#go after the kids on the roof by climbing up the snow pile?? hell no. easier to bribe the gremlins

[gotosleepsydney]

don't forget to run up and down the stairs ten times

remember everyone you gotta do the pre snow day rituals to ensure school and work is cancelled tomorrow.

[bluejay-creations]

The Girl In The Red Dress

short story written based on the following stimulus

She sat there, in the dark. The walls around her were battered and broke, the black and white paint chipping off to reveal the gloomy gray beneath. The ground was littered with chunks of wall and other debris. You could barely see what the floor really looked like, there was too much rubbish. It was dark in there, the only light seeping through a high window across the far wall. It was quiet, not silent but quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the distant whirring of vehicles flying through the air and gliding across the ground. It was cold too, the concrete, the air, all of it, not quite the bone chilling cold of the snow but still cold. She wished she had a jacket and not just the loose red dress she was wearing. Where had it all gone wrong, she'd been told of the wondrous things that AI would bring, free time, better quality of life, and an all around better earth. How had it gone so very very wrong? She laid down on the small bench she found amongst the debris trying to keep warm, she began to drift off thinking of all the wondrous things that could have been, but weren't. Maybe, just maybe, if she wished hard enough, some of it might just come true.

She didn't know how long she was out for, could have been a few minutes, could have been a few days, all she knew was that she was being watched. There was someone there, waiting, watching. She tried to pretend she didn't feel it, the crawling sensation on her neck, maybe if she ignored it it would go away, it was probably just a small animal after all. She stood up and began to walk across the room, bare feet stinging against the cold concrete and metal strewn across the floor. She glanced up at the small window near the roof. The sun was out. That was good, she could go outside later and try to find something to eat. But for now she just needed to stretch her legs. She began to walk towards the boxes in the corner, her usual walk about the abandoned building. But something seemed unusual. As she walked over she saw a glint of something, what was usually a dark corner today was shining back at her. Fear began to build, but curiosity as well. After all she was still technically a kid, 15 wasnt that old was it? Whatever the case, the shine intrigued her, so she walked towards it. The debris in the corner piled high, higher than the rest of the room, hell it reached halfway up the wall. Carefully she began to climb the stack to investigate the shine, she was nearly there when she heard a noise behind her, a clatter, she turned around and saw a small animal climb out of the wall and look around skittishly. She sighed, that must have been what was looking at her before, though she still couldn't shake the feeling something was off. She turned back around to finally figure out what was glinting in the usually pitch black corner but as she turned and looked back and forth she found it was gone. 

‘Weird’

She climbed back down and winced as her feet once again met the cold harshness of bare concrete. She turned around and froze. Stood barely 2 meters from her was the very thing she dreaded coming across, a robot. It stood a good head and a half taller then her which in and of itself was scary. Sure it had a human shape but it was too smooth, Too perfect to ever be human. It was coated in a shiny, light gray finish, it looked too smooth to be metallic but it wasn't exactly a gloss either. Running all across its frame there were glowing pink and purple lines, they ran like veins and muscle lines on a human, they seemed to have a pattern but she couldn't place what it was. Its joints exposed the small wires running through it and would probably have been a weak point if it went for the fact those worse were covered in a near indestructible coating that protected them from all types of weather and even sharp objects like knives. It stood up straight, perfect posture. Its surface was clean, not a speck of dirt was to be seen. It was perfect in every way imaginable, and that was exactly its problem. It was too perfect, and tried to fix anything that wasn't. Which is how we got here, to a destroyed shell of a world.

[shhh-no-ones-home]

december 9 - remington leith

title: the kids from yesterday

++++

prompt: Person A finding person B hiding from their family at the holiday party and staking out with them

request from: n/a

tag list: @cynic-spirit

++++

I looked across the table with wide eyes and a shocked face as my mother argued back and forth with sebastian. The audacity of this woman had me in stitches sometimes and I was worried I wouldn't get out of this holiday dinner alive. I looked over to Em as he sipped his wine and tried not to laugh at them, exchanging glances with his own mother in a mutual understanding to not get in the middle of it. I sighed, looking to remington as he tried to avoid their gaze in case one would try to bring him into it. I just sighed. Our families had been good friends for as long as I could remember and the dinners usually went smoothly. I don't know what happened this year.

"Excuse me."

I said quietly, pushing my chair out and walking away from the table in annoyance. I stepped down the hall quickly, making it to the bathroom and locking myself in. I stared at myself in the mirror and sighed. Dinner was almost over I told myself over and over again.

"A few more hours, that's all you have to survive is a few more hours."

I said under my breath, closing my eyes and leaning my back against the wall behind me. God why was she so insufferable? And it didn't help that Seb was adding fuel to the fire. I sighed, standing back upright and going back out into the hall. When I noticed the family photos hung up I smiled for the first time since my mother had arrived. It had been a long time since we'd all been back at the Kropp family home and I'd almost forgotten some of these old memories. I looked over a few of them and laughed, remy looked so baby faced. Hell, we all did.

"Remember this one?"

Remington said and I jumped, clutching my chest and breathing heavily.

"Jesus rem, give a girl a heart attack why don't ya."

I said and he laughed a little bit.

"Maybe if I did it would stop the bickering and give them something else to do."

He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Why does it not surprise me that this year would be the difficult one."

I said in annoyance and he laughed, making me smile.

"It's been a while since we've all been together,"

He said, turning his attention back to the photos on the wall.

"A lot has changed."

I nodded, looking back to the pictures too.

"We definitely aren't the people we were back then."

I said, looking fondly at the photo of the four of us kids bundled together in our snow fort. It was held together with their old wooden sled and snow packed around a broom stick. I remember it taking us a good part of the day to build it and none of us wanting to leave when the sun went down. That was the first winter I'd spent more than one night at their house.

"Things were much simpler back then."

I noted, running my finger tips over the frame.

"I wish we could go back sometimes."

He said, draping his arm over my shoulders and resting his head on mine and I sighed.

"If we could, we wouldn't be avoiding our family members right now."

I said, making him laugh.

"Why can't we though?"

He asked, standing upright again and I raised a brow.

"Rem what are you talking about?"

I asked and he grabbed my hand, pulling me back down the hall and to the front room.

"Here, we're making a snow fort."

He said boldly, handing me my coat. I raised a brow as he quickly put his on.

"It is dark and freezing out there."

I said, watching him slide his boots on.

"That's never stopped us before. Come on, we're only home for a week."

He said, standing and handing me my boots.

"Please."

He said and I caved.

"Fine."

I said, slipping my boots and coat on, digging my hands into my pockets for my gloves.

"Great, let's go."

He said, grabbing my hand again and dragging me out the front door. As the wind hit my face I breathed out heavily, a puff of smoke coming from my mouth and making me smile.

"Wanna dig out a hole first?"

He asked and I nodded, looking to the side of the house for the shovel used to clear the driveway.

"Here."

I said, grabbing it and starting on the snow.

---

As we finished the walls and began on the roof I heard the front door click open.

"Found them!"

I heard emerson say before hearing the crunch of his boots in the snow. When I looked up through the window he was peering down into it with a smile on his face.

"Just like old times?"

He asked and I looked to rem who had a huge smile on his face.

"How about you get in here and find out."

He said, tossing a snowball out the window and into emersons face. We all laughed as he reached down to make one of his own

"You're gonna regret that."

Em said and remington moved to climb out of our snow house.

"Only if you can keep up!"

He taunted. I watched out the window as emerson chased him around the yard before getting up myself and getting out of there. I leaned down and made a snowball as sebastian opened the front door.

"You didn't come back."

He said, slipping his coat on.

"Incoming!"

I yelled, launching the ball at him and it hitting him square in the chest just after he'd zipped it closed.

"Come on!"

He said, grabbing a handful of snow off the step and chucking it at me. It just barely missed me, crumbling to the ground.

"Guess you'll have to catch me!"

I yelled, running around with remy and em as they continued in circles around the yard, seb now joining in on it. Before I knew what was happening there were arms around my waist, tackling me to the ground.

"AAAHHHH!"

I yelled, seb, em, and remy all piling on top of me and laughing hysterically.

"Ah! Get off?!

I said through a laugh, the three of them rolling around into the snow. I laid there, smiling like an idiot staring at the start filled sky. It was begin to snow lightly and I could feel my hair getting wetter under my hat.

"So, what inclined you two to make that?"

Sebastian asked, pointing to the snow fort as he sat up.

"A little childhood nostalgia."

Remington said, sending me a knowing smile and I nodded.

"Nothing like the good old times right?"

I asked and he laughed.

"Right."

[mdemontespan1667]

JANE DOE

Dark- Adjacent Walter Marshall x Reader

Also Featuring Dark Steve Rogers and Dark Bucky Barnes

Synopsis: Continuation of The Long Walk (This might end up being a complete fiasco but the idea won’t go away so fuck it, I’m gonna do my best.)

Det Marshal is investigating the serial murder and mutilation of 7 prostitutes. Can he find the killers before they strike again?

SERIES WARNING: NON-CON/DUB-CON/GRAPHIC VIOLENCE/TORTURE/DEATH/DESCRIPTIONS OF DEAD BODIES/VAGINAL SEX/ORAL SEX/ANAL SEX/REFERENCES TO SEXUAL ASSAULT/REFERENCES TO MURDER/STALKING/CHOKING/SLAPPING

THE LONG WALK (PREVIOUS CHAPTER)

CHAPTER WARNINGS: DESCRIPTIONS OF DEAD BODIES/VIOLENCE “What do we got?”

Detective Marshall squatted next to the body.

“Another dead whore.”

Marshall cocked his eyebrow.

“How do you know she’s a prostitute, Dwyer. Could be a teacher.”

The Medical Examiner snorted.

“Yeah right. Just how many teachers you know run around in black pleather mini skirts, halter tops and platform heels when it’s ten below.”

The detective nodded. Dwyer was right. She usually was. 

“Cause of death,” he asked.

“Won’t know for sure until I cut her open but considering all the stab wounds I’d say it’s a definite homicide.”

“No shit.”

Marshall stood up. He blew on his hands before rubbing them together. The snow had stopped but the wind was still brutal. 

“Not much blood so she wasn’t killed here. Storm covered up any footprints.”

He looked around.

“Where’s the responding officer?”

Dwyer tilted her head.

“Officer Barton.”

Watching his steps Marshall made his way over to the officer. 

“Who found her?”

“Salt truck driver. He’s in my car. Said he damn near ran her over.”

Looking around Marshall could see why. The dumpsite was deserted, a long stretch of road connecting the warehouse and meatpacking districts. Most of the streetlights were broken or too dim to light up much past a sickly pale circle. 

“Any witnesses?”

Officer Barton shot him a “Are you fucking kidding me” look, before shaking his head no.

“Didn’t think so but what the fuck, it was worth a shot. Make sure you get the driver’s info then let him go.”

The chances he was the killer were pretty slim but Marshall still wanted to talk to him. All the bodies had been found in similar areas. Plus with the cold, snowy weather a city truck wouldn't strike anyone as suspicious. 

Walking back to the body Marshall saw that the CSI unit had arrived. With nothing left for him to do, he climbed into his truck, headed back to the station.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Heard you caught another one,” Det Steve Rogers asked.

“Yeah, looks like it.”

Marshall sat down at his desk. 

“What’s that make, seven now?”

“Yeah,” Marshall propped his elbows on his desk, folded his hands. He had been chasing this bastard for six months. The killer left shit for evidence, covered his tracks well. 

“Glad I’m not you man,” Det Bucky Barnes leaned back in his chair, “You got names in red piling up on the board.”

The “Board” stood in the corner mocking the Detective. Seven names in red, this new one added as Jane Doe. Only when the killer was arrested would they be changed to black. 

Marshall shot a dirty look at the dark haired man. He didn’t care for him. Barnes was a piss poor detective in his opinion. If it wasn’t for Steve Roger, his partner, helping him out he would’ve been busted back down to traffic cop after a month. 

Turning away Marshall began working up a file for his latest victim.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Jesus Christ Bucky, what the hell are you doing.”

Rogers and Barnes were on the roof. The heavy breeze caught the smoke from their cigarettes, shifted it into the night.

“Just fucking with him Steve.”

“Well, knock it the fuck off. He already hates you.”

“So. It’s not like it matters. We’re performing a public service.”

Bucky smirked.

“No way he has any clue. We’re careful.”

Steve grabbed Bucky by his jacket, throwing him against the building.

“Careful? That’s what you call last night? She almost got away. If she had we’d be sitting in lockup right now.”

“But she didn’t. We’ll cool it for a while. Lay low. I’ll even play nice with Detective All Brawn No Brains back there. Ok?”

Steve closed his eyes.

Bucky repeated himself.

“Ok Steve?”

“Yeah, yeah ok.”

Steve crushed his smoke, shutting out blood memories of so long ago.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marshall stomped his feet. The snow had resumed this morning. His jacket and dark curly hair were coated in the wet flakes. Opening the door to the morgue he saw his victim laid out.

“‘Bout time you got here. I’ve been waiting an hour. Your’s isn’t the only dead body I’m dealing with you know.”

“Good morning to you too Dwyer. Want to tell me why you couldn’t just upload your report.”

He took a sip of his coffee. No matter how many times he came down here he could never get used to the smell. He suspected the petite redhead knew that. 

She laughed. 

“Maybe I just wanted to see your smiling face.”

Marshall grunted.

“You’re no fun.”

All business now Dwyer pulled the sheet covering the body back. The harsh fluorescent were not kind to the dead woman. Rinsed clean of blood Marshall was able to see the numerous stab wounds dotting her body. There was bruising too. Worst of all her left breast was gone.

“We ID’d her through fingerprints. Madison Harper. Arrested thirteen times for prostitution.”

She flashed a “I told you so” look before continuing.  

“Cause of death was a single stab wound to the heart. Nice and clean. Probably made by a two inch knife, non serrated. The rest of the wounds were made postmortem. No defense wounds.”

“That’s not consistent with the others,” Marshall rubbed his beard, “she isn’t one of his.”

“I think she is.”

“Why? All his victims fought back, have died from multiple jagged stab wounds, not just one and they were cut up while they were still breathing.”

