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foreverisntenough · 4 months

Text

‘OURS’

Summary: You were his and he was yours but what would it be like adding one more? Thrust into a whirlwind romance you never could’ve imagined that became your forever love. You continue building a new life across the pond with a very beautiful Scouser. A sequel to the ‘You’re Mine’ fic.

INDEX

Warnings: This series will contain fluff, suggestion, smut (unprotected sex,) pregnancy, parenting, self doubt, body image, mention of the word ‘daddy,’ kind of angsty, alcohol consumption - not sure what else really… if i miss anything please lmk!

Note: Thank you for reading! Please be sure to like, comment, or message me what you think of the series! Try not to nitpick with any real pregnant logistics it’s better if you just read along happily :)

- this chapter contains mentions of body image issues -

Chapter 11 - More of You | ‘Ours’

You tucked Teddy into her car seat. She was a little fussy but it was fine. This is what you and Trent had discussed. Spending more time together was important so you planned to drive with Trent to training this morning, Teddy in tow. She wasn’t the best in the car you thought it was mostly due to the fact that Trent was focused more on the road than her. As weeks went on your insecurity about her preference to Trent and indifference about you only continued to grow. You dropped him off at AXA and he said goodbye to you with a kiss as you got out of the car to switch seats to drive home. A tearful Teddy pulling on his heart strings as he walked into the building. You got home and you needed to give her a bath. This season had flown by. Having a child just made the days blur together and tomorrow was suddenly the last home match. To your surprise, Teddy actually really enjoyed baths, you wanted her to like them. It was much easier to do things when she enjoyed them. It was obviously important to keep her clean. You gently lowered her chubby tanned skin into the infant tub. Most of her body and face well above the water for safety. You poured warm water over her frequently to keep her from getting cold. You felt like you were constantly walking on eggshells around Teddy though. Anything to keep her happy, anything to get her to like you. You washed her with gentle soap and massaged her hair clean. She seemed happy. You plucked her out of the tub and wrapped her up in a fluffy warm towel. She looked adorable. You took a few photos of her now clean and bundled and sent them to Trent. Frankly, you were just relieved you were getting through another day but it was an added benefit when she looked so cute.

‘She’s perfection. Thank you for taking such good care of her. We’re so lucky to have you, mummy 😘’

“Hi…” you giggled as you woke up Sunday morning to Trents lips on your neck.

“Morning, baby. I have to get going but I’ll see you at the stadium.” he whispered in the quiet stillness of the morning. Trent had to head off to meet the team at the hotel down in the city centre before the match. You rolled over to face him and pressed your lips to his.

“Proud of you.” you whispered back and he smiled. Liverpool had a good season. It didn't go exactly to plan but they were finishing in the top 3 and Trent had done a great job his first year as vice captain. You were really proud of him. “Love you, T.” you cooed as he got out of bed and began to get dressed. He winked back at you while he pulled a white long sleeve LFC t-shirt over his head. After he left, you got Teddy up and sat and had breakfast with her. It was another day of mashed fruit, today, bananas. She made a mess. It was becoming a bit messier everytime she ate now as she was getting more accustomed to dictating her own movements and control of her motor skills. It was annoyingly cute to clean it all up every time but you were proud of her for doing her best just the same as you were proud of Trent for doing his.

For the final time this season you pulled the tiny #66 jersey over her curly hair and put her in the matching shorts. Every single time you saw the ‘daddy’ jersey it made your heart skip a beat. Even though you were struggling with your own things you really did love Trent and Teddy’s bond. For your own look, you went for something fairly simple a Loewe tank, a pair of printed Cargo pants, and white trainers. You put your hair back into a sleek bun because lately Teddy was loving pulling on your hair and it was driving you nuts. You brought one of the first Chanel bags Trent had gotten for you. You remember opening the box like it was yesterday. You were sat on your apartment floor in New York with Lauren.

You opened the box and undid the tissue paper painfully slow for her, picking up a dust bag before removing a silver metallic Chanel 22 handbag. Your friend audibly gasped as your hand grazed over the shiny calfskin. Neither of you were strangers to designer items, shopping being a favorite hobby of yours but again… to receive this from a man was different. A card was sat in the box and she grabbed it quickly before you could even try.

It was also the first time he invited you to come see him play at Anfield. Now, you were on your way in a car to see him play three and a half years later with your daughter. Trent’s whole family was there, some of his friends as well. It was nice to share these types of moments with them but also nice to have extra helping hands with Teddy at matches. Marcel loved being with Teddy. You had a built-in babysitter when he was around. He held her in the stands on the final sunny day at the stadium. Thankfully but expectedly Liverpool had won the match. After a few farewells to players that were departing the club you and the whole family made your way down to the pitch. You waited on the touchline next to Dianne holding Teddy. Trent ran over and wrapped his strong arms around you picking you up.

“Another one in the books” you cooed before you gave him a kiss. Trent hugged Dianne and then took Teddy to hold. You walked the perimeter of the pitch as Trent clapped thanking the fans for their support this season.

“Thank you for being so amazing this year.” he whispered in your ear, pulling you closer to him by your hips as you walked. “Couldn't do this without you.” he pressed a kiss into your hair.

“You’d be just fine” you giggled hearing the stadium sing ‘The scouser in our team’ as you processed by them. You took a billion photos. Memories you’d cherish for a lifetime. You held Teddy as Trent stood behind you posing for a photo.

“Did I tell you how good you look today? Almost had me distracted during the match.” Trent whispered cheekily as the photographer snapped away. You turned your head to get a better look at him.

“Don’t lie to me” you teased back. Teddy obviously wasn't going to let you flirt with her dad for long without an interruption. Her tiny hand grabbing Trent’s jersey to pull his attention off of you and to her. “Yes, Teddy girl, Daddy is still all yours, don’t worry.”

“C’mere baby bear” Trent grunted, lifting her up high as she squealed. “I'm still yours, baby.” he pecked your lips with his before he spun around with Teddy eliciting a fit of giggles from her. Trent, Tyler, Marcel, George, and a few other boys hung around on the pitch kicking a ball around. You loved football as much as the next person but truthfully you're not sure there was anyone who loved it more than Trent. He had just played 90 plus minutes and a whole season and that still wasn’t enough. You sat on the grass with Teddy in between your legs watching them for ages. You stayed for a long while out on the pitch with all the families and friends. It was always such a nice way to close out the seasons. It was definitely better if there was the trophy involved but this was still really nice. The club had organized a party after the match at a hotel down in the city centre the team used to meet before home matches. It wasn’t a formal event so you stayed in your clothes, Trent just changing into more comfortable Liverpool gear. You walked into a red decorated room. It was fun and you were happy to be out. You planned on having another good night celebrating with the team.

“This is my fiancé” Trent cooed introducing you to a man that had interviewed him a couple months back. Every time he said the word it felt like he was asking you all over again. When the conversation lulled you looked up at him.

“So we’re telling people, huh?” You giggled intrigued after he boasted all about your proposal to the man.

“Well we’re not hiding it are we?” He laughed pulling you in for a kiss.

A few days later, for one final time you were celebrating the success of this season with the club. The team was hosting a big dinner party for just the players and their immediate families. There were still a lot of people but it was much smaller than the party after the final match. There would be no media or outsiders. Only you and Trent were going. You had decided not to bring Teddy so Dianne had come over to watch her. You wanted to have a fun night out together. It was a fairly formal dinner. You wore a tiny little black Jacquemus dress and a Bottega gold heel. Simple but effective. Trent popped on white knit polo shirt and tan trousers. You were stood at the mirror of your foyer getting one last look before you headed out when he came over. He cheekily squeezed your ass and rested his chin on your shoulder.

“You look way too good. Are you sure you want to go?” he cooed, inspecting the way your tits pressed together held by a flimsy gold metal charm. He ran his warm hands up your exposed back.

“Mmmmm are you sure you want to go?” You spun around and ran your hands over his chest fixing the collar of his shirt. His scent was heavenly. You felt like it sent you into a haze. You weren't sure you wanted to even go when he looked like this. “We could be a little late.” you whispered looking up at him. Trents eyes lit up excitedly until you heard Dianne calling for him. She wanted to double check where something was for the dogs.

“I can't believe I’m saying this but we should probably go.” Trent spoke walking back to meet you at the front door after going to assist his mum. He ran his hands over his face disgruntled that he was essentially turning down your offer to mess about.

“It’s okay, I’m really hungry anyways.” you giggled lacing your fingers with his. “Let’s go pretty boy.” you cooed before you went to say bye to Teddy heading out for the night. You had lied. You sat at a large table next to trent on your one side who kept his hand high on your thigh. You picked sparsely at your food the whole night. To your right, Andy’s wife sat. You’d definitely gotten closer since you moved to Liverpool. She had kids and was a nice confidant when it came to navigating the family and football crossover. You yapped about the engagement as she peppered you with questions about the wedding plans. You definitely had started thinking about things but really had made no movements. As it got later into the evening you started to get a little anxious. Your maternal worries about not saying goodnight to your baby setting in.

“You alright?” Trent asked subtly not wanting to draw attention to you. You looked at him and really could only see her face in his. Even though you felt a tensness about her affection towards you, you still missed Teddy and wanted to be with her.

“I know she’s fine with your mum, I just miss her. I don’t want her getting used to going to sleep without one of us there.” you tried to explain quietly to Trent.

“I understand, but it's just one night, baby. Relax a little.” he tried to comfort you but it kind of felt like the wrong thing to say. His hand squeezed your bare thigh.

“T…” you whined looking at him not really happy with his response. “I need to get home to her. You stay honest. I’m sorry. Do you mind?” you gave him a sad smile. You felt guilty wanting to leave the celebration but you weren't going to be much fun with all this anxiety weighing you down.

“I’ll go with you, yeah? I just want to spend my time with you anyways.” Trent cooed, adjusting his position in his seat as if he was going to stand up right away. You placed your hand on top of his resting on the table. You shook your head ‘no.’

“No, baby. I will see you when you come home. Have fun for me. I want you to have a good night.” you tried to reassure him. He felt uneasy about the whole thing but you were adamant about leaving alone. Andy’s wife gave you a hug goodbye. She understood what you were feeling and after you left she made an effort to tell Trent it was all fine. You went home to Teddy. Dianne was surprised you were coming in alone but she didn’t say anything. Trent had done well and deserved to let loose with his teammates. You sat in Teddy’s nursery listening to the white noise and her tiny snores as she slept peacefully. You were cross legged on the couch and began to rethink your decision. Your heart was much more at ease with eyes on your baby girl but your brain was running rampant at the thought of Trent on a night out. You trusted him wholeheartedly. He had been texting you since the moment you left but you just felt off. You initiated this. You left him. You told him to stay so as you laid in your shared bed, it occurred to you that the feeling of annoyance you were experiencing was completely self inflicted. It bothered you that he was out, having a good time while you were worried about your little girl who no doubt would be more excited to see him in the morning than you. You were jealous.

Trent came home, late, loud and drunk. You shoved your annoyance down and gave in to his incessant need to be closer to you in bed. It wasn’t his fault. You woke up the next morning and went about things as usual. A normal day although not so normal because football was now on pause until preseason began in a few months time and a few England international friendlies that were also on the schedule. You went into your town to get lunch with Trent and Teddy wanting to get out of the house and take advantage of the nice weather. You sat outside at a restaurant and picked at some chips while Trent bounced Teddy on his knee when an older woman had approached your table.

“Just wanted to tell you how gorgeous your family is. She is absolutely stunning. Looks just like her dad.” she smiled complimenting you all. Trent entertained the women as he gushed about how great Teddy was already. You smiled and nodded a long. A tinge of your heart hurting that everyone noting just how much she looked like him and never you. Before you returned home you ran a few errands. You were in the queue at a shop to check out when Teddy began to cry in her pram.

“Hey, hey, teddy girl, what’s wrong?” it was so sudden you didn't understand. She had been so good all day. You picked your head up to look for Trent because you were next in line. Between your crying child and the waiting cashier you were getting overwhelmed. It occurred to you that Trent had stepped out the door to answer a phone call and that was what triggered Teddy’s fit. Daddy had left. You shut your eyes frustrated and sad. You apologized to the cashier. The girl at the register gave you a soft sympathetic smile watching you struggle to pull your credit card out from your wallet as you simultaneously tried to sooth Teddy in your arms.Trent walked back in and rushed over.

“What happened?” he asked inquisitively and confused. He plucked her out of your arms and she began to calm. Her cries quieting, her movements stilling.

“Nothing. It's nothing.” you snapped a little at him. He was so lost. Why were you all of a sudden mad at him? You walked to your car carrying the bags aggressively.

“Let me take them, baby.” He offered seeing you struggle with the weight.

“No” you blurted out again quite harshly.

“Hey… what the hell is going on? What did I do? I thought we were having a good day? Is this about last night? I thought you wanted me to stay, I was doing what you told me to.” he began to ramble as you stood in the car park.

“No! It's not about last night. It's about literally every single night and day.” you began to cry. Trent instinctively pulled you into him. He just wanted to calm you immediately but you had worked yourself up too much. His arms wrapped around you tightly and securely. You heaved against him. “She loves you so much more than me. I don't understand. I carried her for fucking 9 months and all we ever hear is how much she looks like you. I feel horrible.” you pulled away suddenly though realizing what you had just said. “Oh god, I’m fucking terrible. I didn't mean it like that. She’s beautiful, you’re beautiful and I know you do so much for her and us and you deserve all the love she gives you. Ugh!” you sighed frustrated. “I’m sorry. I’m just jealous and it’s making me really sad.” you pouted as the tears continued to run down your face. Trent's face was almost blank; he was so taken aback by the sudden outburst but he wasn't exactly surprised with the way you were feeling. He saw your body language shift every time someone told you Teddy looked just like him, everytime she wanted to be with him, all the times your daughter clung to him every second that he was around her. She refused to let her daddy go, breaking your heart all done with an adorable grin and a soft giggle.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I wish you didn’t feel this way but I respect the fact that you do. It’s been really hard, this adjustment. I can’t do as much for her as you do and I know that. I wouldn't be able to handle this without you, I can’t even feed her the way you can and it kills me when you feel like she’s rejecting you. I know you might not see it or feel it but I know she appreciates you so much. She relies on you. She loves you, baby. I love you. She needs you, I need you.” he cooed, brushing his thumb over your cheek.

“It's not fair, I just want her to smile at me the way she smiles at you. I want her to want me. I do so much for her. She takes up my entire life and then.” your breath started to hitch and rapidly increase. “And then she takes you away from me.” you started crying more.

“Aw, Y/N. C’mon.” he pulled you in for a kiss. “C’mere. No one could ever take me from you. You always have that number one spot. It’s just different, baby. You don’t think I’m jealous you give her all your attention?” he laughed at his own admission.

“I don’t know…you shouldn't be. You’re always mine. She’s just… ours. We have to pay attention to her. You can usually feed yourself, you know? She can’t” you giggled.

“She’s ours but you’re just as important in my life, alright? You make everyday possible. Teddy and I couldn't survive without you and certainly wouldn't be able to laugh if we didn't have you.” he told you earnestly.

“I like those laughs. They’re my favorite sound to hear. I just get envious of how much more she laughs with you.” you hesitantly continued explaining your insecurities to him.

“Well, I’m very funny.” he joked before he picked up Teddy from her pram. “I’m kidding. C’mere, baby bear. We love mummy so much, right?” he asked her and she giggled like she always did with him. “That’s a certified, yes.”

“Okay, can we go home? I’m really embarrassed I just cried in a Waitrose car park.” you hid your face in the nape of Trent’s neck. He laughed a little at you and squeezed your waist before you alll got back into the car to head back to your house. When you arrived you put Teddy down for a nap.

“Do you want to sit out in the back garden? I feel like maybe we should have a longer chat.” you sheepishly asked Trent to come and sit with you. You had to get some things off your chest. You felt so sad you needed to confide in him but you were nervous to confess how you’d been feeling.

“Yeah, course. Go on, I’m following you.” You always envied the way he didn't give off a nervous energy. He was just calm all the time and here you were were practically shaking. “Want to sit with me or do you need the space?” You sat down on a lounge chair across from the couch he was sitting on silently answering his question. “Alright… baby, I love you.” He took a deep breath pausing. He was taking the reins here. As much as you’d been struggling, things had been weighing on Trent as well. “I want to talk here but you’re gonna have to be honest with me. You’re crying in bed at night. I know you're not eating enough, you’re making me nervous and I don’t know how to help you.” Trent’s calm demeanor you so admired dropped as he spoke. He looked at you desperately showing just how concerned he had grown.

“T… I….” you stumbled around the words not sure what to even say. You knew he wasn't oblivious but you had no idea he was even paying attention to certain things especially your eating habits. “I’m sorry” you said, choking back tears.

“I don’t want you to be sorry. I want you to be happy. I thought I was making you happy.” he looked across at you confused and heartbroken. He wanted you to come sit with him but he didn't want to push his luck with your boundaries right now.

“I am just having a really hard time. You give me everything. I promise you make me so happy. I'm so in love with you I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Everything just feels so difficult though. I feel like a stranger in my own body. I feel sick when I look at myself in the shower. I feel like I’m disappointing you.” Your tears began to fall. You watched your hands shake as they rested on your knees.

“Stop… nothing is wrong with you and you could never disappoint me. I wish you realized that you are an absolute dream to me. I wake up everyday in bed with you and I genuinely am amazed I managed to pull you. You’re the most beautiful, loving person. You take such good care of me and Teddy. Baby, I am so in love with you. Please, do not forget that.” he pleaded but you just couldn't hear it. You couldn't wrap your head around it.

“I just don’t feel that way…” you croaked out scared to even admit it. You felt guilty the moment the words left your lips.

“You don’t think I love you?” Trent was immediately put off and offended. He felt his heart drop. “Y/N, I’m being patient here but are you fucking kidding me?” He transitioned into an angrier voice. He was really trying to be supportive but how many times was he supposed to try to convince you he loves you.

“No, it’s not that. I just don’t know why you do. I don’t get it. I'm scared and overwhelmed.” you quivered fearful of his change of tone.

“Scared of what? I just don't know why you can’t accept that I do. I don't get it.” he snapped harshly using your exact phrasing to throw your comments back at you. “Baby, what do you want me to do here?” he sighed, feeling frustrated. “I need you to be healthy. I need to make you happy. How do I do that? I asked to marry you and you said yes but it’s like you don’t believe it” He stared at the ring on your finger catching some of the sun's rays.

“I don't know…” you whimpered, standing up on shaky legs and walking over to him. Even though you were mid fight all you wanted was to be comforted by him. “I’m sorry.” You cried. Laying on him. You sat next to him and pressed your forehead against his arm.

“Come here.” he wrapped you in his loving embrace. “Got to get you to see what I see. I need you to know how amazing you are for yourself, for me, for Teddy. Hmm?” He pulled your forehead off him and pressed his lips to your skin. “You wanna know why I love you? Why I want to marry you, why I wanted a baby with you? I wanted more of you in this world. That's how perfect I think you are. I wanted one more bit of you out there. I have the most beautiful daughter in the whole world and everyone can say she looks like me all they want but that's not the first thing I think of when I look at her. All I see is you. Her nose is just like yours, her laugh is starting to sound just like your childish giggle. The way she feels in my arms reminds me every bit of you. I love her because of how much I love you. And as much as I want more Y/N in the world, I’m selfish and greedy and there’s only one of you to go around so I’m not letting you go. I’m fucking marrying you. You’re mine, baby. All mine, made just for me and I’m made just for you.” You began to cry pressing your lips against his. The summer heat and his words warming your cheeks.

