#good enough to hit victory road

[caoimhe-from-hoenn]

Do you know how many couples chose today to battle the gym

[wttcsms]

switchin' the positions for you, osamu miya

pairing osamu miya x f!reader word count 2k synopsis osamu miya says you've got a lot to learn, rookie, and he's more than happy to teach you. content contains creampie, pet names (baby, good girl), slight praise kink (reader receiving), fwb to lovers, multiple positions, tennis player!reader author's notes to the requester: you know who you are, girl. give the masses (me) what i want: you to become a writer!!!

“Fuck.” Osamu hisses out the word like it burns to have it escape through his gritted teeth. “D’ya like that, baby?” 

You can’t give him a coherent answer; it’s kind of hard to hold a conversation with him when he’s got you sitting all snug on his lap, cockhead hitting that special sensitive spot of yours that you never knew you had until you start your little arrangement with him. You don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he’s the only person capable of reducing you to a hot, whiny mess but when you instinctually tighten up around his cock, he lets out a soft, smug laugh. 

His warm breath tickles your ear when he leans down to tell you, “Told ya I’d teach you a thing or two.” 

You try to tilt your head back so your eyes can meet his. You don’t like looking up to people, but Osamu is just so big. You’re sitting on him, pussy clamping down on his fat cock that’s buried snugly inside of you, your back pressed against his muscular chest. The man owns a restaurant; surely hauling all those massive rice bags couldn’t have possibly given him this figure. You want to make a face, let him know that his “I told you so” is not appreciated, but when he makes eye contact with you, he gives you a smirk — a warning. A split second later, he thrusts up, and you can’t hold back your moan. 

He did that on purpose, you think to yourself. He’s always baiting you, always waiting for the right moment to catch you off guard. You’re a favorite to win the Japan’s Women’s tennis tournament; no one catches you off guard. 

But when you’re out on the road, traveling with your team, and your starvation-induced tantrum leads to your coach making a pitstop to some hole-in-the-wall restaurant named Onigiri Miya, you learn that it is possible for someone to trip you up. 

“So you’re the girl with the killer serve,” is what he says the first time he’s taking your order. “You don’t look like much of a killer to me.” 

You’re pissed, hungry, and still upset over hearing the men’s team talk about how you look good in your skirt and should consider modeling for Sports Illustrated instead of trying to make it big in tennis. You’re frowning when you tell him, “Are you the owner of this restaurant?” 

“Yep.” 

“Doesn’t look like much of a restaurant to me.” In hindsight, maybe you shouldn’t be rude to the man handling your food. 

“It’s up and coming.” He says, eyes looking you up and down in a way that makes you suddenly very, very hyper aware of how fitted your top and how short your skirt is. He’s not ogling you; he’s sizing you up. Like you’re a challenge. “It’ll look it soon enough.” 

You like a good challenge. 

When you come back the next week, high off your victory, you walk through the doors of Onigiri Miya, smug and prideful. 

The feeling intensifies whenever he tells you he saw your game, but you’re immediately dissatisfied when he hits you with a, “Ya still got a lot to learn, though.” 

Your first lesson? Taking three of his thick fingers knuckle-deep in your pussy as your back is pressed against the wall of the storage room of Onigiri Miya. There’s only one single light bulb flickering in the darkness of the pantry, but you don’t focus on that. Instead, you focus on the searing heat from between your thighs, too eager to chase after pleasure to care about the fact that you’re so wet, you can hear every thrust. 

You’re so close to cumming, you find yourself moving your hips upwards, trying to bring yourself to release even faster. He immediately stops his ministrations, making an annoyed sound of clear disapproval.

“You need to learn how to stop bein’ so damn greedy.” His words come out as a raspy whisper, and when your walls involuntarily clench around his fingers, there’s a small noise that seems to come from the back of his throat. He’s holding himself back. 

Somehow, the fact that you have a strong effect on him as well makes you so pleased, you find yourself gripping his shoulder as you disobediently grind against his fingers yourself, letting out a loud whine as you cum all over his hand. 

With heated cheeks and heavy breathing, you let Osamu Miya know that being greedy is what makes you such a star player. You don’t get by with just taking what’s given to you; everything, from points on the court to a more-than-satisfactory orgasm, is yours for the taking. 

You don’t expect him to just smile at your prideful remark, and you certainly don’t expect him to remove his fingers from you, hold them up to the light so you can both admire the way his index, middle, and ring fingers are glistening with your juices, before he licks the pads of them. 

Is the room heating up? Did the air conditioning suddenly break? You feel hotter than usual as you watch the vulgar display, and you should be ashamed of the way your knees are already weak from hitting your climax, ashamed of the way you have to press your thighs together so he doesn’t catch the way you’re already anticipating a round two. 

“Have a taste, baby.” He’s grinning, smiling like the damn devil himself, as he extends his hand, brings the tips of his fingers to your lips. You shake your head no, not trusting yourself to speak. 

He pretends to sound disappointed. “No?” Then with a shrug and a smug more for me then, he licks the rest of your essence off of his fingers. 

“I could go for a second helping.” 

The sentence barely leaves his mouth before you find yourself parting your thighs to welcome him back.

Through the course of three months, you find yourself being taught various lessons from Osamu. He teaches you to mind your manners and refuses to fuck into you, choosing to tease you with the head of his cock instead. 

“Not gonna fuck ya ‘til you say please.” 

Like with your tennis matches, it all boils down to a game of stamina. Who can hold out the longest? His tip is wet and sticky with pre, and you can catch every hitch of his breath as he rubs against your clit. You’re soaking through his bedsheets, his bed being the only comfortable piece of furniture he has in his “work in progress” of a bachelor pad. 

He practices breathing exercises with you when he pushes himself as far as your little throat can take him. Drool will be dribbling out the corners of your swollen lips, and he has your hair bunched up in a makeshift ponytail, strands sloppily wrapped around his hand as he watches you try to take all of him in your mouth. 

“You gotta breathe through your nose, baby. Atta girl, that’s my good girl.”

He teaches you that you like praise. 

He’s more observant than you realize. You can tell from the way he recaps and analyzes your matches with you after a particularly rough game, and you can tell from the way he’ll notice if the way he has you bent over the kitchen counter is uncomfortable for you. He knows you like the way he gives it to you hard, sloppy, messy. You have a meticulous training routine, every aspect of your life reduced to a bullet point on an itinerary from your personal coach. 

It makes sense that his sloppy kisses, the ones that leave your lips swollen, the ones that are less than kisses and more of just messy exchanges of spit, are your favorites. You like being reduced to a wet, boneless, fucked out little mess, and you like it because it’s all coming from him. He has a business to tend you, and you have a professional athletic career, and yet, the world is reduced to his barebones apartment bedroom. No tennis matches, no food truck deliveries to worry about.

Just your back pressed against his chest, the thin material of your athletic tanktop and his tight fitted compression shirt doing nothing to stop the searing exchange from both of your bodies’ heat. 

“Told ya I’d teach you a thing or two.”

All you can do is close your eyes and lose yourself to the overwhelming pleasure of having him buried to the hilt inside of you. 

“You’re so good for me, ya know that?” You like the way he grunts out the words, punctuating each word with a thrust that has you clinging to his forearm, both of his hands wrapped tightly around your stomach so you can stay still, stay easily accessible for him. “You’re not just my good girl, you’re my best girl.”

You let his words of praise soak you to the bone. You’re letting out desperate, high-pitched, needy whines, and there’s no more holding back on his end. He’s fucking into you with the stamina and strength that rivals some athletes. 

You finish first; you always do. You tried, once, to get him to cum before you, but once he caught on to your little scheme, he stretched your body, had your legs folded and sore as he fucked into you almost angrily, like getting him off before you have is something he takes personal offense to. 

He’s addicted to watching you cum. The way you can’t control your body, your tight, always stressed out body that only seems able to relax when he’s smothering you, his body heat getting lost and mixed up with yours. You fit so perfectly against him, under him, on top of him. When you cum, you tilt your head back, resting against his shoulder. Your eyes look dazed, almost like you’re unable to see straight, but he stares at you, smiling as he realizes that every time you cum, you can’t help but search for him. 

When he finishes inside of you, you think you’re close to cumming again. The rush of hot, thick heat flooding your now-sloppy insides has you whining so cutely, he almost wants to start fucking into you again. But he doesn’t. Instead, he lets you rest, gives you a minute to catch your breath. 

“I don’t normally do this, y’know.” He sounds a bit out of breath, and it fills you with deep satisfaction to know that you’re capable of having this effect on him. It’d be embarrassing to be beat in a contest of stamina when you’re the professional athlete here. 

“So you’ve said.” 

Osamu is busy with his business, and you’re busy with tennis. The two of you know that there’s not a lot of room for a relationship, but the two of you are also well aware of the fact that there’s something more to this than just good sex. It’s obvious in the way he holds you, and it’s obvious in the way you let him. He wants to cook you good food and to meet his mother, and you want him at all your games, to dedicate your victory speeches to him. 

“I wanna do this right.” And he’s so sincere when he says it that it makes your heart flutter, gives you the unfamiliar sensation of butterflies in your tummy. “I wanna take you out on dates and for you to meet my family.” 

“I’ve never been in a relationship.” You admit this to him, even though he already knows. “So, I wouldn’t know what’s the ‘right’ way to go about it, anyway.” You peer up at him, trying to gauge his reaction. “But you promised you’d teach me a thing or two.”

“Yeah?” The word comes out breathless, full of anticipating, wanting, hope.

“And I think I really don’t mind being taught every once in a while.”

[mcflymemes]

MULAN (1998) PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the film, adjust as necessary

would you like to stay for dinner?

i never want to see a naked man again.

hey, don't look at me.

does this dress make me look fat?

you owe me a new pair of slippers!

i think the question is who are you?

there's no time for stupid questions!

you shouldn't have to go.

i will die doing what's right.

i know my place. it is time you learned yours.

if you're so worried, go stand watch.

you took away my victory!

i ain't biting no more butts.

i need firepower.

who are you?

we're doomed!

i don't do that tongue thing.

i'm travel size for your convenience.

rise and shine!

i'm gonna hit you so hard, it'll make your ancestors dizzy.

you fight good.

they popped out of the snow! like daisies!

you are the craziest man i've ever met, and for that, i owe you my life.

from now on, you have my trust.

it looks like you're out of ideas.

you're the saddest bunch i've ever met.

i'll make a man out of you.

you have a tissue?

i don't need anyone causing trouble in my camp.

you might wanna light that right about now.

you missed! how could you miss? he was three feet from you!

you just say the word and i'm there.

you ain't worth my time, chicken boy.

no one will listen to me.

i'm sorry, did you say something?

would you like to stay forever?

the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

i've heard a great deal about you.

you have saved us all.

my little baby, off to destroy people.

great. she brings home a sword. if you ask me, she should've brought home a man.

sign me up for the next war!

my children never caused such trouble.

the truth is, we're both frauds.

they don't even like me.

you risked your life to help people you love.

i risked your life to help myself.

at least you had good intentions.

what do you mean you're not lucky?

my powers are beyond your mortal imagination.

my eyes can see straight through your armor.

make a note of this.

stop, i'm sorry. i'm just nervous.

i've never done this before.

you're gonna have to trust me.

let's get this show on the road!

no matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.

you don't belong here. go home.

you have to believe me!

why else would i come back?

rise and shine, sleeping beauty!

get your clothes on! get ready!

no time to talk.

now remember, it's your first day of training, so listen to your teacher and no fighting.

i don't wanna kick the other kid's butt.

don't talk with your mouth full.

let's see your war face.

i think my bunny slippers just ran for cover.

that's what i'm talking about! that's my tough-looking warrior girl!

now go out there and make me proud!

that was vile. you owe me big.

i think i've been away from home long enough.

a single grain of rice can tip the scale.

one man may be the difference between victory and defeat.

who are you?

i'm never gonna catch my breath.

how lucky can they be? they're dead.

this is your chance to prove yourself.

i didn't know you were here.

we could just... close our eyes... and swim around.

we must send the most powerful of all.

just because i look like a man doesn't mean i have to smell like one.

you must go after her.

we're gonna die!

i was this close.

this tattoo will protect me from harm.

we have to work on your people skills.

a life for a life. my debt is repaid.

get off the roof!

they're disgusting.

oh. you made a friend.

[gremlinmodetweeker]

To Market to Market, to Buy A Fat Hog

Okay so this one made me really sad guys. Yes this is more alpha König and omega reader. This one actually made me feel really bad for König. I promise you it will get better! I do!!! I keep saying it because I really do mean it!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Anyways, in this part, König sends you out to market to pick up groceries, and you find a cute alpha who actually seems to like you. Meanwhile, König struggles with appearances and his feelings.

Anyways!

TW: near infidelity (does not actually happen but comes close to a kiss), König feeling very sad and conflicted

Wordcount: 3.8K words (about 9 pages in google docs guys this is big)

Art from this post

Story Below the Cut

To Market to Market, to Buy A Fat Hog

As it turned out, cooking for König was no joke. He was an alpha, so it wasn't a surprise to figure out that the man liked to eat, but what you didn’t realize was that he was picky about it to boot. He was so picky that you’d had to resort to finding your own transportation to go down to the grocery store to find more ingredients.

“What are you you doing?”

You turned around to see König standing behind you in the front hall, posed somewhere between the stairs and the landing.

“We’re out of tomatoes,” you replied, “I need to go to the store to get some more.”

“Why do you need tomatoes?” König asked.

“To make the ratatouille that you wanted so badly,” you explained as you sat on a wooden bench to put on your shoes, “you asked for it last night, remember?”

König nodded, “You’re right, I’m sorry. I forgot about that.”

“Didn’t you say you were looking forward to this?” you raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’ve been looking forward to the whole week,” König replied with a smirk.

“That’s just great,” you sighed as you brought yourself up to your feet.

“You know it’s going to rain out there, right?” König asked curiously.

“Oh,” you reached down to pick up an umbrella, "thanks.”

König watched as you fumbled with your keys before he asked, “So you’re going out like that?”

You looked over your shoulder at him, “Is there something wrong with how I look?”

König shook his head, “No, no not like that. I’m just wondering if… Well, maybe you should wear something a bit nicer?”

“Why?’ you scoffed, “are you worried about your ��image’ again?”

König said nothing, letting you fill in the blanks for him.

“Alright,” you rolled your eyes before brushing by him to head back upstairs, “then tell me what to wear.”

“Something nicer,” was all the clarification König gave you before heading off to the backyard. To do what, you didn’t particularly care enough to think about.

Once you were upstairs in your bathroom, you stared at yourself in the mirror. Maybe König did have a point; you looked like you’d been hit with a truck that morning. The bags under your eyes were deep and heavy, and your hoodie had stains all over the bottom and along the cuffs of your sleeves. If you sat on a corner and held out a cup, you’d probably be able to make up your entire grocery bill in an afternoon. What a miserable state you were in!

You decided that what you were looking at was not up to snuff, not for you at least. Evidently not for König either, but that wasn’t the point.

With a few brushes of powder and a nice new set of clothes, you were able to face your reflection with a smile. It was a hollow, fragile smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. You tried to focus on the victories, no matter how pyrrhic they felt.

You sashayed back down the stairs with a self confident grin only to be faced with the man who sent you upstairs in the first place.

His icy eyes were wide, glancing around frantically before settling them on his feet.

“Is this good enough?” you asked.

He didn’t say a word, just nodded quickly. You figured that was about as much flattery as you’d get out of him on a good day.

“What store are you going to?” König asked in a quiet voice.

“To the big one,” you replied, “you know, the one down the road.”

König set his lips into a line, then asked, “Why don’t you go to the farmer’s market? It's a Saturday. They should be open today.”

“How would I get there?” you asked.

König dug his hands through his wallet and pulled out a blue and green card, “This is for the bus. You know how to use the GPS on your phone, right?”

You nodded.

“Just look up farmer’s market on the app,” König offered, “it should get you there quickly.”

“But what about money?” you asked.

“Ach,” König hissed as he pulled his wallet from his jeans again, “take this. It should be enough for the groceries and then some for yourself.”

“Are you suggesting I get myself something nice?” you smirked dryly at the irony.

König paused to tilt his head so he could look you in the eyes, “Maybe. You can keep the bus card, too. You’ll need it more than me.”

“Is there enough money on it?” you asked.

“It’s synced to my card,” König replied, “it’ll charge me automatically. Don’t worry about loading it.”

You tucked the card into your own wallet, thinner than his by a landslide. With all your bearings checked, you patted down your dress and gave König an award-winning smile.

“I’ll be back soon,” you grinned.

“Text me when you’re coming home,” König told you as he turned to retreat into the home, “and when you get there. And when-" he clenched his jaw, "just keep me updated, bitte.”

You didn’t say a word, instead stepping through the door and slipping outside. You pulled out your phone and punched in König’s suggestion to find what you expected to be the farmer’s market. You didn’t stop to see if König was waving you goodbye from the window, instead marching to the nearest bus stop to get started on your route.

The bus wasn’t particularly crowded, but there was a beta male in rut that had evidently forgotten to take his pills this morning, making the entire bus reek of oceanic vinegar. He’d obviously tried to hide it with extra scent blocker deodorant, but he was failing miserably. Most of the others on the bus shot the poor fellow cruel looks, to which he withered in on himself. It wouldn’t surprise you if he’d been sent home from work to get himself some pills to stop stinking up the office.

