#he also loves to roll around in our lawn

[jellicle-chants]

Caught in the act (of napping)

[hawkinsbnbg]

Four years after everything ended, Steve and Eddie ran into each other by chance.

In 1990, when Steve stumbled upon Eddie in a coffee shop in Chicago of all places, he didn't expect to end up on his back that night with the other man pounding him into the mattress.

At some point, he was too cock-drunk to care about his dignity so he kept begging Eddie to come inside him.

"What if I knock you up, babygirl?" Eddie nipped at his chin teasingly.

In response, Steve only clenched around the thick cock tighter, earning a guttural groan from the other man.

He bit his lip and smiled sweetly, "Guess you're gonna be a daddy 'cause m'not on birth control right now."

Eddie just cursed under his breath and pulled out to take off the condom. When he slid into Steve again, they both let out a strangled moan.

In the end, Steve had been railed into oblivion with a stomach full of hot cum.

A week later, Eddie sought him out again, wanting to continue their breeding process.

"It's for science," Eddie murmured as he bottomed out inside Steve.

"Yeah," Steve snorted, breathless and a little bit cross-eyed because of how big the other man was. "How noble of you."

"Thank you, sweetheart," Eddie grinned, eyes crinkled warmly. “Think it’s gonna catch this time?”

“Dunno,” Steve wrapped his legs around the resilient waist as the other man started moving, grazing his sweet spots effortlessly. “But we should keep trying until we succeed.”

“You’re right,” Eddie leaned down and kissed him soundly. “Fuck, you’re always right, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, uh–” Steve mewled and rolled his eyes back when Eddie nailed his prostate. “I– I tried my best.”

“My good girl,” Eddie kissed him again but it was messy and sloppy. “So smart, so pretty. Bet you’re already thinking about our children’s education, hm?”

“Y– Yeah,” Steve nodded blindly, jaw hanging open so Eddie’s tongue could fuck his mouth.

At this point, he didn't know what he was even talking about anymore. He just babbled nonsense and drooled at the mindless pleasure that coursed through him incessantly.

Above him, Eddie kept going on and on about how they were going to make a happy family, how he was going to be a great mom, how Eddie was going to be the kind of dad who would spoil their children rotten.

And yeah, Steve found himself very into the idea. Not only the hypothetical pregnancy part but also the part where he and Eddie built a home together.

“Be mine, sweetheart,” Eddie whispered between the kisses, desperate and pleading. “Gonna treat you right, gonna be a good husband for you, gonna make you breakfast, gonna help you pick the lawn, gonna sing ABBA songs with you, gonna do the dishes for you, gonna give you my everything, gonna–”

“Shut up, I’ll be yours,” Steve clung to the other man and sobbed. “All yours, Eddie. All yours.”

It was a long time coming, an overdue confession that neither of them had been brave enough to tell each other.

But now, now when their family and friends and the fucking world were finally safe, they had nothing to fear anymore.

They were as free and in love as they could ever be.

And when Eddie’s lips met his own in a tender kiss, it felt like coming home.

A quick stroke on his neglected cock was enough to tip Steve over, prompting a high-pitched moan from him and sending sparks flying in his blurry vision.

Eddie followed after him immediately, burying inside him to the hilt and filling him up with a deep groan.

After a few seconds, Eddie pulled out carefully and drew him in a lazy kiss before collapsing beside him.

For a moment, they just lied there to recollect their wits.

“You meant it?” Steve asked quietly once they both calmed down, afraid that it was just sex-addled talk.

“Everything,” Eddie propped up on his elbow to look at him seriously. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I do you, baby.”

“Me too,” Steve smiled softly. “Been waiting for you, Eds.”

“I’m honored, sweetheart,” Eddie gave him a warm smiled.

Then they moved away from the wet spot to cuddle.

Later, they would have to get up to take a thorough shower, and maybe order something to eat if the mood struck.

But for now, Steve was content to doze off in his boyfriend’s loving arms.

[biggrimace]

A Wedding | Fred Weasley

Summary: It is the day of Fleur and Bill's wedding, and you can't help but imagine your own wedding day, feeling impatient for it to come. Unbeknownst to you, Fred feels the same way.

Warnings: Nothing really, just really sweet and fluffy

Word Count: 1441

—

It was a perfect day for a wedding. The sun was bright, the sky was clear, and the Weasley house was buzzing with excitement for the later events of the day. Although the house was filled with chaos, an underlying calm could be felt, as if all was forgotten about the coming war and recent losses. It was as if time had stopped, and joy had filled the world once more. You stood in the kitchen watching the men raise the tent where the wedding would be held on the lawn, smiling at the back of the man you loved who was laughing and joking with his family. You twirled the newly acquired piece of gold that wrapped around your finger, a gorgeous Dutch marquise diamond sitting in the Center. Thoughts of your own coming nuptials overtook your mind, a mix of excitement and anticipation clouding your thoughts as you watched Fred set up for the wedding.

Yn?- oh good, there you are.

You turned to the sweet shrill of Molly Weasley's voice entering the kitchen accompanied by her hurried steps.

Have you seen Fleur's bouquet? She said she asked you to fetch it?

Molly asked with a hint of frustrated anxiety. You gasped softly and turned back to the window you were daydreaming out of only moments ago. There, in a simple vase, sat the beautiful bouquet of lilies and roses, which had been enchanted with the blue butterflies of the Veela witches fluttering around it.

Oh, Merlin. I’m sorry, Mrs. Weasley, I must’ve gotten distracted.

Your response was scattered as you quickly grabbed the bouquet. You hurried past Molly, who sighed, relieved, and up the stairs to Bill's old room to deliver the flowers. The sight of Fleur was breathtaking; you and her were quick to form a bond when Bill introduced her to the family. One that comes from the shared experience of unintentional harsh judgement from the Weasley matriarch.

You’re stunning Fleur…

You swooned as you entered the room and handed her the flowers. She smiled brightly, relief also showing in her eyes from finally having her bouquet.

Thank you, Yn. You look beautiful as well.

Both of your eyes shone with tears as you smiled and pulled each other into a gentle hug.

Are you ready?

You pulled back, holding onto her hand and shaking it with a tight, excited squeeze. Her nod was quick but there was a moment of hesitation that did not go unnoticed by you. You tilted your head and cocked your brow with a silent question.

It’s nothing… just… what if he suddenly changes his mind? You, more than anyone, know how Mrs Weasley feels about our marriage.

She said, wiping a tear from under her eye and turning her gaze to her bouquet.

The sharp sound of a tsk escaped your lips, and you rolled your eyes.

He would never. He loves you, Fleur, no matter what his mother thinks. I think he made that pretty clear.

A laugh erupted from you both at the memory of the less-than-perfect engagement announcement that took place a few months ago. Which resulted in quite the argument between her fiancé and his mother prompting you to ask Fred and George for some distraction to break it up. Long story short, Molly had become so angry with the twins for their prank that her son’s engagement was long forgotten. Your laughs died down, and a beat of silence filled the air as you smiled at one another.

He loves you, Fleur… you’re getting married today!

An excited squeal leaks from your throat, and Fleur joins in.

Thank you, yn.

You hug each other once more before a knock is heard at the door. You call for the person to come in, separating from Fleur and watching as Hermione peaks inside.

It’s time.

