#anyways good night this cowboy is retiring

[plutoswritingplanet]

Hand That Feeds (Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x Female!Reader) pt. 2

a/n: this one's a bit shorter, next one will have smut, i am so fcking sleepy writing this i'll have to check tomorrow it this isn't a hallucination

Warnings: Horny Violence, Blood and Guts, Suggestive Themes, we're on a steady route to pound town

Summary: Cooper catches his prize, but an uninvited guest puts a strain on an already rocky relationship. Cross-Posted on AO3

PT. 1

You must be a Vault Dweller. Truly. There is no other way to explain the utter lack of self-preservation skills.

Cooper finds you almost immediately after the sun sets. He can see the flickering light of your small bonfire through the trees, and languidly, he stalks forwards, opting to stay in the shadows to observe you a moment longer. 

You're sitting on the ground, back leaning against a destroyed carcass of a plane. Hair pushed out of your face, Cooper can see the flames illuminating your focused expression with warm light. Once again, he's struck by this seemingly regal air around you. Like you've been raised in a castle, far from this fucked up place, that is now his home. A princess, stuck in harsh reality. Eyebrows furrowed, bottom lip tucked hard between your teeth, you seem to be pondering over something.

With quick motions, you take your messenger bag, opening it and dumping its contents onto the ground in front of you. It's somewhat hard to see, but the sound of small glass bottles knocking into each other is telling enough. 

Taking stock of your inventory, you begin to tuck everything back into the bag. Chems upon chems, RadAway, RadX, quite the little drug library, and Cooper's eyes immediately lock onto his most sought after, amber liquid. Why would a Smoothie like you need any of that stuff is beyond him. He hasn't seen any Ghouls in the small town you hail from. 

Perks of the job, he thinks to himself, as you stack away at least five vials.

At the last bottle, you hesitate, bringing it up towards the light, and looking at it with a worried expression. The liquid swirls inside, and Cooper watches from the shadows, as you press the cold glass against your forehead in a motion eerily reminding him of a prayer. Your shoulders shudder, and Cooper's mangled ears strain, as he sees your mouth move.

- Let me be brave - you whisper to the vial, like some ancient spell, and something new tightens in his chest, something he immediately brushes away.

Then, he sees you lift a very familiar piece of equipment, putting it on your wrist, and begin to tweak something in the controls. A Pip-Boy. Old and battered, but apparently still working. All his confusing feelings are wiped clean in an instant. Now, he's truly intrigued. The clasps seem slightly too big for your hand, and the device slides the length of your arm, as you move. 

You sigh, heavily, then press something, and the Geiger meter clicks to life, picking up on stray radiation. Cooper feels his muscles tense, knowing all too well, why the device has activated so rapidly. As a Ghoul, he leaves a trail of radiation, that follows him wherever he goes. He wasn't particularly aware, that a Pip-Boy could pick up on it, but he wasn't surprised either.

 The sound makes you freeze in your spot. Slowly, you scan the area, your hand extended towards the darkening outline of the surrounding trees. As your hand passes by the place Cooper has chosen as his hiding spot, the meter grows louder. 

Jumping to your feet, you raise the blasted thing in front of you, your other hand tugging at the waistband of your skirt, freeing your trusted kitchen knife. As if to double-check, you put your hand somewhere to the back, listening to the quiet cracking noise. 

You can't fully confirm your suspicions on time, as Cooper springs to action. 

A thick line of rope falls over your shoulders, and before you have the chance to react, the loop around you tightens. Your entire body is tugged with surprising force in the direction of the treeline. Loosing your footing, you collapse onto the damp forest floor, chin scraping in the process. The yelp of shock tearing out of your throat, rings through the surrounding area, before you literally, eat dirt. The force of the impact wrenches the knife from your hand, as it bends at an uncomfortable angle. The weapon lands somewhere in the grass, the blade reflecting the flames.

Wiggling like a worm, trying to free yourself from the bounds, you notice a pair of well-worn shoes entering your vision. They cross the remaining distance, stopping just short of your head. Knees crack as your attacker squats down, before taking your hair into a hard grip and lifting your head from the dirt. 

Your face twists in pain, neck craning uncomfortably, and with an overwhelming feeling of finality, your eyes land onto the face of a ghoul. The Ghoul. He turns his head slightly to the side with the meanes of grins, before letting go of your hair, your head falling back into the dirt. 

- Oh, motherfucker - you groan, pulling your legs up, and attempting to get up.

- Stay down - the Ghoul's voice is rough and biting, and sudden pressure on your back pins you to the ground. - Do you know how fuckin' stupid it is, to light a fire in the wilderness? Any unsightly character could pick you off in seconds. 

Spitting out stray clumps of earth and grass from your mouth, you scoff at his scolding tone.

- Thankfully, there are no unsightly characters here, huh? 

- Oh, I wouldn't say that, sweetheart. - the bounty hunter tugs the toe of his shoe under your side, and kicks up, turning your body.

You roll onto your back, throwing a nasty look at the Ghoul, as he secures the loop of his lasso. His eyes reflect the light in the most haunting of ways, and you squirm under his gaze, which drags itself across your body, stopping briefly at the tips of your breasts, peaking from under your shirt. Swallowing thickly, your muscles relax, in hopes of loosening the rope. It barely gives, but your limbs recover some wiggle room. 

Cooper blinks, his head jerking to the side, and only as he brings his hand up, do you register the gun in his hand. Making sure you can see it, he turns towards your messenger bag, grabbing it from the ground where you left it. 

He sits down, somewhere outside your field of vision, and you risk pulling yourself up into a sitting position. He doesn't seem to mind it now, too busy with rummaging through your belongings. Finally, he pulls out a vial of amber liquid, watching it swirl in the flickering light of the bonfire. 

- Now - Cooper starts, as he grabs the inhaler from his pocket, inserting the vial into it - Why would a backwoods healer have something like this on 'er?

Rolling your shoulders ever so slightly, the rope slides further down your arms, and you regard the Ghoul with a venomous rendition of a "are you fucking dumb?" look. Which he doesn't appreciate. His hands tremble, as he closes his mouth over the inhaler, taking a long hit, draining the entire vial. You try very hard, not to notice the low moan flowing out of him, as the drug enters his system. Or the way his eyes flutter blissfully for just a second. 

- You never know, who might be needing help... - you mutter, wincing at the biting pain in your limbs.

- Well ain't that considerate of you - he coughs into his gloved hand, before sighing deeply, his head reclining back against the plane's exterior, his eyes closed.

From where you're sitting, he looks weirdly handsome. Rugged and very much Ghoul-like, but handsome nonetheless. The skin of his neck is pulled taunt, and in the flickering light of a dying bonfire, you can see a myriad of scars, littering any surface of his skin that's visible. Still, there were other matters at hand, that needed your attention, and you try to shift in your seat as quietly as possible, slowly but surely sliding the rope down your body. 

- Next time you try to run away, I'll shoot you - your efforts are stilled by his warning tone, and by the way he waves his gun at you, you know he'll make good on this promise.

- Thought you needed me in good condition.

To that, he finally throws you a look from under his cowboy hat. 

- Good... - he confirms, his other hand slowly shortening the length of the rope connecting the both of you - Ain't the same as mint. 

The loop suddenly digs further into your flesh, and you grunt at the uncomfortable feeling of the rough rope scratching at your exposed upper arms. 

Unfortunately, he's right. During your time as the local healer, you've done many questionable things to ensure the well-being of the town. One of those things, was dealing with organ harvesters. You've only bought a limb or a finger, every once in a while, as if that was some consolation for your darkened soul. Those moments quickly taught you, that something being good was most certainly not the same as ideal. Or mint, as your captor has supplied. 

- You a Vault-Dweller? - the Ghoul finally asks, breaking the small spell of silence between you.

The question doesn't surprise you, and you lift the Pip-Boy as far up, as the lasso allows you. Which isn't a lot. 

- Nah - the flames dance on your suddenly melancholic expression, and Cooper drinks it all up, curiosity spiking with each new information - My mother was. She ran away from her Vault when she was a teenager and joined the Brotherhood soon after. 

- The Brotherhood doesn't recruit women - Cooper turns his body towards you, fishing for lies like a shark sniffing for blood. 

- Oh, it doesn't? - your lips pull back into a teasing smile, which perhaps isn't the smartest thing to do, but entertainment is scarce in the Wastelands, and you're determined to have some fun - She posed as a man for years, picked up a job as a medic.

Cooper hums to himself, inviting you to elaborate with an inclination of his head. 

- There, she met my father - you continue, looking over at the last glowing embers of the bonfire - They were discovered, court martialed for treason. They escaped together and had me somewhere along the way.

Your Pip-Boy still cracks, the radiation emanating from the Ghoul making the Geiger meter go haywire. With soft eyes, your hand traces the outline of the screen, watching the way green light dances on your fingers. 

- The forbidden love of the Wasteland - you sigh into the silence - Sounds like a title of some romance novel, no?

- Or a bad porno - Cooper grumbles, rolling his eyes.

- What's a porno?

His head snaps towards you in record speed, a myriad of emotions running through his mangled expression. It settles on deep annoyance, when he notices the sly smirk on your lips, and you have to bite the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from laughing. 

- Gotcha - your attempt at finger guns is pathetic at best.

- Oh, you think you're a fucking comedian, huh? - the bounty hunter asks, a slight amused tint to his words, which you consider to be a small victory.

- That's why they put a bounty on me - you giggle - I'm too damned funny. 

- Shut it.

The sudden change in his tone catches you off guard, and you cock an eyebrow at him, confused. The Ghoul looks much more tense than seconds ago, his hand tightening around his gun. One of his legs kicks up a pile of dirt, smothering the dying embers of the bonfire, as he leans forward, seemingly ready to jump. 

- Had I known you were such a buzz kill...-

You're not allowed to finish, as the Ghoul basically throws himself in your direction. Your yelp is cut short with a piece of flimsy cloth being shoved into your mouth. A series of muffled sounds, vaguely resembling "is this my robe?" escape you, and the Ghoul pushed against your head, until you fall back down onto the ground. 

His body is hot against yours, as he covers you entirely with his weight. It's quite difficult to breathe through the makeshift gag and the overwhelming scent of blood, gunpowder, and the sickly sweet undertone of rot. As well as the unfamiliar feeling of having someone so close. You were a hermit after all. 

- I said, shut the fuck up - he whispers harshly into your ear, and you shiver underneath him, as his chest rises and falls against your back. 

Then, a sound somewhere close to the forest line makes your head whip in its direction. Cracking of twigs and heavy footsteps, coming closer and closer with clear determination. 

- Healer? - your entire body stiffens, as a familiar voice rings out through the trees. - Are you alright, Healer?

Benny. The same Benny, which led this damned bounty hunter right to your doorstep is currently making his merry way towards the both of you. Your eyes follow the way the Ghoul's thumb loads the pistol with a click of finality, and suddenly new energy floods your system.

- Stop fucking moving - Cooper grounds down on his teeth, as you attempt to free yourself from both his grip, and the lasso's.

Images of Benny, bloodied and dead, flash through your mind, and despite your lack of any sympathy towards the man, you don't want to see it. So, you start to move again, violently shaking under the Ghoul, forcing the lasso to slide from your body. Your hips jerk from the ground, bucking into him like a wild animal, and somewhere behind your ear, you can hear him suck in a sharp breath. Which you have no time to dwell upon. Your tongue fights against the fabric of your robe, and after a second you're able to spit it out.

- Don't shoot him - you plead feverishly, hands gripping the Ghoul's forearm - I'll talk to him, he'll leave. Just don't shoot him, please.

Cooper looks down at you, his eyes hard on your face, as he watches out for any signs of deceit. Then, he presses his lips into a thin line.

- Make it quick, or I'll pop his head clean off his shoulders. - southern accent floods every syllable, and were you not fighting to save a life (again), you would've blushed.

- Yes, thank you. I'll be quick. Thank you. - words spill out of you like a broken faucet, whispered into the space between your bodies, as the bounty hunter tugs off the loop of his lasso. 

You take a moment to steady yourself, as he drags you up with him, hand twisted into the front of your shirt. Still a little stunned, you allow him to manoeuvre you, turning your body in his grasp, until your back is pressed flush against his front. 

Strong arm sneaks over your shoulders, hand clasping around the column of your throat, while the other one waits just outside of your vision. The barrel of the gun rests between your shoulder and your neck, and the coolness of the metal causes a myriad of goosebumps to erupt across your skin. 

- I'm here Benny - you call out, praying to anything that would listen, that your plan would work - Come out, slowly. 

To his credit, Benny has always been quite good at following directions. There weren't many attributes about him either way, a bit dim in the head, a bit too heroic. 

And definitely a bit too quick to pull out a gun.

Which is what he does as soon as he sees your peculiar situation. The Ghoul drums his fingers against your pulse point, and Benny approaches, a simple shotgun in front of him.

- What the hell...?

- Benny, I need you to listen to me - your voice sounds way too panicked, and you swallow hard to fake some illusion of control over this situation - I need you to turn around, and leave.

- But, there's a Ghoul with a gun behind you, Healer.

You nearly jump out of your skin, when you feel the hot breath of your unwanted companion on the back of your neck. You can almost imagine his chapped lips, so close to your skin.

- Time's a tickin', sweetheart - he whispers, and your blood runs cold in your veins. 

- He's a - you swallow, mouth going dry in an instant - He's my friend. Who's getting very anxious with the trigger, Benny, so please, just go home. 

Deep down inside you know there is no scenario, where the farmer leaves alive. He signed his death warrant the moment he stepped out of the shadows, yet for some unknown reason, that just makes you fight against the odds harder. Call it dumb optimism, perhaps you're possessed by your mother's spirit. Or perhaps the chems have finally scrambled your brains for good. 

- He's not looking very friendly - Benny's gun sways slightly, as he tries to keep it raised, muscles evidently straining against the weight - He's the guy that shot Pete.

Oh for fucks sake, your whole body starts shaking at this point, heart thrumming in your chest like a moth batting against a lampshade. You can feel the Ghoul smirk against the skin of your shoulder, and tears prick at the corners of your eyes. His thumb presses slightly into your pulse, feeling it run rampant against his finger. 

- Please - somehow you hope the desperation in your voice will be enough - Please, leave. Benny, please.

Benny looks between you and the Ghoul peaking over your trembling form. You can see his brain working overtime, scrunched eyebrows, smacking of the lips. You're only praying it's working in the right direction. Then, some idea flashes across his expression, and you know in the hollow of your stomach, that this is his end.

- If I save you, will you marry me? - he asks, looking at you with the utmost hopeful expression.

- ...what?

Confusion doesn't even fully register in your mind, as the deafening sound of a gun being fired nearly blows up your eardrums. At first you're not sure, what you're looking at. Where there used to be Benny, now there's a carcass, mangled and bloody. It's hard to figure out, where individual parts of his body are, some bones sticking out from the chunky mush. A spray of red falls onto your face like a morning mist, and the scent of iron and gunpowder is stunning your senses. 

You can't move. Eyes glued to what once used to Benny, you don't even notice, as the Ghoul removes himself from you, placing the lasso over your head and around your body. The loop is secured tightly, and the bounty hunter tugs on it a couple of times, just to test its durability. Then, lazily, he picks up your messenger bag, swinging it over his shoulder. 

- The first time he came to me for help, he tried to domesticate a rad roach - you mutter absentmindedly, not caring if your unwanted companion is hearing you - Wanted it to help with the farm work. I had to stitch half his left side. 

- Stupid life deserves a stupid death.

- You're a fucking monster - you spit out, the feeling of Benny's blood on your lips almost making you gag.

Apparently, the Ghoul takes offense to that, because almost instantly, he's in front of you, his hand gripping your throat, and pushing you hard against the metal plating of the destroyed plane. Stars erupt behind your eyelids, as your head knocks hard into the wall, pain barely registering under the confusion.

- I have been more than accommodating to you, little princess - the Ghoul snarls in your direction, but all you can focus on, is his other hand, grabbing your bruised chin - I've entertained your little medical escapade, I let you negotiate with that dimwit over there.