“I love you so much, T. Thank you for loving me.” you waffled

“I’m always going to but I just need you to love you, please. You're hurting my heart here. We’re eating good from now on. Me and you gym dates. Getting this ass in moving.” he squeezed your hip. “None of this water for breakfast. I’m not having my baby girl growing up around it. You’re beautiful and you're perfect and she needs to know that and so do you. I’m not doing enough if you don’t know how gorgeous you are. I think about this body, this face all day. I dream about you even when you're in my arms. You need to know that.” His eyes watered a little with his sincerity looking longingly into your eyes.

“Baby…” you whimpered out cowardly. You felt terrible that he felt he was doing something wrong when in reality this was a problem that had been planted long before you even met him. It was complicated. “The way I feel about myself is a culmination of a lot of time feeling really scant. Social pressures from everyone around me, the people that were supposed to love me, didn’t. I promise you, T, you have healed and helped me in so many different ways. This just isn’t something I can just turn off all of a sudden.” You leaned further into him feeling saddened by your own reality.

“I won’t ever understand but I can try. Just let me in at least. I’ll be here with you. It’s my job to take care of you. Would you want to spend some time in the gym with me? Gainz season, innit?” He squeezed your wimpy bicep teasingly.

“Okay, okay, okay. I’ll go as long as you’re there.” you couldn't help but crack a smile at his persistence as well as some memories you’d had made a few cheeky times down in the gym of your house.

“I’m gonna be there.” he replied, running his hand up your thigh. You knew he was asking you from a perspective of wanting you to feel confident and strong not in an effort to change anything.

“Shirt off, please.” you requested with a giggle, grazing your hand underneath his t-shirt. You dragged your nails over his abs.

“Oh yeah? It's like that now?” You nodded cheekily. He scooped you up as if you weighed nothing. Carrying you into the house.

“Where are we going? It’s nice out.” You complained but not minding being in his hold. It would've been nice to enjoy the weather though but maybe inside wouldn't be so bad.

“You think you can put your hands on me like that and I’m just gonna move on. We’re going inside. You’re going to lay down on the couch f’me” he whispered to you as his lips ghosted over your ear and he began nibbling on your earlobe.

“Really? What am I doing on the couch?” you giggled excited now, definitely not upset you were not staying outside.

“Shirt off, please” he teased, mocking what you said to him before he kissed you. The feeling of his lips on yours sending shockwaves through your whole body.

“Mmmm more.” you pursed your lips for another kiss craving more of him as he walked you inside.

“You wanna know how much I love you?” He cooed, laying you down on the cream colored couch in the big living room. You leaned back into the cushion before you moved forward eagerly towards him.

“I can feel how much you love me…” you practically moaned, grazing your hand over the bulge in his shorts now. He began to peel your clothing off piece by piece. There wasn't much on you to begin with so it didn’t take long. He pushed your legs upwards, bending you in half bringing your knees all the way up to your tits. His mouth watered looking down at your glistening pussy begging for him. Trent dragged his tongue through your drenched folds. He dipped in and out of you. His cock twitched at the way your jaw slacked in pleasure. He began to circle your clit before he pulled away with a cheeky grin. He looked so unfairly gorgeous beneath you. You felt dizzy watching him. Your slick glossing all over his perfect pink pretty pout.

“Tell me what letters you feel, baby.” he commanded you before he dove back into your pussy. A dangerous smile curling on his lips. He dragged his tongue in the form of the letters of his initials on his fiance’s pussy. You moaned out the letters he drew and well, hearing you moan out the initials of what was going to be your own last name soon was simply a bonus.

“T… ah fuck. A… A” you cried out. You weren't exactly as innocent as you presented but you liked when he treated you like you were. You knew exactly what you did to Trent as you pulled on his hair now or when you dragged your nails up his abs moments ago outside.

“Say my name baby.” he cooed and you practically melted. You fell apart. Trent loved you. He loved you so much it almost hurt. Everything about you just shattered him into a million pieces. Watching you cum right now only amplifying that feeling. The way your lips curled into the perfect little smile. He loved the way you whined when he touched your body, the way you reacted to him.

In swift movements, he was aligning his cock with your sopping entrance. His abs rubbed against you, he crushed you blissfully with his weight. He looked down at you fucked out of his mind madly in love with you. He collected enough spit in his mouth before he made you open yours. He spit his saliva into your mouth. You swallowed diligently with a moan.

“Such a good girl f’me.” he gripped your chin looking longingly into your eyes. He loved everything about this. Being in control of you. You letting him control you. You wanting him to control you. He tucked his face in the nape of your neck. He nibbled on your sensitive skin. His hair tickling you. Hoarse grunts escaping him as you soaked him. He hit that spot deep inside you, only he knew. All you could think about was the way he hit that spot again and again, continuously. He felt so good when he dropped his hand between you to rubbing your throbbing clit. He knew how to make you cum and he was going to do it well. “Tell me what I want to hear, baby” he whispered in your ear. Tears ran down your cheeks from pleasure and emotion.

“I know you love me. I know you love me. Fuck! T, you’re gonna make me cum.” you were a total mess beneath him looking gorgeous to him cumming all over his cock. Trent couldn't help himself from stuttering. The sex became sloppy and lovesick. He thrusted into you sporadically. You felt him begin to twitch inside you. “Cum inside me, baby. I want you to fill me up, please. T, Tell me you think I’m sexy.” you begged as you listened to Trent’s breathing became more labored. The knot in your stomach tightened when he spoke again.

“Fucking hell, you’re so sexy. You’re the sexiest woman in the world. Perfect for me. This pussy’s perfect for me. It’s all mine.” You couldn't keep it together any longer when he kissed you passionately. He groaned before he pumped his cum inside of you. “Jesus christ, baby. So good.” he breathed out as his pelvis grinded against your throbbing clit.

“I think I believe you now.” You began to giggle as he buried his face in your tits.

“Yeah, that’s all it took? Which orgasm was it? I particularly enjoyed hearing you as I spelled my initials on your clit.” He breathed heavily on top of you with a cheeky grin.

“T! You laughed embarrassed by his crass bluntness.

“Don’t get all shy on me now.” he cooed, peeling his slightly sticky body off yours. He pressed his lips sweetly to yours. You hummed at the sensation. He ran to the kitchen to get a cloth to clean you up. After he did, you went upstairs and woke Teddy up from her nap. You came downstairs holding her as he sat on the couch since turning the telly on while watching something. You talked to Teddy like you would a girl friend your age.

“I know, and then daddy told me I was beautiful so I kissed him.” You spoke loud enough to her for him to hear you babble on.

“Are you talking about me behind me back?” he sat up on the couch looking at you two lovingly.

“Just telling her how much daddy loves mummy.” you giggled squishing Teddy to you and kissing her cheek. You walked towards him carrying your little girl.

“Glad we’re on the same page then now.” he pulled at your arm dragging you down clumsily falling into him. You laughed carefully checking that Teddy was okay. “I love you.” He kissed your forehead. “I love you.” He kissed Teddy’s forehead. And you knew he did. He meant it.

You fell into the ease of the summer. Things were calm between Trent’s workouts preparing for the upcoming season and Teddy growing up painfully quick. She was almost 9 months old which was insane. Where did all the time go? She could understand instructions and was beginning to imitate your words using gestures. You spent the summer months lazing around trying to get comfortable with your body and motherhood.

Trent had an upcoming England international match. It was an odd one away in Moldova and you mutually agreed it wasn't worth you and Teddy traveling for. It was too much of a fuss. You sat with her before bedtime the day he traveled. When Trent was away the favorite part of his days were when you called with Teddy. A Facetime he just starred into missing you both, screenshotting everytime Teddy did something cute. Which felt like every minute. He had a folder in his camera roll dedicated to just Teddy’s cute little face. Teddy sat on your hip leaving toothless bites on your bare shoulder.

“Can you say night night to dada.” you muttered quietly as she sleepily let out a yawn.

“Miss my girls so much. Gonna watch tomorrow f’me Ted?” You confirmed she would and reminded him of your plans for the next day. You were headed down to London tomorrow to watch the match because Lauren was visiting the city for a brief moment and you wanted to catch her. You had planned to go to a viewing of the game at a pub you agreed upon prior. You were running late as you hurried through the tube station with Teddy getting off near Covent Garden. Lauren arrived before you and was sat at the bar saving a stool for you. You opted to bring Teddy in a baby carrier because it was easier for you to navigate instead of pushing your pram by yourself. You maneuvered your way through the crowded pub. You squeezed Lauren from behind, greeting her.

“Helloooooo my Laur” you cooed taking a seat next to her, a couple on the other side of you sat with matching England kits on.

“Oh my goodness! Hiii!!! Look at this big beautiful girl.” Lauren said, pinching Teddy’s cheek before helping you get her out of the carrier. England’s pre game warm ups flashed across the screen. “Is that daddy?” Lauren asked Teddy as she got settled on your lap.

“Oh isn’t daddy so handsome “ you giggled gawking a little bit at Trent’s physic as he wiped some sweat off his face pulling his jersey up towards his brow revealing his toned abs.

“God, he’s so hot…” Lauren sighed when the camera panned to Jude after Trent passed him the ball. You laughed at her. She leaned her head onto your shoulder. The women sitting next to you laughed as well hearing Lauren’s comment.

“Mood.” she concurred. You all had a little laugh but the mans she was with was a little less than impressed. Trent and Jude seemed to have a polarizing effect on other men. They wanted them on their footie teams, loved them for winning matches but almost loathed them for the way girls flocked and talked about them so blatantly.

“So I’m assuming you’re going to see him after this?” you cooed quieter to just Lauren looking at her. Interested in her plans.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to overstep but are you Y/N?” the girl next to you asked butting in before Lauren got a chance to answer your question.

“Oh, gosh yeah, I am. That’s me.” you were taken aback anytime anyone recognized you. It was still so foreign. You didn’t really merit any recognition of fame but you understood the intrigue people had wanting to know more about Trent’s life.

“I follow you on Instagram! I love you and Trent. You’re the perfect couple.” she cooed. The man with her leaned forward now interested hearing you were in a relationship with Trent. “Is this your daughter?” She asked. You got a little nervous. You had kept Teddy fairly out of the public eye to date.

“Mmmmhmm. This is my Teddy girl.” You cooed, holding her on your lap with one arm smushing a kiss to her cheek. You subtly spun the ring on your finger to turn the diamonds underneath to hide it out of the strangers next to you’s view. You felt really exposed all of a sudden. You wanted to keep the engagement private for the time being. Trent told you weren’t hiding it but you felt scared. You barely even got to celebrate it yet. Things had been so hectic and tense lately. Now didn’t really feel like the best time to put your personal life out there one random day sitting in a pub.

“Is that daddy, baby?” you cooed filming yourself and her on your front camera as the second half began. You panned the camera to show Trent on the screen. She squealed and giggled excited to see his familiar face. You sent the video to him. He responded an hour later once the match had finished. As much fun you had catching up with Lauren, you couldn't wait to get back home just for Trent to walk through the door again. You waited impatiently the next day for him with Teddy in your arms.

“Oh my goodness! Look who’s home! Is it dada?!?!” you cooed softly rocking her back and forth walking towards the font entrance when you heard him. Trent dropped his bag at the door, the way that drove you mad but you couldn't care less at this very moment. You were so happy he was home. Teddy excitedly gasped and kicked in your arms eager to get to Trent but unable to do so on her own. Trent pressed his lips to yours and you felt your heart falter a little. It was the kiss from someone who really, truly loved you. Loved every bit of you and every bit of the little girl he scooped up out of your arms. He kissed her chubby cheeks and pouty lips and she squealed.

“Missed you so much, my beautiful girls.” he cooed, pulling you into him, wrapping you and your daughter in his secure, warm embrace. He held Teddy in between you both as her giggles filled the room as you simultaneously kissed each of her cheeks.

•

Thank you for reading! Please like, comment, or message what you think of the chapter … 🤍

Next part - Chapter 12 xx

#trent alexander arnold x reader #trent alexander arnold #trent alexander arnold imagines #taa x reader #taa66 #oursfic #footballer x y/n #footballer x reader

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paladin-heart5 · 7 months

Text

Dream Come True

Husband Leon Kennedy x Reader!

Summary; You and Leon enjoy the life of having a baby.

Word count: 1.1k

You sit on the couch with your babygirl in your arms. A sweet little infant, cooing as you sing softly to her. Bright blue eyes and a cute nose to match her father's, and soft hair identical to yours. Her tiny hand holding your finger, you smile. She's so precious, and you couldn't be happier than to have made a little miracle with your husband.

Leon enters your shared home with a heavy sigh. His eyes are droopy from lack of sleep, and he's all dirty. A two day mission may not seem like much, but it was messy, and he hated to be away from his girls. But as he looks forward, he melts. His achy muscles slowly begin to relax at the sight of his wife and child. Your voice is melodic, a lullaby that could put him to sleep faster than the baby. His feet bring him forward without having to think. Hearing footsteps, you look up and smile softly.

“Hello, my love.” You hum excitedly, lifting the baby up more. Leon smiles and leans down to kiss you. Not just a quick, but a loving kiss, enough to taste the familiar cherry chapstick you always wear. Makes you soft and sweet, just like your personality. He couldn't imagine falling out of love.

“Hey, baby. How are you holding up? You should be resting.” Leon says softly, placing a hand on your cheek. You lean into it and let out a breath of content. You've only been out of the hospital for three weeks, but you feel better. However, your husband thinks you need to be pampered a little longer.

“I'm alright, really. By the looks of it I should be asking you the same thing… oh! Look look,” You eagerly look at your daughter and coo at her. “Hey June, daddy's home! Say hi! You can do it, sweetie.” The baby looks at him and moves her arms around a bit, smiling. After a moment, she coos at him. Leon swears his heart explodes at the adorable sound.

“Holy shit,” The shock in his tone is evident, but you give him a stern look. “Language, sorry.” He chuckled nervously. He slowly holds his finger out, June grabs it before trying to suck on it. Leon pulls back as soon as he notices, with how gross he is, definitely not risking his baby girl's health. June makes a frowny face before she starts crying. Leon's eyes widen as you tilt your head.

“Someone's hungry.” You hum as you go to lift your shirt so you can breastfeed her. Leon blinks as he watches, but snaps himself out of it.

“Sorry, honey.” He apologizes softly, running a hand through his hair. You chuckle softly.

“Don't be, Lee. I've got an idea, how about we all take a shower when she's done, hm? I think the skin to skin time will be good for getting her to sleep. I've been having a hard time.” You suggest, making Leon light up at the idea.

“I'll go get our clothes.” He holds back his excitement back just a bit as he goes to get your stuff together.

—----

You gently wash your body while Leon holds June to his shoulder, swaying under the warm water. It seems to be relaxing her very well. You smile at the sight, Leon looks so sweet. He's like a gentle giant, holding such a tiny being. Your heart just swells. You take the time to gently wash him up too.

“You're doing so well with her.” You comment, earning a smile from your husband. “You think so?” He asks softly.

“I know so, she adores you as much as I do.” Your hand trails down his muscular arms as he continues to sway. You then look down at yourself, rubbing a hand over your stomach. Your body is partially back to normal, with the additional stretch marks. You're doing your best to get used to the new image of your body. Leon glances over and notices this, he smiles and carefully turns to you.

“Thank you.” He whispers, reaching for your stomach. You look at him and blink for a moment, trying not to back away shyly.

“What for?” You ask quietly, tilting your head slightly.

“For loving me, marrying me, giving me the opportunity to be a father. I always wondered what it'd be like to have this kind of life. You gave me a safe space to come home to, another reason to protect. And hell, we made a beautiful baby.” Leon pours his heart out into you, his eyes shine brighter every sentence. You swear he puts you under a spell with those ocean eyes. A blush creeps its way into your cheeks, a smile following behind. Before you can think of a response, he continues.

“I'd go to the ends of the earth for you and this child. I want you to know that. I love you no matter what. I meant it in those vows, you're the light of my life. Funny, kind, sexy.” He smirks as he rubs your hip. You giggle, looking away all shy and giddy. He makes you look back up at him and gives you a kiss.

“Okay okay,” You whisper, glancing at the baby. “I think we're clean, let's put the baby to bed.” Leon nods and turns off the water. You quickly grab the towel blanket for the baby and wrap her up. She starts to coo again, her eyes growing heavy.

“I know, sweetie.” You dry her up gently and get her ready for bed. Leon watches you with adoring eyes, he goes to dry you up before himself.

“We don't have to put her in the crib yet.. right?” He asks with pouty lips. You chuckle and shake your head.

“No, but we will soon.” You look at him, he makes a frowny face and pulls you both in for a hug, obviously trying not to crush the baby. You smile and kiss his jaw before you both take turns getting dressed. You begin to hum as you get June to her bassinet, carefully setting her. Leon wraps his arms around you from behind and admires.

“It feels like a dream, am I dreaming?” You ask him softly. Leon chuckles and kisses your neck, making you shiver.

“Nope, not dreaming.” You state with a dreamy sigh. Leon takes your hand and leads you to the bed. You both get under the covers and cuddle. The warmth is instant when you're in your husband's arms, his strong muscles make you feel safe.

“I never wanna let go.” He whispers, kissing the top of your head. You look up at him. “Me neither.”

#leon kennedy #leon kennedy x you #leon s kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x y/n #fanfic #resident evil #fluff

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gvcci-bxby · 10 months

Text

a-z sfw list

pairing: neteyam sully x omaticaya reader

wordcount: 3.1k words

summary: broken down a-z list of you and neteyam's relationship in more detail.

warnings: tooth-rotting fluff; neteyam would be such a great boyfriend. may be some misspellings.

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Neteyam is an incredibly affectionate partner. He loves to hug and kiss you, making his love for you known to everyone that’s standing nearby. Around his family though he makes sure to not overdo acts of affection it so you don’t feel like he’s putting you in an awkward position in front of them. He loves simply holding your hand on walks or even when you are just sitting together; his hands loving the feeling of yours intertwined with his. Neteyam is also a big hugger, always feeling comfort in your arms. He was not afraid to initiate a hug, loving sneaking up behind you or holding his arms out for you to walk into. But Neteyam also loves when you initiate hugs by giving him a look or slithering your way into his chest. Lastly, to show affection, Neteyam loves to give you compliments, making sure you know how beautiful he thinks you are. He’ll take any opportunity to give you a compliment, his attraction to you very clear.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Neteyam is a great best friend; he makes himself available to you whenever you need him listen to you complain when you have hard days or when you just need to rant. Regardless of his plans with other people, you as his best friend means that you have priority and if you invite him out, he makes sure to reschedule his other plans to go out with you. Neteyam is loyal and kind, making sure all your secrets stay between you too. Neteyam is also fun and adventurous making all your hang outs with him exciting.

