#anytime someone asks about it hes just ''good camouflage for me :]''

[toxooz]

maybe im projecting but i feel like Ollie would have a FUCKING HUGE monstera plant in his house thats taking over his living room

[kasienda]

Aftermath - Ch 6: Out in the World

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Read on Ao3

Artwork for this chapter brought to you by the amazing @itsyagirlmaggie with Adrien and Marinette with their new hair colors!! Just look how expressive and cute they are! And those shirts! Aah! I am so spoiled!!

...

Chapter 6: Out in the World

Adrien was still in bed when Marinette arrived. She frowned in concern as she circled around the bed. Was he asleep? Sick? 

But his eyes were as clear and vibrantly green as always. He didn’t smile, or even look at her. Her heart sank in her chest.

“Hey,” she greeted softly. 

“Hey,” he croaked back. 

“You okay?” 

He shook his head, and then his eyes turned glassy and he turned away. 

She sat on the bed beside him and let her fingers card through his hair. 

“What’s going on?” 

“I wanted to bake you something, but I didn’t have all the ingredients. I went to the store, but… before I went in, someone recognized me.”

She winced. “As a model or as Hawkmoth’s son?”

“Take a guess,” he mumbled into his pillow. 

She sighed. It had to be the latter for him to be taking it this hard. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

He shook his head.

She felt so useless. All of this had been hard enough. It wasn’t fair that half of Paris continued to drag Adrien back into his father’s shadow. Adrien had never done anything wrong. 

She wished she had some way to lucky charm a solution for him. 

Her fingers continued to slide through his soft locks. 

It wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t so incredibly recognizable. 

A light bulb went off in her head.

“What if we dyed your hair?” Marinette suggested. 

He turned towards her with one eye peaked open. “What?”

“It probably won’t protect you completely, but if you dyed your hair and wore those big dark sunglasses anytime you went out, I bet a lot fewer people would recognize you. At least for a while.”

He rolled over and sat up. Her quilt pooled around his waist. “Could we dye it red?” 

She studied his face and hair. “You could probably pull off a natural red-head with those green eyes.” 

He shook his head. “No, I want deep bright red. Maybe with black tips?” 

She laughed. “You mean like Ladybug?”

“Yes,” he said seriously. 

She had to swallow a sudden brick in her throat. Why had she brought it up? “I mean, we could. But if you’re trying not to be noticed, bright red with black spots is probably not the way to go.”

She would know.

“True, but it’s more like hiding in plain sight. Who would think that Hawkmoth’s son would be dressing up in support of Ladybug?! ”

“You’re sure you don’t want to go with something natural and boring?” she tried. 

He shook his head, smiling. “Nope! Now that it’s in my head, I want to do it. You can’t change my mind.” 

She didn’t try, though she wanted to. How could he want to be reminded of Ladybug every day? Adrien’s feelings about Gabriel being Hawkmoth were probably no doubt complicated, but Gabriel was still his father. And Ladybug had brought him down. 

She knew Adrien to be forgiving. But surely, he couldn’t be that forgiving. Could he? 

And he wasn’t just suggesting this as camouflage as he said. It was clear from his beaming expression that he was excited .  He wouldn’t be nearly as excited about adopting Ladybug’s colors if he knew what she had become. 

But she couldn’t say that. She hoped Adrien never learned who Ladybug used to be.

Ladybug wasn’t worthy of admiration. Not the way Chat Noir was. 

“You think I should put some green streaks in my hair?” she asked.

“Green?” 

“For Chat Noir,” she said smiling. “Then we’d be a matching pair.” 

“Umm…” He looked away, clearly uncomfortable. 

She frowned. “I don’t have to. I just figured if we matched, people would dismiss it even more you know?”

“No, you’re right. It’d look good on you.” He flicked a strand of her hair - loose and down. She glanced away, her cheeks burning. 

He smiled. “How soon can we do this?” 

“Do you want to go to a salon?”

He shook his head emphatically, some of the wind deflating from his sails. 

“I could ask Luka to come over?” she offered. 

He lit up again. “Yes! Whenever he’s available!”

Luka showed up the next day with a patient smile and two large plastic basins filled with all sorts of supplies.

“I haven’t seen this much product in forever,” Adrien said, laying out the four different boxes of red hues Luka had brought. He stared at them for barely ten seconds before pulling out the brightest fire engine red and handing it to Luka. 

Marinette bit her lip, and pulled her own gaze back to the shades of green, her eyes jumping from electric to lime green. Which shade was closest to Chat Noir’s green? She couldn’t remember. 

She should be able to remember. For five years she saw his ring almost every day, more often than anyone except Chat Noir himself. 

Luka draped a plastic sheet and layers of multicolored towels that had clearly been used for this purpose before over Adrien’s shoulders. 

Marinette’s eyes fell back to the boxes of green. She couldn’t even look it up, because he had wisely never let anyone take a picture of his activated ring. How could she not remember? She claimed to be his partner, thought she loved him. She should know . 

Adrien and Luka chatted. About what, Marientte had no idea, too lost in her own thoughts. It was no wonder Chat had disappeared on her. She didn’t even remember his colors. 

“Which one is closer to Chat’s ring do you think?” She held it up to Luka. He had worked with Chat Noir before. 

He tilted his head to the side, considering.

“That one,” Adrien said, pointing to the one on the left. The electric green. 

He was so certain. Adrien - who had never directly worked with Chat Noir even once - was confident, while she, Chat Noir’s partner, couldn’t remember. 

But Luka nodded in agreement. “I think he’s right.” 

And so Marinette trusted them. 

Luka held the mirror up to her face when everything was finished. 

She traced the green streaks with her good hand. Adrien had been right about the color - it looked just like his ring. She was going to think of Chat Noir every time she looked in the mirror. 

She expected it to hurt, but it didn’t. Thinking of him made her smile. It felt good to honor him in this way, to have some symbolic way of staying close to him after all this time. 

She hoped he had landed on his feet - that he was okay out there somewhere. She might not ever see him again, or know what happened to him, but she would never stop loving him. 

She felt Adrien’s eyes on her, and she turned to him, blushing under his heavy stare. 

He cleared his throat. “You look amazing. I— I don’t think there’s anyone more suited to wearing Chat Noir’s colors.” 

“You look fantastic, too!” she gushed. The bright red stole all her attention. The black tips only made the style that much more striking. People would definitely look at his hair before his face, and even though she felt awkward about being the inspiration for his new look, he looked amazing. And if anyone had the right to steal Ladybug’s signature colors, it was Adrien. 

“Look at that! Ladybug and Chat Noir reunited!” Luka said softly, smiling at them both. 

...

Nino was the first one to come over. 

“Mec! What’d you do to your hair?” Nino’s expression was pure delight. 

Adrien’s face turned pink, but he was also smiling. He patted the top of his gelled spikes, which looked more like little flames than ladybug spots. “You like it?” 

Nino’s answering smile was blinding. “I definitely approve!” 

But the first time they went out, Adrien was almost as nervous as he had been the very first time he had left his apartment. He clung to Marinette’s hand and his gaze remained locked on the paved sidewalk. 

Several passersby glanced his way and lingered on his hair, but no one’s face crumpled into horrified recognition.

They made it all the way to a small cafe without incident.

“I think it’s working,” Marinette said. 

“Yeah?” 

She nodded enthusiastically. “Do you want to grab a coffee?” 

He hesitated, his eyes hidden under dark lenses. 

“We don’t have to,” she backtracked.

He shook his head “No, let’s try.” 

She squeezed his hand and they went inside. 

“Nice hair, man! Can I touch it?” the man behind them in line asked. 

Adrien offered a bright smile in return. “Thanks! And uh… sure.” 

“What can I get you?” the barista asked.

Adrien ordered. 

“Name for the order?” 

“Umm…” he glanced over to Marinette and then grinned. “How about Ladybug?”

The barista smiled. “Double caramel latte for Ladybug! You got it!” 

And it was like that everywhere they went. People complimented Marientte’s hair as well, but not to the same extent as they did Adrien’s. 

She thought he would hate the attention, but as long as they didn’t call him by name or run from him in fear, he did great.

And yet, he was still always initially nervous about going out. He did still occasionally get recognized even now, though it had become a rarity. 

He kept going out anyway. 

Marinette couldn’t help but look up to him for that. 

…

Adrien fidgeted on the couch, flipping his phone over for the hundredth time in the last five minutes to check the time. 

Twenty minutes. 

Marinette took his hand and squeezed. “Are you okay?”

“Just antsy! Nino said it was big. What do you think they want to tell us?”

Marinette bit her lip. Alya had been grinning ear to ear when she asked if Marinette would be at Adrien’s that evening. “Alya wouldn’t give any hints, but I don’t think it’s anything bad.”  

“Do you think they’re gonna cut us off?” Adrien asked. 

Marinette scoffed. “What?! No way! Nino loves you almost as much as he loves Alya. He would never cut you off. Not unless you wanted him to.” 

Adrien nodded, and then checked his phone again. 

Marinette really hoped they got here early. Adrien’s anxiety was making her anxious. 

As if summoned by her thoughts, keys jingled at the door. 

“It’s open!” Marinette called.

Alya and Nino came in together with their fingers interlaced, both sporting blinding smiles.

Whatever tension Marinette had absorbed from Adrien by accident released. 

“You proposed!” Adrien concluded before either could say anything. 

“Actually, sunshine,” Alya corrected. “ I proposed.” 

Adrien and Marientte both laughed, and he immediately leapt up to yank Alya and Nino into hugs. Marinette was only a few seconds behind. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Marinette hissed into Alya’s ear.

Alya shrugged. “Maybe I wanted Nino to be the first to know.”

Marinette smiled.

“So when’s the big day?” Adrien asked. 

“Three months,” Nino said. 

Marinette blinked, exchanged a look with Adrien, and blinked again.

“Three months?! That’s hardly any time!” 

Nino shook his head, pulling Alya’s hand to his own. “If we’ve learned anything in the last year and some change it’s that things can change in an instant. And well, we want every moment.” 

“Which means we have some pretty big favors to ask,” Alya said, looking at each of them expectantly. 

Marinette swallowed. Adrien had a hand on the back of his neck, but he was still smiling. 

“We’re hoping you’d be our maid of honor and best man,” Alya said, her eyes bright. 

“Really?” Adrien asked, his voice soft. “After everything, you’d still want me—“

Marinette understood his feelings only too well.

“Mec! There’s no question! Not ever! But we don’t want to pressure you either.” His eyes jumped to her. “Either of you.” 

“Our wedding is going to be pretty small, but may still require a few public appearances even before the day in question. If you don’t want to do it, we both have siblings,” Alya said. 

“So only if you want to,” Nino says again, biting his lower lip. 

“Of course I want to!” Adrien said immediately. “I will be there and wherever you need me to be beforehand. Promise.” 

Nino lit up and yanked Adrien into another hug. “Thanks man! You have no idea how much that means to me.” 

“I don’t know. I think I might,” he mumbled into Nino’s shoulder. 

Then everyone was looking at her, and Marinette froze. For so long, she had only focused on getting through the next day - bouncing back and forth between Adrien’s apartment and her parents’ bakery, and occasionally an occupational therapy session. She rarely thought ahead more than a week, let alone three months . And now, Alya wanted her to help plan one of the most important days of her life? Wanted Marinette in wedding photos that would exist on her wall for years? 

Did Alya still think Marinette capable of making decisions and following through even after spending one day a week babysitting her? Still think Marinette put herself together well enough for photos when Alya was the one doing her hair? 

But looking at Alya’s neutral face, staring at her patiently for a decision, Marinette couldn’t say no. 

Marinette was terrified that they would trust her with so much, and she wasn’t at all certain that she could live up to any of it. 

But she wanted to. She wanted to give Alya the best, most beautiful wedding there ever was. 

Because Alya deserved all that and more. 

And if Adrien was in, she couldn’t let him go alone. 

“You don’t even have to ask,” Marinette said. She wasn’t sure that was true for any of them, but she wanted it to be. 

Alya swept her up in another hug. “Thank you, Marinette,” Alya whispered. “I know it’s been hard. And know that if it’s ever too much, you can tell us.” 

But Marinette didn’t believe anything could be too much for Alya. She would run herself into the ground, sacrifice everything she had left for Alya. And if she struggled along the way, she would never admit it to Alya or Nino. Not when they had been almost single-handedly dragging her and Adrien through daily living. The least she and Adrien could do in return was throw them the most fantastic wedding that ever was. 

Nino ordered dinner for all of them, and they ate together over food and wine, chatting and laughing. 

Once the celebratory meal was over, Nino and Alya departed into the night giggling having drank a little too much. After they left, Adrien sagged against her. 

“Hey, you okay?” 

“Yes!” he exclaimed, sitting upright again. “I’m so happy and excited for them! I just— I just don’t want to mess this up.” 

She nodded in agreement. “I know the feeling.” 

“And I don’t think we will,” Adrien said. “I think we can do this. I want to do this. Especially for them, but if I start to struggle, you’ll help me, right?“

She nodded. “Of course! But only if you make me the same promise.”

…

Adrien and Marinette dove into wedding planning with more enthusiasm than Alya and Nino themselves. 

“Which color swatch do you prefer?” Marinette asked. 

Alya laughed. “Girl! I don’t care! Whatever you think looks the best. You’ve always had the best eye.” 

Marinette grumbled. Didn’t Alya understand that she deserved the best, deserved whatever she dreamed of?

“I’m gonna be happy as long as I get married.” 

Adrien apparently had similar struggles with Nino. 

“I know he has opinions about the music, if nothing else! Why is he pretending that he doesn’t?!” Adrien vented to her. 

“You think they’re doing this just to give us a project? Something to get us out in the world?” 

“Honestly? I doubt it. How egocentric would we be to think they’re getting married just to give us something to do?”

“I didn’t mean it like that! ” Marinette objected. “I’ve never seen two people more in love. They obviously want to get married. I more meant, refusing to share their opinions.” 

“Well, we’ll just have to give them the most perfect wedding in spite of them.” 

Marinette laughed. “Yes, we will best them at their own game.” 

And it was crazy how good of a team she and Adrien made. They just seemed to fill in the gaps in each other’s struggles. 

Adrien dreaded meeting anyone in person, so Marinette would go with him. As long as she was holding his hand, nothing seemed to darken his smile. She loved his smile. 

She couldn’t handle making phone calls, so he often would just look up the number, dial it for her, and then hand her the phone. Once it was ringing, she had no trouble. It was stupid that she needed him to do that, and yet, he was always excited to help her with it, and that seemed to ease her shame. 

Marinette slammed her laptop closed. 

“What is it?” Adrien asked, looking up from his screen. 

“Just all these dresses are so boring! Alya is so vibrant, and full of color! I don’t want to put her in white especially not dressed up like a princess! She’s more like— an all powerful goddess of fire!”

His eyebrows scrunched together. “So don’t?”

“Huh?” 

“Why don’t you design her something that befits her fiery nature?” 

Marinette froze. Design something? 

She squeezed her right hand tightly into a fist. She could do more with it now that she had been able to in months thanks to the exercises and sessions Adrien still insisted she couldn’t skip. She could get by in the kitchen, though she still felt nervous with a knife if he wasn’t there. She could lace a thread of yarn through punched out holes pretty quickly now, and her therapist thought she might be able to start with a large needle in another few weeks. 

But she still couldn’t draw. She doubted she would ever be able to again.

“I can’t,” she breathed, squeezing her eyes closed. “My hand.”

His hand slid through her bad one, each of his fingers sliding up and down each of hers, gently stretching each of them out. 

She couldn’t look at him. He had far too much faith in her. 

“You don’t need your hand to talk to a seamstress or look at fabrics,” Adrien finally said, resting his head on her shoulder.

She shook her head. “We don’t have time.” The wedding was only six weeks away. 

Adrien grinned. “We have something better than time. We have money.” 

She laughed. “We don’t have that much money.” 

Alya had given her a budget and Marinette was trying so hard to make it stretch. 

“Oh! I was talking about my money.” 

Her eyebrows furrowed. “I thought your assets were frozen.” 

“My father’s assets were frozen. My mother was an heiress. She left me a trust fund.”

“And Alya will let you use it?” 

“I had to convince them to let me splurge on their honeymoon, so they’d plan to be gone for an extended time. But otherwise, I don’t ask for permission…?”

Marinette grinned. She’d definitely feel differently if Adrien were wasting his money on her, but she was delighted to spend his money on Alya and Nino. “Do you know anyone we could reach out to?” 

He mirrored her expression. “You know, I think I might.”

A few days later, Marinette sent him a picture of the designer’s initial sketch. 

Adrien:

Looks amazing! Alya’s gonna love it! 

Marinette:

Sure! But what will Nino think? 

Adrien:

Oh! She’s gonna knock him dead.

…

“Have you ever thought about what you’d want for your wedding?” Adrien asked that night when they sat side by side on his couch sharing what had become their signature cheese plate for dinner and a single glass of red wine between them.

Marinette shook her head. Sure, she’d filled up entire sketchbooks with her imagined wedding to Adrien at age fourteen, but she couldn’t admit to any of that to him. And there was no way any of it could happen now anyway. He would never be interested in someone as broken as she was. No one ever would be.

“Not at all?” he asked, turning to her. 

“Not really. I don’t know if marriage is for me.” 

It’s not that she didn’t want to get married someday. It was more that no one should have to inherit all her baggage.

She didn’t deserve a happy ending. 

“What about you?” she asked, glancing at him. 

He laughed. “I used to dream of a partner, three kids, and a hamster, on an island where we could eat fruit all day.”

Her smile softened. She wanted that for him. 

“Doesn’t seem realistic now, though,” he said wistfully.

“What?!” she squawked. “Why not?” 

“Who would ever want to marry Hawkmoth’s son?” 

She hated his question. And she hated herself for not knowing what to say to convince him that if someone couldn’t see past his father’s shadow they didn’t deserve him. 

The silence felt suffocating. 

Mercifully, her phone buzzed a second later. She glanced down at it. 

Noël:

What you asked for. 

A link followed a second later. 

“Adrien!” She exclaimed excitedly, shoving her phone into his grasp.

“What’s this?” he asked, tapping on the link. He immediately frowned at the overly campy melody that played. 

“I think you want this one in your music program somewhere.”

“This doesn’t—“ 

Marinette laughed. “Doesn’t sound like them at all, I know!” 

He turned to her. “So what’s the significance?” 

“It’s the song that was playing at the zoo, from one of those speakers outside near the gravel pathway, on the day Ladybug trapped them in the panther cage. Apparently, they heard it on loop for hours that day. And Nino associates the song with Alya. When he’s missing her, he plays it on loop.” 

Adrien’s face was so bright Marinette needed sunscreen. “Perfect! How did you figure this out?” 

“My maman actually. Noel apparently hates that track. He was complaining about it to Manon, but she thought it was the sweetest story in the world. So obviously she told her maman who mentioned it to mine, who mentioned it to me!” 

Adrien’s eyes lit up. “So he has no idea that we know this?” 

She grinned at him. “None at all.” 

“Does Alya know that he associates this song with her?”

Marinette shrugged. “We could ask her?” 

“No! No— It’ll be a surprise! Nino’s had to have remixed it by now. I need to get a hold of his version without him knowing.” 

“Oh! That’ll be easy!” 

“It will?” 

“Alya and Nino have their usual date night on Friday. I’ll make sure Alya plans something elaborate so they’ll stay out. We just need to volunteer to babysit Markov that day. We both have keys and we can bring Markov with us and he’ll hack into Nino’s computer for us.”

Adrien didn’t say anything. Marinette turned from her phone screen to catch him staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth.

“What?”

His face stretched into a soft smile. “Marinette, have I ever told you that you have the most amazing and brilliant mind?” 

“That’s not true,” she said. 

He shook his head. “Oh, but it is! You could rival Ladybug for the way you come up with solutions.” 

Marinette wanted to argue with that comparison. She wasn’t like Ladybug. Not anymore. 

But she pressed her lips together, and let the compliment pass.

…

The big day had arrived. Marinette scrambled through her room, collecting the last bits she needed before Alya came to pick her up. She grabbed her makeup bag, swept up hair pins and a curling iron. She swapped out the pink purse she used on the daily for a red one that better matched her bridesmaid dress. Alya’s limo was due any moment now, and Marinette couldn’t help but feel like she was forgetting something. 

But she had everything that she could think of. Everything on the list she had written out earlier that morning had been meticulously crossed out in pink ink. 

Alya texted that she had arrived, and Marinette shrugged off the feeling, collecting the garment bag with her dress along with everything else she had just gathered, before running downstairs. 

She was out the door and halfway into the backseat of the limo when her eyes landed on her substitute red purse hung over her garment bag and she froze. 

She didn’t have the Ladybug earrings. She had left them behind in her other purse.

She glanced back the way she had come, her heartbeat pounding like a drum inside her head. 

“Marinette?” 

Marinette’s gaze swiveled back to Alya. 

“You coming?” 

“I just realized I forgot something,” Marinette said distantly. 

Every muscle locked in place, tense, half expecting a panic attack to manifest. 

But her breath continued to come easily. 

“Do you need to go grab it?” Alya asked, her eyebrows furrowed. 

“No,” she found herself saying as she slid the rest of the way into her seat. “It’s fine. I don’t need them.” 

She turned back to Alya and smiled as she clicked her seatbelt on. “We don’t want you to be late to your own wedding.” 

Alya laughed. “I’m definitely allowed to be late to my own wedding.” 

Marinette’s eyes glanced back, watching the bakery get smaller as the limo drove away.

Her breath remained even.

She was okay. 

…

[cherrykindness]

one spoon for two |

first of all, i can't make my first post in english without thanking those who helped and encouraged me to make this decision. thank you for everything @waitimcomingtoo, @harryhoney-bee and @parkers-gal 🧡

summary: you and peter share spoons and sweatshirts and are “secretly” in love with each other.

pairing: peter parker x stark!reader

warning: hi! english (obviously) is not my first language, so I ask for patience, im still learning <3

"Good morning." You said with a enviable morning good humor as soon as you arrived at the complex's kitchen, receiving distracted nods and murmurs from Bucky, Sam, and Natasha. Peter, on the other hand, received your greeting with equal enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Y/N." He replied anxiously, straightening the posture and removing his feet from the chair beside. "Do you want to sit here?" He asked quick and shyly, pretending not to notice Bucky and Sam narrowing their eyes across the table. "I-I mean, it's empty, but you don't have to if you don't want to."

You nodded, accepting the offer before sitting down next to the boy you used to call best friend, frowning as you noticed that your yogurt with granola was already prepared next to a spoon and a glass of milk.

"Did you do that?"

Peter agreed, feeling a warmth rise from his neck to his cheeks.

"Yes, I figured you would be tired after last night."

That answer was enough to capture the attention of the entire kitchen. Steve, who was walking through the door with an empty mug in hand, stopped as soon as he heard the phrase leave Peter's lips, widening his eyes as he struggled not to let the ceramic object hit the floor.

"What?" Bucky asked in astonishment, blinking rapidly as he looked away between you and Peter. "What did you guys do last night?"

You and Peter looked at each other in confusion, but before you could respond, Natasha pointed to your clothes.

"Is that Peter's sweatshirt?"

Steve's pressure seemed to have dropped at this very moment. With trembling hands and flushed cheeks, the soldier sat down on one of the chairs, hiding his face amidst inaudible murmurs.

"Tony already knows this?" Sam asked with his mouth full of cereal, looking at you both with disapproval.

"What should I know?"

Peter swallowed hard when he heard your father's voice, dreading the mischievous smile that grew on Bucky's face.

"That me and Pete spent the whole night watching Star Wars." You were quick to respond, causing Peter to let out a relieved sigh.

"So that's what the kids call it these days?" Steve whispered, looking more shocked by the minute. Natasha patted her friend on the back, offering consolation.

"The Spider-Baby said he made Y/N very tired last night." Bucky, playing the part of the devil on Peter's shoulder, repeated the sentence with slight alteration.

"I didn't say that." The boy with bright curls said in horror, shaking his head frantically as his face turned as red as fresh strawberries. "It wasn't like that, Mr. Stark."

"So explain it to me." Tony demanded with a serious face, crossing his arms over his chest.

The boy became an clumsy mess in a matter of seconds. Bucky, Sam and Natasha holding their own giggling as the comic moment unfolded.

"You don't have to say anything, Pete." You reassured him, understanding your father's intentions. "Let's get away from those perverts. We still have a lot to enjoy this weekend."