“The knife type is the same. Body was still mutilated. She was redressed after the attack. We found copious amounts lube and spermicide indicating whoever it was used a condom. No DNA. Excessive internal vaginal and anal tears and bruising. Just like the others.”

The ME continued, lifting the victims feet.

“She has gravel embedded in the soles of her feet. I think this one got away, tried to run.”

“That still doesn’t explain the inconsistencies.”

“No it doesn’t. But that’s not my job. It’s yours.”

Thanking Dwyer, Marshall turned and left. This woman was only nine days after the last one. The killer was speeding up. If he didn’t find him soon another woman was gonna die.

“Fuck.”

[kricketwritesstories]

Title: Pack Your Bags Cause We’re Getting Married

Fandom: Avengers

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Characters: Bucky, Reader, Steve, Natasha, Sam, and Tony

Summary: Bucky finally gets up the courage to confess his love for the Reader...but she's already engaged?

Bucky felt positively giddy as he left his apartment this morning. After a long bro to bro talk with Steve that lasted until the wee hours of the morning, it was decided.

Today was the day he asked Y/N to be his girlfriend.

From the moment they met, Bucky knew she was the one. It was like he was compelled to tell her everything; he couldn't help but open up to her. Her smile lit up his world and her laugh made his heart soar. For the past six months he'd been trying to get the courage to ask her to be his. Every single time he'd try his mouth would go dry, his hands would sweat, and he ended up asking her, "How about that local sports team?"

He'd done this so many times that Y/N had taken to answering him, "I hear they eat their young."

Rubbing the back of his neck and blushing furiously at his cowardice, she would laugh and so would he because dammit that laughter was infectious!

He took a deep breath as he approached her door. It took him by surprise to find the door open. Stealthily he positioned himself in the doorway. Y/N was sprawled out on her bed curled on her side facing the door. She took no notice of Bucky's presence because her eyes were focused on her phone. Her face was tinged pink and she was grinning like an idiot. Bucky sighed and leaned in the doorway watching her. It was a dreamlike moment until he heard a Scottish voice on the other end of the phone proclaim, "Pack your bags, cause we're getting married!"

Y/N squealed and rolled on to her back, her eyes never leaving her phone. Bucky felt his heart shatter into a billion pieces.

"If he doesn't think you're the right size because your thighs touch or your curves aren't in the 'right places' fuck that! You're a champion! You're amazing the way you are, and remember size doesn't matter if 90% of your dick is your personality," he continued.

Bucky couldn't stand to hear anymore. He stumbled down the hallway towards the elevator. When he reached the common living room he threw himself on the couch and turned on the TV, Sam, Steve, and Nat stopped talking.

"Buck," Steve said carefully, "how -"

"CAN'T A GUY WATCH," he paused and took a good look at the TV, "JAKE AND THE NEVERLAND PIRATES IN PEACE?!"

"Shit," he thought to himself, "of course it's still on the channel we had on last night while we babysat Clint's kids."

He stared at the TV as he thought back to the night before. For some reason, outside of Nat, Clint's kids loved having Y/N and Bucky babysit them. He let Lila braid his hair while Y/N played pirates Cooper. The ended the night all piled on the couch watching Disney Junior. His heart ached remembering the sight of baby Nathaniel cradled in Y/N's arms. He dared himself to imagine briefly that this was their family, and now all those hopes were obliterated.

Sam leaned over and whispered to his fellow Avengers, "Is Snow Miser seriously watching Disney Junior?"

"Maybe he really doesn't like Captain Hook, that sneaky snook," Natasha joked.

"Something must've went wrong when he tried to," Steve started to muse before he realized he was talking out loud.

His face went beat red and he prayed the other two didn't hear him. Well, his prayers weren't heard but his words sure were.

"Oh my God, did he try and ask Y/N out again," Nat said hopefully.

"Please, I'm pretty sure his balls froze off from all the years in cryo - he's been trying for months and he just can't do it," Sam mocked.

"Come on guys, cut him some slack," Steve pleaded.

"Steve. He's a grown ass man watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates intensely - like he's going to miss a plot point," Sam pointed out.

"Good afternoon everyone," Y/N greeted cheerfully.

"Good woah," Sam stuttered.

Typically Y/N wore oversized fandom t-shirts with zip-up hoodies, ripped up jeans, and a pair of beat up converse. Everyone knew she had confidence issues when it came to her body. It didn't matter that everyone called her 'cute' and 'adorable,' she wanted to be sexy and she didn't think she could be with the body she had.

Today, her confidence was through the roof. She wore a maroon off the shoulder lace top that hugged her curves, a black skater skirt, and open toed heals. Her make up, while usually natural, was done a touch more dramatic. Her E/C eyes were practically glittering with happiness.

Bucky refused to look from the TV, even despite Sam's reaction. He could feel bitterness tighten in his chest.

"Well, well, well," Nat said impressed, "what's the occasion Y/N?"

"Didn't she tell you," Bucky said bitterly unable to control the words that spewed from his mouth, "she's engaged."

Steve spit out the coffee he was drinking, drenching Sam in the process.

"Nice," Sam said curtly as he stood up to go clean himself off.

"I didn't think you were even seeing anyone," Natasha said as she looked cautiously between Bucky and Y/N.

Before Y/N could answer Bucky, still staring at the TV, started ranting, "Oh well it's because it's some Scottish guy she's seeing on her phone with that head seeing thing."

He was silent for just a few moments, but Y/N just couldn't get her words out she was so taken aback.

"Also I'll have you know," he shouted causing everyone to freeze, "that I've always thought your curves are sexy and beautiful. I've never thought they weren't in the right places. Your body, your face, your personality - it's all perfect to me."

Y/N couldn't will herself to breathe let alone move a muscle. Even Sam was stock still with paper towels bunched in his hands, he still hadn't made a move to clean the coffee off of himself.

"And another thing," Bucky shouted louder, his voice cracking, "I'll have you know that my dick is huge - and none of it has to do with my personality - and that it was that size even BEFORE the super soldier serum!"

"What fresh hell," Tony said confused as he walked into the awkward scene, "why is Terminator talking about his gun size?"

"James," Y/N said with a cautious yet amused tone, "were you at my door this morning?"

"I may have been walking by," Bucky admitted grumpily.

"So you heard Daniel -," Y/N started.

"What kind of fucking punk ass name is Daniel," he snapped, voice dripping with jealousy.

"Who the hell is Daniel," Tony said confused.

"Y/N's Scottish fiancé," Bucky spat bitterly.

"Daniel Euan Henderson," Y/N said in a strained voice.

"Y/N Henderson, huh," he said curtly, "well I hope you two are very happy together. I'm sure we'll miss you on the team."

"Y/N's leaving the team," Tony questioned in horror.

"- is a YouTuber," Y/N attempted once again to continue.

"Wow...what an exciting job," Bucky taunted, "someone who films themselves talking about shit is so much better than one of earth's mightiest heroes."

"Y/N is marrying a YouTuber," Tony asked as his confusion kept climbing.

"- who films himself talking to girls," Y/N tried yet again.

"Hmm he sounds real faithful there, good pick," Bucky said stubbornly while his eyes were still glued to Jake.

"- to help encourage them about their body image," Y/N explained as she finally was able to move herself forward.

"Well clearly it's working for you, sweet cheeks," Tony noted winking as he took in Y/N's appearance.

"I've been watching him for months now," Y/N continued ignoring Tony's comment.

"Oh wow," Bucky said hurt, "you've been seeing him for months?"

"Watching," Y/N corrected, "to try and boost my confidence -"

"Well he proposed so I guess it worked," Bucky said sadly.

"So Y/N is getting married," Tony asked.

"OH MY GOD I AM NOT ENGAGED! I AM NOT SEEING ANYONE! I'VE BEEN WATCHING HIS VIDEOS TO GAIN CONFIDENCE SO I CAN DO THIS," Y/N screamed exasperated.

She stalked over to the TV, turned it off, and faced James Buchanan Barnes. The moment he finally looked at her, he couldn't breathe. All jealousy and animosity flew from his mind and all he could think was how exceptionally beautiful Y/N was.

Steeling her nerves Y/N walked over to the couch. In one swift movement, before she lost her nerve, Y/N straddled Bucky's lap, placed her hands on his face, and kissed him for all he was worth.

Bucky's hands flew, one to hold the back of her neck and one to hold her waist, as he kissed Y/N back with abandon.

Y/N pulled back panting, and leaned her forehead against his. "So," she breathed, "how about that local sports team?"

Bucky's smile threatened to take over his whole face it was so big. "I hear they eat their young," he responded before kissing her again.

Natasha, Steve, and a still coffee soaked Sam all sighed dreamily as they watched the scene play out.

"What sports team eats their young and why do they have young in the first place," Tony cried out in horror, breaking the silence.

Bucky and Y/N broke their kiss because they couldn't stop laughing. They fell sideways onto the couch, still holding onto one another.

"To be clear," Y/N said seriously, "you're mine now, and I'm yours."

Bucky's eyes darkened at her words. "Also to be clear, I meant everything I said earlier," he said huskily as he glanced downward.

Y/N blushed furiously and buried her head in his neck to whisper, "I can't wait to find out myself."

In a split second, Bucky was on his feet and he threw Y/N over his shoulder. She squealed in delight as he carried her out of the room.

"You may want to invest in some noise cancelling headphones, Stevie," Bucky called back to his best friend and fellow floor mate.

Steve groaned, but couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face. "Well at least my ship has sailed," he sighed.

Sam gasped, "Look at you grandpa, using that young people lingo like a boss!"

"What the actual fuck just happened," Tony shouted as his eyes went wide and his hands shot out as if he was trying to keep his balance.

Nat walked over to him and patted his head sympathetically and promised, "I'll tell you when you're older."

[chickensarentcheap]

Sanctuary - Chapter 1

So this can be seen as either a companion piece to I Found (my first and still on going Tyler Rake/OC fan fic) or a sequel. It works either way lol.   I decided to work outside of the box and do more fluffy/soft/cute Tyler mixed in with his edge ;)    So this will be multi chapter and include everything from fluff, angst, drama, love, suspense, you name it. 

If you’d like to be tagged, please just let me know. I love comments, messages, you name it!

Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y  @alievans007  @hemmyworthy  @valkyrie-of-the-light

FIVE YEARS LATER

 He listens to the sound of life...his life...drifting up from the floor below. Hands behind  his head, eyes closed, the cotton sheets cool against his skin. Trying to squeeze in that extra bit of sleep despite the noise:  incessant high pitched giggling, some squabbling and name calling, the occasional ear piercing shriek. Outside the dog is whining to be let back in the house; not wanting to miss out on the action and the endless attention and treats the kids toss its way. A two year old German Shepherd that one of his son's had...much to the chagrin of everyone else in the house...named Macaroni. Mac for short. Further back on the property, in a safely fenced off area, chickens cluck and squawk within their pen as two goats tend to making sure their area is free of weeds and any left over food.

 It's a simple existence. A four bedroom farm house in Telluride, Colorado that had taken three years to fully renovate. A mixture of white wood siding and red brick; old fashioned touches like claw foot tables and a storm cellar, along with the newer and more modern amenities: a home gym and fully finished basement with its own entrance, kitchen, living space, bedroom and bathroom. Pushed four hundred meters from the road, there's enough land for a decent sized hobby farm; the chickens and goats, three separate vegetable gardens, an above ground pool and tons of free space for the kids to play. There's a creek at the very back; running horizontally at the edge of their property line, a common meeting ground for deer, fox, and other wildlife. And the one thing that had truly sold them on the place -when it had been nothing more than a rotted old place that looked as if it should be bulldozed to the ground- a view of the snow capped mountains.  A far cry from the sand and surf of Australia, but a paradise in its own right.

 “Okay...boys...boys...you need to take it down a notch...”  his wife's voice, a hint of exasperation in her tone. “..why are you like this? Please just go and sit down and do something quiet for five minutes so I can get breakfast started. Why do you have to act like wild banshees the moment your eyes open?”

 “Maybe daddy's up,” one of the twins-Tyler Junior's voice. Or TJ as he's affectionately known to everyone in his life. He's the taller of the two: sharing his father's height and naturally broad shoulders, along with the same texture and colour of hair and brilliant blue eyes. He's the wilder of the two. Loud and boisterous. Fearless. To a fault.

 “Can we go check?” Tanner now. Smaller and slighter than his older (by a mere six minutes) brother. With slightly darker hair than his siblings, and his mother's build and smile and the freckles splashed across the bridge of his noise. He's the quiet, introspective one. An old soul trapped in such a young body.

 “You two get down from there,” Esme hisses from the bottom of the stairs. “No going up there. Daddy is asleep. He's tired. Do you want me to throw you out there with the chickens and the goats? Because I will. I swear to God I will.”

 He smirks at that.

 “Maybe he's awake,” Millie pipes up. Even more hopeful than her younger brother. She's a daddy's girl. Through and through. Has been since the moment she made her entrance into the world and had been placed in his arms, her entire fist closing around one of his fingers.

 “I said no. Now all three of you get down here right now. Daddy didn't get in until late last night. He's had a very busy two weeks and he needs to sleep. Are any of you even listening to me right now? Are you feral?”

 Tyler actually laughs out loud at that.

 The kids have extremely keen ears, and their mother's patience is already running low, and now he can hear the pounding of little feet against the wooden stairs as they seize the opportunity and make their move. And he's just manage to slip into a pair of sweats and climb back into bed when the door is being thrown open. The twins collide with either side of the door frame; causing the human equivalent of a three car pile up.  And they decide to just throw down right there and then; head locks and elbows to the face as they fight over who actually gets to enter the room first.

 Millie takes charge, and with a roll of the eyes, simply shoves them both out of the way. She's tall and slender for only five. With unruly light brown hair and blue eyes that are always filled with both mischief and curiosity. A healthy mix of tomboy and girly girl: a room filled with both dolls and action figures. She enjoyed both tea parties and dress up but could turn around and climb trees and roll around in the dirt in the blink of an eye.

 All three jump onto the bed to greet him and he finds himself tackled by the lot of them. Letting them push him down onto his back; a tickle fight immediately ensuing, followed by a wrestling match. They all love to rough house. Even Tanner, who is smart and compassionate like his mother but could lay an ass kicking on his bigger twin. They're tough kids. Both physically and mentally.