Thankfully, aside from the beta male, there weren’t any great upsets along the way. The walk to the market was thankfully brief, though a drizzle started and you had to put up your polka dotted umbrella as a shield against the weathers. You’d spent too much time perfecting your lipstick to have it smudged by a few drops of rain. Just once, you wanted to feel like you looked nice. It wasn’t like König did anything to help you in that regard. Rather, you felt that when you were around him, you were about as attractive as plain cardboard or white wallpaper. Sometimes, he wouldn’t even let himself look at you, which though while a regular occurrence, still smacked of obstinate rudeness that cut you like a thousand papercuts. Each nervous glance away was another slit upon you. At this point, you were surprised your heart was still beating in its place in your chest.

You skulked through the market in a search for ingredients. You didn’t really need to go out today, but you wanted a break from the silence of the home. After spending so much time in the silence, the hustle and bustle of the market jostled you to and fro with the crowds. You were twirled around this way and that before you were able to stumble you way towards a decent-enough looking stall filled to the brim with bright red fruits.

Only once you were too close to be ignored did you realize that the stall was advertising cider and vinegar, made fresh from the very same apples that had drawn you in.

“Hey!” a tall alpha stepped up to greet you, “see anything you like?”

You, you wanted to say but you held your tongue. Instead, you looked over the merchandise before picking up a small bottle.

“Um, how much is this?” you asked as you passed over the cider.

“Oh this is on sale, actually,” the alpha laughed, exposing his bright white canines, “it’s just for today though.”

“Only today?” you parroted.

“Only for today,” the alpha agreed before screwing you with a strange look, “say, where’s your collar?”

You blinked as you reached up to your neck.

“Oh, I must have forgotten it at home,” you admitted shyly, ashamed you’d forgotten such an important piece of protection for yourself.

“How long have you been here?” the alpha frowned.

“Not long,” you said as you fingered the empty air around your neck, “I must’ve forgotten it when I went out this morning.”

“Well it’s not safe for an unclaimed omega to go around without a collar,” the alpha hummed before holding up a hand, “just wait right there. I’m gonna go talk to someone.”

You nodded and let the man hurry off to talk to an alpha woman who worked the other side of the stall. She glanced over at you with a quick smile before looking back at her coworker, letting him return back to you with a comment accompanied by a nod of her head.

The alpha stepped back from behind the stall to stand by your side, awkwardly squeezing into the space beside you as carefully as he could to avoid actively pressing in on your inner bubble.

“So, I talked to my boss, and she said it’s okay if I take a break and help you around the market,” the alpha smiled timidly, “it’s just… I’m worried somebody might hurt you.”

“Wait, really?” you blinked owlishly as you looked up at the man.

“I mean it’s not safe to be without a collar,” the alpha insisted, “so it only makes sense that I watch over you. I, uh, I have a lot of omega friends and they tell me it’s nice to have someone around to keep them safe.”

“Oh, um, thanks,” you felt a bit fuzzy as you smiled at the messy-haired brunette, “but you don’t have to if it’s too much-”

“It’s nothing,” the alpha interjected before wincing, “sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt it’s just, you know, I’d hate to let you go and have you get hurt or-”

“No I get it,” you helped the poor man out, “I just didn’t want to pull you away from work and…”

You both smiled fondly at each other. Maybe it was something about not being used to an alpha’s affection, but the man’s brown eyes were warm like honey and tea as he took you in. You were suddenly grateful for König insisting that you wear something nice. Wait, König!

“Oh, um, I’m sorry but I should probably just call my alpha to come get me,” you cringed at the thought of having to phone up that miserable lout to drag you back into that horrible home.

“Wait, your alpha let you out like this?” the alpha frowned, almost looking crestfallen, “that’s weird.”

“Well,” you sighed, “we’re in a weird relationship. I’m supposed to be his mate or whatever, but I just… He’s not really in it.”

“Oh you got matched?” the alpha perked up, “I had a few friends in the matching program.”

“You did?” you asked.

“Yeah! They’re all like, ‘Shaun you really gotta sign up for this matching program’ way back in high school, but now they’re all sad and miserable with their matches,” the man laughed before catching himself, “my name’s Shaun, by the way! Sorry about that, I forgot to introduce myself. What’s your name?”

You gave your name with a laugh, “I guess I forgot to introduce myself too!”

“Makes the two of us, I guess,” Shaun chuckled, turning with you to start walking the aisles with you, “so, what’re you here for anyways?”

“Just a few veggies and stuff,” you replied, “my alpha wants me to cook for him.”

“So he let you out in public but expects you to be a perfect little omega for him?” Shaun scoffed, “sounds like a great guy for sure.”

“Well,” you bit your lip, “it’s more complicated than that. See, I really wanted him to just, you know, be my partner but he wasn’t too keen on it. So I was thinking that maybe if I made him jealous, maybe he’d be more interested or something?”

“And how did that go?” Shaun chuckled.

“Well, he called me out pretty quickly and then told me I could make it up to him by cooking for him,” you explained, “so I guess I really got myself in this mess.”

“But you only did it because he wasn’t paying any attention to you?” Shaun asked, helping you navigate around a tight bend by using his body as a battering ram through the crowd.

You blushed furiously, “I mean, is it too much to ask? I really thought the matching system would work, but… Well…”

“Usually it works,” Shaun offered, “but not always,” he helped you step out of the way of a passing baby stroller, “some people say it takes a couple of years to work, but I just think it’s a bit overrated.”

“So you never signed up?” you asked.

“Nah, it’s not like people would really want me, anyways,” Shaun admitted, “I’m an alpha O with a degree in agriculture working at a small farm. I don’t make much, and not many people are into alpha Os.”

“Really?” you asked curiously, “why not?”

“Not as big as alpha Bs and not as stable as beta As,” Shaun explained, “but whatever. I bet you get it as an omega.”

“Omega O, actually,” you laughed when Shaun winced, “yeah, it’s not always fun. But hey, I get by.”

“So I’m guessing you’re matched with an alpha A?” Shaun cringed.

“Yeah! I’m told the matching system puts alpha As and omega Os together for some reason?” you shook your head, “it’s crazy to me.”

“Absolutely,” Shaun agreed, “oh look! You said you needed veggies, right? My friend runs that stand over there!”

Shaun pointed somewhere but the crowd obscured your vision. So thus you pushed forth behind him before coming into a small clearing.

“Shaun! Long time no see!” a tall beta woman leaned on the wood stand.

“Laura, we literally just talked two hours ago,” Shaun rolled his eyes before standing to the side, “I’m just here because this little omega over here forgot her collar back home. But yeah, you wanted to get some things, right?”

After a bit of social chit-chat, you left with a couple of baskets brimming with fresh produce. Included i the bundle was a jar of fresh tomato paste and a bottle of olive oil, courtesy of the Italian pasta maker in the stand beside you. The beta man running the store had been more than glad to help you out when he overheard you explaining your situation with König, though he had tried to make you take a particularly spicy sausage to try and ‘get back at the swine’ but you’d had to turn him down.

After touring the market once more, you sat down at a bench with a paper bag of cinnamon sugar doughnuts between you and Shaun.

“Thanks for helping me around here,” you said before taking another bite of the fresh-baked treat, “wow these are so good. You were totally right about these.”

“Those old ladies know what they’re talking about,” Shaun agreed as he took another doughnut, “but yeah, don’t worry about it. I’m just happy you’re safe and all that.”

“It’s nice to meet an alpha that’s not a major dickface,” you grinned, wiping the sticky sugar away from your fingers.

“Most alphas are pretty chill actually,” Shaun wrapped his sticky fingers together, “I mean, we have to take those emotional regulation classes all the way from grade one until we graduate. Most of us learn how to chill out a bit.”

“So that’s why you’re so nice?” you asked cheekily.

“I mean, I like to think I’ve always been pretty cool,” Shaun tossed you a sly grin, “just don’t tell Laura that. She thinks I’m weird.”

“And why’s that?” you kicked your feet beneath you on the bench.

“Oh, I dunno, because I like comics? Or maybe it’s ‘cause I can quote entire movies in one go,” Shaun laughed, “but I think that just makes me cooler.”

“You might be on to something,” you agreed before you heard a small ping! came from your pocket, “one sec I just need to check something,” you said as you pulled it out to check your notifications. König. “Shit,” you hissed, “it’s König.”

“König? Is that foreign?” Shaun asked.

“One sec I just gotta text him back…”

Hello? Is everything alright? You haven’t texted me in a while and I want to make sure you’re safe.

You hissed and typed out a quick reply before hitting ‘send’ and pocketing your phone again.

“Is this ‘König’ guy your alpha?” Shaun asked, looking at you with a melancholic expression.

“Yeah,” you admitted, “he was just checking if I was okay.”

“Really?” Shaun snorted, “from the way you put it, it didn’t sound like he cared about you at all.”

“Well he doesn’t,” you sighed, “but he has to keep up ‘appearances’ all the time.”

Shaun groaned, “That sounds fucking awful.”

“It can be,” you agreed, “but sometimes… Sometimes I wonder if maybe he does care.”

“If he did, he wouldn’t let you out of the house without a collar,” Shaun reasoned with you.

You hummed, looking down at your sugar-dusted fingers ass they fiddled among each other. You could feel the granules of sugar melting into a sticky paste against your skin, sticking with each brush of your hands against each other.

“It would be nice if my alpha cared about me,” you sighed.

“Well, why do you need him to care about you?” Shaun asked, “and anyways, can’t you break the match?”

“Omegas can’t break matches,” you informed him dutifully, “only alphas and betas have the right to break matches.”

Shaun slumped in his seat.

“Oh…”

“It’s stupid,” you spat.

“It’s sad ‘cause like…” Shaun shrugged awkwardly, “you seem really cool.”

“Do I?” you laughed, “because I’m not.”

“People say I’m not cool either,” Shaun smiled, “so I guess we’d work pretty well together.”

You turned slightly to look at him from the corner of your eyes. He wasn’t looking at you, instead focussing on his own hands, coated just like yours were. His shaggy hair hung low over his face, giving him an innocently youthful expression. He seemed so sweet, so different from the alpha that kept you caged in his home…

“We would,” you agreed, carefully reaching your hand out to his.

He took it carefully, almost afraid to respond to your touch.

“Your alpha wouldn’t like this, would he,” Shaun turned to look at you, his eyes almost golden in the sunlight.

“He wouldn’t,” you agreed, “but I don’t really care.”

You leaned in close, but just as you closed your eyes, your phone rang.

You snapped back to attention and wrenched it out of your pocket. It was König. You watched it ring once, twice, then tucked it back into your pocket.

“I don’t really care what he thinks,” you huffed.

“So, um, I guess you gotta go home now?” Shaun laughed, the tension between you thoroughly shattered.

“I guess,” you sighed before perking up briefly, “can I get your number? We can still talk and stuff. I’ve only just moved here, so it would be nice to know someone locally.”

“Sure, uh, just hand it over,” Shaun took your phone from you, trying to suck the sugar off his fingers before typing away and handing it back to you, “sorry about all the, uh, sugar and stuff.”

“Don’t worry about it,” you tucked your phone back into your pocket before typing your number into his and giving it back to him, “but yeah, it was great meeting you Shaun.”

“It was great to meet you too,” Shaun grinned.

“Well,” you looked at the bus stop across the street, “I guess I gotta go now.”

“Call me when you get home, yeah?” Shaun asked as you walked off.

“I will!” you promised and turned back to the bus.

“Where were you?” König hounded you as soon as you stepped through the door.

“I was out at the market,” you replied as you hauled the groceries into the kitchen.

“Why didn’t you text me?” König asked, drumming his fingers against the countertop nervously.

“I forgot,” you said as you put away a bag of carrots, “it happens.”

“But you…” König squinted and frowned, “where’s your collar? Did you already take it off?”

“I forgot to take it with me,” you replied quickly as you whirled around to put away a bunch of tomatoes.

You turned back to the counter but slammed into König’s chest. You stumbled back to glare up at him, but his worried face caught you off guard.

“Were you okay?” König asked, placing his palms on your shoulders, “nobody hurt you, did they? How could you forget your collar? You need to take care of yourself, ja?”

“I was fine,” you pushed back from him coldly.

König stepped to the side to let you carry on putting away the produce, shrinking in on himself awkwardly.

“Are you sure?” König asked nervously, “you smell… Different.”

“Somebody helped me around,” you explained easily as you turned away. When you turned back, König’s face had become downright stormy.

“Who helped you,” König’s voice was flat and cold like an iron sword.

“Some guy at a stall,” you tried to shake off the nerves that crawled up your back.

“An alpha?” König stepped in close.

You stopped what you were doing to look back at König closely. He had leaned in close, almost menacing in how he now crowded your form.

“Maybe?” you shrugged, “I didn’t really pay attention.”

König stopped you from turning away and leaned in close. Before you could say anything, he rubbed his neck against yours quickly, once on each side. He stepped back, but kept his grip on your shoulders.

“Better,” he said quietly.

“What’s wrong with you?” you spat.

König watched you carefully, taking in how you puffed up with frustration in his hold. A part of him seemed to soften as he took in your form.

“We need to keep up appearances,” König replied dryly.

“That’s bullshit,” you scoffed.

König ducked his head, but the grip on your shoulders tightened. He grimaced, then turned back and tucked you into his chest.

“Appearances matter,” his voice cracked slightly, but you didn’t mention it.

Instead, when you stepped back you trailed a hand on his chest, “Why do you care so much?”

“Appearances,” König choked out.

“That’s not why you care,” you tried to let your hand fall on his cheek but he was quick to duck away.

“It’s all that matters,” König’s voice was faint as he left the room, “it’s what keeps us safe.”

You watched him leave the room quietly. You felt your phone buzz in your pocket, but you weren’t as eager to pick up the phone this time.

AU Masterlist

[feyhunter78]

The Floret Flower

Description: Cregan has fallen for the flower maiden who smiles so sweetly at him, if only his honor would allow him to act. Also, PSA I'm not gonna be using the gifs of the HOTD casted character, he just kinda looks really young to me and it icks me out. We are fancast Cregan only girlies on this blog (no hate to the actor!!! Just my personal preference)

“Go on, taste the sun.” The words echo in his mind, spoken to him by an old washerwoman as he traveled South. Her words had an air of mysticism and promise about them, one he found much easier to believe every time you crossed his path in the Godswood, ducking your head shyly, a bashful smile on your face.

A radiant, radiant being you are, with the grace and beauty of a flower maiden, brimming with life in a way he knows can only be brought to fruition in the South.

“Lord Cregan, good morn.” You say sweetly, flowers woven in your hair, a gown of light blue adorning your figure. It has been many mornings of you greeting him. Of you hanging upon his every word, fussing over him when exhaustion shone on his face, and the pleas, and arguments of noblemen echoing within his skull. The smell of death and ashes is thick in the air everywhere but the Godswood, everywhere but where he saw you.

It would not be difficult, throw you over his shoulder, get to his horse and ride for the North. It would be a long ride, and you would surely fret and cry, but there would be enough time on the road for him to reassure you. To soothe you and assure you that he had done what was best. It would not be safe for you, not a delicate flower such as you. Ever since he has taken control of King’s Landing, its men were like beasts, prowling for any unattended maiden to take as a bride. His own men could barely find the time to wrangle their southern brothers into a more honorable way of going about satisfying their needs.

“Lady y/n, are you alone? Where are your guards?” He asks, glancing around for the very men who were supposed to be watching over you.

You scrunch your eyebrows and look around as if you had not even noticed they were missing, keeping your voice light as you approach him. “Oh…well, I am sure they are around here somewhere.”

He bites back a heavy sigh of frustration. These King’s Landing guards were utterly useless, he would need to assign some of his own men to you. “They should be near you at all times, it is not safe for a lady to wander the Keep unaccompanied.”

You cross the remaining space between you and him, and look up at him, smiling brightly, standing far, far too close. “Well, I am not unaccompanied now, am I? Not since you are here to protect me.”

Gods damn him, he cannot resist your smile. “You are right, My Lady, but still—”

“Your guards must be near you, to protect you.” You say, pitching your voice down in an attempt to imitate him. “It is unsafe for a maiden of your virtue to walk amongst these war-fed beasts.” Cregan stifles a laugh, but you hear it and your expression changes, a victorious light in your eyes. “I knew it, I knew I could make you laugh!”

His chest warms at your words, had you really been attempting to find ways to make him laugh? Him? The man who stormed into your home and seized control with bloodied hands, whose allegiance was to the very side you were against, not only due to family ties but personal ideals as well? “I am honored that you would dedicate even a moment of your time to my amusement.”

You cast your eyes downwards, and he cannot tell if it is a demure act or a bashful one. “You have been so kind to me, it is the least I can do.”

“You are easy to be kind to, My Lady.” He says truthfully, delighting in the way you take his proffered arm without delay.

“As are you, My Lord.” You look up at him and the sun hits you perfectly, a halo around your head, your skin glistening, your lips stained a tantalizing reddish color from the berries he knew you had eaten earlier. He knows all that you eat, drink, your movements throughout the Keep, who you speak with, who you did not speak with, it is all known to him. Obsessive his sister Sara would say, she would tease him mercilessly for his over interest in you, but he cares not.