She calls cheerily. You and Fleur give one last glance to each other before heading down the stairs, her first and you following behind, being careful of the dress train that is bundled in your hands to ensure she doesn’t fall.

—

You sat comfortably beside Fred during the ceremony. Your legs were crossed toward him, and his hand rested on your thigh. Your arm rested looped with his, and a gentle smile lay on both of your lips. Fred had been thinking about you all day. Preparing for this wedding had only fueled his desire to be married to you. He knew from the first day he met you that he loved you, and although some thought you got engaged too young, he just did not want to live his life without you as his wife any longer. The coming war was another reason for the prompt engagement. The thought of losing you terrified him. Not only that, but the thought of you losing him without knowing just how much he loved you broke his heart. You agreed to marry after Bill and Fleur, but as he sat there, watching his brother and Fleur smiling at each other at the altar, a wicked idea crossed his mind. He turned to you, smiling with adoration at your glowing appearance and gave your thigh a gentle squeeze. Your attention was successfully drawn from the altar to him, and you met his eyes just as the minister announced it was time for the couple to exchange vows.

Please repeat after me...

The minister instructed Bill. Fred just continued to stare into your eyes as the minister spoke the vows for the groom to repeat. Your brows furrowed in confusion at the extended stare you were receiving from him. You could faintly hear the priest in the background, then just as Bill began to speak, Fred gently whispered, only loud enough for you to hear.

I, Fred Weasley...

He started after gently clearing his throat, his eyes shining with mischievous happiness. You only continued to stare up in confusion at him.

Take you, yn ln, to be my wife...

Realization washed over you at what he was doing. He was marrying you. It may not be your wedding or an official ceremony, but at this moment, you and Fred were getting married. Your eyes began to mist, and your expression shifted from confusion to love. The voices of Bill and the minister suddenly became muffled as all you could focus on was Fred's gentle voice.

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

He finished, his whispered voice cracking and a broad beaming smile spread on his face. You took a moment to compose yourself, gently wiping a fallen tear from your cheek, then met his eyes again as you heard Fleur begin to speak.

I, yn ln...

Fred began to tear up now, squeezing your leg even tighter, shifting in his seat slightly so that his full attention was on you as he fought to hold back tears.

Take you, Fred Weasley, to be my husband... To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

You finished smiling wide. A stray tear escaped Fred's eye as he looked at you, his wife. The love he felt was indescribable, and the happiness was overwhelming. You matched his smile, squeezing his bicep affectionately.

Really?

He asked, making you chuckle softly. This man couldn't believe that this was happening, that he got so lucky.

Yes, Really.

You reassured him.

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

The minister proudly proclaimed. Cheers from the wedding guests erupted throughout the tent, but you and Free paid no mind to it, wrapped too tightly into your own little world.

You may now kiss your bride!

The crowd stood as the Bill dripped Fleur into a loving kiss. You and Fred remained seated, and Fred was quick to react to those words, placing one of his hands on the back of your head and pulling you into a passionate kiss. Your lips moved in sync as the crowd around you cheered and celebrated, the two of you going completely unnoticed. After a long beat, Fred pulled away, staying close and looking deep into your eyes with the goofiest love-sicken smile. You were sure that yours matched.

I love you, Mrs. Weasley.

He declared quietly, in keeping with the private moment you just shared.

I love you too, Mr. Weasley.

You responded with a tear-filled giggle, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him in for another kiss. The two of you relishing in each other as man and wife.

—

For more fics: biggrimace

[hezzabeth]

By the year 3856 animals are a myth. Insects however are incredibly common. Due to the colonization of the solar system there are also many mutant off breeds. The Phoeben Scorpion is native to the terraformed moon known as Phoebe. Over the centuries it has invaded our moons and satellites. The Phoeben Scorpion has a colorful candy like appearance.They are considered to be a delicious and popular snack food.

"Don't you want to watch the next log and find out how it ends?" Brigadeiro asked.

"It probably ends the way all fairytales do, with the Duke taking one look at Dityaa and falling madly in love! Just like everyone else," Revati said, pressing the side of her bangle, causing it to turn off.

"Not everyone falls in love with your sister at first sight, I didn't," Brigadeiro said, shooting Revati a sly, knowing look.

It was the same knowing look that he had given her on a bridge at sunrise, in a tent during winter, and once under fireworks. A warm, dark-eyed look that would have made a weaker person tremble at the knees.

"That's because you imprinted on me the second I saved your life, like Phoeben scorpions," Revati shot back.

"Phoeben scorpions?" Brigadeiro had to ask.

"You know, the scorpions on the Phoebe satellite, the ones that imprint on their mates and then end up starving to death," Revati said.

"Are those the fried ones they sell in coffee shops with the cupcakes?" Brigadeiro asked with a small grimace.

"Yep, the more sick with love they are, the sweeter they taste," Revati said, shutting her eyes and savoring the taste of the scorpions.

Brigadeiro held up his hand for a moment and quickly licked it.

"Well, look at that, I taste just like sugar," Brigadeiro winked, and Revati rolled her eyes.

"You really are ridiculous," she replied, and he took her hand, holding it up to his lips.

"And I bet you taste like dark chocolate... not quite as sweet as me," he said before his lips grazed her knuckles. Revati felt herself glance upwards into those familiar eyes, and Revati blushed.

……

Nine minutes past midnight. Brigadeiro's room was filled with pale blue moonlight. Revati was twenty-one years old.

She had, of course, fooled around on the road before. A few times in her tent, sometimes in the middle of a forest. On one memorable occasion, one thousand feet above Mars' surface with the aid of hover boots.

Never in a bed, however. Never with a person who actually fell asleep next to her afterwards. Brigadeiro was a decent sleep companion; he didn't snore and he stayed on his side of the bed. Revati had to admit his back curved down in a way that she rather liked. Still, it was nine past midnight. Revati got off the bed and walked towards the window. The garden's shadows reminded her of her father's inky blue hair. The tables and chairs outside had long ago been abandoned. Someone was darting across the lawn, trying their best to stay in the darkest shadows. The person was heading towards the kitchen house. In Revati's experience, people with nothing to hide didn't even notice shadows. Revati tiptoed to her backpack and grabbed her trusty pants. Sliding into them, she felt the way she always did, like a warrior heading out to meet her destiny.

Everything was quiet and still. The front door of the kitchen house was flung wide open, something that would never happen in Olde Landon.

Pecan was actually asleep on the path next to the door, cuddling a giant inflatable apple. Revati crept lightly inside, her feet barely touching the floor, her weight being carried in her hips. Something was making a faint shifting sound in the rose room.

Revati reached into her left pants pocket, pulling out the tiny container of mushroom tent spores. Carefully and ever so gently, she crept into the rose room. Someone was stooping over Dityaa, and as far as Revati was concerned, that was all she needed to know. Revati undid the top of the container and blew the spores towards the figure.

Within seconds, the fungus blossomed and twisted, wrapping itself around the figure who was now gasping in horror. The rose room suddenly filled with light, and the figure fell to the ground like a caterpillar, half stuck in a cocoon. It was Paulette.

[flowery-laser-blasts]

It's the year 2023 and so much has changed...

Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable-Possible, now in their mid-thirties, work alongside Global Justice with their own specialized team (including Wade, Felix, and Jim & Tim). As for Dr. Drakken and Shego... After helping prevent the invasion of the Warlordians, Dr. Drakken and Shego were pardoned from almost all of their prior crimes against the safety of the world and eventually became, in their own words, 'neutral'. At times, they even aid Team Possible with intel, after all; who knows more about how villains do than ex-villains?

Dr. Drakken started working on his own world-improving inventions because he realized that 'positive' recognition from the world feels better than being despised by everyone, and this way he can rub it even more into James Possible's face... Shego became an elite mercenary/hitwoman after tutoring the best of the best agents of Global Justice for 5 years -it was part of her 'community service'- She now works separately from everyone, but always comes back home before Drakken finishes making dinner.

One day, Dr. Drakken thought of a hypothesis: if television programs are just a glimpse into an alternative reality and aliens exist with their ultra-advanced technology, then who says that alternative timelines aren't real? "Maybe we could learn from that to improve ours!"

He worked tirelessly on trying to find out if alternative universes or timelines exist, maybe ones where he and Shego were always good and Possible and Stoppable were the baddies, imagine!

But then he found something...

Dr. Drakken found out that there was a timeline that lined up exactly with the one they were in, except something was drastically different. It was stuck in some kind of purgatory; stuck in place but also as if looping over and over again. Separate from everything surrounding it but at the same time trying to free itself from its slumbering state.

Drakken looked into it, fascinated that this timeline could co-exist with theirs but at the same time not. What changed? Then it hit him.

"Tempus Simia... that Monkey plan-- It actually happened!?" Dr. Drakken sometimes ruminated on the weird feelings he had on the day the trio, and Shego, decided to abruptly give up on that time-traveling plan. None of them ever said or mentioned anything about it to one another, especially Monkey Fist... he became different. Drakken wished he could ask him about what happened that day, but alas the man became a supernaturally petrified lawn ornament.

"Did Monkey Fist know something about that statue that we didn't? Did the plan work? Is that what that timeline is?" Drakken became ansty, he needed to know what happened. Not that he was going to return to being evil, no-no, this was purely scientific, and well- curiosity took the upper hand. Perhaps he was a fair ruler in this 'time capsule'.

After months and months of calculations and testing, he managed to do it; Drakken succeeded in making a portal device that could connect and stabilize the broken timeline to ours. Shego wasn't entirely sure about this plan but decided to stick around to ensure the man wouldn't end up killing himself and everyone on the planet in some freak accident.

After flipping the switches and turning on the safety protocols, the machine started producing a whirling sound. No sooner did a small portal form, giving them a glimpse of the dystopian world of the Supreme One. "Wow, that-- is that me?" Shego pointed at a fallen statue. "Sheesh, who would've thought the sidekick could ever take over the world, right Drew?" Shego teasingly jabbed his arm, making Drakken roll his eyes in response. "Shego, dumpling, darling love of my life, I've apologized thousands of times already, can you finally let it go?!" He received a snicker in response, "I guess not, nevertheless, let me concentra--!" A loud bang snapped the two out of their banter, "Dr. D? What was that?!" Shego instinctively lit her hands as the room turned dark for a moment, the whirling sounds of the portal device intensified, and no sooner bright red warning signs started flashing while a deafening alarm went off around them. Shego looked at Drakken, who was frantically trying to close the portal. "Something's trying to push its way into here! I-- I haven't been able to properly secure that part yet-- Shego!" Drakken's face paled as he looked back in the direction of the portal.

"The Supreme One, actually." An icy chill went through Shego's spine as she heard her own voice coming from directly behind her. "I already thought, what took you so long Doc? It's not fun being stuck in time; ain' I right, Dr. D?" Both Shego and Drakken watched in disbelieve at the arrival of the Supreme One's sidekick, who within seconds hurled himself at the machinery, destroying most of it and breaking off the connection to the fractured timeline.

Drakken tried to jump in and save what was left by making his flowers restrain the brute, but the man ripped the foliage away from him as if it were nothing. The sidekick threw Drakken aside and blocked Shego from trying to get to him, holding her in a lock.

The supreme one stepped closer and looked at her restrained self.

"Now that botany-boy is taken care of... tell us, Shego: Where is Kimmie?"

---

I hope you guys like my little sequel idea for 'A Sitch in Time'. I absolutely love this TV movie!! I'm not much of a writer but it was so much fun imagining this story while drawing!! As for the future designs of everyone: - Kim's outfit is based on Stephen Silver's older Kim design. - Ron now has a utility belt that actually works and gloves that can help him control his Mystical Monkey Powers. - Shego's outfit stayed relatively the same with some adjustments, why change what works right? - Dr. Drakken (now Professor Lipsky) traded his blue lab coat for a white one... dress codes apply at his shared workplace, but he still wears a blue dress shirt underneath it. Aside from that his eyes aren't as good as they used to be and his contact lenses were out of the question since they tampered with the eye-scanning-security-device (he ended up being left outside of the lab for 3 hours because of it), so now he just wears glasses.

I also wanted to include Rufus in the story; Now a senior rodent, Rufus spends his retirement days around the lab assisting Drakken with various experiments and small talk while Kim and Ron are on missions. Hope you enjoyed both the drawing and the mini fanfic!!

[ilyasorokinn]

mary's song (oh my my my) , quinn hughes

note, this fic is part of the "taylor's version" series, but all the pieces in that series are stand alone. a side note, i might use the whole song or just a quote for the fic. i also might not use the entire verse. just depends. sorry if that's confusing. feel free to ask questions. another note, okay i haven't touched this series in literally a year, but i will try to write it more. i'm still excited about it and want to write it! so, i'm starting out with a popular player so you all get excited lol pair, quinn hughes x reader summary, a fic based on "mary's song (oh my my my)" from taylor swift's debut taylor swift album. warnings, none :) word count, 2494 words

(gif not mine)

she said, "i was seven and you were nine" i looked at you like the stars that shine in the sky, the pretty lights and our daddies used to joke about the two of us growing up and falling in love and our mamas smiled and rolled their eyes and said, "oh my, my, my"

You lived right down from the Hughes family. Your parents were good friends so you spent lots of time with their family growing up. So, growing up you, your brother, and the Hughes boys would have tons of playdates and would go to the park together.

Growing up so closely with them, little Y/N did develop a crush on her neighbor Quinn. Everyone around you, all the adults, could tell. Kids weren't exactly subtle with their feelings.

One summer night, you were all in your backyard, post-barbeque. All the adults were sitting in lawn chairs, watching the five of you play. Well, it was more like Quinn, Jack, and your older brother Y/B/N, were playing and you were sitting in the grass watching all of them while baby Luke was asleep in his mom's lap.

They were trying to play a game of hockey, but the numbers weren't even. No one wanted to be goalie, so it was just one on one on one, "This would've been easier if you'd play, Y/N." Your brother pointed out.

"Leave her alone," Quinn spoke up in your honor.

"Yeah." You butted in, glaring at your brother.

Your dad chuckled as he watched you watch Quinn's every move, "What?" Your mom asked.

"Y/N. She's always watching Quinn." Jim and Ellen looked over and saw you watching Quinn.

"Can you imagine if those two ever got together?" Jim joked, sharing a laugh with your dad.