 “I gotta pee!” Tanner announces, as he slides across the bed on his butt, jumps off and scurries from the room.

 His brother takes it as a chance to catch him unaware, and in less than a minute they're in the middle of the hallway, rolling around on the ground fighting. It will end the way it always does. Tears. Maybe a black eye or a split lip. If left to their own defences, they'd spend a half an hour beating the hell out of each other followed by a quarter of the day declaring they hate one other. Then they'd forget about why they were even mad and once again join forces to wreak havoc.

 ****

Millie crawls across the bed and plops down onto her side, snuggling into him. Nestling her head underneath his chin, one of her hands on his shoulder. And he drops a kiss on her hair and wrapping an arm around her, pulls her close. Once again closing his eyes, enjoying a few extra moments of relaxation. Until she's moving against him and her tiny fingers are attempting to pry his eyes open.

 “Wake up daddy,” her hand moves to his beard, giggling as she rubs her palm against it.  “It's time to get up.”

 “What if I don't want to?”

 “It's breakfast,” she announces, and she's at his eyes again, growing frustrated as he screws them shut even tighter. “Daddy...” she grumbles. “...don't be such a boy.”

 “I am a boy,” he reminds her.

 “It doesn't mean you have to give me a hard time like the rest of them.”

 Tyler grins. “You sounded so much like your mother just now.”

 “Smart like mommy, cute like daddy,” she declares.

 “Atta girl. You know what's up.”  He opens his eyes: bright blue meeting bright blue.

 “Hi!” she chirps, and leans in so they can rub the tips of their noses together. It's their 'special thing'. Something he'd taught her shortly after her second birthday. And she refuses to share it with her brothers.

 “Hi.”

 “I missed you, daddy.”

 He will never grow tired of hearing that word. Or the way it makes him feel. How it fills him with a sense of accomplishment. That someone like him...with all the monsters in his closet and all the battles he's fought ...could both make and deserve something so perfect.

 “How could you miss me? You were still up when I got home. I tucked you in. Read you a story. Five of them to be exact.”

 “I missed you while I was sleeping,” she says, and fiddles with the chain around his neck.

 He'd been gone for two weeks this time; helping Nik with a handful of  simple 'in and out' extractions throughout central and south America. Returning with little more than a couple of bruised ribs, scrapped up knuckles, and a small gash above his right eye. He only takes the easy jobs now. He has way too much to lose. A wife and kids. Even his own side business: home renovations and handyman work.  A way having steady cash flow and being able to get food on the table, the bills paid, and keep a roof of over their heads.

 She is investigating the cut above his eye now. It hadn't been deep enough for stitches, but the skin around it was starting to swell and turn a vivid purple. Millie had lost it when she'd seen his injuries; crying like she'd never cried before. The only thing calming her down had been a bowl of ice cream and those five stories he'd been suckered into.  

 “You were gone a long time,” she pouts.

 “Too long,” he agrees.

 “Did you miss me?”

 “Of course I did. Didn't I call you every night when I was gone? I missed you very much. And your mommy. And your brothers.”

 “But not as much as you missed me, right? Because I'm your favourite.”

 “I love all of you the same. I don't have any favourites.”

 She pulls back, taking his face in her tiny hands. “Just tell me, daddy. I can keep a secret.”

 It feels like a lifetime ago when she was just a tiny baby that he could carry around in one hand. Now she's in kindergarten, taking gymnastics, enrolled in martial arts, and willing try any sport that tickles her fancy. Sometimes he misses the old days. Getting up in the middle of the night to tend to her, feeling that tiny body just melt into his, smelling that powdery, fresh scent that clung to her hair and clothes. She's a daddy's girl. Always has been. And there's no sign of that changing any time soon.

 He hopes it never does.

 “Daddy?”

 His eyes are closed again. Relishing the precious and all too fleeting moments with his first born. His only daughter.  “Yeah?”

 “I love you,” she announces, and it nearly brings tears to Tyler's eyes. She is so innocent and so pure, as is her blind faith and trust in him. She has no clue of what his other job entails. Just that he goes a way a lot and she hates it. And sometimes he comes back with cuts and bruises and the occasional broken bone.

 It's his number one fear: what will happen when she gets older and she learns just what he's been up to all these years. He worries it will change how she looks at him. Right now she adores and idolizes him; there's no problem that daddy can't fix, no toy he can't repair, no monster he can't chase away. Soon that will end. She'll grow out of that and their relationship will be different. And he worries that the truth and the monsters and demons of his past will drive her away.

 He tightens his hold on her. Drops a kiss on the top of her head.

 “I love you too.”

 ****

 His family is gathered in the kitchen. The smell of pancakes, eggs, and sausage hanging heavily in the air as google home mini perched on a nearby counte rtop plays the current and most popular music. Tanner scurries back and forth between cupboards and table as he happily and dutifully finishes setting places for his mother. The baby in his high chair; ten months old, a lock of strawberry blond hair falling across his forehead, brilliant blue eyes focused intently on scooping  the selection of dry cheerios and slices of banana on the tray in front of him. Declan is long and lanky like Millie and TJ. Feisty and mischievous at even such a tender age.  The genes run strong in the Rake family. Never a doubt to strangers on the street that those four came from the same mom and dad. Especially the latter.  Their appearances strikingly similar; both physical and in their mannerisms and facial expressions.

 “Help your brother,” Tyler instructs his daughter, placing her on the ground. “And no fighting over who gets what colour cup or what spoon.” 

They were only eleven months apart and while incredibly close and nine times out of ten the best of friends, they loved to scrap. Their little pissing matches often turning physical. But Mille is strong and clever and never backs down from a challenge.

 He joins his wife at the counter where she stands dishing food out onto plates. His hands coming to rest on her shoulders, then sliding down her arms and coming to rest on her hips. They’re wider now; she’s had four children after all. His children. Yet she is still firm and tone in some places, soft and more curvaceous in others.  Her hair is shorter; skimming the tops of her shoulders, wispy bangs over her forehead. She is beautiful even first thing in the morning; a wide headband holding her hair away from her face, clad in a pair of simple black leggings and one of his t-shirts. And he leans into her, eyes closed as he breathes in the soft scent that lingers in her hair.

 “Good morning,” his lips are against her ear, hands tightening on her hips as she pulls her back against him.

  He feels her shudder against him and he smiles as he presses a kiss to her cheek. He had heard that once children came into the picture, a lot of women lost some, if not all, desire for sex. They were tired. Physically and emotionally. But not his wife. In fact, it had seemed to heighten her need for it even more. She’s always been insatiable; right from the very beginning of their relationship. The only woman he’d ever known -including his first wife- whose sexual appetite almost matched his. Last night she’d been especially in the mood; pouncing on him the second he walked into their bedroom. And then  proceeding to wake him up twice in the middle of the night with no so gentle demands that he make love to her.

 Who was he to say no?”

 “Good morning,” she tilts her head back and smiles up at him “Did you sleep okay? I’m sorry the kids were so loud and woke you up.  They were excited you were home.”

 “They only woke me up once. You woke me up twice,” he teases, grinning when she blushes, and presses a kiss to the tip of her nose. “By the way…” he places his lips against her ear once again, and presses his groin against her ass. “…you were incredible.”

 Her blush deepens, spreading all the way to the tips of her ears. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”

 “You definitely were not complaining,” he chides, and then kisses her cheek. Behind them, TJ makes a very distinct gagging noise.  “One day you’re going like kissing girls,” he informs his son, as he leans back against the counter and accepts a mug of steaming black coffee from his wife.

 “Never,” the little boy declares.  “Girls are gross.”

 “Your mommy isn’t gross,” Tyler points out. “Far from it. Daddy thinks she’s the most beautiful girl in the world. One day you’ll find a girl that you feel the same way about.”

 “Nope,” his namesake remains steadfast. “Never. Ever. Girls that aren’t mommy are nasty. And kissing is gross. Just…ughhh…” his nose crinkles in disgusts as he shudders dramatically.  Definitely his mother’s son with that little display.

 “Kissing is where babies come from,” Mille announces, as she scrambles into her seat at the table.

 “Well there’s a little more to it than that,” he says, and Esme digs her elbow into his ribs and shakes her his. “Well there is.”

 “Like what?” Millie inquires. “Kissing and what?”

 “Kissing and things,” her mother replies. “Things you don’t need to know about until you’re older. Much older.”

 “How much older?” the five year old isn’t giving up that easily.

 “When you’re thirty and your father finally lets you go out on a date.”

 “Thirty!” Mille squeals. “That’s old as shit!”

 “”Hey!” Tyler admonishes. “None of that. Only mommy says that word. She invented bad words like that.”

 “Yeah…” Esme snorts.  “…way back when the Pony Express still delivered mail.”

 “I think you made the F word, daddy,” Tanner says, and his twin giggles beside him.

 “Someone needs to watch their language when little ears are around,” Esme scolds, and hands him a cold plate of eggs and pancake for the paper.

 “You might get your mouth washed out with soap,” TJ adds. “That’s what grandma says she used to do to Uncle Mike when he was little and swore like a drunken sailor.”

 “Thirty is really old,” Millie muses dramatically, as she tucks her hair behind her ears.  

 “Your mother was being generous,” Tyler says. “I was thinking more like forty.”

 “Daddy, that’s mean. You can’t boys away from me that long.”

 “Don’t say that him,” Esme pipes up. “He’s going to take that as a challenge.”

 “She can date, but I’m sitting on the front porch with a gun in my lap until she gets home,” he vows, and his wife rolls her eyes and begins carrying plates of food to the table, leaving an extra on the counter.

 The baby squeals happily when Tyler steps up beside the high chair and reaches up for him with dirty hands. Fists repeatedly opening and closing in a request to be picked.

 “Mate…” he sighs, as he takes in the state of his youngest. Banana smashed into oblivious, smeared into his hair.  “…why do you have to do this to me? What kind of mess did you go and make? Your son tried to shampoo his hair with his banana,” he informs his wife. “Look at him. He’s a bloody wreck.”

 “How come he’s only my son when he’s bad?” she smirks, and tosses him a package of baby wipes.

 “Because the bad genes come from you,” he states, and then uses the wipes to clean the baby’s face, hair, and hands before unbuckling him and lifting him from the seat. Little arms curling around his neck, a face nuzzling into his shoulder. “Here we go, mate, here we go,” he says, and then slides into his chair. “Time to eat. Time to get big and strong so that you can kick some ass when you get older.”

 “Really, Tyler?” Esme sighs. “Really?”

 “Daddy said ass,” TJ giggles, and soon he and his brother are dissolving into hysterics and making fart jokes. Their sister rolling her eyes and giving them hell for being so rude.

 Just another day in paradise.

 ****

  “Well…well…well…” Esme grins.  “…it lives. Long enough to emerge from it’s dungeon to eat.”

 There’s a slight blush to Ovi’s cheeks as he enters the room, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he lays a hand on her shoulder and presses a kiss to his cheek. She may not be the woman that carried him for nine months and given birth to him, but she was very much his mother. Spending the last five years making sure he was well taken care of; nurtured, shown affection, encouraged to enjoy the simple things that came with a quieter existence. And he may not use the word, but he feels it in his heart. And he knows she does too.

 He’s much taller now; half an inch shy of Tyler’s six foot three frame. He’s not as muscular and powerful as the man he considers his father, but is tall and athletic; a sinewy, well toned body from all the hours he’s spent lifting weights,  helping out on their little hobby farm, and accompanying Tyler to his reno and handy man jobs. And while he lives in the apartment in the basement, he never misses a meal with the family. He craves the togetherness; the conversations and the jokes and hearing the kids giggling and playing.

 He snags the plate of food off the counter and heats it in the microwave, then slips into the chair to Tyler’s left. “What time did you get back?” he inquires, as Esme moves to fill his empty glass from a pitcher of orange juice on the table.

 “Around nine.”

 “That was a long one,” he remarks, and Esme nods in agreement.

 She has gotten used to his time away, but still doesn’t like it. It’s cold and lonely in the middle of the night and sleep rarely comes; too many worries about where he is and if he’s okay.

 “What happened here?” Ovi gestures to the area above his own eye.

 “Just a little mix up with someone that wasn’t too happy with me. Nothing serious. Where were you? The car was gone when I got home.”

 He’d been the one that had taught the kid to drive; taking him on back country roads in a beater pick up truck that they’d picked up for cheap.  Ovi’s come a long way in five years; physically and mentally. He’s no longer plagued by the vivid nightmares of what had happened in Dhaka or how’d he’d killed Gaspar to save  Tyler’s life, and essentially, his own.  He had thrived in the public school system and quickly and effortlessly made friends.  Joined the swim team. Ran track and field. Tried his hand at football. He had decided to take a year off from pursuing a higher education; electing to busy himself on the farm and learning how to use power tools, sweating under the weight of hard, manual labour.

 “Ovi had a date,” Millie sing songs. “With a girl.”

 He reaches across the table to tousle her hair, and she gives that musical little giggle.  

 “It wasn’t a date,” he says.  “I was helping her study.”

 “Yeah…” Tyler smirks as the sips his coffee. “…it was studying.”

 “Right…” Esme grins from across the table. “…studying. I was a teenager once. I know what studying is code language for. Tyler and I like to study together. He’s actually an excellent tutor.”

 “Which is why we have four kids,” he adds.

 “I am never going to study,” TJ declares, causing the adults to laugh.

 “Oh boy child…” his mother sighs. “…you are in for one heck of a rude awakening when you get older. No kissing and no studying? Come back and talk to me when you’re fourteen.”

 “You’ll like studying,” Tyler says. “Even by yourself. It’s not as fun as when you study with someone else, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.”

 Ovi laughs, nearly choking on a mouthful of orange juice.

 “Excuse me,” Esme directs a kick to his shin under the table. “When was the last time you actually had to study alone?”

 “I was just gone for two weeks,” he reminds her.  “Just because you wanted to study together when I got back doesn’t mean I didn’t have to study by myself while I was away. Go that long without studying? I haven’t gone that long without studying since I was fifteen.”

 She holds a hand up to silence him. “Okay that last part is just way too much information.”

 “Sometimes you have to study alone,” he continues with a shrug. “Because your study partner is tired. Or they feel sick Or they have a headache. Study partners get headaches a lot.”