You stood up with Peter at your heels, leaving the kitchen under the watchful eyes of the Avengers. Everyone, except Steve, burst out laughing as soon as Tony made sure that you were no longer around, Sam having to wipe away a few tears that had escaped from the corner of his eyes.

"What?" Steve asked confused, staring at the others strangely. "What did I miss?"

"They are so oblivious." Natasha said with a smile, shaking her head negatively.

"It's kind of cute." Tony admitted, shaking his shoulders. "The boy is unable to make a move, however."

"What?" Steve voiced it for the third time in less than three minutes. "They-they- you know; Aren't you angry? Isn't that a move for you?"

"They did nothing, cap." Tony stated between a sigh. "They spent the night watching Star Wars just as Y/N said, believe me."

"But is painfully obvious the Spider-Boy is upside down for her." Sam stated, earning a nod from Tony, Bucky and Natasha. "He was already here when me and Bucky showed up in the morning. He was sitting at the table and Y/N's breakfast was also already prepared. I was about to sit next to him– and it was the first time I ever considered sitting next to that child, I swear, when he simply put his feet up on the empty chair, saying that he had severe cramps and needed space. When Y/N appeared at the door all smiling and wearing his college sweatshirt, puft, it seems that the boy went out of his mind, and the first thing he did was to offer the seat next to him."

"There was one day that Y/N needed to help Bruce in the lab and was without access to her cell phone for most of the day. Peter and I were working together on his suit, but the boy was picking up the cell phone every two minutes. He sent a message at 04:30 and Y/N didn't answer until at 08:47, so guess what? Peter answered at 08:48." Said Tony.

"The boy was whipped." Bucky uttered between a sip of coffee.

"He and Y/N were sharing a pot of strawberry ice cream during the last movie session." It was Natasha's turn to share a moment between you and Peter, attracting the attention of the men accompanying her, "but there was only one spoon for both."

There was a suggestive exchange of glances between her, Stark, Barnes and Wilson, broken by Rogers' timid and cautious voice.

"So the kids didn't do anything indecent?"

"Oh, for God's sake!" Tony rolled his eyes, leaving the room.

–

It was almost seven in the evening when Peter came into the kitchen again, now with a green mask on his face and a Hello Kitty's patch over his nose.

"What the fuck?" Bucky asked skeptically, almost spitting out the sandwich that was in his mouth.

"Y/N and I are going skin care tonight." Peter replied simply, going over to the refrigerator as everyone watched him intently.

"And what is that on your face?" Natasha asked the question everyone wanted while Peter grabbed a pot of ice cream from the freezer.

"Avocado mask. She saw in TikTok that it is good for the pores."

"So that was the fate of the avocado I bought to eat in the morning." Steve said regretfully. "It's okay, I can buy another one tomorrow."

"I have many questions, but I don't think any answer will answer them." Sam do a grimace before turning to the food laid out on the table.

"Peter, you should ask Y/N out on a date." Thor gave his opinion. "That's what you Midgardians call, right?"

Peter choked with the air as he heard the Thunder God's phrase, almost letting the pot of ice cream slide down the sink.

"W-we go to dates almost every day." He refuted with red face. "Tomorrow we will go to the supermarket. We can buy another avocado for you, Steve."

"But this is not the kind of date we are talking abo–" Natasha tried to explain, but Peter was already leaving the kitchen practically running.

"Bye, Y/N is waiting me to put cucumbers over the eyes."

"You got only one spoon!" The redhead screamed.

"It's enough!"

The Avengers present exchanged a look of recognition before Thor broke the silence, repeating the question Sam had asked that same morning:

"Tony already knows this?"

Everyone shook their shoulders simultaneously, Bruce being the only one to speak up verbally when silence filled the room.

"I'm sure he's already pulling some strings."

–

"Please, Tony, don't tell me that you are hiding to spying Peter and Y/N."

Tony peeked a bit between the leaves as he heard Pepper's harsh voice, putting the binoculars in the back pocket of his pants as covertly as possible.

"Spying?" He laughed exaggeratedly loudly. "Of course not, dear. This is absurd."

The woman eyed him suspiciously, reaching into her husband's pocket as soon as he hugged her.

"So can you start explaining to me the binoculars, the camouflage clothing, and the presence of a giant plant that was not in the hallway before?"

Tony walked away defeated, lowering his eyes at the judgmental look he was receiving.

"The word "spying" is too strong, okay? Let's say I was watching them without them knowing."

Pepper rolled her eyes.

"They are already adults, Tony. You should let them make their own decisions, and it is pretty obvious that they like each other. I know that the idea of Peter and Y/N dating may be strange to you, but–"

"Strange?" He almost shouted, lowering his voice when he noticed that the music that used to come from your room had stopped, now putting his camouflage skills at risk. "Baby, I love you, but you are crazy." He whispered. "Peter is the only boy who deserves to be with someone like Y/N, and all I have been doing for the past seven months is trying to get them to confess the feelings that everyone knows exist, but they seem too blind to see. So far I remain with the verdict that the boy is right for her and I hope don't change my mind anytime soon. They are my OTP."

"OTP?" Pepper asked confused by the slang.

"One True Pairing. Honey, you are so out of date."

"All right, I'm leaving."

Tony arched an eyebrow as he watched his wife walk away and take the binoculars, shrugging his shoulders before hiding behind the leaves again. He spent almost two hours there, but nothing interesting had happened, just you and Peter going back and forth from the kitchen with greasy foods and ice cream, a spoon for two as you shared whatever it was in the aisles, sometimes even taking it into each other's mouths, making Tony look away from those nauseatingly sweet scenes.

He had a story appointment with Morgan and his presence in the little girl's room at nine was a must. The plan affectionately called "Project Starker" had failed that day, and Tony had to accept defeat as he went to your room, expecting to find you and Peter sprawled out on the bed while some nerdy movie was playing on TV.

"Y/N? Peter?"

The room was dark, lit only by adjacent lights coming through the window. Tony stumbled over a few objects along the way, walking blindly through the furniture until he was near your bed.

"Can you even see each other here? God, how–"

Tony had to interrupt the sentence, surprised to see you and Peter snuggled up to each other, sleeping peacefully while a current series he didn't know the name of played on the TV at an almost inaudible volume. He shook his head in denial, holding back a smile before nudging Peter's waist, forging an angry timbre:

"Kid, you have a room here for a reason. What are you doing in my daughter's bed?"

Peter blinked a few times, completely lost and surprised by Tony's presence.

"Mr. Stark?" He asked stunned, trying to see Tony through the shadows. "Why are you here?"

Your father raised one of his eyebrows, aghast at the sudden boldness of the teenager before remembering the younger man's sleepwalking habits. Peter probably thought he was dreaming or some shit.

"Why are you here?" Tony returned the question, crossing his arms.

"Because I'm in love with Y/N and I want to sleep next to her."

Tony opened his mouth like a goldfish, cursing himself mentally for not recording that statement, shaking Peter's body when he started to close his eyes again.

"Aren't you going to your room?"

Peter mumbled something indecipherable, tightening his arms around your body as you continued to sleep heavily on his chest.

"No, thanks for the offer."

Tony nodded to nothing, deciding to just close your curtain and ask to Friday to turn off the TV.

"Thank you for doing Y/N too, Mr. Stark. I appreciate that."

Tony laughed softly, promising himself that he would tease the boy about it the next morning, “Go to sleep, kid. I'm sure no one will leave you alone tomorrow after I tell what you said."

Stark was about to leave when he noticed Peter's feet sticking out of the covers. The night was cold, and there was nothing but a thin comforter protecting the two of you.

"Just one blanket?" He asked.

"Yes." Peter kind of whispered, pulling you closer. "It's enough."

This time Tony didn't hold back his smile, shaking his head before closing the door, leaving you and Peter in that little bubble of teenage passion.

"Point for you, Spider-Boy."

[theartofdreaming1]

Here is my attempt at portraying Peeta’s camouflage skills convincingly 😅😅

As usual, my thoughts regarding this week’s prompts and random thoughts on chapters 19-21 are below the cut.

heart

While I love all the banter between Katniss and Peeta, I think my favorite of these three chapters is: “Trust me. Killing things is much easier than this,” I say. “Although for all I know, I am killing you.” “Can you speed it up a little?” he asks. “No. Shut up and eat your pears,” I say. A classic 😄

mind

I always imagined that Cato went after Thresh before coming for Katniss and Peeta because a) Thresh took the backpack for District 2 (which contained the body armor that would make dealing with Katniss’s arrow so much easier) and b) Thresh killed Clove and Cato wanted to avenge her... Although I have no idea how Cato ended up killing Thresh... he was doing pretty well for himself in his grass-y area... Maybe the Gamemakers wanted to punish Thresh for not killing Katniss and generated that thunderstorm and rain to force Thresh out of his refuge, which would give Cato a fair chance to kill him, I guess...

soul

Lol, honestly, since Peeta just generally seems to be motivated by kindness and love/caring, I don’t think it took much for him to keep the star-crossed lovers angle alive (I could easily imagine him actually noticing Katniss in the willow tree early in the Games and offering to take care of the District 8 girl, so the Careers would get the hell out of there, away from Katniss)

Chapter 19:

Peeta, who’s been wounded, is now my ally. [...] I’d loathe any tribute who didn’t immediately ally with their district partner. Besides, it just makes sense to protect each other. - Honestly, this just highlights what a kind person Katniss is, despite her aloof front; her innermost instinct is always to stick together and to protect. Because it doesn’t really make sense for her to team up with Peeta - she knows he’s wounded and won’t be of much help to her, her chances of survival are way better if she stayed on her own, but it’s not something she’d ever consider now that they are allowed to form a team (and only then does she even factor in the whole ‘star-crossed lovers of district 12′ -angle)

Peeta, it turns out, has never been a danger to me. The thought makes me smile. - Aww 😊 (but also, how heart-breaking that the Capitol will do everything in their power to change that, to make Peeta become a danger to Katniss 😢)

He’s very hard to predict, which might be interesting under different circumstances - Okay, but this just makes me think of that exchange in Gilmore Girls when Paris and Rory talk about how you know a guy is right for you:  “Someone who’s compatible but not compatible.” “Yeah, kind of. I mean, you respect each other’s opinions and you can laugh at the same jokes, but I don’t know – there’s just something about not quite knowing what the other person’s gonna do at all times that’s just really exciting.” - fits these two to a T 😏

In fact, I’ve just about decided I’m on the wrong track entirely, that a wounded boy would be unable to navigate getting to and from this water source, when I see the bloody streak - Okay, but how flipping tough is Peeta?! He’s severely injured, with multiple tracker jacker stings and he drags himself to this terrain that is almost impossible to navigate for someone in his condition - a sturdy dandelion, indeed!

“You’re here to finish me off, sweetheart?” - What an entrance after having gone AWOL for quite a couple of chapters 👌🏼👏🏼

“Remember, we’re madly in love, so it’s all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.” I jerk my head back but end up laughing. “Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.” [...] “Katniss?” Peeta says. I meet his eyes, knowing my face must be some shade of green. He mouths the words “How about that kiss?” I burst out laughing - He’s lying in a river bed, slowly dying, and he can still make her laugh 😊

“You know, you’re kind of squeamish for such a lethal person” - It’s such a small comment, but I can’t help but think that Peeta is just kind of intrigued to discover all these little idiosyncrasies that make up the ever-elusive Katniss Everdeen ;)

Impulsively, I lean forward and kiss him, stopping his words. -  Aww, she doesn’t even want to consider him dying, so she spontaneously decides to cut him off with a kiss👀👀 Honestly, at this point Peeta has elicited 2 (!) spontaneous kisses  (the kiss after the chariot ride and this one) from Katniss, who generally isn’t that big on touching people

“You’re not going to die. I forbid it. All right?” - Stubborn, protective Katniss... But also reminds me of their rooftop “date” in CF and the “Then you’ll allow it?” “I’ll allow it” - exchange

I kiss him awake, which seems to startle him. Then he smiles as if he’d be happy to lie there gazing at me forever. He’s great at this stuff. - KaTNisSs, gurl... 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

Chapter 20:

But I knew he was injured. And still I came after him. I’m just going to have to trust whatever instinct sent me to find him was a good one. - The very best of instincts, Katniss, don’t you worry😉

Peeta’s struggling to get up when I reach the cave. “I woke up and you were gone,” he says, “I was worried about you.” - Gah, why are the both of them so good?! They just care for and worry about each other 24/7

“How do you feel?” “Better than yesterday. This is an enormous improvement over the mud,” he says. “Clean clothes and medicine and a sleeping bag... and you.” Oh right, the whole romance thing. - Oh Katniss...😐 I reach out to touch his cheek and he catches my hand and presses it against his lips. I remember my father doing this very thing to my mother and I wonder where Peeta picked it up. - Where did Peeta pick this up? From a time his family was less dysfunctional? Observing couples in the town square? Or is he a fricking disney prince and these things come natural to him? Questions, questions...

“You didn’t sleep,” Peeta says. “I’m all right,” I say. But the truth is, I’m exhausted. “Sleep now. I’ll keep watch.” [...] I test his cheek. Hot as a coal stove. He claims he’s been drinking, but the containers still feel full to me. I give him more fever pills and stand over him while he drinks first one, then a second quart of water. - These two are just too stubborn to take proper care of themselves - good thing that each of them is adamant to force the other to sleep/drink/eat when necessary

“Besides I like watching you sleep. You don’t scowl. Improves your looks a lot.” - When presented with the choice of being flirty vs being a cheeky little shit, Peeta will choose being a flirty cheeky little shit every time 😂

“I’m going to make soup,” I say. “Don’t light a fire,” he says. “It’s not worth it.” - Okay, but what he’s actually saying is “I’m not worth it” 😭😭

Katniss telling that story about buying Prim’s goat😊... A young buck, probably a yearling by his size. His antlers were just growing in, still small and coated in velvet. [...] Beautiful. - We are all very much aware of Peeta’s appreciation for beauty, but the same does apply to Katniss, too (she’s just overall more pragmatic)

“Was it [the goat] still wearing the pink ribbon?″ he asks. “I think so,” I say. “Why?” “I’m just trying to get a picture,” he says thoughtfully. -  Peeta is so detail-oriented! I have this theory that this is actually something that enables him to overcome his hijacking; we catch glimpses in MJ of how he inches himself out of his condition by asking/focusing on small details or things most people would dismiss as trivial (Katniss’s favorite color, the color of her dress visiting District 7, her Dad singing the Hanging Tree when Peeta was 6 or 7 years old...) and I feel like it makes a lot of sense - his tormentors in the Capitol either wouldn’t have access to distort these moments or not even consider them to have any significance (since they are all about big, flashy gestures in the Capitol), so these memories would remain untouched. Luckily, Peeta seems to live by Robert Brault’s words: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. “

“Really? What did you cost me again?” I ask. “A lot of trouble. Don’t worry. You’ll get it all back,” he says. - Well, he’s going to cost her a lot more trouble in the future - but we know he’s going to make up for it and bring her much happiness, too 😊

“You’re not risking your life for me.” “Who said I was?” I say. [...] “Of course I’m not going.” [...] “You’re such a bad liar, Karniss.” [...] Anger flushes my face. “All right, I am going, and you can’t stop me!” “I can follow you. At least partway. I may not make it to the Cornucopia, but if I’m yelling your name I bet someone can find me. And then I’ll be dead for sure,” he says. - Soo.. their love language is offering to sacrifice their life like it’s nothing, huh?! 😳😅 

Peeta eats without complaint, even scraping out the pot to show his enthusiasm. He rambles on about how delicious it is, - lol, sounds like a husband trying to get back on his wife’s good side after they had a row 😂

I clamp my hand over his mouth and nose hard, forcing him to swallow instead of spit. He tries to make himself vomit the stuff up, but it’s too late, he’s already losing consciousness. - Ah, the most important indicator of true love: having person A force-feed person B a sedative so they can run off to get them life-saving medicine ;)

Chapter 21:

I lie next to Peeta in the bag, trying to absorb every bit of his fever heat. It’s strange to be so physically close to someone who’s so distant. Peeta might as well be back in the Capitol, - Reminds me how in MJ she’s going to be so close to Peeta (mentally/emotionally) while he will be physically so distant (in the Capitol!)

a tiny orange one [backpack] [...] that must be marked with a 12 - Interesting how that backpack is orange, huh? Why is that? Are smaller backpacks generally orange (like the one Katniss already has) to be more visible or is this simply to connect the backpack to Peeta (though we don’t know his favorite color at this point)? Do the Gamemakers care whether Katniss gets a matching backpack? It just seems like an unnecessary detail to throw in🤔

The table has just clicked into place when a figure darts out of the Cornucopia, snags the green backpack, and speeds off. Foxface! - Honestly, this was a truly brilliant move; kudos! 👏🏼

[Clove] carefully selects an almost dainty-looking number [knife] with a cruel, curved blade. “I promised Cato if he let me have you, I’d give the audience a good show.” [...] “I think...” she almost purrs. “I think we’ll start with your mouth.” [...] she teasingly traces the outline of my lips with the tip of the blade. - Okay, but the idea of Clove cutting off Katniss’s lips is just all kinds of terrifying and disturbing 😨

“No! No, I-” Clove sees the stone, about the size of a small loaf of bread in Thresh’s hand [...] Thresh brings the rock down hard against Clove’s temple. [...] and I know she’s a goner. - Interesting how Katniss describes that rock that basically saves her life (or at least kills her assailant) as bread-sized, huh? “Your district... they sent me bread. [...] Conflicting emotions cross Thresh’s face. He lowers the rock and points at me, almost accusingly. “Just this one time, I let you go. For the little girl.” - Katniss mentions the bread from District 11 as a proof of her alliance with Rue (and the recognition of D11) and Thresh spares her; bread keeps saving her life (while it keeps representing acts of kindness)

Cato kneels beside Clove, spear in hand, begging her to stay with him. - I appreciate this small, humanizing moment with Cato

The last thing I remember is an exquisitely beautiful green and silver moth landing on the curve of my wrist. - I don’t know much about North American insects (not that I know that much about European insects either - just recently came across a relatively rare moth on my walks that I had never seen or heard of before) - is Katniss describing a special/noteworthy species of moth? Or is this a more literary symbolism kind of moth? (Just looked up some symbolism meaning of moths: change/transformation, seeking light; power of regeneration in some Native American mythology, hmm...)

[moonandflowersfairy]

 Hey gurll, I've always wanted a match up and here I am 😭🙏🏻💖 thank you so much for this and feel free to ignore this if your not comfortable with my ask!!!!💞

I'm Mey, pronouns she/her, 18y.o. I'm an infp, Taurus to the core! I like to camouflage myself in the crowd and absolute avoid center of attention but well, it finds me:) I would say I'm pretty friendly and awkward at first, but as you get to know me my goofier side comes out. I'm pretty selfless and selfish at the same time, I feel like I'm always there for people to give them a shoulder but when it's my turn there's nobody. I'm selfish in the sense id put myself FIRST! no way anyone else comin der. Not Matter what. My peace of mind comes first before anyone. I bake and I'm an artist, love to relieve stress and pressure thru sketching or painting (maybe that's why I'm so good at it :-)) I don't like when people are disrespectful, hate loud people in the morning, I'm sorry but I don't like any carbonated drinks idk why ;_; and I absolutely don't like people who love to brage in any way. I hate talking about the shit I'm going thru, and I always like to give this 'im absolutely okay' vibe, maybe cuz I don't want them to see my weak side. It's hard for me to open up. But I always have an ear to listen to you. Well I'm 5'7, short brown hair and eyes (I got crazy long thighs 😭) , chubby cheeks and round face. Gender preference male (aot, haikyuu), I like someone who's respectful, can make me laugh and is goofy, cute. AND I'm pretty(I mean a lot) clingy and I'm always down for cuddling and hugs and the physical touch. Not in public tho, maybe a lil>.< Genre preference fluff/smut (*・x・)/ And that's about it! Tysm and have an amazing day! 💖

I match you with...

¡! Jean Kirstein ¡!

Why?

hear me out, you are like 'not hating but kinda there to lovers trope'. you found out you had more similarities than differences, and that he is actually a super cute guy. Your relationship is based in communication and affection.

general headcanons:

¡! SFW ¡!

you were best friends with Sasha and were applying for the corps. There you met Jean and company, he wasn't much of your taste because of how obnoxious he could get, always bragging about his abilities.

with time you got to know him better and why was he like that. the reason was a crush with Mikasa and his jealousy for Eren, he wasn't like that really, just wanted to be noticed by the one he cared for.

two years had passed since you had joined the survey corps, and Jean was a bit quiet? something was off from him, you didn't pay much attention to it.

Jean understood that Mikasa wasn't interested in him and stopped trying to persuade her, his rivalry with Eren didn't stop but was much more controled. He was more mature.

a sudden interest came from you, now, one of the closest friends of Sasha was kinda attractive and that mullet of his was certainly points extra.

You started talking cuasually, some "hey"s and "how are you"s were traded between a sudden interest came from you, Jean being his flirty self did started to show off trying to get your attention but a simple "stop that, I like you being yourself" made him realize that it was too overwhelming.

now you were like 'everybody knows they like each other except themselves trope'. even Eren was routing for you.

actually, it was Eren who encouraged Jean to confess. Jean told you he liked you with a bunch of flowers he found in the forest. they turned out to be purple tulips and red carnation.

Jean since day one established that communication to him was very important and that he would be there anytime you needed something.

he respects your boundaries.

he would try to put you first, does care if you do the same but understands your beliefs.

comforts you the best he can, long hugs, forhead kisses, tender caresses and some advice if you ask for them.

lots of girls want him but he is loyal to the core, would never cheat on you

will cuddle till death, he is a loveball

he would prefer you to be a bit clingy in public but not to the point of making uncomfortable other people

will pepper your face with kisses all the time

his morning voice is like angel's singing, god praise and value that raspy tone 😤

loves to draw you, he gifts you only the best ones tho, mostly are just doodles of you two doing shenanigans

loves seeing your work and is always intrigued in your artistic process

"babe can I hang this in my room?"

cooks delicious but bakes horrendous, please do him cupcakes, he loves them

will tickle you in the morning to get you up for duty

he has a lot of sarcastic comments, most of them are bad, but you end up laughing because of how bad they are

pet names he will use are babe, bubs, baby, darling, sweetie, and only for soecial ocassions honey

likes to grab you by the waist

cooking dates! or more like those cliché romatic dates where he cooks dinner along with candles, rose petals and old music in the background

very cheesy but puts a lot of effort in it, and the food is 10/10 and the night surprise too 😩🙏🏼

the world he lives in is very curel and horrible, you made it shine and for that he will always have a space in his heart for you <3

¡! NSFW ¡!

he is a thighs man

so when he first saw you so vulnerable he went crazy

your bare core oh so inviting to him

his fingers work wonders and his tongue too

loves to spank you

you + riding him = him in heaven

when he cums he moans

he gets addicted to your taste so expect him eating you out everytime he can

loves to be teased in public, his girl trying to turn him on with lots of people around huh, he's in

one of his fav positions is doggy because he can be deeper in you and gets to grab your ass and thighs

bondage

please overstimulate him while he's tied up

cries when he gets to much stimulation, he likes it but will never admit it

blowjobs are a must too

his cum is thick and tastes quite good ngl, not salty, just perfect

he has big thighs too

sensitive in his lower stomach

his abs 😩😩😩😩

lick his nipples, trust me

he's big in general, his dick is not the exception

around 7 in, pink when he gets horny, trimmed, and some veins on the side

a lot of cuddle sex

degrade him when you are riding him. like PLEASE DO IT.

[purple tulips: loyalty] [red carnation: pure love] [dandelions: hope and happiness]

¡! song recommendation ¡!

he would put this song to dance with you 😭💖

[enigma-im]

Eighth day of Christmas...

Trope: Heat (NSFW) Relationship: Werewolf x Human Word Count: 7,058

I knew the moment I stepped off the bus that I was in trouble. From the horrid heat and melting pot of people, this was going to be a challenge. The dry air nearly made me cough the second I got off the steps. Everyone seemed as annoyed with the environment as I, which is a small relief. Looking around at all the people was both a relief and a nightmare. We all had no idea what was going on but I knew I stood out like a sore thumb.

"You," someone shouts, silencing the crowd. I look around till I spot a hardened older Soldier making his way towards me. The crowd splits before he can charge through. The man glares daggers at me before stopping uncomfortably close.