"That'll be the day." Your dad clinked his beer with Jim. Your mom and Ellen shared a look, before rolling their eyes and shaking their heads.

take me back to the house in the backyard tree said you'd beat me up, you were bigger than me you never did, you never did take me back when our world was one block wide i dared you to kiss me and ran when you tried just two kids, you and i oh my, my, my, my

"Come on," Quinn called after you. He knocked on your door one day after school and told you to follow after him. So, you did. You ran as fast as your legs could take you, but you still couldn't keep up with him.

"Come on, you're so slow." Quinn groaned, slowing down for a second, "If you don't run any faster, I'm gonna beat you up." You couldn't tell if he was joking, so you stopped running.

"Y/N, what're you doing?"

"You said you were gonna beat me up." You narrowed your eyes at him.

"Cause you're moving too slow." He whined, "I wasn't actually going to beat you up. I was just joking."

"Well, it wasn't funny." You started running again alongside him before you finally made it to the treehouse in the Hughes's backyard.

You and Quinn finally made it to the tree and looked up at the treehouse then looked back to each other, "You go first." You pushed him up in front of the ladder.

"No, you." He grabbed your arm and shoved you towards the ladder.

"You." You managed to get your arm back and push him back in front of the ladder. He finally cracked and began climbing up the ladder. Once he was halfway up, you began your descent up.

Once you were both up, you sat down on the ground together, "So, why did you bring me up here?"

"Just wanted to hang out." He shrugged, "We always hang out with Jack and Y/B/N. It's never just the two of us."

"Well, what do you want to do?" You asked, posing a good question.

"Truth or dare?"

"It's not fun when it's just the two of us." You frowned.

"Then we'll just have to think of really good truth or dares," Quinn stated.

"Fine." You crossed your arms, "I dare you to..." You pursed your lips as you thought about it, "... kiss me."

"Kiss you?" Quinn repeated.

"Yeah." You nodded.

"Well..." Quinn hesitated, "Okay." He shrugged and leaned in, lips pursed. When you realize he was serious, you quickly stood up and climbed down the ladder of the treehouse as quickly as you could.

"Y/N? What the heck?" Quinn called down.

"I have to go!" You shouted, running all the way home and shutting the door loudly when you got home.

i was sixteen when suddenly i wasn't that little girl you used to see but your eyes still shined like pretty lights and our daddies used to joke about the two of us they never believed we'd really fall in love and our mamas smiled and rolled their eyes and said, "oh my, my, my"

Somewhere in between the playfights, childish dares, and first days of school, the five of you grew up. Your brother and Quinn had graduated the year previous and were getting ready for college.

Y/B/N, being the responsible older brother, was in charge of driving you to school. So, on the morning of the first day of school, you both walked out to the car.

"Hey, Y/N, Y/B/N!" Ellen hollered, "Why don't we get a picture of all five of you together?"

"Mom," Jack whined.

"Just one photo," Ellen reassured. You all got into position and smiled, "All right, see, you're all done." She turned off the camera, "All right you three, have a great day." She kissed both her kid's heads before hugging both you and your brother.

"Bye, Q." You waved.

"Bye, Y/N/N." He waved back.

"So, what're you gonna do with all your spare time now?" Ellen asked, watching as the four of you drove off.

"Probably sulk 'cause Y/N's not gonna be around." Jim joked.

"Shut up." Quinn tried to hide his laugh as he made his way back inside the house.

"Y/N and Quinn, sittin' in a tree." Jim teased, following Quinn inside the house.

-

You smiled to yourself as one of the little girls in your neighborhood chased a boy around the yard, "Proposition for you." You jumped when you heard Quinn and quickly turned around to find him joining you at the picnic table.

"All right." You nodded.

"You go on a date with me."

"Oh, yeah? And what do I get in return?"

"An awesome free dinner paid for by me." He flashed you a smile.

You pretended to ponder it and think about it, "I guess that sounds nice."

"You guess?" Quinn balked.

"I guess." You shrugged watching his reaction shift from excited to confused, "I'm kidding." You then watched him break out into a nervous laugh.

"Oh, cool." He tried to play it off as if he wasn't freaking out inside.

Your parents were, once again, sitting in lawn chairs, watching you and Quinn awkwardly flirt, "Our babies are growing up." Your mom spoke dramatically.

"All grown up." Ellen nodded.

"Never thought he had in him, I gotta admit." Both your dad's kept talking and laughing about how you and Quinn were finally getting together.

take me back to the creek beds we turned up 2 a.m. riding in your truck and all i need is you next to me take me back to the time we had our very first fight the slamming of doors instead of kissing goodnight you stayed outside till the morning light oh my, my, my, my

When Quinn would come back from school, he would always come over in the early hours of the morning and he would whisk you away to the place you had designated as your spot.

"Shooting star." You pointed up to the sky. You were both laying on the hood of his car, looking up at the sky. You looked over at him, only to find that he wasn't looking up at the sky but at you, "Why aren't you looking at the sky."

"Cause you're my whole world." Your heart soured and turned your head to the side so he wouldn't see the shy smile making its way onto your face.

"You sure know how to make a girl feel special, Quinn Hughes." You leaned into him. He only hummed, pressing a kiss to your head as you continued to look up at the sky.

-

You had little spats before, tiny disagreements here and there, but your first fight, it was something you never wanted to experience again.

"Are you serious right now?" You spat.

"I just don't get why you're making such a big thing out of this." Quinn shrugged.

"Quinn, this is big. I was gonna introduce you to all my friends and you just didn't show up."

"I'm sorry, I just lost track of time." He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants.

"Quinn..."

"What do you want me to say?"

"Anything!" You shouted, "I want you to give me a better explanation than you just forgot."

"It's the truth!" He raised his voice.

You scoffed, "I'm done." You raised your hands in surrender.

"What do you mean "you're done"?" Quinn asked.

"I mean I'm tired. We're going in circles and getting nowhere, so I'm gonna go home." You rubbed your eyes and headed for the door, "We can talk in the morning."

He stared at you, silent as he tried to figure out what he was gonna say next, but when no words came out, you walked out the door.

The next morning, you woke up and didn't want to move," Good morning." Your mother knocked before entering.

You groaned, turning away from her and trying to go back to sleep, "Before you fall back asleep, just thought you'd want to know there's someone waiting for you on the porch."

You quirked a brow before pushing the covers off and making your way out to the porch of your house where Quinn was laying, asleep, a couple blankets thrown across him.

You stared at him frozen, "He was here all night."

"How do you know?"

"Heard someone on the porch last night, came out this morning, and saw him." Your mom explained before closing the door and giving you both some privacy.

You sat down on the step next to him and just watched him for a second before gently waking him up, "Q." You whispered, shaking him gently.

He moved, rubbing his eyes, before opening them and locking eyes with you, "Hey." He yawned.

"Hi." You smiled, "Heard you were here all night."

"Yeah." He stretched a little before sitting up and giving you all his attention, "I didn't really like the way things ended last night."

"Me either." You sighed.

"I'm really sorry, Y/N. I really did lose track of time, and by the time i realized what time it was, the dinner was over, and I know it's a sucky excuse, but it's the truth."

"I might've been a little harsh. There's another get-together in like a week..."

"I'll be there." He cut you off with a firm nod of his head.

