizabeth was sat at her desk doing her homework. She was anxiously waiting for Steve's call about the baby arriving. He had called her two hours prior to let her know that Natasha had gone into labor, and they were at the hospital. Steve told her that he'd call her as soon as he heard the news. She tried her hardest to focus on her homework, but she found herself constantly checking her phone for any updates.

Suddenly her phone started going off. She instantly picked it up and answered the call.

"Is the baby here?" She immediately asked.

"Liz," Steve choked out.

"Steve, what's wrong?" She could hear the distress in his voice.

"Natasha, she," he tried to say but the words got caught in his throat, and she could hear the soft cries.

"Steve, breathe," she tries to calm him down the best she could without actually physically being with him.

Elizabeth was simultaneously trying to keep herself calm, and not rush into any assumptions.

"She died," he said after calming himself down enough to tell her what happened.

"She died?"

"I guess there were complications, he tells her, still unsure of what exactly happened.

Steve hadn't thought to ask further into what exactly happened when Bucky's mom called to tell him the devastating news. He couldn't wrap his head around what she was telling him. He just never imagined that this would be the outcome of his best friend welcoming his first child into the world.

Steve clears his throat trying to force the lump back down.

"I'm catching the next flight out to New York," he tells Elizabeth, "I just gotta be there for Bucky."

"Yeah, of course," she says, completely understanding.

"I know you can't exactly fly out now, without letting your professors know, so as soon as I find out all the funeral," his throat catches at the word, he takes a small breath, "all the funeral information I'll let you know."

"Okay that works," she agrees.

"Okay. I haven't to pack real quick and get to the airport within the next hour," he tells her.

"Okay, I'll let you go."

"Wait, Steve," she calls out before he could hang up.

"Yeah?"

"I love you," she says with a shaky voice.

"I love you too, so much," he says, "I'll text you when I board the plane."

After one final goodbye, Steve hangs up the phone.

The flight seemed like Steve's longest one he's ever been on. As soon as he landed he quickly grabbed his carry on, the only thing aside from his backpack that he brought with him. Elizabeth had messaged him letting him know that she could bring more of his stuff once she flies out.

Steve made his way out of the airport to find his mom waiting for him by her car. He quickly made his way towards her and wrapping his arms around her.

On the drive to Bucky's apartment Steve sent Liz a text letting her know he landed. He then called Bucky's mom to let her know he was on the way.

"Thank-you for coming out Steve," Winnie thanks him, "The baby is just about to get discharged, we should be at the apartment before you get there."

"Of course, I'll see you guys soon," he says hanging up the phone.

Steve then sends a quick email to his boss and professors explains his absence and why he'll most likely be gone for a couple of weeks.

An hour later Steve's mom was stopping outside of Bucky's building.

"Let them know I'm here if they need anything," his mom tells him before he exists the car, "I'll come back at noon with lunch for everyone."

"Thanks Mom," he says leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Steve exists the car leaving his bags with his mom. He takes one final breath before walking to the front doors. Steve presses the call button for Bucky's apartment and was immediately buzzed in.

As soon as he reaches Bucky's door, he knocks quietly. The door opens and he's welcomed by Rebecca. He takes in the sullen face on the teenage girl.

"Hey Bec," he says.

"Hi," she quietly says, as they hug each other in the door way.

When they pull apart she steps aside letting him inside.

"It's just my parents and I here. Bucky didn't want to deal with a lot of people right now," she explains to Steve.

"Steve," he hears from his left, Keith, Bucky's stepdad makes his way out of the small kitchenette over to him, and embracing him, "Thank-you so much for coming. We know you're a very busy person."

Before Steve could respond Bucky's mom Winnie walks into the living room.

"Oh Steve," she immediately wraps her arms around him.

"Thank-you so much for coming on such a short notice," she says. Steve could hear the shakiness in her voice. He could tell she was trying to keep it together. No doubt the last 12 hours being the most stressful and emotional she's ever been.

"There's no need to thank me. This is where I need to be," he tells them.

"Let us at least pay you back for the flight," Keith says.

"No, don't worry about that," Steve waves him off, "I had a lot of miles that needed to be used."

"Well, thank-you again," Keith nods his head, understanding where Steve was coming from.

"You can go on ahead Steve. Bucky is waiting for you in the nursery," Winnie tells him, giving him an assuring nod, he nods back making his way towards the nursery.

The short walk seemed like it was much longer. Steve has never felt so nervous in his life. When he approaches the closed door, he softly knocks on it.

"Come in," Bucky calls from inside.

Steve walks in, closing the door behind him. He's immediately greeted by Bucky sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of the room, feeding his newborn daughter.

"Hey," Steve softly says, not sure what to say.

"Hey," Bucky greeted Steve with a sad smile.

It had been 12 hours later and it still didn't feel real to Bucky. The hospital had even offered the chance for him and Poppy to stay a couple of days, but all Bucky wanted to do was to go home and get away from the hospital. But now being back in the apartment without Natasha was surreal. He was trying his best to keep it all in, at least while the baby is awake and needs him.

He was determined in being the one that cared for her, even when his mom offered to take care of her for a few hours while he gets some rest. He assured her that he needed to do this. He had to do it alone, because he knew that soon enough it would just be him and Poppy.

Bucky was very grateful when he heard Steve was flying out. He felt like Steve was the only one he could really talk to about everything going on.

Steve was still standing by the door, just watching his best friend be a dad for the first time. He had no idea what to say in this kind of situation. The words were caught in his throat the moment he actually saw Bucky.

"Thanks for coming," Bucky says breaking the silence. Steve immediately looks away from the baby to meet Bucky's eyes.

"You would've done the same thing," Steve says, "And like I've said before, I'll always be here for you."

"I don't care how far, I'll always be on that first flight to you," Steve continues, he glances down at the now sleepy baby, "You're my brother Buck."

There was a moment of silence between the young men. Both understanding what the other one means with such few words.

Steve watched as Bucky gently placed the sleepy baby on his shoulder to burp her.

"It suits you," Steve quietly remarks.

"What?" Bucky looked up at him confused.

"Fatherhood, it suits you," Steve says again, stepping closer to his friend.

"You think?" Bucky looks back down at the now sleeping baby.

"Yeah. I know it's only been less than a day, but you look natural. Make it look easy."

"Thanks," Bucky smiled, getting up for the he chair and walking over to the crib to gently place Poppy in.

Steve walked over, standing next to Bucky, watching the little one sleep peacefully.

"What's her name?" Steve whispered, realizing that he hadn't found out what the name of the baby was.

"Poppy James Barnes," Bucky proudly says.

"That's cute," Steve commented, he placed his right hand on Bucky's left shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

Bucky looked over at Steve and they both nodded their heads in agreement, before falling into an embrace.

"I am so sorry," Steve quietly says.