"Me," I ask, pointing to myself with unease.

"Yes, you," he shouts," what other mutts around here would I be talking to?"

"Right," I nearly drop my shoulders," what do you need?"

"I wanted to get a look at the first werewolf soldier who gets to become my guard dog for this year," he answers, appraising me with discontent," I expect excellence from you, mutt, this few months you will be chewed up and spit out a better dog than a better man. You have big shoes to fill, guiding your kind into the future and not a single one of us will give you an inch or centimeter to make mistakes. Do I make myself clear, private!"

I feel a bit wobbly at his words," uh, yes."

The man leans closer to my face, shouting despite the distance," What was that, mutt? Stand tall, be loud! Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," I stand at attention, my stomach rolling into knots.

"That's better," he steps back," Now follow me."

The crowd splits again as the Drill Sargent stomps onward. As he passes, the young men and women look to me, a good mix of intrigued and disgust decorates the group. I straighten my shoulders and march after the man, keeping my head held high with pride.

The first werewolf to join the military, I got a lot to prove.

Conversation with the higher-ups of the camp was tense. I didn't expect it to go as well as it did, though a few sly jokes were made at my expense. They were all weirdly supportive of having me at the grounds, looking forward to trying out their new regimen for my kind. Having a stronger and more capable creature in their boot camp came with its own challenges it seems. They all seem excited to see what I can do.

A lot was explained, trying their best to just keep things running smoothly. No one was going to go easy on me and I'm expected to surpass even the best of their squads. I'm oddly invigorated to take on this challenge.

"With everything all situated, is there anything else we may need to know," the Executive officer asks. He is a sweet man, to my surprise, and has been appreciatively thorough with his preparations.

"Yea, we don't want any issues to come about with having you here. A lot of the soldiers are looking to make an example of you already, though you've done nothing wrong. So if there is anything we have to prepare for then please make light of it now," the senior drill sergeant explains.

"Nothing that I can envision happening here. I'm here to work and become the first in a line of werewolves to join the armed forces. Things will remain respectable on my end so if anything does go wrong I promise it won't be my fault," I answer. A big moment like this I can't even fathom screwing it up with some stupid actions. Let the people make their jokes and rude comments, I'm not bothered in the slightest.

"So we aren't going to catch you humping one of the other recruit's legs, right," the senior drill sergeant jokes.

"Don't want you going into heat and trying to fuck every woman in a mile radius of you," the executive officer joins in. I smile despite the discomfort, shaking my head before explaining.

"No, no, I may turn into a big mutt but I'm not so savage as to do something like that. Don't believe the women would be too receptive to me doing such a thing either. When little Fido does it, it's funny. When I do it, it's enough to get me sent to jail," I joke with them. The two laugh, easing some of the tension.

"But you do go into heat, don't you," senior drill sergeant asks," we look out for medical emergencies and if that will become an issue, let us know ahead of time."

I shake my head," no, that won't be an issue. We only go into heat for a specific person and finding them here would be one hell of a terrible time but I highly doubt it will actually happen. I'm sure I would have smelled them in the crowd if so."

"Specific person," the officer snickers," how romantic, Fido."

"Sounds romantic but I've seen some friends go into rut over their mates, it's not that romantic," I wince, remembering all the fights," it's not a hallmark movie moment, sir."

The officer cocks a brow, wary," I'm almost tempted to ask but I'll refrain for now. Either way, I'll have sergeant Crews bring you to your barracks, and hopefully, we won't have to speak again anytime soon."

I drop off my things at my bunk, sorting them into a chest before heading off to P.T.

The first week of basics is easy, though I'm warned about next week after some miss placed words. My squad takes to me nicely, though I can do without the nicknames. It's a better week than I could hope for after the horror stories from active duty members.

We all sit in the crowded mess hall. Murmurs of conversations can be heard over the disgusting chomping of food. In times like this, I almost wish I didn't have such great hearing. The wet slobbering is beginning to turn my stomach.

"Hey, Spot, is it true you transform on the full moon," Casey, a fellow recruit, asks beside me. I snort, picking at the slop on my tray.

"No, I can do it whenever I want," I answer," full moon thing was for you people to pin some other garbage on the magnetic effects the moon has on the earth."

"oh, wow, movies lied to me again," he lightly bangs his hand on the table," what about silver? Does that do anything for ya?" I scoff, looking at him a bit amused. It has been a lot of teasing but I haven't had anyone sit down and ask before.

"No, silver doesn't do anything for me. Neither does holy water, crosses, or garlic," I tease. Casey rolls his eyes, looking back to his meal with a pout.

"I'm not an idiot, those are for vampires," he grumbles. I chuckle, amused by this human's questions. As I tease the man some more I catch a wondrous smell.

"Besides, I know a normal bullet would work on you anyway," Casey points his fork to me. I can't pay him any mind as I slyly glance around. My heart is racing and pounding against my chest as the smell completely engulfs me. Please no, not now. As I'm looking towards the door I freeze as someone walks behind me. As if everything slowed to a halt I look to the recruit walking over to her table. I can't help but gawk though her attire isn't much to be aroused by.

Brown hair pinned up in a bun and terribly fitted brown and camouflaged clothing. It's meant to be plain and nonattention grabbing but she makes it work. My body thrums with need as I watch her sit at the end of the bench. I can't look away as she eats, looking at her lips like a starved man. I want her, I need her. It's the only thought that runs through my mind.

She couldn't come into my life just a few months later could she?

The whole day I feel like I'm on fire, sickly and distraught. I haven't even been here this long and I feel like I'm about to ruin everything. Surely I can just explain to the XO that I have to deal with this and get right back to basics. I nod, it won't be such a long delay, I'll be right back here shortly.

I head straight to the office, stubbornly marching past the groups still running about. The heavenly smell barely permeates the hot dry air but still nearly knocks me on my ass. My attention snaps straight to her doing push-ups with her squad. She makes quite the sight all sweaty and focused. I can't help but stop and watch.

The squad's drill sergeant walks the rows, screaming motivating insults to them all. My little mate grits her teeth as he passes by, her arms shaking each time they straighten. The sergeant stops before her, crouching down as she stays propped up.

"Getting tired there, private," the sergeant baits," want to take a little break, perhaps?"

"No, sir," she barks out.

"Then get that face in the dirt, let's go," he snaps back at her. The urge to run to the man and deck him in his hooked nose is strong. I have to shake my head of the thought to actually get some semblance of control. She gets back to her exercise, going hard and strong into her next set with a stiff focus on her face. It's admirable to see anyone as determined as she looks. It picks at my heart a bit.

I'm not just taking away this chance for me momentarily but her too. Would she want to take the time off to deal with me? It can't be that big of an issue but starting over has to be something she rather not do. I sure as hell don't want to start the week over even if it wasn't too difficult. She is human so it had to be hell for her. I hum, chewing my cheek.

With fist clenched I turn away from the offices and head back to my barracks. I'll just wait this out, three months is nothing. I can keep my cool that long.

I kept that line of thinking all up till I got to my bunk. The barracks are quiet, the snores of the recruits barely registering to my non-idle thoughts. Every part of me is racing, my heart, thoughts, limbs. I have way too much energy to just sit here. Closing my eyes does nothing but let the thoughts keep me up. I've never had such an issue before, especially here.

Staring up at the ceiling I think of my little mate. She's a cutie, that's for sure. Even with the unflattering get up I can't ignore the appeal of her body. She has strength, as does most of the people here, but watching her do exercises with her squad showed more than just basic strength. I smile to myself as I think about the determined look she had while finishing her set. I have a strong little mate.

I groan as my mind keeps replaying the scene over and over. I can only pray that the rest of the month won't be like this. Turning onto my side I force my eyes closed, trying my damndest to get even a few hours of sleep.

The next week I'm weirdly filled with energy. Every morning I wake up excited to do runs, outpacing everyone by miles as I speed down the dirt track. Exercises become a blessing and every moment I spend sitting down is one where I'm anxious to get back up. The nights are no better, my body humming with unspent energy. It feels amazing to get out there and work.

Sitting at the lunch table I shovel food into my mouth, leg bouncing under the table. I want nothing more than to get back out there and get rid of this energy but lunch is kind of important. As I unflatteringly gulp down the muck an erotic scent ceases my tension. Flowing over my body like a warm shower. I close my eyes, taking in the calm.

"So, I gotta ask," a woman before me asks," do werewolves generally have this puppy energy, or is it just you because watching you hall ass down the track is almost inspiring."

As I open my eyes I'm left gawking at the woman. My beautiful mate sitting just across the table, smirking with her arms crossed. I swallow hard, feeling oddly nervous at this moment. What should I say? Should I say something? She quirks a brow at me, waiting for a reply.

"uh," I clench my pants under the table," depends on the person?"

She hums," is that a question or an answer?"

I straighten," a-a answer, ma'am."

"Hey, lighten up," she knocks on the table," don't need any of the ma'am business. I just wanted to ask, you have been buzzing like a bee this past week and I was kind of hoping it was something I could learn instead of it being genetics." my palms feel clammy the more she speaks. She's so casual, I almost wish she wasn't. I can handle stupid full moon questions over this. I wipe my hand on my pants.

"Sorry, it's all genetics," I give her a half-smile," blessings of the father I'm afraid to say."

She props herself up on crossed arms, her breast squeezing together," so was your mom human? I didn't think you can cross-breed like that." my eyes flick down to her pushed out chest, gulping hard I look down to my hands. I wipe my palms on my pants.

"No, a werewolf can b-breed with anyone," I meet her eyes," just has to be their mate."

"Awe, that sounds cute," she coos. Before she can add anymore the sergeants come in to collect their squads. I watch her look to the crowd, her shoulders dropping. She turns back to me," well, was nice talking with ya, Cujo." with that she leaves.

I remain seated as everyone begins filling out. Looking to my lap I groan in frustration, I never felt more like a measly runt than right now. Couldn't even talk to her and I'm sitting here with a full chub. I look to the crowd once more, catching sight of her turning out of the doorway. Fisting my pants I whimper lowly in my throat.

If I knew talking with her would make things worse then I would have never done it. The night we first spoke was tenser than any before. I feel like ants are crawling all over my skin, my body unbelievably hot. My blankets feel scratchy and too rough on my sensitive skin. I can hardly sleep as all I can think about is that beautiful woman smiling at me from across the table. Her ample chest just perched on her crossed arms. My loins lurch at the thought, aching to a degree I've never experienced.

I fall onto my back, panting as I kick the blanket off myself. Looking down myself in the dark barracks I see the tent in my pants. I groan, thumping my head against the pillow. A boner over a minute conversation with a girl, surely I couldn't stoop so low. I peak at my lap, groaning again as I flex my toes. Perhaps a little attention can soothe the beast?

Timidly I slide my hand down my stomach, fingers sneaking under the hem of my pants. I grab the base of my shaft, squeezing it while slowly closing my eyes. Just have to do this quickly and I got to get some sleep. With the task in mind, I aim for fast. I pump my fist, going harder than I've usually started. My callused hand feels uncomfortable, not helping the smooth glide I need. I take my hands out of my pants and lick my palm before trying again.

I jerk off, feeling itchy and frustrated as I do. I try to get it out and done before anyone can wake up to notice but I can't get into it. Trying a new tactic I relax on the bed. Keeping my eyes shut I slowly pump my fist up and down my shaft, pleased with the torturous glide. An image of my mate sitting across the lunch table pops in my head, my cock twitching at the picture. I admire her harden face, the beauty in her full cheeks when she smiles. I wince as my fingers glide over my tip.

The image shifts as I stare at her tits resting on the table. They are laid bare, her sweet little nipples hard from the cold lunchroom. My cock pulses as I think about reaching over the table to grab her, grazing my hand over her little buds. A whimper tries to bubble out from my throat, the sound surprising. I can't pay it any mind as I imagine tweaking her nipples, watching her face twist in pleasure. In my palm my cock aches, demanding more as I pump harder.

The scene twists, she's bent over the table with her tight ass presented to me. I whimper again, bucking into my fist. A bulge nudges against my hand with every descent. It would be something to investigate if I wasn't so tempted to continue. I picture lining my dick up with her weeping slit, gently pressing my tip in with a retrained grunt. Another whine leaves me, the base of my cock throbbing worst than the rest of me. As fantasy me bottoms out inside her I bite my fist to reject the whimper trying to cry out.

"Fuck," I mumble in a cry. I jerk till I can feel my body shiver in its impending climax, utterly debauched at the fantasy playing out. As I reach my breaking point I grip the hard bulge at the base of my cock, squeezing as hard as I can as I cum in my boxers. My grip pulses as I unload all over myself.

My grip eases slightly as I catch my breath. I feel disgusting as the wet fabric sticks to my tip. Looking down my body I wince at the damp stain. I tug down my pants and catch a look at my still hard dick, I furrow my brow confused. Generally, I'm soft shortly after, not still ragingly hard. I look to the bulge still cupped in my hand. Well, that's new. I test a squeeze. A shot of pleasure jolts up my spine making my head feel fuzzy. I nearly curl into myself at the surprise. That's definitely new.

I take one more glance at myself, wincing at the sight. I'm no fresh pup, I know what's pulsing at my base. I just didn't think it would come out without being buried inside someone. Sighing, I tuck myself away and attempt to get some sleep. I wince at the sticky fabric, suddenly regretting not waiting till a more opportune time to do this.

Circling the track for the 2nd time I catch up with the squad. Everyone is taking a breather, panting hard after the three miles. I casually jog up to them, still vibrating with energy.

"How can you even do this, air bud," Scott grabs at his knees," I knew there would be running but…fuck."

I look at him bemused," air bud?"

"Well it's like my dog, Rufus," another squad member claps me on the shoulder," would just run around for hours once I let him outside." I look between the two.

"I just like running," I answer," I feel rather energetic lately."

We all talk as I bounce on my heels. The sergeant rounds us all up before heading off to the next part of PT.

We begin jumping jacks in our lines, listening to the drill sergeant scream encouragements. Looking off to the side I catch sight of another squad doing their miles. They all seem rather calm, must be their first mile. I watch them go by, just briefly catching sight of my little mate in the middle of the crowd. A smile curls on my face as I watch her run along. Her arms pumping and chest bouncing. A raging need thrums into my veins, my cock standing to attention. I watch her in a daze.

"What are you doing, boy," someone shouts, grabbing me by the back of my shirt. I stumble as I'm tugged backward, torn from my stupor. Catching my bearings I realized I've tried to walk out of formations, ignoring my exercises in favor of following her delicious smell.

"uh," I shake my head," Sorry, saw a squirrel." I half-smile, hoping the joke would land. He grits his teeth, tugging me back in line.

"I'd make you run another set but I think you would enjoy that, instead you're on patrol tonight, Fido," he shouts, walking back down the line," Let's start again, from the beginning. One, two, three…"

Lunch has me excited, feeling like my tail is ready to sprout out and reveal my pleasure. I quickly shovel down my muck, looking around like an eager pup for any sight of her. Spotting her coming out of the line and heading my way I can't help but wipe my face and straighten my clothes. I nearly bounce in my seat as she gets closer.

"So you do have a tail," Scott tugs on something behind me. I grunt, twisting around with a growl. Out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of my fluffy black tail.

"Ah, fuck," I grumble, looking to her coming closer then back at my tail. Without much thought, I pin it between the bench and my thigh.

"Hello, Cujo," she greets," you're endless energy for exercises will never cease to amaze me." she sits down at the table, her tray clanking against the metal. My tail tugs, wanting to break free. I open my mouth to answer, interrupted by someone clapping me on the back.

"Yea, it's making the rest of us look bad. He makes three miles look easy," Tyler jokes as he sits beside me.

"well, it is easy, you guys are just out of shape," she jokes back. I snort, glancing at the offended men on either side of me. My mate has a sense of humor I see.

"haha, hilarious, G.I. Jane," Tyler deadpans.

"It's funny you should say that because I caught you slacking behind your crew today," Scott props his smug face on his hand," it's bad enough they let dogs in the military but you women have a lot more to prove." I can't help but sneer at Scott.

She glares at him, crossing her arms and leaning forward." yea, well what's your excuse, cadet?"

Scott leans forward as well," got a handicap, love, hard to run with three legs."

My mate snorts a chuckle, shaking her head as she grabs her food," What kind souls the higher-ups are to let you join with such a clear handicap."

Scott bounces his brow," you know it, baby. I'll be happy to show you my treatment options, perhaps you can help?" I stiffen at the suggestion, my limbs and chest tightening as Scott continues to flirt. A low rumble climbs up my throat, back arching as I glare at him.

"Think I'll pass, I heard that men with large dicks tend to need too much prep work for a minute of entertainment," she bites back. Scott shrugs as Tyler chuckles, them all going back to their meal. The growl comes out louder, my teeth pricking at my lip as I snarl at him. Scott looks at me, recoiling at the clear aggression.

"You ok, Fido," Scott asks," looks like I'm trying to take your food or something." I feel everyone's eyes on me, confused and concerned. A possessiveness boils under my skin, demanding action against this male. I swallow hard, shaking my head as I glare down at my tray. Reigning back the shift, I shake my shoulders.

"Sorry," I growl," just feeling tense today." everyone nods, quietly eating their meals. I pass a glance to my mate, worried I pushed her away with my lack of control. We look to one another, the edge of her lip tugging up. She looks away with a shy smile gracing her beautiful face. I smile to myself as I eat.

After lunch I go for a run, feeling more anxious than yesterday. I dig hard, making record speed over my fifth mile. My body feels invigorated but anxious as I run. My brain goes a mile a minute, demanding attention to the one person driving me crazy. With Scott's words ringing in my ears all I can do is think about the threat. Someone is encroaching on my territory, challenging my claim.

I shake my head, I haven't claimed her. Hell, I don't even know her name. I run harder. Pictures of her flash through my head, my fantasy of the other night forcing discomfort to my groin. I shake again. Just running isn't doing enough, I need more now.

Slowing to a stop I take off my shirt. Crouching and pressing my fingers to the ground I allow my skin to break. I grunt with my bones snapping and rearranging. The pain feels great, an action my body agrees with greatly. With my claws digging into the dirt and fur bristling in the breeze I bolt down the track on all fours.

cadets and Sergeants gawk as I high tail it around the trail. I breathe heavy, tongue lulled to the side as I hear the air roar in my ears. Everything feels so open and free. This is something I've missed all week. Changing in front of everyone made me feel embarrassed, self-conscious. I'm not like them and proving that could lead to problems. Right now, I couldn't care less. I have other issues to deal with.

After running around for hours I fall in the grass near the tree line, laying on my stomach to bask in the sun. I should be exhausted now, all this mating energy out for the time being. Closing my eyes and resting my chin on my paws I relax. It's a lovely day out.

Sitting there for a moment I feel a burst of energy. I growl. Two hours of running on top of PT this morning, how can I be nearly vibrating with need? This mating business is getting harder and harder to ignore. All I think, hear, smell is her. My cock stirs against my stomach, the hot length pinned to the ground. I growl again.

Making my way to the showers I angrily toss my torn shorts and turn the water on. I step into the cold stream, shocked at the temperature. This should help, I can chill out before patrols tonight. Closing my eyes I press my head against the tiled wall. Not even a second in and I see her. I see her wet and naked before me, giving me eyes and beckoning me forward. I clench my fist and grow as my cock throbs.

"Fine," I grab my erection," you win again."

I jerk myself hard and fast, snarling as I picture pounding into her sweet cunt. Bucking into my fist I imagine her bouncing breast and wonderful cries of pleasure. I need her, I need her so damn bad. Baring my teeth with clenched eyes I feel my base ache. I grab at my knot, pinching it in a tight grip. I can feel my seed go up my shaft, spraying the wall. Whimpering, I pulse my grip on my base, sighing as each drop is let out.

"I can't keep doing this," I whimper," I'm so tired." my cock doesn't soften, even as I turn the water off and dry myself it still aches for her.

Walking the perimeter I look around the dark camp. My uniform feels scratchy and tight as I step. There are bags under my eyes and I'm still filled with energy. I'm tired and hyper at the same time. The walk around the base feels like a dream, hollow and dazed. I'm so sleepy.

The sound of a door opening catches my attention the same time a wonderous perfume punches me in the nose. My head snaps to a shed out a bit of way from the main building. A light is shining out the open door, a shadow cast on the sidewalk. I take another inhale of that sweet scent, my cock pulses.

Like a zombie, I shuffled to the shed. The corners of my vision are distorted as I turn into the doorway. My eyes snap to the person standing at the opposite end next to a shelf. She looks over her shoulder, smiling when she realizes who it is.

"Hey, Cujo," my mate greets," you look like shit, you ok?" she takes a step to me, concerned. A growl snaps out my mouth, my shoulders sagging forward. She recoils, taking a step back. I match her, taking one forward. "Cujo," she tries to say casually but comes out a little worried," you need something from the shed?" I take another step. Her back hits the shelf, startling her as she watches me stalk forward. With all my control out the window, I storm towards her, bracing my hands on either side of her head. My face buries against her neck, taking a large inhale.

"What's your name," I growl out, using the final bit of control I have to ask.

"S-Samantha, my friends call me Sam," she jokes with a timorous hilt. I lick up the taunt tendon of her throat, she shudders. "Cujo," she timidly runs her hand up my arm," what's happening?" I nearly purr at her touch. Her words barely register as I lap at her skin, drunk on her already. I hear the smallest whimper from her, making my ears perk up.

"W-what's your name," she asks as her hand glides up my back to card her fingers through my hair.

"Trevor," I bite at her shoulder," and I can't take it anymore."

"Take what," she says nearly breathless. I can't answer, only having enough thought to grab her thighs and lift her. Her legs wrap around my waist easily, pulling me against her heat. My eyes nearly roll with the friction. With little thought I slowly rock my hips, my tongue licking up her neck to her cheek then licking over her lips. Her fingers tug on my hair, scratching at my skin.

"You want me," she asks. I buck hard into her in answer, she chuckles. "Am I your mate," she asks. A spark starts in my loins at her saying such a thing. Does she accept this? Accept me?

Aching and primed I get her on the ground, licking her as I feel my tail stuck in my pants. My brain is muddled and unfocused, wanting to tear her clothes off and mount her right here. It feels wrong- it feels right. I bite at her shoulder again, frustrated beyond belief as I grind into her.

"S-sam," I whimper," Please."

She tugs on my hair again, snaking her hand under my shirt to pet at my sprouting fur. "What do you want, Trevor," she asks.

"You," I dig my teeth into her skin," you, you, you."

She laughs, rubbing her cheek against mine," then have me, big boy."

In a flurry of need, lust, want, I rip her shirt. I can't bring myself to feel guilty as her nearly naked torso is before me. I lather at her chest, plucking the little strap between her cups with my clawed finger. My tongue wets her nipples, chest, stomach, listening to her little adorable whimpers. I feel frenzied as I shove her pants down and bury my face against her cunt. She smells sweet, tastes like ambrosia.

"Oh, good boy," she grips my hair too tightly. I lap are her folds like a dying man, feeling my body pulse and rejoice. She is amazing and all mine, open and pleasured by me. Her body wiggles and grinds against me, forcing me to hold her hips. Her thighs clamped around my face, nearly covering my ears. I'm pleased to hear her cries and feel her tighten around my tongue as I force it inside her. Oh, by the gods, she's divine.

I continue showering my attentions upon her as she tries to push me away," that's enough, Trevor, I need you." my head perks up at her words. She needs me? I sit up, ripping my already torn shirt off my shifted body. I rush to undo my pants, tearing at them enough for my cock to poke through. I look down at her cunt, licking my chops with excitement. I fall over her, hands framing her head. My hips gravitate towards her, needing her more than air. I whimper as I can't bring myself to plunge into her like a savage. Whimper again I meet her eyes, begging her.

She smiles, reaching up and petting my cheek," go ahead, Trevor, I think I understand." overjoyed I lick her mouth, tail wagging freely now.

Now free to do as I need I look between us and nudge my cock against her. My tip spreads her folds but delving into her awaiting heat is hard. I can't think, instincts taking all my control. I whimper again, looking at her. She smiles sweetly, reaching down and guiding me. I wait eagerly for her to lead me, feeling her place me at her entrance. I shove forward, engulfed easily. I whine and growl as I push as far as I can go. I try to nudge further but my base is already swollen. I chuff.