The warmth of his body suffocates you stronger than any hand around your throat. You can't decide on the color of his eyes, as they seem to shift between amber and green, and completely black. Your mouth opens just a smidge, as you try to defend yourself in any way, but before you can speak, the Ghoul shoves two gloved fingers into your mouth, silencing you in an instant. 

- I could be so much worse, darlin', and I don't think you would like that - his voice lowers itself barely above a whisper, and he watches your expression shift under his grip.

You can't help it, really, the way your body reacts to this rough manhandling. It's not like you could predict being pinned to a wall by a stranger would make your thighs press together. Cooper looks down. He smiles like a cat, that's just found the fattest of mice, when his eyes drag back up to your face. 

- Or perhaps you would - his knee presses against the middle of your thighs, just short of forcing them apart, and you gasp around his fingers.

As if nothing has happened, he pulls away, so suddenly, you nearly fall over. His gloved hand glistens with your saliva, and gracefully, he wipes it clean on your shirt. Blushed, panting, and very angry at this turn of events, you stare daggers at him, as he tugs at the lasso, forcing you to start moving.  

- What is your name? - you demand, blood running hot and defiant in your veins. 

Cooper stares for just a moment too long. The way you seem to bristle in rage, even though that farmer truly was stupid, and you know it too. He likes the way your eyes harden, the way your jaw sets, when you realize this is no longer fun and games. When you recognize, how dangerous he can be, how mean and ruthless. He'd be a fool not to admit it,  it makes him feel powerful, revered. 

And the undertone of humiliation running through the length of your spine is just such a delicious addition. Almost better than chems. Almost more addicting.

Lips tugging back into a nasty smirk, he appraises you with his gaze, surprised when your resolve seems to harden even more. 

- You, Healer - your title sounds wrong coming from his thin lips, worse than any other time you've heard it - Can call me "sir".

Something akin to disgust runs through your expression, and you turn away with a grumble. 

- Fat fucking chance.

[ginger-snap-makes-art]

Comfort: Memoirs From the Backlot

There were a lot of positive traits about Benny that William could list no problem. Funny, strong, loyal, talented-he could go on for hours if you let him. One of the things he wasn’t, however, was easy to sleep next to.

Having spent most of their time together braving the elements and sleeping in wooded areas, the two were not used to the comforts of a warm blanket or a safe home. As such, when the weather got frigid or the more dangerous woodland animals seemed to be louder and rowdier than normal, the two had become quite used to sleeping together. William was a light sleeper which kept them safe from anything going bump in the night and Benny was a walking furnace most days.

But lord, did that come with problems.

For starters, Benny muttered and talked in his sleep. Usually nonsense-though occasionally it seemed like he believed he was back with his old traveling companions from all those years ago. That alone made it very difficult for William to get any shut eye and he simply had to pray on a night by night basis that Benny wouldn’t get chatty in his dreams if he wanted a prayer at sleep. Then of course, there was his uncanny ability to suck the air out of him in the most bone breaking vice grip he thought possibly. Even before age had started putting some muscle on his body, the second he fell into deep sleep he’d cling to William like a gangly, too tall teddy bear and all the silver crowbars in the world couldn’t pry him off. He would be rendered sweaty and immobile most of the night, how he managed to get sleep anyway was beyond him.

William himself, as Benny could tell you, was nearly the most flawless person you’d ever meet: Brilliant, hilarious, fiercely brave, unwaveringly kind. The kind of guy you wrote folk songs about. But nearly flawless ain’t flawless and Benny for all the guitar strings and cowboy hats in the world couldn’t spin William’s sleeping habits as anything but obnoxious.

It wasn’t so bad when they were younger and smaller, but now that William was near half a foot taller than him his flailing and maneuvering in bed drove him nuts. A leg draped over his thighs, his bad hand smacked directly over his face, and somehow, without fail, his hair would wind up in Benny’s mouth. That mixed with his freight train snore (seriously, how could such a skinny guy like William be THAT loud), and his frigid cold hands shocking him alert half the time he was about to fall under made William probably the worst sleep partner in history.

So, two after months of building set lots and equipment sheds, a large mess hall, a water tower, and anything else a new film studio might need the duo was pulled aside by the crew and presented with a small token for all they had done. From leading the trek to California to their assistance with writing and directing between all the construction, they had certainly made a good impression on their new coworkers and friends, and those friends wanted to deliver. So, they pulled together while the two were otherwise indisposed and built the two the first place either could call home in a very long time.

It’s a small, humble one room shack just on the outskirts of the lot. Solid wood floor, a brick chimney, and two twin sized beds on either side of the living quarters. To many, it would have been barely passable with the creaky boards and minimal space.

To them it was the kindness gift either had received.

After a day of extensive thank you’s and invitations to come by once they had “made the place theirs”, the two retired for the first night of sleep either had genuinely looked forward to in years.

Both walked to their sides of the room, stripping off their work clothes and changing into what was the first pair of pajamas either had owned, and they laid down on their own beds ready for a comfortable night of rest.

That comfort was enjoyable for 3 and a half minutes. If we’re being generous.

The room was large enough and the curtain hung between them thick enough that noise didn’t penetrate. William had never noticed how eerie total silence was. He had also never noticed just how hard it was to get comfortable in a real bed. He felt like he was sprawling aimlessly , desperate for a warm position that made him feel secure but he just felt…open. Exposed. Uncomfortable. Cold.

After what felt like an eternity (but was probably closer to 15 minutes) of fidgeting, William threw the covers off and staggering over to the front door in a huff, hoping some night air would do him good. He paused when he noticed that Benny’s bed was strangely absent, before opening the door and seeing his best friend already sitting on the front steps.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Benny ventured a guess, staring straight ahead into the wild yonder.

“Nah. Too cozy. You?”

“Ha! Here I was thinkin I was crazy for thinkin things like that.”

William gave him a playful shove as he sat down beside him “You are crazy.”

“Hey!”

The two shared a brief laugh before falling back into silence.

“…It was weird knowin were so close but not hearin ya snore like usual.” Benny said, breaking the silence.

“Excuse me? I do NOT snore.” William protested with a huff.

“Like a boar in a heap a truffles.” Benny responded with his oh too familiar smug grin.

“Well maybe I just never hear it because your sleep talking drowns it out.” William countered. “Though I don’t know how I could make any noise when you’re wringing the life outta me.”

“Oh I’m not that bad!” Benny protested with laugh. “Besides…” his eyes grew soft in that way they did when it was just the two of them “when I hold you like that I know we ain’t gonna be separated…”

William bit his lip, staring straight ahead. The topic of them getting separated wasn’t one either liked to bring up. William knew just how hard Benny was on himself after the first time he had run off, and how dedicated he was to making sure nothing ever tore them apart again.

The prospect of losing his best friend to the wild yonder a second time terrified William more than he could put into words.

“…I missed the warmth. And the security.” William finally admitted.

“I’ve missed your hand on my face. And how cold you are. Makes me feel…helpful, when I can feel your skin getting warmed up.” Benny paused. “Sorry that probably sounded weird.”

“No no! I uh…I like that I’m something you can hold onto. Plus the sleep talking is nice sometimes. I like when I can hear you talking to your old friends…I like hearing you talk about Paula.”

Another sore subject. The woman had been the closest thing to a real mother Benny had ever had and he never got to say a proper goodbye. Benny let his last moment with his old friends cloud a lot of how he talked about them. It made even the funny and sweet stories carry an air of bitterness to them. Those brief moments where he was asleep William could hear the joy in Benny’s voice. It was a comfort Benny wouldn’t allow himself while awake, but one that felt so good to share in any chance he got.

“I guess I never realized that I enjoyed it so much until now.” William finished.

“Yeah. Me neither.”

The stars above them seemed to get dimmer and dimmer, and the last thing William remembered from that night was feeling Benny’s head lull comfortably onto his shoulder.

The next morning the two awoke on their front porch. Benny gripping Willliam’s torso for dear life and William’s hand smack dab in the middle of Benny’s face.

When coworkers and friends came by over the next few weeks, they’d comment on the strange arrangement of decor. The collection of cowboy hats on the dresser, the second hand pen set on the table, the array of silly Knick Knacks and books that littered the shelves. But the strangest thing was that the bookshelf in the center of the room had been pushed into the corner, the curtain stowed away in a box somewhere, and the two twin sized beds pushed together on the far side of the room.

They chose not to comment. It wasn’t their place after all. Besides, the men had both been getting pretty good sleep from what they could tell-why ruin a good thing?

[satanstruemistress]

I don't go here (aew) but I am so intrigued as to what's going on bc I've been seeing posts about it all day where I almost never have before 👀 👀 👀

That’s probably because of me lol. I’d apologize but honestly it’s so good.

Honestly, AEW is my favorite wrestling promotion right now, but people don’t seem to want to give it a chance, because they’re ride-or-die for WWE. And WWE is good! But it’s geared more toward kids, where AEW is geared more toward adults. Idk how much you know about wrestling in general, so I’ll explain the whole thing as thoroughly as possible :)

My favorite storylines right now are: Deranged Blond Cowboy and Afro-goth Vampire wannabe (Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland, respectively) hate each other but are inexplicably unable to free themselves from each other. There’s been stabbings, breaking and entering, blood drinking, body stapling, hanging the cowboy with a chain, and the cowboy stabbing a needle into Swerve’s face.

They’re the fandom’s OTP somehow. (They deserve it). We want them to be tag team champions. They’re wrestling soulmates. (They work together super well, no matter if they’re feuding or a team.) There’s a whole playlist I’ve watched a few times on YouTube, that goes through the whole storyline so far. It’s fantastic.

And: “Blackpool Combat Club gets Poly Divorced, violently.”

There’s a lot of history there, but what it boils down to now is: Bryan Danielson, one of the best wrestlers in the world, ever, needs to retire. He’s got a neck issue that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, but the owner of AEW wanted him to have one last hurrah, so he basically dragged him kicking and screaming into the storyline where he won the World Title from Swerve (my beloved Afro goth vampire). Danielson said he’s not going to just give up the title, he’s gonna fight until he physically couldn’t anymore, and THEN he’d retire from full-time action.

Danielson has a group he’s in, Blackpool Combat Club (BCC for short) with dudes he’s been friends with for a long time, that was started by their mentor, William Regal who is no longer with AEW. (His irl son is in WWE’s “developmental territory - the proving grounds before they actually go in front of approximately half a zillion people).

Danielson’s BCC buddy Jon Moxley came back from some time off and was like “Hey this isn’t your company anymore” and confused the shit out of fans and coworkers alike.

But anyway, the night Danielson successfully defended the AEW World Title for the first time, his BCC team mates Moxley, Claudio (they’re hard to tell apart at first, both tall bald white dudes) and their protégée Wheeler Yuta, along with “new recruits” The Bastard Pac, and scary lady Marina Shafir. They were celebrating. Smiles, kisses, and hugs all around. Pac even hugged Wheeler.

Which is when we knew something was going down. Pac is, in fact, a Bastard. He’s not a lovey/huggy man. He was holding Wheeler back while Claudio uppercutted Danielson which shook fans EVERYONE. And then Mox grabbed a plastic bag and tried to suffocate Danielson while Wheeler sobbed and cried out for Bryan whilst being held back by Pac and ineffectively comforted by Claudio.

Danielson was escorted out on a stretcher that night.

Blah blah blah, a week or so passes, and we see Wheeler…not doing well. At all. He’s dead-eyed, almost catatonic, but he’s using Danielson’s finisher to win matches.

BCC tries to get through to him, but he’s not interested. He’s sided with Bryan.

OR SO WE THOUGHT.

Last night, Mox won the title but wasn’t actually all that interested in the Big Prize. He shoved it into a bag. He and the rest of the BCC started beating the shit out of Danielson. But here comes Wheeler Yuta and another man named Darby Allin, to the rescue.

Darby and Wheeler chase them off, but Darby’s back is turned, and when he turns to check on Bryan, who was sitting in the corner behind Yuta, Yuta hit Darby with one of Bryan’s finishing moves called the Busaiku Knee.

I’m a little fuzzy on the direct actions, because I was busy staring open-mouthed at the screen, processing, but Darby ended up taped to the ring ropes, and Wheeler suffocated Danielson this time.

As he’s suffocating his mentor, his childhood hero, Wheeler is BEGGING him to stop fighting it. Just let go. Then a bunch of faces (good guys) run from the back, and finally help get them off him. Namely three dudes named Orange Cassidy, Hook, and Daniel Garcia.

Danielson was taken out on a stretcher. AGAIN.

Here’s fan theory: Mox, Claudio, Wheeler, and the rest of them still love Bryan Danielson. They’re doing this to protect him from himself so he doesn’t end up seriously hurting himself or worse. That’s how they got Wheeler to do what he did. None of them are happy about it, they’re not enjoying it. They just think it’s their only option.

But this is a story, it’s not real, so obviously we’re thinking that this is all Bryan’s doing. He’s KNOWN to be a devil who thrives on his fan’s horror. (Which is a positive thing in this business). We think that this, not the title, was his last big hurrah. THIS is how he wants to go out, setting his irl besties up for a MASSIVE heel (bad guy) run, while simultaneously setting up the guys that came running out to help him, to be the next big faces of the company.

…Anyway, yeah. AEW is fantastic. I highly recommend it. There’s also a lot of silly and fun storylines that won’t leave you traumatized lol.

ALSO TEN YEARS A MUTUAL HOLY SHIT.

[nancypullen]

Monday

Greetings, dear readers! Didn't mean to leave you hanging, we've been semi-busy (it's never truly busy around here) and I am also a lazy writer - that combination left this space blank for a few days. Oops. I'll pick up where I left you hanging. California! We had planned to go Wednesday morning, but the mister didn't sleep well Tuesday night and wasn't feeling it. We pushed it back a day and departed Thursday morning around 8am. It was a two hour drive for us, first over the bridge and then south toward Virginia.

It was a pretty drive, not a whole lot to see in that stretch between Annapolis and California. We timed it from Edgewater and it would still be about an hour from the grandgirl. I'd love to be closer, but A) real estate prices are insane there, and B) it's hard to find a place that isn't in a congested area. We like peace and quiet. The flip side of that is giving up a lot of conveniences for that peace and quiet. UNLESS...

You move to California! I brought a list of houses currently for sale in the community so that we could check out different neighborhoods and decide what we liked and what we didn't. They were all pretty, but our favorite neighborhood was definitely Wildewood. It felt like an enchanted forest, but with pools and tennis courts. The homes were lovely, everything was manicured and neat, and people were out on walking trails. Very good vibe. Best of all, just two minutes away, as you drive out of the beautifully landscaped entrance to this serene neighborhood...SHOPPING! Everything from Lowes to Ulta, five grocery stores, and a bazillion restaurants from cowboy bbq to Thai food. Even a 12-plex movie theater! I asked the mister to stop at Sally Beauty so I could stock up on hair stuff, and JoAnn so I could grab loads of paper for card making - two things I haven't been able to do for two years. Not gonna' lie, it felt wonderfully normal, another thing that hasn't happened for two years. It was comparable to our situation in Mt. Juliet - quiet living but everything you could want or need just a few minutes away. I'm sure California has its drawbacks, we were just there for one quick visit, but it's very appealing to me right now. The only fault that I could find with the homes in the Wildewood subdivision is that there were very few single story homes, and the ones that did exist were probably smaller than we'd be happy with. We need to downsize our "stuff" anyway, 40+ years of marriage, kids, and life takes up a lot of space. We don't need it all. Mickey does need an office space, and we'll always need room for family to visit - but maybe we can figure that out in less square footage. So, having yammered on about getting rid of stuff and downsizing, on Saturday we ran down the road and bought some of the cutest Halloween decor! In my defense, it was all half price. I'm willing to get rid of clothing and shoes to make room for Halloween stuff. It all started with a Facebook post...

The couple behind these creations has decided to retire from traveling around to craft shows and they're unloading their inventory at 50% off. I'm sorry, but fall decor on sale is my heroin.

They had a bunch of Xmas stuff too, but I wasn't interested. Though Santa is my homeboy, I'm still team pumpkin. This was my haul for $34!

It had to pass inspection, but it all received the witch's cat stamp of approval.