 She kicks him under the table to get his attention, then mouths: “I will kill you in your sleep.”

 He shoots her a grin and a wink, reaching out with his foot in order to run his toes over her instep, along her shin, and then around to the hell.

 At first she glares at him, glass against her lips, then gives a smirk and places her other foot in his lap. Causing him to clear his throat noisily and shift in his seat when she presses her toes into his crotch. But he doesn’t make her stop.

 “So what’s her name? Esme asks. “This study partner of yours?”

 “Chloe.”

 “Oooo that’s pretty!” Mille gushes. “That’s a princess name. Is she pretty like a princess?”

 “She is,” he confirms, but then reaches across the table to tousle her hair. “But not as pretty as you.”

 “How’d you meet her?”  Tyler asks, his hand slipping below the table to push his wife’s foot out of his crotch. The last thing he needed was to get up from the breakfast table with a raging hard on. He is almost forty one now, but she still has a way of making him feel like a horny teenager.

 Esme pouts dramatically, then goes back to her breakfast. Foot now on his thigh, his fingers massaging at the bases of her toes.

 “The internet,” Ovi sheepishly admits.

 Tyler groans. Jesus , mate. We talked about this. We’ve been talking about this for five years now. No social media. It’s too easy for people to find you on there and track you down.”

 “I’m being really careful,” he insists. “My security settings are really high. I don’t use my real name. Esme has a facebook.”

 “With only her family on it. It’s not the same thing. How’d you end up randomly meeting her online in the first place? Don’t tell me you did something creepy like sending her a message out of nowhere because you thought she looked cute.”

 “It was a group. For single people in Colorado.”

 “Oh for fuck sakes,” Tyler mutters, much to the chagrin of the kids; the twins giggling and telling he was going to get his mouth washed out with soap and Millie who immediately scrambling for the ‘swear jar’ that sits on the counter by the stove. Informing him that he knows five bucks because it was a ‘really, really, really bad word’.   “Why would you go on something like that? I get being lonely and wanting to meet girls, but for Christ sakes, mate.”

 “I wasn’t thinking, I guess. I just wanted to meet new people and talk to them. I wasn’t really planning on meeting anyone. I was just wanting  to talk.”

 He’s had a handful of girlfriends in high school. Nice, down home kind of girls that came from decent families and seemed to have no secrets in their closets. Tyler had made sure of it: giving their names and addresses to Nik so she would do a little digging. Everything had come back clean, thankfully. But it was better to be safe than sorry, especially with kids in the house.

 “How much do you even know about this girl?”

 “Enough.”

 Tyler arches both brows, waiting for a better response.

 “We’ve been talking for a little while,” he admits. “A few weeks now. She lives in Butte. So when we wanted to meet in person, we agreed to drive hallway and meet in the middle.”

 “How old is she?” Tyler presses. “What does she do for a living?”

 “Twenty three.”

 Out of the corner of his eye, he can see the way his wife’s widen at the revelation. There’s almost five full years between them and while that had never stopped them, it seemed a little wrong when it was a nineteen year old boy being pursued by an older woman.

 “She teaches in a day care,” Ovi continues. “So she’d fit in really well around here. She loves kids and you guys have a lot of them, so…”

 “I wanna met her,” Mille decides, and her brothers join in.

 “You can’t just bring strangers to the house,” Esme speaks up.  “You know that’s one of the big rules. We can’t just have anyone and everyone walking through the front door. How much do you really know about her other than her name, age, and what she does for a living? Do you know anything about her friends? Her family? Her background?”

 “I can always get Nik to run a check on her,” Tyler suggests. “I mean, if he really wants to see this girl…”

 “Still doesn’t mean I want a stranger coming to my bouse. Being around my kids.  Wasn’t that we agreed on about five years ago? When we moved here and I was having the twins? That we wouldn’t take the chance of just letting someone walk through the door? There’s always a chance, remember? That someone is looking for us. Those are your exact words.”

 “But if I get Nik to do a background check, we’ll get some answers. If nothing comes up, great. He can see the girl. If someone comes up, then he doesn’t. You wouldn’t, right?” he looks at Ovi. “See her if something came up?”

 “No! I would never do anything like that! I’d never bring someone like that around here.  I just want the chance to get to know her. That’s all. She’s really nice and really pretty and I think you guys would like her.:

 “I’m going to like her,” Millie chimes in. “I already do. If she’s good enough for my Ovi, she’s good enough for me.”

 “Pound it…” he says to her, as he holds out a fist and she enthusiastically responds. “…now blow it up.”

 They’ve always been close. Right from the moment they’d brought her as a baby to the Mahajan house five years ago. It was the first infant he’d ever had contact with and he’d been immediately smitten; mesmerized by the little sounds she made, how she would look up at him with those big blue or wrap her entire fist around one of his fingers. And when he wasn’t holding or begging to hold her, he was playing the piano for her; having her in the car seat on the floor next to him while he entertained her with his favourite songs. As she grew older, she’d always referred to him as ‘my Ovi’. Sometime she’s even called him her brother, and when people tried to point out it wasn’t physically possible that they were related in any way, she’d argue that ‘Christmas presents aren’t always in the same wrapping paper and neither are people’.

 Pretty wise for a five year old.

 “It won’t hurt to take a look at her,” Tyler attempts to reason with his wife “What’s the worst that can happen? We see something we don’t like in her background and he cuts ties with her. That’s it. No harm, no foul.”

 She’s become increasingly paranoid with each baby they’ve brought into the world. Always worried that there was someone out there just waiting to trample on the happiness that they had managed to find. And when he’d gotten back into the job without consulting her first, the worry became obsessive and all consuming.

  And there was also some lingering animosity towards him on her part; that he’d willingly go back into a profession that put a target on not only his back, but hers and the kids as well. He no longer saw it that way; he was more than capable of protecting his family and there were others -like Nik, Yaz, and the rest of the team- that would help them out no questions asked. Besides, the jobs he took were considered low on the scale of risk when it came to severe injury or death.

 “If nothing comes back and she’s totally clean, there’s no reason why she can’t come around,” he adds, and gives her foot a squeeze. “You know I’m not going to just let a stranger walk up in here. I wouldn’t take that chance. So I’ll get Nik to look her up. The kid does deserve to have a life. Isn’t that we brought him along with us in the first place?”

 Sighing heavily, she uses her fork to push the remains of her food around her plate.

 “Nothing is going to happen,” he assures her. “We do things this way, there’s no chance of something going wrong. Let’s at least give the girl a chance, yeah?”

 “As long as you promise to have Nik look into her. And as long as you…” she trains her gaze on Ovi.  “…promise me you won’t bring her here until Tyler find outs about her. I’m serious, Ovi. I can’t have some random off the street getting near my kids. I just can’t.”

 “I won’t,” he vows. “I’d never do something like that.”

 Giving a small smile, she nods and then pushes her chair away from the table and begins tidying up the dirty plates and utensils, instructing the kids to run upstairs and get cleaned up and dressed.

 “Is she okay?” Ovi asks. “She seems a little….mad.”

 “I think she’s a bit pissed at me. I was only supposed to be gone four days and it ended up turning into two weeks. It’s hard on her. Being home alone all that time with the kids. This job was supposed to be easy and it turned into a real shit show instead. Definitely not what I thought I was walking into.”

 “Well at least you’re alive, right? You’re home. At least you’re still here.”

 “That’s all that matters, mate. Dragging myself through that front door. As long as I get home to my wife and my kids, it’s a good day.”

 As long as he wasn’t being brought home in a body bag.

[tornbetween2loves]

A Blizzard in Lythikos, Part 2

And here it is! Finally, the conclusion of the story that began as a request from my good friend @kennaxval. I took advantage of the blizzard in this story to fulfill another old prompt from wayyyyy back before Christmas from @darley1101 sorry it took so long. But hopefully it was worth the wait. The prompt was, “Somewhere, someone is having fun and I’m fucking stuck here with you,” for Drake x Maxwell. Bonus points if a blizzard is involved. I think I delivered on all points for this one.

You should read part one first. This is a continuation of the story started in that fic. You can find it here.

Pairings: Drake x Olivia, Liam x Riley, Drake x Maxwell (platonic)

Word count: 3250ish. Sorry it got away from me a bit.

Drake pulled the ripsaw out of the garage into a sheet of white. His mouth dropped open as he realized there was no visibility. He swallowed the lump in his throat and pulled something out of his pocket. It looked like a pocket watch, however it opened to reveal it was a compass. An old-fashioned compass. But it always pointed true north and had never steered Drake wrong. Of course the ripsaw was equipped with all kinds of navigation equipment. Drake sat the compass on the dash, noticing that the needle matched that on the screen. He smiled. The compass had belonged to his father. Bastien had given it to him shortly after his father passed. He remembered it like it was yesterday, even though many years had passed.

“Drake, your father carried this with him always,” Bastien said as he placed the compass in Drake’s 13-year-old palm. “I’m sorry I do not know the history of it, but your father always said it never steered him wrong.” He placed a hand on his shoulder. “I hope it will be a symbol of his love and guidance. He is always with you Drake.”

Drake wiped the tears that formed at the memory as he shook his head. “Ok dad, I could use your help on this one.” Drake focused on steering the ripsaw in a straight line. He figured that Maxwell had to be somewhere fairly close, judging by the time he left and factoring in when the snow really started coming down. He figured he couldn’t be more than a few miles from the chateau. He had become pretty familiar with the area surrounding the chateau, he frequently fished and camped around the lake. He decided to stick to the road that circles the lake first. He kept his pace slow as he strained to see something, anything out the windshield.

After driving for a few minutes, Drake figured he was about halfway around the lake. Everything was still a sheet of white, however Drake thought he saw something in the distance. He slowed the ripsaw down and squinted. He saw a faint flash of red light in the distance, probably about 300 yards ahead. “That’s gotta be him,” Drake mumbled to himself as he pushed the ripsaw into overdrive. After a few minutes Maxwell’s truck came into view, his emergency flashers blinking through the blinding snow. Drake smiled triumphantly as he pulled the ripsaw up behind the truck. He kept the engine running and opened the hatch with a shove, knocking the accumulation of snow from the roof of the vehicle. He left the hatch open as he made his way to the driver’s side window. The truck was not running. He tried the handle and the door of the truck swung open. There was no one inside and the keys still hung from the ignition. A puzzled look crossed Drake’s face. Why would Maxwell leave his truck? Where would he go? He climbed into the truck and shut the door as he looked about the cab. Maxwell’s cell phone laid on the passenger seat. It was dead. He turned the key in the ignition, but the engine wouldn’t crank. The battery must’ve died. Drake sighed and got out of the truck. He looked around in all directions, but couldn’t see anything. He made his way back to the ripsaw and climbed back in the cab.

Drake sighed as he rubbed his hands down his face. “Where are you Maxwell? Where could you have gone?” He stared at the screen of the ripsaw’s GPS map. He closed his eyes and pictured the road that runs around the lake. Relying on his keen sense of direction, Drake created a map in his mind of the area surrounding Maxwell’s truck. He knew the lake was about a quarter mile to the west. He knew because one of his favorite fishing spots was right by here. In fact, when Drake comes to this spot to fish he parks right about where Maxwell’s truck sits. Because there’s a break in the guard rail leading to a trail that goes all the way to the lake. Drake opened his eyes with a start. He knew where to find Maxwell. He grabbed the compass off the dash and cut the engine, shoving the keys in his pocket. He opened a compartment on the passenger side and took out a flashlight.

He opened the hatch to the ripsaw again, snow beating him in the face. He wrapped his scarf around his face and turned on the flashlight as he climbed down and closed the hatch behind him. He made his way carefully to the back of Maxwell’s truck. Then he opened up the compass and turned until he was headed west. He walked a few steps and stopped when he reached the guardrail. He leaned down and ran his hand along the rail, walking a few steps until he found the break in the rail. This was it. This was the path he was looking for. Drake stood looking at the white blanket in front of him. He knew that there was a small shack about halfway to the lake. It was only big enough for a fire pit and a cot and a few other things Drake had left there last time he went fishing. That had to be where he’d find Maxwell. He pointed the compass west again and made his way along slowly, bringing his knees up high to push his way through the snow.

It was pretty slow going. The snow got deeper the further Drake got from the road. And boy, it was getting cold. He lifted his leg high and took a step and yelped as he sunk all the way to his upper thigh. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Drake looked up at the sky as the snow seemed to come down harder, pelting him in the face. He began to realize that he would have to stay at the cabin, whether he found Maxwell there or not. He was unsure if he could make it back to the ripsaw. He pushed on and after what seemed like an eternity he saw the faint outline of the cabin in the distance. His heart sunk when he realized there was no smoke coming from the chimney of the cabin. Hot tears pricked the corners of his eyes. Where the hell was he? If he didn’t come here then Drake didn’t know what to do or where to look.

He finally reached the porch of the cabin. The awning above the porch was weighted down with snow, but it kept a clear path to the front door. The awning looked like it was hanging on by a thread. “Thank god for small miracles,” he mumbled to himself as he flung the door open and moved into the darkness of the cabin. He closed the door behind him. He unraveled his scarf from his head as he aimed his flashlight about the cabin. It was empty, but there were several blankets strewn about the floor. “Looks like someone found my hideaway.” He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Where the fuck are you, Maxwell?” He turned around just in time for his face to collide with a small cast iron skillet.

“Ow! Fuck!” He collapsed to his knees, covering his nose with both hands. The flashlight fell from his grasp and rolled to the other side of the room, leaving him in darkness. Drake felt the warmth of blood flowing through his fingers. “I think you broke my nose, whoever you are,” he said in a pained muffled voice. “Drake? Drake is that really you???” Suddenly he felt arms around him, pulling him up off the floor and wrapping him in a bear hug. “I’ve never been happier to see someone in my entire life.” Drake sighed as he pushed Maxwell off of him. “Dammit Maxwell why the hell would you hit me in the face with a frying pan? What are you thinking? I need to stop my nose from bleeding. Go get the flashlight. I think it rolled under the cot.” Maxwell scrambled to the other side of the room and came back a few minutes later with the flashlight. Drake winced as Maxwell shined the light directly in his eyes. Drake glared at him as he grabbed the flashlight off of him and shined it into the far corner of the room. “See that pile of rags over there in the corner? Go bring a few of them here.”