With my new addiction wrapped around my cock I withdraw before plunging into her divine heat with a heavy breath. This is what I've needed, what I've craved. I can't stop myself from bucking into her hard and fast, demanding everything with each thrust. My ears ring as I'm taken to a world of pure bliss.

Samantha writhes and whimpers with me, grabbing at the fur on my chest. I lean closer, pressing my body to hers. My thrusts begin to shorten till I'm rutting into her with shallow humps. Short uncontrolled bucks that leave my knot knocking at her entrance. An overwhelming need overtakes me. I bump my knot harder and harder against her, demanding entrance with every nudge. With a hard push, she opens more for me. I grunt as I force it, locking her to me with a satisfied sigh.

We both wriggle against each other till I'm left whining against her shoulder, with a well-timed clench on her part I'm bursting inside her. I bite down on her shoulder, marking her as my cum paints her insides. Her walls flutter around me. I listen to her melodious cries as I cum. It's too perfect, too beautiful.

With my cock locked inside her I can't help but wag my tail and lick at her face. She giggles, allowing me to shower her in affection as she rests on the floor. I pamper her, licking at her sweat and cleaning every part I can reach. She is mine now, my wonderful mate.

As my knot begins to deflate I feel the week catch up with me. I collapse on her, my cock softening and falling out. She grunts as my weight is on her. My eyes begin to flutter, my body coming back to its original state. I drift off to sleep without a care in the world.

I awaken in an unfamiliar bed with unfamiliar clothes. Without much thought I sniff out my mate, wanting to roll into her comforting arms. A disgusting chemical smell greets me instead of her warm scent. I jump awake, scared, and worried immediately.

"Whoa, cool it, Spot," someone catches my attention. I snap my eyes to them, seeing a skinny man in normal military attire. The brown shirt and camo pants.

"Where is Sam," I growl, disoriented as adrenaline fills my veins.

"The girl? Probably talking with the XO," he shrugs," should be back here soon." the man looks to his computer on his medical trolley. Feeling he is distracted I jump from the bed and bolt to the door. I can hear him shout but I'm too busy taking in the scents around me. I look left, nothing. I look right, I smell her.

Charging down the halls I turn this way and that as I follow her trail. I feel stressed and angry, to an unbelievable degree. I need her in my sight, in my arms. Her scent leads me to a door, the words on the sign not registering in my mind. I slam it open, spotting her immediately.

"Oh, hey," she smiles as she turns in her chair. She has more to say but I interrupt her. Plucking her from her seat I slam her against my body and bury my face to her neck. I take in her scent, assess her health and the environment. The smell of another makes me stiffen but her fingers scratching behind my ear makes me purr. I can feel my tail wagging behind me.

"Tamed the dog, how cute," someone says. I snap my head to them, nearly growling at my XO. He sits at his desk smug, but still intimidatingly powerful. Though I hold back a sound I can't help but bear my teeth to him.

"Let's not antagonize the pup, alright," Sam jokes. She guides me over to the seats, parting to take her own. Looking from her to the XO I feel the urges again, a primal need to get her out of sight of this male. I shake my head to put myself back into a normal mindset. Reluctantly I sit down.

"Now the excitement is over, Cadet Trevor Galius. You are relieved of training till further notice along with Cadet Samantha Backster," he says calmly. I stiffen at the dismissal, looking at Sam in clear worry. Will she be mad? This is exactly what I wanted to avoid, taking her choice away. Sam glances at me with a disarming smile. I remain wary.

"For how long," I ask.

"Till next January, that's when winter training starts. For now, I encourage you two to settle all that needs to be settled before then," he glares over to me," I'd hate to have a repeat of this semester." I wince, looking down at my lap.

"Will this put a delay on werewolves being allowed in the armed forces," I peak up at my XO. He smiles to himself, dropping it quickly.

"I admire your dedication to this cause but no, there be no delay for werewolves. I hope you don't mind too much not being the first one," he answers. Most of my worries melt off at his words. The only person I'm potentially holding back is Sam, no one else has to suffer for my lack of control.

"That won't be a problem, sir," I answer.

With no final notes, we are dismissed. I walk with Sam out into the hall, fidgeting all the while. We walk out of the main building in silence. Should I say something? Is she mad? I pass glances at her, looking for any signs of distress. She gives nothing away.

"Just ask, I know it's killing you," she bites her lip to stop her grin. I fall apart, reaching out and pulling her against me. I can't take not touching her.

"Please don't be mad at me. I didn't want to force you out of training like this but trying to hold back was killing me. I'm so sorry," I whimper into her hair. She awkwardly pats at my back as I apologize.

"I'm not mad," she answers," far from it. I'm rather excited about all this. Like, it's not every day something like this happens."

I recoil from her, confused," you're not mad?"

She shakes her head," no, I actually had some guesses around our second conversation."

I look at her bemused," you did?"

"Yea, I knew about the werewolf mate thing from my cousin. I went to her wedding about two years ago and she was mated to one of your kind. She wouldn't shut up about how they met and the utter romantic garbage she experienced from him," she scoffs," it was almost sickening how sweet they were but I got to learn some signs. You have been tense and full of energy lately. I figured that was normal but you perked up a lot when I showed up. It was really cute. Still, I had some guesses and when you came to the shed it was heavily validated. So in the end, I'm not mad. Lowkey a little happy you didn't do some over the top romantic gestures like my cousin's man did."

I listen to her rant amused and amazed. She knew? A part of me thinks she just had some hopeful thoughts and wanted the signs to be for her. Or maybe I'm not as good as I think at hiding this. Either way, it doesn't matter because she doesn't hate me. She wants me and I can't do anything but be thrilled.

With a snort, I pull her into a kiss, ecstatic with the turn of events. She smiles against my lips, pulling me close. As we kiss a few people walk back, whistling and making sly comments at us. We part, chuckling with one another at their jokes.

"So you aren't mad you have to join back next year," I ask just to be sure.

"Maybe a little," she shrugs," I guess your just going to have to make me forgive you."

I growl, leaning down and nipping at her neck. Her shriek of laughter makes me giddy. I have my mate, and she's perfect.

[guiltysecretpasttime]

Consider the idea of Lin /Bumi badly timed proposals"? (just a humble linumi shipper loving your fanfics)

Note: Here's my belated response to this prompt. It ran away from me again until I struggled to close the story out. Hope you like it!

One-shot Post-canon AU Lin x Bumi II

Also on AO3. 

---

Outside of the military, Bumi was known to be the spontaneous one. The Avatar’s child who was the most likely to get into trouble. Or get into an adventure, as his grinning father would correct. He was the kid who took quickly to throwing fruit pies to the air acolytes. He was the teen who travelled to the next city because there was a Pro-bending competition happening there. As an adult, he was also the one who tried (and succeeded in) applying for the United Forces on a whim.

It was not often that Bumi would plan for anything linked to his personal life.

This was why, on the weeks leading up to that Night (with a capital N), he felt out of his depth. He did what he did best and tried to plan as he would regarding a military campaign.

This was why he thought he was assured of success.

What he did not count on was the extraneous factors, which was their extended family and social circle.

That – and the weather.

---

“Booms -I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out.” Iroh’s voice crackled over the telephone. “That downpour wouldn’t make anything stick long enough to be legible.”

Bumi sighed as he peered at the window of Tenzin’s study. The waves did crash unpleasantly against the edge of Air Temple Island as the rain fell. “Well, we can still move it tomorrow, right? You and the boys are still free?”

“Of course, provided that the weather is better. As for our availability - ,” Whatever Iroh said was lost as the line crackled again as it was wont to do when the weather was poor. Bumi clicked his tongue. Tenzin really needed to have some repairs made in this temple. “- So after that, we can definitely pick it up for you.”

“Great!” Bumi could care less if they need to adjust the timing a bit – as long as it pushesthrough.

He did not need the details.

---

Or maybe, he should have probed for more details.

The retired commander saw that now as he watched visitors mill around Air Temple Island.

Various air acolytes and airbenders from the different temples now crowd the usually empty courtyard.

How was he to know that it was time for the anniversary of the return of the airbenders? He did not even know there was an identified datefor that.

Or maybe, he would have known had he listened to Tenzin’s lectures.

He scratched his chin, pensively, wondering if this might change anything when something cold and wet lashed at his behind.

“Hello, Bumi.” His sister walked over, a water whip formed at her side, grinning as she usually did.

“Mother said you shouldn’t hit people.”

“Mother said a lot of things that you didn’t follow.” Kya crossed her arms mockingly. She nodded to the entrance of the residential building where their mother stood, surrounded by her youngest grandchildren.

He understood. They never could begrudge their mother anything, especially now with her waning health.

A sea of green passed in the periphery.

“I see Suyin and her brood are here.” Bumi contemplated briefly if it would have any impact to his plans.

Kya commented. “Did they really have to be always in green?”

“Did you always have to be in blue?”

“Touche.” Kya shrugged. “Though, I needed to be blue to occasionally camouflage in the South Pole if I needed to be stealthy.”

“For what?”

From afar, they see Katara beckoning Kya forward from where she and Pema stood by the stoop of the house. “I’ll go get settled now.”

Bumi excused himself, citing some reason to check on something, which, technically he needed to do.

“Tenzin said nothing formal; nothing big. Just a small gathering.” The loud voice of the Avatar grumbled.

The clinking of metal was heard next before Bumi rounded the corner. “And yet, everyone is here.”

“Chief Beifong!”

“Avatar.” Lin inclined her head in greeting, with blank politeness on her face.

Bumi knew better though – the slight tightening of her jaw and the grip she had on her belt: oh, Lin was irritated.

“What’s up?” Korra toyed with the sleeves of her formal wear, obviously uncomfortable.

“How are your travels?” Bumi interjected, popping beside Lin before she manages any acerbic remark.

“We are travelling in style! I think I could get used to it.”

“I think you already are.” Asami looked on with amusement.

“You’re lucky,” Bumi pointed towards where Oogi and the younger bison were flying around. “Dad had to travel on a sky bison.”

“Mom said it wasn’t pleasant.” Lin wrinkled her nose.

“There! You! Are!” Bolin ran and huffed as he arrived before them, doubling over in the effort. “Wing and Wei just found where the food was being prepared, we can sneak off to get some before the– oh hello Chief Beifong!”

“I did not hear anything.” Lin looked skyward and waved her hand at them.

“Beifong!” Bumi quickly caught up with Lin, who strode off quickly when the teenagers started talking about food. “Are you on duty?”

“Yes.” Lin sighed, putting her hand on her hips then stomping, doing a seismic perimeter check. “I know, but I have to.”

“I’ll look for you later.”

“Alright. We’re a bit stretched – Tenzin did not give us the correct numbers of attendees, as usual.” Her forehead crinkled as she concentrated on the perimeter check. “Good thing the Fire Lord sent General Iroh and some of his men to represent their nation.”

“Oh, that’s what he meant.” Bumi murmured to himself.

Lin glanced at him in askance.

“Iroh.” Bumi did not want to expound further. Lin had a way of ferreting out the truth from him without seismic sense anyway.

Bumi accompanied her like a silent sentinel as Chief Beifong went about doing check to her team and on the island.

They have finally arrived at the main courtyard where the usually unflappable master airbender was fluttering about like a bright orange butterfly, holding several sheets of paper, which no doubt was the program for the day.

Lin groaned when Tenzin noticed them.

“Lin!”

“I better go ahead.” With one final eye-rolling, Lin left Bumi’s side before he could even ask where she will be stationed at the end of the program.

“Trouble in paradise?”

Bumi jumped a bit, startled by Kya once again. “Of course not, my meddling gossipy sister.”

She offered him a drink, which he rightly declined. “What’s Tenzin up to?”

The man was now talking rapidly to the chief of police. They were far enough not to hear them but near enough to see what was going on.

“He’s quite excitable.” The retired military man shrugged. “Thank the spirits for Pema, that woman is a saint.”

“You mean, thank the spirits for Lin,” Kya nodded towards the pair as she took a sip of her drink. “Pema was just about ready to rip her hair off these past days. She was looking quite frazzled earlier and after a drink or two, bam! Out tumbled everything - Tenzin was anxious and has been driving her nuts with all the prep for today’s celebration.” She raised a glass to the earthbender and airbender on the main event area. “But look over there – just a few words from our dear Chief of Police and the man calms down.”

Bumi could not help but tense up as he observed Lin and Tenzin on the platform.

As Lin continued to converse with his younger brother, Tenzin began to slowly deflate. A smile started to form on the earlier stressed airbender’s face and the corner of Lin’s lips upturned, a ghost of a smile.

“I swear – those two, I wonder how it would have turned out for them had they known this was going to happen anyway…” Kya trails off, as though suddenly realizing who she was talking to. “I mean – hey, they’re both in happy relationships and it’s perfect and -.”

Bumi swallowed drily, drowning out his sister’s voice.

He had thought about that occasionally, really. There was nothing to go on and Lin had been upfront about, well, everything so he knew where her heart is.

But, looking at the pair now, at the anniversary of the return of the airbenders, supposedly the pinnacle of all their arguments…

“Booms – don’t do anything stupid.”

Now that snapped him from his maudlin thoughts. “Why is it that everyone thinks I’m gonna do something stupid when I keep quiet? It’s a bit offensive, you know.”

“Bumi, I didn’t mean -.”

No matter, Bumi was adamant that his Plan pushes through.

---

“POP! POP! BOOOM! BOOOM POP! Whiiiizzz! BOOM!”

Everyone on Air Temple Island (and even those at the edge of Republic City) looked up to see fireworks littering the night sky.

“BEIFONG… WILL…YOU… ohmy sweet - is that a ring??? .. ME.” Suyin squealed as she read what the fireworks were spelling out.

There was a cacophony from the courtyard of Air Temple Island as everyone sought to find which Beifong was being proposed to.

From their perches around the island, Iroh and the UF men whooped in success of their mission tonight – deploying the firework proposal.

“OH-MY-BOLIIIIN!”

All eyes were on Opal who was clutching at a wide-eyed earthbender.

“What?!”

Various voices added to the din, shouting different things.

“Bolin did you really?!” Mako pointed up to the sky.

“What – no I did not. I’m not marrying – I mean,” Bolin swiftly turned to Opal. “I would like to marry you.” Then he shouted at Su and Baatar Senior’s direction. “But not now. One day but not now – I mean, I need to talk to Su and Baat – oh shit Su’s gonna kill me.”

Attention turned to Baatar and Suyin.

“Um no,” Baatar shrugged casually, an arm around his wife. “It’s not our anniversary anytime soon.”

Suyin was still being antsy. “Wing! Wei! Did any of you -?” She saw her twins wave up their arms in surrender, wildly shaking their heads as they each held a plate of food. “If that’s not you…”

“Kuvira and Junior –.” Wei.

“That is unlikely.” Wing.

“Huan?” Both Wing and Wei asked, everyone’s heads swiveled to the artistic Beifong.

“Excuse me.” Huan looked very offended, as though it was an insult that someone would be proposing to him in public.

Bumi’s face fell as the Beifongs present began arguing as to who the firework proposal was for and the actual Beifong who the proposal was meant for was nowhere to be seen.

Just then a soft squeal and a sniffle came from Kya’s side.

Pema was holding to her arm. “No-no-no – it’s for Lin, don’t you see? That’s why – Tenzin is leaving me.” Every other word was punctuated with a sniffle. “That’s why they’ve been talking over plans and that’s why – I saw them talk to Jinora the other day. Oh-airbenders-Tenzin is -leaaving me.”

“Ahem, I have an announcement!”

Now, everyone turned to stare back at the platform where Tenzin stood. Behind him, stood two more people - Lin Beifong stood in his shadows, arms crossed, a guard observing the proceedings, while Jinora stood to the side with a nervous smile, hands at her back.

“Ooohhhh!” Pema let out a wail.

“Shh, Pema!”

Bumi froze. There have been still some lingering insecurities that were in relation to his brother that would take a long time to tamp down. With the man’s whimpering wife at the side and his own significant other beside said man, it did not take much to wear Bumi down to his insecurities.

“This has been a long time coming and before anything else,” Tenzin paused at this to throw a significant look at his back. “I would like to say that this is no split second decision, we’ve talked about it and well –.”

No way he was going to let Tenzin take over his plan tonight.

“I will be stepping down soon with Jinora as my successor.”

“LinBeifong, will you marry me?”

Two voices rang into the night, clearly silencing any other words that might have been going on.

Bumi did not care for or did not mind what the reactions of the people around them were. He only had eyes for the earthbender who was gaping at him then looking back at the sky then back at him.

He worried the longer it took for Lin to react.

From his side, Pema sagged in relief against her sister-in-law while Jinora and Tenzin stood at the platform, greeting well-wishers.

Lin, meanwhile, was yet to do anything other than stand still.

“OH – we forgot the most eligible Beifong of today!” Bolin stated the obvious, pointing to the sky and back at Chief Beifong on the stage.

“What are you doing, go get her.” Kya nudged him from the back.

Bumi ran to the stage, almost tripping on his formal robes. “Lin – I’m so sorry – I didn’t think it would be this public – I -.” Lin hated public displays. “I ain’t doing this to pressure, I -.”

Lin gripped his arm to stop him from speaking.

The crowd went silent as Suyin could be heard shushing everyone (“Quiet! We need to hear what her answer is!”).

Bumi’s heart sank as Lin pulled away from him.

This is it. The Rejection.

He could only look to the ground, unwilling to face family, friends and even his former colleagues in the UF.

Suddenly there was a rumble on the ground as Lin extended a leg in front of her and she raised her arms slowly with a grunt.

“YES – BUMI – I – WILL – dear Agni – Liiiin is marrying Bumi!” Su’s shrill voice read out the words etched on the courtyard.

Tenzin groaned, mumbling about the destruction of his courtyard.

“Shut it, airhead. That courtyard has seen worse when you broke up with -.”

Nope, he did not want to hear about their break-up and so Bumi took Lin in his arms and planted a nice long kiss to seal the deal.

He pulled back and was met with a large grin on Lin’s face.

It might not have worked as he expected or planned it to be but at least, he could honestly say that it was -

Mission accomplished.

[yonqha]

—- 💕

boo!

you and minhee are playing a surprise game together, and minhee has something up his sleeve to ensure his win (and a treat to his favorite food).

minhee x reader oneshot // fluff

word count: 2.2k words

classes have ended for the day, and minhee made his way straight to the school library to work on a paper that is due in a few days. he took his regular spot at the back part of the library (that no one knows of, perfect for distraction-free work) and settles his bag and things on the table.

he turned around, leaving the table, and headed over to a nearby section of the library where the book he needed was. scanning the books on the shelves, minhee took his time looking for that certain psychology book he needed for the paper.

his eyes then fell on the spine of the book he was looking for. “there you are.” he mumbled as he took the book and slid it away from the shelf.

“boo!” just as the book was out of the shelf, you appeared behind it and gave minhee a scare. “surprise!”

minhee’s expression remained flat and undisturbed. “nice try, y/n. but nope,” minhee shook his head and shrugged. “not enough shock factor.”

a pout appeared on your face as you sulkily retreated and made your way around the shelf, meeting up with minhee. “i thought i almost had you.”

“try better next time. you can do it!” minhee cheered and ruffled your hair, obviously being sarcastic.

“you should say that to yourself, you haven’t been successful with your attempts too, you know!” you whined as you tagged along with minhee back to his table.

“at least mine made you flinch a little.” stopping to turn around, minhee pointed his book towards you as he raised a brow. “am i right, or am i right?”

“hmph, but that still doesn’t mean you’ve won our challenge.” you stuck out your tongue and walked past him.

just a few days ago, you and minhee agreed on a little game between the two of you— the first one to surprise the other and make them react wins! the only rule is that you must have to make the other person surprised enough that they would react largely, like screaming or jumping or making them scared speechless. flinching was okay though, the two of you agreed on that.

the winning prize is what drives both of you. winning the challenge meant that the other person will treat the winner to whatever food they wanted.

your feet shuffled over to the table you and minhee would always occupy, with minhee following right behind you. “so, what brings you here other than attempting to scare my soul out?” minhee casually asked as he took his seat.

you took the seat right across him, and laid your head on the wooden table. “nothing else other than that….i just knew you were coming here,” you looked up to face him. “and i miss you.”

minhee’s eyes focused on yours, and he stopped what he was doing to mirror your position on the table. “is my dear y/n being clingy to me right now?”

“and what if i am?”

minhee giggled, showing his dorky smile you love so much. “it makes you look cute. i like it.”

after hearing those words, you couldn’t control the smile gracing your lips. you like it when minhee’s like this, being so open with his thoughts and what he likes about you. it makes your heart melt in a soft and mushy way.

“alright,” minhee rose from the desk and went back to the book he was skimming. “if you’ll excuse me, i have a paper to do.”

“can i stay here? i promise i won’t bother you.” you put your hands together as a silent way of saying ‘please’.

“hm….and what if i said no?”

the bright expression you had dropped, your hands falling and you started pouting again. “i can’t believe you.” you said.

opposite your expression, minhee softly laughed at your sudden change in mood. “i’m kidding, of course you can stay.” he pinched your cheek as he replied.

slowly you started to smile again, gaining energy after minhee approved of you staying with him as he worked on his paper. meeting up with him for the first time today, you missed him a little more than usual.

“hey minhee, do you know that—“

“—you love me so much that your heart might burst out of your chest? yes, yes i do.”

it made you giggle at how he instantly knew what you were going to say. “aww, are we finishing each other’s sentences now?”

“you say this almost everyday, for multiple times too. of course i would have it memorized by now.” minhee gave your hair a ruffle as he replied, while you swung your legs under the desk with a sheepish smile.

in this secluded section of the library, no one else was staying here. and nobody plans on settling here anytime soon. minhee loved working alone, without anyone there to bother and distract him.

but you were an obvious exception.

as you continued to watch minhee read the book, you slowly started to feel your heart flutter. or is it melting? or both? you didn’t know, but what you did know is that you truly felt happy at that moment now that you’re in a relationship with the man in front of you.

yes, you’re whipped for kang minhee.

a big yawn escaped your lips as you lazily dragged your feet along the sidewalk. you spent all night trying to study for an exam you had today, with the help of minhee’s reviewer that he gave to you the day before. honestly, he’s a gift sent from the gods. without that reviewer? there’s a high chance you’ll just be staring at the exam paper later, and that your score will come crashing to the ground.

just a few steps away, you were nearing the school gate. it was still quite early, two or three students were on their way as well walking to the school. you weren’t always this early, but you thought that you needed some extra time to study before the exam just to make sure.

you were about to go through the gate, enter the school premises, but someone jumped from the side to give you a surprise. “y/n!!” you halted in place. “surprise!”

minhee appeared in front of you, giving you a wide smile and his hands in the air. meanwhile, you burst out laughing. “you think i would get surprised from that?”

a frown replaced minhee’s grin. “well, it’s worth a shot. you were sleepy so i thought i should take advantage of that,” minhee went to your side. “you know, much easier to scare.”

“oh i’m not that easy to surprise, minhee. try again next time!” you patted his back, trying to sound sarcastic. minhee rolled his eyes at you in response.

the two of you headed inside the school building, and minhee dropped you off first at your classroom. “you can return the reviewer later after classes. good luck, y/n.” minhee gave a few pats to your head, the act making you soft.

“thanks, minhee. you’re honestly a lifesaver.” you replied.

“well, what would you do without me?” he pinched both of your cheeks playfully. a soft laugh escaped your lips, grabbing his hands and putting them down from your face.

“okay, i better get studying now.” you swung his arms around. “i’ll see you later!”

“alright,” minhee then gave a small peck to your forehead. “you better ace that test, i worked hard on that reviewer you know.”

a blush grew on your face as you put your hand on where minhee kissed you. “yeah….i-i’ll do my best.”

minhee let out a laugh at how flustered you became, and you hit his arm in return. being all clingy was one thing, but the little forehead kisses were something you were still not used to getting from him.

and with that, minhee gave you one last pat on the head and left.

on the way to his classroom just down the hall, an idea popped into minhee’s head.