"It happened so quick, she barely even got to see the baby," Bucky quietly cried into Steve's shoulder, "I never even thought of this would be the outcome. I never imagined I'd be coming home solo with the baby."

Steve tightened his embrace on Bucky, just listening to his friend.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this Steve. I don't know how I'm going to raise her without her mom. I'm trying to keep it together to not worry my mom, but fuck Steve, I don't know what I'm doing. I'm scared I'll screw this all up. I'm scared I'll screw her up.

"I'm so scared Steve," Bucky cries.

"It's okay to be scared," Steve tries his best to comfort Bucky, "I'd be more concerned if you weren't scared. This is entirely new territory for you. You're raising a child, a child who unfortunately no longer has her mother. That alone is a fucking terrifying thing to go through.

"It's not going to be easy. There's no point in lying to you, and saying it will. You and I both that won't be the truth. But if there's anyone I know who could do this, it's you Buck. You're the strongest person I know. Whatever has happened before this doesn't matter. The only thing that matters now is that little girl. And I know damn well you're going to give her the best life she will ever have," Steve pulls away from Bucky and holds onto his shoulders.

"And you're not alone in this. You have a lot of people who care about you, and now Poppy. You will never be alone. You'll always have someone to call, someone to help you. You're crazy to think we would ever leave you to do this alone. We're here, and we're not going anywhere. You and Poppy will never have to be alone. She might not have her mom, but she's got you, and I know damn well you won't ever let her wonder what being without one parent truly feels like.

"You've got this Buck," Steve assures him, "And we're here every step of the way."

"Thanks Steve," Bucky sniffles, wiping the tears away.

"No need to thank me," Steve smiles, "Now why don't you go take a nap. Get some rest. We're here if Poppy wakes up."

"Yeah I could use some sleep," Bucky yawns, his adrenaline from the last 12 hours fading away.

Steve walks Bucky to his bedroom and watches as he gets into his bed, and quickly falls asleep. He quietly closes the door behind him, with the baby monitor in one hand checking to make sure Poppy is still asleep.

He walks back into the living room, placing the monitor by the tv for everyone to see and hear.

"They're both asleep," Steve announces to the room.

"Oh thank goodness," Winnie sighs, "James hasn't taken a moment to rest since everything happened."

"Knowing Bucky, we'll probably have to be forcing him to rest for the next couple of weeks," Steve says.

"I just got off of the phone with Natasha's father," Keith said walking back inside the apartment.

"What did he say?" Winnie asked.

"He said that the funeral is all up to us," Keith sighs, "Something about how Natasha made her own path with getting pregnant, and that once she left she was no longer his responsibility."

"He really said that?" Winnie asked mortified.

"I'm afraid so," Keith sighed, "I tried reasoning with him saying we would handle everything financially and he can come to the funeral but he said no."

"What kind of father doesn't show up to his own daughter's funeral," Winnie shakes her head in complete disbelief.

"Explains why Natasha was the way she was," Rebecca whispered, so that only Steve could hear her.

He reluctantly agrees.

Two weeks later

Elizabeth was helping Steve with his tie in his childhood bedroom. She had flown in yesterday for today's funeral services. Elizabeth had gotten in late last night, so she still hasn't seen Bucky or Poppy yet. She was a let to get a week off of work and her professors gave her an extension on her assignments when she explained to them what happened.

"I still can't believe Natasha's dad isn't going," she says as she straightens out Steve's tie.

"Bucky's mom is still holding out hope that he shows up," Steve says.

"What does Bucky think of it all?" Elizabeth asks.

"He's not worrying about it," Steve explains, looking over himself in the mirror, "His only concern right now is Poppy and only Poppy. If Nat's dad shows up then he does. But as of now Bucky has made the decision that he will not be in Poppy's life. Not until he proves himself."

"That's very mature," she says grabbing her purse.

"This Buck is like a whole new one you've never seen before. Fatherhood has made him a thousand times more grown up these last couple of weeks."

"That's good."

"Ready to go?" Steve asked her, grabbing the keys to his mom's car.

"Yup," Elizabeth says following Steve out.

Bucky had asked Steve to pick him and Poppy up, and Steve had of course agreed.

They arrived to Bucky's apartment in fifteen minutes. Walking up to Bucky's door they could hear a lot of commotion coming from inside. Steve used the key Bucky gave him to let himself and Elizabeth in.

As soon as they walked in they were greeted by the sounds of a baby crying.

"Buck?" Steve called out.

"We're in here," he calls from the nursery.

They go to the nursery to find Bucky looking frazzled while trying to change Poppy's diaper.

"I'm so sorry. I'm running so behind," Bucky tells them, glancing over his shoulder quickly,

"Poppy didn't sleep well last night. And nothing I've tried has been working."

"It's okay Buck, just take your time," Steve calmly says.

"I still need to shower, shave, and get dressed," Bucky rambles, "She's going to need another change of clothes because she spat all over herself, and my mom only bought this one outfit for today."

"Hey Bucky, calm down," Elizabeth calmly spoke up, placing her hand on his back, "Take a breath."

Bucky felt the warmth and comfort from Liz's touch. He listens to what she says and takes a deep breath.

"Okay good," she says, "now you go get ready. Steve and I got this."

"Okay," he nods his head, handing the baby over to Elizabeth, "thank-you."

"Of course," she softly smiles at him, "now go get ready."

Bucky quickly makes his way out of the room and into his own to get ready.

Elizabeth looks down at the small baby in her arms. She could see so much of Bucky in the baby with hints of Natasha. It was a little strange for her to be holding Bucky's baby and it not being her baby as well. Not that she ever wanted to get back together with Bucky, because she didn't. There was just a little voice in her head, that of her teenage self, saying how it was supposed to be them, doing this together.

She quickly shut the voice down.

Elizabeth was incredibly sympathetic of Bucky's situation. All she wanted to do was be there for him, as a friend. She wanted Bucky to succeed as a father, and she would do what she could to make that happen.

Steve silently watched Elizabeth watching Poppy. He couldn't really read her expression. He hates to admit it to himself, especially with everything going on, but he was slightly worried about how Liz would react to all of this. He had faith in their relationship, of course he trusted her immensely. But he still couldn't help but feel like she might decide to leave him for Bucky. Elizabeth turned around to see Steve looking at her with a distant look in his eyes.

"You good?" She gently asked, breaking him from his self-destructive thoughts.

"Yeah. You?"

"Yeah," she nods her head, handing the baby over to him, "I'm going to try and find her a new outfit.

"Okay," Steve says sitting down with the baby.

"I love you," Liz quietly says to Steve, knowing what could possibly going through his mind, if hers was also wandering.

"I love you," Steve replies back, finding himself relaxing at just hearing those three words, any doubt slipping away.