Left to right, the boo sign will go beside the front door with a small pumpkin. The welcome sign will be at the bottom of the front steps with some mums. The pumpkin with spiders will probably sit beside a porch chair, and this...

will sit on my kitchen window sill with some tiny pumpkins. I'm ridiculously excited about all of it.

In other news I finally started painting the desk/hutch combo that I picked up for seven bucks. Remember this?

It's been patiently waiting for some color. First we had 100+ degree days, then we had a stretch of rainy days - so I waited. Yesterday I cleaned it up, took off the hardware, and got busy. it's far from finished, but she's looking very feminine now.

I've barely started on the hutch - just a quick slap of the ivory in places to lay a foundation. That top detail that's still brown will get a coat too. It'll get a second coat and then I'll go in with small brushes and tidy up all of the lines and add gold details. The little scalloped edging at the top and middle will be gold and so will the finials. I'll probably buy new drawer pulls, I'm undecided. I don't like the old ones but they're also not the ugliest I've ever seen. I'm also debating whether or not to trail flowers across the ivory section. It would be gorgeous, but since I'm actually going to fill those shelves, it might end up looking too busy. Anyway, I've just started her makeover and I'm enjoying the process. Can't wait to finish it and move it into my craft room. Does anyone remember me mentioning downsizing? Yeah, it's going really well.

And while we're on the subject of makeovers (kind of), I'm very glad I made that stop at Sally Beauty while we were in California. A few weeks ago I mentioned that I'm finished with hair color. I made an appointment for a cut and asked the stylist to do some heavy highlights on my crown so I could just let the white grow in without an obvious line of color/white. I paid a big chunk of money to have that done. As far as I could see it didn't change a damn thing. She only left the potion on for fifteen minutes, and nothing works on my hair in fifteen minutes. My hair won't even budge in under 30 minutes and that's only if using powerful chemicals and sacrificing a goat. So I was a little bummed, even though the stylist kept repeating, "That lightened it a little..." the only thing lighter was my wallet. I was still yellow with a white stripe. So, like I do, I researched a bit and realized that since I was already a light blonde, all I really needed was a toner to remove any yellow. Wella T18 seemed to be the toner many online hair professionals recommended. I picked up a box at Sally and then waited until I was in the mood to handle a possible disaster. Best case scenario, it would make me platinum. Worst case scenario it might turn my whole head purple and I don't know how to reverse that. I decided to roll the dice yesterday. I figured that if it turned everything purple I'd just act like it was on purpose. Lo and behold, it worked! I hate that the only photo I have to share is a creepy one, but it's about the hair, not my face. I'd just started the drying process, so have mercy on my poofy hair.

No yellow, no white stripe! Hooray! Whyyyy did I spend money on invisible highlights when the solution was $15 and a lot less time than I spent in the salon chair? The good news is that I'll never do it again. I added sparkle to the background of that photo to make it look like a celebration, I hope no one thinks that's my bathroom wallpaper.

Raise your hand if you've had enough of my rambling.

Yeah, me too. I just crammed several days worth of stuff into one blog post and there was no flow. Probably felt like walking through a house of mirrors. Bonk! No exit! I'm trying very hard not to comment on the political climate right now, all I will say is that I have hope. 99 days.

I'm sending out gobs of love, take as much as you need and pass it on. I hope you're out there leaving a trail of love and glitter and happiness behind you. More tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[ashisgreedy]

This is for Char @rypnami

The poor thing has no content of her mans. I had to pull up for my thirsty friend in need.

Solomon Sallow County/Cowboy AU HCs

(kind of a joke kind of serious 💀)

-Horse veterinarian

-Chews tobacco

-Likes his iced tea sweet with an ungodly amount of limon squeezed in.

-Morning coffee = black. Uses a 1960s stovetop coffee dripper because he likes how strong it makes the coffee.

-He's got two rocking chairs on his porch. One he sits in all the time. The others never been occupied. He checks it for rot every once in a while. (He's manifesting Char)

-Solomom can't find a good cowboy hat to save his life nowadays. Damn capitalism! And, they just don't make em like they used to.

-He's volunteering at the horsey sanctuary every Saturday. He doesn't tell a soul but the people on the sanctuary act like he's some kind of god. He always knows the right diagnosis and gets the medication faster than any other vet around. He says ut's just because those damn horses are OLD. Plus the retired race horses he helps don't know how to NOT get sick. Someone's gotta treat them, out of spite ofc.

-Three stray cats stick around his house. Some how they get inside during the colder weather. He lets them in. And... Well, he was gonna throw these scraps out anyway! Might as well feed the helpless mousers.

-Thinks a bow tie is too fancy for his kind.

-Drinks warm doctor pepper.

-Lives in a cabin on acers and acers of land just to get some peace and quiet. There are huge corn and wheat fields all around him that belong to his neighbors. I

-Likes black licorice bleh

-Takes pride in his wardrobe. Lots of flannel and jeans that have lasted him yearsss! He hasn't needed to buy anything in a while.

-Has a freezer full of venison his buddy gave him and he eats off it for the whole year with his potatoes and corn he has most nights.

-Eggs for breakfast with a side of sausage and his black coffee.

-Dreams of giant mosquitos (biggest fear, they are huge in the country)

-"Forgets" his birthday every year (aka spends an extra day at the retired horse sanctuary and feeds them special treats.)

- Considers apple juice is a dessert.

-Is a retired Horse Racer. He's got the back problems to prove it.

-He also has the trophys to prove it. Keeps them shiny, like new.

-Doesn't ride horses anymore because it hurts him, but he does wish he could.

.

.

.

Welp. 👍 lololol

[wandaluvstacos]

THE ONLY SECONDS THAT MATTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE IS UP!

Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating: 18+

Includes: Extensive horse nerdery + cowboys, mxm romance (1 trans + 1 cis), some discussion child abuse, some instances of trans/homophobia (it is rural Oklahoma, y'all), depression, occasional sex scene (but it’s a slow burn for sure)

Victor Ortiz-Bennett had some reservations about moving to Oklahoma, but his late aunt willed him a 70-acre horse farm, and he decides to fulfill his dream of running and operating his own training facility. Victor’s been around the reining horse show circuit for a while, and he’s ready to settle down, travel less, and spend more time with the horses he loves and away from the people he can do without. That is, until he picks up a horse at an auction with a bucking problem he can’t fix, and he has to take her to the one guy who can ride anything– Johnny Stearns, a retired professional rodeo rider.

Johnny Stearns is loud, chatty, eccentric, and fears nothing, exactly Victor’s opposite. However, Victor finds himself sinking into an odd friendship with this new foul-mouthed cowboy without a filter, diving deeper into the mess that is Johnny’s life until there’s no way to extract himself from it. Johnny may talk a tough game, but there’s more to him than he’ll let most people see. Victor knows getting in too deep will mean a rough ride, but if there’s anything Johnny’s taught him, it’s how to stay in the saddle.

Excerpt:

“I still gotta live in this goddamn house.” Johnny glanced around the living room with wild eyes. “This house where my dad beat me in every room but the one I currently sleep in.” His voice broke toward the end and he took a moment to compose himself, swiping a hand under his nose. “I think he’s the devil inside me. The only way I keep him quiet is by drinkin’.”

“Your father was an abusive asshole. Sell the house and live the life he would have hated. Make him spin in his damn grave.”

“You say that like it’s easy.”

“Is this easier?” Victor snapped. “Is losing yourself in booze and trash while the people you love abandon you easy?”

“Of course it’s not! But fuck, it’s all I know. I know how to survive with barely nothin’ and that’s it. You wouldn’t get it. You grew up with money and parents who loved you.”

“I don’t have to understand this to be against it. I—I care about you, Johnny. More than I should. More you than you deserve, maybe. I don’t want anyone I care about to live like this, and I don’t want to see them the way I saw you last night.”

Johnny shrunk backward, slightly hunched. “I don’t deserve that consideration. I know that. I’m a real piece of shit sometimes.”

“I don’t want you to feel sorry for yourself. I want you to feel like you deserve better. Better than Daisy, better than being cheated on. I want you try to be someone who doesn’t just—” Victor considered his words, but pushed ahead anyway “—someone who doesn’t break my damn heart all the time.”

Johnny’s face twisted with hurt before he looked away, then down at his feet. His Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed, but for once he had nothing to say.

“You’re the most frustrating person I’ve ever met,” Victor continued, “so if I didn’t care about you, I would have been gone months ago. Even with your flaws, you’ve got a big heart that’s always in the right place, and that’s not an easy find. I mean Christ, my own mother had a worse reaction to me coming out than you did. I didn’t talk to her for months.”

“Vic, I…” Johnny began, then trailed off and rubbed the back of his neck. “I know I talk a lot but I ain’t very good at talkin’ ‘bout my feelin’s and all that… so maybe I won’t say this right, but half the reason I tried as hard as I did to get sober is cuz your reaction to the state of my house felt like a real kick in the nuts. I didn’t want Sarah or my sister knowin’, but to be honest, I’d already disappointed them both a thousand times over. But you still held me in high regard, and I hated that I fucked that up. I hated that you had to see my life for what it was. This feels like that again, ‘cept now I’m worried you’ll leave me once and for all and I’ll have no one. I want to fight, but most of my fightin’ spirit’s gone.”

“I don’t want you to fight. That’s your dad talking. Not everything has to be a damn fight. I want you to give up, actually. I want you to stop being so damn proud because it’s killing you. You’re trying to be this person you aren’t.”

[glassfullofsass]

Queen of the Rodeo - A Ronance AU

Playlist

Nancy Wheeler grew up in the saddle. She's spent more time on horseback than on her own two feet, and she's loved every second.

But on the other side of forty, it's getting harder to ignore what it's cost her.

She'd done her time as rodeo queen like her mother before her, but unlike Karen, Nancy hadn't married up and settled down when her year was done. Instead, when it was time, she passed the crown on to the inimitable Erica Sinclar, and kept competing.

She'd had a good run, too, winning more breakaways than she scratched and constantly breaking her own records on the barrel races. But then her roping partner Barb had taken a bad fall and quit the arena all together, leaving Nancy to face the circuit alone.

Since then, Nancy's been the only rider on Coach Hopper's roster, and the old sheriff has been hinting at his own retirement for a while. Even his lady, the legendary Joyce Byers, idol of every cowgirl west of the Mississippi, had given up rodeos younger than Nancy was now, though she even still worked hard as a rancher.

Joyce certainly hadn't started riding roughstock at thirty like Nancy did, seizing an open slot at a back country rodeo that didn't care too much about propriety. And since then, Nancy’d driven two or three states over any time the WPRA could pull together enough competitors.

Nancy doesn't regret it, even when it hurts, even when she loses.

But it's starting to hurt more often than it doesn't, and she's losing more often than she wins these days. Plus, Barb isn't the only friend Nancy's run off; she burned a lot of bridges and broke a few hearts to earn her place at the top. She still loves the rodeo like nothing else, but it's getting to be lonely.

It’s also a long way down. She's not sure the Harringtons will keep her on as a ranch hand if she's not bringing prizes to their stables, and if she has to leave behind ranching on top of leaving the rodeo…

Something has to give soon, though. Nancy can read the writing on the wall: she's slowing down and even though it's only in milliseconds, it makes a difference on the breakaway.

If Nancy could let go and trust that she'd land on her feet, maybe she could get out of her own way. She's pushed away friends, family, and lovers, but if she'd risk being vulnerable just enough, she could still reconnect with a community – and one woman in particular – that still loves her.

Robin Buckley's parents made a number of decisions about her life that were supposedly for her safety. The wisest was, probably, never letting her near a horse.

So, though she grew up out in ranch country, surrounded by brush and cowboys, Robin's never so much as given a colt a sugar cube, let alone ridden a full grown mare or – heaven forbid – a stallion.

That doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate a good rodeo. Or the riders, anyway.

But being an admirer – particularly of a woman's sport – doesn't pay the bills. 

Nor does an associate's degree in Spanish, as it turns out. So much for her late nights at the community college.

Once upon a time, Robin had bigger dreams. And it's not impossible to still chase them. Steve'd offered to take her, to load up his truck with their bags and just drive until they got somewhere. 

Robin knows she could do something, if she was somewhere. But that means leaving, and as much as Robin once thought she had to, it doesn't feel as necessary as it once did. And it’s a little more frightening, the idea of starting over, now that she’s no longer young and restless.

She has a place here now. She has regulars at the diner, and regulars at the bar, and Steve.

And yeah, sue her. She has some unresolved heartbreak courtesy of the local rodeo queen emeritus. It's been more than a few years since she and Nancy had anything between them, but messy and flash-paper quick as it was, Robin still carries a torch for her.

Hell, Robin has carried a torch for Nancy since they were both thirteen, and Robin wheedled her aunt into taking her to the rodeo for the very first time.

Nancy had been glorious, all red bows and silver thread, lightening quick around the barrels in a perfect clover leaf, strong and steady on a beautiful gray horse that thundered around the pen, kicking dust in its wake.

It's not like Robin had been naïve, going into things. Nancy wasn't the first cowgirl Robin had hooked up with, and she'd known she was hardly Nancy's first partner either. So Robin knew what she was getting with Nancy, the night she'd looked Robin over with those deep brown eyes and smiled honey-sweet.

She knew it wouldn't last, and that was fine.

Until it wasn't, because it did last. Longer than Robin expected, long enough that she forgot to hold back. Long enough that she forgot why she shouldn't fall in love.

She'd gotten burnt pretty bad, for that mistake.

Still, it had been years. Robin had moved on, had other partners, other relationships, had even been in love again.

Her breath still catches when she sees Nancy, and she's learned to live with it. She's just not sure she could live without it.

If she could find the resolve, Robin might find fulfillment elsewhere, where her ear for languages might be appreciated as more than a party trick and she wouldn't be dependent on tips to keep her lights on. But if she'd take a chance and risk her heart one more time, she'd find that the cowgirl of her dreams might be ready for a change of pace, too.

[jreynoldsward]

Writing Accountability Post #28

No, I didn't go into the woods to write last week, though we did pick huckleberries one day and plan to go out again.

But I did get some minor stuff done--started planning The Cost of Power trilogy so that I can draft it out and do rapid release with it next year. I'm also going to do this with the Goddess's Vision trilogy.

Looking back on the week, it seems like there wasn't a lot that got done, but there was. It just wasn't all about writing words. In some cases, it was about editing and promotion. I lined up some advertising and did an interview, plus set up a cover reveal for Fabulist and Fantastical Worlds. I also did some research involved with the Cost of Power trilogy, and have scads of notes to incorporate into planning. Oh, if this is even half of what I have been considering, it's gonna be nice.

The other thing that is going on is that I'm now getting back to semi-consistent journaling. I'm doing it mostly at night, kind of a summary of the day. Of course I also get ideas that I need to jot down. Journaling is a good thing, because it usually means I'm ready to be poking at ideas and ruminating over drafting. I need it as a check on my progress so that I am on top of it.

What didn't get done is anything to do with Goddess's Vision, or Dragons of the Raven Alliance. With Vision, it's just a matter of taking time to make those notes and plans. I know it'll be like The Cost of Power once I get started with brainstorming--the ideas will flow, and before long, I'll be ready to start drafting.

Raven, however...part of the problem is just working out the dynamics. I'm not sure where I'm going with that story, and I have to redo the worldbuilding foundations, which will mean revising the foundational story but if that's what it takes for it to work, then that's what it takes. Plus I'm not sure if I'm serializing it on Vella yet. We'll have to see how that plays.

I think Federation Cowboy is going to be pushed back to an October release date but I'm not positive about that just yet.

The new computer glasses have made a significant difference in reducing my eyestrain--I somewhat needed them before the cataract surgery, but wanted to give my eyes time to adjust. The new glasses also have a blue blocker and that's wonderful. It really does make a difference, and the coating is also anti-glare.

One thing I have decided is that I'm going to ease off in August. I have been working hard and it's a good time to catch my breath. I want to plan and structure these upcoming stories and get it done properly, plus do research on new marketing and sales options for this fall. Additionally, since I'm planning two trilogies, I have the time to create a proper marketing plan for both of them.