The friendship would start early in your lives; your parents introducing you to each other at the infant na’vi play circles. The fact that you and Neteyam were the same age helped and many activities that young Na’vi are expected to go through, you both went through it together. The commonalities of both your lives brought you close together over time and by age 10 or 11, you both became best friends and inseparable ever since.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Neteyam loves (!) to cuddle. Neteyam loves to cuddle you, his favorite position being the one where you lay on your sides, and he is placed behind you. Although you often ask to cuddle him, Neteyam loves the size difference between you and they way his body envelopes yours; thus, making you the little spoon most often. Neteyam also loves to lay on his back, your limbs intertwining with his. You loved this position equally, hearing the soft thuds of his heartbeat and the way his fingertips would graze against your back and shoulders. No matter the position, you and Neteyam find comfort in cuddling, often falling asleep for a few hours with your body’s close together.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Neteyam definitely wants to settle down with you; he often daydreams about it before he goes to sleep or during training sessions (Jake often has to snap his fingers in Neteyam’s face to break him out of his trance). Neteyam loves the idea of settling down with you, taking the opportunity to honor you as his wife and creating a home and family of your own someday.

Neteyam works hard to be an equal partner to you, not letting you full responsibility of the primary household chores. Neteyam is a great cook, learning recipies and culinary skills from his mother Neytiri and his grandmother Mo’at. Neteyam also likes to keep the home space clean to ensure your environment is healthy and organized. You can always find him next to you cleaning your home space or making cleaning dishes a two-person chore; him washing and you drying.

E = Experience (How much dating experience do they have before you?)

Neteyam didn’t have any dating experience prior to seeing you. At first it was something he worried about, knowing you had plenty of other options of mates who may be more knowledgeable about how to act in relationships, but he was calmed when you expressed you were glad you were each other’s firsts in everything, going through this experience together as a pair.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

When Neteyam knew he liked you, he wasn’t afraid to commit to you as his partner. Neteyam leads with his heart and commitment has never scared him. When he met you he was immediately smitten, wanting to make you his and begin a serious relationship with you. Quickly, Neteyam knew you were the one for him and he began toying with the idea of mating under Eywa and becoming life-long mates. While others may be taken aback from the quickness of dating to being mates, you found it endearing and comforting knowing that Neteyam’s feelings for you were real and how he showcased his commitment to you.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Neteyam is very gentle, never wanting to rough you up or harm you. He sees you as a delicate being, something that needs to be cared for and protected. Similarly, Neteyam is also emotionally gentle, expressing his feelings calmly and clearly. Neteyam never sees the need to be aggressive – especially with you, and always interacts and speaks with you gently and softly.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Neteyam loves hugs, feeling the warmth of your body against his is almost euphoric. Neteyam hugs you often, taking an opportunity to pull you into an embrace. His hugs are strong yet soft; his big stature enveloping you into his body and lightly squeezing you against him. You love to hug Neteyam, the way you almost disappear into him being a source of comfort and promise of protection.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Neteyam said ‘I love you’ at just the perfect time, although he knew he loved you pretty early on.

You were sitting against a tree, waiting for him to get off of training practice. Neteyam saw you sitting there, your attention occupied by something else. As he approached you, he admired you from afar, his mind sporadic with thoughts on your beauty and your motivation to sit and wait for him. He felt his heart beats quicken and he frowned at that. Why was he so nervous? Once he approaches you, you notice and look up. You and Neteyam’s eyes meet, a smile instantly lighting up your face. Neteyam smiled instantly too; he couldn’t help it after seeing you smile. You stood up, walking towards him to help close the distance between you. Neteyam outstretches his arms to you, and you fold into his hug. You stand in an embrace for a minute, Neteyam pulling back to get a closer look at your face. You look up at him, closing your eyes when you feel his fingertips brush a lock of hair behind your ear. Neteyam is overwhelmed by your beauty and catches himself by surprise when he says ‘I love you’ in that moment.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Neteyam does not get jealous often, except when another male approaches you. Neteyam is very territorial of you, never liking the idea of other men having thoughts about you or feeling the need to interact with you. When he gets jealous, Neteyam often intervenes, placing an arm around you or simply making his presence intimidating enough for the other male to leave. Neteyam’s jealousy never goes farther than this and never impacts your relationship afterwards. He will then continue back to what he was doing after making sure you were hurt or offended by unwanted advances of others.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Neteyam’s kisses are soft, his supple lips fitting perfectly with yours. Most often Neteyam’s kisses are soft and slow as he loved to enjoy every second your lips are embraced with each other. Occasionally, his kisses can be more aggressive and dominate, mostly when you’ve been making out for a while.

In general, Neteyam loves to be kissed on his cheeks, jaw, and neck; although he welcomes kisses anywhere you plant them.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Neteyam is great with children; being the oldest child out of his siblings helped him grow skills to deal with tantrums or rambunctious personalities. You enjoy watching him with his siblings or young children in your clan, admiring the way he gently handles the kids and engages with them while playing. A smile is always brought to your face imagining Neteyam playing with yours and his children the way he currently plays with children,

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Neteyam likes to be productive in the morning, waking up when the sun does. He likes to prepare for the day by eating breakfast to nourish and prepare his body for any activity that may happen throughout the day. You normally wake up with him as well, enjoying spending quiet mornings with him when the rest of the village hasn’t woken up just yet. You sit across the table with each other, whispering sleepy-eyed pleasantries and upcoming plans for the day. On some mornings you even go for a ride with each other, you on your own or riding on his, your arms wrapped around his waist, your front pressed against his back. You enjoy these moments in the early morning very much, motivating you to get out of bed in the future even when you want to stay in.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights with Neteyam often begin when the sun has been down for an hour or two. Since you get up so early in the morning, you both are often tired by dusk. You usually make dinner together, enjoying the banter you get into when cooking. You then eat together, gossiping about your days, and move to your sleeping area where you read or talk to each other before going to sleep. Sometimes you even lay on your backs, staring at the ceiling, and talking about your futures together.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

When you and Neteyam first started dating, he automatically felt comfortable with you. Your soft demeanor and apparent care for him made it easy for him to reveal things about himself, good or bad. Because of this, he opened up to you quickly, and you soon knew everything about him. Neteyam wasn’t worried about exposing himself to you, he knew you’d keep everything he told you between you and him. You did the same, binding the trust even more between you and Neteyam.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Neteyam has incredible patience, hardly ever getting angry; for this you admire him for. Neteyam only, sometimes, gets frustrated but never truly angry. Neteyam cares too much about people to let anger get in his way of understanding why they do or say things. Neteyam says he found his great skill of patience while growing up with his siblings, specifically Lo’ak. Since then, he utilizes patience to deal with frustrating or complex situations.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Neteyam most definitely remembers everything you tell him about yourself. In the beginning of your relationship, Neteyam made it essential to remember all the details about you, finding great interest in learning the little things about you and how they made you yourself. When you and Neteyam talk, he is very present in every discussion, finding great interest in what you have to say. This makes it easy for him to remember even the littlest of details. He also notices how remembering these details help him when making gifts for you or making dinners for you; in which showing you he noticed and remembered the simple things you thought he forgot bring smiles to your face and he always is happy when you are happy.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Your favorite memory with Neteyam is the day he asked you out. For weeks you wondered what it would be like to date Neteyam, having access to him unregulated. You loved spending time with him, loved his personality and the idea of being his girlfriend kept you up at night. While you two had been hanging out more often, you wondered if he felt the same as you did. You hoped he did, his flirtatious side always coming out when he was around you.

Thankfully, you were right. It was a warm day on Pandora, the sun shining brightly on the village. You had made plans with Neteyam to meet up in the middle of the village for a mid-afternoon stroll through the forest. You arrived on time, Neteyam early and already waiting for you. In his hands were a bouquet of flowers he had handpicked; within the bunch, several of your favorite flowers poked out. Upon approaching, Neteyam handed the bouquet to you. On top of the flowers, he gave you a hug, holding you in his embrace for a beat.

“Before we go, I want to ask you something,” Neteyam said pulling away from you, a little smile placed on his lips. “I really love spending time with you, and I was hoping you’d be my girlfriend from now on..?”

Of course, you obliged, over the moon that you were now tied to the person that quickly has become your favorite. The rest of the day was one you could never forget. You continued on with your planned walk through the forest, stopping by one of the small swimming holes that you pass. For several hours, you took a break from all your responsibilities, playing in the water with your new boyfriend.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Neteyam is very protective, always watching over the ones he loves – especially you. Neteyam recognizes that you are attractive always feels as though he has to protect you from other Na’vi men, although you make it very clear that you only have attention for him. In other circumstances, when sky-people have invaded your territory, he has made sure to always have you in his hindsight, protecting you from impending danger. While Neteyam seems himself as your protector, he also likes to feel protected himself. He appreciates it when you defend him against his father’s ridicule, you take the initiative to tell Jake how great Neteyam is doing and how the clan is proud to have him as their Olo’eyktan. While you’re much smaller, Neteyam knows you will always protect him.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Neteyam puts immense amount of effort into dates and gifts. Neteyam loves to spoil you, making dinner dates a regular occurrence. On these dinner dates, Neteyam always makes sure to bring your favorite foods and always finds the most beautiful spots where you can watch the stars or enjoy the sunshine. Neteyam often makes you little gifts to show he thinks of you; they’re often handmade and are little figurines whittled out of wood or beautiful beaded jewelry that, no doubt, took days to make. Each gift, you feel your heart swell, these little tokens of his appreciation exciting you each time he gives them to you.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Neteyam is very hard on himself, the pressures of being a future leader and the father of Toruk Makto weighing heavily on him. Neteyam constantly feels the need to be a perfectionist and doesn’t give himself the ability to make mistakes. You’ve tried to help him break out of this bad habit, reassuring him that even leaders make mistakes, but he holds himself to a high standard, trying to emulate his father and often beating himself up for the littlest of things.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Neteyam is not concerned with his looks, although he knows he’s a good looking young Na’vi. However, Neteyam likes to make sure he always looks presentable as he recognizes his families position within the clan and his future as the Olo’eyktan but he is not vain.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Neteyam definitely feels like he would be incomplete without you. He recognizes that he has found his soulmate and the person that deeply understands him. Neteyam knows you are loyal to him and care for him and this he finds irreplicable. He admires you so much, trying to make you proud every day. He could not imagine a life without you or life with another mate and he always makes sure to tell you this.

X = Xray (How well are they able to read you?)

Due to the amount of time you spend together and how close you are, Neteyam can read you and your emotions easily. He always knows when you’re upset and is quick to mitigate any further negative feelings that you have. Often, it also feels like he can read your mind as he often finishes your sentences.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Because of his soft demeanor, Neteyam doesn’t like aggressive, confrontational people. He likes to surround himself with people with similar perspectives and goals which help him be constantly surrounded by positive people. This allows him to walk through life with a positive mindset which help him be clear minded for battles with the RDA and strategies to deal with complex situations with the ones he loves and holds closest to him.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

Neteyam makes sure to have his sleeping schedule defined and make sures he sticks to it as best as possible. He recognizes that sleeping is essential to being a functional mighty warrior, so he always goes to sleep on time and according to his schedule. Sometimes you tease him on the times you are out together, sometimes hanging out with friends, and he abruptly leaves to get to bed. Although you always go with him, your sleeping schedule just as good as him. Neteyam finds himself having better quality sleep when you are sleeping next to him so secret sleepovers happen quite often.

#avatar x reader #avatar the way of water #neteyam sully #neteyam x reader #neteyam sully x reader #neteyam #avatar fanfiction #avatar 2009 #a-z list neteyam sully #a-z neteyam avatar

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moeitsu · 4 months

Text

The Tie Which Linked My Soul To Thee

Ch 14 - A Hundred Months ‘Twas Flowery May

Summary: As Kate navigates Arthur’s recovery, she discovers that true strength lies within her trusted companions, finding relief in their unwavering support during the trials of his healing journey.

Ao3 Wattpad Masterlist - All Chapters Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

A/N: ~10.6k words. Sorry this chapter took longer than I anticipated. It's more of a filler than anything, but lots of fluff/comfort nonetheless :') (trying out a new layout!)

Tag List: @photo1030 @ariacherie @thatweirdcatlady @ultraporcelainpig @marygillisapologist

**please let me know if you would like to be tagged in future chapters!

Story Tags: Widowed, Original Character(s), High-Honor!Arthur Morgan, Arthur Morgan Does Not Have Tuberculosis, Arthur Morgan Deserves Happiness, Chubby!Arthur Morgan, Canon Divergence, Mutual Pining, Slow Build, Eventual Smut, Eventual Sex, Eventual Romance, Emotional Sex, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort,Touch-Starved, Sexual Tension, Friends to Lovers, Child Loss, Infant Death, Trauma, Canon-Typical Violence, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Torture, Blood and Violence, Survivor Guilt, Aftermath of Torture, Caretaking, Injury Recovery, Period-Typical Racism, Anxiety, Self-Hatred, Night Terrors, Emotional Constipation, Self-Doubt, Men Crying, Bathing/Washing, Sweet/Hot, Romantic Angst, Romantic Fluff

Nearly three months had slipped by since Kate and Arthur's lives intersected on that fateful day at Emerald Ranch, though to Kate, it felt like an eternity. The days following Arthur's return with her had stretched out endlessly, each moment laden with uncertainty and worry. It seemed as if a hundred months could have passed in that single week alone, as Kate grappled with the ever-present fear that each day could be Arthur's last. Despite the relentless onslaught of challenges and worries, Kate found herself adapting to the rhythm of each new day.

Determined to provide Arthur with the best possible care during his recovery, Kate took to heart the doctor's instructions. She made it her mission to ensure Arthur's comfort, meticulously tending to his wounds and faithfully administering his medication. She gave him the penicillin each day, crushed and mixed with a spoonful of honey. And yet, every day brought its own set of trials, but Kate faced each one with unwavering resolve.

As Arthur battled against the fever that ravaged his body, Kate remained steadfast in her optimism. Though his skin burned hot to the touch and his body trembled with chills, Kate saw the fever not only as a sign of infection but also as a testament to Arthur's fighting spirit. With each passing hour, she held onto the hope that Arthur would prevail in the battle against the illness that threatened to consume him. Only time would reveal the outcome of their struggle—where victory hung in the balance between sickness and survival.

Kate tended to Arthur's needs with resolute care and devotion. She recognized the subtle cues indicating his thirst, gently offering him water-soaked cloths to moisten his parched lips, ensuring he stayed hydrated despite the challenges. When his stomach rebelled, she was quick to react, keeping a bucket nearby and assisting him to sit up, determined to prevent any mishaps like before.

The day following the doctor's departure, Kate took on the task of bathing Arthur herself. Knowing he would be more comfortable in clean skin. With a bucket of warm water and fresh cloths in hand, she ventured into his makeshift room, drawing the canvas flaps closed to provide them with privacy. As she worked, memories flooded her mind—recollections of the night Arthur had confided in her about his body, merely days before he would be tortured. He didn’t have to say it, but she knew he felt ashamed of the way he looked. Though the reasons why were beyond her, his body was perfect in her eyes.

And yet, on that haunting night when she found him again, she had seen beyond his physical scars. His whole body laid before her, his most vulnerable secrets exposed from the cruel hands of fate. Scars carved so deep she knew they would reach his soul. Kate knew how violating it felt, and she vowed to respect every part of his body with tenderness and acceptance.

Regret weighed heavily on Kate's heart as she took in the sight of him, wishing she had expressed the admiration she felt for him during their intimate encounter. To her, Arthur's form was a testament to his strength, he was a strong man built to withstand the storm. But he was also gentle and soft. It was a canvas of stories waiting to be discovered. His body carried with it the song of his past, and Kate longed to hear it.

Lost in her thoughts, she entertained fleeting fantasies of exploring his body with affection and adoration. Lips gently brushing over every insecurity. Warm hands wandering over every inch.

Kate shook her head at the thought, jolting herself back to reality with the pressing tasks at hand. Blushing at her own thoughts, she refocused her attention on caring for Arthur, knowing that there were more immediate concerns demanding her attention.

Deep down, she cherished the secret longing that stirred within her—a silent promise to honor every aspect of Arthur, body and soul.

Starting with his face, Kate delicately wiped away the layers of sweat and grime, unveiling the sun-kissed skin beneath adorned with a constellation of freckles. As her fingers trailed across his beard, she marveled at its softness, each stroke a tender caress. With gentle, wet fingers, she combed through his hair, untangling knots and brushing away dirt and dried blood, restoring its natural silky luster.

Moving down to his arms and abdomen, she carefully pulled back the sheet to reveal his stomach, noting the dampness of the blanket beneath him from sweat. Making a mental note to replace it, she reached for more cloth. The water, now cold, offered a refreshing contrast against Arthur's fever warm skin. Despite the chill, each touch was infused with tenderness.

Kate hummed a quiet melody, her touch gentle as she traced the cool cloth over Arthur's skin. His face twitched, rousing him from his slumber. Blinking wearily, he uttered her name, his voice a whisper in the dim light.

"I'm right here, honey. Need to sit up?" Kate's voice was soft, friendly. As if they were discussing the simplest of tasks.

Their eyes met, Arthur's still bloodshot but slowly regaining their vibrant blue hue. He shook his head, a silent response to her question.

"Did I wake you?" Kate inquired, her head tilted with concern. Arthur nodded, his weariness evident even in this small gesture. "I'm sorry, hon," Kate offered with a jaded smile.

"S’alright," Arthur breathed, his eyes closing again, reassured by her presence. "Feels good. M'really hot," he mumbled, words heavy with fatigue.

Kate hummed softly, dipping the cloth back into the cold water, letting its refreshing droplets cascade over his overheated skin. Arthur sighed in relief, savoring the cool sensation. "Feels good," he repeated, his voice muffled by exhaustion. "You washin' me?" he asked, words tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

"Yes," Kate replied honestly, her touch tender as she continued her ministrations. "Is that alright?" She was prepared to stop if he was uncomfortable.

Arthur nodded once more, "S'rotten work, Kate," he murmured, the echoes of past torment still haunting his thoughts. His expression a mixture of gratitude and self-deprecation.

Kate paused, her hand resting on his now-clean cheek, he opened his blue eyes meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Not to me," she whispered, her words carrying a depth of emotion. "Not if it's you."

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━

As the days passed, life in the camp gradually resumed its familiar rhythm. Kate, Lenny, and Sadie took turns tending to Arthur, but Kate remained a constant presence by his side, especially during the long, dark hours of night. Only swapping shifts with her trusted companions when she needed to eat or bathe.

Arthur spent most of his time asleep, rousing only when he needed something. Kate felt immense gratitude for the assistance of Charles and Hosea, especially during the more intimate moments of caregiving. Their help spared Arthur any unnecessary embarrassment, allowing him to retain some semblance of dignity amidst his recovery.

Despite her body's protests, Kate stubbornly refused to leave Arthur's side for a proper rest. Nights were particularly challenging for him, the fever raging through his body like a wildfire, casting his veins in searing, white-hot flames. With just a week's supply of antibiotics remaining, Kate found herself praying fervently for them to be effective, desperately hoping they would be enough to quell the relentless onslaught of infection.

Arthur's evenings were plagued by haunting night terrors and feverish delirium, his mind a battleground of fear and confusion. He would often awaken in a state of panic, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he grappled with the phantoms that tormented his dreams.

In the quiet of the night, amidst the shadows that danced around them, Kate would find herself stirred awake by the sounds of Arthur's restless slumber. His cries, soft yet troubled, echoed through the stillness of the camp, tugging at her heartstrings like a grim melody. With each silent hiccup, his face contorted in pain, resembling that of a child lost in the throes of a nightmare. It was a sight that weighed heavily upon her, casting a veil of sorrow over her weary soul.

Drawing closer to him, Kate would perch on the edge of his cot, her presence a beacon of relief in the darkness. With tender care, she enveloped his uninjured hand in her own, the warmth of their touch a fragile lifeline amidst the turmoil of his dreams. Her fingers traced soothing patterns through his tousled hair, a gentle caress to ease his troubled mind. In whispered words, she offered him a remedy, weaving a tapestry of reassurance around him like a protective cloak.