‘ah, that’d be a good idea. i’ll definitely win with this.’

classes just ended, and you quickly put your things in your bag to run over to minhee’s classroom. thankfully most of the students were heading out, so you were able to camouflage with the swarm of people in the hallway.

you were about to do another attempt by surprising minhee just as he’s about to leave the room. you needed to pass by his classroom’s window though, so you tried your best to blend in with the other students walking.

minhee, on the other hand, just finished writing down his lecture notes to study later. he closed his notebook and started putting his stuff into his bag.

he turned to the window to see the numerous students walking down the hall to go home, but his sharp eyes caught the sight of you. a grin formed on his lips, zipping his bag closed and standing up from his seat.

as you hid behind the corner by the entrance to the room, you planned out how you were going to surprise him. you started chuckling at the ideas popping into your mind, hoping that this time you’ll finally be able to win.

minutes pass and minhee hasn’t left the room. the volume of students in the hall started to lessen, and you were growing a little impatient.

‘where is he?’, you thought. you slowly started to relax as you waited for minhee to get out of the room. ‘he sure is taking his time there.’

“alright, see you tomorrow!” you heard minhee’s voice ring from the room. your relaxed demeanor quickly vanished as you got yourself ready to give minhee a big scare.

“finally,” you mumbled. “i’m getting you this time.”

you waited as the anticipation started to grow inside you. footsteps were heard and you assumed it to be minhee’s. you stayed as quiet as you possibly could to not let him notice that someone’s just outside the room, ready to scare him.

the shuffling was getting closer, and as it did the more your heart started to beat out of excitement. ‘come on,’ you pleaded. ‘hurry up, minhee.’

but it suddenly stopped. you couldn’t hear anything, it’s like the footsteps just vanished.

“huh?” you grew puzzled, so you decided to peek through the corner—

“hey, y/n!” minhee suddenly appeared in front of you, and leaned forward,

to give you a soft kiss on the lips.

your eyes grew as wide as they could, the amount of shock was evident in them. as if it was magic, the kiss gave you a freezing spell. you were so frozen, even when minhee pulled away you were still in the same position when he gave you the kiss.

minhee raised an eyebrow and waved his hand in front of your face. “uh, y/n, you there? you still good?”

you were still clearly in shock, and you raised your hand to touch your lips. “you….kissed me.” you said softly, still as frozen as you were.

minhee started to grin, thinking this is entertaining for him. “yeah, i did. did you like it?”

after realizing what happened, your face started to heat up into a bright red. snapping out of your daze, you looked at minhee straight in the eyes. “y-you kissed me!” you repeated your words, still in disbelief. “that was the first time you ever kissed me….my f-first kiss!” you continued to be a blushing mess, and minhee burst into a laugh at how flustered you are.

“what? am i not allowed to give you a kiss on the lips?”

“no! yes! i mean...” you stumbled on your words, your head still dizzy from what happened.

minhee was clearly enjoying this, enjoying how much of a mess you’re becoming in front of him. “come on, you’re treating me today.” he said as he took the backpack you were wearing and slung it along with his bag.

“huh? what for?”

“well, clearly i won the challenge right?”

“challenge?”

“yeah. you know, the surprise challenge we both set?” minhee raised his eyebrows at you. “don’t back out on me now, y/n.”

your head was still fuzzy from what happened, taking the time to fully comprehend that you actually lost the challenge you were so set on winning. “so that was your plan all along…” the string of words left your mouth instead of staying in your head like it was supposed to.

with minhee hearing those words he nodded and gave a pat to your head. he proceeded to walk to the stairs at the end of the hall.

“kang minhee!” you exclaimed after a few seconds, minhee being steps away from you already. your voice was laced with frustration and a bit of whining. “i hate you!”

a wholehearted laugh escaped minhee’s lips, clearly not getting the words that slipped out of your mouth. “i love you too, y/n! now come on, i’m hungry.” he gestured for you to come to his side, opening his arms as an invite for a hug.

despite your boiling anger towards minhee and how he won the challenge through a surprise kiss, you still couldn’t resist running over to his side and embracing him like you didn’t just wanted to punch him straight in the gut.

well, after all,

you’re whipped for kang minhee.

[freakwiththeknifecollection]

Hii! Me again!

I have this weird fic idea, but I don't like words, so maybe you could use it for inspo

Jo doesn't die, obviously. And she's trying to track someone or something down. Something goes wrong, and she has to end up running away and laying low. And Ellen asks the Winchesters to help track her down

And kinda had this in my head, where jo is at a bar, with brown hair and Dean just sits down next to her and the first thing he says is "nice hair" and Jo smiles a little, not surprised he managed to track her, and she asks how he found her but he just keeps saying the randomnest stuff like, "the color suits you" "I heard the bourbon here is cheap, wanna try it?" And keeps dodging her questions

This is so vague but it's been stuck in my head for like a week. But here ya go!

Mwuah 😘🥰

First off, I LOVED this prompt. You were not vague at all, I saw this SO clearly in my head. I literally thought about nothing but this prompt for like a week and a half lmao. Special thanks to @lumiereandcogsworth for helping me out and being my cheerleader as always! I'm thinking I'll upload this to AO3 later today. Thank you so much for this!! You, and anyone else, are 100% welcome to come into my inbox with headcanons and/or prompts anytime! That's literally my dream for this blog lmao I love people coming to me and talking about stuff like this. Anyway! Enjoy!! 🥰💖

"Nice hair."

A soft smile crept upon her face. Jo didn't have to turn around to know who it was; she'd recognize that low, satirical voice anywhere. "How'd you find me?"

Dean pulled out a stool beside her and sat facing her, resting his elbow on the bartop. "I heard the bourbon here is cheap, wanna try it?"

"So, what was it? I covered my tracks pretty well. Cards? Security cameras? Traffic cameras?" 

He ordered a pair of drinks, disregarding her question for the second time. 

"Dean."

He stared at her for a moment while the bartender served them their drinks. "The color suits you," Dean commented. "It's very…" He trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Come on, what was it?"

"Becoming," he finished his thought with a snap of his fingers. He sipped at his drink and added, "Sophisticated."

Jo chortled, "Becoming?"

"I stand by it."

She shook her head with a smile as she took a drink. "Thank you… This is pretty good." 

"Mm," he hummed in agreement. He set his glass down with a light thud and looked over at her, leaning a little closer, lowering his voice just above a whisper. "So. Talk to me, what kinda trouble have you gotten yourself into?"

Jo was fixated on the glass in her hand. She swirled it a little, absently. "Is this a wheat or a rye, you think?" She could see his intent gaze on her in her peripheral. She sighed, "I know what you're gonna say-"

"Don't. Move."

She turned her head ever so slightly to look at him; it turns out he wasn't staring at her, but rather at the door. "What is it?"

Dean quickly pulled out his wallet and tossed a few bills on the counter. "We gotta go. But listen to me. Don't turn around, alright? I'll be right behind you."

Jo slid off the stool and made a beeline for the backdoor, Dean trailing close behind her. Luckily it was Ladies Night, so the crowd did a good job of camouflaging them as they made their exit. 

Weaving through the crowd, Dean peered over his shoulder, checking the proximity of their assailants just before they slipped out the door. 

"They're right behind us."

Jo spun around to face him, "What's the plan?"

Dean took a quick look around; luckily they weren't the only people outside. He raked a hand through his hair, purposefully dishevelling it. He locked eyes with her again, "Do you trust me?" 

Her brow creased with uncertainty. She barely had time to nod before his hands were on the backs of her thighs as he hoisted her up, her arms and legs wrapping around him instinctively, and pushed her up against the cold brick of the building. Before she could react he crashed his lips to hers; whatever protest she had locked and loaded was gone as she melted into the kiss. She kissed him back with all the fervor he gave, digging her nails into the skin of his shoulder underneath his shirt. She slid a hand up the back of his neck and fisted it in his hair where it was long enough to do so; tugging at it and pulling him closer at the same time, evoking a rough, hungry sound from deep in his throat. His grip tightened on her thighs as he deepened the kiss, tasting more of that cheap bourbon on her tongue. 

Dean pulled away suddenly. He pressed his forehead to hers for a moment as he caught his breath, he risked a glance over his shoulder. "I think they're gone."

Jo took a second to respond, her mind returning to orbit, "Oh… Good… Good." She removed her hands from his hair and underneath his 3 layers of clothing. Dean missed them already; the stinging, tingling from the half moons she left behind in his skin, her hand in his hair, the light scrape of her nails against his scalp as she gently tugged at the soft tendrils. 

He lowered her and her feet returned to the ground, though he kept a hand on her hip just in case her footing was a little unsteady. "You good?" She nodded and he let go of her. 

Jo straightened and smoothed out her shirt; not that it needed it, but she had to busy her hands somehow. "Yeah."

He took a good long look of their surroundings, scanning the perimeter. "We should go. Before anybody else shows up." 

Jo kept pace with him as he started down the alleyway. "I left my stuff in my car," she gestured her thumb behind them.

"Listen, you've been made, sweetheart. I don't know how they found you, but we can't risk going back to your car. We can come back tomorrow."

"How did you find me, by the way?"

"I'm a man of many talents." He shot a wink at her, making her heart flutter. 

"Is Sam with you?" She asked, veering the subject.

"Nah." Her heart fluttered again. "I didn't know what kinda trouble you were in, so I thought it would be best to keep a low profile. Which reminds me, you still haven't told me what you did to have demons on your tail."

"Long story…"

"You have somewhere else to be?"

Jo sighed, "I'll tell you later."

"Fine…"

She covered her biceps with her hands, regretting leaving her jacket in her car. "Where are we going?"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm beat. I say we get some shut-eye, then we can figure out what to do next."

@insidious-wxlf

[midnight-moonlight-and-mars]

Carbon Monoxide (Requested)

Warnings: Depression, Swearing, Fluff?

Summary: Tak is convinced Y/n is dead. The love his life was killed saving him from an impulsive mistake he made. Between the blame, the drinks, and depression everything was bleak and pointless. Until he arrives a Bancroft party to find what he knew was nothing at all. What really happened?

Requested by: @ravenclawsstolemybunies 

A pulse flows through the air in a gushing wave. Tak felt his whole body fall to the gorund and go completely numb as well the rest of the swarming mob of people.

Stack Shocker... FUCK

He looked for Y/n in the now fallen crowd of battered and bruised people. She had been thrown by the blast in the middle of the road. Blood pooled around her body pushed around by the freezing rain.

Tak fights through using every ounce of strength to get himself to her lifeless body, the blurring his vision and making his body numb.

Her heart beat was slow. The noise and chaos that erupted around them disappeared into a static and blurry cloud. His mind went fuzzy with adrenaline and ears ringing from all of the hits to his head. 

“Y/N??? Y/N!!!!”

Nothing.

Cold skin... Blood... wound. Cover it... Pressure...

“Y/n please... oh god please...”

....Analyzing Stack.... No signs of activity. Lifeless

Too much... too many... guns... police....Leave....Leave her...now. Go!

~Present Day~

Tak sat in the outside garden at Suntouch waiting on Bancroft to finish whatever the fuck rich people do in their spare time. It was nice and all but he saw past the pretty flowers and statues. He saw everything scum like these people stood for. But, he needed the money if he was going to ever get out of this shit hole.

“Mr. Kovacs! You’re early.” Bancroft made his way through garden alongside his wife, who just seemed to be very interested in Tak anytime he was around.

“I need to speak with your associates or friends. See if they have any grudges against you or your family. I need you to get them all into one place without raising suspicion. Can you do that within the next few days?”

“Of course Mr. Kovacs whatever you need to get this done. I assume you have a plan? Do you plan on someone confessing to you or do you have someone in mind? I will tell you they are snakes with their own secrets and scandals. Turning over these stones will likely cause some fuss. More than the one you’re causing already my friend...”

"It does work in our favor though. Many people seem more interested in attending now that you are honored guest." Bancroft's wife said eyeing him a little too hard for her husband being a foot away.

“If you can get it done leave the rest to me.” Tak waiting for no contest left as quickly as he came. He couldn’t stand to be there, let alone work for them to save his life. Besides, he needed a cigarette and a drink to prepare for whatever the fuck he was about to step into.

When Tak arrived at the Raven Hotel, Poe was quick to spark conversation that he was just not in the mood for. Something about news or the maybe the weather? He didn’t know and he really didn’t care honestly. The headaches were getting worse not to mention the weird hallucinations. Maybe it was the drugs he took yesterday... What was it? LSD maybe?

“Master Kovacs I also think it’s imperative that you...”

“Poe. Seriously? Shut the fuck up my head hurts and I really don’t have time for your questions or whaatever other shit you have to bother me with.”

“Are the headaches getting progressively worse now?” Poe asked worriedly. He knew the cause, but hardly knew what to do anymore, Nothing seemed to remedy these episodes.

“You’re not helping it either.” Tak took a long awaited drag of a cigarette out his pocket and tilted his back. He closed his eyes and let the smoke curl out of his mouth as he felt the flood gates in his mind give way. He could see Y/n's face appear out of the mist of darkness. The dark splattered blood on her face and the way her eyes looked so dead. He felt the same pain swallow his chest as before. The same one that tears through his skin and coils around his heart.

“Master Kovacs are you still with us?” Poe asked observing him closely.

Waking from his trance, Tak gave Poe one last glare before he finally took the hint and fazed somewhere else. Closing his eyes again, he resumed his dream. This time, though, was different.

He could still see her face, but there was no blood. She was smiling even. It seemed so real and she looked so lively. She was speaking incherently almost in a whisper, but he couldn't understand a single word. Tak reached for her but no matter how close he got, she would just grow farther and farther away. At one point he even began to chase her, but taking a final leap to catch her woke him from his dream. Why was this one different? What could it mean?

Getting up from his chair Tak felt his head spin in a whirlwind of thought. There was no way she could be alive. None. From what he can remember Y/n’s stack and sleeve were destroyed. Anyone that found her remains would have never let her live and surely destroyed her stack. Everything now is fuzzy but hes sure. What Tak remembered had to be true.

It just had to be... right?

Now Tak was questioning everything he remembered about what happened. The headaches were becoming worse and even came down with a fever from all the strain on his body and mind.

Poe appeared next to Tak who was lying in bed dripping in sweat. “Do you need anything? I can make myself rather useful in a variety of areas. Cooking, cleaning, or just simply an ear for someone to talk to.” Poe said avoiding eye contact.

“Fine.” Giving in, Tak talked about Y/n. he talked about her smile, her strength, courage, and of course how beautiful she was inside and out. Poe listened intently smiling at how much Tak was gushing about this mystery woman. But when Tak explained how he thought she died and how the details aren’t adding up, it sounded familiar. She died before Poe could meet her, which he disappointed to hear, but he was more saddened by the fact that Y/n’s death was still killing him.

“She sounds wonderful. You two seemed very compatible.”

“She was wonderful... Everything that I thought I knew and thought was solid proof is falling through my hands. I can’t think straight I can’t sleep... A part of me still thinks she’s alive but it can’t be true. Y/n would have found me by now she would be looking for me or let me know what was happening but...”

“Mr. Kovacs if she were alive.” Poe interrupted, “Y/n would very slim of an opportunity to meet you. We don’t know the circumstances she is in or even her whereabouts if Y/n were to actually be alive. Perhaps it is better to take what you have left of Y/n and hold onto it. If she is alive, it is completely out of your hands.”

Tak walked away from Poe trying not to agree with what he was saying. He took a moment to stand on the balcony, letting the cigarette slowly burn away. He looked at the lively and bright city before him, his heart slowly but surely breaking. Rain soon engulfed the city like a flame, completely soaking his clothes, and camouflaging his tears.

~Flashback~

“You know Taki, although I do hate being in the city, it always looks so beautiful at night. The lights, the noise. It’s all so... surreal.” Y/n spoke looking out onto the cityscape from their room.

Aside from the pollution and screaming and yelling, the lights mixing with the thundering rain painted a beautiful picture. The way the colors mixed in water drops and the way skies lit up with lightning had Y/n in awe.

“I hate it no matter what it looks like. It’s nothing but criminals, sex, and secrets and everyone else having to deal with it” Tak said snaking his arms around her and holding her close placing small kisses on her neck.

“Sex sounds pretty good right about now...” Y/n gave smiled giving Tak a kiss.

Tak took in her all of her features and the way the wind combed through her hair perfectly and her eyes were just endless. It was her original body, but she was more than just looks. He loved every part of her no matter what body she was wearing, and being with her made him the happiest man in the world.

“God you're beautiful.” he said pulling her slose as possible

“You’re not too bad yourself, Taki.”

“Ugh. Stop calling me that. It sounds awful.”

“Make me.”

 ~Present~

At Bancroft’s Party, Tak was observing all of his friends and how they interacted with each other, especially Bancroft himself. He didn’t see anyone suspicious, actually all of them seemed like it, but there were several people that stood out. For all the wrong reasons anyway. Aside from the frilly dresses to eight pounds of makeup to some people just completely naked, all seemed normal.

Tak continued to down a few more shots when the mood of the room seemed to calm. People began to buzz amongst themselves and cluster together when this woman appeared. She was pretty, everyone at the party was supposed to be. Yet, she had something they didn’t, it was a certain way she looked down at even the highest of the high of people that caught his attention as well as everyone else's.

She didn’t mingle with the other guests, in fact, she made her way straight to the bar paying no attention to anyone or anything but the drink she would take in her hand. The burning liquor seemed to relieve the now noticeable anxious expression on her face.

“Not a fan of parties I take it?” Tak asked watching this woman down two more shots of really strong liquor with ease.

The sound of Tak’s voice caused her to slowly turn her head towards him. Her expression was unreadable, and she was trying to find the words to say but couldn’t. After a moment she steadied herself and spoke.

“Not a fan of these assholes that's for sure. I have never been to a party like this in a while, and never without a certain special someone. Now that I am here I think I can manage these clowns all night. And by the looks of it, you don’t seem to be enjoying yourself either mister.” She took a moment to take him in, she noticing he was fighting his own battle in this miserable place.

“Same situation you’re in I guess. Having to deal with their shit is a real fucking pain in the ass. You know these people?”

“I know of them, but they’re not why I’m here. I was looking for that special someone, it was rumored that they would be here tonight. Huge guest of honor I hear. I pulled all the strings I had in my back pocket to get into this party.”

“Over a rumor? Everyone likes an optimist I guess. I hope they’re worth it.” Tak downed one last drink before he tried to leave but her words stopped him.

"At least I think you are."

Tak paused for a moment. At first he was confused, he didn’t know this woman. But the more he thought about it, the more it actually didn’t make sense.

"Who the fuck are you?" He said more than aggitated thinking she was there to kill him or start something he had to finish.

“Taki, you still haven’t figured it out? So much for that envoy intuition.”

Taki?

“Y/N? It can't be. That's impossible your stack was...”

“It was ok. It was damaged only slightly but I needed a new sleeve for sure. This sleeve took a while to make and I had severe sleeve sickness afterwards. I was desperate to find you Taki. There is so much buzz around you now it was hard to get to you. I am so sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner... Maybe I could’ve helped you with all of this I...”

Tak swooped Y/n into an embraced and kissed her. Even holding her was long overdue. He felt the grip on his mind release and felt his heart throb out his chest. Y/n melted in his arms and felt all tension leave her body. Between the tears and the I love yous, the time they spent apart was slowly erased.

Completely not caring about Bancroft and his death anymore Tak and Y/n navigated through the crowd and out the back door. Bancroft would have his head on a pike later but he didn't care.

Using the elevator they did their best to avoid cameras and other party goers who could point them out or stop them.

Tak waved down a cab and let Y/n slide in first. After taking a moment to breathe after practically running out of the place they both started laughing hysterically. He missed that laugh. Despite the new sleeve it sounded the same.

They began exchanging stories of their time apart, and Tak realized he had forgotten how badass Y/n can be. Her stories seemed more eventful and dramatic than he thought possible. It made Bancroft's death and party and cheap soiree.

When Tak took a turn spoke about how her 'death' affected him, Y/n's heart sank at every word. His whole demeanor changed and did her hardest to hold back the waterfall of tears in her eyes. All she wanted to was cradle him in her arms forever. He already had lost Quell, he shouldn't of had to lose her too.

They let the heaviness in the air between them fill the silence. There would be longer be a need for pain anymore. It was over.

The car soon came to a halt in front of the hotel and Tak had to brace Y/n for the storm that was Poe. In all honesty she couldn't wait to meet Tak's only friend through everything.

After an hour long interview with Poe, Y/n headed upstairs to Tak's room. He stayed behind to grab something to eat off of Poe to bring up.

The amount of bottles on the floor made her feel guilty. She knew he was alive and what happened but he didn't know about her. Even when he thought she was dead he looked for her and found nothing. There were times she questioned going back to him at all. Not because she didn't love him, because she thought he was better off. She thought wrong.

Hearing the elevator make it's way up she quickly got out her clothes and into one of his shirts on the floor. She laid on the bed trying not fall asleep on the extremely comfy mattress.

Tak stepped out of the elevator with drinks and something fancy on a plate but seeing Y/n he didn't think the food would even be touched. He just set it on the floor, took off his clothes, and slid into bed beside her.

She slid in closer to him and laid her head on his chest. His body felt so warm despite being out in the cold. Y/n didn't have a care in the world. Being in his arms was the only world she wanted any part of.

Tak took a deep breath and closed his eyes for just a moment and for once didn't feel any pain or guilt. At long last it was just silence and darkeness. He began to stroke her back just make sure she hadn't disappeared. Laying there in silence, just being in each other's presence after so long and given how exhausted they were from the last few hours was more than enough.

"I love you Taki. More than anything."

"I love you too Y/n/n."

"Ew don't call me that." Y/n giggled. "Never use it again."

"Make me."

There something Tak wanted to do before they closed in for the night. Something that took a moment for him to gather the nerve for. Despite the anxiety he was feeling, he had to make sure he wouldn't lose her again.

Sensing his anxiety, Y/n looked up at him.

"What's on your mind Taki?"

...