There's also a bunch of non-writing, life stuff going on, some that I can talk about, some not. One that I haven't really been discussing is the world of horses. Mocha is declining, and it's happening quicker than I like to see it this summer. Now maybe the move to new pasture yesterday will help, but then again, she'll have a quick improvement, then further decline. Oh, she still looks good, but energy levels are fading. I don't know. Something happened with her in March-April, and she just hasn't pulled out of it. Nothing that required a vet visit, and when she did go for her routine shots and checkup in May, she passed everything with flying colors. But there was just something. Sigh. It'll be eighteen years together in two weeks. Will we make it to nineteen? Will she make it to her twenty-fourth birthday? I don't know.

In any case, I do a test ride on a new horse tonight. If he works out, Mocha goes on full retirement. And I'll probably do that anyway.

[f1loveisland]

A good coincidence// cowboy!Mick Schumacher x reader

Warnings: fluff, uncle Mick, Mick and Seb not having seats, cowboys...

A/n: this is kinda short, but I think it's cute, forgot Sebs kids names while I wrote this and was to lazy to fix it

2023 was going to look alot different for you and Mick. Mick being a reserve driver he had more time at home, for a few weeks you, Mick, Mick's close friend Seb, and his family where all staying at the ranch. Seb hadn't been there in years, luckily retirement was going easy oh him and he had been loving all the time he had been able to spend with his family. Tonight he wanted to go on a date with just him and his wife, so he asked you and mick to look after his kids. The kids loved you and Mick and were really well behaved how could you say no.

While Mick was on uncle duties you set the table. Treating the kids with some chicken nuggets. You called out to them and the three kids came running over, they all got seated and thanked you for the food before eating. Once they finished you put on a movie for them, it must have been a long day because they had all fallen asleep during the movie.

A long summers day ment the sun was still setting when Seb came back from his date with his wife, "thanks for looking after the kids, I hope they weren't any trouble," Seb thanked, "no problems at all, they were all asleep almost right after dinner," you exclaimed, "why don't you and Mick go out for a ride? You need to feed the horses anyway and it's a beautiful night, we can clean up the house for you," Seb said, he was right the horses did need feeding, you look over at Mick and he's already putting on his boots, "ok, thanks," you said to Seb as you headed over to Mick. You put your boots and hat on and so did Mick as you both headed out the door towards the stables.

You got your horse all saddled up and Mick got his horse saddled up aswell. Before you both rode into the sunset, peaceful. You rode down to the dam, giggling the whole way as you both talked. You both got to the beautiful spot at the dam. The sunset was beautiful from there. Both of your horses layed down while you and Mick say next to each other layed back onto your hands. Sitting there, watching the sunset enjoying your company. "I hope Sebs doing ok," you said, "yeah, he should be fine," Mick replied, "Do you ever think we will have a perfect family like his?" Mick's question stunned you a little. You had both agreed to not have kids until you where atleast engaged. "Well if you would hurry up and propose to me!" You said jokingly, "exactly," Mick said, leaving you looking a little confused, "Y/N, I love you so much... And it would be a dream come true if I could spend the rest of my life alongside you, your pride, your happiness. I would love to see mini us one day. Will you marry me..." Mick said as he got up onto one knee ring in hand. You hands fell over your mouth. You where speechless, "OMG, of course Mick!" You said. He softly slipped the ring on your finger. Mick then pulled you into a passionate kiss, it quickly turned into him making out with you, not in a sexual way, more of a romantic way. You both seperated.

You both kept taking, more about your future together now. But Mick seemed to keep looking behind you both so you did too to see Seb with a camera in his hands. "Oh my god did he take pictures of us?" You asked, "yeah this might have been a bit planned out.." Mick said, Seb chuckling in the background. "You two enjoy your time, alone," Seb said chuckling as he walks back to the house.

You and Mick kept talking, until it got colder and darker. You two ride back to the stables, fed the horses, and went back to the house. Where you two seb who had just reached the door, "nice walk?" Mick questioned, "I'm retired for a reason, you know?," Seb replied leaving you all laughing. You all walk inside to see the kids had woken up, "DID SHE SAY YES?" they all yelled, curious. "Yes she did," Mick said smiling. You showed the kids the beautiful ring.

[yuktuts]

uhm. i am interested in the lanamia cowboy au (eyes emoji)

: OO

>: D

under the cut cause its p long djkwhdhwje

lana in this au is a traveling ranger, with her superior being Gregory Edgeworth, a kind but tragic man whos child was kidnapped back in Gregory's lawyer days!

Gregory dispatches lana (and her horse Neil) (she brings ema too but Ema is like. 8 in this au) to the texas town of Rio Fria (cold river in English) because of reports that the town has corrupt officials.

Mia and maya (who is 7) are owners of the town saloon. phoenix works there and lives with the feys : -).

when lana arrives, the town sheriff Damon Gant shows her around, how nice!

anyway, Lana frequents the saloon (bc the owner helps her know all that goes on in the town and... and is also rlly hot) and after she goes a couple of times, the young waiter named Phoenix pulls her aside and explains that the town IS corrupt and everyone knows, but they can't get evidence.

on the other side of town, the vicious town deputy Red gets an order from mayor Von Karma to challenge the new ranger whos been asking a lot of questions to a duel.

Back at the saloon, lana asks why phoenix is telling her all of this and he replies that there's someone in need of saving and he wants to help them by helping lana.

Red arrives and He gets his duel. Lana wins by shooting his right hand.

The town doctor, Marvin Grossberg is good, but too drunk to help most of the time, so Lana is the one who treats his wounds. (Lana usually drops ema off at the saloon while she treats Red) they get closer and Red says his real name is Miles Edgeworth, Gregory's long-lost son! During the time that lana is treating Miles, he breaks down and has Character Development (this Character development is also caused by phoenix's many visits to see miles) .

He explains all of the corruption that he's aware of in the town including the mayor Manfred von Karma (his old guardian) and the sheriff Damon Gant forging evidence in the murder of Mia's ex, Diego Armando because he was going to expose the mayor for election fraud and Damon helped! (manfred offered Damon the sheriff position if he helped)

they continue like this for a few days with lana gathering information and treating miles's gunshot. until one night, Mia bursts in with maya whos sobbing. She explains that ema has been kidnapped at gunpoint by the town's sherrif! (his plan is to get lana to stop her investigation or her sister dies)

lana finds Sherriff gant on the outskirts of town. Lana challenges him to a duel and he agrees bc he has an overinflated ego. lana wins and shoots him just left of his heart. at first he thinks she missed, but she explains that the only reason she didnt shoot him dead is so he can confess to all the wrongdoing hes done. Gant agrees under threat of death and turns in incriminating letters he saved as insurance agaisnt manfred which get manfred convicted too.

its the last day of lanas investigation before she leaves and shes packing up. emas still a little traumatized from being kidnapped but mostly sad shes leaving the town bc she likes it there. Lana explains that they cant stay because her job makes her move around alot, but mia (who is helping lana pack in the next room) overhears this and gets an idea. the town is looking for a new sheriff, and since the mayor was also arrested, Mia has been thinking of running for mayor. Lana thinks its a great idea, but is disappointed she wont see Gregory again. Lana calls gregory to tell him she is staying and he seems quite excited! it turns out, since he found out his son is alive and well (though lanas reports), he wants to retire to rio fria. Mia wins the election, lana is instated as the town sherrif, the saloon is run by phoenix and since miles was just following orders he is allowed to stay deputy. : -) lana and mia then get married : -)

[urimaginespimp]

Cowboy Like Me

Alfie x Reader

A/N: For some reason, the moment I heard this song from Evermore, my mind just immediately went to Alfie and a possible fic, so here you go!

--------

You were a traveler always yearning for a good life, never staying in one location for too long.

Despite being unexpected, your mother who was a high-class prostitute loved you unconditionally and taught you everything you needed to know – how to act like a proper lady, what men wanted to hear, how to wrap them around your finger, and how to detach yourself from falling inlove with them.

“But you have to promise me you’d lead a different life.” She told you when you were in your teens.

“But mama, what use would be what you’ve taught me?” your doe-eyed innocent face asked her.

“Men are as gullible outside a brothel, dear.” She pats your head lovingly. Smiling at your confused expression, she assured you. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

For years, you two only had each other and you loved it that way. That was until the flu took her and you were left on your own.

Taking what little you have, you set out to make a living for yourself. It still took you a lot of getting used to a new lifestyle, but slowly you found it easier and easier to sweet talk every rich man you gave attention to into doing and giving you what you want without having to give your body. Maybe expensive possessions for you to sell, or the easy cash they wouldn’t think twice on giving you. Every town unvisited was wealth missed for you.

August in Liverpool was chilly. Thankful that you get to wear a coat over your dress, you smiled at the man guarding the infamous Eden Club as he let you in.

It was nothing you haven’t been to before – expensive interior, everybody dressed to the tens, and filled with rich lonely men. Only that you heard this was ran by Italians. Making your way in the middle towards the bar, you smiled sensing that heads turned your way.

By the bar you sat on one of the stools, enjoying a drink. Glancing to your left, you caught the eye of a man five seats away from you. He was clearly staring at you and liked what he was seeing.

He looks rich enough, so you offered a shy smile. He was about to get up from his seat when a, tall, buff man with a cane approached him. He had a beard, and was dressed nicely with black cape toe boots.

Not liking when people take your prey away, you decided to let it slide and look for another thinking that he didn’t know what he’s done. But as soon as your missed conquest was preoccupied with ordering another drink, the man with the beard turned your way with a smirk and winked at you.

He knew what he’s done.

Annoyed, you still gave him a sly smile, all thought of looking for another man went out the window. Three things were clear to him: You were beautiful, you didn’t know you almost encountered Darby Sabini, and that you didn’t know who the hell he himself was. For no sane person who have heard about him wouldn’t even dare look him in the eye nor smile.

When Sabini announced that he was retiring for the night, he bid the man goodbye, told Ollie to head home, and decided to approach you.

“You’re not from around er, luv?” He asked you. Standing in front of you now, it was undeniable that this man is way more handsome than the first one.

“Do first timers in this town get a free drink from you?” You smiled, peering at him through your lashes.

“I can buy you the whole bar, lass. But you’re gonna have to dance with me first.” He chuckled, extending his arm to you.

“Dancing is a dangerous game.” You said, taking his hand anyway, thinking that this would just be like one of your many nights.

Walking to the dancefloor, a slow tune was being played by the band. Taking both of your hands, he rested them on his shoulders, and you both started swaying to the tune.

“Dancing should be the least of your worries, luv. What’s dangerous was the man you were giving that pretty smile of yours earlier.” He explained.

“I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.” You answered, shrugging.

“Mmm. Are you some sort of seducing bandit?” he asked. That was the first thing that went to his mind. A bandit.

“Why, do you think I’m out to seduce you?” you replied slyly.

“Takes one to know one, dear.” You both chuckled.

“You don’t strike me as a bandit, Mr…”

“Solomons. Alfie Solomons.” He finally introduced himself.

“Alfie.” You said. He tried to act like the mere mention of his name from your lips affected him. “I’m just a traveler, making ends meet by telling the rich folks anything they wanna hear.” You said quietly, looking him in the eye.

“A traveler… like one of em cowboys then?” He bluntly asked, making you giggle.

“If you see it that way.” You shrugged, chuckling.

“What do you tell those poor blokes?” His curiosity got the best of him.

“Hmm…” you ran your hands lower to rest on his chest. “Maybe how nights like this could lead them to something nice, and for the lonelier ones, I make them think it could lead to something more. But the thing is, Mr. Solomons, I have yet to meet someone who made me forget my mother’s most important rule.”

“And that is?”

“Not falling in love.” You gave him a sweet smile.

“You’re a cruel vixen, luv.” He said, looking at you intensely. Alfie wasn’t at all intimidated of you. He never wanted love. All the money, business, and fancy cars were enough for him. Forever is the sweetest con, he’d say. But something about you also intrigued him. Maybe because you were all to similar.

“I often just meet with ambitious men and tell em I’m the way forward.” He told you.

“Well, are you?” You asked, as his head got closer to you. Bringing his lips closer to your ear, he whispered.

“Only if they pay for it.” Sending you shivers down your spine.

--------

That night, he personally escorted you back to where you were staying over.

” Will I be seeing you again?” You asked, not trying to sound desperate. There was nothing wrong with making friends, you assured yourself.

“I know who owns this place. I’ll call in some time for you.” He answered, tucking your lose hair behind.

“That is, if I’d still be here by then.” You smiled.

“Well. Who am I to stop a traveler.” He sighed, masking his disappointment. “Got something to help me remember you by, luv?” He asked jokingly.

“it’s your call, Mr. Solomons. What do you want?” You whispered looking up to meet his gaze. For the first time in in your months of travels, something in you was yearning to stay longer.

Maybe it was the way your eyes were full of stars from looking up to him in the night, or that really liked you, but Alfie found himself leaning down to meet your lips. It wasn’t long ‘til you were responding. It was soft, but probably the most intense kiss you ever had, leading you both inside.

Clothes were taken off and thrown all over the room, somehow getting his boots of with ease, he kicked them beneath your bed and lead you both on top of the sheets. As sweet as it was, you both knew it was one for parting your separate ways.

Against your better judgement, you found yourself staying for two more nights in that guest house in hopes of him calling. But it never came.

That was a month ago and that night was still fresh in your memory. It didn’t go the way you expected, but meeting a man such as Alfie Solomons was way better.

You were in a town called Camden. You’ve had several conquests for the last month from other towns - typical older men that you’ve swindled into believing you were smitten by them.

Walking along its streets, you didn’t know this was where the Alfie Solomons resided. That was until you were in a small café and you overheard a group of ladies talking about him passing through the town that morning.

“I thought he never leaves that bakery of his.” One of them said.

“That man needs a wife. Maybe then he’d actually be less brooding.”

Finishing up, you paid your fee. You needed to leave his town immediately. Because as much as he made you feel things you never thought you’d deal with, you’ve decided that he was bad for your ambitions.

Walking briskly through the streets of Camden, you were only a few houses down to your guesthouse when you stopped on your tracks.

By the door of it was no other than Alfie, expectantly waiting for you, his left hand holding the leash of a dog.

“When Ollie told me you went into town last night I almost didn’t believe him.” He started, slowly walking towards you.

Seeing the man again made you forget whatever it was you warned yourself about him.

“I never thought I’d meet you here.” You answered in all honesty.

“Don’t worry. I’m not one to accuse ladies of stalking.” You both chuckled.

“I guess I won’t be having any luck in Camden too, huh?”

Whoever and whatever goes in and out of Camden was his business. So, when Ollie told him that the lady from Liverpool was seen entering a guesthouse last night, he took the chance of looking for you that morning after a sleepless night clouded by you.

“Perhaps you will.” He answered.

“Oh?”

“Luv, I’m going out a limb here when I say you can’t deny there’s something ‘er.” He told you seriously.

“But you never called.” That was all you could say. You couldn’t even deny what he said.

“All coz I called too late. Ya never heard of all that no calling til three days? Ollie advised me so I won’t look too desperate. Almost fired the lad.” He chuckled.

“Well, what does Camden have to offer the bandit?” You smiled teasingly.

“Everything you want so long as you stay with me, luv. We could be the way forward.” He convinced you, taking a step closer.

“And?” tilting your head to the side, trying not to laugh at him using that line with you.

“And I know I’ll pay for it.” He rolled his eyes before taking you head with his free hand and crashed his lips to yours.

He was the lone exception to your mother’s rule, and the one to help you lead a different life. You knew you were never gonna love again.

[shawnbetancourt]

~~*~~

His dignity. That made a lot of sense to Shawn. Not just her father but all of the people of Paxton. They were proud of their way of life and would do almost anything to defend it, even cross some very defined lines. Hadn't she just talked her father out of a lot of those ideas the night before? Sort of proved his point really. She knew that making her father pull back on his way of life was going to have some consequences but if it meant keeping him around a bit longer she was willing to deal with that. Though he probably wasn't. "I guess you can take the cowboy off the ranch but...he's still a cowboy." The double meaning evident in her tone. She had taken her father off of the ranch but it was really his extracurricular activities that she had asked him to slow down on. Though he had been something of retired for the last few years anyway.