Taste the sun. By the gods old and new, he wants to. He wants to taste you over and over again, wants to steal the sun and bring it back North with him.

“Is that so?” He cannot help but poke and prod, desperate to hear you sing his praises once more.

You roll your eyes playfully. “I see what you are doing, Lord Cregan, if you wish to hear your virtues tolled there are plenty of bards around that would do so.”

“You have caught me.” Cregan relents, smiling softly down at you before smoothing his expression once you both near the entryway back inside the Keep. He cannot be seen as showing you favoritism, not when there may still be cravens and traitors about. He will not have you marked as a weakness of his, a potential target.

“It seems you cannot escape my notice, in words or actions.” You say teasingly, your breasts pushed up tantalizingly as you press yourself against his arm, body turned towards him, your head tilted up to meet his gaze. “I am simply too astute.”

You do not make his mission easy, no, even though he is sure you have not a single impure thought in your mind, his is swimming with them as he feels his head dip down, his eyes flickering to your lips.

Before he can lose his grip on his honor and kiss you senseless, he is saved by a pair of passing noblemen, and he straightens up, putting distance between the two of you. “That you are, Lady Florent, it is honorable for a lady to possess a good sense of such things.”

You give him a quizzical look, followed by a slight pout, and unhook your arm, clasping your hands together before you instead, putting on an air of polite indifference. “I thank you for your kind words, Lord Stark.”

You walk in silence, footsteps echoing on the marble floor, until finally Cregan spots your familiar door. “My Lady, this is where I shall leave you.”

You nod and break away from him, your skirts sweeping across the floor with your quick movements. You reach for the door handle then pause, your back still to him. “Do you find me unpleasant, My Lord?”

“Unpleasant?” He echoes, unable to fathom how you would come to such a conclusion.

“Or is it that you find me shameful to be seen with?” You turn on your heels with your words, tears shining unshed in your eyes.

“Lady y/n I—do not understand, where have these thoughts sprung forth from?” He says, taking a step towards you, arms outstretched as if to collect you in his arms and hold you close to his chest.

“You turn from me, close yourself off from me whenever others appear. Have I shamed you? Am I hideous? Do you find myself, and my house that lowly, that you cannot stand to be seen in my presence?” Your words are harsh, but your tone is soft, your bottom lip trembling.

Cregan grabs your shoulders, pulling you into his embrace, his hand cradling the back of your head. “No, no, Lady y/n, it is nothing of the sort, please, banish such thoughts from your mind.”

You look up at him, tears collecting on your cheeks, a heartbroken expression that feels akin to a knife through his chest on your beautiful face. “Then what is it?  Because I cannot deny my feelings any longer, and I do not wish to be made a fool.”

Go on. The words echo in his mind, and he grips the chains around his will tighter, he cannot break, not now.

“Tell me the truth, tell me you do not desire me, and I shall abstain from your presence.” You say, gaining strength from anger as he stands silent.

Taste the sun.

“Speak, Cregan Stark, deny me or take what is being offered.” There is no room for argument in your tone, he must make a choice or watch you smile in the arms of another.

The chains slip from his grasp, and he cups your face, crashing his lips to yours.

I wanted to make this smutty so bad, but the inspo was simply not there today

HOTD TL: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda, @haydee5010, @partypoison00, @serrhaewin, @issshhh, @pax-2735, @malfoytargaryen, @sahanna, @dellalyra, @mxrgodsstuff, @jkhomes, @unusual-raccoon, @boofy1998, @kravitzwhore, @caribbeangel, @krispold, @issshh, @afro-hispwriter, @ryswritingrecord, @prettykinkysoul, @elissanatok, @sahvlren, @its-sam-allgood, @happinessinthbeing, @8e-h-e8, @feyres-fireheart, @just-emmaaaa, @crazylokonugget, @hedahobbit98, @devils-blackrose, @mercedesdecorazon, @snh96, @imjustboredso, @izzicle, @hiatuswhore, @aslanvez, @devils-blackrose, @yentroucnagol, @queenofshinigamis, @partyposion00, @cryptidsrcool, @jennifer0305, @solkara, @simpinonyouz, @lorarri

[skynight110]

A Rough Start

You were proud to admit you knew the ins and outs of this outpost, secluded in the middle of nowhere, like the back of your hand, itched into your mind.

That didn't mean getting out was going to be as easy as you hoped.

You knew that the guards patrolled mostly near the entrances, but few did venture further into the outpost. You feared you'd almost been caught 3 times now, and wondered if you were really cut out to do this. Peaking around a corner, you watched as two security guards chatted and grumbled under your breath. Clearly you needed to make a distraction. So, heading to the room opposite of you, you recalled this was where they kept employees personal belongings when they arrived in the morning. Grabbing a nearby broomstick to make more noise, you smashed it against one of the lockers and hid in another set of lockers. You could hear one set of footsteps that made you grumble more. You were hoping both would come, but of course not. Peaking around the corner you saw the security guard wearily walk through the room, inspecting every nook and cranny before heading towards the other end of the next set you were hiding at. Quickly, yet as quietly as you could, you crawled out of the room, cursing everytime you could hear your bags zippers clink. Finally out, you rounded the corner again to see the other guard waiting for his buddy to come back, and looked around. There wasn't much to work with, honestly. A plant? Maybe.

With all your might you pushed the large put over and heard it clang with the ground, running to the other side of the hall as the guard rounded the corner in confusion. You could hear the other now coming back as well, and crouch-sprinted over to the door. 'This is it', you thought, slamming the ID kaycard on the lock. The door opened with a whoosh, and you didn't hesitate to book it. The adrenaline running through you felt unreal as you darted as far away from the outpost as possible, following the dirt road in the brush in case any cars drove by. The feeling of the leaves brushing past you and the quick breathes leaving your mouth felt so freeing, and you couldn't stop the victorious grin and shout that left you at the realization you made it this far.

Once you figured you ran far enough, you started to walk and wonder how long this damn road was. You did know however, that there was a boat that left every Wednesday to bring back supplies for the outpost here. That's where you were heading. You figured if you could get on the boat and hide through it's trip, you could sneak off once it reached its destination. You just had to hope that hiding on a boat for a few hours wasn't going to be to hard. After all you'd been through, all this had to be a breeze right?

Finally after who knows how long, you found the dock where the boat was waiting, floating on the water. It was a lot bigger than you had anticipated, but forgetting that you quickly ran up the bridge and onto the boat. The smell of the ocean water hit you and you paused, listening to the water. You dared a glance out. It was a lot calmer than you thought it would have been, but nonetheless was beautiful. The longer you stared, the more your brain started to imagine. A large dark figure exploding out of the water, it's jaws the size of a mansion wide ready to-

You yelped and fell to the ground, covering your head with your arms. When nothing happened, you sighed and slowly sat up, looking around. Everything was okay. Everything was fine. You were fine. Taking a deep breath, you walked further into the ship in hopes of finding a quiet space to claim as your own for the trip.

•••

Finding a spot was easier said than done, but you did it. When you awoke again you felt that the ship was moving, and could feel the thrum of the engine working against the ocean. "So far so good..." you uttered, worried someone could hear you if you spoke to loud. A worrying thought pressed the back of your mind.

What if He knew that you were out? That you were al-

No.

You roughly punched your fists into the floor to ground yourself from spiraling. Grasping your phone, you checked the time. It'd been 5 hours since you'd escaped from that prison, and you never felt more relief at the thought then you did now. Opening your phone, you recalled that the destination the ship would be a few hours more away, and thanked whatever string of luck you had right now that you thought to pack a portable charger. You'd also downloaded some movies to watch. So that's what you did, watched movies until you felt the ship stop. Back to the cruel world, you bitterly thought, packing all your belongings and snacks back into your bag. Here comes the trickiest part.

Peaking from the room you were hiding in, you saw a bunch of men and women gathering supplies already and placing them in their respective spots. "Okay, okay..." you anxiously whispered. Wait. You turned to look back into the room behind you and saw there were spare clothes for the crew. Bingo. Taking your clothes off in exchange for the crews, you walked outside with your head turned down to hopefully hide your face with the cap you found. Trying to play into the roll, you found a box that was still empty, waiting for what seemed to be more paper. You carried the box down to where it would be filled, and headed off. Glancing around, you noted that there were other ships at this landing post as well. Hopefully you could find a bathroom to change.

When you did, you pulled out your phone and looked at your location on the map. "Crap..." you bit your lip, seeing that the nearest train station was a good hour and thriy minutes from here. Well, walking it was. You hadn't been in a populated city in 4 years anyway, you wanted to see what's changed. Leaving the bathroom you kept the map pulled out to guide you, and examined the streets. There were people chatting, walking, laughing, and cars driving by. It was all so refreshing to see again. A few shops you had wanted to go in, but decided against it. You had no idea how much it would cost you to take the train.

When you finally did make it to the train station, you hummed nervously. There were a lot of people in line for making reservations, and you wanted to get out of there as fast as you could to get to your uncle. After waiting in line for 10 minutes, you walked up the the window and asked for a reservation on the train heading to the station in your uncles city. Scrambling for the cash you stole, you gave it and with a polite 'have a nice day' from the worker you let out a breath of relief. The train didn't take too long to arrive, and you clambered on board and found a spot. The train ride would be about another hour, almost two, but it was better than walking. You were surprised that this train even allowed passengers to stay on that long. Again, you did your best to distract yourself with your phone, hoping that your uncle or cousin was home when you got there. Some bad memories floated around your head as the train continued its journey.

Would there be a gaping whole in the track again? Would the train be crushed completely on one end and fall? Would you yet again see so many people slip by you screaming for their life?-

You really did wish you could forget it.

•••

Madison could feel that something was off. With the people around her, with her father, most especially with Godzilla. There had to be a reason he was attacking these places, right? Why would he go out of his way to do this unless there was a reason? But she noticed that something else felt off. Like something more was going to happen. She had no idea what though and that frightened her. The last time she felt like this...

She could only hope that whatever it was, was for good, because she and her father already had tensions high with Godzillas recent behavior.

•••

You felt like it was one of those moments where you thought you couldn't run any faster then you were now. But unfortunately, you have had many of those moments, and not for good reasons. This however, was out of anticipation and excitement. You hadn't seen your uncle or cousin since..well, the world almost ended.

You saw the environment around you pass in a blur, until you found yourself nervously walking up a front porch. It was around 5 now, and the days activities were catching up to you. With a reserved breath, you rang the doorbell. As you stood there, you thought. What were you going to say? What should you start with? Your thoughts were cut off when you saw Madison open the door. Her eyes filled with shock and utter disbelief while yours filled with raw happiness and tears. "Madison.." you held back a sob. She quickly pulled you inside, closing the door and engulfing you in a hug. "Y/n?!" You let your tears fall, hugging her back. "Mhm.." she seemed utterly confused in a way that you understood and didn't understand. "I-i can explain everything, I promise." She nodded, and broke the hug to guide you to the couch. You placed your things on the floor and took in a deep breath. "Where's uncle Mark?" She blinked. "Oh, he's at work. I'm sure he'll be..surprised, to hear that your here."

You nodded. "Well...where do I start?" She tilted her head. "Maybe, explain how you're well...alive?" You blinked, before huffing. "Oh."

Sitting up, you rubbed your eyes. "That was all fake. I was forced to go along with faking my death. By them." You hissed. "...them?" You looked to her. "Monarch." She seemed shocked. "What?" You nodded. "It...wasn't all of Monarch, I don't think so anyway. But because of the..titans behaviors, especially one in particular, they thought it would be best if they made the titans believe I was dead to get them to leave me alone." She seemed so utterly confused. It confused you too. "Leave you alone?"

"Yes...I don't know how to describe it, but a few of the titans...I think they wanted to kill me personally or something. One was actively seeking me out at one point...it was terrifying." You shivered at the memory. She took a deep breath. "Hold on."

She came back with water, which you gratefully accepted. "So, this whole time you've been alive? And they didn't think to tell anyone?" You could hear the anger in her voice and curled into yourself. "Yeah, I don't know why. I missed you guys a lot." Sighing, she stayed quiet for a moment. "How did you get here? If Monarch wanted us to believe you were..dead...I doubt they would drop you off here." You shook your head. "No, they didn't. I escaped."

"Escaped?" She said alarmed. "Well, yeah. I've practically been held captive at this outpost on some island for the past 3 years, I was a prisoner! I had to sneak my way out on a boat before I took the train here." She rubbed her face. You couldn't tell what was going through her head, but a worrying thought came to mind. "Please don't tell them. Please Madison," you grasped her hand desperately. "I-i can't go back. I don't know what they'll do to me." She grasped your hand. "I won't." She made eye contact with you. "I won't. I promise. I know what it's like, living in what feels like a prison." You could see her eyes drift. Taking a deep breath, you whispered a thank you.

"I never realized there was a darker side to Monarch than what my mother did..." you heard her mutter, and squirmed. You remember what your aunt did. How she also used you.  "If I can know, which titan was..after you?" You froze up, and felt a lump in your throat. She comfortingly squeezed your hand. "You don't have to answer-"

"G." Was all you could mutter. That got Madison thinking, because there was more than one titan that started with G. However, she knew one was dead, and another prominent one. She could feel a shudder run down her own spine at the thought of godzilla hunting her down.

"Alright, well, I think that's enough questions for now." She said, standing to head into the kitchen. "Any requests for dinner?" You shrugged. She huffed a laugh. "Very helpful."

After eating with her, you both enjoyed talking and watching a few movies. "When will we tell uncle Mark about me?" You questioned m, shoving another chip in your mouth. She shrugged. "Even if I called him he might not answer his phone." You curiously looked at her. "What's got him so busy?" That made her freeze up. "Well...ugh." She sat up fully and grasped your hands. "There's something you need to know. I know it's scary, but you deserve to know." You became worried.

"Uh....G, is currently attacking pinpointed locations, for seemingly no reason." Your eyes widened and your heart started racing. "But, I know that he's not doing it for no reason, and I doubt it has anything to do with you." You took a deep breath. "So...he's going all around the world looking for something?" She nodded. What if He came here? And saw you. "Well, if He's going to specific locations then He must sense that there's something threatening enough for Him to feel the need to eliminate it." You thought aloud. "Yes, but I just don't know what. And dad doesn't believe me." You took a deep breath in. "I do." Even though He scared the life out of you, all the exposure to Him and what those scientists had written down, you believed you knew a little more about Him than you'd like. "It'd have to be a threat to either Him or the natural order and balance. The last time that happened was...well, with you know..." She nodded.

"What could possibly be a bigger threat than they were?" That was the question you wished you could help answer. But even speaking of Him right now terrified you, like He would know that you were talking about Him. You could only hope that whatever the threat was, it was stopped before He decided to check this city out.

You couldn't handle it all again.

[allthesmutl0vers]

Entirely Forbidden and Completely Fucked- Chapter Six

MDNI, 18+, NSFW

Author's Note:

I am going to start adding episodes from the show into the story. But it does not follow the show completely. For instance, they're not looking for John (yet), Sam and Jess were never a thing, although Sam did go to Stanford a few years ago but came back before y/n came in.

Trigger Warnings: Wincest + Half-Sister, Praise, Degradation, Choking, Withheld Orgasms, Squirting.

Chapter Six

Dean

“Come on, let's go!” I call out to Sam and y/n as I throw my duffle bag into the back seat of the Impala. We don’t have time to waste, and we need to hit the road. We should’ve left last night but I couldn’t leave Sammy and her unsatisfied. Those two, I swear to God. Since that night on the hood of the Impala on our way back from Ellen’s, we’ve been fucking like rabbits around the bunker. Thank God that Dad isn’t here. Never thought I’d say that. 

“You need to relax,” Sam chuckles as he throws his and y/n’s duffles into the back seat and closes the door. I throw him a glare and shake my head.

Y/n slides into the middle seat between me and Sam with a yawn. “Where are we going again?” She asks tiredly.

“Jericho, California,” I remind her as I start the engine, and Sam slides in next to her. “Seatbelt,” I tell y/n as I put the car in drive. 

Y/n laughs and rolls her eyes. “Since when do you care about seatbelts?” She quips with a smirk.

“Just put the damn seatbelt on, y/n,” I snip back. 

“Yes, big brother,” she flirts in that tone of voice she knows drives me crazy. She puts the lap belt on and pats it on her hips. 

“What about me? I’m your big brother too,” Sam flirts, putting an arm over her shoulders on the back of the seat. “Or is Dean your favorite now? Because last night,” he leans down and kisses her neck, and I feel her suck in a breath. “It was my name you were screaming,” he mutters as I pull out of the bunker garage.

Y/n

“I swear, man, you’ve gotta update your cassette collection,” Sam jokes as he digs through the box of cassette tapes Dean has. 

“Why?” Dean asks as we pass the sign that welcomes up into Jericho.

Sam laughs as he pulls out some of the tapes. “Well, for one, they’re cassette tapes. And two: Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Metallica?! It’s the greatest hits of mullet rock,” Sam jokes, holding up the tapes. He has a point Dean could do with updating his music collection. But I think his head would explode if he tried. 

“House rules, Sammy,” Dean says with a smile as he looks over at him. “Driver picks the music. Shotgun shuts his cakehole.”

I laugh and take the box from Sam. “Here, I’ll pick something,” I say, looking through the box. 

“Hey, hey. What did I just say?” Dean says in an offended voice as I pull out the tape I was looking for. 