Drake sat down on an upside down milk crate next to the stove. He grimaced as he leaned forward and gently pinched the fleshy part of his nose. He looked up at Maxwell, who was holding out the rags. “Why are you sitting here in the dark? Why didn’t you start a fire?” He dropped his head back down between his legs. Maxwell shrugged then said feebly, “I don’t know how.” Drake sighed. He handed Maxwell the flashlight. “Check the corner of the room over there. There should be some wood and some old newspapers over there. Tear a few pages of the newspaper into strips and lay them in the bottom of the stove, then add some wood.” Maxwell did as he was told as Drake continued to pinch his nose. After a few minutes, Drake sat up slowly and released his nose. It seemed like the bleeding stopped. He walked over to the other corner of the room and picked up a small plastic bucket. He took it out on to the front porch and scooped up some snow and brought it back inside. He made a few small snowballs and wrapped them in a rag, then held the rag to his nose gently.

“Ok Drake, I did what you said, now what?” Drake nodded to the same corner where he found the bucket. “There should be a box of matches over in that corner somewhere. Light the paper on fire and fan the flames and it should catch.”

Several minutes later Maxwell stood triumphantly next to the fire. He smiled at Drake. “I did it! I started a fire! All by myself!” He started dancing around the room as Drake rolled his eyes. He was not amused. Maxwell did a fake karate kick right in front of Drake and accidentally nipped the arm that was holding the snow on his nose. He saw stars and screamed at the second blow to his nose. Then he saw red. He stood up, nostrils flaring as he stared at Maxwell. “What the hell is wrong with you??!!” He groaned and turned away from him, pinching the tip of his nose to stave off the bleeding.

“I-I’m really sorry Drake,” Maxwell said meekly. “I was just trying to have a little fun.” Drake felt himself trembling as he tried to contain his anger. When he realized his nose was bleeding again, he could contain himself no longer. He raised his voice as he stared daggers at Maxwell. “A little fun? A little FUN???” He shook his head as a sinister laugh escaped his throat. He snapped his head up to meet Maxwell’s eyes. “Somewhere, someone is having fun and I’m fucking stuck here with you,” he seethed. He turned and sat down on the milk crate, facing away from Maxwell.

For a long time, Maxwell said nothing. Drake sat holding the snow compress on his nose, thinking about how differently this night was supposed to go. He reached into his pocket to feel the small box that was pressing against his thigh. This was supposed to be the best night of his life. He had it all planned out, how he was going to get down on one knee after dinner and ask Olivia to be his wife, in front of their friends. He wanted all of them to know how much he loved her, how serious he was about her. He pulled the box out of his pocket with a resigned sigh. He popped open the lid to look at the princess cut diamond in the center of a ring of smaller emeralds. Maxwell’s eyes grew wide as he spotted the ring. Then his face fell when he realized what his friend had sacrificed to come save him.

“Drake, I’m so sorry about all of this. I tried to make it to the chateau. But then my truck stalled and it wouldn’t start. I didn’t know what to do. I knew I was close to the chateau, so I figured I could make it if I walked.” Drake sighed and ran his hands through his hair as he shot a look at Maxwell. “You do realize that this cabin is the opposite direction of the chateau.” He shut the ring box and shoved it back in his pocket. Maxwell dropped his gaze to the floor. “Oh. No I didn’t realize that.” Drake walked over to the cot and stretched out. “I have a splitting headache. I’m going to lie down for a bit. Maxwell nodded and sat down on the milk crate.

After a few minutes, Maxwell said in a shaky voice, “Hey Drake, what are we going to do?” Drake sighed. “Nothing. We’re going to sit here and wait until the snow stops. There’s nothing we can do until then. You should try and get some sleep.” He rolled over and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the throbbing in his face. He listened to Maxwell shuffle around, trying to get comfortable lying on the floor with the blankets. After lying still for a long time, Drake finally drifted off to sleep.

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

“Drake! Drake wake up! I think the snow has finally stopped.” Maxwell stood above Drake, his hand resting lightly on his shoulder. Drake opened his eyes and immediately groaned at the pain in his face. He noticed that a soft light was filtering in through the one small window in the cabin. “Is it morning? We slept all night?” Maxwell nodded. Drake sat up and stretched. He walked to the door of the cabin and pulled it open. A huge pile of snow was there to greet him. Drake groaned and shut the door. He turned to Maxwell. “We’re gonna have to dig our way out of here. The porch roof must’ve finally collapsed under the weight of the snow.” He looked around the cabin. “You can use the skillet as a shovel Maxwell,” Drake said as he walked over to the far corner of the room. He picked up a small garden shovel that he kept to dig for bait when he went fishing. He sighed deeply. “This is gonna take forever,” he mumbled under his breath. He walked over and opened the door and he and Maxwell started digging through the mountain of snow.

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

Olivia stood at the window in the sitting room, staring out at the white sheet outside. This was the worst blizzard she’d seen in years. She strained her eyes, trying to focus on something, anything other than snow. The snow had stopped falling shortly before sunrise. But everything was buried. Liam walked up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Happy birthday Olivia,” he said as he rubbed her shoulders gently. Olivia smiled and patted his hand. She was worried sick. But there was nothing she could do. She just had to wait. Liam leaned in close to her ear. “If anyone could make it through a blizzard in one piece it would be Drake.” Olivia nodded with a sad smile. She turned around to face Liam and wrapped her arms around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. She shuddered as she tried to blink back the tears that pricked the corners of her eyes. Liam rubbed her back gently as he stared out the window. The sun was starting to fall low in the sky, another hour and it would be dark again. He was trying to put on a brave face for Olivia, but his concern for his friend was becoming evident.

Olivia pulled out of the hug with a deep sigh. “Dinner is just about ready. Let’s go ahead and eat. He’s not coming now.” They made their way to the dining room, where Riley was already sitting with a smile on her face. There were several gifts laid out on one end of the table. “Happy birthday, Liv.” She stood up to hug her friend. “Thank you Riley.” They sat down to eat. Olivia didn’t have much of an appetite, she was picking at her food absentmindedly, her thoughts consumed by Drake. Suddenly, she heard something out in front of the chateau. Her and Liam locked eyes across the table. “Drake!” They both called out in unison as they got up from the table and rushed to the front door. The sun had set, leaving everything outside in darkness. Olivia threw open the door and sighed with relief when she saw the ripsaw in the driveway. He made it! Drake was home. She watched as he opened the hatch and he and Maxwell climbed out. Maxwell grinned sheepishly as he approached Olivia. “I am sorry for being such an idiot. I’m sure you were worried sick.” Olivia nodded and wrapped him in a hug. “I’m glad you’re all right. There’s a landline in the study. Please call your brother and let him know you’re alive. He’s worried sick as well.” Maxwell smiled and nodded as he made his way into the chateau. Olivia turned around and gasped at the sight behind her. There was Drake, down on one knee in front of her.

“Olivia, I don’t want to go another minute without telling you that you are the love of my life. I know it’s your birthday and this wasn’t exactly how I planned for this to go, but,” he opened the box to reveal the ring. “Will you marry me?” Tears overflowed down Olivia’s cheeks as she nodded. Drake smiled big as he stood up and took the ring and put it on her finger. He stroked her cheek softly. “I love you, Olivia Nevrakis.” He kissed her softly. Olivia smiled at him. “I love you too, Drake Walker.” They turned and walked into the house where Liam, Riley and Maxwell cheered for them. Everyone’s smile faded once Drake stepped into the light of the house. Olivia gasped. “Oh my, Drake what happened to your face?” Drake narrowed his eyes at Maxwell. “Is it really that bad? It’s kind of a long story.” He walked over to the mirror on the other side of the hall. He flinched when he saw his face. Both eyes were black and blue and his nose was swollen and red. His face was caked with dried blood. He gritted his teeth as he turned to face Maxwell. “Remind me again why I risked my life going out in a blizzard to save you?” He balled up his fists and Maxwell swallowed nervously. “Ummmm, because you’re the best guy ever? Because you really love your friends?” He took a few steps back from Drake.

Olivia stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Drake’s neck. “Come, let’s eat. You both must be famished.” She kissed him softly and whispered, “Let it go. He was scared shitless I’m sure. You saved him. You’re his hero.” She kissed him again. “And mine too.”

Tagging: @kennaxval @indiacater @carabeth @bella-ca @boneandfur @bobasheebaby @stopforamoment @alesana45 @debramcg1106 @speedyoperarascalparty @drakewalkerwhipped @femmeshep @hhiggs @lizeboredom @pb-boeboe @klaudiana-beaumontkkreal @tmarie82 @katurrade @lodberg @hopefulmoonobject @missevabean @walkerismychoice @eileendannie @museofbooks @jared2612 @h3llostrang3r @ooo-barff-ooo ooo @cora-nova @jovialyouthmusic @gardeningourmet @innerpostmentality @furryperfectionlover @sirbeepsalot

[rebellingstagnationblog]

Let There be Peace on Earth - World of Color

For @crazy-fangirl-10 and @alliterative-albatross who both asked for Drake and Negaduck moments similar to last year's "Auld Lang Syne" chapter. I hope you like this one and that it holds up to its predecessor! 

Standing on the roof of the cabin — though how anyone could call this place a cabin was beyond him; damn McDuck and his inflated sense of normalcy — Negaduck surveyed the surrounding tree line. There was no sign of F.O.W.L. anywhere. There hadn't been since he'd sent the survivors back to the Negaverse with his Foursome losers and Steelbeak. Negaduck still wasn't sure to make of Steelbeak; he'd always played the field, but now it seemed that he'd found a side where he was gonna set up camp. Negaduck just had to make sure his loyalties were in the right place once he got back home.

For now, Negaduck walked past the plastic reindeer and Santa in his sleigh to the roof of the carriage house, eyes sweeping the area for any other disturbances.

He was fairly confident that the night would be quiet, that the threats were gone, but he wasn't going to take any chances. If he hadn't taken the chance and come here when he'd overheard some wayward Eggmen talking about a cabin retreat while out in patrol in the Negaverse, he wouldn't have known about the F.O.W.L. attack. Gosalyn, Darkwing, McDuck, Launchpad would've have had to fight F.O.W.L. on their own. And Negaduck wasn't confident that they would've been able to keep the agency at bay. He shuddered to think of what might have happened if he hadn't been there. Gosalyn called him over-protective, and it was a relief that he was. No one was gonna touch his girl. Or ruin her Christmas.

Hopefully this hadn't. His being here. This whole F.O.W.L. battle. He'd wanted to keep the fight small, to allow Gosalyn and her family time to enjoy their day without interruption.

But since when had things gone his way?

At least now he could ensure nothing else would disturb them tonight. F.O.W.L. was gone — at least, they looked to be — and Negaduck would stay on patrol the rest of the night. Just in case.

"I can hear you brooding from here," came Gosalyn's voice. Negaduck turned to see her standing on the roof of the main house, bundled in a coat, hat, and mittens. She smiled when he looked over.

"Get back inside," he said, walking over to her so he wouldn't have to raise his voice. There were others in the cabin and he didn't want to call attention to himself.

"I wanted to thank you," she said. "For keeping us safe."

"You're welcome," he said, crossing from the carriage house to the main house to stand beside her. "Now, go inside."

Gosalyn studied him. "They're gone, you know. F.O.W.L.. They won't be coming back here tonight."

"Yes, we're a great team and you're a strong fighter and I'm proud of you." He gently took hold of her elbow and guided her back to the window that served as the entry point to the roof from the main house. "Go inside—"

"We're safe, though. Why are you sending me away?"

He gripped her elbow and faced her. "I'm not— I wouldn't send you away."

"You would if I was in danger."

"There's nothing," he soothed, pushing her bangs out of her eyes. "No threats, no danger."

"Then sit with me," she said, grabbing his arm and tugging him to the edge of the roof.

"No, Gos—"

"You just said there was no danger." She brushed some snow away before sitting down, her legs dangling off the edge.

"And I need to make sure it stays that way."

"Come on, sit next to me."

"It's Christmas Eve," he said around a sigh. "You should be with your family."

Gosalyn smiled up at him. "I am."

The very breath was stolen straight out of Negaduck's lungs.

He was family?

He was family?

Holding out a mittened hand, Gosalyn asked, "Please sit with me."

He'd always been powerless to resist her.

Gripping her hand in his, he settled on the roof, his feet hanging over the side. Gosalyn scooted closer so they were pressed together shoulder to shoulder. They were facing the front yard, alight in all variations of Christmas decorations.

All was still. And Gosalyn helped to warm him, sitting as close as she was.

"You were saying something about being proud of me?" she asked, glancing at him with a mischievous smile on her beak.

Negaduck rolled his eyes and she laughed.

"Kidding aside, we've beaten F.O.W.L. how many times now? And they still can't beat us." She nudged him lightly. "We do make a good team."

"Cant argue that," Negaduck said. He looked at her. "You really are a strong fighter."

Gosalyn ducked her head, smiling shyly.

He reached out a hand, slipping his fingers under her chin to turn her face towards his. "And I am proud of you. Not just of your heroism, but of you as a person. You're very impressive, Baby Girl, and I wouldn't change a thing about you."

Gosalyn smiled and leaned into his chest, arms circling around his waist. Negaduck wrapped an arm around her, head resting atop hers.

The comfortable silence was broken a few minutes later when a voice asked, "Can I join you two?"

Negaduck sent a scowl over his shoulder at Max, whose head was poking out of the window.

Gosalyn looked at Negaduck, studying his expression. "Only if you want him to, Papa Wolf," she said quietly. And he knew she meant it. She'd give Max some excuse if he gave her the word.

Oh, what the hell?

It was Christmas.

He sent Max a sharp nod and the young man climbed through the window. Gosalyn sent Negaduck a smile before Max sat on her other side, handing her one of the steaming mugs he'd carried out with him.

"Didn't you bring enough for the whole class?" Negaduck sneered.

Max cradled his mug in both hands. "Mr. Mallard has yours."

"He what?" Negaduck turned to see Darkwing sitting beside him before holding out a mug. "Max and Gos like peppermint schnapps in theirs, so I made yours myself," he murmured. Just loud enough for them to hear. "There's no alcohol in yours."