"Marry me"

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

Tags: @ittie-bittie-tittie @pixelsinspace @umbrellabrass @fandomalert31

[lady-wallace]

Whumptober Day 28: “Such wow, Many normal, Very Oops” (Supernatural)

Day Twenty-Eight: Such Wow, Many Normal, Very Oops

Prompts used: accidents, hunting season

Fandom: Supernatural Season 5

Read on Ao3

Read on FF.net

~~~~~~~

Dean dragged himself back over to Sam, collapsing beside his brother with a gasp.

"Dean?" Sam murmured.

"Don't move," Dean told him worriedly. "I'm just gonna try to clean this up, okay?"

Sam hummed, and nodded before wincing. Dean was afraid he had a concussion, though that was only one of their many worries right now.

Sam's leg was worse.

He didn't know why they always seemed to have the worst luck. It wasn't enough for Sam to get mauled by a black dog out in the middle of nowhere, but Dean had also gotten shot. By a hunter.

And not their kind of hunter. The kind who usually only shot Bambi's mom. That's just what happened when you were out in the woods during hunting season, he supposed. Still. The guy could have been a little more responsible.

The guy might have even gone for help if he hadn't been mauled by the same black dog that had gotten Sam.

Overall, this trip, which was supposed to be a milk run, ended up with both of them unable to walk out of the woods, and no cell service to call for help.

Dean had tried praying to Cas but the angel couldn't fly anymore what with being cut off from heaven and all, so he didn't know when or if he was going to get there. Or if he'd even heard him.

Dean turned to Sam with the river water he'd grabbed, soaking his last clean handkerchief and trying his best to flush the wounds in Sam's thigh and side. His brother flinched and whimpered. Dean worriedly noted the redness of the wounds and the heat of Sam's skin. He had a fever, and was terrified that sepsis would set in if they stayed out here too much longer without even the ability to clean the wounds properly. He hadn't even had his flask on him. Dean was lucky the same thing hadn't happened to him, though that might have been because he'd removed the bullet from his own leg in the running water of the stream making extra careful to wash the wound. He'd thrown up from the pain, but it had probably helped keep it from getting infected. Unfortunately, he couldn't drag Sam over to the stream. He could barely drag himself.

It was overall a bad situation. The only really good thing was that it felt like the apocalypse couldn't reach them out here.

Silver lining and all, Dean supposed wryly.

Sam cried out as Dean flushed the tender wounds as well as he could. "Easy," he murmured, patting his brother's chest.

"D-Dean," Sam swallowed hard. "N-no point in…"

"Shh," Dean hushed him. "It's better than nothing. And don't worry, we'll get help. It's hunting season, remember? Someone will be around eventually."

But it had been what? Two, three days now? Dean wasn't even sure anymore, and no one had crossed their path. They were deep in the woods.

Dean felt his brother's temperature again, and sat back, wincing as he stretched his own bad leg out. He looked up at the trees and closed his eyes. Cas, come on. If you can hear me…we really need help.

XXX

Bobby Singer wasn't really surprised to see the angel at his door, but he was surprised to see him without Sam and Dean.

Of course, his unasked questions were answered only a second later.

"Sam and Dean are in trouble," the angel said without greeting or preamble.

Bobby sighed wearily. When were those idjits not in trouble? "I'll go get my stuff."

Ten minutes later, he was on the road with an angel riding shotgun.

"You said Dean prayed to you?" Bobby asked.

Castiel nodded. "Yes, I can only assume their phones aren't working. They must be far out in the woods."

Bobby nodded. He knew the area they had been heading to, but he didn't know how deep they'd had to go. Truth be told, he felt a little guilty for not noticing their absence. He'd been so caught up in research that he hadn't realized it was two days later and the boys hadn't so much as called in. Usually cases involving black dogs weren't that complicated.

"Once we get there, will you be able to sniff them out?" Bobby asked.

Castiel frowned, glancing over at him. "I'm… not a hunting dog. And with the angel proof markings I put on their ribs, I won't be able to tell that it's them. I may be able to sense their human souls, however. But I'm not at full power, otherwise I would have simply flown there when Dean prayed to me."

"I know, I know," Bobby said, annoyed, but it wasn't the angel's fault.

When they got to the woods, Bobby pulled up at the head of the nearest trail and got out, slinging his bag over one shoulder and his rifle over the other.

Bobby glanced at the map that was set up. "Well, if no one has found them yet, then best guess is that they're probably out there." He tapped a spot with no trails listed. "There are probably only a few hunters who would go out there, the ones who mean business, but they still might not have come across the boys." Or, there was the other possibility, of course, that Bobby refused to think about. But if Dean had prayed to Cas not that long ago, then they had to still be alive.

"Well, let's go," Bobby said and they started off into the woods.

XXX

Dean tried to keep Sam as cool as possible. He should probably try to drag him down to the river, but he honestly didn't think he had the strength. He might not have any choice later, but right now, he would stick to hobbling back and forth for fresh water with the makeshift crutch he had made out of a branch. For now, about all the energy he had left was spent just sitting there, Sam's head resting on his good leg.

Sam made a sound of discomfort and shifted. Dean stroked his filthy hair out of his eyes, placing the cool cloth on his forehead, mouth pinching with worry. He was sure that Sam's fever had risen just within the last hour.

"Just hold on, Sammy," he whispered to his brother. "Please."

Sam just whimpered in pain and his face contorted as his body shifted slightly.

Dean leaned his head back against the trunk of a tree and closed his eyes.

"Cas, come on," he prayed, really hoping the angel could hear him. "We really need you here, buddy."

Maybe he was hoping for a miracle that would never come. After all, the angel, like the rest of them, seemed to be out of miracles.

XXX

Bobby and Cas stood over the remains of what appeared to be a hunter. The shredded camouflage jacket and rifle near his hand being the only real indication. They'd have to use dental records to identify him.

"Must have tangled with the black dog the boys were hunting," Bobby mused, wincing at the smell. The body had to be a couple days old now. Already picked over by the forest scavengers.

"Then maybe Sam and Dean aren't too far," Castiel said.

They continued on until Bobby stopped, seeing another corpse.

"Cas."

The angel turned and they studied a large black dog, lying dead, shot multiple times.

"They can't be far from here. Sam! Dean!" Bobby called.

Castiel joined the call and they hurried on until the angel stopped.

"Bobby, there's a river and…I can feel them, I think."

Relief flooded the old hunter as he and the angel raced in the direction Cas was indicating.

And there they found the boys. His boys. Alive.

Bobby thanked whoever might be listening and hurried forward, Cas on his heels.

"There you are," he said.

Dean was sitting with his back against a tree, Sam's head in his lap, and he looked up, eyes wide as if in disbelief as he saw Bobby coming.

"B-Bobby, Cas," he breathed. "That really you?"

Bobby knelt down beside them and reached out and cup Dean's face, smiling. "Yeah, it's really me, ya idjit. What the hell happened?"

"Black dog got Sammy, and…that poor bastard shot me on accident."

Bobby remembered the dead hunter and glanced down at Dean's leg where dirty strips of his shirt were tied tightly around it.

"Sam has a fever," Castiel said, brow furrowed as he knelt as well and touched Sam's forehead.

"Yeah, he's…not doing well," Dean said, swallowing hard. "We need to get him to the hospital."

"I can call the rangers, I have a satellite phone."

"No need," Castiel said and gently shifted Sam away from Dean and up over his shoulder. Sam moaned, but stayed completely unconscious. "As long as Dean can walk out of here."

"I'll make it," Dean grunted, already pushing himself to his feet.

Bobby caught his arm and helped. "You sure, son? It's a long way."

"Better than waiting for them to find us," Dean said and grabbed a makeshift crutch, leaning on that and Bobby as they followed Cas.

"Man am I glad you found us," Dean said quietly. "Thanks."

Bobby smiled and squeezed Dean's shoulder. "Anytime."

Later when they finally got to the hospital and Sam and Dean were both taken care of and fed and medicated, Bobby found them in Sam's room. The younger Winchester was still unconscious, but the doctor had said he would make a full recovery once he rested for a few days. He'd still somehow managed to avoid sepsis setting in, despite everything, so with some antibiotics he would be back to normal soon enough.

Dean had obviously made his way to his brother room, with his real crutches and he now sat, slumped, beside the bed, bad leg stretched out and head pillowed on his arms at Sam's shoulder.

Cas sat on the other side of Sam's bed, watching over both of them, their guardian angel. He looked up as Bobby came in.

"They're both going to be fine," he said, seeming to share Bobby's relief.

Bobby nodded, the last of the tension in his chest finally releasing. He pulled up another chair, and sat down to watch over all three of his boys.

[ijustwant2write]

Just Next Door-Sam Wilson x Reader

(GIF credit to @marveladdicts​)

Tags: @amirahiddleston @bloodorangemoonlight

Summary: Sam moves to new apartment filled with the usual neighbours, always armed with brief conversations; including the girl next door (Y/N). He doesn't know much about her, until something triggers a panic attack, revealing that they have more in common than they thought.

Characters: Sam Wilson x Reader

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Panic attacks, mentions of war, fighting and death

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

Sam hadn't been all too happy when he had to leave his home because of the aftermath of the whole 'civil war' situation. There wasn't really any plan put in place as to what they would do now, seeing as they were still under watch by the government. Steve had said to lay low, separate themselves to a certain distance, but not too much that they were out of reach. So here he was, having lived in a normal apartment building for three months, lying around, waiting for something to happen.

Looking at the positives, it was quite nice to go back to the normal part of life. This is what it would have been like if Captain America hadn't come along; except it would be back in his own home, not this small apartment. Still, after all the shit they had been through, why waste time looking on the negatives?

When there was a knock on the door, Sam was cautious, you never knew what was on the other side, or who could be coming after him. After stealthily checking the peephole, he relaxed when he saw it was his neighbour, (Y/N). A kind smile was on his face as he opened the door.

She was also grinning, one hand in her blazer pockets and the other holding onto the straps of her handbag."Hi, just letting you know that they're finally looking into the plumbing for the whole place. Saw some guys come in through the entrance."

"Thank god. I was only just getting used to having hot water for thirty seconds."

"Tell me about it."

"Busy day at the office?"

"Average, but no one pissed me off today, so that's good, I guess. What about you?"

"You know the drill. Staying in hiding till Cap needs me."

It was impossible not to know who Sam was. The news had covered as much as they could, the stories were practically selling themselves. However he was fortunate that most people living here didn't interact all that often. He had been wary of (Y/N) at the beginning, wondering if she was some sort of spy sent out to keep an eye on him; but he was able to figure her out, she was just your typical neighbour, a friendly greeting here and there, small conversations.

(Y/N) sighed."You've been here for so long though."

"Life of a hero isn't all that glamorous."

"No, suppose not. Well, I'm gonna grab dinner, I'll see you later."

"Uh (Y/N)," Sam held the door slightly open,"I've actually filled my time with cooking, and I definitely have enough for the both of us, if you want?"

"Oh, uh..."

"Not like, in a date way or anything, as friends."

Her voice was enthusiastic as she spoke."Yeah actually! I have a bottle of wine in the fridge, I'll go grab it."

They smiled at each other before she left, Sam closing the door but keeping it unlocked. He really didn't expect anything out of this. All he wanted was some company, just a friend to talk to, someone down to Earth. (Y/N) had only asked questions about his alter ego once, and then was when they first met. After that, she was the only one who looked at him like a normal person.

The meal together was full of laughter and some deep talks. Sam didn't let too much out, he still had to be careful. (Y/N) spoke of her childhood (as had he), what she had always dreamed of doing and fun anecdotes from work. However, Sam realised she had mission a portion of her life out, she had mentioned she had an 'old job' but never stated what it was (in fact, she had never even implied where she worked). Sam had tried to direct the conversation back that way, though (Y/N) was able to steer it right back, completely avoiding it. He decided it was unimportant at this stage of the friendship, he didn't want to pry. Though, she did tense up slightly when he mentioned his time in the military.

Sam felt refreshed the next day. Talking with (Y/N) had given him a break from the silence, or the yapping from the TV and radio. Well, he was at peace until he looked at his laundry basket. Another annoying thing about the apartment was that the washing had to be done in a communal laundry room. He had always found it strange how people came together in one room to do their laundry.

Effortlessly carrying the basket downstairs, he saw his neighbour also headed to the same place. (Y/N) had sensed someone behind her, relieved when it was Sam.

"Thank god it's you," she had sighed,"I wouldn't be able to deal with Jim at this time in the morning."

They walked down the rest of the stairs together, easing into conversation again. Sam noticed that her basket was just as big and full as his, yet she had no trouble with it; her office uniform hid her muscular arms, as if she had been lifting weights all her life. Still, Sam only saw snippets of (Y/N), perhaps she was a gym junky.

Their talking continued as they began loading their laundry into the machines. Sam had his back to (Y/N), until he heard a bang on the floor. His instincts caused him to whip around, calming when he saw that (Y/N) had knocked her basket over. She was knelt down, hair falling in front of her face as she scooped everything back in.

"Here, I'll help you." Sam offered, kneeling down opposite her.

It was only when he was level with (Y/N) that he saw the true state she was in. Her body was shaking, hunched over, breathing rapid. He recognised the signs of a panic attack, but what had brought it on? He noticed that she was clutching onto something in her hands; it was a military hat, green camouflage, the army. Whether it be hers or someone she knew, Sam had to do something to help her. The machines around him were creating loud, banging noises, so he quickly went round and turned them all off (hopefully no one walked in and made a complaint, now wasn't the time) before going back to (Y/N).

"(Y/N), it's OK, you're safe. You're safe with me, in the apartment building. We're in the laundry room, yeah?" Sam calmly said, kneeling in front of her. He repeated these words, slowly and gently reaching out for her.

Her hands were still gripping onto the hat, eyes in a trance like state until Sam finally started getting through to her. The shaking stopped, tears began to dry, and she practiced her breathing with Sam. Soon, she was back to a somewhat normal state.

"You OK?" Sam whispered after a few more minutes of breathing.

She nodded before she spoke."Yeah...sorry, I'm so sorry you had to witness that-"

"Hey, it's alright, these things happen." Sam reassured her as she began crying again."You were in the army."

"Mhm. Years ago."

"It's a tough world."

"You can say that again. I saw too many horrible things. Thought I could get through it, wanted to serve my country but... But it was just too much."

"It gets too much for everyone, it's normal."

Sam decided to reveal another part of his life, knowing that if he connected with her, she might feel more comfortable.

He sat down next to her both of them leaning against the machines."I lost a friend actually, a very close one. It was a tragic accident."

Surprisingly, she opened up straight away."So did I. I think too many of us did. I keep in touch with a few of my comrades, we try to talk about it, but it's hard."

"You know, I actually ran meetings before I met Cap, about PTSD, aftermath of coming out of the forces, anything really. So, if you need to talk, I'll be happy to listen. As a mentor or a friend. But there's no pressure, it's always in your own time."

"Thank you Sam." Megan looked down at her cap, holding it more caringly."I thought I had packed this away with my uniform somewhere, must have slipped in the basket somehow. Just... I wasn't expecting to see it."

"Of course not. Has this happened before?"

"I used to have nightmares sometimes. The worst thing was this slamming door downstairs, I always asked a neighbour to get it sorted, they never did. It just reminded me of the guns and bombs, especially when it came out of nowhere; they didn't have a particular schedule, so I couldn't even expect the noise. One day I went down to ask one last time before complaining to the manager of the place, but it slammed and I broke down in the hallway. I just can't seem to control it, someone always finds me crumpled up on the floor."

"I can give you techniques to help with that, if you want them."

"Please, that would actually help."

"Course. For now, shall we get on with our laundry?"

They both chuckled, the mood lightening. He helped her off the floor, going back around and turning the other machines on again, once (Y/N) had agreed. Small talk was made as they carried on like nothing happened, but (Y/N) hadn't let go of her hat. Sam saw, though made no comment, not right now.

"You sure you're gonna be alright?" Sam checked as they stood outside their doors.

"I think so. It's strange isn't it? How something like a piece of clothing can bring back so many memories."

"The human brain is complex. Everyone has has the same feeling, whether in the forces or not."

"Yeah, I guess so. Thank you Sam, I'll use those techniques you told me about." she started to unlock her door.

"If you ever need me, at anytime as well, just knock, yeah?"

"I will." before she closed the door, she caught his attention again."Sam?"

"Hm?"

"It's comforting to have someone who's been through the same thing. Thank you for helping me today."

“Well, you know I’m just next door. I'll always be right here."

[alisondepartedbear]

Just Breathe

Everything is not what it seems in Swellview, a kidnapper is running amok while Henry faces some challenging trials in his life. The boy most overcome what is inside to deal with major life changes.

Part One / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four

Can be found on wattpad and fanfiction.net, usernames in tumblr bio

^^^^^^^^^

Chapter Five

The police station smelled like burnt coffee and mildew rotted paper. Just from walking in here, my nose started to run. Inside a questioning room, Elena and her parents were crying over each other, thankful for more days together. Watching them made my heart swell and want to call my sister, I couldn't imagine thinking you'd never see someone again because of some monster human.

Outside the room stood Captain Man, Officer Bladell, and myself arguing.

"I found her. Therefore I take her statement." Captain Man's voice booms in the hallway.

Officer Bladell laughs sarcastically, jutting out his hip to rest on the wall. "Well Captain Underpants, you have no say so here. This is my house."

"Actually-" I begin before Bladell cuts me off.

He waves his hand in my face. "Cool it, kid. Convo for grown ups."

I'm not sure if I've ever wanted to hit a man so intensely before. Balling my hands into fits I put them behind back and squeeze my nails into the palm. Someone walks by and a whiff of mildew comes in causing me to sniffle so no snot fell from my nose.

"Aw, little baby boy, gonna cry."

"I'm gonna hit you, man!" I scream pulling my fist back.

"Hey, hey," Captain Man grabs my waist while I try to grab Officer Bladell's hair.

"Wow, Kid Danger, what's going?" Detective Shapiro shows up with his Skyscraper cup. How much coffee does he drink?

"This chub won't let us take Elena Gilbert's statement even though we have the authority to."

"You don't, you child!" Officer Bladell's cheeks turn a ruddy red.

"They do, actually." Detective Shapiro says taking a sip. "Just two weeks ago Captain Man graduated from the police academy. He is much apart of the force as you are, Bladell. Now let him do his job."

Officer Bladell's fists tighten and he huffs out an angry breath before stomping out the back alley door of the precinct. A brief silence falls over us before the detective clears his throat.

"Well," He taps his foot. "Shall we?"

Captain Man asks Elena's parents to leave the room while I sit at the table across from her. She gives me a wiry smile and plays with her fingers. "Do you need water or a snack?" I ask unsure what to say to her.

She shakes her head and folds her hands.

Captain Man comes to sit next to me before clicking a pen open. He flips his little notepad open and smiles up at Elena. "Elena, will be needing to go through your schedule on the day you were abducted. Now if you begin to feel uncomfortable at anytime, tell us and we'll stop."

Elena's blond hair slides off her shoulder as she nods. "I understand."

Elena starts explaining her day. She had woken up around 7:30 to the sound of her mother making breakfast in the kitchen. After eating, she walked to the nearest bus stop to get a ride to school.

"Everything seemed normal," She shrugs running her finger around her pointer fingernail. "That evening my parents and I went to Junk'n'Stuf to strictly browse. My mom told me we couldn't get anything since we had to pay rent this week. But I saw a mini porcelain ballerina and begged her to get it for me. When she said no, I screamed in her face and walked out."

Elena leans forward on her elbow and uses her hand to cover her eyes as she looks down. "I got so mad and I kept running. But when I turned on Salvatore there was a van, a black van. Of course, I'm not stupid...I didn't want to walk anywhere near it so I crossed the street. Then I heard a voice call for me. They knew my name. I stopped but I didn't get to turn around." She places a hand on the back of her head. "I think he hit me, or injected me with something because everything went black."

I hand a tissue to her when I see a tear drop to the table. The room stays quiet for a few moments and then the AC turns on. Elena leans back in her chair and looks up towards the vent letting it hit her face. Her cheeks were red.

"Are you ready to continue?" Captain asks putting a gloved hand on her's.

She nods licking her lips and taking a breath. "When I came to, it was dark and green."

"Green?"

She nods again. "There was a green glow that came from a pool. It looked just like jello with the bubbles inside and steam always rose from it. Its what he put in us."

"H-he put things inside you?" I couldn't control my voice.

"Just whatever that was," With every word, she never waivers. "I noticed tubes in both my nostrils, the green goo running through them. There was such a disgusting burn in my throat. I tried to move my body but nothing happened until I flung my arm backwards hitting flimsy rubber. I could feel something move in my ear which I just think were more tubes. Then I saw the boy. He was hooked up like me. Big, metal handles were clamped around his waist. I tried to see if I was like that but my head wouldn't move. His head though...it just hung there. I called after him but he never moved."

Elena takes a moment before continuing. "I was there for a long time before he came in."

"Who do you believe this he was?"

"The man who kidnapped me,"

"Can you explain him? Features? The way he walked?"

She thinks about it, tilting her head side to side. "He wore dark jeans and regular tshirts but always wore a Nixon mask."

"Richard Nixon?"

She nods. "He was always so cocky. Talking how clueless the police are, how they couldn't follow a clue even if it was right next to them." Her fingers tap on the metal table. "He took something from us, something blue. Almost like the green goo. It was collected in beakers that he drank from." Elena shudders.

Captain Man wrote profusely in his notepad so I took the next question. "How did you escape?

A smile forms on Elena. She shakes her head. "He made me to take showers twice a day. He'd walk to the facility with me and stand outside the door. I kept the water running and waited until I heard him walk away. He's stupid. I simply walked out, and found the stairs. At the top, there was a metal latch door that opened up. I crawled through it to find myself in the woods. So I started running, running so fast." She takes a deep breath and wipes a tear away. "I didn't know I could go that fast. I heard the latch open and him scream for me. Saying I'd die out there alone. But then the door slammed shut and I heard a car start. But I didn't see any road near the opening so I think it was hidden or camouflaged. I ran until I saw a sign splitting the wood between Neighborville and Swellview. I figure that I was close to the park so I just continued. Then I saw your uniforms and knew I was saved."

Captain Man nods, doting and crossing his letters. He looks back up and smiles at Elena. "Did you notice anything special while you were walking through the dungeon?"

Elena nods. "He had a police uniform on the floor near the entrance. A real uniform, not some costume. I think he's on the force." She whispers.

"So did she say anything good?" Detective Shapiro asks. He was sitting at his desk with his feet propped on it, swirling his Skyscraper cup around.

"That and then some," Captain Man says sitting opposite of him. He goes on to explain the situation. When he got to the blue goo part, Detective Shapiro gags on his coffee.

"What in the world would he drink from them?"

"Your guess is as good as ours." I shrug. "We'll know more about that when we speak to our scientist." Hopefully, Schwoz would have some answers.

"The last thing she said is that she found a real police uniform. She believes it's a man on the force."

Detective Shapiro nods. "That's makes sense, since she requested to only speak to female officers." He runs a hand through his curly hair. "I'll have a background done on all the officers. See if any are fishy enough to be suspects."

"From what we gathered, this man likes his authority and almost hates the force. Maybe look for someone who isn't on a higher rank, someone who is a big talker, but not much bulk behind it." Captain Man suggests.

Detective Shapiro nods, writing something down in his notepad. "I'll put someone I really trust on this. If you can, keep this part of the down. We don't want anyone to be suspicious and run."

"Of course,"

"Schwoz!" Ray yells when he steps off the elevator.

"He's not here." Charlotte says from the computer. "He went out with a friend, won't be back until tomorrow."

"Damn it," Ray whispers before retreating back to his room, probably to brood.

"So," She says turning to me. "What happened at the precinct?"

I shake my head. "It's just messed up, Charlotte. Elena thinks he's a police man."

"Of course," Charlotte huffs a breath out. "You can't freakin' trust cops. I hate that for her. She'll never feel safe around one again probably."

"Yeah," I walk closer to the moniter and peer at the screen. "What are you doing?"

She spins around and starts to scroll through listings. "I'm looking at records of unmarked black vans. There's not much to go on but I feel bad for not doing anything. There's not much for me to do here."

I lean down and put an arm around her shoulders. "You're doing great just thinking of this. You're very useful, Char."

"Thank you," She smiles.

I pull into the driveway and immediately slam on the breaks. A silver Mazda sat in my parking space, Mom's car. Before leaving the car, I take a couple of centering breaths, something Charlotte told me to start doing. When I open the door, I hear something fall. Peering behind the door, I see three suitcases. Then I hear my mother's voice from upstairs. A door slams and she comes down the stairs, leaning on the rail heavily. She almost trips on the last step. When she sees me, her eyes flare.

She points a bony finger at me. "Did you know about this?"