30 minutes later Bucky was ready to go. He walked out to the living room where he found Steve and Elizabeth sitting with each other holding the baby. He paused for a moment taking in the scene in front of him. He felt a sense of warmth and low flow through him as his closest friends admire his daughter. In that moment he knew he had made the right decision in what he would tell them next.

Steve glanced up to see Bucky leaning against the frame of the hallway.

"Ready?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, but I actually wanted to ask you two something before we go," Bucky says walking over and sitting on a chair next to the couch.

"Sure, what's up?" Steve leans forward, leaning on his knees, giving Bucky his full attention.

Elizabeth tears her eyes away from Poppy to also give Bucky her full attention. She smiles at him, letting him know he could continue on.

"I first and foremost just want to thank you Steve, for what probably is the hundredth time," Bucky says, "I know you have a lot going on with work and school. So I really appreciate everything you've done for me and for Poppy. And you too Elizabeth, I know you're incredibly busy especially with law school prep. And with everything that's happened between-"

"Don't," she stopped him, "What's past is past."

"Well anyways, thank-you," Bucky says, "Now here comes what I wanted to ask you two. There's no other two people I wouldn't trust more with Poppy. So I wanted to ask if you would be her godparents?"

"Really?" Elizabeth asked taken back by Bucky's request.

"Yes," he nods his head, "There's no one else I wouldn't trust with her if anything happens. It'll help me sleep better knowing she'll have two people who'll love her like I would. Two people who have so much love between them, that I know will always be together."

Both Steve and Elizabeth were taken back by Bucky's last statement. They knew Bucky had accepted their relationship, but to actually have him not only say it out loud but to practically give them his blessing, it meant the world to the couple.

Steve and Elizabeth both share a look with tears glistening in their eyes. Elizabeth nods her head.

Steve turns back to Bucky, "We'd be honored to be Poppy's godparents."

Elizabeth and Steve stood up to hug Bucky. All filled with a wide range of emotions. Bucky felt a huge sense of comfort after asking Liz and Steve to be Poppy's godparents. He knew he made the right decision, and he knew he could now sleep better at night knowing his daughter would be taken care of. And by two people he knows can love her the way he does.

After what happened with Natasha, Bucky just wanted to make sure Poppy would be taken care of. If she couldn't have her parents, then she would have the closest thing to having parents. And Bucky knows Steve and Elizabeth would be amazing parents.

That alone allowed him to be at peace for whatever may happen.

Arriving to the funeral location Bucky felt his nerves start to spike. He sat in the backseat looking out the window at the familiar faces walking into the chapel.

"You okay?" Elizabeth asked turning in her seat, after Steve parked the car.

"I don't know if I can do this," he mutters, glancing towards the sleeping baby in the car seat next to him.

"We'll be right next to you along the entire way," Liz calmly says.

"If you feel too overwhelmed we'll leave whenever you want," Steve tells him, "We won't stay if you absolutely can't handle it. No one will hold it against you."

"Okay," Bucky takes a deep breath.

"Stay here, I'll get the stroller out," Steve says, getting out of the car.

"No one is expecting you to be brave, Buck," Elizabeth says, "You're allowed to be vulnerable. You're allowed to show emotions."

He nods his head, taking in what she's telling him.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small necklace. Clutching onto it as if his life depended on it.

Elizabeth catches the small 'N' on it, realizing that that was the necklace Natasha wore everyday since she was 13.

Bucky takes one final deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

"Okay, I'm ready," he tells her.

"Okay, let's do this."

Bucky was grateful that they arrived only minutes before the service started. Everyone was already seated in the pews.

He slowly walked down the aisle pushing the stroller, Steve and Elizabeth walking right behind him.

Bucky tried his best to avoid any eye contact with everyone. He couldn't bare to look at the pity in their eyes.

He caught sight of his family siting in the second row. He also noticed a man sitting alone in the first row.

He instantly knew who it was.

Once Bucky reached the first row, the man made to movement to greet Bucky.

Bucky cleared his throat, "Mr. Romanoff."

The older man looked over at Bucky, then at the stroller.

"James," he stiffly said, turning his attention back to the front.

Bucky awkwardly sat down placing the stroller next to his legs, away from Natasha's father, while Steve and Elizabeth sat next to Bucky.

The service was going smoothly up until the priest announced that Natasha's father would be making a speech, catching everyone off guard.

Bucky looked at the older man as he walked up to the stand. He turned around to face his mom, "Did you know this?" he whispered.

"No I didn't," she shook her head.

Right as Mr. Romanoff was about to start speaking, Poppy began to cry. Bucky quickly went to get her out of the stroller, while Steve quickly went to grab a bottle to help him out.

As soon as the baby calmed down Mr. Romanoff began to speak.

"First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for coming," he begins, "I really appreciate it. Natasha would be eternally grateful for all of you."

Bucky started to get annoyed by the beginning of Mr. Romanoff's speech. As if the man didn't turn down the invitation for the last two weeks. Now he's trying to act like the perfect father, as if he didn't kick her out and cut off his pregnant daughter.

"Natasha was a kind hearted person. Only wanting the best for those closest to her. She was the most selfless person you would have ever met," he continued on with his speech.

Elizabeth couldn't help but be confused by Mr. Romanoff's speech. She hated thinking ill of the dead, but that man had no idea who his daughter truly was.

"Natasha was so smart, earning her way into Yale. She was only months away from graduating. I was so incredibly proud of her. If only we would've gotten the opportunity to watch her walk across the stage.

"Other than leaving an everlasting impression on all of us, she also left behind a part of her. Her last moments on Earth was spent bringing in another Romanoff," he says.

Bucky's head snapped up to Mr. Romanoff, then towards Steve.

"Romanoff?" Bucky whispered, "This man has the fucking nerve."

"Ignore him," Steve whispered back, trying to calm Bucky down, "He's just saying all of this to make himself look good."

"Natasha brought her daughter into the world," Mr. Romanoff continued, forcing fake tears to fall, "I remember being by her side as she was in labor."

Bucky clenched his jaw, forcing himself not to call Mr. Romanoff out on his lies.

"As she was dying," Mr. Romanoff paused for dramatic effect, "Her only request was to name her daughter after her."

Steve paled his hand on Bucky's shoulder, trying his best to calm him down. It was too late, Bucky was already placing Poppy in Steve's arms.

"What a fucking lie," Bucky stood up shouting at Mr. Romanoff, causing everyone to gasp.

"James," Mr. Romanoff said through gritted teeth, as a warning.

"How could you just lie to all these people?" Bucky shouted, "How could you lie as if you didn't disown Natasha months prior when she told you she was pregnant. Or when my parents kept inviting you to the funeral, you kept saying no and how Natasha's decisions led to their death. How dare you say you were in the delivery room. As if you didn't have her number blocked.  My mom and I were there when things took a horrible turn. We were there when the doctor walked out and told us Natasha didn't make it. Not you! Us!