In those moments, as she sat vigil beside him, Kate found herself transported back to a distant memory, a bittersweet recollection of her infant daughter Lorena. The late-night awakenings, the cries for comfort that echoed through the still darkness—each moment a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Kate offered him the same unwavering love and protection that had once been bestowed upon her own flesh and blood.

Reflecting on those tender moments of bonding with her newborn daughter, Kate's heart swelled with a mixture of nostalgia and longing. The sleepless nights, the endless feedings, all intertwined with an indescribable sense of purpose and fulfillment. It was a journey marked by both exhaustion and euphoria, a testament to the depths of a mother's love and devotion.

As she gazed upon Arthur's sleeping form, a soft smile graced Kate's lips, her heart swelling with a bittersweet tenderness. The trail of tears that had once stained his cheeks had now dried, replaced by the tranquility of peaceful slumber. With a soft kiss pressed against his forehead, she allowed herself to be enveloped by the comforting embrace of sleep, where memories of her daughter awaited her in the quiet space of her dreams.

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━

As Arthur’s first week of recovery drew to a close, the camp adjusted to his absence, each member picking up his slack with newfound determination. No longer the camp's handyman, Arthur's absence was palpable, highlighting the countless tasks he once effortlessly juggled. Even before his injury, he never knew a moment's rest, always putting the gang's needs above his own.

The afternoon sun bore down on the camp, its intensity softened by rare clouds that offered brief reprieves from the oppressive heat of a July day in Lemoyne. Despite the welcome shade and gentle breeze, the air remained thick with humidity. In Arthur’s tent, Kate sat perched, using a folded newspaper as a makeshift fan to combat the stifling heat. Exhaustion threatened to overtake her, her eyelids growing heavy as she battled to stay awake, the weight of fatigue pressing against her.

Kate sat upright, shifting uncomfortably on the hard wooden chair, as the sound of John's urgent call echoed through the camp, accompanied by the quick patter of footsteps. "Jack! Get over here!" John's voice rang out, his own footsteps hastening toward the tent.

Suddenly, Jack's eager face appeared at the tent entrance, his eyes alight with excitement. "Uncle Arthur!" he exclaimed with a wide grin, poised to step inside before he was swiftly scooped up by someone outside, his protests muffled by the canvas flaps.

In Jack's place, John's weary face appeared, offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry 'bout that," he said, his arms occupied by the squirming boy. Jack wriggled against his father's hip, clutching a book in his small hands. "Put me down! Why can't I see Uncle Arthur?" he demanded with a hint of frustration.

Kate rose from her seat, bridging the distance between them with a reassuring smile. "It's alright. I can keep an eye on him for a bit, John," she offered warmly, her words soft and comforting.

John hesitated, lowering Jack to the ground. Uncertainty etched in the lines of his face as he glanced at Arthur's slumbering form. "Y’sure? I don't want to..." he trailed off, his grip tightening on Jack's hand, “trouble you.” He silently noted the tiredness in her eyes.

With a gentle smile, Kate reassured him, "It's no trouble at all." She crouched down to Jack's level, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "Did you bring Arthur a book?" she asked with genuine interest.

John sighed ponderously, ruffling Jack's hair affectionately before departing. Kate watched him go, a soft smile playing on her lips as she noticed John's growing presence in Jack's life.

"Papa Hosea taught me a lot of new words. I wanted to show Uncle Arthur," Jack piped up excitedly, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

Kate's smile widened. "That's a wonderful idea, Jack! Why don't you come sit on my lap, and we can read to him together?" she suggested, voice warm with invitation.

Jack nodded eagerly, allowing Kate to lift him into her arms as she settled back into the familiar wooden chair. His gaze shifted to Arthur, a puzzled expression on his face. "How long is he gonna sleep for, Auntie Kate?" he asked with innocent curiosity.

"I'm not so sure. He'll sleep as long as he needs to, I suppose," Kate replied honestly, gentle yet tinged with uncertainty.

Jack turned his gaze back to Kate with a worried frown. "Is he gonna sleep forever?" His voice trembled with a hint of fear, his young mind grappling with the concept of mortality.

Kate could sense the weight of Jack's question, knowing that he had been exposed to the harsh realities of life at a tender age. She struggled to find the right words to comfort him, to shield him from the harsh truth that lingered in the air.

"Arthur will wake up when his body is ready, Jack," she reassured him, offering a comforting squeeze. "Right now, he just needs all the rest he can get so he can keep up with you once he's feeling better." She playfully tickled his sides, coaxing a bright giggle from the boy as he squirmed in her lap.

After a moment, Jack's expression softened as he revealed his longing. "I miss him," he admitted softly, voice tinged with sadness.

Kate's heart swelled with empathy as she felt the depth of Jack's affection for his uncle. She fondly remembered Arthur's dedication to the boy. Abigail had told her how he stepped into the role of a father figure during John's absence from the gang. The thought of their bond being severed filled her with a profound sense of sorrow.

"I miss him too, Jack," she whispered softly, pressing a kiss atop the boy's head, her touch warm and comforting like that of a mother's embrace. "But I know Arthur would love to hear those big words you've learned." Her smile radiated reassurance, instilling confidence in the young boy.

Jack beamed back at her, his grin revealing a gap where his tooth had recently fallen out. With newfound enthusiasm, he eagerly opened the book, its size seeming comically large in his tiny hands.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," he announced proudly, each word spoken with growing confidence.

As Jack read in her lap, Kate marveled at his proficiency, surprised by his advanced reading skills at such a tender age. Since the day she joined the gang, her mind recalled memories of Hosea's patient efforts in teaching Jack, a heartwarming display of mentorship and care that would surely be treasured by the boy for years to come.

Kate entertained the idea that Hosea must have been the one to teach Arthur to read. She pondered this as her gaze drifted to Arthur's journal, a testament to his inner thoughts and reflections. Despite his reserved nature, Arthur was diligent in recording his thoughts, a habit that intrigued Kate endlessly. What tales did he document within those pages? Did he share his dreams or pour out his frustrations? And amidst it all, did he ever write about her? The questions swirled in her mind, a curious blend of wonder and anticipation.

Although Arthur's journal sat tantalizingly close on his bedside table, Kate resisted the urge to pry into his private musings. Instead, she harbored a hope that one day he would willingly share his thoughts with her, trusting her enough to confide in her the words he committed to paper.

Jack nestled comfortably in Kate's lap, his small frame relaxed against her chest, his feet swaying gently. The rhythm of his soft voice, intertwined with the gentle cadence of his breaths, lulled Kate into a serene half-slumber, the cares of the world momentarily forgotten.

Minutes later, her peaceful reverie was shattered by Jack's urgent grip on her arm, Kate jolted awake, her eyes snapping open in alarm. Startled, she sat up abruptly, her heart racing as she followed Jack's pointed finger to Arthur's cot.

Kate's gaze shifted to Arthur, his discomfort palpable as he shifted restlessly, his brow glistening with sweat, signaling the onset of nausea. With a weary sigh, Kate sprang into action, moving him from her lap. She swiftly lifted Arthur's body while shielding Jack from the distressing scene unfolding before them. With practiced efficiency, she reached for the bucket, ready to offer relief to her ailing friend.

As Arthur lay back on his cot, Kate's gaze shifted to Jack, her heart twisting at the sight before her. Jack stood by the entrance, his book clutched tightly to his chest, his lips pursed and cheeks stained with tears. His big, sad brown eyes met hers, his voice barely a whisper as he choked out his question, "Is... is he going to die?" The words hung heavy in the air, trembling on his tongue.

"Oh, Jack," Kate murmured softly, lowering herself to her knees to meet his gaze at eye level. "Arthur's fighting with all his might. He just needs some time, sweetheart," she reassured him, reaching out to grasp his small hand in hers, her touch warm and steady, enveloping him in comfort. "And a whole lot of love," she added, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Jack nodded somberly, wiping away his tears with a sniffle before darting off without another word. As the tent flaps billowed in his wake, Kate sighed, understanding his fear but determined not to let him dwell too deeply on Arthur's condition.

Kate eased back into her chair, a low groan escaping her lips as she massaged the soreness from her back, her fingers kneading the tension from her shoulders as she rolled her neck. Suddenly, a groggy voice broke the silence, startling her from her trance. "Did I scare the kid?"

Arthur's tired pink eyes met hers, a hint of blue returning with each passing day. Kate offered him a solemn smile. "He'll be alright. You need somethin’?" she asked gently, weariness lacing her words.

Arthur let out a deep sigh, his good hand dragging down his face in a gesture of fatigue. "I feel like I'm losing my mind, Kate," he confessed, his voice raw with honesty. "I don't feel like I'm in control."

Kate's expression softened with understanding as she realized he was speaking about his night terrors. Tainting his once quiet evenings with haunting shadows. "It's just the fever, Arthur. The dreams will fade with time," she reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

Arthur glanced up at her, his eyes tinged with sadness, and she sensed the weight of his torment mirrored in his gaze. "Seems all I’m good for is makin’ people suffer, and it’s finally caught up to me."

“I don’t think that’s the case Arthur,” she added soothingly, leaning closer to him. “You’re suffering is not a punishment, it’s a second chance.” Her thumb traced gentle patterns against his warm skin. Lulling him back into a blissful slumber. Her sweet words like a sugar cube, disappearing into the heat of a dark cup of tea.

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening air took on a refreshing chill, carrying the aroma of Pearson’s savory beef stew. Kate’s stomach, stirred by the tantalizing scent, demanded attention, and she finally complied, settling into her chair beside Arthur’s slumbering figure with a steaming bowl cradled in her lap. With each spoonful, the warmth of the hearty stew spread through her body, offering relief amidst the trials of the day.

With dusk settling in, Kate made the decision to open the tent flaps of Arthur’s makeshift shelter, inviting in the cool embrace of the summer night. The once stuffy confines now filled with a gentle breeze, carrying with it the symphony of the wilderness awakening with the ascent of the moon. The chorus of crickets, the rhythmic chirping of cicadas, the haunting calls of owls, and the resonant croaks of bullfrogs formed a comforting backdrop to the solitude of the evening.

Amidst the serene ambiance, Kate discerned the approach of two sets of footsteps, drawing closer to Arthur’s tent with purposeful intent.

"Hey Kate," Bill's familiar, slurred voice cut through the evening calm, accompanied by the shuffling footsteps of Micah behind him. Kate let out a weary sigh, her hopes of enjoying a peaceful meal dashed by their unwelcome intrusion.

"Seems Arthur’s gone and turned himself into a real crybaby," Bill jeered with a drunken swagger, casting a mocking glance at Micah. "Think when she’s done playin’ nursemaid, she’ll wipe my ass if I get shot?" His words dripped with alcohol-infused arrogance, punctuated by a bitter laugh that grated on Kate's nerves.

Kate leaned back in her chair with casual indifference, reaching an idle hand for her pistol that rested on Arthur’s table, “you wanna find out?” She retorted, her voice cool and composed, tinged with a hint of warning.

Micah chuckled at her bold response, while Bill's face flushed with embarrassment, his drunken bravado deflated. "Relax, princess," he muttered gruffly, “was just pokin’ fun.” He retreated back to his seat by the campfire. Micah lingered near the tent, his hands resting casually on his gun belt.

Kate stifled a deep yawn, rubbing her face wearily. Feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her like a heavy blanket. Each movement was a struggle against the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her. Micah's chuckle grated on her nerves as he closed the distance, casually leaning against the makeshift table that served as one of the walls of Arthur’s tent. He lingered like a pesky mosquito, buzzing around her head.

"Poor little cowpoke is tired," he remarked with feigned amusement.

Rolling her eyes, Kate brushed off his comment with a sharp retort, "Spare me, Micah. I’m not in the mood for this."

Micah raised his hands in a mock surrender, his smirk still evident. "Just making an observation," he quipped. "Why don’t I take over for a bit? Me and Arthur got some catching up to do anyway."

Kate's response was swift and sharp, her tone laced with defiance, "Over my dead body."

Micah sighed, a moment of uncomfortable silence passed between them as he eyed her with suspicion. "How were you able to find him, anyway?" he asked, curiosity and skepticism coloring his words.

Kate's patience wore thin, her fatigue adding to her irritation. "Dumb luck," she snapped curtly.

Micah huffed, his disdain evident in the tilt of his head. “Sure don’t seem like he got too lucky.”

Kate's gaze turned steely, her eyes flashing with spite. "If only someone had spoken up sooner when he didn't show up after the parley."

Micah shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t call the shots ‘round here, sweetheart,” he replied dismissively, showing no hint of remorse for Arthur’s condition.

“Oh, really?” Kate shifted in her chair, facing Micah directly. “Because it seems to me Dutch has quite the worm in his ear.”

Micah's grin was wolfish, his amusement unsettling. “Care to explain that?” he challenged.

“I don’t buy into your games, Micah,” Kate spat, dripping with contempt. “And Arthur doesn’t either,” she added, gesturing toward the sleeping figure beside them.

Leaning in, Micah loomed over her, his presence imposing. “There’s no game, Kate. Arthur is nothing more than an old dog at Dutch’s heel, just begging for scraps,” he growled. “He’ll do whatever that man asks him to do. You’ll see that soon enough.” With a final tip of his hat, he vanished into the darkness without another word, leaving Kate alone with her thoughts and the quiet of the night.

Kate sighed, feeling burnt out as the weight of exhaustion settled on her shoulders while she observed Arthur's slumbering figure. "Quite the friends you got here," she murmured to him, words tinged with weariness. Yet, her moment of respite was short-lived as the sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears once more. With a groan, she buried her face in her hands, bracing herself for whatever interruption was to come.

Turning her gaze towards the source of the noise, Kate spotted Jack hurrying towards the tent, dragging something bulky and hollow-sounding behind him. Javier trailed close behind, calling after the energetic boy. "Más despacio, hermano!" he urged, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Furrowing her brow, Kate strained to make out what Jack was hauling in the fading light of dusk. As he reached the entrance, panting heavily, it became clear—he was bringing her Javier's guitar. "Auntie Kate!" Jack called out eagerly, his small frame vibrating with urgency. Kate's heart softened at the sight, touched by the earnestness in the boy's actions. "You have to sing to Uncle Arthur!" he insisted, presenting the heavy wooden instrument to her with small mighty hands gripping its neck.

Kate's chuckle resonated softly in the tent as she cradled the guitar in her lap, its weight a comforting presence against her. Her gaze lifted to Javier, who had followed Jack inside. "Sorry for his antics," she murmured. Apologizing on Jack��s behalf for his uncanny thieving. Her tone tinged with a hint of amusement, "do you mind if I borrow this for a while?"

Javier brushed off her apology with a warm smile, his demeanor relaxed and jovial. "Little hombre insists your voice is the best medicine," he remarked. “How could I argue with that?” A fondness was evident in his tone. Stepping closer, he regarded Kate with a hint of concern, his brows knitting together in a silent question.

Kate's surprise flickered briefly across her features as Javier's hand gently guided her chin upwards. His touch was tender, filled with a quiet concern that spoke volumes. "Ay, cariño," he murmured softly. "Have you been getting any rest?" His eyes searched hers, Kate’s dark circles and tired hollowness not escaping his notice.

A reflexive instinct prompted Kate to pull away slightly, a feeble attempt to shield her exhaustion from Javier's perceptive gaze. "M’fine," she replied, her voice carrying a weary resolve. "Just a little tired, s’nothing I can't handle." Her reassurance was touched with the gravity of her fatigue.

Javier's worried expression softened into one of understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens she bore. With a nod of farewell and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder, he left Kate with her little companion.

Jack had nestled himself into Arthur’s cot, finding security in the space beneath his uncle's uninjured arm. Curled up like a beloved house cat, he nestled snugly against Arthur's side, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Kate's heart swelled at the sight, her lips curving into a tender smile. Jack's innocent affection for his uncle made her feel like she could endure every sleepless night if it meant they would be reunited again.

As she adjusted the guitar strings to her liking, Kate's voice softened to a gentle murmur. "Jack, sweetheart," she began, warm with affection, "where did you get the idea to sing to Arthur?"

A warm virtue radiated from Jack's heartfelt gaze. “Mama told me Uncle Arthur was having nightmares,” he said honestly, “you have to sing him a lullaby so he knows he’s safe.” His wide eyes reflected honey-brown in the low lamp light. Radiating a genuine sincerity. Kate adored how big his young heart was, and she prayed he would retain that kindness long into his adult years.

Her mind wandered to a cherished memory—the night Arthur had kissed her. The warmth of his touch, the tenderness in his eyes. Kate was lost in her emotions as she sang Jack to sleep, and Arthur’s presence was like warm sunshine after rain. Shrouding her in comfort and protection amidst the storming clouds of her loss. She began to notice that Arthur always brought out a tender side in her, one she had long thought vanished with the woes of her past.

A soft chuckle escaped Kate's lips at Jack's earnestness, her affection for him overflowing. "Arthur is lucky to have you, Jack," she murmured, her voice filled with admiration.

With a quiet hum, Kate's fingers began to dance across the guitar strings, weaving a melody that echoed through the tranquil night air. Each note resonated with the quiet beauty of their makeshift home in Clemens Point, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of their nomadic existence. As she sang, the words flowed effortlessly from her lips, a heartfelt lullaby born from the depths of her soul.

I don't know what steps to take, I do the easy ones until it helps.

Little acts of conversation, I don’t think I really like myself.

Am I comfortable in this silence, or is it eating me alive?

Nothin’s ever really quiet when you need distraction to survive.

It’s part of me, wouldn’t you believe it’s nothing?

I’m already going under, nothing I can do but sit and wait.

Are you really having fun, or do you like becoming what you hate?

Am I comfortable in this silence, or am I waiting till it ends?

You were just too stubborn to pretend.

It’s all you need, to keep the rain from coming.

I’m good at letting you go, I’m good at letting it get to me.

I’m good at letting you go. No, you were never the enemy.

Kate's fingers danced over the guitar strings, the soft melody lingering in the air even after she had stopped playing. Her eyes were fixed on the tender sight before her: Arthur and Jack, their bond unbreakable in the way Arthur's arm had moved to enveloped the small boy, a gesture of pure love and affection. Defying the trials of his torment.

A heavy sorrow settled over Kate, like a thick fog descending upon her weary soul. The burden of her exhaustion pressed down on her being. Her eyes felt raw and heavy, strained by the lack of rest. It was a relentless force that threatened to overwhelm her at any moment. In the quiet of the tent, emotions swirled within her, a tempest of longing and love that stirred her heart. She fought the urge to surrender her resolve.

Kate watched Arthur and Jack, a lump forming in her throat as she struggled to contain the torrent of emotions threatening to spill forth. It wasn't just concern for Arthur's well-being that kept her rooted to his side, but a deep-seated devotion that bound her to him in ways she couldn't fully comprehend.

As she looked upon Arthur's sleeping form, a pang of fear gripped her heart. The shadows of her past loomed large in her mind, casting a dark shadow over her hopes for the future. Like some divine conspiracy was once again taking a man of her heart from her grasp. But she had vowed to do better, to not let Arthur meet the same fate.

Though exhaustion threatened to drag her into the depths of sleep, Kate remained vigilant, her eyes fixed on Arthur's face, her heart remaining unshaken to see him through the storm.