"I know you will." You smiled, reaching over and squeezing his hand.

a few years had gone and come around we were sitting at our favorite spot in town and you looked at me, got down on one knee

After you had graduated from college, you moved up to Vancouver with Quinn and got a job at a hospital. You both got into a nice comfortable routine.

During the break, you went home to visit family and celebrate the holidays. Before you could even breathe, you were both wrapped in a million hugs by both sets of parents.

"It's nice to see you too, Mom." You chuckled, hugging her.

"How's work? Tell me all about it." You were whisked off to the kitchen table where Ellen quickly followed and you were soon immersed in a deep conversation about all the gossip you had missed while you were gone.

After dinner, everyone retreated to their own spaces so you and Quinn headed out to the treehouse that was somehow still standing in the Hughes' backyard.

"I can't believe this is still standing." You laughed as you climbed to the top.

You laid back and looked up at the stars, "We used to come up here all the time, remember?"

"How could I forget? We'd come up here and you'd tell me all those crazy facts about the solar system."

"I knew you probably didn't understand anything I was saying, but you being there, it was sweet." You leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Listen, I have a proposition." You smiled.

"All right." You nodded.

"Marry me." He stated.

Your eyes widened and your mouth opened in shock, "Are you serious?"

"So serious." He nodded, pulling out a ring box from his pocket and popping it open.

"Quinn Hughes..." You couldn't find the words you were so speechless.

"What do you say? You and me forever?"

"God, of course. Is that even a question?" You tackled him in a hug, "You're crazy." You laughed, letting him slip the ring on your finger.

take me back to the time when we walked down the aisle our whole town came and our mamas cried you said, "i do", and i did too

Quinn felt like he was going to explode with nerves, "Dude, calm down." He looked out into the crowd and literally everyone you knew was there. Every grandparent, aunt, uncle, former coaches, current coaches, teammates, former teammates, everyone.

"This is worse than my first game." He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

"You're gonna be fine." Jack reassured, flattening his tie, "Just breathe." He took another deep breath, "There you go."

"All right." He shook off his nerves the best he could and stood straight at the front. The music started and the doors opened. The bridesmaids and groomsmen walked in, then everyone stood.

He felt his breathing hitch as he saw you walk in. You smiled at him and every nerve in his body, he felt it disappear instantly. You met him at the altar, and kissed your dad on the cheek, watched him shake Quinn's hand, then handed your bouquet off to your maid of honor.

The reception felt like it went by too quickly, "Do you Quinn Hughes take Y/N Y/L/N to be your wife?"

"I do." Quinn nodded.

"And do you, Y/N Y/L/N, take Quinn Hughes to be your husband?" You could hear both your mothers' crying and being comforted by your fathers.

"I do." You nodded.

"Then by the power vested in me, you may now kiss." You couldn't help the smile on your face when you both leaned in for the first kiss. You linked hands as you made your way back down the aisle, big smiles on both of your faces.

-

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[across-violet-skies]

a birthday fic for the lovely @a-manicured-lawn!!! I've never written spirit before, so I hope he's written alright <3

I hope you have an awesome birthday!!!

preview under the cut!!

Wild groaned, holding a hand to his head. His brothers were in similar states. They had been tossed through a portal without warning, landing them next to an unfamiliar village.

Slowly, each of them stood up, some getting help from others. As Twilight helped Four, the last of their group, to his feet, Time glanced around. “Does anyone recognize this village?” He asked.

A chorus of “no”s and “nope”s sounded, eight heads shaking in denial. Time sighed.

“Another unknown Hyrule?” Warriors questioned, squinting.

“Looks like it.” Time scanned their group, gaze flickering to the nearby village. “We’ll head into town; ask around and see if there’s anything strange going on.”

Wild nodded. “We should also stock up on potions and supplies,” he reminded.

“That as well.” Time agreed. “Captain?”

Warriors stepped forward. “Alright, listen up! We’ll split into teams: the old man, Four, and I will interrogate the townsfolk; see what we can learn.”

“Interrogate is a strong word,” Time replied. “But we will ask around, yes.”

“Sure.” Warriors waved a hand. “Wild, Legend, you two will restock our potion and healing supplies.”

Legend balked. “What? Why us?”

The Captain rolled his eyes. “Because you and Wild have the rupees to afford it,” he answered simply. “And that slate-” he pointed at the Sheikah Slate attached to Wild’s hip. “-has the storage capabilities for whatever you two end up purchasing.”

Legend grumbled to himself, but didn’t argue further. Warriors continued. “The rest of you will find someplace for us to stay. As many beds as we can manage.” He eyed Twilight and Sky, getting an affirmative nod from both. With both Wind and Hyrule in that group, Twilight and Sky would likely be handling the actual task while the other two wandered around the village. At least it wasn’t a difficult task.

“Everyone got that?” Time asked. His eye swept over the team, getting some sort of acknowledgment from each of them. Wind and Hyrule were already glancing at each other with mischievous eyes. “Alright. Once you finish with your mission, head to the inn. We’ll try to settle down early tonight so we can get a head start tomorrow morning.”

Wild hummed to himself. He could do that. Working with Legend would be… frustrating, to put it gently (the vet had been in a pissy mood ever since his spare Fire Rod broke), but at least their task was simple. He dragged Legend by the elbow, leading him up along the cobbled village streets. The veteran snatched his arm back with an indignant huff, but continued walking alongside Wild. The two of them meandered through the town, glancing around at various shops and stands set up along the main path.

“Oh!” Wild exclaimed, grabbing a fistful of Legend’s tunic (much to his dismay). “Potion shop! Found it!”

Legend bared his teeth, slapping the Champion’s hand away. “Quit that!”

Wild quickly quieted down. He and Legend made a beeline for the potion shop in silence, both of them separating to collect their various potions. Legend went to grab red potions, while Wild went to get… wait. Where were the green potions? All he saw were yellow and purple potions. What?

“Um, Legend?”

-> read the rest on ao3!!

[treason-and-plot]

“Do you like your dinner, Dad?” asks Henrietta. “I helped Apollo cook it. I’m very, very good at cooking, you know!”

“I’m sure you are, Princess,” says Roy while Henrietta’s sisters make scoffing noises and roll their eyes. Why anyone would prefer to eat slices of pale, insipid veal over a juicy piece of rib-eye steak is beyond Roy’s comprehension. He supposes the dish that’s in front of him could have been a lot worse, though- it could have been served with a mushroom sauce. One should always be grateful for small mercies.

“Hey, guess what?” he says, looking around the table. “Something really exciting happened today!”

Violet smiles at him.

“I got Harrison Steiner a six-figure sponsorship deal with Herbalife!” Roy says. Violet’s smile stiffens.

“Who’s Harrison Steiner?” says Joanna.

“He plays soccer with the Bridgeport Eels,” says Angus.

“That’s right, Son,” says Roy. “He’s only just turned eighteen, and already the world's his oyster. All thanks to my business acumen, expert negotiating tactics and extensive networking skills!”

“He’s also super-fast, has incredible mastery of the ball and is a machine when it comes to kicking goals,” says Angus.

“Well, okay, that too,” shrugs Roy.

“Actually, that’s not our only exciting news,” says Violet, putting down her knife and fork. “Would you like to tell everyone what else happened today, Roy?”

“Why don’t you tell them?" says Roy, stabbing at his veal. “Seeing as you were the one lucky enough to receive the phone call.”