"Then you go on to make some shitty story about Nat's last words. Which is completely false. Natasha never wanted to name the baby after herself, you'd actually know that if you were actually present in her life. But you weren't. And you sure as hell will never be a part of your granddaughter's life."

Bucky turned to Steve and Liz, "Let's go."

They nodded their heads and helped put Poppy in the stroller. They followed Bucky as he walked out of the chapel.

After leaving the funeral services, Steve was able to calm Bucky down. Winnie had called Elizabeth to let her know that the burial services the next day were officially going to be private. Liz agreed that that'd be best for everyone involved. Especially with what happened during the funeral services.

The burial service was only attended by Bucky, and his family, along with Elizabeth and Steve.

Everything went along smoothly. Everyone giving Bucky the safe space to grieve.

After the burial, everyone gave Bucky a few moments alone at the grave site so he can say his final goodbyes.

"Hey Nat," he pauses taking a deep breath, "these last two weeks haven't been the easiest. But boy have they been amazing. I may be more exhausted than I've ever been, but boy is she worth it.

"She may only be two weeks but I can already tell she's going to be the most amazing person ever," he softly cries, "You would've loved her so much. But like I promised back at the hospital, she'll never not know who her mother was. I will always make sure she knows who you were. Always."

"Goodbye Natasha," he whispered, before walking away to join his family waiting.

Age: 26

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Year: 2020

"Daddy, what's this?" Poppy calls out to her father from his bedroom.

"What's what petal?" He asked walking into the room, finding her surrounded by boxes, as they prep for their move uptown.

"This," she holds up the small necklace with the 'N'.

Bucky kept that necklace in a small box in his nightstand. He kept it at the bottom of his nightstand for safe keepings. Planning on one day to give it to his daughter. He always planned to wait until she was 16, but he figures now is as good as ever.

"That was your mommy Natasha's," he said walking over to her, and sitting next to her on his bed, "She got it when she was 13, and wore it every day up until when she died."

"It's pretty," she says admiring it in her hands.

"It is isn't it," he smiles at his little girl, "It's now yours."

He grabs the necklace from her little hands. He unclasps it, then gently moves her dirty blonde hair to the side. He places the necklace around her neck, and clasps it shut.

"Thank-you daddy," she smiles brightly at her father, admiring the necklace that now lay on her chest.

Bucky smiled at his daughter, watching as she kept admiring the necklace. It was a little big on her, but he knew she would grow into it.

"Anything for you baby," he kisses the top of her head, "Anything."

[imnotgoinganywhereok]

Yeah, I’m back on my Sims 4 bullshit! („ಡωಡ„) After an entire month I started to miss my Sim children. So, I decided to visit them once again and have some memorable screenshots, especially since I only started sharing my Sims experience from 5th and 6th generation. I’d be grateful if you checked it out one day, I think it can be somewhat investing! And there will be more content to come...

Recently I noted down in my little notebook all basic information and cool trivia about each of my Sim children, and I decided to share some of it here. There is a limit of only 10 pictures in one post, and I was afraid the post would be long but, to be fair, this is my blog and I’m doing what I want now! And, I will merely touch upon what is already established up to Delphini (gen 7). Again, there will be more in the future. Apologies in advance (ง ื▿ ื)ว

Generation one: Valentina Owl. I created her back in December 2019 when I got Discover University for Christmas! She’s a “human” Sim and I created her through a story option in CAS, and immediately started having a blast. I was not a huge fan of such USAmericanised concept of university but the game was fun. She was the only one who lived up to be an elder (and then die) because back then I thought I’m gonna have a game where my Sims age and stuff. That quickly didn’t work out for me because I missed her already and decided that I’m gonna fill my entire save with just Owl family. Valentina studied Communications and worked as a policewoman at the same time. A lonely workaholic with only her lavish garden, she finally settled for a relationship with Lilith Vatore. As I noticed in this post, there was no marriage so my entire bloodline comes from a bastard. Lovely! She died from receiving a flower arragement with Death Flower scent. Now she’s on the Gallery.

Generation two: Herbert Owl. He was the one who directly killed Valentina. He mastered Gardening like Valentina, and then Flower Arranging - unfortunate for her. Because of Lilith, he was a vampire - and to be fair, the consequences are haunting me to this day! So, a few trivia, maybe. He is super smart, lives in Glimmerbrook like the next two generations, and has a small garden in his house where he grows crops for husband’s, Morgyn Ember’s, potions. He prefers black and purple clothes, both in his human and vampire form. He wrote only one book in his life, translating to The Real Story of Valentina Owl - whether it’s to cover the murder or not remains a mystery. He makes flower arrangements to this day. Ah, he’s also immune to Sun thanks to one of his vampire perks! That sort of helped him take a better care of his son whom he loves very much.

Generation three: Harry Owl. There is not that much I can say about him. A perfectionist like his father (Herbert), he’s blond and wears both masculine and feminine clothes like his other father (Morgyn), but this is where the comparisons end. See, in my mind he wasn’t a good person, despite having a Compassionate trait. He cared for his grandmother’s (Valentina’s) garden only because of his father’s (Herbert’s) feelings; later he shun away gardening. As a teenager, he often used to drink plasma without permission even if he wasn’t thirsty. Of course, he was also a really bad father, often berating his son for not being “good enough” or not paying attention to him at all. All Harry cared about were his paintings that he was creating in his private office. He married Miverva Charm, started living with her family, and still decided to only socialise with her. No one really knows what made him choose her.

Generation four: Nereus Owl. Born a vampire, he cured himself out of vampirism as soon as he could and later became a spellcaster. All he ever did in life was seemed like a rebellion against his father - clothes, flacking off during studies, loving gardening and shuning away painting. Well, it seemed to his father that Nereus is doing this to spite him. Despite this borderline abuse (because how abusive can Sims really be?), Nereus claims his childhood was relatively happy. Of course, he has no clue where his Erratic trait came from! Or why he grew to be a Perfectionist as well. All he knows is that having over 11 different plants in his garden is what makes him happy and that he doesn’t care if his father approves of him anymore! You could see him for the first time here. What is more, as he grew older, he found that he loves playing the violin and his wife, L. Faba, supports him in any way she can. His natural hair colour is red; thanks, grey-haired Minerva - that one bit me in the ass for next three generations.

Generation five: Elijah Tane Owl. Vegetarian like his father, he was the first one to attend Foxbury instead of Britechester. His father Nereus claimed it should be Elijah’s choice what he wants to do in life, giving Elijah freedom Nereus never really had. Elijah studied Computer Science but was a man of many talents. He was a fan of Handiness, Cooking (especially grilling), and Fitness. He often played (and sang) serenades on a keyboard for his wife, Alessandra Robles, almost maxing out his Piano skill. What made him date Alessandra was a shared Vegetarian trait. His favourite colour accent in clothing is green. He grew six strawberry plants because he wished to have a daughter (yeah, only in Sims 4 lol). There are more info about him in my previous posts as it was this generation when I started publishing my game progress, starting with this one (although my main focus was on Salem).