I give Dean a fake pouting look and give him my best innocent voice that I know he loves. “Please, big brother?” I beg, batting my eyelashes for good measure. 

Dean sighs and narrows his eyes, holding up one finger. “One song,” he says sternly. 

I smile victoriously and switch the cassette tapes, putting in a Bon Jovi one. I skip to the song I want and turn up the stereo volume as ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’ plays over the speakers. I turn to look at Dean and smile. “Good enough for you?” I tease. 

About halfway through the song, Dean turns it down and pulls onto a bridge where cops walk around. This must be where the guy we read about crashed his car. “Stay in the car,” Dean orders me as he reaches over to the glove box and pulls out fake IDs for him and Sam.

“Why can’t I come?” I ask as they both get out. 

Sam sighs and leans down into the car. “Okay, fine, you can come. But don’t say a word. Watch and learn,” he orders me and moves out of the way so I can get out. I smile and get out, noticing the look of disapproval from Dean. But he doesn’t say anything as we walk up to the cops. 

My heart races as my nerves fire off, scared the cops will figure out we’re not law enforcement. 

“Evening, Officers,” Dean greets the cop with a handshake.

The cop looks at Dean suspiciously but shakes his hand. “Evening, gentlemen. This is a crime scene. You need to be behind the tape,” he says firmly, pointing behind us to the yellow police tape.

“Agents Angus and Young,” Sam says as he and Dean flash their fake badges. 

The officer nods, and his demeanor changes as if he’s talking to a colleague. “My apologies, agents. And who is this?” He asks, looking at me between them. 

“Junior agent Smith,” Dean answers cooly. The cop nods and walks them through the crime scene. 

“We don’t know what exactly caused the crash or where he is now,” the cop says disappointedly with a sigh. 

“Was he drinking?” Sam asks as they look over the bridge. 

The cop shakes his head. “No. I don’t believe so. Troy is a good kid. His girlfriend is in town putting up missing persons papers.” 

“And I assume you checked all of the hospitals in the area?” Dean asks. 

The cop nods. “Hospitals, morgues, friends and family, nobody has seen him or someone who resembles his description.” 

“You said the girlfriend is in town?” Sam asks. The cop nods. “What’s her name? We’d like to speak with her.”

“Amy, my daughter,” The cop answers. “Be gentle, she’s obviously upset.”

“Will do, sheriff,” Dean answers with a nod. 

We find Amy outside of a diner in town, and Dean talks to her. “Amy?” Dean says, getting her attention.

“Yeah?” She asks, turning around. Her eyes are bloodshot, and she looks like she hasn’t slept since Troy went missing. 

“I’m Dean, and this is my brother Sam and his daughter y/n. We’re Troy’s uncles,” Dean introduces us. 

“Oh, hi. I’m sorry. I’m doing everything I can to find him,” Amy says with tears in her eyes. 

Sam puts a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I know, Amy. Your dad told us where we could find you. We were just hoping we could ask you a few questions.”

I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy course through me at Sam touching her. I feel bad for her. Really, I do. But I don’t want their hands on anyone but me.

“Of course,” Amy sniffles. “Um, we can talk inside,” she says, pointing to the diner where she was hanging the posters. 

Inside, I sit quietly while Sam and Dean talk to Amy and her friend Rachel, who showed up. I might have said something if I wasn’t biting my tongue so hard I draw blood. I hate the way Rachel flirts with Dean, but considering he’s supposed to be my uncle, I can’t really say shit. Dean doesn’t flirt back, but that doesn’t make it piss me off any less. 

“I wonder if it has something to do with the legend,” Rachel says quietly to Amy. 

Amy shakes her head. “Don’t be ridiculous, Rach.”

“What legend?” Sam asks curiously next to me, leaning on the table with his elbows.

Amy sighs. “It’s just some stupid local legend,” she says, turning to Rachel. “And it doesn’t have anything to do with Troy.”

“Think about it, Ams,” Rachel says seriously. “The crash, the fact nobody has seen him, it all points to it.”

“What legend?” Dean says impatiently on my other side. 

Rachel turns to Dean. “There’s a legend that a girl got murdered on Centennial Highway, and now, her ghost hitchhikes, and whoever picks her up disappears forever.”

“That’s not what happened to Troy,” Amy says angrily before storming off. Rachel follows after her, quickly apologizing to us before she leaves. 

“Let’s hit the library,” Dean says, standing up from the booth.

Sam

“Move,” I push Dean out of the computer chair and sit down. After all these years, he still sucks at research. 

Dean slaps me on the shoulder. “Dude! You’re such a control freak,” Dean scoffs and stands next to y/n. 

I ignore it, pull y/n into my lap, and open up the search bar again. “So, angry spirits are born out of violent death, right?” 

“Yeah,” Dean says, irritated, leaning on the table next to us. 

“Well, maybe it’s not a murder,” y/n says on my lap. 

I smile and kiss her. “I love how you think,” I praise her, and she smiles. I type ‘Suicide on Centennial’ into the search bar and hit ‘search.’ I find an article from April 25, 1981 and click it. Dean leans over me and y/n and reads along with me. 

The article describes a woman named Constance Welch, who jumped to her death off the bridge after she made a frantic 911 call that she found her two children, ages five and six, drowned in the bathtub when she stepped away for a few minutes. 

“How awful,” y/n says sadly as she reads, wiping a tear from her eyes. I rub her side, comforting her. After losing her mom and still getting no answers, I can only imagine how hard this is hitting her. 

I kiss the side of her head when she leans it on my shoulder. “There’s a statement from her husband,” I point out before reading it aloud. “What happened to my children was a terrible accident. And it must have been too much for my wife. Our babies were gone, and Constance couldn’t bear it,” said husband Joseph Welch. “Now I ask that you all please respect my privacy during this trying time.” I finish reading the quote from her husband. 

Dean points to a picture of the husband standing next to the bridge where Troy died. “Does that bridge look familiar to you?” Dean asks. 

“So this is where Constance took a swan dive,” Dean says, leaning over the bridge railing. 

“Dean, be careful,” Y/n says next to me, a foot behind Dean. 

Dean turns around and smirks at her. “What? Are you scared I’ll fall?” Dean jokes and pretends to fall backward toward the rail. 

“Dean!” Y/n and I say simultaneously and reach out for him. 

“I’m kidding,” Dean laughs. “Seriously, chill out,” Dean says with a smirk to both of us.

Y/n slaps Dean’s chest hard. “Fuck you,” she seethes and whips around, flinging her hair over her shoulder. 

Dean smirks and stands behind her, gathering her hair in his hand and pulling her head back, making her gasp. “What did we tell you about tying back your hair?” Dean asks, holding her waist to his chest. 

“I got a headache,” y/n says softly, leaning into Dean. 

“Mm, you want a different type of ache, princess?” Dean teases, running his hand down her waist and cupping her between her legs. My cock tightens in my jeans as I watch them together. I never imagined sharing Dean with anyone, but then again, I never imagined I’d have a half-sister to share, either. 

I move to stand in front of y/n while Dean stands behind her. I grip her throat and bring my lips to hers. “Pretty sure he asked you a question, baby,” I whisper against her lips. 

She hums and tries to press her lips to mine, but I pull my lips just out of her reach, teasing her. She gasps, and her eyes blow wide. “Sam!” She screams.

I jump back and turn around. A woman in a tattered white dress stands on the rail of the bridge. Dean moves into action and pushes y/n behind us, standing next to me. We only see her for a second before she steps off the railing down into the water. 

We all run to the railing and look over. “Where did she go?” Y/n asks, looking down at the water below. 

“I don’t know,” I respond, shaking my head softly. 

Behind us, an engine comes to life, and we all turn to see the Impala with a running engine and the headlights on. “What the fuck?” Dean questions.

“Who’s driving the car?” I ask Dean. Dean pulls out the keys from his pocket, jingling them in his fingers. The engine revs and shoots toward us. “Go! Go!” I shout as well and start to run. But the car is going too fast, and it’s going to hit us. Dean hops over the railing, and I push y/n over it to Dean before jumping over myself. The car stops right in front of me and suddenly turns off. 

I clutch y/n close to my chest for a moment and help her over the railing, thanking God that she’s okay. When I notice Dean isn’t already over the railing with us, I start to panic. “Dean?!” I call for him. I know he wasn’t hit, there’s no blood, and he went over the railing before us. 

“DEAN!” Y/n shouts, looking over the railing. 

I run over next to her and look down to see Dean crawling out of the water, mud coating his body and a pissed-off look on his face. “Hey, you alright?” I call down to him as he stands up. 

Dean gives me the A-Okay sign with his hand. “I’m super,” he says sarcastically and makes his way back up to us on the bridge. 

Dean puts down the hood of the Impala after checking it and leans on the hood. “Is your car alright?” Y/n asks Dean. 

“Yeah,” Dean sighs. “Whatever she did to it, seems alright now,” Dean says, sitting on the hood. “Constance. That bitch.”

I sit next to y/n on the hood, her between me and Dean. “She doesn’t want us digging around, that’s for sure,” I point out, y/n scooting closer to me. “So where’s the job go from here, genius?” I ask Dean sarcastically. 

“You smell like a toilet,” y/n points out when Dean notices she’s scooting away from him. Dean rolls his eyes and looks at us with a ‘really?’ expression. Me and y/n chuckle softly, and after a moment Dean looks down and chuckles too. 

Y/n

Dean gets a hotel room and cleans up, thank God. I fall back on the motel bed with a sigh. I have no idea how we’re going to get rid of Constance. We don’t even know where she’s buried. There was nothing in the article about a funeral.

“You alright?” Sam asks, lying down on his side next to me. 

“How are we going to get rid of her?” I ask him softly. 

Sam takes a deep breath and brushes my hair behind my ear. “We’ll find her bones and burn them,” he tells me. 

“We don’t even know where they are,” I remind him. 

Sam kisses me. “You’re too stressed out,” he says against my lips. 

I huff a laugh. “And you’re not?” 

Sam runs his hand down my body to the waistband of my jeans. “Maybe we need to blow off some steam,” Sam says, leaning down to kiss my neck. 

I moan softly and bite my bottom lip. “What about Dean?” I ask as Sam unbuttons my jeans. 

Sam moves on top of me and smirks. “Give him a show. The man jumped off a bridge after all,” Sam quips as he pulls my jeans and underwear down my legs. 

I sit up just enough to pull off my shirt and bra. “I like that idea,” I moan softly as Sam starts to kiss up my thighs. I fall back on the bed and squeeze my breasts as Sam’s tongue lands on my clit, licking slow circles. “Mm, Sammy,” I moan, pinching my nipples. 

Sam slides two fingers into me as he starts to suck on my clit, nipping it softly with his teeth, melting pain with pleasure as the knot in my stomach starts to tighten. “Ah, ah,” I moan, my back arching against the mattress. “Just, just like that,” I pant as he curls in fingers inside of me and thrusts them in and out. 

The bathroom door opens, and I watch Dean stop in his tracks at the sight of his brother between my legs, his face buried in my pussy. “Mm, hi, Dean,” I tease and let out a louder moan as Sam thrusts his fingers into me hard. “Sammy is going to make me cum like a good big brother,” I tease him further as he stalks toward me on the bed. 

“Is that so?” Dean asks, dropping the towel from around his waist, and his long, hard cock drips with pre-cum. Dean kneels on the bed next to my head. “Are you going to be a good little sister and make me cum too?” Dean teases as he runs his fingers through my hair. 

Sam’s tongue swirls around my clit again, and I moan. “Yes, Dean,” I open my mouth and stick out my tongue, inviting him inside. 

Dean slides his cock across my tongue and inside of my throat with a hiss. “Fuck. Such a good little slut for your big brothers. Aren’t you y/n?” 

I nod as best I can with Dean in my throat. “Mhmm,” I hum around his cock. I cup his balls with my hand and play with them how he likes. 

“Fuck, yeah, you are,” Dean groans as he thrusts in and out of my throat. “Breath through your nose, y/n,” Dean reminds me when I start to gag around him. I follow his direction, and I can take more of him down my throat without gagging. “Good girl,” Dean praises. 

I’m so wrapped up in pleasing Dean that I don’t notice Sam has stopped eating me out until I feel the tip of his cock push into my entrance. I moan, and my eyes roll back as Sam stretches me, filling me with his long and thick cock. “Ah, ah,” Dean corrects me, grabbing my throat and forcing me to look up at him above me. “Eyes on me when my cock is in your throat, princess,” Dean smirks. 

I moan and do my best to keep my eyes on Dean as he watches Sam grip my hips and plow into me hard and fast. “How’s her pussy, little brother?” Dean groans. 

“So,” Sam moans and thrusts hard into me again. “So fucking wet,” he groans and spreads my legs impossibly far apart, letting his cock reach deeper inside of me. I whimper around Dean’s cock in my throat as Sam repeatedly hits that spot inside of me harder and faster. 

Dean pulls himself out of my throat, and my saliva and Dean’s pre-cum drip down my chin. “F-fuck,” I whimper, gripping the blanket on the bed. “I’m, I’m gonna cum,” I cry out in pain and pleasure. 

Dean slaps my breast, making me gasp, and then massages it. “Not before you ask permission,” Dean teases. 

My head falls back, and my back arches. “P-please,” I whimper, trying to keep the tether inside of me from snapping. 

Dean grips my hair harshly and forces my head up to watch Sam fuck me. “Beg again and watch Sammy fuck that tight little cunt. And maybe we’ll let you,” Dean taunts. 

I make eye contact with Sam. “Please, Sammy,” I whimper, watching his cock pump in and out of me, repeatedly hitting that spot inside of me. “Fuck, please,” I beg again. 

Sam smirks and looks over at Dean. “I’m gonna bust Dean. Does she deserve to cum?” Sam checks with his brother before letting me find my release. 

“Cum with her,” Dean groans, pumping his cock. Dean looks down at me. “Cum. Now,” he demands. 

My legs shake, and my vision blurs as I cum the hardest I ever have before, even with them. I feel Dean shoot ropes of cum across my chest and barely feel Sam’s cum as a gush of wetness squirts from my entrance. 

“What,” I pant, trying to catch my breath. “What was that?” I ask. 

“You squirted,” Sam smiles and runs his fingers up my folds before bringing them to his mouth and sucking them with a satisfied hum. “Have you never done that before?” I shake my head. 

Dean lifts me and moves me to the other bed, laying on top of it with me, and Sam follows, lying down on the other side of Dean, putting him in the middle. “You will again,” Dean promises me. 

“Tonight?” I ask him. I could probably go again. 

Dean shakes his head. “Not tonight. We have a long day tomorrow, and I need you both on your game.” 

“I’m always on my game,” Sam chuckles and kisses Dean, then me. 

“Shut up, both of you and go to bed.”

Reblogs and comments are always appreciated 💗🥰

[raphaellight]

The mindset of Light Side in Star Wars

This frame is possibly the clearest image of how Jedi win their fights.

But lets start from the beggining.

Recently it hit me how little of the actual force is in the Original trilogy of Star Wars. Let's see first movie:

Ben firstly makes his iconic "These aren't the droids you are looking for"

Luke stops the bolts while covering eyes

Vader chokes snarky admiral

Ben feels the destruction of Alderran

Ben's body dissappears

Luke shots down the death star

No flashy effects. No jumping, no pushing people around. Up until a finale, it seems Force is nothing special, trickery of sort, something to overlook. Until it proves Vader right: "The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force." and destroys the said Death Star, exploiting the very weakness that, althought the weakness in theory (planted intentionally according to new canon) shouldn't really be an issue, as it required miracle to work. And Force brought the miracle.

That's how Luke destroyed the Death Star, marking his first highlight of his road to become the Greatest Jedi in the Galaxy. But how would Sith come about destroying the Death Star?

Well, I say, if there was another Sith in the Galaxy, that dude would probably gather resorces and slaves and build his own Death Star, but bigger and deadlier. Or looked around Sith teaching and spells to become strong enough to crush it with his mind. Because that's how Sith mind works. "Unlimited POWER!!!" is their goal. When they see someone opposing them, they thing how to overpower them.

The Dark Side is "easier, quicker, more tempting". Because it's natural. Because Luke does exacly that, when he trains. He focuses on his strenght. Because his goal is to defeat the powerfull Empire. So he needs to become powerfull himself. And that is an invitation for dark side to enter the mind. The same way it entered the mind of his father.

Anakin wanted to gather enough power to save those he loves. And because he was also wronged by Jedi enough times not to trust them with his pet parrot if he had one, he was open to other advice. Don't get me wrong, power is sometimes an answer. But it should never be a goal.

That's the mindset Luke enters his fight with Vader. And he can't do a crap. The Dark Lord is to powerfull to overcome with strenght.

Jedi don't do that. Jedi deals with issues. Jedi helps others out. And in the process they learn and make friends. That's what Jedi wins with. Patience, wisdom and allies, not with power.

Every greatest victory of Jedi over Sith or any other villain is about Jedi bringing the miracules to life. Jedi always win when dark seems the darkest. Because that's when pride of villains comes full circle. Small things left behind gather together, teaching of mentors, friends and happy coincidences combined create the victory for good guys.

When Obi-Wan cut's Maul with a sword Sith forgot was lying there.

When He cuts his former apprentice legs off, because Anakin couldn't accept, that even he isn't all-powerfull.