“Okay,” says Violet. “This afternoon the people who are looking after your mother rang me, and they said we’re all allowed to go and visit her tomorrow! Isn’t that fantastic?”

The girls exchange glances.

“What’s wrong?” says Roy.

“We don’t want to go to a mental hospital,” says Alexandra. “It sounds scary.”

“It’s not a hospital, it’s a treatment facility,” says Violet. “It’s a lovely old country house surrounded by beautiful lawns and oak trees. Your father’s been there to visit people lots of times, haven’t you Roy?”

“Yeah, that’s right. In fact, your own Grandma's been a patient there!” says Roy. “As well as Freddie and at least a dozen more of my clients. You know, they should name a wing after me after all the business I’ve sent their way. Or at least offer me some type of discount. But instead they can't even offer me the courtesy of a phone call. Anyway, to answer your question, Alex, it’s not a scary place at all. Quite the opposite, in fact.” He hate-chews his last sliver of veal and pushes his chair back. “I don’t mean to break up the party, but I’ve got to go and see Anya soon, so can you all cut the chit-chat and eat a bit quicker so we can fit in a game of kicky bag or something before I have to race off?”

[wzrd-wheezes]

Hey!!! Can I request an arranged engagement with James because they grew up in wealthy families and they're close friends but as she gets to know the boys better Sirius falls in love with her? Mutual pining with obstacles with be the death of me.

The Engagement Arrangement: Part 1 - James Potter x Reader. Sirius Black x Reader.

AN - I really loved this request so this has been turned into a multipart fic that I'll try and update as regularly as I can. Please give it a reblog and let me know if you want me to do a part 2. Thank you for sending in this lovely request!

1.9k words.

The engine of the car hummed quietly causing the window to vibrate as Y/N rested her head against the glass. She fiddled with the hem of her dress as she gazed out of the window, the trees a blur of red and orange as they whizzed past. 

“Will you stop fiddling with your dress!” Y/N’s mother snapped, whipping her head around to glare at her daughter, “I won’t have you at the Potter’s house with your dress all creased, what will they think of us!?” 

Y/N only murmured in response, barely paying attention to her mother’s nagging as she smoothed her dress out. The car pulled to a stop on the gravel driveway outside of the Potter’s manor. The autumn sunlight beat down on the vast lawns and bounced off of the ornate windows, casting patterns on the driveway. She sighed as she got out of the car, mentally preparing herself for the afternoon at the Potter’s.  

Coming to the Potter’s house for lunch wasn’t a frequent occurrence, yet every time their car pulled up outside, Y/N filled with dread. The lunches were alarmingly boring with her parents talking tirelessly with Mr and Mrs Potter. The Potter’s had a son, who Y/N was yet to meet as he attended a boarding school. Y/N’s mother had explained to her that James had been sent to boarding school as he was rather unruly, and they were trying to get him to settle down. However, now that he, like Y/N was 18, had finished school and returned home. 

Mrs Potter greeted them graciously at the front door, giving her parents a hug and Y/N a squeeze on the shoulder. She led them into the sitting room and began to bustle around making tea. Y/N perched on the edge of the sofa, trying to avoid crumpling her dress and infuriating her mother again. Just as she had done in the car, Y/N stared out of the window, her eyes drifting over the garden that seemed to sprawl for miles. Leaves floated down from the trees, landing in a pile on the floor before being dispersed by the soft breeze.  

“Nice of you to finally join us, Son.” Mr Potter spoke, easy smile resting on his face. Y/N was pulled out of her daydream, her eyes darting towards the door where a young man was standing, leaning lazily against the door frame. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his slacks, the top button of his shirt undone and his dark curls falling messily into his eyes. 

“Mr and Mrs L/N.” he nodded, “Nice to see you both again.” 

“Ah, James.” Y/N’s father exclaimed, “It’s been a while! You must have grown a good few feet taller since we last saw you.” 

“My career as a dwarf never really took off so I decided to just let it go.” James joked, earning himself a disapproving look from both of his parents. 

“James,” Y/N’s mother swiftly interjected, “You haven’t met our daughter, Y/N. She’s just finished school as well. I’m sure you’ll both get along well.” 

“Nice to meet you,” James grinned, stepping into the room and shaking Y/N’s hand. Y/N just smiled back at him, unsure of what to say. Her mother harshly nudged her leg, urging her to reply. 

“Yeah. You as well.” 

James plonked himself in the armchair in front of the window that Y/N was previously looking out of. She frowned slightly, annoyed that he was obstructing not only the view but also the distraction from the torturously boring conversation that their parents were having. The two teenagers sat silently, every so often glancing up at each other. One time, James rolled his eyes and mimed putting a gun to his head, Y/N had to try her best to stifle a laugh. Clearly, she didn’t try hard enough as she was shot another one of her mother’s infamous disapproving looks. 

“James, dear, why don’t you go and show Y/N around the gardens while we talk? We have some important business to discuss, and it will be terribly boring for you both.” James’ mother suggested. Y/N let out a sigh of relief and eagerly stood up, grabbing her jacket from the coat stand. 

For the first few moments, they didn’t speak a word to each other, just silently making their way through the hall towards the large front door, buttoning up their coats as they walked. It was only when they were out of earshot that James finally spoke. 

“I didn’t think it was possible to die of boredom, but I genuinely think I was close.” He said dramatically.  

“We were only sat in there for half an hour.” Y/N said, raising an eyebrow at him.  

“Yet it felt like an eternity.” 

James pushed open the front door and they were greeted by the crisp autumn air. Their breaths clouded in the chill, damp air and they both wrapped their coats a little tighter around themselves.  

“What d’you reckon they’re talking about?” Y/N asked, “What’s so important that we can’t be there to hear them discuss it?” James shrugged, staring up at the cloudless sky. 

“Who knows? Probably just boring adult stuff. I tend to just tune it out whenever they start speaking.” Despite his nonchalant response, there was a hint of wistfulness in his expression. It was almost as if the thought of having a genuine adult conversation with his parents seemed utterly foreign and unappealing to him. 

“They’re probably just sat moaning about us.” Y/N laughed, “That’s what adults do when they get together, isn’t it? Moan about their children?” 

“Nah, not my mum and dad. They genuinely think the sun shines out of my arse.” James chuckled. 

“Didn’t they ship you off to boarding school because you were too ‘unruly’” Y/N said, making air quotes with her fingers. James’ cheeks flushed at her comment and he let out an awkward chuckle. 

“Yeah, that was a bit of an exaggeration on mum and dad’s behalf. They made it sound like I was some feral child. In reality, I was just a normal kid who liked to have fun.” 

Y/N felt a bit guilty for poking fun at him about the boarding school ordeal. It seemed to be a bit of a sore spot for him, despite how flippantly he brushed it off. 

“They didn’t have to be so dramatic,” James continued, “But it’s all in the past now. I’m back home and everything’s fine/” He shrugged, the smile returning to his face. Y/N wasn’t quite so sure how accurate that statement one. 

They chatted as they walked through the gardens, comparing their school experiences, talking about their upbringings and their parents. Y/N felt sad that James had been away for the majority of their childhood, it would have made the many dinners with their parents a lot less painful if she had had someone her own age there to speak to.  