Generation six: Salem Owl (previously Lavender Owl). There is tons and tons of posts about her, her wife Luna Villareal (both are adults, calm down FBI), and their five daughers: Amaryllis, Wisteria, Delphini (remember this one), Hemlock, and Poppy. All you need to know about her is that she is a hard-working mother who climbed her way to the top and even higher to secure the future of her daughers. She hoped for three children and played with On the Dark Ley-Line lot trait to perhaps have some vampire offspring. Instead, she had twins (Ama and Wis) first, and then triplets (Del, Hem, and Poppy) later! She taught her daughers instruments/skills like Piano, Pipe Organ, and Violin. Once she realised Wis and Hem were vampires, she started growing three Plasma fruit trees, with time maxing out her Gardening skill. She’s on very bad terms with her grandma, L. Faba, but tries to keep in touch with her grandpa, Nereus. She has a bad reputation because of her Insensitive trait and a handful of enemies. She’s sorry for what happened between Lilith and Valentina in the past but the Vatore twins don’t mind. She’s ginger, workaholic, has spiky ears, and a lot of freckles. She’s still very good friends with Vladislaus.

Generation seven (A): Amaryllis Owl. She’s colour-coded (pink) and her clothes and room reflect that. She wrote at least 10 books, has spiky ears after her mother (Salem), and is the older daugher in the house. Eventually, she married Candy Behr. Ama’s twin sister is Wisteria and they share the same eyeliner type. Despite having a twin, her skin tone is lighter than Wis’ but the same as Hem and Poppy’s. She inherited a feminine walk from her mother (Luna). Doesn’t know much about Vampire Lore despite having vampire sisters. She loved doing everything with her twin sister. Amaryllis used to be a naturally-born/spawned hybrid of a vampire and a spellcaster but settled for the latter.

Generation seven (B): Wisteria Owl. She’s colour-coded (purple) and her room reflects that. As a vampire, she aims for a gothic look, often wearing hats and gloves to hide from the sun (with time, she turned into a heliphobe). She’s an actress and a B-Lister. She has a pet frog in her room. To reach her room, one has to walk through Ama’s room first - and they’re both okay with that. Wis is the only one to have the same skin tone as her mother (Salem) and the same nose as her other mother (Luna). Her vampiric form changes her eye colour to glowing purple. She loved goign to karaoke bars with her older twin sister Ama, which led Wis to maxing out Singing skill. As a fully fledged vampire, she decided to reach out to Herbert - they’re good friends.

Generation seven (C): Delphini Owl. Same as Amaryllis - naturally-born/spawned hybrid of a vampire and a spellcaster but settled for the latter. She’s colour-coded (dark blue) and her clothes and room reflect that. She always knew she’s going to leave the house and eventually create more Owls. She pursued the rich life and moved out to Del Sol Valley, eventually becoming a Global Superstar. She used to work in a Musician Branch but quit after time - blame the Freegan trait. She has three cats and lives with her daugher Morgan, and her [Morgan’s] husband Kaito Kaneko, and their adopted son Leven Owl (all of which I’ll talk about another time). She received a lot of awards (meeting with fans, Perfect Llama to name the few) and is very happy that her daugher lives with her. She used to romance with Flower Bunny, and then Octavia Moon - althought the initial plan was to go after Octavia’s husband, Thorne. Del often drinks but since there’s no alcoholism in Sims 4, let’s pretent she likes to stay hydrated! She owes half of her success (or namely, money for and expensive house) to her mother Salem. Loves to sunbathe!

Generation seven (D): Hemlock Owl. She’s colour-coded (white) and her clothes and room reflect that. She’s a make-up enthusiast and a little spoiled by the rich life. Also, she’s very Squeamish and Noncommittal. Despite being a vampire, she’s not interested in improving Vampire Lore skill at all. In her vampire form, her eyes change to glowing white. Her face as as many freckles as her mother’s (Salem). She’s the middle child in the triplets business and her best friend is Poppy. She used to wear glasses as a child... What more can I say? She’s living the dream!

Generation seven (E): Poppy Owl. She’s colour-coded (red) and her clothes and room (and a neon light) reflect that. The youngest daughter in the house. Wild and a Bro, she’s the perfect candidate to hang out with. She’s the only child to be born a human - which most likely makes Luna very happy. She’s a robots enthusiast - not Robotics skill but only figurines of robots. She’s a Geek so what else should we expect? She has her own TV and a stereo in her room (as well as a bubble machine). Poppy often wears her PJs around the house because they’re the comfiest. Despite being a Bro, she doesn’t really have friends beside her family. She’s the one to walk the family dog, Milk.

[starlingsrps]

poppy allen character development.

BASIC INFORMATION

FULL NAME:  poppy lieke allen

NICKNAME(S): nope.

PREFERRED NAME(S): poppy

BIRTH DATE: october 25

AGE: twenty seven

GENDER: cis female

PRONOUNS: feminine

ROMANTIC/SEXUAL ORIENTATION: heterosexual

NATIONALITY: american

ETHNICITY: american-dutch

CURRENT LOCATION: los angeles, ca

LIVING CONDITIONS: neat and tidy, well decorated. she's definitely in laurel canyon, purposefully kind of a bitch to drive to.

BACKGROUND

BIRTH PLACE: santa barbara, ca

HOMETOWN: montecito, ca

PLACES LIVED: montecito, new york, london - wherever the hell she's filming tbh. los angeles is home.

SOCIAL CLASS: upper upper. when your eighteenth birthday is a people magazine cover, you don't pretend.

EDUCATION LEVEL: high school

FATHER: bryce hawthorne, 57, movie star

MOTHER: saskia werhoff, 52, model turned lifestyle guru

SIBLING(S): marieke allen, 25; matthias allen, 20

BIRTH ORDER: poppy, marieke, matthias

CHILDREN: absolutely no.

PET(S): nope; allergic to most things with fur.

OTHER IMPORTANT RELATIVES: her mother's family in the netherlands, her father's in nebraska.

PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS: legion and documented online.

ARRESTS?: nope.

PRISON TIME?: nope.

OCCUPATION & INCOME

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME: actress

SECONDARY SOURCE OF INCOME: spokesperson

TERTIARY SOURCE(S) OF INCOME: trust fund

CONTENT WITH THEIR JOB (OR LACK THERE OF)?: like why wouldn't she be

PAST JOB(S): does she look like she's ever done intensive work?