When Ezra brings Purgils to fight, the one thing all-knowing, genius strategist had no way of predicting.

When Luke managed to break thru the mask of hate, inspiring his father to do the right thing in the most crucial moment in Star Wars history.

When on Endor, army of Empire fall under the invasion of literall teddy bears.

When Kanan, with no fear to cloud his mind, focused on simple tast of defeating Inquisitor, realised the sword that striked so much fear for how inventive it seemed, turned out to be extremely vulnerable.

Jedi don't gather strenght. And Jedi story is definitelly not about gathering the power of spirits or whatever to enhance the hero into overpowering the villain in the final showdown. Jedi win by performing small miracles here and there, patiently waiting for evil to dig it's own grave and then giving it just a little push with help of friends they made on their way.

That is the story of The Jedi, the greatest heroes Galaxy Far Away ever saw.

[carpenterswife]

ALL MY GHOSTS (i)

series masterlist

- summary: Your life in Helena is good; a thriving friendship with Beau, Jenny and Cassie. You’re living your best life, with a job you enjoy and you’re good at, surrounded by people who care for you. Of course, however, your past is only just around the corner, in the form of a recurring phone call.

- word count: 2883

- warnings: Alcoholism.

━━━━━━ ✿ ━━━━━━

You weren’t ever truly sure why, out of everywhere you could have chosen to go, you ended up in Helena. There was nothing that had been calling you to the town — you’d just had a blown-out tire on a dark, muddy road nearby and the only tow company still open at 11pm was in town. That was two years ago, and you’d yet to leave.

It had, slowly, become your home.

With the help of Jenny and Cassie, you’d turned a cheap, shabby apartment into a cozy home; decorated with far too many plants, and enough cats that any sane person would question your mental state (three; Cassie was already questioning you). Something about Helena was calm and welcoming, and it felt like you’d been here forever.

A year after your arrival, came Beau Arlen. A Texan cowboy who rolled into town in a shitty Jeep called ‘Pedro’. The news of Tubb leaving sent shockwaves through the community, and a second round hit when his replacement turned up only weeks later. Though questionable at first, Beau had, very quickly, proven himself to both the town and the department.

Beau was a great cop and an even greater man — one you’d clicked with rather quickly. After you’d slammed a pile of paperwork onto his desk with an innocent smile, knocking your fist on the top of the papers and calling it a ‘welcome gift’ on his first day, Beau had decided he’d liked you. He didn’t like the paperwork, but he liked the bubbly, sweet energy you brought into his office with that mischievous twinkle in your eyes and quiet giggle.

You were a ray of sunshine — that’s what they liked to call you around the station, anyway. Beau claimed it was because you always lit up the room, but you liked to tell him he was just a sappy old bastard (he didn’t like that). Despite your distaste to the nickname of ‘sunshine’, it had been picked up pretty quickly, and you definitely had Beau to blame for it.

Your payback?

Well, it came in the form of a lovely challenge you’d issued against him, after you binge watched Brooklyn 99 for the 100th time.

Beau hated it.

In fact, right now, he was seething. “You’re cruel.” He watched you scrub out your number ‘15’, and replace it with a ‘16’. His arms were tightly crossed, eyes narrowing into a glare that was mostly playful. He leant back against a desk in the bullpen, cowboy hat discarded beside him.

“What’s that, Arlen? I can’t hear you over the sounds of my impending victory.” Came your tease, stepping back to admire your victory. You yelped when something hit your head, and you turned to see a pen at your feet, and Beau wearing a smug grin. “Asshole.” With a dramatic flair, you turned your back to him.

Beau loved your playful attitude. It made the days where he was stuck in the station with paperwork far more fun. You were always down for some teasing, and were always able to dish it back just as well as he could dish it out. You were always bordering on the line of insubordination, but he knew as well as you did that he’d never actually punish you for it — there was definitely favouritism in this station, with you, Pop and Jenny hogging the top three spots on the sheriff’s list.

On the whiteboard in the bullpen, was your bragging rights. Scribbled on the top in your handwriting were the bold words ‘BAD GUYS CAUGHT’. Underneath were your two names, and two separate scores, ‘Arlen: 9 L/N: 16’.

Yeah, you were kicking his ass.

“You got lucky.” Beau stepped up to your side, glaring at the numbers on the whiteboard with disdain. Lucky? He was lying to himself and the asshole knew it. He was just a major sore loser.

An amused smile lifted up your lips, and you turned your head to look up at him. God, you still hadn’t gotten fully used to how tall this man truly was. “Seven lucky arrests?” Beau pressed his lips together and nodded, unwilling to accept any other answer. You snickered at him. “Admit it, Beau, you just suck.”

Beau sent you a sharp look, but there was amusement dancing in the green. “Shut it, you.” He gave a fake stumble when you gently pushed his arm, chucking lowly. “You got lucky with those last two arrests. The guys practically threw themselves at ya.”

You gave a dramatic gasp and clutched your chest like you were gravely wounded. “Are you saying I’m only good at my job ‘cause I’m pretty?” Beau gave you a deadpan look, and you snickered. “Alright, grandpa.”

With a heavy sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why the hell do I even put up with you?” He muttered to himself, shaking his head. You merely grinned and ignored his muttering, as the sheriff continued to complain about you and your insubordinate behaviour (that he still allowed).

You tossed the whiteboard marker from hand to hand, turning your full attention to him. “How’s that murder case getting along, by the way?”

“Slowly.” Beau dropped his hand down to his side, and stuck them both into his pockets. “Snail’s pace.” You wince sympathetically, and Beau sighed heavily. He gazed at you for a moment, evidently thinking. “You wanna take a shot at it? Fresh eye, an’ all.” He offered, looking down at you with his head tilted to the side.

Looking up at him, you smiled and nodded. “Saturday?” You suggested. “I’ve got lunch plans with Jenny and Cassie in an hour, and I’m not working tomorrow.”

His brows shot up. “You girls goin’ out without me?” He faked offence, barely concealing his smile.

You laughed, patting his arm. “Girl’s day, sheriff.” You teased, earning a playful indignant huff from Beau. You chucked the marker at him, and watched him fumble to catch it. “I’m off in ten. You gonna survive without me?”

“Hilarious.” He drawled sarcastically. “Get outta here.” He grunted.

With a laugh, you turned and left the bullpen, Beau spinning the marker between his fingers as he watched you go.

━━━━━━ ✿ ━━━━━━

It was quite a common occurrence to get lunch with Jenny and Cassie. You mostly spent the time catching up, filling each other in on cases, or gossiping about some strange news around town. Honestly, it was typically the highlight of your week.

You’d become extremely close with the two girls over the last two years.

They’d dragged you to a new restaurant — despite your hatred of trying new places. The price was on the higher side, and your face had pulled together at the sight of a hefty price beside a plate of lasagna.

After the plates had been cleaned, and despite your insistence to pay, Jenny had snagged up the bill from you and Cassie, paying the whole thing. You hadn’t been very pleased, nor had Cassie, but the blonde had laughed it off and told the pair of you you’d be paying next time.

Taking a sip of her second glass of Pepsi, Cassie glanced between you and Jenny. “So, how’s it been at the station?” She asked curiously, nursing her glass. You and Jenny exchanged a look and shrugged, acting casual.

But you knew what Cassie meant; Beau’s position.

He’d moved up here to follow his ex-wife and daughter — Carla and Emily, who, during the last year, you’d met plenty of times. Especially Emily, who’d temporarily taken up an internship with Cassie and Denise. However, after the rough scenario with Avery and that whole mess of a case, Carla had decided to return to Texas, taking Emily with her.

Beau hadn’t told anyone if he’d be leaving or not. After all, his position was only temporary, so it was expected that he’d eventually leave one day. No one really knew if he was intending to stay longer, or leave now and follow after Carla and Emily to Houston.

“He hasn’t said anything.” You took the silence as an opportunity to answer. You spun your glass of Coke, fiddling with the rim of it. “I saw him going to the Chief’s office on Monday.” You looked between the pair.

Jenny nodded in agreement. “He had a meeting. Didn’t tell me what for.” Her gaze swayed back to Cassie, who was listening carefully. “You think he’s gonna go for it?”

“Follow Carla?” Cassie hesitated. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

You downed the rest of your Coke in a few large gulps. “Can we not talk about Beau the entire day?” You complained, sitting down your glass. Both women looked at you. “C’mon, enough with the boy talk.” There was quiet shared laughter between the three of you.

“Alright.” Cassie agreed, nodding shortly. “Who’s up drinks tonight?”

Your hand shot up immediately.

━━━━━━ ✿ ━━━━━━

Drinks, like every time, turned out a horrible idea.

You woke up on Friday morning with a throbbing ache in your skull, and heavy sickness settled in your stomach. You groaned and rolled yourself out of bed, caught up in your blanket, almost falling flat on your face.

Way to make Friday even worse.

You already hated Fridays. It was always like a ritual for you. You woke up with dread in your bones, and dragged yourself around the house until your cats’ incessant meowing snapped you from your half-dead safe.

Beau didn’t make you work Fridays anymore. Not after what you liked to call ‘The Incident’.

Something about Fridays weighed heavy on you. You felt like a ticking time bomb, ready to implode. You’d blown up at Beau, real bad, and stormed off. Then proceeded to have a panic attack on a case regarding a domestic abuse incident.

Beau had dragged you into his office, hands cradling your cheeks as he talked you through your panic attack. You still hadn’t apologised for yelling at him, but he didn’t once bring it up. He asked what was wrong. You told him you didn’t like Fridays. He told you not to worry, and you hadn’t worked a Friday since. He hadn’t even asked why, he’d just done it.

And now you had Fridays alone to rot in your sorrow and misery.

The ringing of the phone didn’t make you flinch, not like it used to months ago. With a heavy sigh, you grabbed your phone, and wandered out to sit on the small balcony, away from your cats and their pawing. “Mom.” You leant your elbows on the railing, and stared out at your view of neighbourhoods and distant mountains.

Your mother’s voice made your stomach churn. “Hi, dear.” You rose your eyes and stared up at the sky. That pet name made you want to pop your eardrums. “How are you doing?”

“Fine, mom.” You tapped your nails on the railing, anxiety doubling your heart rate. You could feel it pounding in your hands and head, adrenaline pumping so hard you felt the need to run. “Same as I was last week. Busy with work.” You cleared your throat before she could get another word in. “What is it, mom?”

Your eyes shot down to the scars littering your hands. Those which your friends believed came from years of clumsiness and working with guns and knives. A lie. A smart lie — but a lie nevertheless. They always seemed to burn when you remembered home.

If you could call it home.

“We all miss you, dear.” You hummed in response to her words, not interested or paying much attention. “Jack—“

That snapped you back to reality. “Don’t.”

Your mother sighed. There was a hint of frustration in her voice now. She always did this. “If you’d just answer—“

“No.” You interrupted again. Your grip on your phone tightened, until your knuckles turned white. “Stop, mom.” Your teeth ground together. The name sent chills down your spine. “I told you, stop with that bullshit. You know I won’t pick up any of his calls, so stop asking.”

“If you’d let him explain—“

“There’s no explaining.” You argued, anger rising deep in your stomach. “Whatever excuse he’s come up with is bullshit. And I cannot believe you’re siding with that fucker after what he did.” She went to speak, you scoffed, reaching your boiling point. “Don’t call me again.” You pulled your phone away from your ear and hung up, with a low groan.

Hands scrubbed over your face, trying to control your temper.

You hadn’t been close to your mother in two years. When you left your hometown, she’d become nothing more than a name on a phone to you.

You stared at the deep scars on your hands, and shook yourself off. With one last glance at the scenery, you headed inside, greeted by three clingy cats and burnt bacon on your frying pain.

You threw out the bacon and unhappily ate a bowl of cereal instead, three cats sitting at your feet. You stared out the window, and resigned yourself to another night of getting wasted.

━━━━━━ ✿ ━━━━━━

Shot after shot poured down your throat, the burning sensation making you grimace and shudder. It felt good, in a sort of self-destruction kind of way. You slammed down your sixth shot glass, and stared blankly at the empty chair in front of you.

And then it wasn’t empty.

“You might wan’ slow down, honey.” Your eyes flicked up, meeting Beau’s. He waved off the bartender returning with more shots for you, and turned back to you. “I’ve been watchin’ you drink those like water. You wan’ tell me what’s got you downin’ vodka like there’s no tomorrow?”

“My mother.” You huffed. Beau hummed and nodded. He didn’t know much about your past, much like you didn’t know much about his. What he did know, is that your relationship with your family was strained. Extremely.

Beau reached out and pulled away your empty shot glasses, leaving them on his side of the table. “You wan’ talk ‘bout it?”

“Not really.”

His brows rose, but he accepted the answer. He wouldn’t push. He knew what it was like to not want to reminisce on bad memories. “You start at eight tomorrow. You sure you wan’ get piss off drunk?”

His rationality made you scowl. Beau chuckled quietly at your expression, knowing he’d already won this argument.

“C’mon, honey.” He spun himself off his chair and stood. “Let’s get ya home.” He reached out to help you stand — a bit too quick.

You recoiled. A flinch. Away from him.

He pulled his hand away like he’d been burnt. You suddenly felt very sober. You stared at each other, neither willing to be the first to speak.

Beau’s mind replayed the flinch, over and over. The quick flash of fear in your eyes. The way you’d curled into yourself, moving abruptly away from him. He suddenly felt sick. He didn’t dare reach out to you again. It felt like he’d been struck by lightening.

Your heart hammered in your chest, breath hitching at the confusion and pain on his face. Frantically, your brain raced for an excuse. “You scared me.” You forced a weak laugh.

He didn’t believe you. Of course he didn’t. It was a shit lie, and you knew it. His eyes scanned your expression; the wariness in your gaze. the sudden tension in your muscles. And, he didn’t push. “Sorry.” He chuckled. “Didn’t mean ta.” He slowly offered his hand out again, moving in a way that ensured you didn’t flinch.

You physically relaxed. It made Beau’s heart twist uncomfortably, his concern growing. You accepted his hand, and he helped pull you to unstable feet.

“You’re gon’ be so hungover tomorrow, girl.” His hands on your upper arms, he threw down some cash on the bar, and then guided you out of the crowded bar. He chuckled, half-amused and half-concerned, keeping you stable as he walked you over to his Jeep.

Before he could open the passenger seat door, you turned to him. “Answer me this.” You leant back against the door, effectively trapping him. “Are you leaving?”

He looked taken aback. “What on Earth are you goin’ on about?”

“Carla.” You watched his expression turn into one of heavy confusion. Annoyed, you sighed. “She left, Beau. Are you going after her? You moved here for her. So, are you gonna leave for her?”

“Oh, Jesus.” He muttered, running a hand down his face. “Is that what you ladies have been gossipin’ about?”

You didn’t answer him, you just stared at him for a few beats. “You had a meeting with the Chief on Monday. What was it about?”

He put his hands on your shoulders, ducking his head to meet your eye level. “I’m not going anywhere.” He spoke quietly, reassuring you with a warm smile. “You lot are stuck with me.” He nudged your chin with his index finger and then gently pulled you aside. “C’mon, let’s get you home, hm?” He pulled open the door of the passenger side seat.

You stared at him. “Promise?” You began to climb into the car. “You won’t go anywhere?”

Beau chuckled, shrugging this line of questioning off as odd drunken behaviour. “Promise.” He patted your knee as you sat down. “I ain’t goin’ anywhere.”

━━━━━━ ✿ ━━━━━━

an: chapter one is shorter than the other chapters will be, as it’s mostly an introduction to your relationship with the other characters + the first mystery of your past.

if you catch any mistakes, always feel free to let me know!! sometimes i miss them + i always love improving my work :)

[otdiaftg]

The King's Men - Chapter Eleven

Day: Friday, February 23rd Time: 1:22 AM EST

Neil hugged a knee to his chest and followed Andrew's gaze out to the campus. The trees lining the hill between Fox Tower and Perimeter Road blotted out most of the streetlamps, but there were lampposts every twenty feet on the campus sidewalks. It was way after midnight but Neil saw at least a dozen students out and about. "Maybe I'll go to Colorado," Neil said. "It'd be an interesting change of pace, anyway. I've mostly stuck to the coastal states." "Not California," Andrew said, not really a question. Neil didn't know if Andrew was humoring his best attempt at having a conversation about something other than Exy or if he was genuinely curious. Neil didn't really care. Andrew's disconnect—learned or forced— meant they probably amounted to the same thing in Andrew's book. That Andrew responded at all and prompted him to elaborate was victory enough. "I went through California on my way to Arizona but didn't stay. I liked Seattle, I think, but…" Neil remembered the thick crunch of a pipe against his mother's body. "I couldn't live there again. I couldn't retrace my steps to any of those places." "How many is 'any'?" "Twenty-two cities," Neil said, but didn't say he'd spread them across sixteen countries. Andrew still thought Neil had hit the road alone all those years ago. A child couldn't go back and forth across the world without help. "Longest stay was that year in Millport. Shortest was one week with my uncle." "Am I supposed to believe he's real?" Andrew asked. "You told Nicky you would see him over Christmas. You lied." "Uncle Stuart is real," Neil said. "He was the first person I went to when I ran away, but he's a gangster, too. I didn't feel any safer with him than I did at home so I left again. I still have his number, but I've never been desperate enough to call him. I don't know what his help would cost me." Neil looked at Andrew. "Did they move you a lot?" "Twelve houses before Cass," Andrew said. "They were all in California." "Were any of them good?" Neil asked. Andrew stared Neil down a minute, then stubbed his cigarette out and reached for his drink. "None of the ones I remember were."