City council was a good idea, she could definitely provide evidence there. State would likely be better but could also be bought with the obscene amount of money she was sure Obsidian had. Maybe she was being too cynical but she felt like their only option was outside of the letter of the law. She just didn't know how. And moving people out felt like admitting defeat. Of course, there was nothing wrong with a plan B, or C. "What are they even doing here? Why pick Paxton?" She restrained her tone to a whisper but the frustration and fury ran deep. She glanced at her father again, the idea of the way of life he built being snuffed out under her watch terrified her. She put her fingers on her lips to stop the flow of questions that she was sure no one could really answer at this point. And it wasn't like she chose the best place to have this conversation. "They're going to ruin it."

After a nod he watched her father take his leave and something about the image placed Bear into a contemplative space. His gaze was still far off as Shawn started explaining for her father and when he turned his head back to look at her. There wasn't an immediate answer. Instead Bear searched her expression for truth or if she was just being strong in the moment. This was a struggle he knew nothing about, the love between a parent and child, he hadn't seen his own father in quite a long time. "I think he does mean it, and even then he's just trying to be strong in the moment — keep his dignity." And in Bear's opinion there wasn't a thing wrong with that.

Out in the open where he wasn't 100% sure there wasn't some ears somewhere wasn't the place for this conversation. Yet as Shawn asked Bear pulled in a breath and slowly let it out, his fingered rubbed at his bearded chin. "They can't push this through the city council," his claimed in a hushed voice, hopeful that they still had control there. "We might have to bring in the state." This commentary said little of the worry had for those about to be displaced because they couldn't afford the rent. The plans of luxury high rises and shops were another twist of the knife in Paxton's side. Obsidian wanted to take over a town and change everything about it. That didn't make sense. Why move somewhere else just to make it look the same as where you left?

"We need to think of housing options for many right now..."

[p-artsypants]

I’ll Handle This (12)

In Which Lila Learns about Skyrim

Ao3 | FF.net

Sorry for taking a bit with this chapter. It isn’t even very long. But I was in the hospital recovering from surgery. We’re coming up close to the end of the story, but there’s maybe two more chapters after this. 

(Psst this chapter has hints to the next story I’ll publish after this one...as long as my ideas don’t change lol)

--

Lila was fired. It was immediate when they found out. Everyone sat in class, the lecture normal and lulling everyone into a soft state of sedation. 

Then Lila screamed. The scream was the worst thing Marinette had ever heard. Immediately, everyone turned to look at her in horror. 

She started bawling. Huge gasping sobs of someone who’d been shot. 

“Lila?!” Miss Bustier gasped in shock and concern. “Are you okay?!” 

“I’m so sorry, Miss Bustier!” She wailed. “I just wanted to peek at my email and—and—Mr. Agreste fired me!” 

Plagg had to bite his tongue. He knew she was going to twist this somehow, but her sobbing was so beautiful to see. 

“Oh Lila, I’m so sorry. It hurts a lot to lose a job. Especially when they don’t tell you to your face. That’s no fair.” 

“He-he-he said that Marinette told him that I was making Adrien uncomfortable! She got me fired!” 

Gasps, all around. 

“What?!” Barked Marinette. “I had nothing to do with this!” Not exactly the truth...

“But that’s what Mr. Agreste said!” 

Plagg stood, placing his foot on the seat, the spurs on his cowboy boots ringing with the motion. He put his cowboy hat back on (since Mrs. Bustier had asked him to remove it for violating dress code...again.) “well now. Sounds like we got ourselves in a gosh darn pickle.” 

Nino snorted. 

“Adrien! You never said I made you uncomfortable! Marinette must have lied to your father!” 

He flicked the rim of his hat. “Now slow your roll there, Buckeroo. I know my old man, and even if Marinette was mentioned in his email, it’s likely that he just wanted to place the blame on someone else.” 

Yes, throw the old man under the bus. He still deserves it, even with whole hearted apologies. 

“But you know, I do feel awfully bad for you, Lila. Losing yer job and all. How’s about I make it up to ya? I’ll come sit by you for a while. Keep ya company and cheer you up. Cain’t have gettin’ all akumatized up in here, you reckon?” 

Not that Lila getting akumatized was even a concern anymore. But the world wouldn’t know about Hawkmoth’s surrender until Emilie’s fate was resolved. Adrien’s family deserved that much at least. 

“Oh Adrien!” Lila cried. “You really are such a wonderful friend. But I couldn’t bear to make you move on my behalf. You need to focus on your work.” 

“A cowboy needs to be exceptional at multitasking. That is, as long as Mrs. Brassiere is okay with it.” 

Miss Bustier pinched the bridge of her nose. Usually, she was a very calm and level-headed teacher, compassionate and understanding. But Adrien’s antics were stressing her out massively. “Yes, Adrien, I suppose it’s fine if you move to—what did you call me?”

“Much obliged, Madam. If’en you’ll excuse me...” 

Marinette watched with fascination as Plagg gathered up his materials and moved to the back of the class to sit next to Lila. Then she glanced in her purse, where Tikki and Adrien were hanging out. They both shrugged. 

Due to the retirement of Hawkmoth, Adrien was now allowed to spend time away from the Miraculous without consequence. Plagg assured him that once the final condition was met, no matter where he was, his soul would return to his body. 

So he spent the school day with Tikki, and the evenings with Marinette. It was a sweet deal, and it really gave Adrien the time to bond with her without school or akumas in the way. 

He had even spent the night with her the night before, curled up next to her on her pillow, and purring every time Marinette’s hand glanced his fur. 

Nino leaned back in his seat. “Do you know what he’s up to this time?” 

“No idea...but I am eager to see where this goes.” 

Nino shook his head with a shrug. Two nights ago, when Plagg was arrested, Nino gathered all the money in his savings and went down to the jail to bail him out. 

Only to find out he was already let go. 

So he went back home, and called Adrien’s phone relentlessly, hoping for an answer. 

Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, Chat Noir returned and explained that he was going home now, thanks for having him, he had to watch the mansion because his sort of repentant father was going to Tibet to resurrect his dead wife. 

Nino gave up on logic and understanding, and just made sure Plagg had everything he had brought. 

Now he would wait until the whole situation blew over, and hopefully Adrien himself, in his own body, would explain it all to him. Plagg seemed to oversimplify everything to the point it became vague. 

Marinette, on the other hand, was very curious to see where this was all going. After all, Adrien’s previous tactic of being nice to Lila hadn’t worked. So what was Plagg hoping to gain from the same approach?

Wrassle her with his randomly appointed cowboy charm? 

In science, two classes later, Plagg had elected to sit next to Lila still, despite her protests. 

Marinette was close enough now to hear what Plagg’s master plan was. 

“So there’s like several types of Mer, right? But not like mermaids. This has nothing to do with mermaids. These are mostly elves, but not all. So there’s Dunmer, right? Those are dark elves. And Bosmer, wood elves, and Altmer, high elves. The Falmer are snow elves, but they’re all twisted and savage, because of the Dwemer, which are dwarves!” 

Marinette snorted a bit too loudly, drawing attention from the teacher. 

“Miss Dupain-Cheng, is something funny?” 

“No ma’am, I had a tickle in my sinuses.” 

“Ah, I see. Anyways, as I was saying...” 

Lila always sat in the back of the class, despite her many alleged disabilities. This was probably to get away with the fact that she rarely paid attention during class. 

It was the ideal place for Plagg to harass her and not get caught. 

Poetry in motion. 

“So you get to pick what race you want to be, but you’re always the Dragonborn. Despite the description, you don’t look any different. So a Dragonborn is someone that can devour the souls of dragons so they don’t get resurrected by Alduin. Let me back up, Alduin is an evil dragon that used to rule the world, and he’s resurrecting dragons so he can take over. There’s another dragon though, named Paarthanax, and he’s a good guy. He helps out the Tongues on the Throat of the World. Or the greybeards. Some call them Tongues, but in the game they’re called Graybeards. And the tongues are the monks that teach you to shout. And different shouts teach you different things, right? The dragonborn and the tongues are the only ones that are supposed to know how to shout, but there’s this other dude named Ulfric Stormcloak, and he knows Unrelenting Force, that’s the Fus Ro Da shout I was talking about earlier? He used it to kill high king Torygg to start a war. Oh yeah, so there’s nine holds with Jarls, right—“ 

The day ended, and Lila stood quickly. “Well Adrien, thank you so much for keeping me company today. I’m feeling a lot better. You can move back up to your old spot tomorrow.” 

“Well, you shore are welcome, Pardner. But sittin here in the back has been mighty nice. I think I’ll stay! You don’t mind, do ya? It’s awfully fun to have you as company!” 

Lila’s eye twitched, but she was aware that most of the class was watching them. “Yeah. That’d be...great.” 

“Darn tootin’! Well, you look like you’re in a rush, don’t want to hold you up!” 

“See you tomorrow!” She chirped, before hurrying from the room. As she passed Marinette, a dark look came over her face. The look of someone seething with rage and hatred, but trying to hide it. 

Marinette would have been scared, if Lila hadn’t been dealing with Plagg instead. 

Marinette went home, Tikki and Adrien talking to her from her collar. 

“I don’t know. Plagg was successful with the first two tasks, but I don’t know how he’s going to turn Lila over to the good side.” Marinette mused. 

“I don’t know if he has to. The condition is to just get her to leave me alone. He said he was doing some Pavlovian Jedi mind trick on her.” 

“Well, I sure hope it works. Speaking of, where is Plagg?” 

Adrien’s ears flicked. “He left pretty suddenly after class. I didn’t see him go. Hopefully, he went back to the mansion.” 

“Do you want me to call him?” 

“No, I trust him. He’s got things under control.” 

“Glad to hear it! Ready for snack time?” 

“Oh heck yes!” 

—

Lila had to actively stop herself from stomping all the way home. Frustration rolled off of her in waves, and she mildly wondered why she hadn’t been akumatized yet. 

Adrien Agreste was the most annoying person she had ever met. And oblivious too! He never picked up on any of her subtle hints to get him to shut up! She really didn’t want to be rude, because his friendship looked great on her, but wow. No wonder he didn’t have any friends. No wonder Gabriel was so protective of him. If he wasn’t cute...his personality was like a wet sock. 

And he was weird. Weird mannerisms, weird speech pattern, just weird. Hopefully she could either get used to it, or Adrien would get a clue to stop being so obnoxious. 

Finally, she reached her apartment. 

“Home mom!” She called. 

There was laughter in the kitchen. Her mother had a guest. While not uncommon, there was just a hint of dread that hung in the air. 

Lila walked to the kitchen, only to see Adrien sitting at the table, talking to her mother! How?! How did he beat her here?! How did he know where she lived?! What the hell was he doing?!

“Adrien?” Lila gawked. 

He rubbed his head awkwardly. “Sorry for popping in uninvited. I just...I was worried about you! You’ve been akumatized twice, and I didn’t want it to happen again since you were fired.” 

Lila’s face paled as her mother gave her a stern look. 

“I think you’ve got some explaining to do, Missy. I didn’t know you were modeling. And you never told me about being akumatized!” 

Adrien gasped. “Oh no! She didn’t tell you? I’m so sorry! I didn’t know that was a secret! I won’t say anymore!” 

“Any more?” Mrs. Rossi asked. “There’s more?” 

“Adrien.” Lila bit, in warning. 

“Well...I mean, you knew she was meeting with my father right? Something about being his muse?” 

Mrs. Rossi looked horrified. “What! You were talking to a grown adult man?! Were these visits supervised?!” 

Lila opened her mouth to answer, but Plagg beat her to it. “I don’t think so. Father is a very private person.” 

“Lila Giselle Rossi! You are sooo grounded! No offense to your father, Adrien, but meeting up with an adult man, unsupervised? And to what, be his muse? What does that even mean? It sounds gross!” 

“I swear nothing happened! He just wanted my opinion-”

“On what? What reason would he have to ask a 14 year old’s opinion?”

Plagg winced and looked at Lila. “I’m so sorry, Lila. I came here to help, but...” 

Lila shook with rage. Her mother was a complete pushover and believed everything she said. Now Adrien had sewn the seeds of distrust in her and she wouldn’t get away with any white lies ever again. 

“You’re dead,” She mouthed at Plagg. 

“Adrien, thank you for coming here and telling me all of this. I’m very grateful. But I think it’s best if you head home now. Lila has some chores to do.” 

“I understand, Madam Rossi. Again, I’m really sorry...I just wanted to help.” 

“Oh don’t worry, you did. This is for Lila’s own good.” 

He sheepishly looked to her. “See you tomorrow?” 

Her eye twitched. “Yeah.” 

And Plagg swiftly walked from the apartment, concealing his evil laughter until he got to the door. 

—

The next day at school, Marinette, along with Tikki and Adrien in her bag, arrived at school just a few minutes before the bell rang. 

Plagg was sitting at the front of the room, wearing a Pikachu onesie, and looking absolutely devastated. Nino sat next to him and had a hand over his face, doing his best to conceal whatever emotion he had. 

Everyone else in the room was avoiding them like they had the plague. 

Alya spotted her and came quickly, looping an arm through hers and escorting them out into the hall. “Girl, big news. I know you love Adrien, so this is going to be a blow. But here’s the thing...Lila told us this morning that Adrien came to her house yesterday and told her mom about her modeling job. Apparently, her mom didn’t want her working, and got upset that Lila lied. Adrien’s been insisting that it wasn’t on purpose, but everyone is kind of pissed at him anyway.” 

Marinette said nothing, but bit her lip. She knew that this absolutely was on purpose. 

“I’ll leave your actions up to you, but people are pretty mad at Adrien. Just letting you know.” 

“Who’s side are you taking?” 

Alya scoffed. “None. I’m staying out of this. Both people are in the right. Obviously Sunshine just wanted to prevent her from being akumatized. He was with her all day yesterday. It’s admirable, really.” 

“It is.” Marinette said with a smile. Though she was smiling for a completely different reason. There were no akumatizations anymore. Everyone was safe now. 

“We better get back in there, class will start soon.” 

So they returned. Miss Bustier was in, and ready to begin the lesson. 

Then Plagg raised his hand. 

“Yes Adrien?” 

“Before we start class, I want to say something.” 

“Go ahead, Adrien. The floor is yours.” 

He stood, and looked to Lila in the back of the room. “Lila, I know I apologized yesterday, but I’m really really sorry about outing you to your mom. I had no idea she didn’t know about your rendezvous with my father. I was just really scared that you were going to become akumatized, and I didn’t want that to happen. My friends are all important to me, and losing you would be like ripping out a piece of my heart. Could you ever forgive me?” 

Marinette glanced Nino’s face, which twitched to hide a smile. Then she looked at Lila, who looked calm, but her hands were balled into fists. 

After many breathless minutes, Lila smiled slightly. “I understand, Adrien. Of course you’re still my friend. I treasure you too! I’m sorry I got so mad.” 

“Hugs?” Plagg raised his arms. 

Lila could pretend to be happy and calm, but the paling of her skin could not be hidden. “Hugs!” 

Plagg brought her in for a squeeze, and the class ‘aww’ed at their make up. 

Except Nino, who let out the tiniest snort. 

Marinette flicked open her purse to look at Adrien. He mimed a gagging gesture back. 

And then Plagg took those last couple steps and joined Lila on her bench. No one tried to stop him. No one spoke up and said, “hey, maybe you should give her some space anyway.” 

They just all let poor, socially awkward Adrien push boundaries and take his seat. Because he had apologized so earnestly for trying to help. And she had forgiven him. So everything was fine now. 

Right?

As the lesson started, Marinette paid attention to the teacher. But occasionally, she’d hear the faintest whispers of Adrien’s voice (Plagg’s voice now). 