SPENDING HABITS: poppy's version of reasonable is absolutely not the same as a normal persons. she thinks she's reasonable but that's just because she doesn't own a diamond encrusted birkin. she buys things that are high quality and doesn't really have experience with things that aren't.

MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION: real estate portfolio. she owns her house and a condo in new york. both are points of pride for her.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: B-

OFFENSE: B

DEFENSE: B

SPEED: B

INTELLIGENCE: B

ACCURACY: B+

AGILITY: B

STAMINA: B

TEAMWORK: C+

TALENTS: poppy has an incredible work ethic and sense of loyalty. she knows she's lucky to be where she is in life but she's going to show up the same as anyone else on set and give her best every time. she knows her self worth and she does not compromise on it one single bit.

SHORTCOMINGS: that can come off as.....abrasive.

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: english and dutch

DRIVE?: yes

JUMP-STAR A CAR?: she was definitely taught by her father but it did not stick.

CHANGE A FLAT TIRE?: see above.

RIDE A BICYCLE?: yes

SWIM?: yes

PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?: no

PLAY CHESS?: no

BRAID HAIR?: yes

TIE A TIE?: yes

PICK A LOCK?: no.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

FACE CLAIM: abigail cowen

EYE COLOR: blue

HAIR COLOR: red; boosted from strawberry blonde to red-red.

HAIR TYPE/STYLE: long and swishy. it's a signature at this point. that pantene hair deal did not just materialize on it's own.

GLASSES/CONTACTS?: both - a bitch is Nearsighted.

DOMINANT HAND: right

HEIGHT: 5'7

BUILD: willowy and toned, great ass.

EXERCISE HABITS: daily - she looks at it as part of her job description and between her father's biceps and her mother's devotion to yoga, she wasn't really raised with much of a choice but to use the gym.

SKIN TONE: fair, little freckled. a lot freckled if the sun has gotten to her.

TATTOOS: none

PEIRCINGS: ears

MARKS/SCARS: none

NOTABLE FEATURES: the Hair, upturned nose

USUAL EXPRESSION: attentive

CLOTHING STYLE: carefully curated. god i miss polyvore this would be so much easier. hold for pinterest board.

JEWELRY: whatever suits/is loaned for the occasion. she has a lot of small pieces that she owns for daily wear and a few really nice bits that she got from her parents as gifts.

ALLERGIES: dander, almonds.

DIET: nothing super weird/out of the ordinary, definitely erring on the trendy and consciously healthy end of things.

PHYSICAL AILMENTS: nah.

PSYCHOLOGY

ENNEAGRAM TYPE: type eight

MORAL ALIGNMENT: chaotic neutral

TEMPERAMENT: choleric

ELEMENT: water

SOCIABILITY: A - poppy is incredibly charming and social.

EMOTIONAL STABILITY: ehhhh i'll give her a B-. like she's not bad but when her temper gets triggered, hell will reign.

OBSESSION(S): nah

COMPULSION(S): nah

PHOBIA(S): failure

ADDICTION(S): nah

DRUG USE: she does smoke, she does know, she doesn't care.

ALCOHOL USE: social drinker.

PRONE TO VIOLENCE?: no (yet i think a certain someone might get something thrown at him)

MANNERISMS

SPEECH STYLE: even and cultivated. she has a pretty feminine voice and has done a little voiceover work.

ACCENT: nope.

QUIRKS: she squints a lot, even if she does have her glasses on or contacts in. this bitch is Blind.

HOBBIES: she does read a lot and she does enjoy trying new things. nothing crafty but she's pretty down for new activities.

HABITS: daily workout, twice weekly call with her Team, grooming, work. she likes to stay busy and likes to stay organized - her planner is sacred.

NERVOUS TICKS: don't fucking touch her planner.

DRIVES/MOTIVATIONS: personal success. she was well known before she jumped into acting and modeling on her own by virtue of her parents but she absolutely wants to be her own person. she doesn't use her father's SAG name (legally, they're all allens rather than hawthorne but SAG), she doesn't do any mommy and me/daddy and me projects and she steers any interviews away from heavy talk about her family.

FEARS: personal failure. she knows she'll be okay no matter what - she's got the cushion of wealth and privilege - but she does not want to ever fail on her own merits.

POSITIVE TRAITS: loyal, generous, hard working, passionate, driven, fearless.

NEGATIVE TRAITS: bossy, stubborn, abrasive, no sense of limitations, single minded.

SENSE OF HUMOR: good! kind of dorky, prone to dragging the shit out of people.

DO THEY CURSE OFTEN?: ehhhhh what is often

FAVORITES

ACTIVITY: sex working, being alone. she spends so much time surrounded by people that being alone to relax is a luxury.

ANIMAL: she thinks dogs are awesome but she can't be around them without a shitload of benadryl so like, bears?

BEVERAGE: the iced coffee IS surgically attached to her hand, thanks!

BOOK:

CELEBRITY: her parents, corny as that is. least favorite is her brother, who's big on tiktok and habitually trying to use her pool for shenanigans.

COLOR: red

DESIGNER: she's a valentino bitch.

FOOD: a really, really good steak.

FLOWER: gardenias

GEM: pearls

HOLIDAY: christmas

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: flying

MOVIE: father of the bride

MUSICAL ARTIST: kacey musgraves

SCENERY: the ocean. she's a coastal california girl and she does not like to be far from the water.

SCENT: ocean, gardenias, coffee.

SPORT: baseball

SPORTS TEAM: dodgers

TELEVISION SHOW: nothing specific but she will watch food network competition shows for hours.

WEATHER: bright and sunny

VACATION DESTINATION: exotic and warm.

ATTITUDES

GREATEST DREAM: having her career measured on its own merits; oscar. she doesn't not want a family and such outside of that but her career is her focus. she's in a good place and she doesn't want to put anything on pause.

GREATEST FEAR: poppy is alarmingly fearless. the only thing she truly fears is failing herself. nothing else really matters.

MOST AT EASE WHEN: with her family on the ranch in montecito to hang out and relax. she likes being around her sister - marieke is a classics student and has been bouncing about europe for the past seven years and they don't get to see each other very often. marieke is calm and completely removed from hollywood and she's basically the human equivelent of going to a spa.

LEAST AT EASE WHEN: not....no. poppy may be slightly uncomfortable but she is never going to let that show or acknowledge it.

WORST POSSIBLE THING THAT COULD HAPPEN: a scandal she can't recover from.

BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT: her career, the first time she wasn't mentioned in conjuction with her parents in a magazine article in the first paragraph.

BIGGEST REGRET: nope.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: she's sure there have been but they're all pretty buried.

BIGGEST SECRET: keiran, 100%.

TOP PRIORITIES: her career. it's a thing she can control.