Art used with permission by Danka-in-art. Thank you @danka-in-art!

[musclemanveryregular]

Anyway read this please

Mordecai is unphased when Shazzan magics up them some ice cream flavored like his happiest memory but rigby is amazed at how quickly the magical man can do it. Mordecai insists that, "dude, I've already seen that trick a hundred times."

"Yeah, whatever, man. It's just cool! He uses magic, how many other people do you know who can do magic?!"

Behind him in line three other magical characters (Winnie Witch, The Great Gazoo, and Magic Rabbit) all scoff while mordecai and rigby just walk away.

They get back in their golf cart and begin digging for the food. Right as they're about to open their to go bags to grab their ice cream (both in convienent packages to keep back at the House), they get a call from their boss benson over the phone and as mordecai answere it the talking gumball machine man greets them with, "you guys better get back here and clean this awful mess you made in the kitchen or youre both fired," loud enough for them both to hear him off speaker phone, extra emphasis on the word fired.

"Ugh, okay benson we're already on our way, sheesh!!" Rigby says as he holds his ears shut while approaching the phone.

"Good, you better be." A click sound is heard and mordecai also closes his phone.

They buckle in and rigby retorts, "guess we better step on it then.

-

They're speeding down the road with abandon until they come to a stop at the light. There next to them a talking buggy approaches their vehicle, he sputters at them, "Been checking out your ride there slick, how'd you like to make some cash in an underground racing ring?"

"How much cash you talkin?" Rigby asks as Mordecai punches him in the arm.

"Dude you can't be seriously be listening to this car can you?? He said it's underground! As in illegal man, we can't enter that benson would kill us!"

"Ugh fine! Whatever mordecai! I won't enter just don't hit me!!"

They turn down the buggy and he gives him their card with his wheel, telling them to call him.

They race back home and there they report to benson. He yells at them more about how late they are and not to do that again and they get to work after putting their ice cream away in the freezer.

--

Later that night after mordecai and rigby lay down to go to sleep, rigby sneaks off to join the race with the golf cart. He finds himself in a racing ring that is actually underground and appears to be completely legal because even the mayor is there.

And then he finds out it's for charity, with a small prize for the winner. And it really is actually on the books legal.

Rigby, who has just been paid an actual paycheck, up front for entering the race, is now racing in an actual on the books race.

He's taken back at first, with several opponents such as Doggy Daddy and his daughter in a mini van, and jabber jaw and loopy in the company car, this race had some fierce competition.

But the little raccoon knew he could make even more money by winning.

So he raced.

And he won.

And then he found himself there every night. He couldn't stop himself from going.

---

One night a noticeably upset Mordecai greets him outside the door as he's attempting to slink off. Mordecai has found out that rigby is moonlighting as a world famous thrill seeking racer. In Mordecai's bed, to Rigby's curious reveal, is several pillows and a basket ball.

Rigby sighs and reluctantly cuts mordecai in on a deal, that they'll both go 50/50 on the driving and the winnings. They each get to take home $25.50 each night.

Their combined skill invites the curiosity of more and more racers. They find themselves up against titans on the track like the world famous Penelope Pitstop, a fashion mogul who is wearing the latest trend and driving an incredibly high tech fancy car.

The cart manages to hold its own and even take home the gold in the end if by a hair.

But their victory dancing was cut short by thunderous clapping as the sky opens up and out comes the god of racing. A Zeus like glowing figure with a steering wheel for a head in a souped up car that looks like it was built for premeditated vehicular manslaughter. And they challenge mordecai and rigby to a race.

"Play you punchies to determine who gets to race this loser?" Mordecai smirks at Rigby. But rigby turns him down, "no mordecai. Rock paper scissors, you always win at punchies!"

They begin their showdown, "best 2 out of 3?" Mordo says to rigby, as he readies his fist.

Rigby has his hand locked and loaded, "on three." He retorts, the question was retoracle as he planned to win twice.

He throws down rock and beats the scissors in the first round. They stare off for another two seconds then throw again and mordecai hits him with the scissors and the rigbone's paper does nothing to protect. Rigby finds himself staring down mordecai again. This time they both pause as the weight of the situation bears down upon them. Another second goes by and they both throw down and rigby's rock crushes mordecai's scissors into dust.

And as that dust settles.

The race is on.

----

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.183 Clarity

Desi reminds me so much of Less when she was a little girl. She was so full of energy and ran literally everywhere she went. I don't think she started walking until we got to high school. She always found something to get into, and Desi is the same way. She loves playing with the dogs, and they love it too, especially Rosie who constantly needs to play. Sometimes I think they might get tired of the tiny sim who is always imitating them and trying to speak to them in their language, but they sit there and let her do it, and it's so adorable.

Just as Desi is growing, me and Sophia are too, because this parenting journey does not follow a straight line. Its path is ever winding. Sometimes, it cuts across deep rivers, and I feel like I'm drowning. Most of the time, it stretches across little mountain ranges. I climb one mountain, get to the top, and celebrate my victory, only to look across and see the road scaling up an even bigger mountain. As soon as we learn to handle one situation, a new one crops up and we're back at the beginning. I keep telling Sophia, we're not bad parents; we're just learning. She still has these weird moments of insecurity, and I know it stems from her childhood. Despite how they treated her, Sophia's parents weren't necessarily bad. They never mistreated her and showed love in their own misguided way. When she was pregnant, we talked about how we would raise Desi. My childhood was better than hers, but it still left scars on me. In the end, we decided the best way to raise her is to be the parent we wanted. That's why I spend so much time with her. I want her to know I'm here and she is safe.

I don't think I've ever admitted this before, but I didn't always feel safe when we lived with Dad. My parents' separation and divorce was a very emotionally draining time on its own. Add to that Dad being too tired and depressed to do anything with us when he got home from work, and that made for a very anxious Luca. We didn't get the support we needed from him. That was the real reason I pushed so hard to live with Mama. She always made everything better when we lived with her on the weekends, so we moved back home. But then she drops this bomb on us that sent me back into a whirlwind of uncertainty. She destroyed my sanctuary, and it took nearly the rest of my life to find peace and stability. I want Desiree to know of nothing else.

Sophia's wish for her was similar, but she's so hesitant to execute sometimes because she's so inside her head, wondering if she's doing enough, if it's right, and how Desi perceives her. Analysis paralysis, they call it. I try to encourage her as much as I can, but I know this is something she needs to figure out on her own, so I mostly leave her alone. When I see her figuring things out, I want to celebrate it and say a more supportive and happy version of "I told you so," but if I call attention to it, that will make her self-conscious, so I just smile.

Desi is such an affectionate child. She's constantly reaching her little arms up at Sophia, asking for a hug, and I love that for them. I know it makes Sophia feel good and dispels all the negative self-talk she has going on in her head. At least that's how I keep myself from getting jealous, anyway. Sophia gets the hugs, and I get air kisses. Receiving the love you've given is such a rewarding experience.

Last week, when Sophia pointed out I needed to do a better job of prioritizing our marriage, I felt like I hit a wall. I spend all this time with Desi, feeding her, teaching her, soothing her, and all the things I'm supposed to do as a good father, and it still turns out bad. The answer to that situation is balance, of course, and in the grand scheme of things, that was a small mountain. I'm getting better at it, but I'm still working out the kinks.

What makes it tricky is the fact that Desiree is very social and the only child. Real talk? She needs a sibling. That is the cold, hard facts. But Sophia and I already had that conversation, so as much as I'd like to help her with that, it's not happening. For the moment, we are both her parents and her friends. I try to encourage her to play on her own because it's good for her development and imagination—and great opportunities for the adults to talk—but like I said, she's social. She loves hanging out with us, and I do too, but I'm beginning to see now how it's not necessarily the best thing for her. Not only does she want to be around us, but also she wants to dominate the conversation. She'll interrupt an ongoing conversation but get mad that we're not paying attention to her. Sometimes she yells "I'm talking" as if we're the ones interrupting her.

I tell her we're talking and it isn't nice to interrupt, but I totally get where she's coming from. It's in her nature to socialize, but doesn't have anyone her own age to talk to. That's why I REALLY need to get on this house search so she can be closer to her cousins. I'd love for her and Tami to be friends, but she's about to have her birthday. Enrolling Desi in pre-school would also help, but I don't think I'm ready to be away from my child for that long just yet. For now, I just need to get this family closer.

[ifbench]

Pokemon Firered Retrospective, from the perspective of someone whose primary experience with Kanto was Pokespe

To preface this, I have never seen Kanto outside of Pokespe, and brief clips from stuff like "Beating Pokemon without getting hit" or Pikasprey's softlock videos. I knew the general story of it, but I didn't know the details.

If you'd like to read my other mainline Pokemon retrospectives, you can read Emerald here, and X here.

Pokemon Firered was one of the most mixed quality gaming experiences I've had in recent memory.

It was mostly fun, sure, but I had to take extensive measures in order to make it not unbearable.

I chose Charmander as my starter, named him Burhalla, and caught a Pidgey and Ratatta on Route 1. I named them Linne and Jifa respectively. Jifa would become my HM buddy.

First few routes weren't too bad...until I made it to Brock.

Then everything went downhill.

Brock was brutal. His Onix was 3 levels higher than any I had encountered thus far, including his gym trainer. With both my main Pokemon weak to rock, and all of my attacks NFE against rock, it seemed like my only choice was to grind.

So I activated an infinite rare candy cheat instead, and leveled up Burhalla until he learned Metal Claw.

Even then, that wasn't quite enough. I had to level up him even further until he evolved into a Charmeleon, and then I finally beat Brock.

At this point, I was rather miffed, but I decided to press on. Maybe things would get better soon?

Mount Moon was fine. Not bad, not good, just...fine.

Then was Cerulean City, and Misty, who was my biggest roadblock in the entire run.

Burhalla was right out, leaving only Linne the Pidgey to battle her.

And it took so, so many tries. Even more than Brock.

But eventually, with the right luck, and the right timing of usage of healing items, Linne the Pidgeotto defeated Misty.

That battle tanked my enjoyment of Firered severely. It was frustrating, hard, and I began to start disliking Firered.

But I pressed onwards, up through Nugget Bridge (Which, I gotta say, I did not expect the nugget guy to be a Rocket grunt), to Bill's house.

It was cool seeing stuff from Pokespe in-game, like the stuff with Bill, but backtracking back across Route 25 was annoying.

Then there was the SS Anne.

It was a maze to navigate without a guide, and it got really frustrating.

But I continued pressing onwards, even as much as I was getting tired of Firered.

Surge was thankfully much easier than Misty or Brock, and I pressed onwards through Route 11.

Then I arrived at the sleeping Snorlax, realized I had no idea where to go or what to do from here, and gave up.

For over a month, I didn't touch FIrered again. I played some X, some Sun, some Shield, and some Violet, but Firered was on hold.

After growing a bit bored with my Violet replaythrough, though, I decided to return to Firered. Maybe, with a month's break, it'd be less painful than I remembered.

First order of business was where to go next.

I asked for advice, and apparently I had to backtrack to Cerulean City to get to my next destination.

I made my way through Diglett's Cave to get back there, and caught my third team member: Dirir the Diglett.

And after taking the long way around, I finally went into the house at the top-right corner, and made my way across the northern edge of Kanto, Route 9.

Then was Rock Tunnel.

See, I hadn't gotten Flash. And I had no idea where it was.

So like with Emerald's Victory Road, I had to navigate through Rock Tunnel with extremely limited visibility. And I was going Repel-less as an additional challenge, since I was imagining that my protagonist was a Zorua.

Not an experience I wish to repeat. But eventually, I made it to Lavender Town.

Lavender Town was both unlike and yet exactly like the stories I've heard of it. It was spooky, creepy, and eeire, but I felt safe, and the music felt calming instead of terrifying.

Perhaps it was simply that I had simply outgrown creepypastas? Or maybe it was just that my interests had shifted, or my standards had changed. I did attempt writing a PMD creepypasta once, after all.

Whatever the case was, I didn't spend too much time in Lavender Town. I remembered from a small clip I saw years ago, that I needed a Silph Scope in order to make it up the Pokemon Tower.

So I set out west, towards Celadon City, in search of the Silph Scope, and perhaps a new friend or two.

After passing through yet another underground tunnel that bypassed Saffron City, I was beginning to suspect that perhaps something similar to the manga was happening: A psychic bubble that enveloped Saffron City, preventing anyone from entering.

But soon I made it to Celadon City, the home of Kanto's Game Corner.

I had learned my lesson from Emerald: These places were rigged.

So I decided to cheat a little in turn.

You know how I had a ton of rare candies from the infinite rare candy cheat? I decided to sell about a hundred, so I could get one of the Game Corner prizes: A Dratini.

I had read a wonderful fic a long time ago called Dragon Dance, detailing Lance's rise to champion, and I decided to take inspiration from Lance freeing a Dratini from the Game Corner. I named them Darnod.

In flavor, I imagined this as busting up the Game Corner, freeing all the Pokemon, and a Dratini and Eevee follow my protagonist into the Rocket Hideout, becoming part of xyr team.

Yes, an Eevee too. I got the Eevee from the Celadon Department Store, and named them Voivick. I also acquired a water stone, and evolved Voivick into a Vaporeon.

Burhalla, Linne, Dirir, Voivick, Darnod, and Jifa would comprise my final Kanto team.

But before we get there, I had to infiltrate the Team Rocket Hideout.

I had heard of spin tiles before, from reading an Undertale AU sprite comic called Inverted Fate, but actually experiencing them was a fun puzzle! It was also silly watching my character spin around and around and around.

Eventually, I made it through the hideout, to Giovanni.

He was no slouch, and I had a pretty tough time with him! But thanks to my new team members, I pulled through, and acquired the Silph Scope.

After a quick detour to defeat Erika, who was a relatively easy opponent, I made my way back to Lavender Town.

Pokemon Tower was a bit more spooky than Lavender Town itself. It wasn't quite as terrifying as its manga incarnation, but still pretty eerie, especially with the possessed trainers, and the spell tag circle.

Soon, I made it to Marowak's ghost, and put the restless spirit to rest.

And after defeating a few Rocket grunts and rescuing Mr. Fuji, I obtained the pokeflute. Finally, I could bypass the Snorlax that had frustrated me into giving up for a month.

I went south from Lavender Town, across the docks, and battled the Snorlax there. It was a tricky battle, but I eventually won.

The long walk to Fuchsia City was arduous, but before too long, I made it to the home of the Safari Zone.

I originally wasn't planning on going in, until I heard from a friend that I needed to go there to get an HM.

And so I went in, trying to find my way to the fabled house at the end of the Safari Zone.

It was tricky, but I found it, and someone's gold teeth while I was at it!

With my new HM in hand, I challenged Koga for my next badge. It was another tricky battle, but thankfully, none of my team were weak to poison.

Next...I went to Cycling Road, having no idea that I was going the complete wrong way.

Cycling Road, as far as I can tell, is meant to be ridden downhill. I went uphill.

I was very confused at first, but kept making my way up the now-tedious Cycling Road, and eventually came out the other side, now with HM Fly. No more backtracking for me, I could now quickly return to any Pokemon Center I've been to.

Then, finally, with nowhere else to go, it was time to enter Saffron City.

While there was no psychic bubble around the city like in the manga, the city was certainly overrun by Team Rocket.

And so, like Red, Blue, and Green did in the manga, it was finally time for me to storm Silph Co.

Silph Co was a maze. Over 10 different floors, each connected by warp tiles, with no indication of which ones led to the path forward.

It was brutally confusing, and filled to the brim with trainers itching for a battle.

But I eventually found the keycard, and navigated my way to the hidden side of the top floor. It was time to face Giovanni again.

He was just as tough as when I encountered him in the Rocket Hideout, but Voivick pulled through, and I acquired the master ball.

Compared to Giovanni, Sabrina was relatively easy, though still pretty difficult. I had to work for that win, but I got my sixth badge.

Then it was time for me to go Surfing, along the southern edge of Kanto.

The Seafoam Islands were a tricky puzzle to figure out. It took me a few rounds of falling through holes and climbing up ladders to realize that I had to use Strength to push boulders down the holes, and change the flow of the water.

Soon, though, I made it to Cinnabar Island...and was immediately taken from there to Firered and Leafgreen's exclusive sub-region, the reason I decided to play this before Let's Go: the Sevii Islands.

For the Sevii Islands, I had absolutely no idea what the game version was like. I hadn't even seen any snippets of footage about them. My only experience with them was the Firered and Leafgreen arc of Pokemon Adventures.

But this time, there were no repossessed pokedexes, or "three Team Rocket beasts". Instead, I simply had to go on a variety of fetch quests.

It wasn't anything too special, but I'm glad it was there. It was fun! And I look forward to returning here in the postgame someday, once I find the drive to catch enough Pokemon for the Rainbow Pass.

But that's for later. For now, having defeated a biker gang, I returned to Cinnabar Island. Before I could face the gym, though, I had to traverse through the decrepit Pokemon Mansion.

Pokemon Mansion was like Silph Co, only much smaller, but the random encounters, statue puzzles, and eerie atmosphere made it feel just as long.