Stunned into silence, Negaduck took the drink, which turned out to be hot chocolate.

"Merry Christmas to ya!" Goofy said with a huge grin as he sat next to Max.

"Nice to see you again, Negaduck." Launchpad sat beside Darkwing.

Still unable to think of any words, Negaduck glanced at Gosalyn, who just smiled and shrugged before drinking her hot chocolate. Not knowing what else to do, he took a sip, the rich taste and smooth texture rolling over his tongue pleasantly before he swallowed, the drink warming him all the way down.

There were worse ways to spend Christmas Eve.

Definitely less awkward ways.

But the silence was, amazingly, comfortable.

Everyone seemed content to sit and watch the lights in the yard below or gaze at the stars twinkling above. Gosalyn was leaning against Max, which Negaduck understood. He did. They were in love or whatever. He was fine.

Glancing over at Darkwing at on point made him nearly smile because his counterpart was glaring at the young couple with as much resentment as Negaduck was sure was reflected in his own expression.

The silence was peaceful and Negaduck was really starting to sink into it when the front door opened and out spilled the rest of the household. The triplets, Scrooge McDuck, Scrooge's nephew and his girlfriend, and two colorful strangers. They all delved into the snow, piling the powder on top of itself and shaping it into snowmen.

Negaduck was a heartbeat away from tossing his mug at Darkwing and taking off into the forest — he wasn't sure how Scrooge would take a super villain sitting with his house guests on the roof of his cabin drinking hot chocolate — when Scrooge McDuck himself looked up and locked gazes with him.

Negaduck stilled.

Like a damn deer in the headlights.

Just letting the tycoon take what he wanted.

After a few heart-pounding moments, Scrooge smiled and tipped his hat before turning to help Louie with his snowman.

Negaduck released his breath in a sigh, feeling like he'd just passed some kind of test, and downed the rest of his hot chocolate in one swallow, the burning awakening his senses.

"Is this right, mija?" One of the tropical birds asked, looking up to the roof.

Gosalyn smiled. "Pack it more tightly together and it'll stay better." She leaned out of the circle of Max's arms to explain to Negaduck, "That's Panchito. He and José," she pointed to the other stranger, "are friends of Donald's."

"I am surprised you are not also banned from building snowmen," said the one who went by José, grinning up at Gosalyn as he smoothed the edges of his snowman.

"There's not gonna be a snowman fight," the red triplet said, piling more snow onto his and Panchito's snowman while Panchito took Gosalyn's advice and packed it in tightly. "She can build as many snowmen as she wants."

"Why'd you ban her?" asked Negaduck, his protectiveness rearing up. "She too good or something?"

"She's much too good," said the blue triplet. "And Huey's a sore loser."

"Am not!"

"You totally are!" said the green triplet as he carved a design into the snowman's face.

"Listen, you want to go up against an opponent who is your equal, right?" the red triplet argued. "That way you're evenly matched and the competition becomes more fun. Cause it's up in the air and is anybody's game. That's interesting."

"We get it," called Max. "You aren't Gos's equal. I'm sure I can find someone more on your level, like an elementary school kid."

Everyone laughed as the red triplet scowled. Negaduck glanced at Max, hating the kid a little less.

The group in the yard continued to build their snowmen, chatting amicably with one another. The rooftop occupants sat in comfortable silence, finishing their mugs of hot chocolate.

Darkwing shifted beside him, pulling out something from his pocket. He handed Negaduck the Flashquack. "It has a homing device," he said. "Put in the coordinates here," he pointed to a small panel underneath the device, "and it'll return to you."

Negaduck took it and nodded his understanding before pocketing it himself.

"Thanks for calling me in," Darkwing said.

"I didn't want to," sneered Negaduck. "I know Christmas is for family. But F.O.W.L. had pulled out all the stops, so. The Flashquack it was."

"You don't need to put that Gos is in danger for me to answer the call."

Negaduck glanced at Darkwing, who met his gaze before continuing, "I meant it when I said I'd help you. Gosalyn or not, I'll answer."

Negaduck swallowed and glanced down at his mug which he was gripping hard in his fingers. He gave a sharp nod before allowing his gaze to wander down to the village of snowmen being constructed in the yard down below.

The cold eventually sent everyone inside, Goofy, Darkwing, and Launchpad wishing Negaduck a merry Christmas before heading back. Max took Negduck's mug and sent him a grin. "Have a good night. Thanks for keeping us safe from F.O.W.L.."

Negaduck nodded and the boy disappeared through the window, leaving Gosalyn and Negduck alone.

Unwinding the scarf from around her neck, Gosalyn reached out to secure it around Negaduck's throat. "Don't stay out here too much longer."

"Just gonna make sure the woods are clear."

"Then you'll go home?"

Negaduck hesitated and Gosalyn sighed. "Well, at least find someplace warm to stay tonight." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas, Papa Wolf."

Negaduck caressed her cheek and pressed his forehead to hers. "Merry Christmas, Baby Girl."

She stood and gave him a stern look. "Remember. Not too long."

He saluted and she went inside.

Sitting on the roof of for only a moment longer, to savor the quiet and decorations and warmth that was curling pleasantly within, Negaduck got to his feet and repelled down the back of the house, starting his last patrol for the evening.

Negaduck was thorough, going through the trees on all sides of the cabin and checking behind every rock, bush, and snowdrift.

And if he happened to end his reconnaissance in the front yard where he was able to see all the decorations adorning the cabin, well. That was okay.

"You fight well," came a voice to his left. He turned, Glock halfway out when he saw Scrooge McDuck standing beside him also admiring the decorations.

Negaduck faced the cabin, pushing his weapon back into his pocket. But he kept his fingers curled around the handle. Just in case.

Clearing his throat, Negaduck said, "You're not so bad yourself. For an old man."

Scrooge chuckled. "Old perhaps, but thoroughly experienced."

A breeze swirled through the yard, its harsh chill cutting Negaduck to his core.

Scrooge pulled his coat more securely around himself. "Ye should not be out here in this cold."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going."

"Ye misunderstand me, lad," said Scrooge, turning to face him.

Lad? Was that payback for the "old man" jab from earlier?

"There's a vacant room on the ground floor, which is ideal for a quick getaway if one is needed." Scrooge glanced back at the cabin. "There's a bathroom next to it as well. Both are under the staircase so they're isolated. Something to consider."

"Why? Because it's Christmas?" Negaduck sneered. He hated charity for the sake of the holiday. People needed help all the days of the year, not just the 31 in December.

"Because ye kept us safe," Scrooge said, eyeing Negaduck over his spectacles. "And I hear ye keep Gosalyn out o' trouble to the best of your abilities no matter the time o' year. That alone earns ya a stay. The girl's a bit o' a whirlwind."

Negaduck bit back a chuckle and uncurled his fingers from his pistol. "Wouldn't want her any other way."

"Nor I." Scrooge tapped his cane on the ground. "I'll wish ye a good night, lad. The room's open if ye want it."

Negaduck wasn't sure what possessed him to do it, but before he could stop himself, he'd blurted out, "Merry Christmas, sir."

Scrooge smiled. "The same to ye." He went back into the carriage house and closed the door with a soft snap.

Negaduck stood there until another gust of wind spurred him into movement.

The front door was unlocked.

He made sure to turn the deadbolt behind him before walking past the Christmas tree to find the open room.

[221castiel]

Let it Snow - Chapter Five

Master Post // AO3

December 9th 16 days until Christmas

The afternoon was cold when Dean pulled up to Cas’s house, the sky clouded over with a chill in the air that bit at his fingertips as he set up a ladder against the side of the house and began clipping the string of lights to the roof.

For Jack, that’s what Dean told himself, he was only doing it for Jack. Maybe if he and Cas were still together he’d be doing it for him, but they weren’t. They didn’t buy each other coffee anymore, and they didn’t tease each other about their cars -even though the impala was obviously better than Cas’s pimp car- and they certainly didn't show up to each other's houses while the other wasn’t even there to hang up Christmas lights.

So yah, Dean was hanging the lights up just for Jack and only Jack… no matter what Charlie said.

The process was slower than he’d expected with having to move the ladder every second clip and swear at a fucking cat that had tried scratching Baby’s tires; Though if the owner hadn’t been watching Dean would’ve done a lot more than just swearing. Between it all he’d spent the time trying to fight off frostbite, his fingers almost burning against the cold air and his usual pale skin becoming a soft purple. Which as far as Dean knew wasn’t normal, but hell he wasn’t a doctor.

By the time he’d managed to get half the lights hung, Cas's car had pulled up.

“Dad!” A car door slammed shut and Dean turned, a smile spreading across his face as Jack ran up to him, wrapping his arms around Dean’s legs before he could even step off the ladder.

“Hey kid,” Dean said, wrapping his arms around Jack as best as he could without falling off. “How was school?”

“So so so so sooooo good,” Jack replied.

“So good?” Dean laughed.

Jack lifted his head, his round cheeks pink and lips spread out in an adorable smile, “Yah!”

Dean grinned as he brought his hand to Jack’ forehead and brushed the longer strands of hair out of his eyes, giving him a better view of Jack’s wide blue eyes. God he could never get enough of the kid, with his wide smiles and bubbly personality. It’d only been a few days since Dean had last seen him yet held missed him.

More than he’d realized. It was always more than Dean realized.

“Jack,” Cas called and Jack looked back, causing the strands to fall back into his face, “come get your school bag.” Jack’s grin dropped as he pulled away from Dean and walked back to the car, his pout only becoming more dramatic as Cas said something Dean couldn’t hear.

Cas said something else before Jack grabbed his backpack and crossed his arms across his chest. He turned away, his lips still puckered in a frown and nose scrunched adorably, as he stomped past Dean and into the house, slamming the front door behind him.

Tantrums were always cute when Dean wasn’t the one dealing with it.

With a smile still across his face Dean looked back to Cas, who now walked towards him, his usual trench coat wrapped around his body, while his eyes rested on Dean. Much like Jack his lips were pressed together in a frown, a very annoyed frown.

Maybe he should've given a warning before he came.

With their eyes still locked on one another's, Cas stopped at the foot of the ladder, his blue eyes wide as he looked up. An expression that has Dean’s heart racing. Against his trench coat and the dark blue toque he wore his skin seemed more pale, his usual tanned tone a soft pink.

Beautiful. Cas was nothing short of beautiful.

Dean could stare forever- He wanted to stare forever, memorize every detail of Cas’s face as if it would be the last time they’d ever see each other, and there were days where Dean thought that’d be true.

“What are you doing here?” Cas asked, voice it’s usual low, gravelly tone.

Dean shifted, adjusting his grip around the ladder. “thought I’d put up the lights,” he replied, hoping his voice sounded more relaxed then he felt, either way Cas tilted his head and narrowed his eyes

“I could have done it.”

“Do you know how?”

“Yes, of course.”

A smile tugged at Dean’s lips, the scenario far too familiar to not feel the warmth spread through his chest. It was a routine they’d fallen into long before they’d even began dating, small arguments with no purpose other than to get Cas flustered. To watch him clench his jaw, and scrunch his nose, something that only happened when he knew he wouldn’t win. “Ya sure?” Dean asked, knowing full well he was provoking the fight.

“Yes,” Cas insisted, “Dean, why would I lie?”

“Cause you don't like to admit when you don’t know how to do things.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Cas glared back, nose scrunched just the smallest bit, causing Dean’s smile to widen. “I admit when I don’t understand things,” Cas replied, “I still don't understand how to make popcorn in the microwave.”

Dean groaned, tilting his head back. God help him.

Even broken up they could still have the popcorn argument. He’d explained it more then once, hell more times then Dean could count. It’d gotten to the point that he was sure Cas only did it to bother him. Cas couldn’t be that stupid.

“That’s cause you use the popcorn button,” Dean repeated for what must’ve been at least the millionth time, “you're supposed to just time it.”

“Then why is there a popcorn button if I’m not supposed to use it?”

Dean shook his head, but rather than arguing, climbed the few steps down the ladder, the snow crunching under his boots as he reached the ground. “How about you climb up, show me how to do it, and if I’m right and you don’t know how to,” Dean gave a small shrug, “I’ll show you, free of charge.”

He expected some kind of rude remark or a glare that definitely meant fuck off, but instead a small smile tugged at Cas’s lips, his expression easing in a way that made Dean feel like tearing his own heart out. The look was too soft for Cas to be his ex, too gentle, too familiar. Filled with so much affection it was impossible for Dean not to care for the other.

He could barely breathe through his hammering heart, an electricity coursing through his veins even as Cas turned away and climbed up the ladder.

He should leave.

He could almost feel himself drowning in the emotion.

Addicted to the tearing of his heart. To the way his head spun with each smile Cas gave him.

He should leave, he should get into his car and drive himself home, or off a cliff, he couldn’t trust himself next to Cas. He couldn’t trust himself not to break down every wall they’d been building up, to not see how far he could push their boundaries.

How far would Cas be willing to go, how much closer could he get?

He should leave and yet Dean stayed.

They worked together slowly clipping the Christmas lights to the edge of the roof, Dean letting his fingers brush occasionally against Cas’s as he passed clips up, or standing a little too close, just able to feel the other's warmth. He couldn’t help himself. Charlie would have a word or two to say about it, and he couldn’t even begin to imagine the bitch face Sam would give him, but Dean only stepped closer at those thoughts, chasing the high he’d felt since Cas pulled up.

They’d only gotten a handful of clips hung before Jack was soon out of the house and dragging Dean away from the lights to play in the snow, and not long after that they managed to drag Cas into the game.

A snowball was thrown.

Followed by another.

Dean’s fingers were numb, and he could barely feel his toes yet there was a warmth that kept him going. Flaring across his chest as he chased Jack through the front yard. As he laughed along as if nothing had happened, as if the pain had never been there, as if the walls they’d built simply crumbled away.

He caught Jack easily, and after tickling under his chin threw him into the snow pile before the chasing game began again.

Soon enough Jack was once again in his arms twisting and giggling as Dean carried him towards the snow pile. The snow crunched below his boots until Dean stopped, “three,” he began counting down, swinging Jack forward. “Two,” Dean swung Jack back. “One.”

Cas’s phone rang and Dean looked back, Jack still in his arms.

“Hello Mike,” Cas said as he brought his phone to his ear, causing Dean to frown.