The more time that Y/N spent in James’s company, the more she realised just how much they had in common. They had similar senses of humour, enjoyed engaging in sarcastic banter and had a mutual disdain for the social niceties that dominated their families’ get-together. For his part, James enjoyed speaking with Y/N as well. Unlike with the adults in his life, he didn’t have to keep up an exhausting façade. He could be frank with her and didn’t have to worry about offending her with his snarky wit. 

The conversation turned back to the topic of their schooling. Y/N described her school life and her friends, while James told stories of pranking students and teacher alike, and generally being a nuisance. James had a twinkle in his eye as he recounted some of his more mischievous antics. It was clear that he had no regrets and was, in fact, quite proud of all the trouble he had gotten into over the years.  

“I’m pretty sure I was on my last chance before they got rid of me,” he admitted as they walked back to the house, “In our final year, my friends and I were planning to pull a big stunt during exam week, it would have definitely gotten us kicked out. Only, my friend Peter ended up talking us out of it in the end. Probably for the best.” As he finished speaking a hint of regret crossed his face. 

When they finally returned to the house, having been gone a good hour or so, they found their parents still sat in the same spot they were in before they had left. It looked as though time had stood still while they were outside. 

“Ah, there you two are! We were just about to send someone out to find you! We really need to talk to you both, if you wouldn’t mind sitting down for a moment.” Mrs Potter smiled. James sighed inwardly and shot Y/N an apologetic look. Just when he had been enjoying himself, their parents’ demands had sent him back to reality.  

“We’ve been discussing the future,” Y/N’s father began, “And now you have both finished school we believe it’s time to start making preparations for the future.”  

Y/N and James both leaned forward in their chairs, intrigued by what their parents had to say. James let out a nervous chuckle, not sure what Y/N’s father meant by that.  

“Preparations for the future?” he repeated, turning to look at his own father, “What do you mean? Like, getting involved in the family business or something?” 

“Not particularly.” James’s father said. 

“You’re both intelligent, young individuals with bright futures ahead of you. The pair of you both come from good families, and we think it’s time that the two of you started settling down.” Y/N’s mother explained. 

Both Y/N and James sat there in stunned silence, their minds racing to try and figure out exactly what their parents were talking about.  

“You’re not saying what I think you’re saying, are you?” James asked, not wanting to believe it, “You’re seriously suggesting that at the ripe old age of 18, we get married to each other?” The words were out of his mouth before he had even fully formed the thought. 

“That’s ridiculous!” Y/N exclaimed, “You can’t just arrange our romance like we’re some sort of commodity. That’s absurd!” The notion of being forced into a relationship with James with utterly foreign to her, especially since they had only met mere hours ago. Mrs Potter looked at them both with a stern expression. 

“This isn’t something that we’ve considered lightly.” she said, in a tone that left no room for argument, “We believe that the two of you will make a wonderful couple, and with time may even grow to love each other.” 

“There is much more than that to our proposal,” James’s father said solemnly, “It’s not just about romance. In this particular case, settling down is more about stability.” 

James and Y/N just stared at each other, feeling the full weight of their parents’ decision bearing down on their shoulders.  

“But what about what we want?” James snapped, gesturing to the two of them. 

“At the end of the day, this isn’t about what you want.” Mr Potter shook his head, “This is about your families and their futures, not just your own selfish desires.” 

The statement hit both of them hard, and for a moment, the two teenagers were completely stunned. Their own family was more important than their own happiness, their own dreams. The harsh reality of their situation slowly began to sink in, and the weight of the responsibility felt nearly too heavy for them to bear. 

[mysticficti0n]

All my attention Part 10

warnings- swearing, kissing, slight-teasing

words- 1.9k

If you'd like to read the previous parts → All my attention series

a/n- so if you're new here I am British and cannot speak any German, I speak a little French, Spanish and Italian but German- no. I also do not trust Google translate so this is gonna be like an avatar thing (if you've seen the newest one Jake says that their language just became normal or something along those lines) so in reality this is all in German, you as a reader know German but, its wrote in English... make sense? no... oh well

(I'm so sorry I've not done one of these in fucking ages but I've been so caught up in things and tomorrow is my sister birthday so this last week we've been doing things for her!)

┍━━━━━━━━━━ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━┑ backstory- you are the 5th member of Tokio Hotel and you always thought the love was equally platonic between you and a certain guitarist... but what if that all changed?

Bill's words stuck with me the whole day- what were we now? I didn't have a title for us and neither did Tom so we looked blankly "it's a bit early to tell yet" I spoke curling my lips between my teeth, Bill rolled his eyes and stood up heading to the front door

"well when you decide, tell me" and he left leaving me and his brother sat, Tom just smiled warmly to me, his arm hooked around my waist and we fell back into the seat his face finding it's way to the crook of my neck

"can we stay like this for a while" he spoke into my skin "you're so warm" I hummed a laugh while drawing shapes onto his shoulder "sorry that happened by the way..."

"it's okay" he breathed "I can't believe he found you" I giggled feeling a smile spread across Tom's lips "but I guess it's not to bad him knowing- it's if the press see or fans or just anyone besides a few close people" we sat cuddled up for a while, speaking small sentences and keeping each other warm and comforted until the time rolled around and Tom had to leave

"I'll call you tonight" we stood at the front door, arms wrapped around each others waist "you'll have to tell me about what you did for the rest of the day"

"well I could probably tell you right now- I'll be sat in my room reading a magazine then falling asleep, fun right?" the dreaded boy laughed pressing a kiss to my head

"thrilling- right I actually gotta go now, love you" I pulled his head and our lips connected, a hum of pleasure came from his lips "I fucking love that I can do this now" he kissed one last time before saying goodbye and running back to his own house, I shut my door and stood In the hall thinking over the last day- so much has happened

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"it was wonderful sweetheart! I didn't know you could cook so well" my dad grinned collecting all our plates "tasted just like nana's"

"well I thought I'd try it out as a surprise for you all coming home- what do you think Stella?" the little girl clapped her hands with a huge gummy smile across her sauce covered lips "good?"

"yeah!" she laughed as mom lifted her from her seat to clear her up "momma good?"

"it was, sunshine it was great! you'll have to cook more" I rolled my eyes playfully at my mother as she patted my shoulder walking by "right well I need to give Stell a bath- oh y/n could you do me a job, pop next door and ask if they have...oh whats the word?" my mom stood bouncing my sister on her hip

"your dress by any chance love?" my dad spoke pausing from washing the dishes

"yes yes! my yellow dress, tell Simone I'll pay her tomorrow" I nodded standing from my seat and grabbing my hoodie off the stairs, I grabbed my keys and went out, cutting across the lawn and jumping the wall over to their house, I went straight to the door and did my special knock, I herd a few shouts before a groan and the door flew open

"yeah- oh Y/n!" I saw Tom stood holding a bottle of coke in one hand and the door in the other "hey babe" he came out shutting the door behind him and pressing a kiss to my lips "what are you doing here?"