As her emotions threatened to spill from her tired eyes, she sighed and put the guitar down. In a moment of spontaneity, she reached for Arthur’s journal. Flipping to a blank page, she grasped his worn dull pencil and spewed her plaguing thoughts onto its pages:

Dearest Arthur,

As I write these words by the light of the moon Jack has curled up by your side, sleeping peacefully. He insisted that I must sing to you, to chase away those bad men that haunt your dreams. How could I refuse? His heart is as vast as the sky above, and he holds you in the highest regard. Oh Arthur, one of life’s greatest tragedies, is that you will always be loved more than you’ll ever know.

In these quiet moments, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life. I've come to understand the depth of my feelings for you. They have come on gradually from the day we first met and I have been ever so sweet on you since.

Arthur, there are no words sufficient to convey what you mean to me. And yet, some part of me fears that you will never hear these words from my lips, so I commit them to these pages in the hopes that they'll reach you when you return to this journal.

I yearn to live an honest life, and never be cruel. A quiet life, where I can be good to you. A life filled with family and friends, where we soar like birds in the endless sky. But I fear we may never change, that we may never learn from our past.

In my fleeting moments of slumber, I dream of a wooden house. Filled with our laughter and love. Where we can sit upon a porch swing, admiring the sunset. As we whisper to each other and say, “it was hard, but we made it.”

As challenging as it has been, to sit by your side in these dark times. My heart aches to see you back in the saddle, riding free across the open plains. To witness once again the spark in your eyes and the warmth of your smile, the very essence of the man I hold so dear.

You are a beautiful soul, Arthur Morgan, and I am blessed beyond measure to have crossed your path. If you'll have me, I will give you the beautiful life you deserve.

With all my love, Kate

p.s. On my honor, your words contained within have not graced my eyes. They belong to you, and to you alone.

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━

With a weary sigh, Kate closed the heavy leather journal, the weight of its contents lingering in her thoughts. As she rose from her seat, she stretched her arms wide, her tired muscles protesting the day's strain. "C'mere, little love bug," she whispered softly, lifting Jack's sleeping form and cradling him in her arms.

Like a mouse with gentle steps, she navigated through the camp, the darkness enveloping her like a comforting shroud. Intending to settle Jack into his own bed. She returned to Arthur's tent, only to find Hosea occupying her usual spot.

"Evening, Hosea," Kate greeted, her voice soft with fatigue, though her smile held a flicker of warmth.

Hosea nodded in response, his gaze distant, lost in the recesses of his thoughts. "A fine evening it is," he murmured quietly, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Leaning against the post of Arthur's tent, Kate studied Hosea's weary demeanor, a pang of concern tugging at her heart. "Something troubling you?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine curiosity despite her exhaustion.

“I can't shake this feeling that I should have done things differently,” Hosea confessed, his voice tinged with regret. “I raised him to be the way that he is. I’ve come to realize that my teachings were a death sentence.”

Kate took a moment to absorb Hosea's words before responding. “Hosea,” she began softly, “you've been a father to Arthur in ways that go beyond his actions. You gave him guidance when he needed it, and stood by his side. You gave him a home and the tools to navigate an unforgiving world.”

Hosea let out a rueful chuckle, tinged with bitterness. “Taught him how to kill and steal, and look where that got him.” He gestured to Arthur’s sleeping form.

“Arthur was taken by Colm,” Kate gently reminded him, “protecting what he holds dear. Because he was taught to fight for his family.”

With a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of years, Hosea leaned back into the chair, his eyes fixed on his son's still form. The lines etched on his weathered face told stories of countless battles fought, both on the frontier and within himself. After a moment of silence that hung heavy in the air, he spoke up again, his voice tinged with a vulnerability that seldom surfaced.

“Do you mind if I stay with him tonight?” His request was simple, yet carried a profound sincerity that resonated with Kate.

She smiled softly, a tender expression that spoke volumes of her trust and respect for the older man. She would have hesitated to leave Arthur with anyone else, but she knew he was in loving hands with Hosea by his side. With a nod of understanding, she gathered her belongings, preparing to take her leave. But before she could step away, Hosea called out to her once more.

“By the way,” his voice carried across the dimly lit tent, “Abigail is looking for you. I believe she’s over by the chuck wagon.”

As she stepped out into the cool night air, the stars above seemed to twinkle with secrets, whispering tales of uncertainty. What could Abigail possibly need her for at this hour? Perhaps she doesn’t want Jack to be around Arthur too much, or maybe she wants Jack to visit him more to give herself a break. With each step Kate felt the world bearing down on her shoulders, her muscles aching with the weight of her own body. As much as she loved the little filly, she was growing increasingly more drained with each encounter. Kate's heart ached with the weight of her responsibilities, the constant juggling act of tending to Arthur's needs while fulfilling the demands of their community.

As she neared the back of the chuck wagon, the soft murmur of familiar voices reached her ears, weaving a tapestry of comfort and familiarity. With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, she rounded the corner, her eyes alighting on the gathered group before her.

"What's all this?" Kate exclaimed breathlessly, her eyes widening in astonishment. There, amidst the soft glow of lanterns and the gentle summer breeze, stood Abigail, flanked by Sadie, Mary-Beth, Tilly, and even Karen, gathered together in a tight-knit circle. They had fashioned a cozy enclave behind the bustling chuck wagon, cocooned by canvas blankets that offered a sense of sanctuary from the outside world. The space was dimly lit by flickering candles and oil lamps, casting warm shadows that danced across the makeshift walls.

In the center of the little haven sat a large wooden wash barrel, steam rising from its depths like wisps of magic. Nearby, a small table was adorned with a bounty of provisions: fresh fruit, savory meats, and an assortment of cheeses, a feast fit for royalty.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Kate felt her eyes welling with tears, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I... I don’t—" she stammered, unable to find the words to express her emotions.

Abigail approached her with a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering with warmth and compassion. Taking Kate's trembling hands in hers, she guided her into the cozy sanctuary. "You've been working so hard, Kate," she murmured softly, her voice like a soothing lullaby. "We thought you deserved a proper rest."

As Kate stepped inside, she was enveloped in a hug by Mary-Beth, who stood by her side with a reassuring presence. "We turned the storage wagon into a room for you," Mary-Beth whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. "You can use it for as long as you need."

With a heartfelt smile, Kate allowed herself to be led into the haven of peace and comfort. The weight of the week’s burdens seemed to lift from her shoulders as she stepped into the warm embrace of the steaming bath. Had it not been for the supportive presence of the girls, she feared she might have collapsed to her knees from the overwhelming gesture of kindness.

With tender care, they helped her undress, their movements gentle yet purposeful. They said nothing about her scars, silently embracing every aspect of her being with no questions asked.

Mary-Beth meticulously washed away the grime of the day from her arms and body, while Tilly worked her nimble fingers through the tangled knots of her hair. Karen, ever the nurturing soul, offered her bits of succulent fruit and creamy cheese, providing nourishment for both body and soul. Meanwhile, Sadie tended to the bath, ensuring that the water remained at the perfect temperature, adding more as it threatened to spill over the sides. Eventually bringing her a fresh clean pair of clothing to change into.

By her side, Abigail sat with a comforting presence, her skilled hands kneading away the tension from Kate's shoulders and palms. The warmth of their collective care enveloped Kate, soothing her weary soul in ways she had never imagined.

As she surrendered to the comforting embrace of the bath and the love of her companions, Kate felt a swell of emotion rising within her. Overwhelmed by a mixture of love and exhaustion, she could no longer contain the flood of tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. Hot droplets mingled with the bathwater, forming a poignant symphony of release. Her sniffling hiccups echoing into the night.

They held her close, offering silent comfort and understanding as she allowed herself to be vulnerable in their presence. Their actions showed no judgment for the state she was in.

Abigail tenderly tucked Kate's head against her chest, her fingers tracing soothing circles on her cheek as if she were comforting a crying child. "It's okay, Kate. We're all here for you," she whispered softly, the warmth of her embrace a comforting balm to her shattered spirit.

Kate sniffled, her voice quivering with emotion as she struggled to articulate her overwhelming grief. "Christ," she choked out between sobs, "I've barely graced his life. I just–I can't–I thought I had more time with him." Her heartache was palpable, the ache of longing for the man she had grown to cherish threatening to consume her.

Karen's voice broke through the heavy tension, her words carrying a mixture of tenderness and determination. "Arthur won't go down without a fight, sweetpea," she reassured Kate, "but you need to look out for yourself too."

From behind her, Tilly's gentle voice joined the chorus of support, her hands working magic as she massaged Kate's scalp with a tender touch. "You can't take on all these burdens by yourself, Kate," she urged softly.

Abigail echoed their sentiments, her voice filled with unwavering solidarity. "Anything you need, you've got us girls. Just say the word, and we'll be there," she promised.

As Kate nodded in silent acknowledgment, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within her soul, painting the canvas of her heart with hues of gratitude and awe. In that moment, she realized she was not just an individual navigating the tumultuous seas of life, but a cherished member of a sisterhood, bound together by threads of resilience and unwavering love.

Each tear that traced its path down her cheek was a testament to the profound impact these women had made on her life, transforming her solitary journey into a tapestry of shared experiences and dreams. With them, she found solace in the embrace of kindred spirits, a sanctuary where her fears were met with understanding and her joys amplified by celebration. They were the pillars of strength that held her aloft, the guiding stars that illuminated her path through the darkest of nights. And in their warm embrace, Kate discovered a sense of belonging, a home within the hearts of her newfound sisters, where she was cherished, accepted, and loved.

Kate had found family once again, and they had become her fortress.

As Kate whispered amidst the tide of tears, her voice trembled like the flickering candlelight around them. Each word carried the weight of a soul laid bare, grappling with emotions too vast to contain. "Thank you," she confessed softly, her words barely audible above the rustle of water and fabric, "I don't know how to say it. Arthur he– I just... I..." Her voice trailed off into the night, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts as exhaustion cloaked her in its tender embrace. With each passing moment, she felt herself surrendering to the warmth of their love and care, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of her mind.

Mary-Beth's voice, filled with gentle understanding, saw the depth of her heart. "You love him, Kate," she murmured, her words laden with shared experiences and whispered confidences. Kate's nod was accompanied by a choked sob, her cheeks flushed with the heat of her emotions. Once more, the girls gathered around her, their arms forming a protective cocoon against the harsh realities of their existence.

"But what kind of woman loves a man she barely knows? I may never know if he even feels the same," Kate lamented, tinged with doubt and longing.

In that moment, the air seemed to shimmer with unspoken truths as the girls exchanged knowing glances. They had witnessed the subtle nuances of Arthur's heart, the tender gestures and lingering gazes that spoke volumes of his affection for Kate. Though shrouded in the shadows of their unfavorable situation, his feelings were as undeniable as the stars that adorned the night sky. All he needed was time, and perhaps a gentle nudge, to unveil the depths of his love for the woman who had captured his heart.

Tilly's soft giggle cut through the heavy air, a beacon of light in the midst of Kate's swirling doubts. "You and Arthur, my oh my. You two are like a match made in heaven," she chimed, her voice dancing with warmth. Drawn from her reverie, she could hear the smile in Tilly's words.

"Really?" Kate's voice trembled with uncertainty, her heart hanging on the edge of Tilly's response. The other girls exchanged cheeky grins, their eyes sparkling with mischief as if they were engaged in the usual camp gossip that takes place during their shared chores.

"If I were none the wiser I’d say your souls were meant to find each other," Karen interjected, her fingers delicately plucking a piece of fruit from the tray Kate had abandoned.

Abigail, ever the beacon of reassurance, enveloped Kate's shoulders in a comforting embrace. "Love waits for no one, Kate. It has no rhyme or reason, it comes when it comes," she whispered.

As Kate nodded, her vision blurred by tears she couldn't contain, Sadie's strong hands enveloped hers with a tenderness that belied her fierce exterior. Kneeling before her with unwavering sincerity, Sadie met Kate's gaze with an unspoken understanding born of shared loss and unwavering resilience.

"I understand what it's like to lose a husband, Kate," she began softly, her words drawing from the depths of sorrow. "That fear of losing someone you love, it can weigh heavy on your heart for a long time." A silent understanding passing between them. "But you can't let that fear chain you down," she continued, her tone urging Kate to consider her own well-being. "You've got to rise above the waves, put yourself first to stay afloat. Or else you’ll drown in that fear."

As Kate felt the weight of Sadie's words sink in, she was overcome with a sense of gratitude for the support surrounding her. Abigail stepped forward, eyes brimming with admiration. "You're the strongest woman we know, Kate," she said with a warm smile. "But even the strongest need time to rest."

With gentle hands and loving care, the girls helped Kate dress in fresh clothes, their actions speaking volumes. As she settled into the cozy embrace of the transformed wagon, now a sanctuary of comfort, Kate felt a wave of tranquility wash over her.

With a whispered "thank you" to her companions, Kate allowed herself to surrender to the embrace of sleep. In the warmth of their support and the quiet comfort of the unlikely bedroom, she found peace, knowing that she was not alone in her journey. And as she drifted into slumber, she silently hoped that Arthur also felt the love and support of his makeshift family.

━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━

Kate slept through two moons, rising with the dawn of the third day. She felt like a new woman, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The girl's kind gesture had filled her with an undeniable surge of gratitude and strength. She knew Arthur was in good hands, and together, they would see him through his recovery.

Rising from her cozy makeshift bedroom in the back of the storage wagon, Kate stretched her limbs with a satisfied groan, feeling every muscle come alive. She stepped out into the fresh morning air, the camp bustling with the start of a new day. The sun cast a golden hue over Clemens Point, and the familiar sounds of morning chatter and clinking pots filled the air.

Making her way to the chuck wagon, she was greeted warmly by Mr. Pearson, who looked up from his preparations and smiled. "Well, look who's finally up and about! You look refreshed, Kate. Like your usual self."

Kate returned the smile, her heart lightened by his words. "Thanks, Pearson. I feel much better."

Pearson wiped his hands on a rag and approached her. "I was thinking of heading into Rhodes later to get some ingredients for a soup. It would be easier on Arthur’s stomach and help him keep down food so he can recover his strength."

Kate nodded appreciatively, touched by his thoughtfulness. "That's a great idea. Thank you. It's good to know everyone cares about his well-being."

As she savored a hearty breakfast, Kate realized it wasn't just the girls who were looking out for Arthur. The entire camp shared the burden of his recovery. Pearson's gesture struck a chord in her, reminding her of the importance of community and the support that surrounded them.

With newfound energy, she decided to make some house calls to the other members, expressing her gratitude and checking in on their needs. She was determined to give back to those who had shown her such kindness.

While the women normally took care of the chores, Kate knew the rest of the gang had stepped up in Arthur’s absence. She finished her meal with a sense of purpose, ready to contribute in any way she could. Rising from her seat at the table, she made her way to greet her mare, Lorena. She had been neglecting her faithful companion, only tending to her in fleeting moments when she could steal away from her duties.

As she neared the hitching station, a tender sight met her eyes. Lorena’s familiar black coat lay next to another horse, Belle, whose brilliant white contrasted sharply with Lorena's midnight sheen. The two horses were comfortably sprawled in the grass together, nuzzling their heads in a display of equine affection. The scene warmed Kate’s heart, momentarily lifting the weight of her worries.

Approaching them, she was suddenly interrupted by a wavering voice calling from beyond the treeline. "I-I wouldn’t get too close to them!" A moment later, Kieran stepped into view, visibly relaxing when he saw her. "Oh, it’s just you."

Kate smiled warmly, appreciating the sight of the skittish young man. "Morning, Kieran," she greeted. Raising a curious eyebrow, she asked, "Is something the matter with them?" referring to his earlier warning.

"N-no! Nothin’s wrong," Kieran stammered, scratching his neck nervously. "It’s just, um—your mare, Lorena. She don’t really like when anyone gets too close to Belle," he explained, his voice trailing off. "She’s become real protective of her since, um, you know." Kieran looked away, a guilty expression crossing his face.

Kate’s eyes softened as she regarded the two horses. Lorena’s protectiveness over Belle mirrored her own feelings toward Arthur.

Kate recalled how Kieran had come to join the gang, once a reluctant member of Colm’s crew. His past affiliation with the O'Driscolls had initially cast a shadow of doubt over him, but over time, he had proved himself loyal and trustworthy. Nodding in understanding, she approached the horses cautiously. Lorena, recognizing her rider, whinnied in excitement, while Belle's ears perked up with curiosity.

“I’ve missed you girls,” Kate cooed, bending down to scratch their snouts affectionately. As she ran her hands over Belle, she noticed the horse's wounds had been carefully stitched and tended to. “You did this?” she asked, turning to look at Kieran, who stood awkwardly nearby.

He nodded, shuffling his feet. “I did the best I could. She’s still a little skittish about getting the saddle on, but she should recover fine.”

Kate beamed at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. Arthur would be immensely thankful for Kieran’s care, she was sure of it. “Thank you, Kieran. Really, you’ve been a huge help. I don’t know how I can repay your kindness.”

Kieran shrugged modestly, brushing off her gratitude as a faint blush colored his cheeks. “No need for that, Kate. Just glad I could do something useful.”

“I’m serious, I would be lost without my girl. Arthur too. I’m really grateful for your help.” Kate urged.

A wide smile tugged at Kieran's lips as he looked down bashfully. "Oh, s’nothing. I just really love horses. I’d do it for any of ’em," he said, gesturing to where the other horses were idly grazing.

Feeling a new sense of confidence, he joined Kate on the grass, running his hand along Lorena’s strong neck. "You know, I tried singing to her."

Kate chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How’d that go?" she asked, her grin cheeky.

Kieran raised his brows in amusement. "Oh, she loved it so much she nearly bit my ear off!" He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. Kate couldn't help but join him, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of the trees.

As their laughter subsided, Kate found herself reflecting on Kieran's presence in the camp. She had never had much of an opportunity to get to know him, but she was finding him to be quite pleasant. A pang of guilt struck her heart as she recalled how some of the other members, especially the guys, had treated him with suspicion and disdain.

"I took the hint after that," Kieran added, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Kate's smile softened. "Well, sounds like you've done a great job with them, Kieran. They look happy and healthy. Arthur’s gonna be real happy when he sees how well you’ve taken care of Belle."

Kieran's eyes lit up at her praise. "Thanks, Kate. That means a lot. I just want to be useful, y’know?"

Kate nodded, understanding all too well the desire to prove oneself. "You are useful, Kieran. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We all have our roles to play, and you’ve found yours."

A moment of comfortable silence passed between them as they groomed the horses. The simple act of brushing the horses' coats brought a sense of normalcy and peace to Kate's heart. The rhythmic motions, the gentle rustling of the leaves, and the occasional snort from Lorena and Belle created a tranquil atmosphere.

Kieran suddenly faced her with a hesitant expression. “Kate, I-I’m sorry for what happened to Arthur,” he squeaked, his voice shaky despite his earnest apology.

Kate’s expression softened as she looked at him. “S’not your fault, Kieran. You got nothing to apologize for.”

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know, s’just… Colm, he’s a nasty man. Scares the piss outta me for sure. I’m terrified he’s gonna find me one day, and Arthur he’s—” Kieran hesitated, searching for the right words. “He’s lucky to be alive. I’m honestly shocked Colm let him live.”

The gravity of his words sank into Kate, a cold shiver running down her spine. She had never met Colm, but after what he did to Arthur, their feud had become personal to her as well. They had tried to take someone from her, and she had vowed long ago to never let anyone make her feel so powerless again.