This was where Team Rocket conducted many of their experiments. It was where Mewtwo was created. And it lived up to that atmosphere.

Although some of the journal entries clearly had some of the dubiously canon stuff from Pokemon's very early days, such as references to real-life locations.

Still very neat, though.

Blaine wasn't as difficult as Misty, but was much more difficult than Erika. He specialized in the same type as my starter: Fire.

But with help from Voivick, I defeated him, and got my seventh badge.

I had just one stop left before Victory Road: The very first gym I encountered, whose gym leader was absent for so long.

Viridian City's gym leader had finally returned, and I was going to take him on.

The gym puzzle was my favorite yet of Kanto's, with the combination of spin tiles and trainers creating a genuinely neat maze.

And then I made it to Giovanni, for our final battle...until Soulsilver, Ultra Moon, and Let's Go Eevee, at least.

This battle with him was the trickiest against him yet. It took several tries for me to win.

But win I did, and Team Rocket, supposedly, was no more.

With all eight Kanto badges under my belt, it was time to go to Victory Road.

Before that, though, another battle with Blue. It was another tough one, but then again, all the major battles at this point were tough.

The badge check gates were really cool! The only comparable one I had seen so far was in Kalos, as Hoenn didn't have any. And Kalos' was more just inscriptions of the badges on the walls. Still cool, but not like Kanto's.

And then it was time for Kanto's Victory Road, my third Victory Road.

It was tricky, but in a different way from Hoenn and Kalos'.

Hoenn's was a test of navigation. How well could I navigate this maze in near-complete darkness?

Kalos' was a test of strength. So many powerful trainers, with nowhere in between to heal besides usage of items.

Kanto's was much shorter than both, fully lit, and its trainers weren't as tough as Kalos', but what it lacked in navigation and strength, it made up for in puzzles and endurance.

There were boulders scattered around, and I had to maneuver them sokoban-style onto switches in order to progress.

Oh, and the entire thing was filled with random encounters. At this point, I gave up on the "no repels" rule, and bought a bunch of max repels for this.

It was tough. It was confusing. It was my final test before the Indigo Plateau.

And eventually, I passed the test, making it out.

All that was left, was five battles. The Elite Four, and the Champion. The toughest the Kanto region had to offer.

At this point, all my Pokemon were fully evolved, save for my HM buddy Jifa. I was functionally going into this gauntlet with five Pokemon.

But I had conquered Hoenn in a similar way. Five battlers, and an HM buddy. I had hope that I could do this.

Healing up, and stocking up on healing items, I proceeded towards my first of my final battles, against Lorelei.

It's been a while, so I don't quite remember how these battles went. I do remember, though, that even Burhalla's fire wasn't enough to melt her ice. Linne, Dirir, and especially Darnod were weak to ice, so it was tricky.

But I pulled through, and next up was Bruno, fighting-type master.

Linne was vital here. Her Fly was invaluable in avoiding moves while still dealing damage. But a Hitmonlee knocked her out, leaving Voivick, Darnod, Dirir, and Burhalla to take on the rest.

Next was Agatha, and her ghost-types were no joke...even if she was more of a poison specialist. All my normal-type moves were out of the question. But with patience and strategy, I did it.

And last of Kanto's Elite Four was Lance, who had influenced this journey in his own way, back at the Celadon Game Corner. Darnod helped me a lot here. It was dragon vs dragons, and Darnod's Dragon Claw took many of them down. But the same went in reverse, and Darnod fell, leaving Voivick to finish things off with their Aurora Beam.

One battle left. Healing up my team, I progressed into the champion's chamber, to face Blue one final time.

This was by far the most difficult late-game battle I had. All the others had specialized in one or two types. But Blue was like me, with a rounded team.

It was tough. It was arduous. It took every member of my team, even Jifa, to win.

But win I did, and I had become champion of Kanto.

I had completed Pokemon Firered.

While my thoughts on this one are more mixed than Emerald or X, I did truly enjoy it, especially once it hit its stride around Lavender Town.

It has its flaws. Extreme difficulty in the earlygame, lots of grinding necessary, and much confusion on where to go next.

But I had fun, despite it all. I cherish this victory all the same.

[coffee-at-annies]

Lmao I asked my deck about how the Pittsburgh Penguins would do in February and my cards seem to think the month looks bright (or not since I don’t deal with reversed so we’re looking at both and it’s real swingy what kind of February is in store for the boys).

Past: The World. Happily ever after following a difficult journey, triumph, and celebration. Reversed its disappointment, shortsightedness, and anxiety. This is saying that the team’s most difficult and rewarding victories (cups anyone? but also the roadtrip we just got done with) are behind them but reminds us that the end of a journey also heralds the beginning of a new journey. What with going 3-4 on the roadtrip but also the goalie goal (and finally being home to celebrate it), I think we definitely hit both the upright and reversed for this card. At the very least, the trip is firmly in the past and we don’t have to be gone for that long again this season. We’ll have another trip to hit col vgk and min but nothing like what just happened.

Present: The Star. Hope after disaster, staying positive after misfortune, being open to future possibilities. Reversed its crushed dreams, despair, exhaustion. Lmao. This season has been disastrous. January certainly felt like a disaster between the losing streaks at home and on the road, sending the Jars and Picks down, and everything that happened. There’s the hope that we’ll see “new month new penguins” but I’m not sure how much faith the fanbase nor the boys have in themselves. Hopefully the two week break and the return home are enough to uplift. If not that then maybe we’ll see some new boys and new possibilities as we inch closer to both the break and the tdl.

Future: Page of Coins. The beginning of Spring and a fresh start. Hope, mental wellness, and setting goals to build to a bright future. Reversed its lack of common sense, laziness, apathy. I’m choosing to hope this is about calling the kids up, making strategic trades, and setting down the bones of a team that can either claw its way to the playoffs this year or next. Hopefully we banish the lingering apathy and get a group who can play a full 60 minutes and show us hockey to get excited about. Maybe the break will be good for the boys and those in the tourney can find something to inspire them. Pls pls pls gmkd don’t fuck up this tdl or any trades this month I’m begging

[agirlwithdemonblood]

Through the Shadows: Chapter 12 - The Long Road Ahead

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Reader

Series Summary: A hunter's Journey through despair and recovery is guided by Dean Winchester's unwavering love, leading her to reclaim her strength, voice and hope for their shared future.

Chapter Summary: A little hope is all they need to be able to pull themselves from the deep despair.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety, depression, injuries, deep feelings.

A/N: This chapter is short, another coming soon!

Series Masterlist here!! & Main masterlist here!

The day emerged bright and hopeful, the promise of a new beginning tinted with uneasyness for both Dean and Y/N. Today was the day Y/N would finally have her cast removed, a small victory in the midst of her ongoing battle. Dean tried to muster a smile as he approached her room, hoping to share in her relief.

Y/N was half-asleep when Dean came in, sharing the news with hope in his voice. Her response was a silent ackowledgment that pierced his heart. Despite his efforts to appear upbeat, he couldn't hide the ache in his chest as he coaxed her to get ready. She hesitated, teh weight of her struggles evident in every movement.

The drive to the doctor's office was a grim affair, the air thick with unspoken worries and unshed tears. Y/N wore more layers to conceal the scars that were the witness to her pain, a silent plea for invisibility that Dean understood all too well. His heart broke for her, wishing he could ease her burden, yet not knowing how to approach this issue without pushing her further away.

At the doctor's office, Y/N finally had her cast removed, a small step towards physical healing, a slight bit of hope she hung onto. But the reality of her weakened state hit hard-her muscles unused for a week meant she still relief on crutches to walk. She masked her disappointment behind a unemotional front, unwilling to burden Dean further with her sorrow.

The ride home was heavy with silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Y/N retreated to her room as soon as they returned home, the weight of her continued struggles pressing down on her fragile spirit. Dean watched her go, his heart heavy with worry and helplessness. He wanted to reach out, to offer comfort and support, but he knew words alone couldn't chase away the shadows that haunted her.

The next morning, Dean came up with a plan to coax Y/N out of her self-imposed isolation. He approached her gently and subtly, wanting to appeal to her sense of purpose.

"We really need your help with the research, Y/N." He began, his voice a mixture of encouragement and concern. "You've always been so good at it. Could you lend us a hand?"

Y/N hesitated, the weight of her weariness etched across her face but she couldn't help but feel needed, and she owed Dean enough.

In the library, they gathered around the table, books and laptops spread before them. Y/N was quiet, her exhaustion visible, yet she devotedly burrowed into the research. Sam and Dean attempted to lighten the atmosphere with narratives and banter, sharing embarrassing stories from their pasts in an effort to lift Y/N's spirits.

To Dean's relief, their efforts seemed to be working-a fleeting smile decorated Y/N's lips at their shared memories. It was a small victory, but in the shadows of her recent struggles, it felt like a light of hope. He watched Y/N with a mixture of admiration and concern, silently willing her to find peace in their companionship.

As the day progressed, they continued their work, the library filled with the hum of conversation and the rustles of the pages. Dean couldn't help but smile as he watched her shoulders relax. Hope flickered in Deans's heart as he glimpsed a glimmer of Y/N's former self. He vowed silently to cherish these moments, to stand by her side though the darkness, and to remind her, with every smile and every shared laugh, that she was not alone.

He dared to believe that perhaps they were on the path towards healing, however long and difficult it might be.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Chapter 13 coming soon stay tuned!

Like, comment, and reblog, feedback is my fuel 💕

[tumbleweed-writes]

Now That I Have You: Chibs Telford X OC Fic. Chapter One

This was the very first fic I wrote for this fandom like a million years ago. I'm currently giving it a rewrite/edit on A03, but thought I'd post it as I'm editing in case anyone wanted to check it out. Not sure it's my best work but it was my first.

=======

Molly Garrett let out a sigh pure irritation taking over as she turned the key in her little rundown blue Volkswagen bug. The ignition sputtered a few times as the car struggled to come to life.

Her honey blonde bangs hung in her dark eyes, damp from the heat of California sun and her lack of air conditioner. She struggled to bring her sad old car to life grumbling under her breath.

"Shit." She blurted out as the car sputtered a few more times refusing to start up. She widened her eyes realizing the word that had just slipped out of her mouth.

She glanced in her review mirror looking at the little boy strapped into the backseat clutching a Spiderman action figure.

Cursing wasn't exactly a good habit to have in front of a five year old boy who would more than likely pick up on the impolite language.

"Sorry baby. Don't say ever say that word okay." She apologized not surprised that the boy didn't respond to her.

Mason hadn't spoken in days. This entire situation hadn't been easy on either one of them.

Thinking about how frightened her little guy was made her want to break down. Her son was the most important thing in her life. Mason was her world.

She closed her eyes holding back the tears; she had sobbed enough in the past few years for a lifetime. Her son needed her to stay strong.

Molly let out a laugh feeling a small victory as her poor little bug finally came to life. She took a final glance in the review mirror making sure that Mason had remembered to fasten his seatbelt.

She smiled at the sight of the family dog sitting up beside Mason, a little fat female pug named Rocket. The poor dog was panting just as hot as her masters.

Molly made sure the coast was clear hoping that she could see as well as she thought she could around the small Uhaul trailer. The uhaul was hitched to the back of her bug blocking most of her view. She said a small prayer as she pulled out of the McDonalds' parking lot.

They had to eat cheap for this road trip, so cheap burgers and fries had been on the menu for days now. Luckly there was a McDonalds everywhere and that was often the easiest thing to get a five year old to eat.

She felt a little irresponsible letting Mason eat so much unhealthy food, but she reminded herself that it was just for this trip. As soon as they got settled she could get him back on a more well rounded diet.

Today all she'd managed to get down for lunch was a crappy salad and an iced tea. It had been the cheapest thing on the menu. At least Mason had eaten all of his chicken nuggets though. It seemed to be his favorite food and she'd hoped that it would cheer him up.

It would be okay, she reminded herself. Once they got to California and she was able to start her new job at Saint Thomas then everything would come together.

Charming, California seemed to be the perfect place to start anew. She'd sent in her application to several hospitals all over the country, but Charming had caught her eye and much to her relief the local hospital there had hired her on the spot with just a phone interview.

She'd chosen her new home partially for the name; Charming. It was silly she knew picking a home because of its name, but what better place than to start a new life than in a place called Charming?

At twenty seven years old, Molly Garrett finally felt like she was starting her life on her own terms.

She had faith that it would be a better life; a safer life for her son and her. She hoped and prayed that it would be a life that would hopefully be free of the violence they'd both long endured.

She'd escaped an almost six long years in a marriage from hell with a man who hit first and asked questions later.

Brian Parker had seemed like a sweet guy at first, Molly and he had met in college both in their final year. He had swept her off of her feet and had seemed to be a good match for her.

She'd been impressed by her husband when they first met. She's felt like he was a practical prince thanks to his affluence and his gentlemanly charm. She was just a poor girl on scholarship who had grown up in a trailer right outside of New Orleans with a single working mother and two siblings. She had come from so little and Brian had come from so much in comparison.

Brian came from a nice wealthy family; he had a promising future at a job at a nice well-established real estate firm. The job was at a firm that his family had owned for years. He'd grown up with privilege and he'd been so willing to share that privilege with Molly. He'd showered her with gifts and promises.

He had promised her a comfortable life with a nice safe home and a future full of children and maybe someday grandchildren. She could admit she'd been blinded by both the promises and the presents he'd bestowed upon her. He'd made her feel so special to be worthy of such expensive nice things. He'd given her jewelry and nice shopping sprees. It was more than she'd ever known. She felt like a fool looking back seeing how he'd showered her with such things and love bombed her as a way to lure her in

Two months after dating Brian, Molly had become pregnant. Soon after she'd found out she was carrying his child, they'd gotten married. She had been so excited starting a life with a man who she was sure would protect her from all of life's horrors.

It had turned out though that the only horror she would have to fear would be her husband.

The violence hadn't started until Mason was two. No he hadn't been always kind to her before that but it was the first time he'd put his hands on her at least in a violent act. He'd been belittling to her up until that point and sex had at times felt like something she was pressured into. She'd always blamed herself for his verbal abuse and had been in denial about the lack of consent in some of their sexual acts. She'd told herself she was ungrateful and horrible to deny him and when he'd insulted her she'd believed that it was her fault. She'd been taught to believe that she was so less worthy than him. She'd been conditioned to think that she was just the poor piece of trailer trash that he'd given an opportunity to rise above her station. When he lashed out at her, she told herself that it was her fault. The act of physical violence had stunned her.

Molly had excused the violence the first time it'd happened. She'd made excuses for her husband.

She'd tried to tell herself that Brian was under a lot of stress; his temper had just gotten the better of him. His father was his boss and he was the prodigal son expected to be a model employee and that wasn't easy when he was trying to support a young family.

Brian had apologized to her, promised her it would never happen again, but he'd lied. It seemed that his temper got the better of him over and over again. Soon the physical abuse was as just as regular of an occurrence and the emotional and sexual violence

It was the same cycle over and over again. He would apologize and claim he was a changed man or worst convince her that it had all been her fault really. When she thought about leaving he'd lure her back in. She would come back to him hoping against hope that this time would be different. It was insanity she knew; believing that each time would be different. Wasn't that the definition of insanity though; doing the same action over and over again expecting a different result?

She knew that she should have left the second Brian hit her but she'd been blinded by naïvety and a poor sense of self worth. Honestly she knew she should have been out the door the second he started to mistreat her verbally. She'd been blinded by him though. It felt as though she'd been under a spell.

Brian had killed her self-esteem telling her that no man would ever love her like him. No man would ever want her especially after she'd had a kid. She was his and that was that. He reminded her of how lucky she was; how privileged she was to have the life he provided.

Molly had had believed him for three long years. She'd hidden it all from family and friends and from Mason as well. She had played a happy loving wife pretending that her life was just peachy with her adorable son in her husband's nice old house.

Her breaking point had been when Brian had struck her in front of her baby. He'd had a long day at work and she'd made a mistake in his eyes by not having dinner waiting on the table when he got home.

Her brother had discovered the bruises on her body. Jack Garrett was no fool. Her brother knew about the violence and he'd tried to talk his baby sister into leaving time and time again. He'd even threatened to call the police.

Molly had finally started to see the light after that beating, and had started to listen to her brother. She had enlisted him in helping her leave, helping her find a job far away.

Brian found out about her plans to leave somehow, he had made her pay for ever thinking about leaving him. Bruising her body and cracking one of her ribs.

The abuse that night had been severe more severe than it had ever been. Mason had witnessed the entire thing.

The boy had witnessed his mother on the floor crying begging him to go upstairs and play. He'd watched as she'd cried out telling him that it was all okay when it clearly wasn't.

The boy had been silent since that night. Her body still ached from the violence her soon to be ex-husband had put her through.

It was as though a light switch had gone off in her brain when the violence had ended. She'd looked in the mirror studying her battered body when it hit her; she knew that she couldn't live like this. This wasn't a way to live; it was a way to die. If she stayed she would die and if she died her child would be left without his mother to protect him.

She had to save her baby from this life and from his father. She had no doubt that without her there to protect Mason, that Brian would turn the violence onto his child. He was already neglectful of the boy at best. Without her there to shield her child the anger Brian had inside him would have nowhere to find an outlet other than his son.