Dad walks down the stairs. I look at him. "Know about what?"

"Your father is kicking me out!" She takes a swig out of her water bottle, but even from where I'm standing I can smell that it's not water. "He claims I'm cheating on him and that I drink too much."

"Mom-"

"Kris, I know about the motel room in town you keep. Why else would you need something like that if you weren't cheating?"

Mom stares at him for a moment, caught in a lie. Her cheeks flush to a pink color. "Well, I'm taking the kids with me!" She screams. "You'll never see them again."

Dad shakes his head. "No, they will stay here. If they want you to, you can visit them here."

Mom races over and pushes him. "What do you mean if they want me to? You can't keep them from me!" She hits his chest.

"Stop this," He grabs her wrists. "Hitting me is not going to make me change my mind."

"You're an ass!" She screams fighting against his grip. "Let go of me!"

He does and she stumbles in to the suitcases.

"Let's ask them then." She says cockily. "Let's see who they'd rather stay with, Jake. Piper!"

"This isn't a discussion."

"Piper, get your ass down here!"

Piper comes around the door arch slowly. "What's going on?" She asks timidly. She comes to stand next to me.

"Your dad is kicking me out, baby." Mom puts on her nurturing voice. "And we need to figure out where you and Henry will stay. Now don't you wanna stay with momma?"

Piper's eyebrows raise and she looks at Dad. "Really?" She takes another look at Mom.

"Who do you want to live with?!" Mom asks Piper pointedly. Her eyes never met Piper's due to them crossing and closing. "Who do you love more?"

"Kris, do not ask her that!" Dad raises his voice, which he never does to Mom. He puts his hand out to Piper. "You don't have to answer that."

"She's a big girl, Jake. She can speak!" Mom swings her arms motion to her daughter.

I step between Mom and Piper. "Mom, I-"

"Dad," Piper whispers.

"What?" Venom almost leaks from her mouth and her brown eyes almost look red. She takes a step towards Piper, stepping on her untied shoelace. "What?!"

"I'm-" Piper's terrified eyes find mine. I put my hand on her shoulder.

"We're staying with Dad." I say lowly.

"You little-" Mom steps out with her hand drawn back. Before I can move Piper out of the way, her mouth forms an 'o' and she falls, tripping on her shoelaces.

Dad rushes to her, grabbing underneath her arms. "Kris, are-"

Mom pushes him away. "Get off!" Her voice began to be rough and scratchy. Her fire eyes flare at Piper and me.

For a moment the scene reminds of Charlotte and me. I had done the same thing. I pushed her away. Forcing myself to stay on track, I try to remind myself I'm not my mother.

I take a hesitant step to Mom. "This-It doesn't mean we don't love you. But you need to get better." I reach a shaking hand out.

She smacks me away. "You're ungrateful!" She pushes herself up using the coffee table. She sways while yelling. "Who do you think you are? I pick out your clothes! I gave you life! Who do you think picked the best school in the county? Me! I chose the house! I gave you what you have!"

Piper scoffs. Her hands in white knuckled fists. "That doesn't matter when you're a shit parent! You could give me forty PearPhones but it wouldn't matter because...You're. Not. Here. You think you know your husband and children. You don't!"

"Sweetheart," Dad's voice is very small.

Big tears swim down Piper's face. "Did you know I got second place in the science fair? Did you know Henry got straight As? Dad's here! Dad shows us he cares."

Before anything else can be said, Mom starts to cry. A heavy cry I've seen many times. Its the cry when drunks are faced with too many truths. Her shoulders begin to shake and snot comes out of her nose. She's looking at Piper and me. I know she's expecting Piper to apologize. When she doesn't she starts crying harder and looks at me. But I've grown such a disdain and disconnect from my Mother that I can't feel for her tears.

Dad steps forward and sits beside her. He quietly pats her back.

I take Piper's hand and walk out the front door. Without speaking we get into my car. Slowly I back out onto the street.

"I'm not sorry for what I said." Piper says.

"You shouldn't be. She needed to hear something real from us."

After that Piper and I drove around Swellview, talking about school and everything but Mom. She told me about a boy she was starting to like and how she thinks he likes her too. I embarrassingly tried to give her the talk but she wasn't having any of it. She plugged her ears and yelled "la la la" until I laughed and changed the subject.

"Hey, your phone's vibrating." Piper says handing me it, she'd been switching songs. "Charlotte's calling."

I grab the phone and put the device to my ear. "Hey, what's up?"

"Ray wants you here now. There's been another kidnapping. The guy got two young kids this time."

Trying to remain as calm as I could, I said goodbye and hung up the phone. My heart raced and sweat began to bead up on my forehead. How young are they?

"Piper, you mind waiting in Junk'n'Stuf while I go talk to Ray?"

She shrugs. "It's cool. I just hope Jasper doesn't try to talk to me."

^^^^^^^^

Please comment if you’d like to be apart of a tag list!

taglist: @violetride @craploadofandoms @junknstu1f (i tag you since you liked the story so much!) @sasunarushiita

[pinknerdpanda]

Dead Sea

Word Count: 4,317

Characters: Modern AU!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: Language, angst, fluff

SSB Square Filled: “Why the long face?” (Bolded and Italicized below)

Beta’d by: @shy-violet-soul - what would I do without you?!

A/N: Alright, here it is. My first attempt at MCU Fanfic and hopefully the first of more to come. I really love Bucky’s character and the ways parts of him can be expounded upon. This particular piece was written for @heli0s-writes 2K Challenge. My prompt was the song “Dead Sea” by the Lumineers. I kinda picked it apart and used bits of lyrics within the fic, which are highlighted. This is also the first fic for my @star-spangled-bingo card. Hope you enjoy! I’d love to hear your feedback!

If you’d like to be added to my taglist, send me an ask!

X

Dead Sea

“Why the long face?”

Four words, spoken with casual naivete and a breath of gentle teasing. Bucky froze, the unlit cigarette, now forgotten, dangling between his lips as he looked around for the source of his distraction. His gaze landed on her as she flicked her lighter, bringing the flame to her own cigarette and taking a drag. Her hair itself was like fire, brilliant red and vivid orange dancing around her face in the breeze. She smiled, smoke billowing in delicate tendrils from her nose and mouth as she held the lighter out. 

Bucky blinked, glancing around once again. Surely she was addressing someone else? His eyes narrowed as his search came back empty and he looked at her again.

She wiggled the lighter in his direction and chuckled, the sound electrifying every nerve in his body and making the hair on his arms stand on end. A sound that pure and beautiful should be reserved for...well, anything or anyone except him. Bucky knew he should turn around and go back inside - leave her alone and untainted by his mere existence.

And yet as she watched him patiently, the sun overhead making her eyes and hair sparkle, he silently nodded his thanks and accepted the proffered item. It took a few failed attempts before he successfully ignited the tip of his cigarette and inhaled the bitter smoke, returning the lighter in silence.

“I’m y/n,” she offered, tucking it away again.

Dumbstruck.

It’s not a word Bucky would have used to describe himself in recent years. As a naive, fresh-faced kid 20 years ago? Sure. But a former soldier and recently retired enforcer for a powerful mob back East? Hell no.

And yet, there was no other word to describe it.

Bucky Barnes was dumbstruck.

He took a long drag and exhaled, hoping the cloud of smoke would provide some sort of camouflage as he spoke.

“‘M’name’s Bucky,” he mumbled.

“Nice to meet you, Bucky,” her tone brightening around her widening smile. “I haven’t seen you before. You new?”

Bucky nodded, hiding again behind his antiquated bad habit.

“I work just there,” she gestured behind her, cigarette carefully poised between two fingers. “At the salon. I’m a stylist.”

Bucky jerked his thumb to the door a few places down from where she’d pointed. 

“I just started at the pawn shop.” 

Y/n nodded, taking another drag. 

“You said something. Earlier.” Bucky cleared his throat, his continued socialization a surprise to himself. “What did you say?”

Y/n grinned, sheepishly, dropping the cigarette to the ground and stomping it with the toe of her worn Converse.

“I asked ‘Why the long face?’” Y/n pulled her jacket around her, shielding herself from the chilly gusts of late winter air. “It’s just...well. You looked kinda sad.”

Bucky chuckled, flicking his cigarette away deftly. “I’ve been told that’s just my face.”

Y/n pressed her lips together and narrowed her gaze at him, nodding thoughtfully.

“I appreciate the concern, though.” One side of Bucky’s mouth quirked up, the ghost of the charming ladies-man he’d once been playing over his features.

“I’ll see you around, Bucky.” She laughed to herself once more before ducking her head and retreating toward her shop, the door closing behind her.

I hope so. Bucky thought to himself. I really hope so.

----

The next few weeks passed in much the same way; smoke breaks shared behind the strip mall, shy smiles and quiet comfort found in the low murmuring between them. 

“But why did you leave New York for bumfuck Ohio?” She pressed gently one day, flicking ash into the wind. “This place is just so...boring.”

Bucky’s jaw tensed, having dreaded this question from the moment he put the Empire State in his rearview mirror. The dread compounding even more as the thought of telling her the truth flashed through his mind.

Bucky took another drag before tossing the butt on the ground and stomping it out mercilessly.

“New York lied to me. I needed the truth.” Bucky smirked in self-contempt, the irony heavy on his tongue. It wasn’t entirely false, but it wasn’t the honesty he wished he could give her, either. “Besides, boring isn’t so bad.”

He chanced a look in her direction and found her, nodding thoughtfully as she often did, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. To Bucky, that one gesture felt as though she saw through him, though the feeling wasn’t raw and exposed as he kept anticipating. It felt...reassuring, somehow. Like she saw him as someone he wasn’t even certain he was, and was just biding her time until she could reflect the image back to him. 

“Well, whatever brought you here, Bucky,” she smiled, brushing the neon green and pink hair from her eyes. “I’m really thankful it did.”

Bucky cleared his throat, refusing to look at his watch, as though doing so would deplete their time together faster. 

“What about you? If it’s so boring here, why do you stay?” His tone bordered on teasing, but as soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them.

Y/n blinked rapidly, the edges of her smile crumbling visibly. He could practically see her forcing her facial muscles to keep it place.

“It’s my dad,” her voice was barely a whisper. “He’s sick. Cancer. My mom left ages ago and I’m all he’s got.”

She shrugged, leaving him with more questions than answers. Bucky knew better than most not to press the matter. She never did with him, so he allowed her the same respect.

“I’m sorry.” 

Y/n nodded, a silent acceptance of his sincerity. She took a small step forward - her warmth and vitality crowding his space in all the best ways - and, leaning up, pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Blood roared in Bucky’s ears and his heart thudded against his ribs almost violently. The feel of her chapped lips on his skin lingered as she stepped back.

“Have a good afternoon, Bucky.” She started to walk back inside, but turned to face him again. “You oughta come by sometime, let me get my fingers in that hair of yours.”

Feigning offense, Bucky scoffed, and pushed some of the long strands back over his ears. “What’s wrong with my hair?”

Y/n smiled, a renewed joy in the curve of her lips. “Nothing.”

Bucky watched as she retreated back through the door of the salon, finding himself, once again, dumbstruck.

----

“What about - ” she drew the word out, finger outstretched as she settled on the one she wanted, “that one?”

Bucky chuckled. Of course she would pick that one.

“That one is Vega.”

Bucky turned his head, finding her profile highlighted by the glow of the heavens above. He found her joy intoxicating.

He’d been nervous when he asked if she wanted to do something after work earlier in the day. Nervous and more than a little clumsy, having already convinced himself that she’d turn him down. But she hadn’t. In fact, Bucky thought she almost looked relieved. Though whether it was because she’d hoped he’d ask or because she simply needed a brief reprieve from the responsibility of caring for an ailing father, he wasn’t sure. 

All he knew for certain was that sitting there, blanketed by an inky black sky dotted with shimmering stars next to her was the only place he wanted to be. He felt a bone-deep peacefulness he’d never experienced in his life and it had everything to do with the pastel blue-haired girl who’d agreed to go stargazing with him. 

"You know," he began, swallowing thickly when she turned to face him. "They say that Vega was a goddess who fell in love with a farmer. She descended the heavens to be with him and promised to bring him back with her. Her father became so enraged with them, he banished them both to the sky, but far apart from one another."

"That's so sad," she whispered, her face scrunched. 

Bucky nodded.

"But," he began, desperate to wipe the frown from her lips, "once a year - on the seventh day of the seventh month - a bridge of magpies forms across the milky way so the lovers can be reunited once more."

It worked.

Y/n's eyes glittered brightly with excitement again and at once Bucky's breath was stolen from his lungs. In that moment, Bucky would have lassoed the moon and brought it to earth if it meant being cocooned in her mirth for a few more seconds. 

"That's so romantic, in a horribly tragic kind of way." She laughed, the sound knitting together pieces of himself he'd long assumed irreparable. "Thank you for this, Bucky. I needed some fresh air."

"Anytime, sweetheart."

The voice in his head bellowed that the blush gracing her cheeks was a figment of his imagination. But, as her hand linked with his, the roar of doubt and fear subsided for a moment. He closed his eyes briefly, meticulously cataloging the feel of her palm in his own. 

"What are you thinking?" Her melodic voice vibrated through the night air.

"Sometimes," he started, unsure how to put his chaotic thoughts into words. "Sometimes I feel like I'm sinking and I can't seem to catch my breath."

Her thumb soothed gentle circles over his knuckles, sending a shiver down his spine. 

"But for some reason - when I'm with you - I feel like I can't help but float." Bucky cringed. As often as he'd considered expressing his budding feelings for her, he had done a piss-poor job when the moment presented itself.

And yet...

Her lips were warm against the rough skin of his hand and it shot little jolts of electricity up his arm and throughout his body. 

"I'll be your Dead Sea, Bucky," her breath tickled the hair on the back of his hand as she pressed another kiss there. "You'll never sink when you're with me."

----

“You’re insane.”

Y/n giggled merrily as the rhythmic swells of Latin beats carried on the breeze from the Puerto Rican restaurant a few doors away.

Bucky grinned. "Probably."

"It's raining!" Y/n protested, a whine lacing her words.

Bucky tipped his head to one side, his hand held out feeling the gentle patter of rain against his skin. 

"’S’not raining, it's sprinkling. I know you're sweet, but I promise ya won't melt." His words were flat, but his lips betrayed the attempt at a deadpan retort.

Y/n simply narrowed her gaze at him, crossing her arms over her chest, though her smile muted the effect of her challenge.

“Aw, cah’mon, sweetheart,” Bucky drawled, Brooklyn accent thick and charming. “No one’s gonna see us.”

“I don’t know how!” 

Y/n glanced nervously from Bucky’s outstretched palm to his face and back. 

“Well, lucky for you, I’m an excellent teacher.” Bucky quirked an eyebrow as his lips drew up in an inviting grin.

Reluctantly - but only just -  she released the air from her lungs in a dramatic sigh, throwing her hands in the air.

“Fine. But it’s only because you’re cute.”

Bucky’s smile widened as his pulse quickened, a rush of warmth heating his cheeks as she placed her right hand in his. He draped her other on his shoulder before planting his right hand against her back.

“It’s easy, just remember one, two, three. One, two, three.” He squeezed her hand encouragingly. “Now, when I step forward you step back. Just mirror my steps and follow my lead. One, two, three. One, two, three.”

Slowly, carefully, Bucky moved them both in a less-than-graceful rendition of a Salsa dance. He didn’t care when she stepped on his toes and cursed under her breath. All that mattered to him was the feel of her in his arms and the sparkle in her eyes as their steps became somewhat synchronized. 

"So," Bucky mused, taking advantage of her gaze averted in favor of their feet. "Cute, huh?"

Y/n's steps faltered, her left foot landing hard against Bucky's right and her head connecting with his chin as she tried to jerk her eyes up to his. Bucky yelped in pain and y/n stumbled backward, her feet tangling with his as they both crumpled to the ground in a heap.

"Oh my God, Bucky!" Y/n gasped, hands scrambling for purchase as she tried to untangle herself. "I'm so sorry! Are you ok?!"

Bucky's deep laughter halted her efforts to climb off him. She laughed then too - high, slightly embarrassed giggles that she tried to cover with her palm. Her eyes widened as his arms tightened around her waist, drawing her in closer.

Bucky swept the faded purple hair from her face, brushing his thumb against her jaw as their laughter died. It was as if time stopped and the only thing that existed in that moment was the two of them. Her breath caught gently when he hooked his fingers behind her neck and began to pull her face to his.

Whether it was poor timing or just another way for the universe to screw him over, he couldn't be sure. But before their lips met, the skies opened up and large, cold raindrops pelted them, instantly drenching them both and ruining whatever moment it might have been. 

Y/n squealed, jumping to her feet and ducking under the shelter of the awning. Defeated, frustrated and wet, Bucky slowly ambled up and joined her a few moments later. Bucky groaned running his fingers through his soaking hair and trying in vain to wring the water out. Y/n grinned, her cheeks and nose dusted a light pink that he was sure hadn't been there before he'd asked her to dance. 

"Y/n," Bucky started but froze when he realized his voice was one of two calling her name in the same moment.

"Mrs. Perry's timer just went off!"

"I'll be right in!" She called back cheerfully, though her eyes shone with reluctance as Bucky stared into them. "Shit. I'm sorry, Bucky. I uh," she pressed her palms together and dropped her gaze briefly. "Thank you for the dance lesson and sorry for...ya know...being about as graceful as a baby moose."

Before he could protest her self-deprecating remark, she leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek and turned to go back inside. Bucky stared after her, his cheek warm despite the chill the rain had tried burying inside his bones.

----

Bucky’s thumb drummed nervously against the wooden surface of the reception desk as he did yet another visual sweep of the room. It was more quiet than he’d expected, though to be honest, he had little to base his assumptions on. 

A few agonizing moments later, a tall, raven haired woman with blood red lips and a ring through her eyebrow approached. She smiled warmly at him, wiping her palms on the front of her black apron.

“Hi, can I help you?”

Bucky swallowed, his nerves making him jittery. “Yeah, I’m looking for y/n.”

“I’m sorry, did you have an appointment?” The woman frowned, a deep crease marring her heavily made-up face. “Judith was supposed to call all of her appointments last night.”

Fear prickled at the back of his neck and a shiver ran down his spine. 

“I didn’t have an appointment. I’m Bucky. From next door? Is she okay?”

“Oh of course. Bucky.” The woman smiled and then sighed. “Her father passed away yesterday afternoon. I know she’d been expecting it eventually, but I don’t think anyone is really ever ready.”

His heart broke for her. He wished he’d known or that there was something he could have done. He’d make the earth spin backwards if it would make her happy.

“Do you know where she lives?” Bucky cringed knowing how stalker-y that sounded. “I just, I’m worried about her.”

The woman pursed her lips, her eyes roaming over his face, studying him. Whatever she’d found there must have been enough because she pulled out a pen and a slip of paper.

“If anything happens to her, Bucky From Next Door, I will not hesitate to kill you. I know where you work and I know that boss of yours better than you do.” She scribbled something on the paper before pushing it towards him. Her expression softened, then, a small smirk playing at the edge of her lips. “Besides, I think she could use a friend right now. If that’s what you’re calling yourselves these days.”

Bucky blushed, but nodded. He mumbled his thanks as he hurried out the door.

----

Bucky paused, his fist poised to knock on the bright yellow door as he sucked in a steadying breath. The setting sun stole the warmth of spring from the air and he found himself shivering. Just when he calmed his nerves, the door opened suddenly, startling him and forcing him to take a step backward. Y/n’s face was pale and her wide eyes were rimmed with red, but the visible signs of sorrow did nothing to lessen her beauty. 

“Bucky?” She gasped a second before she lunged for him, wrapping him in a fierce hug. 

He held her as she shuddered against him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. The sound of her broken sobs made his stomach churn and he rubbed small, comforting circles against her back. 

She pulled back suddenly, rubbing her eyes violently and huffing a frustrated laugh.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blubber all over - “

“No,” Bucky cut her off. “Sweetheart, don’t apologize. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

Sniffling, she tried smiling, though it was little more than a faint upturn of her lips. 

"You are, aren't you." Her nose scrunched in thought. "How did you know?"

Bucky ran a shaking hand through his hair, eyes focused in his scuffed boots.

"I, uh," he cleared his throat. "I stopped by to see if I could get a haircut. They told me about...what happened." He looked at her then. "I'm so sorry, y/n." 

She nodded, arms wrapping around herself. 

"I knew it was coming soon, I just," she took a deep breath and released it. She continued, voice soft. "I thought I would have more time, ya know?"

Bucky hummed in understanding. 

"You want to come in? I just made some coffee." She laughed. "I don't even know why I came out here. I think I'm a little out of it."

Bucky followed her inside, shutting the door behind him. She led him through the small entryway and into the kitchen, dodging a small pile of suitcases stacked near the doorway. Glasses rattled as she searched for a pair of mismatched mugs and set them on the counter beside the coffee pot.

"You goin' somewhere?" Bucky tipped his head toward the bags when she looked at him. 

Her eyes flashed with something Bucky didn't understand before she turned back to her task. The scent of black coffee was comforting as she handed him a mug. A frowning panda glared up at him from the surface of the cup below the words "I hate mornings." It made Bucky smile. 

Y/n cleared her throat, drawing his attention back to her. She faced him, hip resting against the edge of the counter. 

"He had been sick for so long, I started to think that this was all my life would ever be. I figured I'd stay, take care of him, maybe get a few cats." Cradling her own mug in one hand, she ran her fingers through uncharacteristically messy orange hair. "But, now that he's...gone…" her voice trembled on the words, but she continued. "I don't know. I think domestic life never really suited me. I kind of want to live for myself, for a change."

Bucky nodded, forcing down the lump in his throat before taking a sip of coffee. 

Y/n smoothed her hands along the sides of her mug, her brow furrowed as she stared at the black liquid. 

"His funeral is Tuesday," she sniffed. "I didn't really have any expenses here, so I've got some money saved. I thought, why not just get away for awhile, ya know?"

Bucky set his cup down and took a step toward her. Her breath hitched, though she didn't look at him. Carefully he tugged the mug from her hands and placed it beside his.

"Well, I'm glad," he smirked, placing his hands on her shoulders and squeezing gently. "Cause you and cats? That's just not right."

Y/n giggled, the sound oddly strangled around the sudden resurgence of tears. 

"C'mere," he sighed, wrapping his arms around her and tucking her head under his chin. She breathed deeply, hugging him closer and fisting her hands in the back of his shirt. 

This time when she pulled back, she kept hold of him, but her face twisted in confusion.

"Wait, did you say you wanted a haircut?!" Her voice bordered on incredulous. 

Bucky shrugged one shoulder. "Thought it might be time for a change. 'Sides, you said you wanted to get your hands on it." 

Y/n gaped at him and reached up to run her fingers through his chestnut locks. The feel of her nails against his scalp forced his eyes closed and he hummed lightly.

She tugged on one strand, not enough to hurt but enough to get his attention. When his eyes opened again, the soft look on her face startled him. Her hand dropped to the curve of his jaw, her thumb brushing gently against the bristles peppering his cheek.

"Maybe a trim, but there's no way I could deprive the world of this hair, Buck. That would be a travesty." She blushed. "I only wanted an excuse to run my fingers through it."

Without giving himself a chance to back out, Bucky dipped his head and kissed her. Her lips were warm and she sighed, pressing herself closer to him. His tongue licked across her lip as his nose brushed hers. He pulled back, tugging her bottom lip gently between his before sucking in a steadying breath. 

She smiled, pressing her forehead against his. "About time."

Bucky chuckled, pecking her lips twice as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Come with me."

Her voice was so low, he wondered for a moment if he'd imagined it, but her gaze was pleading. 

"Y/n," he sighed. "I don't know if that's a good idea." 

Defeat, exhaustion, embarrassment and rejection played across her face as she nodded, her hands dropping at her sides.

"Sorry," she breathed, turning away from him. 

Bucky caught her elbow and turned her back to face him. 

"It's not because I don't want to, because God knows I do," he bit down on his lip, clenching his eyes shut in preparation for what came next. "There's just things about me that you don't know. Things I don't want you to know, because seeing disappointment in your eyes might actually kill me."

Her hand cupped his cheek, thumb tracing the edge of his mouth before gently tugging his lip from between his teeth. His eyes found hers again and his heart stammered at the tenderness there.

"Bucky, I don't have to know everything about who you used to be to know you are a good man. I could never be disappointed in you."

Her words lifted a small part of the weight he'd carried from the East coast, though he figured the bulk of it would likely remain with him forever. 

"When I left New York, I didn't know exactly where I was going. I just headed west, kept moving, until I got here. This just felt right, somehow. I don't know why I stopped here, y/n. I needed someone I could trust, but it felt impossible. I felt like all I would ever do was sink under the weight of what I left behind." He smoothed a hand through her hair, watching the way the light danced over the brightly colored strands. "But then I met you and, I know I don't deserve it, and I'll never be worthy enough, but you make me want to try. Try to be better, try to be a good man."

She frowned at him then, and confusion jumbled his thoughts and burned his eyes. 

"You don't have to try, Bucky. You are." She smiled. "And I already told you. You'll never sink when you're with me."

Bucky kissed her, this time with a fierceness. Her tongue meet his eagerly and once again he found himself sinking, but this time in all the best ways. 

He pulled back, his lips swollen and his lungs aching for air. 

"Come with me, Bucky." She plead again, her voice was rough and he knew he'd lost any willpower he'd once had to her. 

He nodded and she rewarded him with the sweetest smile he'd ever known. Once again he found himself dumbstruck.