“...so it’s commonly believed that the Nord’s came from Atmora with Ysgramor, but they believe that they settled Skyrim, so they’re kind of racist to everyone else. But also, the Empire came in out of nowhere and tried to upheave their way of life, and even told them which Gods they were allowed to worship. High King Torygg was playing cordial with the Aldmeri Dominion, and some of the other Jarl’s didn’t like that. So Ulfric Stormcloak, the Jarl of Whiterun shouted him to death. Just like the Dragonborn can. Though it’s never explained why he knows how to do this. So this started a whole civil war…” 

Marinette chanced a glance behind her, and noticed that Lila had her head in her hands, and she looked absolutely miserable.

[pop-punklouis]

top five HL fanfic!!!!

biiiiitch you all know how hard it is for me to choose only 5. but sigh FINE here’s my all-time favorite list that isn’t 5 sorry i can’t choose 😔:

• Here in the Afterglow (89k)

“If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t have many friends,” Louis whispers, the blossom of insecurity in his stomach unfurling and clawing its way into his throat.

Harry is silent for a long time, and then he speaks; a soft, slow uncurl that makes Louis’ stomach shake. “I’ll be your friend.” 1970’s AU. In a tiny town in Idaho, Louis’ life is changed forever by the arrival of a curious stranger.

• Coax the Cold (86k)

England, 1897.

English Professor Louis Tomlinson’s passion for the occult has been a source of mockery and derision for most of his life. When he hears whispers of a travelling freak show newly established in London claiming the existence of a monstrous sea hybrid, half-man, half-fish, Louis sees it as his ticket to credibility amongst his peers. The summer he spends undercover working on the show, however, gives him much more than that.

• Wild and Unruly (124k)

Harry is a cowboy sitting on the biggest oil reservoir in Wyoming, and Louis is the paralegal assigned to pressure him into selling his land.

• This Wicked Game (70k)

An AU in which The Bachelor is gay, Louis is a contestant, Harry is the bachelor, everyone drinks a lot of champagne, the entire world gets to watch them fall in love, and no one plays by the rules.

• Love is a Rebellious Bird (135k)

AU in which the boys still make music. Louis is the concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra, Harry is the New! and Exciting! interim conductor/ex-cello prodigy who "has made Mozart cool again" according to Esquire Magazine (Louis hates him immediately, which is definitely why he internet stalked him in his dark bedroom late at night that one time), and Niall is the best. Zayn and Liam are around too.

• Fixated On One Star (53k)

Louis is just a boy with the world on his shoulders, and Harry's just a boy from the wrong side of the galaxy. A little thing like love doesn't stand a chance against a thousand years of war, at least until the right two come along to break the mold.

Or: space Romeo and Juliet AU

• Finding Lou (60k)

Louis is the nomadic stranger who wanders into Harry’s bookstore. Harry is the skeptic who falls for him.

• California Sold

Notoriously closeted boyband member Harry Styles is famous on a global scale, meanwhile Louis, as his best friend, is back home in Manchester, living the typical life of a 24 year old. When Harry needs Louis with him in LA, a publicity stunt gone wrong changes their friendship forever.

A fake-relationship AU between two lifelong best friends.

• Empty Skies (134k)

For three years, Harry has been running from his past. Now, he is moving to London and pledges to fulfil his only dream -- making it big in the music industry. Not everyone has a place, though, and the competition is tough. As is his past catching up on him.

Louis is part of the biggest boy band of the world, and getting there had meant a lot of hard work, as well as sacrificing parts of his heart and soul. He's still happy. Maybe not as happy as he could be, but who is he to complain?

• And Then a Bit (159k)

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.”

Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts. (aka Harry and Louis fake a relationship for publicity. Eventually it becomes a lot less fake and a lot more real.)

• Dream Awake (31k)

The sun leaks through the tent wall behind him the way it leaks through eyelids, bathing the boy in an ethereal half-light as he croons. The crowd is mesmerized. Louis is mesmerized. This is the most important person in the world, he thinks wildly, and then can't figure out how to take it back.

On a hazy day in August, Louis sees Harry perform at a music festival as an unsigned act and convinces him to spend the rest of the weekend in his company. Harry gets signed; life changes. They never really wake up from the dream.

• Say You’ll Remember (93.5k)

au. louis and harry are best mates that are only half aware that they're also soulmates. alternatively, louis goes to university and harry travels the world, and they always manage to find their way back to each other.

takes place over nine years, in which they love and hurt, make mistakes and learn, and above all, grow.

• Outwit, Outplay, Outlast (61k)

Survivor All-Stars AU in which Harry and Louis are just in this game to win the million dollars, but they end up with something better.

Featuring Harry's yellow swim shorts, Louis in snapbacks, and OT5 shenanigans.

• Nothing Else But Us Right Here (35k)

Louis sighs and gives himself a mental pep talk as he smooths his jumper down over his hips. He can do this. He can resist the draw of Harry Styles, because he is a responsible, mature adult, and as much as he wants to tangle his fingers in that mess of hair and map those ridiculous tattoos with his tongue, he does not want to get his daughter’s favorite teacher fired.

• Wings to Break Your Fall (103k)

strip club AU. Harry’s work and family are keeping him busy. He really isn’t looking for a relationship, doesn’t want one. He just wants Louis. Problem is, Louis has other plans.

• Leave it to the Breeze (81k)

Louis couldn’t be prouder of his bake, but there’s something—there’s something. Something about Harry Styles and the earnest way he measures, pours, mixes, scrapes. Something about the tip of his tongue poking out of his mouth as he knocks the air out of his batter.

or a great british bake off au in which louis cares about winning and winning only, harry is made of sunshine and rainbow sprinkles, and niall sticks his nose into other people's business. also featuring liam as louis's best friend-slash-concerned mother, and zayn as a macaron connoisseur.

• You Come Beating Like Moth’s Wings (81k)

Harry smiles. He's only known Louis for about two hours, knows nothing about him past his first name, but he's nice and sarcastic and helpful and so, so pretty. And Harry's still got a few days left in Barcelona, and he thinks he wouldn't mind spending them with Louis.

Also known as, Harry takes the summer before uni to travel Europe and meets Louis in Barcelona, and they end up traveling together.

• Hold Me Closer (36.5k)

Louis Tomlinson is one of the most promising dancers of the English National Ballet, on track to become the youngest principal dancer in the company's history. That is, until forces conspire to significantly complicate his life, including: a surprise ballet, an unfairly attractive guest choreographer, and being pushed into a rivalry with his best mate. Featuring lots of wine, dancing, pining, and a happy ending.

• In Vogue (121k)

Fashion AU. Louis is the editor in chief of Vogue magazine, and Harry's running British GQ. Featuring Zayn as the crazy creative director and Louis' confidant, Liam as the sports writer that gets to sit front row at fashion week and DJ Neil as the only sane person in the whole story. (There are no skinny jeans in this fic)

• These Things Will Never Change for Us at All (1.5k)

The room falls silent as they stay wrapped up in each other. Harry can feel Louis’ soft breaths on his neck, and he almost thinks Louis’ fallen asleep until he says softly, “How did you know you were in love with me?”

Or, Harry and Louis look back on five years.

• A Runaway American Dream (15k)

AU. they take route 66 with only each other and their secrets.

• Things Have Gotten Closer to the Sun (49k)

it’s strange, making the choice to face his past—it almost feels like he’s heading for the sun straight on, like he’s screaming come on and burn me, i deserve it.

when a solar flare is announced to end the world in twelve days, harry reunites with the people that he used to know better than the back of his own hand.

• Here (in your arms) (60k)

the one where Louis is a successful real estate agent and Harry works at a retirement home. They’ve never had a real home. Up until now.

(Starring Liam Payne as a fitness trainer, Zayn as an artist, and Niall, who busks.)

• These Inconvenient Fireworks (190k)

Future AU in which nobody tries out for X Factor but the boys end up finding one other eventually anyway. Louis is a jaded bastard who owns a cat named Duchess and teaches drama to teenagers, Harry is an idealistic aspiring photographer/part-time footy coach, Zayn teaches English lit and wears leather jackets, Liam saves people from burning buildings, and Niall is Niall.

• In Dreams (23k)

AU. When Harry moves to a new city, his new flat come with a number of sweet, anonymous gifts and surprises that brighten his days. Could it be a friendly ghost? Another friendly presence in his new building is his tattooed neighbor, Louis, who seems determined to put a smile back on his face.

• My Heart is Breathing for this Moment in Time (160k)

When Louis first saw Harry at the 2010 X Factor Auditions, he thought he was watching a peculiarly special stranger. But Harry has known Louis ever since he was five years old. Because Louis has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to Time Travel to important moments in his past and in his future - and to Harry, always to Harry. When they’re put into a band together, it seems like everything Harry has been waiting and wishing for has finally come true. Except for the small fact that Louis doesn’t know that Harry is in love with him- that Harry’s always been in love with him. Fate, it would seem, is just getting started.

A story about growing up and growing together, and the impossible love that makes it all worthwhile.

• Paint the Sky with Stars (63k)

On 10 April 1912, Harry Styles boards the finest ship the world has ever seen. Still grieving the death of their mother, he and his sister are being sent to America to live with a callous uncle who cares more about his business connections than family. Harry prepares himself for a long, disappointing voyage alone in his stateroom. Louis Tomlinson has borrowed and saved, and finally has enough to purchase a Third Class ticket to America. With all of his belongings in a single ruck sack, he boards the Titanic filled with hope for a brighter future. Never one to sit still, he can’t resist exploring the massive ship, and soon goes sneaking into First Class in a stolen steward’s uniform. By a twist of fate, Louis finds himself in Harry’s stateroom, entranced by the most attractive man he’s ever laid eyes on. He keeps returning day after day, even if he doesn’t understand what it is about Harry that continues pulling him in. That’s all right; Louis has a week to figure it out, and Harry is plenty willing to help. Except they don’t have a week. They have four days. Because on 15 April, their entire world will be turned upside down.

Or, the historically accurate Titanic AU with a happy ending.

• Through Eerie Chaos (102k)

For as long as anyone can remember, Old Hillsbridge Manor has always been believed to be haunted. Everyone in the village agrees and keeps a respectful, fearful, distance. New in town after a bad breakup and an internship that led to disappointment rather than a permanent job, Harry Styles figures taking pictures of the decrepit building could be a great new creative project. Or at least a much-needed distraction while he searches for a job and crashes at his parents’ new house. No one warned him about the apparitions though; about the music, the laughter, the people who flicker and vanish when you call after them, the echoes of a past that should be long gone… Harry has never believed in spirits but even he can admit that there’s something weird going on. What starts as mere curiosity evolves into a full-blown investigation and soon enough, Harry finds himself making friends with an aristocrat from the 1920s and struggling with finding the best way to tell him that he’s dead.

The Ghost Hunter AU where Niall lives to prove ghosts are real, Zayn is a skeptical librarian and Harry gets caught up in a century-old mystery and catches feeling in the process.

[annaphoenix1994]

Masterlist Here:

Clemons Point - Further Questions of Female Suffrage

The trio returned to camp by a borrowed boat as they had used it to go fishing that evening, singing silly songs along the way as the whiskey they took with them gave them the confidence to pierce the natural silence with their gruff voices to substitute the disappointment of not catching any decent fish, only a bass and a few Bluegill. "Alright, I think... I, well I mean we, are gonna be okay," Dutch said as he leaned back in the boat, draping his arms along the sides, proud of himself for having a fresh start with the gang's runaway lifestyle. "I know. I always know. Whenever I got you two by my side, things are gonna be just fine. This place will be good for us. For now, anyway."

"I hope so." Hosea mumbled as Arthur sighed, following him towards camp from the shore.

"Reckon he should be a preacher." Arthur chuckled to the old man.

"You're tellin' me. Seems like all he does is preach!" Hosea chuckled. "I'm gonna go drop these off to Mister Pearson. I reckon dinner will be done soon!"

"Okay," Arthur replied. "I'm gonna go wash up." He said as he made his way towards his tent, going through the chest at the foot of his cot to get a fresh set of clothes to go over a clean union suit. He couldn't wait to go to the private area of the camp to wash as he still had the smell of fish on his hands.

"Miss Barlow," He greeted as he passed her on his way to the water, noting that she too finished washing as her hair was barely dry and the immaculate smell of linen surrounded her. He couldn't help but imagine how warm her skin would feel against his and how soft she was. He swallowed the lump in his throat as her hazel eyes met his as she gently tousled her fingers through her clean hair.

"Arthur," She smiled. "Bout time you washed up!" She teased.

He smirked, "You know that ain't me. I can't stand feelin' like I'm stinkin'!"

"Sure, that's not what Grimshaw says! Says she always had to make you wash up!" She laughed.

"She don't know what she's talkin' about," He shook his head.

"Whatever you say, Mister Morgan," She chuckled. "See you around, cowboy." She winked.

'Goddamn she drives me crazy,' He mumbled to himself as an inappropriate image reflected in his mind, smirking at the thought of bending her over a boulder at the lake for everyone to see - to see what was his and what they couldn't have. He was thankful that dusk had finally settled into darkness as he bared his all walking into the lake, running his fingers through his hair after he dunked his head under the water. He quickly used the new musky soap he purchased from the general store to clean himself quickly as he was now more than eager to dry off as the realization that it had been a long day was now settling in.

He soon made his way back to camp, smelling of tobacco and clean leather, mixing with his natural scent. He liked how musky the soap was as he could still smell it on him after he had put on his dry clothes, thinking that he wasn't going to be able to keep Minnie off of him, which he didn't mind. He sat his dirty clothes in his tent before noticing a small letter on his side table:

𝓜𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓼𝓸 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮, 𝓬𝓸𝔀𝓫𝓸𝔂.

𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓮

His heart fluttered as he read the note, wondering what she was planning, hoping that she knew that it was too early to be making obvious signs of a relationship within the camp. He looked around, seeing that only a few members of the gang were about, nursing a bottle of beer as they were about to retire for the night. He took note that Minnie had already gone to her tent for the night as both of the flaps were down and tied shut to prevent a draft opening them. He smirked to himself as he took off his hat, setting it on the side table as well as his satchel before sneaking off to the brief outskirt of the camp, sneaking into her tent from behind, seeing that she was sitting at her makeshift armoire made out of crates, combing her naturally wavy hair as she was in her chemise.

He cleared his throat, "Erm... You wrote for me..." He said, his breath hitching as he couldn't take his eyes off of her perfect neck as her hair had draped over her shoulders.

She bit her bottom lip, "I sure did," She replied, turning around to face him on her chair before standing to her feet. "You didn't answer my question when we were back in Rhodes. What happened to your face?" She whispered, now only a foot away from him, her hand coming up to touch his face, frowning at the bruise around his eye.

"I-I got into a fight."

"Really now? I never would've guessed," She rolled her eyes. "Is it sore? Any other injuries I should know about?"

He chuckled, "No, ma'am. I can take care of myself." He teased.

"Well, then I guess you'll be just fine sleepin' by yourself tonight while I'm in here all alone without the warmth of a big and strong man." She giggled, acting as if she was going to walk away.

He took in a deep breath as he now had the opportunity to kiss her again, knowing he didn't have many chances between the first time and then. He gently grabbed her wrist, pulling her back towards him, "I don't think so, Miss Barlow." He growled, watching her giggle as she placed her warm palm on his cheek, pulling his face closer to hers.

"You sure like gettin' what you want, huh?" She asked, her lips against his.

"I sure do, especially when it's somethin' I really want." He replied.

"That so?"

"Very." He grumbled, hesitating slightly before wrapping his arms around the small of her back, pulling her closer into him, desperately wanting to feel her body against his.

"You're real gentle with me, Arthur Morgan." She giggled.

"Would you rather me be rough?" He questioned, a chuckle waiting to release from his throat.

"Maybe..." She grinned, pulling away to look into his eyes briefly before feeling his palms grip just below her buttocks, pulling her up effortlessly onto him as her legs wrapped around his waist as she couldn't help but giggle. He found the sound of her voice more than arousing as his lips found the base of her neck as her arms were wrapped around his shoulders, her hands combing through his hair. "Arthur!" She giggled.

"Don't distract me, darlin'." He chuckled as he walked towards her cot, sitting down with her now on his lap.

She giggled as she tugged on his hair gently, getting his attention to look at her, in which he did. "What're you gonna do about it?" She whispered through the dim lighting as the glow from the campfire penetrated through her canvas tent.