The morning after that beating, Molly's sister Candace had helped her pack up her things while Brian was at work. The two women had stuffed what little she had into a Uhaul trailer. She had left setting out west that night leaving her old life behind without a trace.

Candace had wanted her to stay in New Orléans, but Molly knew that she couldn't stay in Louisiana. The only way Mason and she would be safe would be if they disappeared.

That had been a week ago. Molly and Mason had been on the road for a week now and we're finally right outside of Charming heading for the rental home she'd recently signed the lease on.

The little house wouldn't be much; just a tiny two-bedroom house with one bathroom and a kitchenette and joined living area. It was dainty but in a quiet neighborhood.

Jack had found the rental for her; he'd been the one responsible for setting up her new life, arranging her lease and cosigning for her. She just hoped that someday she'd be able to find a way to repay her big brother. The home would not be much but it would be hers and that made it feel like a dream come true.

The little rental property was a big step down from the sprawling old plantation home that Brian and she had lived in for years. It had been in his family for decades a grand home that she had been so entranced by when they'd first married.

The people she knew had all been so jealous of her life; not realizing that it was a lie. Behind the old glorious home and fine lifestyle, it had been years of pain and fear.

She just hoped that the fear was over. The pain had to be over and it could never happen again, she told herself.

This was a new life. She knew that she had to make it work, not just for her but for Mason. Her baby boy deserved a good happy life. They both were worthy of a good life.

———————-

Molly rushed to get Mason ready for his first day of daycare. It was summer time so he wouldn't be able to start school for a few more months at least.

So for now the hospital's daycare would have to do. She had managed to land a job as a phlebotomist.

People were often a little freaked out once they found out that she drew blood for a living. She used to joke that she was the resident hospital vampire at her old job in Louisiana. She was always amazed Brian had even allowed her to maintain a job back home. She guessed he liked the way her job made him look. He'd been able to brag that his wife worked in healthcare and was so giving and kind. Her accomplishments at work made him sound better to those he wanted to impress. He'd been able to present them as a hardworking couple successful in their own careers. It was a career she loved. She knew now that her career was hers alone. She had worked hard for it. She was responsible for her accomplishments. Brian didn't get to take credit for her hard work.

She knelt down in front of Mason straightening his dark hair noticing that it had gotten a little too shaggy, but he wasn't too keen on hair cuts. His dark hair was one feature he'd inherited from his father.

For the most part Mason took after her; they shared the same hazel eyes, the same slightly round face, and the same smaller features such as their noses.

Molly spoke trying to sound cheerful and not stressed. "You're going to have a fun day today. You'll meet a ton of new friends, I bet. You're going to have such a blast. Maybe mommy can meet some new friends too. I bet we're both going to have a good day today."

Mason didn't reply. He only nodded his head as she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

She pulled at her blue hospital scrubs knowing that she looked like hell. She hadn't had the time to straighten her hair, so she'd just pulled it back into a messy bun.

At least she'd managed to put on a little makeup though. So hopefully she didn't look like the walking dead. She knew she was exhausted though. She knew that the exhaustion would be all worth it. This was the first day of the rest of her life.

She hadn't had much time to unpack anything the night before. She'd spent all day before unloading the uhaul on her own. The first thing she'd made sure to do was unpack Mason's bedroom.

Her bed still remained disassembled and most of their belongings remained in boxes around the rental home. She had slept by Mason's side the night before, in his little bed on his Spiderman comforter. They'd eaten cheap pizza the night before surrounded by boxes and watching kid's movies on the portable dvd player she'd packed.

The little house was not what she'd hoped for. It was so hot inside that it felt like an oven. She had spent hours on the phone trying to get a hold of her landlord. She'd hoped that he could come take care of the problem, but so far she had been unsuccessful. He dodged her calls until finally making an excuse that it would take a while to get someone out to look at the problem. She'd been told that she was just one of the many properties her landlord owned, so she would have to be patient.

For now it seemed that Mason and she would just have to sweat it out and make do.

She took Mason's hand in hers as they left the house. She held the one hand that wasn't clutching his action figure.

The Spiderman toy seemed to be a comfort to him. He brought the toy everywhere he went. He even slept with it like it was some kind of teddy bear. She'd worried he might leave it at the daycare, but he seemed unwilling to even consider parting with it this morning. She was willing to allow him the comfort despite her concerns about a misplaced forgotten toy.

Molly turned on the radio to an alternative rock station as soon as they got into the car, hoping that she could entice Mason into his favorite activity. He loved to sing along with the radio though he was too young to get most of the lyrics right.

It always managed to make her smile seeing him sing along like he didn't have a care in the world. She lived to see her child happy. It had been the one thing that kept her going throughout her marriage to Brian. Her child had been a lifeline through the misery.

Her smile failed to come though as Molly glanced in the backseat and spotted her silent son.

She shook her head as she pulled out of her driveway hoping that maybe the daycare would help Mason come out of his shell.

She feared that Mason might never recover from what he'd witnessed. He was afraid, she knew that.

She had done her best to explain things to him in a way that a five year old would understand.

Molly had told him that they were going on an adventure, to a place called Charming. They were going somewhere where he would meet new people and get to live in a whole new house. She'd tried to sound upbeat and make it sound as though they were doing something so grand. She'd tried to keep positive hoping that it would hide her anxieties and fears.

She had been unsure what to say about Brian. Molly knew that the time would come when she would have to explain to Mason why he had seen daddy hurt mommy and why daddy wasn't here with them.

She just hoped that she could find a way to explain it all. It wasn't right, a five year old child having to see something that horrible. She felt so guilty for letting him witness it all. Deep down inside she knew Brian was the only one to blame for his actions. She knew she had been a victim in this.

She hated herself for exposing her beloved child to something so terrible though. She felt pure shame for allowing herself to stay with a monster out of fear.

Molly took a deep breath knowing that she would never allow that to happen again. No one would ever lay a hand on her or her baby ever again.

This was the right choice, she reminded herself. She was doing the right thing.

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

Of course Molly's bug chose that morning to get a flat tire. She was just lucky that she made it to a garage before she got herself into a wreck. She had to think it was a miracle that there happened to be an auto mechanics close enough to reach. Perhaps God was looking out for her? She had to hope someone was looking out for her despite the flat tire.

Chibs Telford raised an eyebrow as a pathetic looking Volkswagen Bug pulled into the parking lot of TM Auto.

The car was a sad sight; the paint on the right side was chipped and fading and the transmission sounded just awful.

It was still early; the garage hadn't even opened yet. He had come in early though wanting to bury himself in his work to avoid thinking about his personal troubles. He was thankful for the work even if the garage was still technically not open. He knew that he could manage to get the owner of the car checked in and take care of business despite the closed sign on the door. He was grateful for the distraction of work. It was a relief to his over exhausted brain and aching heart.

Chibs made his way over to the car as it came to a stop and a young woman opened the drivers' side door giving him a smile.

"I've gotten myself into a real mess." Molly stated giving the man who was slowly approaching her a sheepish smile.

She ran reached up tucking her side bangs behind her ear as the man spoke. "I'd say I agree love. How are ya even runnin that thing?"

She raised an eyebrow a little taken back by his Scottish accent, and the word love. She had expected to hear neither from the mechanic. A Scottish accent was an odd thing to encounter in Northern California

Molly felt her cheeks flush as she found herself staring at the thin scars along the Scotsman's cheeks. She looked away fearing that he thought she was rude for staring. She mentally scolded herself for being so rude. She'd been raised with far better manners than to gawk at something someone couldn't help. She felt like a jerk for even staring away making so clear she'd been gawking.

Chibs wasn't surprised that she turned her eyes away from him after staring for a bit.

He had long ago become accustomed to people's reactions to the scars Jimmy O' had given him before he'd taken Chibs' family and banished him from Ireland.

The pain had finally ended now that he'd gotten his revenge. Now that Jimmy O' was dead and gone and he knew that his girls were safe.

He tried not to let his mind focus on his girls for too long. His girls made his heart ache more than ever lately. He knew they were safe but they were so far away. Things had changed between his girls and he so quickly.

Fiona and he had come to an agreement just a few months ago; their marriage was over. There wouldn't be a divorce on Fiona's insistence. In Catholicism marriage was a sacrament that couldn't be broken, so divorce wasn't an option...or that was what Fiona had claimed. Chibs felt bitter over the refusal to even consider the divorce. He felt bitter about it all to be honest. It hurt though he knew in the end it was right...ending the estranged relationship entirely...agreeing to just be coparents to Kerrianne.

It had hurt losing the wife he had so long pined for. No, he'd not been faithful to her during their time apart. He'd allowed himself to fall into the chaos of SAMCRO and the women who serviced the club. His heart had belonged to Fiona though. It felt painful to realize that his heart could no longer be hers. He had no idea where to place that love now.

At least he still got to see his Kerrianne. He made a trip to Belfast as often as he could to see his soon to be fifteen year old daughter, hoping that they could build the type of relationship a father and daughter should have.

Kerrianne had been told so many lies about her father, by Jimmy. It had been hard for Chibs to convince her that her da was a good man despite his status as an outlaw biker. He'd done his best to prove his love and devotion to her. He'd allowed her to remain in Belfast knowing it was her home. He'd sacrificed the chance to take her back to the states with him. He'd given up that dream letting her remain in her home knowing it was what she needed.

As time went by and Kerrianne and he became close. They spoke on the phone weekly and developed a relationship. He sent her gifts often. It felt as though a void that had long existed in his heart had finally been filled. He was getting a chance to be a father. He loved having his little girl back in his life again.

Chibs could admit that he was a little taken back by Molly's accent as well. It was distinctly southern; strange to hear in Northern California.

He was also taken back by the woman's features; he would be lying if he tried to say that she wasn't a beautiful woman.

She wasn't very tall she barely came up right at the center of his chest. Although she was petite she had a nice figure, full hips and breasts. He could spot the figure even in the unattractive scrubs she wore. Her hair was a dark blonde; almost the color of honey and her eyes were a pretty hazel.Her complexion was milky and smooth looking. Her hands seemed petite and her short nails were painted a lovely shade of lilac.

He found himself glancing down at her left hand at her ring finger. He was a little shocked that there was no ring there. Still though that didn't mean that she was single.

A girl like that had to have a man somewhere. He felt foolish for even looking for a ring. He knew that even if she had no man in her life. she would probably never want a man like him. It was a foolish hope thinking of her in that way; checking for signs of her being available. He felt like an old fool for even considering her relationship status.

It was her smile that really caught his attention. It was friendly despite the fact that Chibs often intimidated people given his appearance and his ties to Samcro. Usually people didn't smile at him. She had a pleasant smile though her eyes looked tired. He was not accustomed to people smiling at him so politely. The smile made him feel warm inside. He felt silly for the thought; feeling a soft cozy glow under her gaze.

Chibs snapped out of admiring her looks as he managed to speak. "Looks like ya hit a nail on the back right tire... and yer transmission is shite."

"Yeah...like I said, I've gotten myself into a mess...and now I'm late for my first day of work...great." She replied though the last part of her statement seemed to be more to herself than to him.

He was shocked as she opened the backseat and leaned in helping a little boy out of the car. The boy was tiny; delicate. Chibs was certain the kid was small for his age. The boy seemed healthy at least; his hair was dark, loose shaggy curls that made him look angelic. His eyes were identical to Molly's hazel bright and clear. The boy held on to Molly's hand staying close to his mother.

Chibs felt a sense of embarrassment realizing that he'd just cursed in front of a child. Sure he had done far worse in his life but he was sure that the boy's mother wouldn't appreciate his language. He grimaced sure he was about to get an earful about the foul language in front of a child even if had only been one word.

He did his best to give the boy a smile as he spoke up hoping to smooth over any upset he may have caused the kid's mom. "Sorry I said a bad word little lad."

Mason stared wide-eyed at the strange man not saying a word. He moved behind his mother's form hiding from Chibs' gaze.

Molly cleared her throat quickly speaking up trying to explain her son's silence hoping that the Scot didn't take it as rudeness. "He's shy."

Chibs nodded his head understanding. He'd found that most kids that didn't know him well enough were just as intimidated by him as adults were. Which he could admit was hurtful. He had always loved children. He had loved his nephew back in Belfast when the lad had been growing up. He'd spent so much time with him and had appreciated being involved in his life. Now though he knew that most kids tended to shy away from him. They took one look at his face and felt fear. He had found comfort in the Teller boys at least. He liked being Uncle Chibs to them. It had felt healing to be around the boys. He knew Jimmy O' had not taken being Uncle Chibs from him at least when it came to the Teller boys...his heart ached knowing that Jimmy O' had taken his nephew from him though.

Chibs pulled his mind from thoughts of his late nephew as he spoke nodding back to the poor Volkswagen. "We're a bit backed up ere, but I can get yer car in this afternoon. Don' know how long it'll take though, Love. Like I said, we're a wee bit backed up. Lotta wrecks last week, lots of folks coming through for summer trips getting into wrecks. Plus we gotta a few custom bike jobs ahead of ya. I can't promise fast work, but we'll get ya fixed up anyhow."

Molly gave him a smile thankful that her car would be repaired and not break down on her anymore. She spoke taking a look at the name stitched into his gray works shirt: Chibs, she found herself unsure if she should call him that or not. She was quite certain the man's parents had not given him such a name. "Thank you so much...uhm.."

Chibs raised an eyebrow realizing that she was asking his name. He took himself by surprise saying his real name and not the name everyone but his family called him. "Filip."

"Filip." She repeated causing him to do something else that he found astonishing. He felt a genuine smile develop across his face. He couldn't help but to like the sound of his name on her lips.

She spoke again reaching out to take his hand. "I'm Molly and this is Mason."

Chibs nodded in response as he took her hand in his giving it a firm shake, unable but to enjoy how soft her skin felt against his calloused hands.

He was shocked that he was so reluctant to let go of her hand. He shook his head wondering what had gotten into him.

Maybe it was just that he'd been alone for too long. He found himself unable to really get back into the biker lifestyle once Fiona and he had agreed to end their relationship.

All those years Fiona and he had been estranged he had found himself easily falling into a pattern, booze and croweaters.

He'd sleep with any one of the girls who hung around the clubhouse, a different girl just about every night.

Nights of drunken sex with women whose names he couldn't even remember by the next morning no longer felt fulfilling to him.

After Fiona and he had agreed to end their marriage, Chibs had found that he could not sink back into the life of meaningless sex with crow eaters. He had discovered that he just didn't enjoy it anymore. It felt cheap and it made him feel empty. At first he thought that maybe he was just getting old, but then he'd realized something.

He was lonely. He longed for something more, something real. He watched Jax with Tara and Gemma with Nero and he felt so alone. He laid in bed at night without anyone by his side and fretted over his future. He had come to the realization he would die alone without love. He'd so long hoped Fiona and he would reunite but that dream was dead and he knew it was for the best...but it still hurt. He had finally realized that he was truly alone. It was a realization that made his heart ache and yearn.

He felt so foolish but as he stared at the pretty blonde he found himself wondering what it might be like to lie by her side at night. He shook the thought from his mind knowing he was just an old fool. There was no way a woman like her would ever lie by the side of a man like him.  

Molly spoke up as she stared down at her cheap red plastic watch unaware of Chibs' inner turmoil. "Is there a phone I can use?...I need to get a rental car and I need to call Saint Thomas Hospital and explain why I'm late."

Chibs nodded his head not astonished by her workplace. The scrubs made it obvious, there was only one hospital in Charming. He sighed more sure than ever now that she would never have the time of day for him. She was a responsible adult with an important job who would not be interested in the outlaw biker. Sure, he knew Tara had loved Jax despite her mainstream job, but there was history there. Chibs knew he held no history with Molly. They were from two different worlds. She would not want anything to do with his world. 

"I can have someone give ya a lift to the car rental place. As far as a phone, I'm sure I can sort that out too." Chibs stated as he turned getting the attention of one of the prospects motioning over to the man.

He spoke to Ratboy as the man came up to him. "Can ya take Molly and her boy ere down to Davis Rentals, and let er use yer cell too. She needs to call her work."

Molly widened her eyes a little surprised by the friendly gesture of allowing her to borrow a cell phone.

She spoke hoping that it was clear just how thankful she was for the kind action. "Thank you, Filip. I appreciate it more than you know."

Chibs ignored the look on Ratboy's face as he spoke the smile once again developing along his face. "Yer welcome, Love. Just leave yer number with Ratboy here and We'll get to ya when yer cars ready."

Molly nodded trying not to show how strange she thought that the man who was giving her a ride was called Ratboy. What was it with this place and the employee's nicknames? "Thank you so much."

And with that she let the prospect lead her and her son away to a tow truck.

Chibs watched her walk away cursing the yearning in his heart. He told himself he was an idiot for the feeling. He was trying to bat out of his league and he was too beaten down and worn to even dream that he could charm her. Charming her would be foolish. She was a mother and most likely just saw him as the older dirty mechanic who had been providing good customer service.

Chibs was surprised as Mason turned to face him looking at him through the back window as the tow truck pulled away. Mason did the last thing Chibs' had expected considering the kid's silence. He stared as Mason waved.

Chibs raised his hand waving back without having to even think about the action.

He shook his head as the tow truck faded out of view. He let out a sigh trying to knock Molly and her boy out of his mind.

As lovely as he found Molly, there was no point in daydreaming about her ever giving him the time of day.

A girl like that didn't need a man like him.