[iwantthedean]

Let It Rock

Summary: While still separated from Sam and Castiel, Dean again crosses paths with an old hunting buddy -- and this time he isn’t feeling to negative about it.  Pairing: Dean x OFC Word Count: 2890 Warnings: Language, canon-typical violence, strippers.   Challenge: @d-s-winchester‘s Bon Jovi Challenge; my song was Let It Rock. I’m exactly a month late with this ... forgive me Ash! 

A/N: Part Two to an ongoing series, Promised Land. To be entirely honest, I have no idea what I’m doing with this series. Read the author’s note in part one for more info on the inspiration for this pairing! 

Some poppy music number was blaring from the over-used speakers as Dean entered the strip club. Beautiful women, scantily-clad and money hungry, were dancing everywhere it seemed; on tables, on poles, on laps. Dean took a deep breath and forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand.

Tonight, he wasn’t here for pleasure. The girls who worked this place were disappearing one by one, out of the blue, and all signs pointed to a supernatural culprit. Though he had avoided actually stepping foot in this place until now, there was no avoiding it anymore.

He took a seat near one of the stages, dropped a few dollar bills and ordered a drink, so as not to appear suspicious. The girl dancing now was a pleasant distraction, but he really needed to concentrate on the case.

Bite marks on the victims that had been recovered thus far pointed to a werewolf, but all hearts were intact. No other vital organs were missing, and none of the vics had been drained of their blood. The coroner’s report noted evidence of a heart attack, but to have it happen to so many young women in such a short time frame … therein lay the mystery.

There was one particular man whose eyes were darting around one too many times for Dean’s liking when Bon Jovi came blaring over the speakers. Let It Rock was a song Dean was well-familiar with, and when the lights went down before gradually coming back up as a new girl took the stage, he couldn’t help but let his focus drift to the silhouette at the back of the stage.

She was shorter than other girls, but there was no mistaking her curves. Her body was athletic, a build borne of years of staying fit from everyday activity, not from extra effort in the gym or special attention to her diet. Her short, blonde hair was a wig, and Dean found himself wanting to push her up against the wall and toss the wig away to tangle his fingers in her naturally long hair.

“Israel,” he muttered out under his breath.

As the lights flashed around him while the song continued, Dean’s mind flashed back to a month or so before, when his relationship with Israel had taken an unexpected turn. They had agreed to stay in touch after that night, not to force things, and mostly had stuck to that – but seeing her in cheeky shorts and push-up bra made him want to do a lot of things he had been forcing from his mind the last few weeks.

Images of water drops over her bare skin were interrupted by the catcalls, hoops, and hollers of the other men in the joint as Israel danced over the stage and on the pole. Dean took some deep breaths, reminded himself that she wasn’t necessarily his, and let himself once again be carried away by the movement of her hips as she danced.

When the song ended, Israel disappeared from the stage. Much to Dean’s chagrin, the suspicious man had also disappeared while Dean had been distracted by the woman on the stage.

 Israel tossed the blonde wig to the side, allowing her own hair to fall down her back. She pulled a tank top and jeans on before securing her hair into a ponytail. She pulled on her lace-up boots and shouldered her bag.

“Hey, Sarah! Leaving so soon?” one of the other girls called.

It took Israel a moment; she still wasn’t used to answering to her most recent alias. “Uh, yeah, I’m tapped out for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

The other woman waved, and Israel made her way out through the back of the club. She felt sweaty and disgusting – had no idea how so many of these girls did this on a regular basis – but she was certain she had pegged the werewolf attacking the girls that worked the club. Even more certain that her suspect had pegged her as his next victim.

When someone grabbed her by the arm, instinct was to throw a punch and defend herself. A second too late, she realized that it was not the suspected werewolf attempting to abduct her, but instead, a familiar face.

“Dean!” Israel cried, kneeling next to him on the ground.

He worked himself into a sitting position. “We gotta stop meeting like this, sweetheart.”

Israel smiled. “You all right? I’m sorry, I thought you were –”

“A werewolf?” Dean finished. “It’s all right. I’ll survive.”

She helped him stand, checking for any signs of serious injury. When Dean assured her again that he was fine, Israel nodded.

“C’mon, Winchester. I’ll buy you a beer.”

The closest bar was within walking distance, so they took the sidewalk there, with Israel telling Dean what she knew about the werewolf case so far. She started with what had brought her to the town, how she had worked her way into the strip club, and, once they reached the bar, told him about one of the vics she had spoken with before the girl was killed.

“She said this guy who comes into the club all the time had started taking her out every now and then, but she couldn’t tell exactly what his endgame was – there were some romantic moments, but he was also distanced. He asked a lot about her childhood, about her life now, about what she wanted for her future. He would ask random questions, trying to feel out her character.” She took a long gulp from her pint glass. “Anyway, so the day before they found Leslie dead in the alley, she told me that she was pretty sure this dude was into her. He’d told her that he liked strong women, and he couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them together.”

Dean’s brow wrinkled. “So you think this guy is looking for a mate?”

“It isn’t unheard of.” Finishing off her beer and motioning to the bartender for a round of shots, she took a deep breath. “Fortunately, I’ve set up the perfect trap for him.”

Dean shook his head adamantly. “Oh, hell no! You’re not setting yourself out for bait, Israel!”

Pulling a thick stack of bills from her take from the club that night, Israel tossed a couple on the bar. She tossed back her shot and the one that had been intended for Dean, and shrugged.

“It’s already done.” She shouldered her bag and slid off the stool. “What’s it going to be, Winchester? You want to fight about this here, or you gonna give me a ride back to my room?”

Dean clearly didn’t like it, but Israel knew he wasn’t about to let her go anywhere alone with a werewolf target on her back.

 As much as he wanted to drop the subject and get down to a continuation of the images that had plagued his brain while Israel danced earlier, Dean just couldn’t stop thinking about this werewolf business. Back in her room, he let the door slam behind him; Israel’s back to him, but he knew by the way that her head dropped back momentarily that she was well aware he wasn’t going to just let her do what she wanted.

“It isn’t safe,” Dean said.

Israel turned to face him. “What part of this job is safe, Dean? You act like I’m new to this, or making rash decisions. When I made my stand in the club for that guy to see how strong I am, I knew exactly what I was doing. You and I have both set ourselves out as bait a hundred times over the years – why is this time so different?”

Dean rolled his eyes and scoffed. “When have I ever thought anyone but me being bait was a good idea?”

“It wasn’t that long ago that you didn’t give a shit if I lived or died, I’ll remind you.”

“Yeah, well –” He paused to rub the bruise forming on his chin. “—that was before some … other things … came to light.”

Israel frowned. “Other things? Like what?”

Taking a few steps towards her, Dean reached out to push her long bangs off of her face. “Like, I realized that maybe there’s more to you – that you mean more to me – than I saw before. I’m gonna do something I don’t usually do and be completely honest with you, Israel. Watching other guys drooling over you while you danced on that stage tonight was more than enough to piss me off. Thinking about you with some dirty dog all over you? That’s just more than I can handle.”