He cleared his throat as he hesitated briefly before latching his lips to her neck, trailing small and delicate kisses along her skin. He held her to him selfishly as if his life depended on it. She leaned her head back, opening up her neck for him as her right hand left his shoulder to drape the straps of her chemise from her shoulders, letting the fabric fall down gently, exposing her breasts to him. She felt his lips halt against her skin as she knew he was studying what was presented to him. She was afraid that he was going to decline any intimate activity and that they were moving too fast, but she was greeted with the total opposite. His hands left the small of her back, sliding up her abdomen gently before cupping her breasts in his hands. She bit her lip as she felt his erection straining against his trousers, rolling her hips ever so slightly to earn a sharp wince from him as his other hand gripped her thigh, holding her still. "I'm gonna warn you: if we do this, people in camp'll know what we're up to and tease you about it." He warned.

She scoffed, "I don't give a damn. They're just jealous that they're not on your lap!" She giggled, kissing his cheek before making a trail of her own back to his lips, her hands now exploring his broad chest. Their breaths were hard as they didn't want to separate from each other any time soon. A small moan released into his mouth as she felt his hands cup her breasts again, gently twisting her nipple between his index finger and thumb, the gesture more than inviting as she wanted nothing more but for him to be on top of her. He helped her remove his jacket as she started to unbutton the top buttons of his union suit, her fingers splaying across his skin through his chest hair.

His lips made their way back to her neck, his tongue sweeping over her skin gently with every kiss as he slowly moved down towards her breast, taking her left nipple into his mouth as he caressed the other breast gently as she rolled her hips again, grazing on his erection even more. "Someone's excited." She teased, her voice hushed at a whisper.

"Can ya blame me? I got the most beautiful outlaw in the world straddlin' me. I can't help it." He replied in between kisses.

"Stop your lyin'!" She giggled.

"I ain't lyin', Miss." He sighed.

She couldn't help but giggle into the kiss, rolling her hips into him hard, hearing a slight moan from his lips present itself. "I'm not gonna be able to keep you quiet." He groaned, gripping her hips, holding her down on his erection as she continued to roll her hips onto him.

"Is that so?" She teased, loving the feeling of his hands gripping her hips tightly.

She felt him nod as his lips were now slightly above her breasts, "Give me a minute and I'll prove it to ya." He said as he hoisted her up as he stood to his feet before setting her down gently on her cot, moving between her legs. She giggled as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling his hips into her, feeling all of him being separated by a thin piece of fabric. He continued to kiss and nibble on her neck, leaving a couple of marks at the base of her neck, marking her as his own. He ran his hand down her side, avoiding contact with her healing wound as his fingers delicately lifted up the fabric of her chemise.

"Oy, old Uncle. How much you think we can get on this tip I got?" They heard a drunken Sean slur from nearby outside the tent.

"I don't know." Uncle chuckled.

"I guess there's one way to find out, aye," Sean chuckled. "I'm gonna turn it for the night ya old bastard."

"Oh shit." Minnie groaned as she recognized Sean's voice to be too close to her tent. By how drunk he sounded, she was afraid he was thinking that her tent was his by mistake.

"It's just Sean bein' Sean." Arthur replied, not paying much attention.

"No, Arthur, he's comin' in here! I see his shadow!" She whispered, her palms pressed firmly on his chest.

"If he does, it'll be the last time he stumbles into someone's tent." He warned. Just as he was about to sit up, Sean had completely stumbled into Minnie's tent, laughing as he got a mouth full of dirt. "Sorry, Miss Barlow- Oh Jesus, look at that!" He said, his jaw dropped.

Arthur quickly covered her with his jacket, standing to his feet and grabbing Sean by his collar, "You keep your eyes off of her, you understand?" He said sternly, shielding her from Sean's vision.

He nodded, "Y-Yeah, Arthur... I didn't see nothin', I promises ya!" He stuttered.

"You better not have," Arthur growled. "Now get out of here and go find your own tent."

"Y-Y-Yes, Arthur. I-I'm on me way right now!" He said as he stumbled backward after Arthur released him.

Arthur wiped his palm over his face, shaking his head as he couldn't believe what just happened. He prayed that Sean was too drunk to remember what he just did. That, and he better not hear a word about it around camp. He turned back to look at Minnie after hearing a slight giggle from her, "I guess that's a good example as to why we should get a room?"

He chuckled, "Maybe," His adrenaline slowed his sex drive immaculately, now not in "the mood" as he was now expecting more unexpected visitors throughout the night. Instead, he made his way back to her cot, laying down next to her, his back to the canvas of her tent, looking at how the dim lantern light made her skin glow like caramel and her hair shine as it splayed over the thin pillow. "You're so beautiful."

She blushed, "I don't think so, Mister Morgan."

"You don't think much of anythin', so your opinion of yourself is overlooked," He chuckled, his lips delivering a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'll get you alone one of these days."

"I'm countin' 'em down, cowboy," She teased. "Besides, I never minded puttin' on a show."

He shook his head, "Well, I don't doubt it, darlin', but I'm also selfish as to not sharing what's mine either."

She giggled as she snuggled into his side, her left leg draped over his and her head nestled in the crook of his arm as he drew lazy circles on her shoulder. "You selfish bastard." She teased.

"Yeah, I know it." He chuckled as he pressed another kiss to her forehead.

───※ ·❆· ※───

"Whatchu thinkin' about?" Arthur asked as he looked down at a half-awake Minnie, her fingers lazily sprawled across his chest as she was in the same position she fell asleep in. She took a deep breath as she was still trying to wake up after a good night of sleep, "I miss my ma and pa." She frowned.

He squeezed her closer to him as he rubbed her arm, "I'm sorry, darlin'." He whispered, his cheek pressed against the top of her head.

"It's not your fault," She sighed. "I just hope he's takin' care of momma up there."

"I don't doubt it. I had a conversation with him in Valentine once." He replied, smiling down at her as she looked up at him.

"You did?"

"Sure. When we first came to New Hanover, we went to Valentine to look around. I met him sitting outside the general store and we talked for a bit. He talked about your mother and you but didn't mention your name as he didn't want me to know," He chuckled. "I ended up borrowin' Trace after some feller came and accused us of bein' seen in Blackwater and I had to chase him down. I figured out he was your father after I brought Trace back and he said he was grateful because you would've killed him!"

"You did?" She asked, her brows rose. "That was the same day I sent him into town because I thought he was losin' it! You were there the whole time..."

"Yes ma'am. I found it kind of a coincidence that I kept seein' or hearin' about you. We found your 'wanted' poster when we were hidin' up in the mountains at Missus Adler's cabin when the O'Driscoll's took it over. I kept it so I could get a good look at ya as I've only heard about you," He blushed. "I remember sayin' to myself that you wouldn't need a gun to steal my heart."

She smiled up at him, watching his cheeks turn red as he was embarrassed to express his feelings, but she was grateful for it. "I remember bein' up in those mountains. Kieran was an unlucky bastard whom I came across when I was tryin' to get wind of Cornwall's train," She chuckled. "He had the map of the train's schedule and I really wanted it!"

"Really now? No wonder he's afraid of you."

"Yeah, well, I wasn't gonna kill him. I could tell by the look in his eyes that day that he didn't mean anybody no harm. I don't think he could kill anybody." She shrugged.

"I don't know about that. He saved my life back at your daddy's cabin that day we found you."

"Really?"

"Sure did. He probably didn't want to, though, but he did. Said he felt safer with a band of outlaws that didn't trust him than with Colm."

"Now that I can believe!" She giggled. "Funny how things worked out,"

"There's a reason for everything," He replied as he kissed her forehead again as she was moving enough so that their lips were touching.

"I believe that with everything I got in me," She whispered as she kissed him again. "What are we gonna do today?"

"I'm not sure. I know I need to go sniff around in Rhodes. Apparently, there's this big feud between two families with suspicions of gold, so of course, Dutch was all-in for that scheme."

She chuckled, "I'd say so. Sounds like a job for Hosea, though. He can talk a kid into handing him their bag of candy!" She giggled.

"I do believe you're right, Miss."

"I ain't choppin' vegetables for a livin'!" They heard a very angry Sadie yell, presumably at Mister Pearson.

"We better go get her before she kills him." Minnie mumbled, raising her torso to sit up, dangling her legs off of her cot.

"Yeah, after seeing her with you yesterday, I'm sure she's taken a couple of notes." Arthur grumbled as he too sat up, rubbing his face.

She chuckled, "I believe Missus Adler can handle her own. She don't need to be around me to prove that theory. Won't you go take her into town with you? You seem to be the only one she can trust around here." She suggested.

"Me? Take her into town?"

"Why yeah. I don't see no problem with it. It's just right up the road. What trouble can you get in to going just up the road?"

He chuckled, "Comin' from the same woman who almost killed a man in the Valentine saloon all because he made a remark towards you and Lenny when you were just goin' up the stairs!" He poked.

"Hey, he was a racist bastard. He deserved it!"

Arthur shook his head, hiding a sly smirk, "I got my hands full with you, Miss Barlow."

She turned around to face him, gripping the seam of his union suit, pulling him closer to her, "I don't wanna hear you whinin' when you know this is what you signed up for." She teased, standing on her toes to peck him on the lips.

"Show me the dotted line and I'll sign it again." He chuckled into the kiss.

"Shut up, you! Go break them up!" She laughed, playfully slapping his chest.

"Yes ma'am." He nodded as he kissed her one more time, slipping out the back of her tent to get to his own to get his hat, satchel, and a fresh shirt before marching over to Pearson's butcher table to prevent himself from being served for dinner.

"What is wrong with you two?" Arthur asked as they were now holding knives towards each other, looking like a pair of coyotes from a different pack about to fight over a carcass.

"I ain't chopping vegetables for a livin'!" Sadie yelled.

"Oh, I'm sorry madame, was there insufficient feathers in your pillow?" He mocked.

"Look, I ain't lazy, Mister Morgan!" She protested, ripping the dirty cloth from her shoulder as she was using it to wipe her hands. "I'll work, but not this!"

"Well ain't cookin' work?" Arthur asked, not realizing he was being a bit harsh with his familiar sarcasm. He knew that if he had talked to Minnie that way, his cheek would have been tingling from a slap. She shoved Pearson out of her way as she now turned her back to the men, Arthur knowing he would have to go after her. He pats Pearson on the shoulder as he propped himself up on the table, prepared to listen to whatever story she was about to tell.

"My husband and I, we shared the work, all of it. I was out in the fields. I can hunt, carry a knife or use a gun. But I tell you, you keep me here, I'll skin this fat old coot and serve him for dinner!" She warned.

"Watch your damn mouth you crazy goddamn fishwife!" Pearson hissed, pointing his finger at her. She balled her fists as she lunged at him, Arthur stopping her abruptly by her hips.

"Enough!" He yelled, pushing her back. "Both of ya! Well come with me then. You wanna head out there? Run with the men? So be it. But we do more than just huntin', we're hunted. And them things huntin' us well they got guns of their own." He warned.

"I ain't afraid of dyin'." Sadie replied, her hands on her hips.

'Goddamn, this is a spittin' image of Minnie,' He thought to himself. "Good. You need anything Mister Pearson? Maybe me and Missus Adler are gonna take a little ride."

"Yeah, sure," Pearson replied, getting a list of essentials and an envelope before handing it to Arthur, "Here's my list and can you post this letter for me while you're there?"

"Sure," Arthur nodded, putting the items in his satchel. "Come on, Princess," He said as he started to walk away, noticing that she wasn't yet following him. "Are you comin' with me then, woman?" He grumbled, irritated.

"So I've graduated from chopping vegetables to shopping?" She groaned.

"Shut your goddamn mouth." Arthur replied, looking over to see Minnie cleaning her repeater on a stump close to Trace. She smirked at his attitude towards Sadie as he really didn't want to babysit a depressed widow, but they both knew that he did have a caring heart and he remembered the remark Charles made about if it were Minnie, he would do anything, no questions asked.

"Don't give her too much trouble!" Minnie shouted as he tapped the harness leather over the horse's backs.

"I don't think I should be worried!" He replied. "Be back in an hour!"

"You cooled down then yet?" Arthur asked as they were a couple of hundred yards away from the camp, cantering the wagon down the narrow trail through the heavily-wooded area, keeping them well hidden at Clemons Point.

Sadie sighed, "I guess. And I ain't no scullion, and I sure as hell ain't takin' orders from that sweating halfwit!"

"Well, I guess we all gotta do our share, Princess." Arthur replied.

She chuckled at the nickname, "Where's that letter?"

"Oh, you're readin' his mail now?"

"Oh, robbin' and killin' is okay, but letter-reading's where we draw the line?" She questioned.

Arthur shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "Here."

She happily took the letter from his hand, opening up the thick paper to see that Mr. Pearson had tasteful penmanship. She cleared her throat: "Dear Aunt Cathy..."

"You are somethin' else." Arthur chuckled.

"I haven't heard from you in some time, so I prayed to the Lord above that your health has not deteriorated further - blah, blah, blah, it's boring. Oh! Wait a sec. Listen to this! Since we last corresponded, I have traveled widely, making no small name for myself. Before you ask, I am still yet to take a wife, but I can assure you it's not for the lack of suitors-"

"Ha!" Arthur laughed as well as Sadie.

"He ever actually even talked to a woman he ain't paid for?" Sadie asked.

He muffled a laugh, "Look, we're all hiding behind something." He chuckled.

"And what's this? Return to Tacitus Kilgore?"

"Oh, that? Now that's Dutch's idea. All mail to be sent to the same alias. Whenever we set up somewhere new, Strauss, he heads into town. Tells 'em to start expectin' mail from a Tacitus Kilgore, or whatever they changed it to," He explained, turning to her briefly as he had slowed the pair of horses as they now reached Rhodes. "Here, gimme that back. We got work to do."

"Okay, here we are," Arthur announced as he pulled the wagon to a halt next to the general store to make it easy for the lad to load up the items listed for Pearson.

"So? What's the plan? I shoot the shopkeeper while you-"

"No! Are you insane?" Arthur hissed as he took the revolver from her.

"Well, I thought we was outlaws?"

"Outlaws... Not idiots! We rob fools that rob other people. These people, they're just trying to get by! So you head on in there, and you buy us some food to eat. And no guns,"

"Are you sure?"

"This time. There'll be time for killing soon enough." Arthur assured her.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm gonna go check the mail, nothing excitin'." He grumbled as he turned on his heel to make his way towards the post office.

───※ ·❆· ※───

"Looks like Missus Adler has taken notes from Miss Barlow." He mumbled to himself as he noted her change of clothes from a casual dress to trousers and a button-up.

He walked up to her, watching her take charge, maybe just a bit too much as the poor young boy she was dictating looked as if he were about to wet himself. "I've birthed more foals with more strength than you! Hell, my sister's newborn had more strength than you and he came out bright blue!" He heard her say.

"I'm trying." The young boy pleaded.

"Try harder." She snarled, her hands on her hip.

The young man panted as he wiped his hands on his apron, stepping up on the porch of the store to retrieve the list Sadie had handed him prior. "I think this is everything," He breathed, wiping light beads of sweat from his forehead. The young worker wasn't much to complain, but crates full of potatoes were heavy!

"Thanks... Here, take this for yourself, okay?" Sadie said, tossing him a coin.

"Thanks," He said, his voice bare, acknowledging no more than her presence.

"Well, give it back then, Jesus," Sadie rolled her eyes. "I didn't ask for his goddamn help."

"Why don't you drive?" Arthur asked as he made his way back up onto the bench seat of the wagon, wanting to sit back and take in the scenery for once.

"Okay."

"Come on, lady, get a move on!" He teased.

"I like Sadie, not lady." She addressed.

"I know," Arthur grumbled. "So, you get everything?"

"I think so." She grinned, proud of herself as she tapped the harness leather over the horse's backs, sending the wagon on its way out of Rhodes.

"And some... New clothes I see?"

"Don't start... I can wear what I damn well want!" Sadie grumbled. "Like I told you, my husband and I shared all the work."

"I wasn't some little wife with a flower in her hair baking cherry pies all day." She explained.