“I’m sure Colm will get what's coming to him,” she said gravely, her gaze distant and hard.

Kieran scoffed, shaking his head. “That man is like a cockroach. Every time you think he’s dead, he ain’t. And somehow he always comes back with more men. And he will come back.”

A heavy silence enveloped them, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the breathy whine of the horses. Kieran kept his focus trained on the horses, his hands moving methodically through their manes. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone serious and low. “Colm don’t care what Arthur means to you, Kate. If you were wise, you’d keep your head down and out of the crossfire. 'Cause he’ll kill you too and won’t think twice about it.”

Kate swallowed hard, the weight of his warning pressing on her. She understood the danger, but the thought of hiding away while others fought for their lives felt unbearable. Micah’s words hung heavy in her heart ‘Arthur will do whatever Dutch asks of him’. As much as she despised the greasy blue-eyed snake, she couldn’t help but feel his words held some truth. She glanced at Kieran, his face etched with genuine concern, and gave a resolute nod.

“I hear you, Kieran,” she said softly.

Kate bid Kieran farewell with a gentle smile and a grateful nod. She watched him for a moment as he continued to tend to the horses, his quiet dedication a testament to his loyalty. With a sigh, she turned and made her way across the camp towards Dutch’s tent. Each step felt heavy, laden with the weight of the confrontation she knew was coming.

Dutch's tent stood at the heart of the camp, its presence grand and imposing. As she approached, she felt a mixture of determination and apprehension. Dutch had always been a commanding figure, his charisma and vision drawing people to him like moths to a flame. But beneath his charm, Kate sensed a deep responsibility that he sometimes seemed to neglect. She felt that Dutch bore some responsibility for Arthur’s condition, and he had not even so much as glanced in his direction nor asked about his recovery. It made Kate’s blood boil, the facade of brotherhood and family that he so often preached about. But was never a man of his words.

She stopped outside the entrance, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The flap of the tent was slightly ajar, and she could hear Dutch inside, muttering to himself as he pored over maps and plans. Steeling her nerves, Kate stepped inside. Slightly surprised to see he was sitting alone, Molly must be occupied elsewhere.

“Dutch,” she called softly, her voice firm but respectful.

Dutch looked up, surprise flickering across his features before he masked it with a charming smile. “Kate, my dear. What brings you here?”

She met his gaze steadily, refusing to be swayed by his easy charm. “I need to talk to you about Arthur.” As frustrated as she was, she dared not to challenge his command.

Dutch’s expression shifted slightly, the charm dimming as he registered the seriousness in her voice. “Arthur? Worry not. I’ve already got a plan to get back at Colm. We’ll show the O’Driscoll’s who’s in charge ‘round here.”

Kate shook her head, frustration bubbling beneath her calm exterior. “You know that’s not what I mean Dutch. He needs to see you, now.” Her words came out with a sharp bite.

Dutch leaned back in his chair, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. “Kate, you have to understand. Everything I do, I do for the gang. Arthur knows that. He understands the bigger picture.”

Her patience waning, Kate took a step closer, her eyes flashing with determination. “I don’t care about the bigger picture. Arthur is fighting for his life. He needs you by his side. Not plans, not strategies. He needs you.” Kate emphasized her words, straining to get her point across without insulting him.

A heavy silence filled the tent as Dutch stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He looked away, his jaw clenching and unclenching as he struggled to maintain his composure.

“Kate, you have to trust that I’m doing what’s best for all of us,” he said, his voice softer but still laced with stubbornness. “I had a plan to get Arthur back–”

“Enough about the plans!” Kate shouted, her voice echoing through the tent. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Dutch's eyes widened in surprise, but his hard gaze never left hers. At that moment, Kate realized it wasn’t about the money, nor the family Dutch claimed to have created. It was about control.

Dutch always had to be the one in control, dishing out orders, calling all the shots. Kate knew, deep down, there was a part of Dutch that truly cared for Arthur. But his disappearance meant little to nothing to him; he had bigger plans, different goals on his agenda. Now that Arthur was back, Dutch seemed confident he had regained his throne, as if Arthur's torture were nothing but a minor setback in his grand scheme.

The realization made Kate seethe. Dutch treated Arthur like a soldier, cannon fodder in his relentless pursuit of power and influence. His indifference to Arthur’s suffering was a betrayal of the brotherhood he so often preached about.

“Don’t you get it?” Kate's voice was raw with emotion. “You talk about family and loyalty, but where is that now? You say you make all these grand sacrifices for the gang, but where is your sympathy for the sacrifice Arthur made?” Her voice boomed, and though she knew she was losing composure, she couldn't hold back.

Dutch's eyes softened slightly, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Kate, it was a miscalculation. I had no idea that—”

Kate cut him off, stepping closer with an accusatory finger, like a mother scolding a child. “You should count yourself lucky it didn’t cost him his life. He may never use his arm again, did you know that? His ankle was nearly shattered. It’ll be a miracle if he can even ride.”

Her worries and fears bubbled to the surface, and she poured every ounce of frustration onto Dutch, heedless of the consequences. “He ain’t gonna be the same, Dutch. And I’m real worried because you haven't shown a care in the world. Like he’s just some retired workhorse.”

Dutch's gaze hardened again, but he rose from his seat, his posture stiff. “No, no, of course not,” he murmured, shaking his head. “Arthur is... Arthur is more than that.”

Kate's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued, her voice softening but losing none of its intensity. “Arthur thinks highly of you, Dutch. He looks up to you, always has. And now he needs you more than ever. He’s lying in that bed, fighting for his life, and he needs to know you’re there for him.”

Dutch swallowed thickly, his expression grave as he nodded silently. “Alright, I'll go to him,” he said, his voice carrying a weight of solemn determination. With a final, meaningful glance at Kate, he bid her farewell, his footsteps heavy as he left the tent.

As Dutch's departure left Kate alone with her frustrations, she couldn't help but feel a weight being lifted from her shoulders. Though uncertainty lingered, she found solace in the knowledge that her words had struck a chord with Dutch. For the first time, she dared to hope that perhaps things could change between them. That Arthur can be the kind of man he wanted to be, despite the changes in himself that lie ahead.

~~~

A/N: My lord, I wrote way too much. That last section with Kieran and Dutch was added last minute because I forgot about the horses and then that reminded me of Dutch and I was like AHH! So much tooth rotting fluff coming up next. Also lots of healing and tender moments. Things between Kate and Arthur are finally beginning to pick up pace. I’m sorry for making y’all wait so long…sometimes I have to remind myself this is a slow burn.

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elliesmainhoe · 2 years

Text

Ellie Williams Headcanons: HouseWife!Reader

My Masterlist

Ellie loved providing for you.

She took on all these gnarly tasks, patrols, dealing with trespassers and infected, do people always traded her the best of the best.

She loved coming home to you after a long day of patrol.

Loved seeing you sway to the radio in the pastel pink apron she'd found for you, humming along with the tune while you stirred your pot of stew that sat idly on the stove.

Enjoyed how pretty you were, loved looking at your pristine clothes, perfectly done up hair and simple makeup.

You were her certified arm candy. Ellie, always wearing dirty jeans an old ripped top and muck on her face she hadn't washed off yet, with you on her arm.

It's so funny to look at lmao

Tries to make you smoke a joint with her one night. You practically coughed your lungs up, did not go well.

She loves having baths with you. You often suprise her with a tub of foamy water, rose petals floating in the water and lit scented candles scattered around.

"Ellie!! Your home!!!" You squealed happily, rushing over and flinging yourself into her arms, throwing her a bit off balance before she could even close the front door.

"Yeah hi baby" she spoke, trying to steady herself and leaning down to press a brief kiss on your forehead.

"Come, come. I have a suprise for you~~~" you hummed happily tugging her along hand in hand up the carpeted stairs.

The bathroom door was still ajar, steam flooding out onto the landing. Her tight muscles relaxed immediately as the wave of warm air pushed against her rigid body.

"Ugh your such a sweetheart" she cooed, a stupid smile on her face.

"Mhm, I know", you giggle back at her and start stripping of the small floral patterned skirt that hung prettily against your frame and getting into the hot soapy water.

Your favourite thing is baking. You trade small baked confectioneries and pastries at your own stall. You loved making requests from children.

Dinosaur cookie?done. Astronaut themed cupcake? Absolutely.

You help at around the day care and elementary school, painting and reading with the toddlers.

You loved kids, and you really wanted your own. But due to yours and Ellie's situation you couldn't physically reproduce.

And that's why, the day that Ellie found an abandoned infant outside Jackson's walls while on patrol, you immediately took him under your wing.

When that little boy came into your life you whole perspective of the world changed.

The world was dangerous, Ellie would have to teach him to protect himself.

And you? You would have to be a mother. So many children grew up unnurtured and without maternal love. You could let that happen to your baby boy.

--------

Inspired by the one and only @elskittie ❤️

And omg thank you so much for 200 followers. I started this blog five days ago. That is seriously insane. I love you guys so much 😭😭

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mudandmire · 4 months

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Changes

Azris Week - Day 6: Changes

~~~ Little heavy for @azrisweek day 6, but I've had this scene in my head for days now and wanted to do it justice. I hope I did! Thank you all for reading, hope you enjoy!! :D ~~~

Fixing it

The salve Azriel uses for his hands now has to be restocked in the washroom cabinet every week. A supply that once lasted him two, sometimes three weeks, is running out faster than before.

Azriel will never complain—never whine or groan about how quickly he runs out of salve. Because all of it is going to Eris, and there is not a more worthy cause to use up all the burn salve in the world than him.

Sunlight slants through the window, golden and liquid where it pools on the wood floor and in the wash basin. Azriel brushes his hand on Eris’s right shoulder, gentle and searching, down to his arm. Eris startles slightly—he always does these days, but Azriel knows not to take it personally.

“Mina’s down for her nap,” he says softly, his other arm wrapping around his waist, “we should change your bandages, sweetheart.”

Azriel knows a time when Eris would have turned to him, a smirk tugging at his pink lips that Azriel would kiss at just to make them bloom into a smile.

He now knows a time when Mina isn’t crying, or fussing, or sick, Eris is quiet. Pensive. He leans more to his right, turns to his right, his right hand following Azriel whenever he falls to his left side.

He presses gentle kisses to fabric on his shoulder, waits patiently for Eris to say something. Or nothing, they’ve cultivated a comforting silence like their own secret garden over the years—it’s come in handy. This is one of those times.

“Are her wings doing better today?” Eris’s voice is quiet, raspy from how little he talks.

Azriel’s eyes fall shut, melting into the line of Eris, chest to back, pulse to pulse. He’s near dead on his feet with exhaustion. Taking care of an infant, an Illyrian infant when neither of them had very good childhoods was certainly a learning curve. Unfortunately for both of them; the curve seemed to be carving out most—if not all—of their sleep.

“They are, yeah. A little sore by the tendons, but Mumiah took a look today and said it’s most likely growing pains.” He mumbles into the warm skin of his neck, eyes still closed.

“That’s good.” Eris whispers. His own hands, spurred on my the littlest of good news, the best news when it comes to them, find Azriel’s and lock around them.

“C’mon,” Azriel says, stepping away from the heat of his body and leading him to the washroom, “we need to change the bandages before she wakes up.”

“We don’t need to do anything, Azriel.”

Azriel pauses in the doorway of the washroom, spinning on his heel and fixing Eris with the sternest look he can possibly conjure when he’s one second away from either bursting into tears, falling asleep, or kissing Eris so hard both of them forget the past month. Past year, past whole of their lives. Until they’re nothing but warmth and starlight and forever.

“I’m saying this once: It’s not a chore, Eris. You changed my bandages for months, was it ever an obligation for you?”

“Azriel—no, that’s not what I meant.”

“Sweetheart,” his fingers ghost along the cotton gauze of the edge of the bandage. “I know what this is like, intimately. I know what you’re thinking so I need you to understand this isn’t a chore, or a job, or whatever else you think it is. I do this because I want to, because I love you, because I want to do everything with you.” He holds Eris by his chin, waiting for the love his life to meet his gaze.

Eris swallows hard, a glossy sheen over his eyes. “I love you.” He whispers back.

He pecks his lips gently, “love you, besheirt. Will you let me change your bandages, now?”

“If you must.” He grumbles, arms crossed defensively over his chest.

Azriel brings him further into the washroom, settling him at the counter near the basin. “I must.”

He runs his hand under the water, Eris handing him the little bar of soap. “Is the new milk working better for her?”

Azriel shrugs, patting his palms dry with the towel. “Depends—I think we can do as much as we can, but as long as she doesn’t have a mother…” A pinch appears between his brows, and he shakes his head.

“It kills me we can’t be what she needs.” Eris whispers, softer than intended.

Azriel watches him carefully, paying close attention to the bandaged left side of his face and neck, down to his shoulder. The same sentiment had been running through his head, too. How no matter how gentle and loving, no matter how they gave her a soft bed with all the furs and blankets she could want or sourced different milks from all over Prythian—they couldn’t be what she most needed, at this stage.

“We’ll get there.” He’s reassuring both of them, but it comes out uncertain.

“I want to be good enough, Azriel. I need to be good enough for her.”

Azriel nearly breaks his concentration from where he’s cautiously peeling away the bandage from Eris’s skin. He knows it’s painful, knows how many nerves are sparking and screaming. But Eris bears through it, nothing but the tight clench of his jaw and his hands curled into fists on his lap revealing otherwise.

“You are good enough, Eris.”

“No, I’m not, I’m—” he cuts off, one hand gesturing widely to his face, the piece of mangled, scarred skin revealed by the peeled off bandage.

Azriel bites down hard on his lip. No, this past month and a half hasn’t been easy. But one of the hardest things has to have been watching Eris—lit up from the inside with his copper hair and his trickster grin and that caring, daring heart—fall into a shell. A safe cocoon of vacancy and indifference.

It kills him, that he can’t be what either of them needs. Can’t stretch himself far enough, can’t give parts of himself away like bandages or the right milk to fix whatever’s broken. He can stitch by hand, mend by touch; but give nothing of what the two loves of his life actually need.

He swallows past the knot in his throat, letting it bob along the rising tide of despair that swells till it reaches the back of his tongue.

Azriel lets the silence be for now as he works away the rest of the bandage around Eris’s left ear, the one that stretches down to his neck. Soft apologies slip from his lips with every hidden wince, every caught whimper that Eris keeps behind his teeth.

When it comes away, fully, Azriel discards it and looks at him. There used to be a time where Eris relished being the center of Azriel’s unwavering attention—the star that kept his gaze. It’s just another thing Azriel has had to adjust to: like touching Eris on his right shoulder before greeting him, changing his bandages at odd hours when Mina finally cries herself to sleep, and keeping his gaze light. Easy. Not a search light or heavy, shared secret—but simple.

Azriel does so what is silently asked of him when Eris curls in on himself. His eyes skate around the ridges of his scars, the angry, raw sheen of it and the tight, whitened edges.

“It’s healing at the ends, so that’s good.” He says quietly, a damp, soaped cloth in his hand he begins to blot gently over the burn.

“Mm.” Is all he says, amber eyes cast down to where his fingernails pick at his cuticles until small drops of blood bead.

Azriel cups his fingers in his. “It is good. It means this isn’t forever.” His voice is stronger, head ducking down to meet Eris’s gaze. “And,” he starts, “even if it was—this doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, Eris.”

“Then what does it mean, Azriel. Because from where I’m standing—sitting—it means I completely failed.”

“Gach’lilit, failed what? The only one who’s a culprit here is ten feet underground in a pile of ash. Your father is the one who failed you, failed your family but most of all you.”

“How am I supposed to—” his voice breaks, “how am I supposed to care for her, raise her and love her when I struggle to do that for myself most days? Azriel, this isn’t—”

“That’s why I’m here. That’s why you’re here. So when we fall short—because stars, Eris, we will constantly fall short—we have one another to pick up the slack. To pick each other up, dust us off, and send us on our way with a kiss.”

He laughs wetly. “Where did you learn all this wisdom, my love?”

“Zebedee.” He says simply. “He wasn’t my father, not by blood, but he was the father I needed.”

Eris nods with quiet contemplation. “And we’ll be the fathers Mina needs. Not ‘cause we’re blood, but because she’s ours—and we’re hers.”

“Exactly, gach’lilit.” He’s patting the burn salve on gently against the burn, his touch so light, it would be a whisper.

Eris’s hands circle his wrists when he pulls away. “I never meant to insinuate scars mean you’re unworthy, my love. I’m sorry.” He brings them up to his lips, pressing gentle, open mouthed kisses to each place he knows twinges with a dull ache now and then. The palm of his hands, the knobby knuckles of his fingers, the sensitive skin on the inside of his wrists.

Azriel sighs softly, wings shuddering, letting Eris’s lips take the path they want and basking in the warmth they emanate.

“Do you remember,” he says, and Eris glances up through the fan of his copper eyelashes, “the first week or two we had Mina and how she would just cry every time I held her?”

Eris frowns, his lips turning down where they’re pressed against Azriel’s hand. He nods.

“How she cried, and wiggled, and tried to get out of my arms—but every time you held her she would settle down enough to fall asleep.” Azriel casts back his memory to those first few dark weeks—Eris having just come back from his father, scarred and shattered, now deciding to raise a little Illyrian girl with no home, no parents, no living relatives to speak of.

Azriel gives Eris a grimace. “I thought she hated my hands, the feel of them. I thought I’d never be able to hold our daughter because of these.” He gestures to them with his head, fingers twitching in Eris’s grip.

“But,” he whispers, “you told me otherwise. And you didn’t just tell me, you helped find a solution.” He wings flutter gently, rustling the still afternoon air, and Eris’s eyes dip down to his tunic.

A smile quirks his lips. “Who knew infants had such specific fashion tastes.”

“Who knew—you did.” Azriel scoffs a laugh, his head thrown back.

“Well, I didn’t know, it was a guess. I just wanted to fix it.”

“Mhm,” he hums, “so, guess what I’m doing?” He says, holding up the clean bandages with raised brows.

Eris sighs, but he’s smiling and Azriel will count it as a win. Sunshine’s come back, at least for now, and when the clouds come back—because they will—he’ll sit with him then, too.

“Fixing it?” Eris guesses for show, but his soft eyes tell Azriel the truth.

“Yep.” He says, beginning to wrap the cotton gauze around the burn, now shining with ointment. “Because that’s what we do.”

“I fix it when it turns out you need to wear softer clothes, not Illyrian leathers, when holding Mina.” Eris finishes.

“And I fix it when you need your bandages changed—or if you need to sleep on the other side of the bed to be closer to her, to hear her better.” His careful, steady hands press the edges of the bandage down, keen eyes watching Eris for any flicker of pain or discomfort.

“How’s that, too tight?”

Eris leans forward, pressing his lips to his with a sigh Azriel catches and keeps. His arms circling around to rest on Eris’s waist.

“You always do it perfect, love, you know that.”

Azriel’s features twist. “Not always, I remember the first couple times I botched it because I was used to putting bandages on me, not on someone else.”

Eris’s hands run up the length of his arms to his shoulders, hanging loosely around his neck as the tip of his nose nudges against his cheek. “Yes, but you never hurt me.”

“Mm, never.” Azriel says against his mouth. Quiet, a declaration. Not to Eris, because he knows, but after a life of abuse from someone who was supposed to have made that same promise, Azriel didn’t mind vowing it out loud now and then.