Mike? Who the hell was Mike?

“Yes,” Cas replied to whatever was said on the other line. He had a small smile across his lips as he stared to the ground, the expression so light and easy it tugged at Dean’s heart. That smile that was usually for him. Not who ever the hell fucking Mike was.

Who even named their kid Mike. Douchebags that’s who.

Mike was probably also a Douchebag.

Dean clenched his jaw as Cas tilted his head smiling at whatever was said over the phone. Probably some overused joke that he’d didn’t even understand, but was being polite about. Cause that’s how Cas was, too nice for douchebags like Mike.

“Yes that’s fine,” Cas said, “I will see you then.”

Cas hung up and Dean forced himself to exhale. “So,” Dean began, in an incredibly casual tone, “what’d Mike want?”

“To move our date to Thursday,” Cas replied.

“Date?”

Cas frowned, “yes. Is that alright?”

No.

“Yah,” Dean replied and shifted Jack in his arms so the child rested against his hip. He swallowed. How could it be okay, they’d only just started talking again and now Dean was already going to lose him; to some douchebag that skinned puppies (probably). “I’ve actually got a date too.”

Cas tilted his head and Dean licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry. “With who?”

“Uh, her name’s, uh Cassie,” Cas raised an eyebrow. “Yah she lives in my building, is a journalist, and um- hot as hell,” Dean added cause he apparently doesn’t know when to shut the fuck up.

Despite his rambling Cas smiled, a small one, but a smile either way. “I’m happy for you.”

Dean gave a stiff nod, he couldn’t say the same.

He glanced back to the impala and shifted in his spot, Cas’s eyes still on him, as calm and collected as ever. Either he didn’t notice the awkward conversation or didn’t care, knowing Cas it could easily be either. “Uh I-“ Dean began, “I should get going, I got a shift at the shop, and you know, Bobby would kill me if I was late.”

“Have a good night.”

“Uh yah- you too.”

After giving Jack a tight hug, with promises to pick him up on Friday night, Dean made his way to Impala, sliding into the driver's seat as quickly as he could and turning up the heat. His frozen fingers barely bent as he unlocked his phone and found Cassie’s number.

‘You busy tomorrow night?’

Dean hit send and let the phone drop from his hands before he rested his forehead against the steering wheel.

He was stupid.

He was a complete fucking idiot.

Dean squeezed his eyes shut, clenching jaw.

Cas was allowed to date people, they weren’t together anymore.

They weren’t together, even if things had been okay for the past few days.

Even if at moments Dean could almost pretend that they were together, that the smiles and laughs had never ended. That when they were close Dean could lean in and press a kiss to Cas’s neck, or to his cheek, or to his lips. That at the end of the day Dean would fall into bed next to the other.

But they weren’t together.

Cas was allowed to meet other people. He knew it would come eventually yet that didn’t stop the pain from settling in his chest as everything he feared came crashing onto him. As the truth he’d spent months trying to out run caught up.

They weren’t together and that wasn’t going to change.

[fandom-imagines]

Fair Night: Castiel X Winchester!Reader

Pairings: Castiel X Reader, Dean X Sister!Reader, Sam X Sister!Reader

I dreamt this and it was v cute but yeah, I’ll try to make it fluffy lolol~

I used the words laughed and chuckles so much during this oops, don’t judge me

This hasn’t been proofread so lolol~

It was around December which meant there was a fair in town which Sam, Dean and I had always attended as kids. It had become a tradition for us to go. Only, this year Cas was coming along with us.

Usually around this time of year, Castiel was ready doing whatever angel stuff he does, so it was always just my brothers and I. But this year he wasn’t busy, so he was going to come with us.

“Hey, Dean! Are you ready?” I asked, throwing on my warmest jumper and wrapping it tightly around myself.

It was usually snowing, which made it extremely cold and wet.

“Hold on” He chuckled, pushing through the door, one shoe on and the other dangling in his hand, his toothbrush in her mouth and his hair slightly damp.

“Looking good, cowboy” I smiled, taking his shoe from him so he could finish brushing his teeth.

Around ten minutes later, the four of us piled into the impala and drove towards the local fair.

Coloured lights were strung across, lighting up the paths. Various rides were lit up, music blaring and people screams sounding. Along the sidewalk, games were set up, surrounded by teenagers, most of them drunk.

“I do not understand, why do people enjoy being frightened?” Cas asked, pointing towards a large rollercoaster, screams coming from each cart.

Chuckling to myself, I shot the angel a smile.

“It’s part of the fun, you get a rush from it” I explained, watching as he nodded thoughtfully, seemingly understanding.

“Where to first?” Sam asked, looking around the fair, taking in the beautiful sites.

It wasn’t often we got to stop and appreciate the view. Hunting wasn’t exactly an easy job and you always had to be alert.

“The bumper carts?” I offered, pointing toward a large ride, multiple cars bumping into each other and laughter coming from the people.

“Are they supposed to bumping each other?” Cas asked, confusion etched onto his features.

“Yeah. It’s fun, you have to come on!” I begged, grasping the cuff of his trench coat and mustering up the best puppy eyes I could.

He paused for a moment, before nodding.

“Let’s go!” I cheered, eliciting a laugh from my older brothers.

-X-

After ten minutes of waiting, we all climbed into our carts. Dean and I in one cart, and Sam and Cas in the other. Dean and I chuckled, smirking at Cas and Sam. Sam seemed determined to beat us, while Cas just seemed utterly confused.

“Are you ready?” A voice asked from the speakers above us.

Everyone cheered as a countdown began, before the carts could move.

Dean and I decided to head straight to Sam and Cas who were trying to grasp the controls.

“Hey, losers!” Dean smirked, pushing our cart into theirs, making the four of us bump forward and chuckle.

“You are so on” Sam laughed, spinning the cart towards us and hitting us, our bumpers colliding making a small bang.

“Oh no you don’t!” I laughed, grabbing the wheel and doing a full turn, hitting their cart on the side.

“Idiots!” A voice behind us laughed, before we were jolted forward from a collision.

“Is this safe?” I heard Cas ask, gripping on for dear life making the three of us chuckle, before crashing into each other again.

“Let’s all go for them” I said, pointing towards the couple who had crashed into us earlier.

The two of them were pressed together, smiles covering both of their faces as they crashed into a pair of young boys, the four of them chuckling.

“Go!” Sam shouted, as we all sped towards them.

“Ambush!” Dean yelled, the four of us crashing into their cart, all jolting forward, laughter escaping our lips.

5…

“Quick!”

4…

“Go!”

3…

“Ahh!”

2…

“Attack!”

1…

Dean and I climbed out of our cart, and headed out of the exit to wait for Sam and Cas. While they undid their harnesses, the two of us headed around the corner, prepared to jump them.

“I don’t understand” I heard Cas say, the two of them climbing down the steps, looking around for Dean and me.

“Where are Y/N and Dean?” He asked, as Dean and I snuck behind them.

“Surprise” I giggled, jumping onto Cas’s back who, despite the surprise, managed to catch me.

“Hello” I whispered into his ear, watching as pink danced around his cheek.

“Where to now?” Sam asked, looking over at Cas and I, me still on his back, my arms wrapped loosely around his neck.

“You can put me down now, you know?” I chuckled, watching as Dean and Sammy shared a knowing look.

Although I hadn’t flat out told them about my crush on the angel, they somehow knew anyway and took any chance they could to tease me about it.

“You seem comfortable” Cas replied, tightening his grip on my thighs, boosting me further up his back.

“How about that dancing one? That seems fun” Cas offered, pointing towards two dance mats sheltered by a slight roof.

“Dean! Can we?” I asked, excitement running through my body, making the three chuckle.

“Obviously!” He laughed, sprinting towards the mats before anyone else could get them.

“Full steam ahead!” I yelled, Sam and Cas running towards Dean, as I bounced up and down Cas’s back, chuckling.

-X-

“Which song?” Dean asked, the two of us stood on the mats ready to dance.

“How about, cotton eyed Joe?” I replied, pointing at the song from all our school discos.

“You selected, Cotton Eye Joe!” The machine cheered, playing a quick preview of the song as the dance loaded.

“You are so going down, kiddo” Dean smirked, looking over at me.

“You wanna bet?” I chuckled.

“$20 says I win” Dean chuckled, holding out his hand to agree.

“Okay, Sam? Cas?” I asked, turning to face the two stood behind us, amusement covering their features.

“Sorry, YN. My moneys on Dean” Sam shrugged, watching as Dean cheered.

“Betrayal” I said, feigning hurt as I placed my hand on my chest.

“Cas?” I asked, looking over at the blue-eyed angel, who seemed deep in thought.

“I don’t have much money, but I think Y/N will win” He said, a slight smile on his face as he watched me cheer.

“Here we go!” The machine yelled, making Dean and I turn around as the music began.

If it hadn’t been for cotton eye Joe.

I’d been married long time ago

‘Up, right, down, down, down, up, right.’ My mind began, reading the moves on the screen.

As soon as it came to the double points section, I shoved Dean, making him lose his balance and his side of the machine boo.

“You cheater!” He growled, glaring at me.

“I play with dirty tricks, Winchester” I winked, not missing a beat in my dance.

By the end of the round, I had beat Dean by 4,000 points, most likely because of the double points section.

A round of applause sounded rom behind us, from a group of six people, not including Sam and Cas.

“Thank you! Thank you!” I laughed, taking a bow.

“I believe you both owe me and Cas $20, losers” I chuckled, holding out my hand.

“Fine” Dean grumbled, shoving a crumpled up $20 in my hand, as Sam did the same to Cas.

“You should really have more trust in me.” I smiled, winking at Sam.

“Your turn now” I smirked, looking between Sam and Cas who looked confused.

“Us?” Sam asked, pointing between the two of them.

“Hell yeah!” Dean smirked.

“My moneys on Sam” Dean chuckled, watching as the two unwillingly stepped onto the mat.

“My moneys on Cas. I believe in the angel” I laughed, smiling at Cas whose cheeks were now tinted pink.

“Pick a song!” The machine boomed, as Sam began scrolling through the songs.

“Bring it all back? Wow, I remember that song.” Dean chuckled, as the song played a quick previous.

“It used to be our song. We would dance to it when dad wasn’t home” Sam smiled at the memory, quickly selecting the song.

“Ready, set dance!”

As soon as the song began, the two of them began tripping on the mat, making Dean and I laugh.

The two of them managed to get the hang of it, and were dancing quite fluently to the music.

“Dean, Dean” I whispered to my older brother, as it neared the chorus.

The two of us seemed to be thinking the same thing because as soon as the chorus started, we burst into song.

“DON’T STOP NEVER GIVE UP” The two of us yelled, raising our hands to the music.

“It’s nice to get out of hunting and just let go. You know?” I smiled, watching as my brother and crush finished the song.

“Player two wins!” I heard the machine call, making me cheer.

“Told you!” I smiled, holding out my hand to get more cash.

“You’re paying for the next thing then” Dean chuckled, handing me the note.  

“Deal” I laughed, watching as Cas and Sam climbed down off the machine.

“Do you want to get some food?” I asked, pointing over at the food van a few meters away from us.

“Pie!” Dean cheered, pointing at the pie on the sign.

“I’ll take that as a yes” I smiled, following Sam and Dean to the van alongside Castiel.

“So, what do you think so far, Cas?” I asked, looking up at the angel who was nodding.

“It’s very fun. Do you do this every year?” He asked, looking down at me, watching as I nodded.

“Yeah, you should come next year too” I smiled.

“I’d like that” He said, returning my smile. Quickly, I grabbed his hand and pulled him towards Sam and Dean who were already in the queue.

“What do you guys want?” I asked, pulling out the few notes I had in my pockets.

“Pie!” Dean laughed.

“Salad, please” Sam smiled, getting some change from his pocket.

“You’re too healthy” I chuckled, pushing Sam’s hand down.

“It’s on me. You’ve already lost too much money” I joked, putting away the rest of my money.

“Cas, do you want anything?” I asked, turning to face the man who was already staring at me.

“I’m okay” He said, nodding as we reached the front of the queue.

-X-

After ordering, we took a seat at a table nearby and started eating. The only bad part about sitting her, was that there were only three seats.

“Sit here, Cas.” I smiled, moving over on my seat to make room for him.

“It’s fine” He said, watching as I shook my head.

“I’m not giving you a choice” I smiled, grabbing his hand and pulling him down beside me, the contact making a blush rise up my cheeks while Sam and Dean chuckled.

“Dean, some girls are staring at you other there” I laughed, pointing to a small group of girls around the age of fourteen who were staring and pointing at Dean.

Dean laughed, looking over at the girls, thinking it would be someone around his age.

“Guess you’re not getting laid tonight” Sam fake sighed, patting Dean on the back.

“Shit, they’re coming over” I laughed, looking over at the girls who were walking over. Their skirts riding up their thighs, showing too much skin. Their tiny vest tops attempted to show their cleavage and their face was plastered in makeup.

“Hey there” One of them smirked, placing their hand in front of Dean to capture his attention.  The two other girls were stood behind her, attempting to seductively bite their lips, making me laugh. Sam must have noticed it too, because he was biting his cheek to stop himself laughing.

Dean looked up at the girls, visibly cringing.

“Are you lost?” He asked, uncomfortable.

“For you” The second girl winked, not noticing as I gripped the table to hold back my laughter.

“No offence sweetheart” Dean started, watching as the trio perked up.

“I’m old enough to be your dad” He chuckled, watching as their expression turn from attempted seduction, to disgust before turning into a cocky look.

“Age is just a number” The third one interrupted.

“And prisons just a room” I interrupted, hoping to save Dean and stop myself laughing.

“Who the fuck are you? His girlfriend? Because you sure don’t seem good enough for him, whore” The first girl spat, turning to face me.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re coming up to a random older man you’ve never met and are flirting with him. Does that not make you the whore?” Cas asked, eyes squinting at the girls, watching as they began to get angry.

“What? Is she fucking all three of you?” The second began, stepping towards me, attempting to be menacing.

I’ve fought fairies scarier than her, I swear.

As soon as she took another step forward, Castiel leapt out of his seat and in front of me.

“What? Can she not defend herself?” One of the girls said.