"I don't doubt that. You sure look the part now," Arthur said. "Won't be long before you're smoking cigars and playin' the harmonica." He chuckled.

"I'll have you know I used to love playing the harmonica before, well, my house and everything I owned got burned to the ground." She frowned.

"I know... I'm real sorry. About what you... you know. Maybe I'll keep my eye out for another one." He said.

"I don't want no pity," She said. "Me and Minnie got to talk when we were headin' back from that bounty. She told me to not be afraid to portray who I really wanted to be. She said she thinks she can see me doin' more than choppin' vegetables and standin' guard all day."

"Did she now?" Arthur said.

"She did. We bumped heads at first because I thought she came into camp thinkin' she was hot shit, but she then informed me that she was hot shit," She giggled, following Arthur's chuckle. "She told me about her life before she joined us and her story inspired me to not sit around camp bein' depressed and readin' books."

"Well, Miss Barlow is the Jack of all Trades so to speak. She still hasn't earned her trust with Dutch quite yet. All because Micah is whisperin' in his ear." He grumbled.

"Why Micah?"

"I reckon he and Minnie used to run together at some point. She told me and Hosea that he had been rattin' her out to the Pinkertons after she robbed her supervisor once he set her up to be killed." He explained.

Sadie scoffed, "I can believe it. That greasy-haired piece of shit looks like a rat."

"I know, but we can't do anythin' unless Dutch says so. Who knows, maybe he's changed..." He trailed off, soon followed by a laugh between the two.

"Hey there!" A friendly-looking man said as he rode up next to the wagon.

"Hey." Arthur nodded.

"What are you folks up to?" The stranger asked.

"Just headin' home." Arthur said.

"You're in Lemoyne Raider country. You need to pay a toll to pass through here." He said sternly, spurring his horse to trot faster next to the wagon.

"No, I don't think so." Arthur shook his head.

"Those bastards are with the guy me and Minnie went after!" Sadie whispered to him.

"You don't think so? How about you pull over right now?" He warned.

"Pull over?" Arthur questioned, his palm resting on his revolver.

"That's what I said!" The Raider grit.

"Hey, how's about this?" Sadie intervened before taking her revolver, putting her arm behind Arthur to shoot the Raider who had been antagonizing Arthur before shooting the other that was on her side of the wagon. "Go! Go! Go!" She shouted as she realized she had missed her shot, both of them. 'Damn, I'm a little rusty!' She cursed to herself.

"Shit! Let's get the hell out of here, go!" Arthur demanded. "You drive and I'll hold them off!"

He shot the two antagonizers as Sadie pushed the horses harder to get over the bend. "What the hell was that?" Arthur breathed, loading his revolver with new bullets.

"They was gonna rob us!" Sadie said.

"A new pair of pants and you think you're Landon Ricketts?" Arthur grumbled before seeing a stranger standing in the middle of the road, forcing their horses to stop right in the Lemoyne Raiders' trap.

"Well, you wanted to see some action, lady, now you got your wish!" Arthur taunted as he jumped from the wagon after it came to a full stop, taking cover behind a large rock.

Abrupt gunfire, followed by silence and a half dozen fallen men later, they were finally out of the Lemoyne Raiders' "southern hospitality."

"See? I told you I could shoot a gun!" Sadie smiled as she made her way back to the wagon.

"I don't remember askin' you to prove it!" Arthur replied, too stepping up on the wagon. "Gimme those reins."

"Why?" She asked.

"Because you've caused enough trouble already," He replied. "I don't think it's a good idea for you and Minnie goin' out on bounty hunts knowin' how you are now." He warned.

She scoffed, "Don't you worry about us, Mister Morgan. Don't be mad when we do a better job than you fools!" She teased.

"Now that I might have to ask you two to prove." He shook his head.

───※ ·❆· ※───

"You didn't get yourself killed then, Missus Adler!" Pearson said as they arrived back to camp, still out of breath from their adrenaline rush.

"Not quite." She giggled, jumping down from the wagon.

"Well, I'd like to say I missed your refined conversations, but I'd be lying." Pearson said.

"I... I enjoyed myself out there."

"Yes, we err... Missus Adler did okay." Arthur intervened.

"At shopping?" Pearson questioned.

"Yes, at shopping."

"Thank you, Mister Morgan." Sadie nodded.

"Don't mention it. I would ride with you again, Missus Adler if you will ride with me?"

"Maybe," She smirked. "If you prove you can handle yourself," She teased.

"Well, they say I lack finesse, but I ain't afraid of gun smoke." He assured her.

"Thank you, Mister Morgan. I think we have it from here." Pearson said as they now finished carrying the valuables to his table.

He nodded, "Not a problem. Good day." He made his way towards Minnie's tent to see her, but to find that she wasn't there, but was at the small campfire not too far from where the wagon was parked, hearing the whole conversation.

"Miss Barlow," Arthur nodded as he now had a cup of coffee in a tin, taking a seat next to her. He could tell by the look on her face that she was not amused. "What's wrong?"

"Don't ya mean to call me 'Missus Adler'?" She said, raising her brow.

He smirked, knowing where the conversation was going as Hell hath no fury like a jealous woman. "I'm not sure I follow..."

She rolled her eyes, "Maybe you can follow Missus Adler around."

"Minnie, you told me to take her into town!" He said in a harsh whisper, not wanting to trigger an argument.

"Yeah, but it looks like you two have immaculate chemistry..."

He sighed, "I like her, but I'm not sweet on her nor do I want to be sweet on her like I do you," He assured. "All we did was go to town. She got the supplies from Pearson's list while I took Pearson's letter to the post office. I came back and she bought new clothes and was dicatin' the poor feller who was loading the wagon. We were headin' back when we got set up to be robbed. That's it." He explained truthfully.

"Whatever you say." She frowned, doubtful.

He furrowed his brow, "Y-You don't believe me?"

"I didn't say that, Arthur. I-I don't know. It's stupid of me, I suppose." She sighed.

"What's stupid?"

"Bein' jealous..."

"It's foolish, yes, but there's no reason to be." He explained, wondering if she has had a partner in the past be unfaithful to her.

"Really?"

"Yes," Arthur nodded. "I can't lie to ya nor will I."

"I just don't like competition."

He smirked, "Darlin', there ain't no competition when it comes to you."

[evanoracronwell]

Sunrise

Malex Cupid 2021 by @malex-cupid​

Day 3: “Do you know what today is?”

Also on ao3

__________________________________________________________

It is the sound of the phone ringing that awakens him.

With a grunt, he rolls over the bed until he reaches the nightstand and picks up the device, when he sees the notification on the screen the smile opens on his lips, and any irritation at being woken up disappears.

I'm already on my way home.

I can't wait to see you.

Love you.

Alex.

Alex, his beautiful and irresistible boyfriend.

And fuck if Michael would ever get tired of that word.

Smiling like a teenager, Michael answered the message, and as soon as he pressed to send he heard the growl coming from his feet on the bed. Wrinkling his nose, he looked at the beagle spread on the bed with his face completely mashed from sleeping.

"What is it, girl? It's not that early, it was almost time to get up anyway. We have a lot of things to take care of today"

With an excitement that made Buffy snort indignantly, Michael got out of bed and goes straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower and finish waking up.

Today was a very important day.

It was the first Valentine's Day that he and Alex would spend together, as a couple.

And well, honestly speaking, it was the first Valentine's Day that Michael would celebrate at all. He had no idea how to make it work. But it had to be perfect.

Because Alex deserved nothing but perfection.

So he changed his clothes and get ready to start the day.

He took Buffy for a walk even though the dog was clearly outraged about getting out of bed so early on Sunday morning.

He cleaned the whole cabin, feeling extremely proud of the home he built with Alex.

Now completely renovated, the cabin barely resembled that house that Alex had inherited from old Jim.

The couple's bedroom had been painted a light color, the bed replaced by a king bed, the wardrobe custom-made by Michael himself. The chair in the corner where Buffy always took refuge to sleep when she wasn't in bed with them.

The bathroom had been enlarged and adapted to Alex's needs, the treat they had done to themselves by buying a hot tub, and that they spent hours and hours in the water relaxing after a tiring day.

The living room now has a huge and comfortable sofa, armchairs and a television.

The kitchen had been renovated and modernized.

Everything was so perfect, so ... theirs.

The photos were scattered around the rooms. Showing captured moments of happiness between him, Alex, and the whole gang.

After so many years, Michael finally had a home to call his own.

And most importantly, a home with Alex. What made it even more special

With the house clean it was Buffy's turn to face the terrible shower, and the cowboy could only laugh while the dog whimpered as if she were suffering the worst torture at the hand of one of her fathers. But there she was, bathed and smelling the baby scent of the products they bought at the pet store, and with a pretty red bow that Isobel had made to buy for the dog.

And that was exactly why today had to be just perfect.

Because after eight months of living together, he would finally ask the hand of that beautiful man in marriage.

"Okay girl, now you behave yourself because Dad needs to go out and buy things to make dinner. Your daddy will be here tonight." He smiled when he saw how Buffy immediately reacted to Alex's mention. "That's right, girl, he'll be back today."

Michael had also changed a lot, months ago he had opened his own mechanical garage after old Sander decided to retire, the place had undergone a major renovation and was nowhere near the old Junkyard. Michael even had employees working with him, well ... just two kids that Michael was still training and teaching everything. But they were good kids and above all, hardworking, and after all, Michael never even imagined that he would have his own business.

As he drove to the market downtown, Michael found himself thinking about how much life had changed.

After Alex finally left the air force, he got a job at a private security company in Washington, but luckily he could work remotely, they paid extremely well and it made the job too perfect for Alex to turn down, so now taking the few trips he took to personally attend a few customers, Alex was always at home.

When parking the truck in front of the market, the cowboy smiled when he saw his sister standing at the front door waiting for him.

"You know when I said I was coming to the market when you called me, it wasn't an invitation for you to join me." Michael grunted, rolling his eyes as he grabbed a shopping cart and Isobel joined him in the aisles.

"Please, as if you could keep me away. Now tell me, how are the preparations for the big night?"

"I already cleaned the whole cabin and bathed Buffy and yes, I put on the bow you brought her yesterday."

"Great, my niece has to be beautiful. The candles?"

"I have already spread some of those aromatic candles around the house, I will light them as soon as I hear his car pull over. The delivery man left the flowers for me just before I left the house, they are already in the water and I will finish fixing them when I return home."

"Your clothes?"

"Washed and ironed."

"The ring?"

"On my nightstand."

"Your heart?"

"Coming out from my mouth."

Isobel laughed out loud at her brother's terrified look and hugged him around the waist, laying her head on his shoulder as she watched Michael go putting all the items in the cart.

"Michael, he loves you. Nothing is going to go wrong tonight, trust me. He will say yes. There is no couple in the world more perfect for each other than the two of you."

"We really are perfect together, aren't we?"

Isobel laughed again at her brother's silly passionate look, but she still agreed, because in fact there was no couple more in love and more perfect for each other than Michael and Alex.

"So, what's the menu going to be?"

The small box in his trouser pocket seemed to weigh a ton, making Michael's nervousness increase by the second.

Well, it turns out that cooking seems a lot easier in the videos he had seen on the internet than in practice. Not that Michael was not a good cook, he was, but he understood a lot more about cooking typical daily foods, yet he couldn't deny that he did an excellent job.

A few hours later and he had a perfect gorgonzola risotto, a rare grilled steak with a sauce of herbs and vegetables sautéed in butter. The table was already prepared with candles and a flower arrangement, beautiful, but small so that it wouldn't disturb them to look each other in the eye.

With a shower already taken and perfumed Michael looked in the mirror, that was not the kind of clothes he used to wear, dark gray trousers and a light blue shirt, but it was worth it, especially when he knew how turned on gets seeing him like that.

Perfect.

Tonight had to be perfect.

When Alex parked in front of the cabin all he could think about was how much he missed Michael, after four days away, all he wanted to hug his boyfriend and get into the hot tub for hours.

Upon opening the door, however, Alex felt his heart skip a beat.

"Do you know what today is?”

The room was lit only by two lamps that barely gave any light, leaving the rest of the lighting responsible for some candles. And flowers, white roses because Michael knew it was Alex's favorite, scattered as buds and petals everywhere. And right there, in the middle of the room, the most beautiful of all men.

Michael looked at him with a smile on his lips and his eyes were already watering.

"Michael ...?" Alex asked confused but thrilled as he dropped his backpack at the entrance to the cabin and took a step closer to Michael.

"It's Valentine's Day Alex, our first Valentine's Day together. And I've spent a lifetime wishing for this day, but never really believing that it could truly happen. Thirteen years ago you gave me a place to spend the cold nights, a guitar, and one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen in my life. " Michael started talking, staring at Alex, who was still a little confused, walking towards his boyfriend until he stopped in front of him. "You showed me that there was good in people and that there was a place for me here, on Roswell. On this planet. You gave me hope, Alex, hope that I could be happy, hope that there was more to people than just cruelty and second intentions. You taught me what it is to love and be loved in such a pure and intense way that it stayed with me, saved in my heart for more than a decade. Nurturing and comforting me every time I felt alone and lost. "

The cowboy smiled and touched Alex's face, who was looking at him so beautifully, his eyes already wet and shedding silent tears, both of them barely moving in fear of breaking that moment so sublime. Michael, speaking in a whisper as if he was afraid to wake up from that dream he felt he was living.

"There hasn't been a single day in my life that I haven't missed you, that I haven't thought of you, and most of all, that I haven't loved you. I'm yours, Alex, totally and completely yours, body, soul, and heart. I am yours to do anything you want. I always have been and will continue to be until my last breath, and beyond that too. I waited more than a decade to finally have you in my arms, and here we are living a life that I never even dared to dream of being possible. But we're here, celebrating our first Valentine's Day together. But I want more. "

With a beautiful smile, Michael took the box out of his pocket and saw how Alex immediately choked and sobbed as Michael went down on one knee showing him a beautiful and delicate silver band.

"I want to celebrate every Valentine's day with you, I want to start a family and see kids running around in our backyard, I want to adopt more dogs, I want to grow old by your side Alex. So please, could you make me the happiest man in the world and accept being my husband?"

Feeling completely overwhelmed with all the emotions he felt at that moment, Alex felt unable to even breathe for a few seconds while looking at Michael.

The beautiful and irresistible, Michael.

The eternal love of his life, Michael.

Kneeling at his feet asking Alex to be his forever.

"There is nothing in this world that I want more than to be your husband."

It was Buffy's bark that woke him, the small, plump beagle was lying on the sofa and Alex laughed when he saw her adorned with a red bow with the words "be my valentine" in white. Looking back at the man kneeling in front of him, Alex smiled so delighted and in love that Michael didn't even dare to blink for fear of losing that vision.

Alex never thought it possible to love that man more than he already did, but here was Michael proving him wrong.

Alex answered in a hoarse and choked voice and then threw himself into Michael's arms causing them to fall on the carpet in the middle of the room, between tears and laughter they kissed in love while Buffy barked and mumbled as if she were also celebrating the news.

"I love you, Michael." Alex murmured against Michael's already red and swollen lips after exchanging long, passionate kisses.

"I love you, too, Alex."

When the next day dawned, Michael grunted when he felt the light coming through the window waking him up. But the sigh coming from the man between his arms made him open his eyes and smile.

Last night had been perfect, much more than he had imagined.

Alex had accepted his proposal, they had eaten dinner while talking and listening to the soft melody that Michael had selected to play, and then they had spent a long time immersed in the hot tub where Michael sank into Alex's body, loving every bit of skin that he could touch. Only later, they went to bed and it was the cowboy's turn to ride Alex passionately, taking all the beautiful moans out of that mouth that he loved to kiss.

Now, holding the most important person in his life in his arms, Michael sighed contentedly as he brought his body closer to Alex, wrapping him tighter in his arms, and then smiled seeing the ring adorning that beautiful man's finger.

Alex, his fiance.

Alex, his future husband.

Yes, Michael smiled feeling his heart overflowing with love and happiness.

He smiled feeling the warmth of a new sunrise touching his skin and bringing all the promise of a long and happy life with Alex

Life couldn't be more perfect.