It’s easy to bask in each other—the golden sunlight filling the room, warming their sides and arms, making them glow like some ancient, lovely carving of devotion. Eris keeps their foreheads pressed together, and Azril makes sure he’s nowhere near the bandage. Their eyes have fallen closed; whether from exhaustion or contentment, neither know. It remains easy, sitting in silence like this; their cultivated garden, their familiar cluster of stars.

A sharp cry echoes from the bedroom. Loud and wailing, heavy for being the product of such little lungs.

Eris laughs, and his breath brushes against Azriel’s mouth—who can’t help but press forward slightly to kiss him. Eris slips off the counter, a light in his eyes rekindled and Azriel smiles at him warmly.

“C’mon,” Eris says, “we have a little terror to feed.”

Azriel throws his head back in a laugh. Exhausted, drained, completely and utterly dead on his feet; he’s slightly afraid that if he even sees a bed he’ll fall asleep—but there is absolutely no grander part of his life than this. Nothing more luxurious than helping Eris change his bandages. Nothing more simple, but lovely, than watching as the first love of his life coos a soft greeting, and picks up the second to cradle her small body against his chest.

Golden sunlight pools around them, stars of a different kind, and Azriel walks forward to join them.

~~///~~///~~///~~

Alright yay cool they don't make me want to bang my head against a wall at a l l. I know nothing about changing burn bandages please don't come at meeee. The editing for this is rushed because I'm trying to get it out before work lol so I'll fix mistakes when I get back.

I can't believe azris week is almost over???? That's crazy this has been so so fun I'm gonna miss it so much :((

#azris #azrisweek2024 #azrisweek24day6 #azriel x eris #let them be soft together please sjm i beg #like yeah angst and enemies and all that good stuff #but please god in the end let them be soft and in love thanks

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magnolix · 2 years

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Now and Forever | Rengoky x Fem!Yn

•┈✦ tw: pregnant!reader, fem!reader, pregnancy scare, pregnancy, children (newborn),

•┈✦ synopsis: You and rengoku met each other after you became a Hashira. One thing led to another and you two fell in love and eventually got married. Now, you're counting down the days till you deliver your child.

A few months ago, you and Rengoku decided to try for a baby. You were on your time of the month and he finally had some time to be with you. You were ecstatic to hear that it had paid off. Suddenly, you were a mother-to-be, and you couldn't be happier.

Together, the two of you made a darling little nursery for your future bundle of joy. A crib, a few decorations, some toys, and some wisteria candles and other scents to drive the demons away. You made the room ready to accommodate your child no matter the gender. A perfect blend.

Rengoku told his family right away. His brother was excited. As for his father, while no emotion was shown, Rengoku knew that he too felt some joy for his son and his daughter-in-law.

He told the Hashira second. Tengen being the first. He came over to your estate the next day with his wives and some gifts. He talked with Rengoku while Hina, Suma, and Makio all gave you advice. They all told you how to care for yourself, what to do for each trimester, and how to best keep your health in check.

The other Hashira all came on their own time to congratulate you. Sanemi struggled with it a little bit, you could tell he was worried for you. You asked him why but he didn't say. One after another you and Rengoku received gifts and other best wishes, even the master came by the personally congratulate you.

"I know you'll be wonderful parents, I just know it." He said as he set down his cup of tea. "Rengoku, I don't doubt that your child will look just like you." Kagaya's comment made the two of you laugh as you nodded. You didn't doubt it either.

By the time you had made it to your third trimester, Rengoku had put all of his Hashira duties on hold. As of now, you were his only priority. Every day he took care of your every need. He cooked for you, cleaned for you, helped you dress, wash, and even eat.

But one day, something happened. You were sitting in your bedroom, reading when suddenly you felt a sharp pain shoot through your body. You cried out for Rengoku who wasted no time taking you to the butterfly mansion. Worry filled his head as he paced outside the room you had been put in. Fifteen minutes went by, then half an hour, and then an hour, and one more until finally,

"She's going into labor."

Shinobu's voice caught him off guard as he turned around and saw the small ravenette looking at him from the doorway. She motioned for him to come inside to which he saw his wife, her face covered in sweat, her legs spread, and her body wrapped up neatly in a hospital gown. He walked to her, held her hand, and stood at her side.

Hours went by, crows were sent, Hashira arrived, and screams were heard. Shinobu guided you through the process, the lack of painkillers made it difficult forcing her to work with what she had. But finally, after what felt like an eternity, Shinobu gave the good word. The baby was born. A beautiful, healthy little girl.

Rengoku walked in quietly to see you holding your infant close to your chest and whispering how beautiful she was. Rengoku smiled and sat down next to you, caressing your head and letting the tears fall down as you two celebrated. Eventually, the others made their way in, you had passed out from exhaustion so Kyojuro had taken over, holding your little one close and letting the Hashira all get to meet her.

Tengen was overjoyed to hear he'd be the cool uncle, as for Tomioka, upon Y/n's decision he'd be the godfather. He almost started crying. Mitsuri held the baby for a while with Shinobu as the boys all got some air and gave Rengoku a big ass hug.

After a while, the others left and it was just Tengen and Rengoku lounging out in the gardens while Shinobu helped you and your baby with getting cleaned and keeping fed.

"What are you thinking of naming 'er?" Tengen asked as he sat down. Rengoku merely smiled.

"I was thinking about naming her Ruka. After my mother, as a homage to the wonderful woman I know and to commend my daughter for the wonderful woman she'll become."

Tengen flashed his flashy smile and gave a nod. "How flamboyant."

#rengoku #kyojuro #rengoku headcanons #kny reader #rengoku fluff #rengoku x reader #kyojuro rengoku #kny rengoku #kyojuro x y/n #kyojuro x reader #fluff #fem reader #demon slayer headcanons #demon slayer fanfic #demon slayer #kimetsu rengoku #kimetsu no yaiba

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onboardsorasora · 6 months

Text

Sorry this took so long @mael-talks-too-much !

Hidden pregnancy au pt 1 | Part 3

Daniel pulled on one of Lewis’ pre-scented tshirts while he walked into the living room to the chaos unfolding. Having the guys over to help them get settled had been the best and worst decision of his life.

Lewis had to make up for all of the engagements he cancelled at the last minute at the GP and so he’d been in and out while they settled in a new hotel room in the middle of Melbourne.

Scotty had immediately offered to help watch Ava while Daniel handled the logistics of both moving to Monaco and following Lewis along to the grands prix. That had been fine by him, Blake had nodded that it was a good idea, an extra set of eyes and hands for the rambunctious infant who seemed to jump to a new level of active since she bonded with her alpha daddy.

Daniel never knew his nipples could be this sore.

Ava was growing, and moving and shaking and attempting to roll over because she was already addicted to the happy sounds and smells of Lewis when she breathed in his general direction. Well, she got the peacocking gene down.

Daniel side stepped the play area set up in the living room to warm a bottle.

“Good girl Ava!” Miles’ voice carried as he cheered, “Of course I expected no less from my goddaughter.”

“Whoa whoa bud, remember Daniel already agreed that I’m her godfather.” Scotty piped up and Daniel heard Blake’s groan and he laughed because that was also a new problem they had.

Miles and Scotty were determined to be the godfather and won’t accept the both of them sharing the honour.

It really didn’t matter though, because in the end, Ava’s godfather was Blake. Blake was there with him every step of the way, the hard days and long nights. Blake was the first to hold her because Daniel had been too out of it on meds for his arms to work right.

Plus there was paperwork and notaries involved.

The door beeped open just as Daniel was satisfied with the temperature of the bottle and Lewis grinned as the door closed behind him. The suite smelt like Pack.

“Hey.” Daniel kissed his cheek and Lewis leaned in for another peck on the lips. Daniel handed over the bottle in his hand and Lewis’ eyes lit up. He enjoyed feedings because it was a moment to bond with Ava. He loved how her big eyes stayed on him the entire time while he whispered his love.

“Are they arguing again?” Lewis shook his head as the now familiar refrains washed over him.

“When are they never?” Blake pointed out. Lewis merely laughed and walked into the living room to scoop his cooing daughter up and away from the squabbling of her uncles.

— - —

Lewis looked down at the precious bundle in his arms, she cooed at him around her fist, blinking up with brown eyes identical to his. He’d always thought he understood the term ‘heart outside your body’ because that’s how he felt about Roscoe and Coco. Losing Coco had been like losing a part of him.

Ava was his literal pride and joy. She was the child he never knew he wanted or had but now that she was here, she had already wrapped her little tanned arms around his heart and she was never letting her go.

He shifted the sleeve of her outfit, the purple onesie a miniature version of his shirt. Daniel had giggled when the package had come from Dior, before teasingly asking how many back up outfits were also sent.

“We showed your mama haven’t we?” Lewis murmured, leaning over to kiss Ava’s forehead. Well sue him for wanting daddy daughter outfits, they hadn’t had one spit up incident yet. He looked up to see Daniel talking animatedly with the nurse, handing over the paperwork that would intake Ava as their new patient here in Monaco.

There was the sharp odor of bile and Lewis chuckled to see the once pristine onesie covered in spit up. Daniel said nothing when he walked over, merely handing the package of wipes with a smug grin.

“All good?” Lewis nodded to the front desk, eager to distract.

“Yeah, they're gonna like check back with the pediatrician in Perth but we should be good for her to get her shots today.”

“What if she cries?” Lewis pulled Ava closer, that was his big fear– that she would be terrified.

“She didn’t cry the last time. Its over pretty quickly normally.” Daniel shrugged. He’d cried the last time, seeing the scary needle going into her arm had maybe traumatized him.

“You just have to like promise to not attack the nurses. They might ask you to sign a waiver apparently.”

“What?”

“She said it's standard procedure, alpha dads get…. mean.”

“I’m not gonna attack a nurse.”

“I never said you were, I’m just telling you what they told me.” Daniel bit back his smile at Lewis’ put out expression, some would even call it a pout.

“Ava Hamilton?” A nurse called and the pair stood. Lewis exhaled out his anxiety, it would be fine.

The doctor’s office was pretty standard with charts and a table. Lewis was instructed to sit on a chair by the table while their doctor looked over Ava’s vitals.

She fussed a little at the chill of the stethoscope but otherwise she submitted to the shifting and poking of the older beta’s fingers.

“She’s a cutie, and perfectly healthy. Good job mom and dad.” Lewis looked up at Daniel with a grin, seeing the happiness reflected in honey eyes at being told they’re doing a good job.

The part Lewis dreaded was up next, he watched as the nurse set up the syringe. And tensed when she came over. With Lewis’ help, she got Ava’s shoulder out of her onesie and wiped it down with antiseptic.

“It won’t be so bad if you don’t look.” Daniel offered, resting a hand on Lewis’ shoulder. He looked over to lock eyes with Daniel and the nurse stuck the needle in while he was distracted. Ava jolted in his arms and made a noise but didn’t cry when Lewis looked at her swiftly.

“There all done!” The nurse said sweetly, grinning at Daniel to thank him.

“You tricked me?” Lewis grumbled, ignoring how the nurse chuckled.

“It worked didn’t it?” Daniel said shamelessly, cooing down at Ava over Lewis’ shoulder.

#dewis #lewis/daniel #hidden pregnancy au

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shyminmin · 1 year

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༄𝐁𝐓𝐒 𝐗 𝐟.𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 | Fantasy, Mermaid AU | ༄𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 : 873 ༄𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : Minor gore

Nothing mattered more than ensuring the safety and survival of the little bundle of life cradled in his arms.

Tucked safe and secure in a last minute makeshift sling, the newborn slept soundly unbeknownst to the imminent danger that was steadily pursuing them.

The salty water rippled around them as his powerful tail clad in scales snapped through it at a frantic pace. Humans would equate him to an underwater missile as he was moving at such a speed making any onlooker view him as nothing more than a watery blur.

Two more such blurs a few meters behind had their sight set on the pair. Their goal, capture and kill.

The constant reminder of their ill intentions spurred him on even more. If he could just get her to the surface, preferably near one of those angular, boxy dwellings that he knew humans resided in then she would have a chance at being taken care of and not be left to succumb to the elements.

His sudden shift in speed jostled the sling making the infant startle awake and begin to whimper. Caressing her head the merman tried to soothe her as best he could under the current circumstances.

"Shhh-shh, you're ok, you're ok"

He really wished he could've watched her grow up, surrounded by her parents and loved ones, embrace the life that she was born into that was of the sea. However that wasn't an option anymore, not when said parents were brutally slaughtered when their tribe was suddenly invaded.

Sensing the two mer gaining on him he kicked his fin faster, if that was even possible. The sandy floor was slowly rising up indicating that he was approaching shallow waters and potentially land. Hope rises in his chest.

I don't care if I die, as long as my efforts ensure that you live.

His body now scraping the ocean floor, ensuring though that his upper torso doesn't touch and risk injuring the baby, he breaks the water's surface breathing in a lungful of air, gills on his neck now redundant.

He wastes no time in surveying the area, where he thankfully spots one of the human structures he's seen from time to time. It was the peak of night so any chance of being spotted by roaming humans was significantly reduced, however he still wanted them to be alerted of a vulnerable newborn spontaneously washed up ashore.

With little time to think and the nearby splashes of the pursuers resounding in his ears he used his strong arms to drag himself onto the shore. The structure wasn't too far away so he made his way towards it. Human silhouettes could be seen within, encouraging him on further. Two bodies breached the water behind and he panicked.

Merfolk like him couldn't undergo any form of metamorphosis and grow legs contrary to popular human belief. However the arrangements he made earlier ensured that once the newborn touched the dry sand then she would evidently become human.

His hands grazed over the first dry grains of powdery, white sand and he detached the sling. Delicately laying her down on the ground she stared up at him with wide rounded eyes. However, the baby mer began to scream out in pain as he witnessed her tiny scaled tail, which looked so much like his own, split in two.

He gasped and hovered his hands over her unsure on how to handle what's happening. Tears escaping his eyes at seeing her in pain. It really crushed his heart.

"It's alright, i-it'll be over soon" he let out in a shaky, trembling voice, trying to provide some words of comfort. "Y-your gonna be fine".

All of his attention was solely on her making sure she survived this transformation, that he momentarily forgot they were being hunted. A stabbing pain to his tail changed his focus as he looked back to see one of the mer had an ironclad grip on his fluke. Their sharp retractable nails embedded deep within, drawing out dark purple liquid. Blood of the merfolk.

"Escaping is futile" he smirked.

The second attacker chuckles gripping on as well. "However we do love a good chase".

With one harsh tug they propelled him backwards away from the newborn. This was it, he'd probably never see her again.

More pain radiated up his tail as they tore him further away, all while he struggled to fight back. They tackled him into the water, pushing him under and sinking into the ocean depths. Clawing at every inch of his body, ripping and biting off bits of skin and scales, streams of purple coloured the water around them. He got a few good hits in too however they always had the upper hand.

As more of his body got battered, his mind drifted to the last image he got before he was dragged under. Two figures had emerged from their home and were rushing down the beach towards their direction.

He smiled, his plan had worked. They would find her and she would be safe, away from all the conflict underneath these ominous waves. He grunted out a few pained words before he blacked out from the unbearable pain.

"Be safe."

"I-I love you."

"My sister."

| 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 | ༄⋆

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strawberryshortcake0413 · 1 year

Text

Rainy night

Hi! My name is Andrea and this is my first time writing a fanfic. English isn't my first language so if you spot any mistakes or just some tips, let me know ♡.

Leon Kennedy x female!reader

Warning: fluff, mention of labor, Leon being a dad, RE4 Leon, no smut and some baby taking care of stuff like changing diapers or feeding etc.

♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡°°♡

The raindrops hit the window, making a little sound of pod pod. The Kennedy family was sleeping peacefully after a long day of changing diapers, washing bottles, and answering the calls from friends as they congratulated on gaining one new member of their family. The new parents were in the bedroom sleeping to get rest while it rained. Now and then lightning strikes the sky, making a loud noise. The infant squirmed in his crib uncomfortably as he heard the noise. As the little Kennedy opened his baby blue eyes, hunger and fear came inside him.

The faint wailing from the nursery woke Leon in the middle of the night. Ever since becoming a parent, Leon has been trying his best to help his wife nurse and take care of the baby. It was hard seeing you suffer in the long 14 hours of labor. It was the least he could do while you recovered. During the day he would wash the bottles, change some diapers and make some food. He wasn't the best cook in the world but in his opinion, he makes decent food. Luckily the government gave Leon his parental leave for 8 weeks, so he was looking forward to bonding with his baby and helping his wife.

Leon carefully got out of the bed, making sure to not wake you up. He rubbed his eyes a bit and waddled to the nursery slowly. The green walls of the small room were now grey from the night and the clouds. Leon reached his hands to the small baby and held him in his arms, close to his chest. Even though the blonde man was sleepy, he tried to smooth the child and sang a lullaby to him. After a few minutes of whining and kicking his feet, the baby calmed a bit looking at his father's face. Leon placed the baby in his crib and went downstairs to prepare a bottle to put his child to sleep.

As he mixed the formula with warm water, the thoughts of how this was unbelievably true came to Leon's mind. Sure he had always dreamed of having a little family of his own, but with the things he had seen, it was a hopeless dream. Until he met you. A pretty, nice, kind girl. Smiling at him while he stood there in the bakery like a damn idiot staring into your eyes.

"Sir? Are you okay? Do you want something?" you smiled at the handsome young man.

"Oh... Um. I.. I-I'll take the cheesecake please" said Leon stuttering a bit nervously.

That's how you met him. He began visiting the bakery almost every day, worrying you might think he was a creep. But luckily you liked Leon and never got scared or creeped out. Soon after he got the courage to take you out on a date and you two started dating. After a year or two he proposed with a nice silver ring and you had your baby.

Leon chuckled to himself and went inside the nursery holding the bottle. The baby was babbling to himself and playing with the toys hanging from his crip. Leon carefully held the baby and sat down on the rocking chair to feed him. It was around 2 a.m. The rain still watering the outside world, while the boy sucked the bottle eagerly. Soon after his small eyes, resembling Leon's started to close up. Leon smiled to himself put his baby carefully in his crib and took the bottle away. He kissed the forehead of the child and went to his bedroom to sleep.

Just as Leon was getting under the covers, you woke up from the shift on the bed.

"What happened hun?" you asked yawning.

"Nothing love. Just our little precious woke up. I got it tho" smiled Leon kissing your cheek.

"Love you" you mumbled sleepy before cudding with your husband.

"Love you too" smiled Leon starting to sleep while hugging your warm body.

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So, I can't believe I actually posted this.. but I am looking forward to improve my writing. Leave a request if you want to, I would love to hear some suggestions. Bye ♡

*the photos aren't mine. Credits to the owners*

#leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy fluff #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy #re4r leon #leon kennedy imagine #re4 leon #resident evil

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haggishlyhagging · 10 months

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For heterosexual couples, procreation and, more specifically, motherhood represent the last realm where, even among progressives, the "Nature" argument, which we have learned to distrust in almost every other circumstance, still calls the shots. We know that, down the centuries, the most bizarre— and most oppressive —theories have been justified by the "obvious and unquestionable" proof apparently furnished by "Nature." For example, in 1879, Gustave Le Bon confirmed that "The brains of many women are closer in size to those of gorillas than to the more developed brains of men. This inferiority is so evident that no one could gainsay it for a moment: only the degree of difference is worth any discussion." With time, the absurdity of this kind of thinking has become abundantly clear. These days, we avoid attributing any particular disposition or specific behavior to any physical feature. In progressive circles, for example, no one will tell gay and lesbian people that their sexual practices are problematic, that they are attracted to the wrong people and that their organs haven't been designed for use in this way; no one would ever venture: "Excuse me, but did you misread the manual? Nature actually says . . . ." And yet, as soon as were on the topic of women and babies, it's a free-for-all: the result is a carnival of biological Freudian banana skins, if I may put it this way. Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by fervent advocates of the very narrowest biological determinism.