“Cas, it’s fine. They’re just kids” I smiled, placing my hand on his shoulder.

Cas immediately relaxed, and sat down, but instead of taking his previous seat, he sat in front of me, closer to the girls.

I felt… Safe?

“What my brother meant, is you’re too young” Sam interrupted before it got too intense.

“Well-“

“Would you just take the hint and leave?” I laughed, watching as the girls stormed away.

“Pulling all the ladies, Deano” I laughed, continuing to eat (favourite food).

“What can I say? I’m irresistible” He chuckled, standing up and throwing away the pie wrapper.

“Where to now?” Sam asked, looking around the fair.

“Pinball machines?” Dean asked, pointing towards the row of machines nearby.

“Okay.” I smiled, following him towards the machines.

-X-

“Go on, Dean!” I chuckled, watching as he tried to beat the high score.

“Damnit!” He yelled, hitting the machine as he fell just short of the score.

Suddenly, a shiver shot down my spine and I wrapped my arms around myself in an attempt to reserve body heat.

“It’s freezing” I laughed, watching as my hair hovered in the air like it would when a ghost was nearby.

“Why don’t you get Cas to cuddle you, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to” Dean chuckled, pointing towards the blue-eyed angel who stood in front of a van, watching as Sam had a go on a nearby machine.

“Good idea” I chuckled, moving myself off the wall and heading towards Cas.

“Hey, Cas” I smiled, rubbing my arms up and down my arms.

“Hello, YN” He said, giving me a slight smile.

“Can you do something for me?” I asked shyly, a blush running up my cheeks which would hopefully be hidden by the cold.

“Of course. What is it?” He asked, looking around to see if I needed help.

“Just, come here” I said, wrapping my arms around is torso.

He hesitated for a moment, before gently wrapping his arms back around me, running has arm around my body to hopefully heat me up.

“Here” He said, letting go of me for a moment to hand me his trench coat.

“Cas don’t you- “

“I don’t get cold” He smiled, swinging the coat around my shoulders, before pulling me back into a hug.

What you didn’t know was, when Cas pulled you in, he not only wrapped his arms around you, but he also wrapped his wings around you, shielding you from the strong gusts of wind.

“Cas, where do you go when you’re not with us?” I asked, not letting go of him.

“Well, sometimes I go to heaven. Sometimes I just take a walk. Come on, I’ll show you” He smiled, pulling away and taking my hand to take me somewhere.

Cas flew us somewhere, some random place. We were surrounded by trees, plants and the smell of fresh rainwater lingered in the air.

“This is beautiful, Cas” I smiled, looking around the forest.

Rain drops were dripping off of leaves. The flowers were extremely bright and were scattered all around us. Ahead of us was a large, empty field filled with flowers.

“Sometimes a spend hours here without realising. The meadow is my favourite” He said, pointing towards the field in front of us, before dragging me along.

Pulling off Cas’s trench coat, I placed it on the ground for the two of us to lie on.

Cas’s shoulders were pressed against mine as we laid together and started up at the night sky.

Cas began to point out various constellations, telling me all about them, while I laid, staring at him.

As soon as he turned towards me, he caught me staring at him.

“What?” He asked, his cheeks stained read.

We sat in silence for a few moments, staring at each other before both of us leant in, our lips connecting for a moment, before pulling back.

Cas had a small smile on his lips as he laid back onto the ground, taking my hand in his as he continued to point out various constellations.

“Hey, Cas?” I asked, turning to face him again.

“Yeah?” He asked, facing me, resting his head on his hand.

“I like you” I said, blushing.

Cas smiled for a moment, before pressing his lips on mine.

“I like you too” He smiled, lifting himself up off the ground, before helping me up.

“We should get back; Sam and Dean are probably wondering where we are.” He said, picking his coat up, placing it over my shoulders again.

“Good idea” I smiled, taking Cas’s hand, before being taken back to the fair where Dean was still attempting to beat the high score.

“Yes!” He yelled, swinging himself back from the machine as it lit up announcing a new high score.

“Well done” I chuckled, watching as Dean turned to face us, immediately spotting Cas and I’s interlaced hands.

“When did that happen?” He asked, pointing at our hands.

I shrugged, looking over at Sam who was now walking over to us.

“I hope you know, Cas. If you ever hurt her, I will take your angel blade and stab you with it” Dean warned, nodding.

“Other than that, I approve” He said, shocking all of us.

“Really?” I asked, expecting him to get mad.

“There’s no-one I trust more than Cas, and it seems like he really likes you. So, heck yeah” He laughed.

“Congrats you two” Sam smiled, patting the two of us on the back as we all walked back to baby.

Cas and I climbed into the back, with Sam riding shotgun.

“That went well” I whispered to him, over Deans music.

Cas shot me a slight smile, before lightly pressing his lips to my cheek, making me blush.

“Just because I approve doesn’t mean you can be all, ew, in baby. She’s innocent!” Dean gasped, dramatically.

“Dean, you’ve had sex in her more times than I can count” Sam chuckled, watching Dean shrug.

“So, take out and movies?”

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[oldscarredlove]

AfterGone - Part 1/3

The Origins of AG

Error > @loverofpiggies (tag ain’t working) Swap!Sans > @(can’t remember)

After all this time I still remember what it was like when the human came here to the Underground, the prison of the monsters hidden deep in Mount. Ebott, I’ve lost all sense of time here, when you’re alone you kind of lose all your senses and sanity. Looking over to the other side of Snowdin river, the fields of wooden crosses and blocks of stone, I mesmerized how this all happened… — It is said that the human had fallen into the Underground from the surface landing onto a pile of golden flowers, making them sound like some kind of angel that fallen from the Heavens with golden wings. They were the most innocent thing down here, their smiles and laughs were all it took for the monsters to be befriended and give them their trust.

Right to the very end. No one ever got to see the light of the surface, every single monster that came face to face with the human ultimately ended up being left as a pile of dust. I made sure to never even be within range of the human’s toy knife, being the only one to see their true self.

The human may have fallen as if an angel had been sent to us… But no one ever questioned why the angel had fallen, it was because it was a monster, even more so than ourselves. — Haunting laughter filled the golden corridor, the light of the barrier shining through the windows were blinding my eye-sockets but I’d much prefer look at something that wasn’t the human in front of me. Their cheeks were rosy and their smile was just as it always was but with a more twisted and darker reason other than befriending.

Their yellow shirt was no longer tucked from their brown trousers, the black suspenders hanging loosely on either sides of their legs and their dark shoes powdered with the dust of the slain. Their knife had lost its shine during the journey here, it was pointed at me for the fifth time and I could feel my soul ache in a familiar pain.

“Here again, huh Sans?” Questioned the demon-child, “I wonder how many times we’ll dance like this.” They giggled manically and their soulless eyes looked at me from under their messy fringe.

“The real question is…” I felt my left eye glow before I opened my eyes again, staring into the soul which should have never existed. “Why aren’t you burning in Hell like you should be?” —RESET— Something was different, something has changed and I have no idea what and whatever it was, it was making my bones rattle, it crawled up my spine the entire day, I just couldn’t focus on anything.

It took longer than usual to leave the house, I was heading toward the Waterfall post when it happened, hearing the slice before the bang. I hid in the shadows of the Snowdin woods as I watched Papyrus, my beloved sister, crumble into nothing but ashes, Chara practically skipping away whilst humming a strange tune.

When the human vanished, I came out and wobbled toward the blood-coloured scarf on the ground, hesitating when I reached out for it. “P-Papyrus…? S-Sister…?” I fell onto my knees, burying my face into it and felt myself shiver, feeling the true cold of the situation for the first time.

I was never there to see my sister turn to dust, mainly because I knew I’d lose my mind, I could feel it crack, splitting in half and my eye-socket burning with hatred. “I shall make sure…” I looked up from my spot on the snow, “they burn in the flames of Hell.” — The scarf was wrapped around my neck when I next faced the human, after blasting them with my little pets, they collapsed onto the ground and were silent for a full minute. Then they started to boom with laughter, I could hear them struggling to breathe and see the tears fall onto the floor. They looked up to me with that scary face and had an expression of someone who’s had an awful idea.

“Hahahaha! Why- Why didn’t I think about this before?!” They started to howl again and I could feel their sins surrounding me, it was almost enough to choke me.

“What is it, kid? You’re kinda creeping me out here.” I scowled at their attempt of getting up and falling down again.

“Join me!” I froze in place. “Join me in the next run! Let’s kill everyone! They’ll never-”

“No.” It was all I could say, they’d managed to make me lose my ability to speak, ‘no’ was the only word I could formulate.

“Listen to me, Sans!” They stood up and spread their arms toward me.” They’ll never have to know! I can just reset the timeline and they’ll all just forget, only we will remember!” They held out their disarmed hand. “Join me Sans, it’d be so interesting to see if you’d be able to kill your own-”

Looks like I’m ganna have’ta use my special attack early. —RESET— “Oh! Good morning Sans! You’re up unusually early today!” Papyrus was grinning like a fool as usual, I starred at her in-tents-ly, trying to burn this image of her into my skull. Her heroic cape-like scarf, her shining ‘battle body’, her happy face, looking at me like I was a saint.

How wrong she was, it was almost enough to break me entirely, she was always seeing the good in everything whilst I was her polar opposite. She was the saint, always trying to save those I would’ve discarded without a second thought, being honest and soft forever and always.

“Heh, yeah…” I looked away, ashamed. “Hey sis… I kinda forgot… What would you do if you became the Head of the Royal Guard?”

She looked at me with an expression of bewilderment, amazed I’d forgotten when she’s spoken of it a million times. In truth, I wanted her to picture her happiest day before it all came to an end. As she turned away from me and explained everything with joy, I materialized my claw and sliced at her, making sure to go through the soul to ensure she didn’t feel any pain.

I didn’t want her to even see the human or myself, before she even started to crumble I broke apart, I let the claw fade off and knelt onto the floor, disgusted with myself for what this timeline has in store. After several minutes, I got up, my body rattling loudly, I had no words to say to her, what could I say? “I’m Sorry…” — I was sitting inside Grillby’s when the human came, I heard the door open and footsteps come closer to me, they stopped and were followed by a giggle. “No one’s here, huh?” I said nothing. “Where’d they all go? Did you warn them? Because if you did I can just reset an-”

“I killed everyone.” It was silent for a whole two minutes then booming laughter filled the diner.

“WOW! So you’re going to join me?!” I nodded, they cheered. “This’ll be fun! I can’t wait to see how this goes, par’ner!” I wasn’t so sure. — By the time we reached the Queen’s throne room and that flower-thing were reduced to nothing, we went into the room that was before the barrier, the human was still grinning like a clown with their cheeks the same red as Papyrus’ scarf.

“Now that, Sans, was what I called a good time!” They winked at me like I should agree, but all I felt were the sins crawling up my back.

“It’s the end now kid, we had an agreement: When this was all done with, you’d make sure no one ever knew about this…” I stared at them with hatred, feeling my soul pulsing in agony.

They tapped their knife against their forehead, as if they’d forgotten something. “Oh right!” I was hoping they’d stab them-self in the head. “Ok then, a deal’s a deal.” They steadied their knife. “Goodbye Sans.”

Zoooom….BANG.

My eye-sockets widened and I could feel my jaw drop (not literally), I stared in horror and what’d just happened. The dark grey floor was suddenly covered in red and a choked chuckle rang through the room.

“There… The deal’s done.” And with those dying words, they collapsed onto the ground and time froze. In the monster’s place was a human in different colours, their face was pale and their magenta shirt was stained with blood and their blue trousers and brown boots were dusty.

Staring at this other human, I realized that I’d made a deal with the literal Devil, turning my own words against me. I zipped to the human and started to shake the human around brutally, screaming and sobbing at them to RESET, they always did, why was this any different from the other times they’d died?

My thoughts already pieced the answer together, it was because Chara had killed this human ever since they first possessed them, stealing and destroying a little piece of their soul for every second they were inside them. I started to get slow and my voice was becoming a whisper.

“Please… Bring them back…” — Whilst heading back, I picked a bunch of flowers, gold and blue, and covered each with the dust with a single monster. When I got back to Snowdin, I summoned my claw and made each flower a hole, buring them and placing a wooden cross I’d made from fallen branches in the nearby forest at the head of the grave.

When it came to those I cared for especially, I made them a tombstone, carving their names and a small message into the rock. The last two were Papyrus and the human, although I had never met this human child before, it felt like we could’ve been pals in another lifetime.

When Papyrus’ grave was done, I wrapped her scarf around her tombstone and stood up, looking around at my handy work. My hoodie was torn and tattered, itchy from all the dust it’d collected during the run, I went inside and headed to my room, throwing all the clothes I was wearing into the trash.

When I came outside again in my new clothing, I noticed that time had literally stopped, I guess without the human, there was nothing else to proceed… My head tilted down and I climbed onto the roof, feeling nothing but shame, vengeance and disgust. I felt sick to my non-existing stomach and felt like the ghost of Papyrus behind me, watching my every move in anger and betrayal. — I started to cry out of nowhere, I’d looked at the window of the living room and noticed I’d become skinnier and had actually grown at some point. Ever since… I haven’ had much to eat, resources were becoming scarce and I’ve now had to start living off of plants, forcing myself to become a vegan.

It could’ve been because I’d grown and believed that time was starting again, only to have my hope crushed when I’d stared at a clock for what seemed like an hour. Or it could’ve been that I’d glanced at the calendar that was next to the door and saw that (for me) it has been over a year since then.

Whenever I slept and woke up, I’d count that as a day. I hardly got sleep anymore, resulting with bangs under my eyes somehow and becoming an insomniac. I always got nightmares of Papyrus, staring at me in hatred with marks on her body from when I’d sliced her but dripping with her blood.

I left the house from feeling claustrophobic and jumped onto the roof and sat down on its peek, resting my skull into between my knees. The new clothes I’d made shortly after finishing the graveyard hung loosely to me, during my growth I’ve had to alter them to make sure they were bigger than myself, to be sure I was prepared for any more unexpected growth spurts.

Silence has been the only thing I’ve heard now, other than the imaginary voices of the other monsters before they were massacred, so after a few minutes of self-loathing, you could imagine my shock when I heard a glitch rip and a confused voice ask:

“What’s this place, Error?”