Curling her fingers with his, she tugged him out of the kitchen - away their already forgotten mismatched mugs half-full of warm coffee - and led him to the sofa. He sat down, pulling her onto his lap and resting his chin against her hair. 

A comfortable silence fell between them as he stroked her back and breathed in the scent of her. If he could bottle up a moment in time to save forever, this would be it. He'd never felt such peace and while he struggled to accept his worthiness of such a feeling, knowing she trusted him meant the world. 

She sniffed, pulling back to look into his eyes, and the sorrow he saw etched into her face was palpable.

"Would you stay the night?" Her lip quivered as she tried and failed to blink back tears. "I - uh- I don't want to be alone."

Bucky pecked her lips, brushing away the wetness trailing her cheeks. "Sweetheart, you don't have to be alone, ever again."

----

Like what you see? Want more? My Masterlist is here. Thanks for reading! :)

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[razorblade180]

Shackles pt5: Contact

Ilia:Who are you people?

Captor:I could tell you, but where’s the fun in that? All you need to know is come with us before things get loud.

Ilia:You knew me by name. I’m guessing whatever you want me for isn’t about who happened to the peddler at all. Old grudge perhaps? You know I’ve been absolved from those crimes ri-

Captor:I’ll give you three seconds to comply before the crowd on the main streets of Vacou start panicking from the sound of gunshots. Last thing we would want is people stampeding and trampling each other right? But I suppose you White Fang trash live for that kind of mayhem.

Ilia:.....You have a name?

Captor:Just call me Trigger.

Ilia:Okay Trigger, you and your four friends here are obviously angry and trying to make a point about something. That does not mean things have to get wild. After all ten people in a narrow alleyway sounds horrible.

Trigger:Ten?

A gut feeling told him to look up; it was only half the right move. Sun stood on the edge of the building with his bow staff at the ready. “Made you look.” Two clones and Neptune come rushing in from the alleyo opening. The clones managed to tackled two of the assailants while Neptune shot the third in the back. “What!?” Trigger looked back in front him with Ilia no where in sight. His eyes scanned the immediate area before something barrels passed him and towards the his final teammate. “Damn camouflage!” He raises his gun but Sun comes falling from above and smacks it out of Trigger’s hand. Sun goes for a right hook but it gets blocked and countered with a punch that lands right in the middle of his face. The hit makes him stumble into Ilia and Trigger runs into the crowd.

Sun:Agh! That was a good punch.

Ilia:Are you okay!?

Sun:Never mind me! Who was that!?

Neptune:Who are any of these guys!?

Ilia:*looking around* Your guess is as good as mine....but I’m dying to find out.

Neptune:Sounds like our night is just beginning.

Sun:First things firsts, maybe tie up these guys and put them at our hold hangout spot? These were lightweights but I don’t like the idea of them roaming about. Sage should be enough to handle them.

Ilia:Scarlet could handle these chumps, but you’re right. Neptune make sure these guys don’t go anywhere. Sun...

Sun:Yep. Let’s go see if we can find our new friend.

xxxx

Blake:*peeking over the ledge*

Grimm still swarm the sands and gnaw at the bottom of rock pillar. ‘Still there...’ she moved back to the middle slowly in defeat. Jacquelyn has set up a small fire for warmth while Yang slept far away from both of them with her bag. She wasn’t really in a talking mood; Blake couldn’t help but feel a bit responsible. This was supposed to be a time to reconnect after all yet she let all fly out the window the moment Adam was brought up. ‘Maybe I haven’t changed much after all. Still letting have weight in my life aye Adam?’ She thought while hugging her knees.

Jacquelyn:You know silently being emo doesn’t solve anything right?

Blake:I’m not really in the mood to chat.

Jacquelyn:Why do I have the feeling you never really are?

Blake:......

Jacquelyn:You’re regretting helping me aren’t you? Can’t say I’m surprised. What I can’t figure out is how much of it was before we got ourselves into predicament.

Blake:I’m not the one asking for help and antagonizing those same people.

Jacquelyn:Doubt is a negative emotion too. I bet those grimm are just as hungry for you as they are for your wife over there.

Blake:What? Yang isn’t my wife. I’m not married at all.

Jacquelyn’s eyes went big for a moment. She turned to Yang and could see the glimmer of a ring on her finger. She then turned back around towards Blake who was showing both hands that where indeed free of any ring.

Blake:Told you.

Jacquelyn:But....last time I saw you both-

Blake:Things happen. If I looked left then she’d look right. Not that we had to agree on everything together but some of the choices we- I chose, really upset her. So we took a break, then never stopped taking it.

Jacquelyn:Hmmm sounds like you have a real problem deciding how you’re going to be around people; letting yourself conform to the actions of others. Only thing that makes you is a liar.

Venom dripped from those words unapologetically. Blake hadn’t expected or appreciated it. Her eyes narrowing at Jacquelyn who still stared into the fire.

Blake:I am not a liar and maybe things would be different if you and Adam stop butting into my life. Me helping him save you is one of the main things that split Yang and I up in the first place.

Jacquelyn:Last time I checked, Adam didn’t ask for your help. You chose to run after him and help us escape. Though I can’t imagine why.

Blake:Because I thought he was dead.

Jacquelyn:To me that sounds like you would’ve wanted to fight him, not help. So the million lien questions is what would possess you to do something so crazy?

Blake:For the same reason you have so much faith in him! But frankly Yang might’ve been right. I’m just wasting my time on someone who is too used to hurting people.

Jacquelyn:You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s different.

Blake: I’ve said those words too you know. It didn’t go well for me either.

Jacquelyn:Sweety, you and I are far from the same.

Blake:And what’s that supposed to mean? *glares*

Jacquelyn:I think that would’ve be clear by now.

Blake:*Stands up* What’s your problem with me? I’m out here risking my neck to help you and-

Jacquelyn:Are you trying to help? Or are you showing pity!? You said it yourself, you doubt that he’s changed and believe I’m making your mistakes when news flash, I’m not dumb enough to not notice how dangerous he was from the beginning!

Blake:No but you’re dumb enough to fall for him!

Jacquelyn:I....I’m not....

Blake:Save it. It’s written all over your face; it’s been on my face. You need to accept that fact you are not thinking straight. That’s just a fact. I know I sound hypocritical but doesn’t make me less right. A piece of me wants to believe that maybe you’re right and he is by some miracle he is the person that I used to know but I won’t let that hope cloud my-

Jacquelyn:He never was that person.

Blake:What....?

Jacquelyn:That’s your problem; what makes us different. He never was that person you thought he was. *stands up* You know why I have a problem with you? It’s because I think you’re selfish; blinder than he was.

Her voice starts to tremble and the fire burns brightly. Slowly she walks towards Blake who’s red in the face from frustration as well.

Jacquelyn:You’ve done nothing but cling to version of him that did not exist in the first place. He didn’t align with your views of a world where people can change and hate can die out so you left him; understandable. What pisses me off is anytime I hear someone utter your name it’s filled with admiration about how devoted you are to your beliefs when you aren’t.

Blake:Who are you to say that? I’ve made significant strides to reach equality. Human and faunus are more united than ever. I’m finally one my way through cutting through the hate peacefully and it’s working! *tearing up* My beliefs run right through my core and I’ve never strayed from it!

Jacquelyn:If that was true then I would’ve never found Adam dying in a river.

Blake:.....

Jacquelyn:High Leader Blake Belladonna, the woman who is always willing to turn the other cheek. Showed mercy to the girl who burned her house and tried killing her parents without a second thought. Yet the moment there isn’t a single witness but her friend, the true test of her beliefs standing in front of her on a ledge, she faulters. Stabbing her former mentor through the chest him and lets him fall. You don’t count that as straying?

Blake:*trembling* Shut up....

Jacquelyn:You’re here right now because you feel guilty, or do you just want me to be wrong? The one person who claims to be succeeding at what you desperately wanted to achieve. You’re a fraud....

Blake:I said shut up!

The cry echoed and startled Yang up. Her eyes scanned quickly, believing they were under attack. All she found was the two girls face to face in front of a dying fire. Still, there was enough light to see the tears running down her teammate’s face.

Yang:Blake?

Blake:You think you have me all figured out don’t you!? Well have no idea how hard it was to make the decisions I did! How much it killed me inside. I hate that how powerless I felt that day but I made a promise to protect Yang and till this I put that vow above my own feelings. So yeah, I compromised my beliefs and drove a blade through Adam. Abandoned my hope of saving him to keep the connection I still had. Not that it didn’t mattered. He lived, and I didn’t have it in me to rid myself of him twice. Not when you’re around trying to tell me that maybe him changing wasn’t as crazy I people thought. The difference being I’m the one actually losing something here if we’re both wrong! Status, trust, friends.....I doubt because I’m scared of losing more than what I’ve already had.

......

Jacquelyn:You think I have nothing to lose if I’m wrong about him? That I’m doing this out of some since of pride or ego? Blake if I’m wrong or he’s dead then......then things are gonna be real hard for me.

Fear starts to creep into her mind and her hand rest on her stomach. Jacquelyn’s eyes start to water as she stares at Blake, anxiously trying to keep calm. Blake’s hardened expression crumbles at the gravity of Jacquelyn’s words and only leaves pure shock in its place.

Blake:Y...you’re preg-

Yang:Hey!

Both of them are taken out of heated exchange as Yang runs up and stands in front of Blake with scarlet eyes.

Yang:Mind telling me why Blakyis crying!? I swear Jacquelyn you have some nerve to go around and picking fights when you’re asking for help. If you gotta problem then we’ll just-

Blake:It’s fine Yang.

Jacquelyn:Huh?

Yang:But you’re crying...

Blake:We, we were just clearing the air. *wipping tears* it’s fine. We are all just a little stressed out for different reasons and I think we just need a minute. So why don’t we all just give each other some space. The grimm are still around and I think we all need a little more rest. Right Jacquelyn?

Jacquelyn:....Right.

Yang:Weren’t you the one pushing us to hurry up before?

Jacquelyn:I-

Blake:Give her break. She’s......she’s been through a lot. We all are.

Blake doesn’t even wait for an answer before walking as far as she can from them and laying down. Yang simply looks at Jacquelyn irritated before going back th we bag and taking watch. Jacquelyn found herself still standing and holding back a wave of different emotions that threaten to make her burst into tears. She had went a little too far. Yang chastising her about her attitude was true; even it hurt to admit it.

xxxx

Blake’s eyes might have been closed but sleep was far out of reach. It had to have been at least two hours by now but still her thoughts plagued her. She just needed a moment for everything to stop. To have a single piece of clarity. It never came. Instead, a faint voice reached her. One so tiny that no doubt she only heard it because of cat ears. “Thank you, for keeping quiet...” it said meekly. She opened her eyes and Jacquelyn hadn’t moved from that spot. Her hands covered her mouth to chock back sobs and tears ran freely. She looked so frail. So.....defeated. Blake was still a bit furious but seeing this sight was not something she wanted. Her eyes darted towards Yang who was still scouting the area. Blake quietly got up and made her way back over to Jacquelyn. The closer she got the more she realized just how exhausted the girl looked. It was almost had bad as yesterday. Finally Blake was face to face with her again. Slowly she put her arms Jacquelyn and whatever willpower the maiden had left began to vanish as she dropped both of them down to their needs. Her grip on Blake absolute.

Blake:Does Adam know?

Jacquelyn:I never got the chance to tell him. I genuinely have no clue on what happened. Blake, what if....he did find out?

Blake:Adam....is a lot of things. He’s done unspeakable things. Yet, I find it hard to believe a man who’s number one gripe is people leaving abruptly would casually do it. But maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.

Jacquelyn:I could really use some of that?

Blake:Jacquelyn you...you really are in love with him, aren’t you?

Jacquelyn:.......Crazy right? You would think I know better right? After learning about what happened to you. I told myself to keep him at arm’s length. My only goal was to see if maybe I could my experiences and show him that life doesn’t have to only be hatred.

Blake:Your experiences. You mean how you got your powers?

Jacquelyn:I didn’t tell you the whole thing. One day when I was older I went back and saw how my dad moved on. Another wife, kids, everything. The village acted like it never stole my mother from me and crushed my hands. So I....you know. Lashed out.

Blake:*eyes widened* Everyone? Jacquelyn that’s-

Jacquelyn:Fucked up? Believe me, it still makes me sick. I’ve only taken one other life since that day but I make it a point to refrain from resorting to drastic actions. I was trying to teach Adam that; it’s all I wanted. At first anyways. I don’t have to tell you what happens when you spend day after day opening up to someone.

Blake:*looks at Yang* Walls crumble; you get attached. A few people have done that actually. No matter how hard I try to keep them out. Things always get a little intimate.

Jacquelyn:I’m no exception apparently, but I’m not the only one. I know you might not believe me but he’s changing. I have to believe that.

Blake:......

Blake:You said the two of us aren’t the same. That there was difference that I failed to see. What is it.

Jacquelyn:*wipping her face* You saw him as a man fighting his demons. I looked upon a beast that only knew how to thrive off them. The worst of him was where I started and I never turned away from it. You’re clinging to what you saw, I’m searching for what’s there.

Blake:And...what do you think you’ll find.

Jacquelyn:A better man...

xxxx

“GAAHHH~”

“Oh come on. Ahahaha! Is that all the great Adam Taurus can take!? I’m disappointed!” A gaurd brandished his bloody knife in front of the restrained man before placing it at is left torso. Slowly the gaurd glided the blade across Adam’s flesh until it reached is ribs.

“Aaaaahhhh! Huuuu. Huuuu. That....that all you... got?” He could barely hold his head up. Two hours of public torture will do that to a person. Another gaurd pistol whipped his face while a third swung his boot into Adam’s already bruised ribs. He’d scream if there was any air left in his lungs.

Most prisoners partook in his torture in some shape or form. Slander, laughter, the occasional rock never seemed to miss. Sure it was a hellish experience, but hey, so was most of his life. The first gaurd yanked his head up by his hair and spat right in his face. “Tell me, how does feel to be hated by not just your own kind, but also your own people? I’m sure they’re dying to know.”

Adam:Pr-cough! Probably...not as...bad as your position. Heheheh.....

Gaurd:What was that....?

Adam:I’m saying....at least they liked me for a time. You though, man I bet they love to get there hands on someone they hated from the start heheheh..... I know I would......

Gaurd:Still a funny guy huh? Let’s see for how long. *cocks gun*

Sobek:Gentlemen, what have I told you?

Everyone’s gaze was diverted to the lab door where Sobek stood. His right hand holding to Jasmine’s wrist while the left held another girl with horns, but that girl...she was different from Jasmine. Her eyes were glazed over and she looked almost entirely limp. Like if Sobek was holding a doll. Adam watched Sobek release her and the child immediately fell on the ground.

“Noooo!” An older man with similar features to the girl screamed while quickly running to her. He held her tightly as he wept. Adam could tell she was alive, if you could even call whatever condition she was in living. Jasmine was doing better than the other girl, but just barely. The child’s eyes were still alert and pacing back in forth. Her body however, it looked weak and her clothes were drenched with hopefully sweat or water from what Adam saw. Yet she wasn’t limp. Strangely enough, the girl only looked tired and in visible pain. Her brother stood up and ran to her before a glare from Sobek stopped him dead in his tracks.

Adam:(The feisty one is still kicking huh?)

Sobek:Going overboard makes you no different from a monster like him. Wouldn’t want him going into shock on us either. You’ve had your for fun, now clean up the mess. Including his wounds; infection is a dreadful thing.

Rajah:Jasmine?

Jasmine:......

Rajah:Jasmine, s...say something.

Jasmine:D...do you.... have any bread?

Rajah:Sigh....you’re still okay.

Sobek:Of course she is. Unlike my men I know moderation. Now, you better do a good job keeping her out of trouble. My leniency only extends so far. Next time.... I might have to be more....assertive.

His finger runs across her tiger ears and causes her to flinch. Feisty or not, the girl displayed a deep fear and panic from his touch. It almost looked like she wants to cry. “We wouldn’t want that now would we,”

“N...no sir..” Both children said right after another. The man finally let go of her. All she can manage was a few steps towards her brother before collapsing into his arms tired and shaking. Sobek walks to the elevated platform Adam resides on.

Rajah:Jasmine? Hey are you okay!?

Jasmine:Please...my head hurts. Everything is so....blurry.

Rajah:(She’s burning up!)

Rajah:Jasmine!!!

Sobek:Enjoying your stay A-

Adam:Give that girl water and some ice.

Sobek:Pardon me?

Adam:You talk restraint but I can tell from here she’s coming down with a fever. Looks like one bad one might snuff her out.

Rajah:Come on, please stay awake. Please, she needs water!

Jasmine:......

Sobek:I think yours delirious. Prisoners don’t make demands. Maybe if they-

Adam:Shut your face and give the girl my rations already? Children are dying. That goes against your method right? Unless that never mattered to begin with?

Silently the room judged their hear captor. He could feel the eyes on him relentlessly before caving in and giving a hand signal that told the gaurds to not just give her water, but everyone. Except Adam of course. Sobek was displeased by being called out into question like that.

Sobek:On second thought, rough him up a little more. Within an inch of his life preferably. Since he wants to act high and mighty. He needs a humbling experience.

Adam:You don’t scare me.

Sobek:A foolish decision really.

Adam:Keep telling yourself that. Remember you’re dealing with someone your own size now.*stands up* So be careful not to slip up....

“Or this monster might wrip your scrawny throat out and watch you bleed out.” His words held a weight to it; a level of insanity. Adam stared the reptile faunus down and never blinked. Something had his blood boiling and he couldn’t explain it. Maybe it was the environment, or the circumstances around it. All he knew was he was used to things feeling like hell, and just because it’s been a while does not me he forgot how the game is played. First rule, never break in front of them.

Sobek quietly walked around him and back to whatever private room there was in the awful place. More gaurds soon approached Adam; fully ready to follow through on their orders. He did not care. Before he was surrounded however, he noticed the girl was still conscious and staring at him. All he did was nod at her before the gaurds went to town on him. It wasn’t going to be pretty, yet Jasmine never stopped glancing at him. Trying too see what exactly made him different from the rest; lethal like a weapon. She drink his share of water.

Jasmine:(Hmph, so maybe he’s a little tough.)

Part 4

[caracalfeather]

WARNING- Cats and Birds is a mob AU fanfiction of the Arcana game, and is not meant for young audiences and is not meant to offend anyone. Some writing choices were made so characters are out of their canon way of acting and thinking. Please do not be offended by character choices made by the authors and content creators, this story was made for fun and in the way we wanted it to be. The story was not hijacked by any of the authors to make any ships or characters overshadow any other. All content contained in this story has been agreed upon and accepted by all parties in it’s creation.

TW- Cats and Birds contains scenes that may not be suitable with some readers, including themes of violence, smoking/drug use, sex, cursing and various other strong themes. Special warnings for scenes will be posted with chapters. Proceed with caution and Reader’s discretion is advised.

23

Months past, and after everything was said and done Lyra called Rose from out in the park which separated the shop from her apartment.

“I figured you’d call.” Rose chuckled. She was in a car, music playing behind her.

Lyra laughed on the other end, “how did you know it was me?”

“I have your number saved in my phone.” She smiled “What’s up?”

“Well...I thought you’d like to know that Julian and I are getting married.” She smiled, “I wanted to invite you to the wedding. If you have the time.”

“I'm actually going to spain…” Rose sighed “So i don't think i can...”

“Really?” She frowned, “that’s a shame, Julian really wanted you to come.”

“I know…Alright. I'll try to make it.” Rose chuckled

“You better.” Lyra chuckled,”otherwise Madeve is going to throw a fit”

Rose laughed “Noted. I have to go.. Be Careful….okay?”

“I will.” She sighed, “have fun in Spain, oh and if you visit France….please don’t look me up.”

Rose Laughed “Trust me. Neither of us wants to go that deep in history. I'll see you later lyra.” with a chuckle, she hung up.

Lyra smiled and looked up at the clouds coming in. She retreated back into her apartment and sat out on the fire escape with Madeve.

A few more weeks passed, and surprisingly, Rose showed up. She stood at the back during the beautiful ceremony, trying to look a little happy for them.

Lyra and Julian were both in tears. They could hardly say their vows without breaking down. They had both wanted this to happen for so long and now that it was. It was just so surreal. The park between their home and their little shop was the perfect place to host it. They couldn’t have asked for better weather. As the vows were said and the official kiss was shared Julian and Lyra turned to their friends, new and old. Lyra caught sight of Rose first and her smile got brighter as she waved to her slightly, just before Julian swept her off her feet and down the aisle.

Rose couldny help but chuckle at the sight. He was finally happy, thank the gods. She followed the crowd to the reception, staying back to watch everyone party. She hadn't planned on staying long, she had business to take care of.

Julian stood next to her, “you made it after all.”

“Yeah. Lyra called and convinced me to think about everything. So I decided to show up.’’ She looked at the beautiful bride and leaned against the wall “...Finally made the right choice on who to marry.”

Julian shook his head. “I should’ve done it 7 years ago.” He turned to her, “you never answered my question...so I’m going to ask again. Are you pregnant?”

She sighed and glanced at him “...I was.” She left it at that, turning away.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, “oh gods Rose I’m so sorry.”

“Don't pity me.” Rose moved his hand away and looked at him “And...only one died, if that's what you thought.”

Julian’s eyes flashed, “one? Oh wow….if there’s anything that Lyra and I can do...we would be more than happy to help.”

“I'll remember that.. But for right now, you need to focus on being a good husband for her.” Rose looked at him “You were shitty to me. And I was shitty to you. Do not hide shit from her ilya, it only hurts people. And she doesn't deserve to be treated the way I was.”

“You’re right.” Julian sighed, “still it’s exciting knowing that I’m a father. Anyways...you deserve happiness Rose. I hope you’re finding it in Spain, and with our child.”

Lyra came running over, practically tripping over her skirts, she laughed and opened her arms to hug Rose. “I’m so glad you could come!!”

“I'm glad i could too! You're so beautiful.” Rose hugged her back and sighed “I'm afraid I can't stay long, I have business to attend to outside town.”

“Well thank you for coming regardless!” She smiled, Soren, one of the men in Julian’s mob who was now living life in Spain, ran over to Lyra seeing her trip. He grabbed her by the shoulder and examined her, “Lyra Honey! Are you ok?!? Your hem didn’t tear did it? Your hair looks good,” he circled her muttering to himself before approving Lyra with a nod. “You’re fine sweetie. Pretty as a Princess.” Swing Rose his smile changed to a smirk as he flared out his cape. “Well, Well...long time no see Kitten.”

“Don't make me cut your throat Soren. You know not to call me that.” Rose huffed and crossed her arms “...Plume says hello by the way. He figured you’d be here.”

“Of course I’m here honey.” Sorren smiled, gesturing to Julian and Lyra with a proud smile, “who else was going to make these two look fabulous on their big day. And for the last time.”

Lyra blushes and Julian laughed. Before returning to the guests Soren frowned at Rose. “Hey if you see that asshole of a brother of mine anytime soon tell him to come see me. I miss seeing my stupid twin’s dark himbo face everyday.”

Rose laughed and nodded “Will do. He’s pretty happy from what I hear.” She looked after Lyra and Julian with a soft sigh “Well.. I have to go.” Without a goodbye, she disappeared. She had things to do.

Later that night, a storm had started, making the rain pour hard. Outside, someone buzzed the newlywed’s apartment, camouflaged in the night rain. No one could have guessed that the cat was still there. After one final look at the bundle, she ran off.

After a few long hours of lovemaking the storm rolled in. Lyra was cowering against Julian as the storm raged on he lifted his head from the fort he constructed in the bedroom.

“Who the hell is out in this weather?”

Lyra clung to him, “please don’t leave.”

He hushed her and kissed her forehead. “I’ll only be a minute my sapphire.”

Actually putting on some pants he went out the building, searching the doorway for whoever interrupted their night of peace.

The basket was barely noticeable in the night, all you could see was the dark green bundle, holding a tiny whining little girl and the note on her blanket. The wind howled with her whines.

Julian cursed under his breath, he picked up the note and opened it. Sitting down on the steps as he pulled the little angel close.

“Ilya. No child should have to live the life we did. Please. Take care of our little girl. Her name is Vela. After the stars.~ R” it read. Vela nuzzled into his warm chest. She looked exactly like ilya, with a mix of light auburn curls.

He looked down at her with a smile, “Rose you sly cat. She is perfect.” Julian stood up and went back to his home.

Lyra was very excited to have Vela. Rose gave her the one thing she could never have. As soon as Julian explained Lyra welcomed Vela into her arms as if she were her own. And the storm...didn’t bother her for the rest of the night. They just sat in silence, the three of them, today had been the greatest day of their lives. It was only the beginning of the great future The Raven and his Songbird always wanted.

End

Years later

Spain was peaceful compared to the streets of LA. Rose sat on a balcony, sipping some coffee as one of her men, Vice, came to stand next to her. “So. We have the plan set in motion. We just need someone who can do the job.” Rose sighed, setting down her cup “Well i cant call plume, and Naga is busy…” Vice handed her a piece of paper “If i may… We could always employ him again.” Rose was quiet, examining the text and photo in hands before smiling “Vice. Get my phone. We have a bird to find.”

Miles away, out of sight and out of mind. The cell phone of an old friend rang. Looking over his shoulder at his wife he ducked into the kitchen.

“Whatever you want, it doesn’t concern me. The Black Raven is out of commission.”

Rose chucked into the receiver “Oh come on old friend. Is that any way to greet The Queen of spain?” she shited the phone slightly, sitting down “But really…. We need the Raven back. Immediately.”