They have a uterus: this is the truly irrefutable proof that women ought to have children, right? We appear not to have advanced an inch since the eighteenth century, when the entry for "Femme" ("Woman") in Diderot and d'Alembert's Encyclopedia comprised a description of a woman's physical appearance and the conclusion that "all these facts demonstrate that the purpose of women is to have children and to feed them." We continue to believe unshakeably that women are programmed to want to be mothers. In earlier times, this was put down to the independent volition of their uterus, a "formidable animal," "possessed with the desire to create children," "lively, resistant to reason, working in the interests of fearsome desires to dominate over all." The self-motivating womb has now relinquished its place in the collective imagination to that mysterious organ known as the "biological clock," which no X-ray has yet managed to locate, yet whose relentless ticking is easily detected by putting your ear to the belly of any woman between thirty-five and forty. "We are used to thinking about metaphors like 'the biological clock' as if they were not metaphors at all, but simply neutral descriptions of facts about the human body," observes essayist Moira Weigel. The term "biological clock" was first used to refer to women's fertility in 1978, in a Washington Post article titled "The Clock is Ticking for the Career Woman." In other words, this expression was an early harbinger of the imminent anti-feminist backlash, and its dazzlingly successful integration into the female anatomy makes it a unique phenomenon in the history of evolution—it would have given Darwin pause for thought. Since women's bodies give them the option of carrying a child, of course Nature would prefer that women also change the resulting infant's nappies, once born, that they attend all meetings with pediatricians and, while we're on the subject, that they mop the kitchen floor, do the washing-up and remember to buy loo roll for the next twenty-five years. This is known as "maternal instinct." Yes, Nature orders precisely this, and not, for example, that, in order to thank women for taking on the major task required for perpetuation of the species, society do its best to compensate them for the inconveniences they thereby suffer; nothing of the sort. If you thought that might make sense, you haven't really understood Nature.

-Mona Chollet, In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women are Still on Trial

#mona chollet #biological determinism #motherhood #biological clock #misogony

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sequinsmile-x · 1 year

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hi hello! you and your fics are seriously the best. I appreciate all that you do for us hotchniss fans!

I know you’ve done a few fics about aaron comforting emily when she feels insecure about how she looks but I thought maybe you could write something the other way round with emily comforting arron? maybe he’s retired from the bau and so he hasn’t been exercising or staying as active as he used to and he thinks emily doesn’t find him or his body attractive anymore. but of course emily finds out and tells him it’s not true (with smut maybe?👀) obviously if you don’t want to or don’t have the time I totally understand!! ❤️

also: maybe some jealous hotch with him comparing himself to derek or someone???

hiiii bestie.

this got away from me pretty massively...and (I know I say this every time) is the smuttiest smut I have ever written.

I hope you enjoy it.

This ones for the Hotch girls.

-x-

New Perspective

Aaron feels insecure. Emily shows him he has nothing to be insecure about.

Words: 3.7k

Warnings: 18+, Smut, Oral Sex

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

There was nothing quite like coming home. She’d feel whatever tension she’d been carrying in her chest ease the moment she turned onto their street and saw their house, the one she and Aaron had bought together to raise their family in.

She knows it's because she never had a home before this, before him and their children. She’d spent her whole life without roots, without anywhere or anyone to call her own. Then she fell in love with Aaron and Jack. A family she’d never expected to find right in front of her the whole time. Shortly after they got married they decided to try for a baby of their own. Then Alice came along, the six-year-old already fiercely independent, followed by Hazel, the baby of the family even though she was about to start preschool.

Emily was now part of a family of five - her life as full of chaos as it was of love, something she could never have imagined when she was alone in Paris wondering if she’d ever see anyone she loved ever again. There were still moments, even now all of these years later, when she worried it would be torn away from her. She’d lay there in the middle of the night listening to Aaron breathe, or she’d stand in the doorway of one of the kid's rooms to do the same with them, just to remind herself that this was real. This was her life.

Emily sighs in relief as she walks into the house, the smell of home washing over her as she closes the door behind her. She has mere seconds to put her go-bag down by the door before she hears a familiar yell throughout the house, her youngest daughter’s feet loud against the hardwood floor as she launches herself at her.

“Mommy!”

She bends down and catches the four-year-old in her arms before she heaves her onto her hip, holding her daughter close for the first time in a couple of days. Hazel is already in her pjyamas, her hair braided in the way she could always convince Aaron to do for her, and Emily knows her husband would have kept their daughter up a little longer than usual so she could say good night to her.

“Hi Hazel,” she says, pressing a kiss to the little girl's head, “Mommy missed you.”

Hazel leans her head against her chest and plays with Emily’s necklace, her tiny fingers wrapping around the metal chain, “Missed Mommy.”

Emily smiles and readjusts her hold on Hazel as she walks further into the house, “Let’s go see what Daddy and your brother and sister are up to.”

“Daddy missed you too,” Hazel says, rubbing her face against Emily’s collarbone, a sure sign that she was getting sleepy having found solace in her mother’s arms.

When she was pregnant with Alice, Emily and Aaron had decided that one of them needed to leave the BAU. Their work was not only dangerous, but it took them away from home and leaving an infant with Jessica didn’t seem like the right thing to do. Ultimately, Aaron decided to retire once Alce was born. Emily had worried if it was the right thing to do if people would judge her for continuing to work even though she financially didn’t need to, but Aaron assured her it was the right decision for their family. He was older than her, he’d achieved everything he’d wanted to with their career, and he was still haunted by the time he’d missed out on with Jack when he was in hiding with Haley.

“He did huh?” Emily asks, rubbing her daughter's back, feeling her getting heavier against her.

“Daddy’s been sad,” Hazel says, yawning as she settles even further into Emily’s grasp.

It sets off alarm bells in her head, and she’s suddenly repeating every conversation they’d had in the couple of days it had been since she had left for the case. He’d seemed himself as he updated her on what the kids had said and done throughout the day before he let them speak to her, their excitement at talking to her warming her from the inside out even when she was on the other side of the country.

The morning she’d left had been normal too. She’d been woken up early by her phone ringing and had done her best to be quiet as she got ready to leave. It was rare that she was up before him, even though it had been years since he’d retired, but Aaron had been out the night before with Derek, Dave and Spencer, a ‘guys' night’ that Dave had organised for them all. She’d dropped a kiss on his forehead before she’d left, chuckling as he grumbled at her.

The thought of him keeping something from her makes her uneasy. She adjusts her hold on Hazel as she walks into the kitchen, and her uneasiness only increases when she sees the tight smile that flashes across her husband's face before he can cover it.

“Hi sweetheart,” he says, walking over to greet her. He presses a kiss to her cheek and when he pulls back she sees the same smile on his face again, not the usual one that makes her stomach swoop, “We missed you.”

Before she can reply in kind, or ask him if he’s ok, Jack and Alice rush into the room to see her and the moment is lost.

___

The next time they were alone together was when it was time for bed.

The kids were all in bed, and as Emily took a long and well-needed bath, Aaron made lunch for Alice and Jack to take to school the next day. She’s changed into her pjyamas, a large t-shirt of Aaron’s and a pair of sleep shorts, and walking back into their bedroom when she pauses in the doorway of the ensuite, frozen in place as she watches her husband look at himself in the mirror.

She can see the critical way he’s looking at herself. How he looks himself up and down, his hand on his stomach as he turns sideways as he furrows his brow.

“You ok?” She asks, and he flinches, unaware that she’d been standing behind him at all. He turns to look at her and he clears his throat.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he replies, smiling at her like he had in the kitchen again before he nods and tries to walk past her. She sighs and she stops him, her arm around his middle.

“Yeah, that’s how someone who is fine would say that,” she says, smiling softly at him. Her eyes searching his for something, anything, that would give away what was wrong. She reaches up and cups his cheeks, holding him in place. “Hazel said you seemed sad.”

He sighs and closes his eyes, guilt for the fact his four-year-old had been able to pick up on his mood making his chest ache, “I didn’t think she’d pick up on it.”

She leans in to kiss his cheek and she smiles at him, their eyes meeting as he opens his, “Well she’s very good at picking up on how other people feel,” she says, brushing her fingers through his hair, “Just like her Daddy.”

He chuckles softly, “And her Mommy.”

She kisses him and wraps her hand around his to lead him to the bed. They sit on the edge of it, their thighs pressing together, and she lifts their joint hands to kiss his knuckles, her lips catching the cool metal of his wedding ring. “So, what’s wrong?”

It feels absurd even as he thinks about it, the comments that he knows were a joke the other night rolling around in his head as they had for days.

He hated that he felt a little out of place with the team these days, that he was on the outside with jokes and comments that he would have once been at the centre of. He knew he’d made the right call, that not one part of him regretted retiring to stay home with their children, but it had been an adjustment over the years. He appreciated that Dave still insisted he went out on ‘guys night’, but he had different priorities than his friends now. The others would speak about cases, that he’d already heard about from his wife so could give his advice on, and he’d tell them about the kids, shaking his head as Dave pointed out the sparkly nail polish on the fingernail on his pinkie.

The other night had been fun, he’d drunk a little bit too much beer, enough to make him a little handsy with Emily when he got home, but he kept thinking about something Derek had said. He’d just come from the gym, his upper body aching, and he’d commented that Aaron could do with joining him if he wanted to, a teasing smile on his face as he patted his belly, before saying something about Emily and how he wondered how Aaron kept up with her.

Aaron was aware that he wasn’t quite as fit as he used to be, that his body had changed as he got older and less active now he was no longer in the field, but someone else mentioning it had thrown him. It made him self-conscious in a way he hadn’t been since the scars Foyet had given him were fresh, and he hated it.

He’d been grateful that Emily was away for a few days so he could attempt to get over it. So he could reconfigure his thinking and get over what Derek had said, but apparently, he hadn’t been able to.

He should have known better than to try to hide something from his wife.

“It’s stupid,” he says, and she raises her eyebrow at him, love for him shining in her eyes.

“Nothing you say is stupid,” she says, shifting so she can look at him properly. She squeezes his hand, “Just tell me.”

Aaron nods and huffs out a breath, “When I was out the other night, Derek made a comment about the fact I’m not as…fit as I used to be, and he asked how I keep up with you,” he says, feeling embarrassed he was even admitting to it, watching as her mouth falls open “And I know I’m not, and I know he was mostly joking, but I can’t stop thinking about it,” he smiles tightly, “I…I even signed up to a gym yesterday.”

She scoffs, her hand tight around his, “I’ll kill him.”

Her fury is stoked by the way Aaron chuckles and leans down to kiss her cheek, “It’s ok, sweetheart, I promise,” he says, “I shouldn’t have let it get to me,” he shrugs nonchalantly, “I don’t care what Derek thinks, I only really care…” he drifts off, clearing his throat before he can say it outloud, but she catches it, and she chuckles humourlessly, not quite sure she can believe what he was about to say.

“You think it bothers me?” She asks incredulously, staring at him as he avoids eye contact. It's her turn to scoff and she shakes her head at him, “How could you think that?” She can see the tension in his shoulders, how tightly he is holding himself, and she sighs, her teeth sinking into her lower lip as an idea comes to her. She leans in and presses a kiss to his neck and then his jaw, her lips catching his cheekbone before she speaks again, “I love you,” she says, her hand sliding his down his chest as she reaches for the hem of his t-shirt, smiling as she hears his breath catch in his chest, “Every part of you.”

He isn’t sure how she manages to pull her shirt off of him, his arms moving almost of their own accord as she throws his t-shirt onto the bed behind them. She shifts so she’s straddling his lap, a knee on either side of his hips, a glint in her eyes that makes him groan, familiar desire pulling in his belly. He puts his hands on her waist holding her securely in place, moaning as she rolls her hips against his, smiling as she presses a kiss to his lips. He can taste the toothpaste on her tongue, and smell the lavender essential oils lingering on her skin from her bath.

She kisses down his neck and to his chest, pressing her lips to the scar at the top of his chest, “I love these scars,” she mumbles, running her hands down his sides, smiling when he shivers, grinding down on him as she feels him harden underneath her, “They’re made of you,” she says, kissing the next one as she works her way down, her fingertips now at the waistband of his sweatpants, “And they show you survived,” she murmurs, repeating words he’d told her over the years when it was her turn to feel insecure, “That you made it to me.”

She stands up and encourages him to lift his hips just enough to pull his sweatpants down, both of them working to remove them completely. She kneels on the floor in front of him, pressing her legs together to get some friction as she looks at him, half hard and laying against his soft stomach.

He was different to how he used to be, but she loved it. She loved that it made his hugs feel all the more encompassing, that she loved to lay in his arms or half underneath him, the weight of him against her the greatest comfort of her life. That she loved watching him hold their kids, how he’d comfort them and encourage them and somehow make them look tiny, even now when they weren’t babies anymore.

He was huge, in every way, and she loved it. And she hated that he’d ever think otherwise.

She knows he wouldn’t believe her if she said that, so she carries on proving it to him. He’d always been an action kind of guy anyway.

She shifts forwards on her knees so she’s between his thighs, and she feels nothing short of powerful at the way he’s looking down at her, his pupils blown wide as she sees a different type of tension take over, his hips thrusting towards her before she even touches him. It had always been like this. He’d been desperate for her from the start, as she had been for him, and that desperation hadn’t faded over the years. If anything, it had got worse. Anticipation and knowledge of how well they knew each other, how well they took each other apart, enough to make them crazy for each other.

She grabs him, unable to stop herself from moaning as he does too, the sound that leaves him as she pumps him up and down is punched out as she spreads precum over his skin. She leans in and wraps her mouth around him, one of her hands at his base, still slowly pumping him, and the other on his thigh to keep her balance. Aaron groans, one of his hands wrapping itself into her hair, holding her in place as he once again thrusts involuntarily.

“Fuck, Em,” he grits out, any previous insecurities starting to melt away, all of his focus on her. How she bobs up and down, choking slightly as he hits the back of her throat, “Sweetheart, you’re so good at that.”

She pulls back to look at him, gasping for breath as she does so, spit connecting her to the tip of him, “You’re so fucking hot,” she says, never stopping pumping him up and down. She tilts her head back towards the mirror behind them, knowing that from where he was sitting he’d be able to see himself, to see her kneeling in front of him, “Just look at you.”

She leans back in, and he watches himself in the mirror as she goes down on him again. The mixture of the sensation of it, of her mouth hot and slick around him, and the sight of it reflected back at him kicks his pleasure up several notches. He doesn’t see his softer skin or his less defined chest. He sees himself as she does. He sees them together. And they were magnificent.

He thrusts firmly into her throat, groaning as she moans around him, the vibration almost pushing him to the edge. And he tugs on her hair, pulling her back, smiling at the sight of her. Her hair messed up and her eyes wide, her skin flushed with desire as spit dripped onto her chin. His stomach rolling at the knowledge that she was like this because of him. And he hadn’t even touched her yet.

“What?” She asks, wiping her hand over her mouth as he pulls her up, turning them so she’s laying on the bed. “I was trying to-”

“Oh, I know what you were trying to do, baby,” he says, already pulling her shorts down her legs, smirking against her neck as she whines as he purposely runs his thumb against her as he does so. “But you know what makes me feel better every time?” He asks, as she shakes her head chasing his touch as he skins his fingers over her thighs. He pushes up her shirt and allows her to sit up just enough to pull it off her, throwing it to join his somewhere higher up on the bed. He places his lips next to her ear and breathes over her skin, making her shiver, “Making you fall apart.”

She moans as he pushes two fingers into her, stealing the air from her lungs as he curls them inside of her, “Jesus Christ.”

“Nope,” he smirks, pulling his fingers from inside of her and lifting them to his mouth, groaning as he tastes her on his skin, “Just me.”

She wants to be annoyed at him, but she can’t bring herself to be. Not when he’s pressing her into the mattress, his lips against her throat as he pushes her thighs apart even wider, a pull in her legs that she thinks would make her wince in any other circumstances

“Please,” she breathes out, throwing her head back as he pushes into her, the familiar stretch of him making her moan loudly. He captures it by kissing him, just about aware enough of everything beyond the two of them that if they woke up the kids this would be over. She buries her hands in his hair and kisses him fiercely as she matches him thrust for thrust, the two of them naturally falling into a rhythm they’d found years ago.

“Fuck, Em,” he says as he pulls away from the kiss to bury his face into her collarbone, “You’re incredible.”

“So…so are you,” she grunts out, her breath stolen from her as it feels like he pushes in deeper every time, and she knows she’ll still feel him in the morning, “You feel so fucking good.”

He puts his hand in between them and draws circles on her clit, groaning as she clenches impossibly tighter around him, “Come for me, baby,” he says, biting into her shoulder, “Show me how good I make you feel.”

She comes, hard. And she pulls him into a kiss to muffle her scream, and he comes too, his hips stuttering against hers as his orgasm chases hers.

She lays there for a moment, to catch her breath content to stay there under him, and she groans in disappointment as he tries to roll off of her. She wraps her arms and still shaking legs around him as she buries her face in his neck.

“Stay there.”

“Sweetheart,” he says, his voice thick, “I’ll crush you.”

“Don’t care,” she mumbles, stamping her kiss against his, “I love it,” she kisses him again, “It makes me feel safe.”

He feels pride swell in his chest, the last tendrils of his insecurity finally letting go, and he nods, purposely shifting so only half of his weight is on her, “We’ll need to get dressed soon,” he says, resting his head on her chest, “Hazel will sneak in soon.”

She hums, the thought of spending a night sandwiched between her husband and her youngest after spending a few days sleeping alone filling her with joy.

“In a minute,” she says, clenching around him on purpose, laughing when he moans, “Then we’ll shower together.”

“Sounds good sweetheart.”

___

She yawns the next morning as she pours herself a cup of coffee in the bullpen kitchen, and she hears a familiar chuckle from behind her.

“Late night, Princess?”

She turns to look at Derek and smiles as she takes a sip of her coffee, making a point of winking at him as she thinks of her very late night with her husband. The shower hadn’t been the end of it last night, and by the time Hazel did sneak into their room in the early hours of the morning they’d only just changed the sheets.

“Something like that.”

He shivers and makes himself a drink, “Gross.”

“You asked,” she watches him carefully, her tongue pressing into her cheek as she questions whether she should say something, but her desire to protect her husband wins out over everything else. She steps closer to him, “Derek?”

He hums in response and looks a little shocked as he looks up and sees she’s closer now, “Yes?”

“If you ever say anything to my husband again about his appearance, or imply he is anything less than perfect for me, I will kill you,” she says, her face stern, “And we both know I’d get away with it.” She says, and she suppresses her smile as his face falls and he swallows thickly. “Are we clear?”

He nods, “Crystal clear.”

She smiles at him, “Perfect,” she walks away and heads towards her desk when she hears Derek call after her.

“Are you limping?”

She turns back to look at him, a wide smirk on her face that makes him immediately regret his attempt to get the upper hand again.

“Oh Derek, when will you learn not to ask questions you don’t want the answer to.”

-x-

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