Israel barely let him get the last of his sentence out before she threw herself at him, her lips roughly moving against his, her hands scrambling under his shirt. Dean pulled the elastic from her hair, the locks flowing freely just as he was remembering them earlier. He carded his fingers up to the roots of her hair, tugging slightly.

“C’mon, Winchester,” Israel smirked against his lips. “You know I like it rough.”

A growl came from deep in his chest as he pushed her against the first wall he could find. From there, Dean took complete control, losing himself in Israel for the night.

 She was sore and tired the next morning, but Israel had a meet-up with her suspect. She wasn’t about to miss her opportunity to execute her plan.

Dressing quietly, she was out of the room before Dean woke. He was going to be pissed and she knew that, but she wasn’t about to risk an entire case on whatever was going on with him.

Just before she left the room, she spotted the Impala keys on the table. Smiling to herself – and feeling somewhat mischievous – she quietly picked the keys up, and made her way to the Impala.

 Funky town.

The two words in the text message were accompanied by a location, thanks to the wonders of modern technology. Dean rubbed the heels of his hands into eyes, trying to force himself into full consciousness. He looked around the room first, praying he was seeing things.

Israel’s absence confirmed it; she was in trouble. Dean dressed quickly and went to grab for the Impala keys, only to realize his beloved car was gone.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered under his breath as he set out on foot. He’d pick up a cab or something along the way to the location Israel had sent.

The cab dropped him in the better part of town. The house in front of him was a two story with a large porch and columns. The yard was immaculate, the garden perfectly maintained. The only thing marring the whole scene was the sound of dogs barking inside.

Dean was debating his way in when he heard a crash come from inside the house, prompting him to kick the door in and enter that way, his gun at the ready. The barking had stopped and the house was deadly silent.

Making an assumption, Dean found the door to the basement and made his way down the steps. Sure enough, there was Israel, bloody, bruised, and tied to a chair in the middle of the room. Dean shoved his gun in the back of his waistband and made short work of untying her.

“Did he bite you?” Dean asked.

Israel shook her head. “No. He figured me out, beat the crap out of me. Said he was contemplating turning me, but he needed permission from someone first. Haven’t seen him in the last few minutes, but I know he’s in the house.”

“Let’s get you out of here – we’ll worry about him later.”

As they started up the stairs, the werewolf blocked their way. The two hunters took steps backwards as the werewolf walked towards them, eyes changing and claws pushing out from his nail beds. He was the same man Dean had labeled suspicious at the strip club the night before.

“You should not have come for her,” the man growled. “Too much mess to clean up after I change her.”

Dean tucked Israel behind him. “You can’t have her.”

“But we want her.” The werewolf’s lips turned into an evil sneer. “She is strong and, even better, she is a hunter. She will tell us how to avoid others – she will teach us how to survive.”

Brandishing his gun, Dean aimed and shot almost in the same second. The silver bullet seared a trail between the eyes of the werewolf, dropping him right there on the steps. Israel put a hand on his arm.

“Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“He said, ‘we’.”

They exchanged a glance then; Israel grabbed for her own gun, and they made their way up the steps. She stayed several steps behind Dean, covering him for whatever may jump out at them.

“You should not have killed my son,” came an elderly voice to their left.

Both hunters turned to see a woman, neatly dressed, hair perfectly groomed. Fangs pulled out from her pearly, white teeth.

“Your son was trying to change my girlfriend,” Dean bit out, walking closer to the woman.

“For our family,” the woman said, with the same sinister smile her son had shown before Dean killed him. “I made my son, and I wanted him to take a mate. Surely two, strong, young werewolves would give rise to the most notorious werewolf family in history. Those other girls just didn’t have what it took – their weak hearts could not handle the change. But her …” She pointed a clawed finger at Israel. “… this one has exceptional heart. She will give birth to and mother the strongest of us. I suppose I’ll just have to change her myself.”

The woman leapt towards Israel, but Dean intervened. His gun was slapped aside, but the fighting match went on for some minutes before a shot rang out. Dean felt the heat of the bullet on his shoulder, but that didn’t compete with the wide-eyed, empty look of the old woman as she slumped to the ground, blood dripping from her mouth.

Holding his shoulder, Dean turned to Israel. She lowered the gun and let out a deep sigh.

“See?” she said. “I told you. I can handle a situation. I know when I need help.”

Dean looked at her like she was crazy. “You shot me!”

Israel rolled her eyes, picking up his gun and handing it to him. “I didn’t shoot you. That was the cleanest shot I had. It’s a flesh wound.”

“Last night you punched me and today you shoot me! What the fuck?”

Finding her bag, Israel pulled it onto her shoulder, grimacing a little at the ache in her muscles, over-worked from a few different activities in the last twelve hours.

“Come on. Let’s get back to the hotel and I’ll patch you up.”

After separate showers, Israel did as she promised and patched up Dean’s shoulder. She wasn’t about to apologize, although he was one-hundred-percent certain an apology was in order.

“Not only for punching and shooting me, but you stole my car! I don’t even want to think about what could have happened to my baby if you weren’t able to send that text.”

Israel tossed him the keys. “Yeah, well, the fucking car is fine, and you’re patched up. We can part ways now.”

Hastily shoving things into her bag, she spooked only a little when Dean softly took her by the elbow.

“Hey, wait. I haven’t had a chance to check you over. Are you okay?’

“I’m fine,” she shrugged. “I’ve taken a few punches in my day, remember?”

Dean insisted on looking her over, just the same. When he was convinced she would be okay, he pulled her against his chest.

“I had an idea. Maybe it’s horrible. But, since I seem to be more worried over your well-being than I thought I would be, you know – maybe we can stick together for a while.”

Israel thought it over. “I mean, yeah, that could be good. Work some cases together. Can I ask you something first?”

Dean shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

“What about The Darkness?”

He released her from the embrace and shrugged again. “I don’t know. Amara’s under my skin, Israel, I’m not going to lie to you – but so are you. I know that I don’t want any part of Amara, but you … I can’t get enough of you.”

Israel forced herself not to smile. “All right then. We’ll stick together for a while, but I want to be very clear, Dean. You are not the boss of me. You don’t get to order me around and stop me from doing my job, same as you do yours.”

Dean approached her again slowly. “Never? I never get to order you around?”

His lips brushed over hers, chilling Israel’s spine. “Well, maybe every now and then.”

Dean grinned, tightening his arms around her middle and pressing his lips fully against hers. Israel’s tongue immediately sought access to his mouth, and Dean didn’t hesitate to give it up. After all, he hadn’t been lying; while The Darkness plagued his dreams and confused the hell out of him, Israel was the only woman he seemed unable to resist.