"hey I've come to get moms dress, that yellow one" he nodded re-opening the door and holding it for me, I walked in to see the Kaulitz's huddled round a table covered in monopoly "hello"

"Bill no you cant-hi sweets, you okay?" Simone asked coming over "wait let me guess- your mothers wedding dress? well wedding guest dress" I nodded "follow me" Tom smiled letting me follow his mom up the steps and him closely behind "it should be a better length now, if not tell her bring it back"

"it looks amazing, moms going to look beautiful- oh she told me to say she'll give you the money for it tomorrow" I watched Simone sigh giving the dress over

"your bloody mother- she's not paying me, I know she wouldn't make me pay. anyways; whats your dress like I herd it's a dark purple one right?" she asked sitting herself on her bed

"yeah it goes to my ankles, I have these black shoes to wear but the dress its self is like purple in one light then a blue shine? I guess you could call it that- kinda iridescent"

"you'll match Tom's tie! you two could go as a date" I turn to the boy who was already looking to me "Bill can take.. well I don't know" she trailed off as the two off us laughed at her words

"we could love" Tom elbowed my side and his moms eyes shot up "erm anyways- whats Stella wearing Y/n?" he tried to ignore his mothers gaze but I could already hear her words

"whats going on between you two?" she raised an eyebrow and a hot flush lay across my cheeks "Oh! I see- Bill was right then" she rubbed our shoulders then walked out with a small giggle

"right so mom now knows..." Tom huffed chewing his cheek

"its okay, I mean maybe its good? we said we'd only really let close friends and family know- bit earlier then we planned but" I rested a hand on his clenched one and felt him relax "it's gonna be okay"

"I love you Y/n" his free hand cupped my jaw bringing me close to him bar a few inches "so much" I pushed forward connecting our lips "fuck" he groaned arms moving to circle my body, his mouth moved down to my neck to my sweet spot

"Tom- no not there" I hummed trying push him away not that I didn't enjoy it, I was terrified his family would hear "To-ahh-Tom please" he pulled away with a smirk "such a idiot"

"aww" he purred tucking loose hair behind my ear "can't take it?"

"sure if you wanna think that but I'm going home now" I laughed trying to walk out the room but felt a hand grab my wrist "Tom!" he pulled me back jabbing his fingers into my side making laugh as it tickled "TOM STOP!" I cried falling to the floor throwing the dress to the side while trying to kick him away "STO-HAHA PLEASE STOP" He finally stopped helping me back up and kissing the corner of my mouth "fuck off being all lovely now- I'm going" I got the dress and walked out the room back down the stairs were Bill was giggling along with his mom

"okay Y/n" the black haired boy grinned

"goodbye" I walked out the house hearing the laughing begin again and I couldn't help but join in, I mean the whole thing was crazy I guess. I made it home giving the dress over and getting ready for bed as we had practice for a show soon and have to be there for 8 so I showered, shaved, did skin care, cleaned the bathroom and in no time it was 1:24am- I sat on my bed re-painting my nails before my phone started to ring saying Gustav "hm" I grabbed my cell and answered "Gus?"

"hellllooooo Y/n/n we need you're help especially Georg- he wants you" he sung

"huh! whats up with you?" the boy giggled before the phone was ripped from his hands "oh"

"hey Y/n" it was Georg "Give me the phone- erm sorry about that but ah... have you by any chance got time to come to..- Georg give me my fucking phone you asshole- I don't know the name.. okay its the bar by McDonalds and get me and Gustav?- Georg I.... I don't feel good- or get Tom to get us, we can't get a fucking cab and" Georg was interrupted by a heaving sound then splat "ON MY FUCKING SHOES YOU CUNT REALLY?" I began laughing "FUCK OFF OVER THERE- ima kill him"

I couldn't hold back my laugh hearing the angriness of the bassist "I'll get Tom to come get you because I don't drive yet but, I'll make the spare room up for you guys" a quick thanks was said before the line ended and I found Tom's number

"hey.. what's- whats up?" his voice was sleepy and I mean it was 1:30 almost

"hi so erm... Georg and Gustav need you to pick them up from the bar next to McDonalds- like now" I herd him groan but then the shuffling of bed sheets and his feet dragging

"I'll meet you in the car babe" I laughed but he was serious

"I'm not coming I need to get the spare room ready for the two"

"I'll be waiting" and he ended the call 'great'

┍━━━━━━━━━━ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━┑

"this is fucking stupid- why couldn't you guys walk to Y/n's instead of making me get up as well and drive to get your asses?" Tom scolded as the two clambered into the back

"well it was Georg's idea, he wanted to see Y/n" I herd a slap then a shrub from the bassist "what?!"

"dickhead" Georg grumbled staring out into the black streets, I saw Tom's jaw become tight, eyes narrower

"just say it dude- come on" Gus whispered erring another punch

"say what?" Tom turned back as we stopped at a red light "what's gotta be said?" he looked deadly, the red hue from outside making his features more intimidating

"Tom" I called giving him a 'look' but he ignored it "leave it they're drunk" I spoke just quiet enough for him to hear

"nothing has to be said man- he's bringing up shit" Georg protested, the lights switched and the guitarist turned back around giving me an angry look

"can you just take us home now" I asked turning to him, his body tense, knuckles like white mountains on his hands

"I'll fucking find out"

we made it home and the two boys had to help Gustav into the bed, quietly I stood watching Tom tuck in the drummer with an annoyed frown "thanks for this Y/n" Georg smiled nudging me "I'm sorry for what that dick was saying- his on a hole different world I promise I didn't wanna see you.. No no not that but- tell you what" the brunette rubbed my arm gently before walking away into the room nodding at Tom before getting in the bed. me and Tom tip toed into my room, shutting the door silently

"what did he say to you?" he spoke perching himself on the edge of my bed, I stood between his legs playing with his loose dreads

"that Gus is on his own planet and he didn't want to see me, but not like in a rude way but he gave up talking to me and just went to bed" Tom huffed resting his head on my stomach "you were a bit angry earlier Kaulitz?"

"of course I would be- don't want anyone acting like that toward my girlfri-" he stopped himself looking up to me and I couldn't stop the smile from forming on my face and nor could he "my girlfriend.. you... Y/n will you be my girlfriend?" I nodded whispering yes repeatedly "good" he spoke before our lips linked and I fell onto him, straddling him, his hands perched for a place to rest before getting comfy on my hips "love you baby"

"I love you too"

[kmomof4]

To Sir Graham, With Love Ch. 6

And we are back!!! Thank you all for coming along on this journey with me! I hope you enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think!

Thank you again to @jrob64 and @whimsicallyenchantedrose for their beta services and to @motherkatereloyshipper for her INCREDIBLE banner up above!! I love it so much, babe! Thank you!!!

And once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to @snowbellewells for whom this fic was written!!! Love you, darlin!!!!

We earn our rating in this chapter, y'all! If you want to skip it, it begins and ends with double scene change lines. Like this.

~*~*~

~*~*~

And now, on to the new chapter!

Summary: After a year long secret correspondence, twenty-eight year old spinster Ruby Jones decides to accept Sir Graham Humbert's offer of a visit to see if they might suit for marriage. Unfortunately, he failed to mention that he was the father of twins, and they are not thrilled with Ruby's appearance.

Rating: M ( for smut and mentions of physical abuse)

Words: Almost 7100 of 68k

Tags: Red Hunter Fic, Birthday Fic, Inspired by Eloise Bridgerton's Story, Smut

On ao3 From Beginning / Current Chapter

On Tumblr Prologue Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @the-darkdragonfly @jennjenn615

@donteattheappleshook @undercaffinatednightmare @pirateherokillian @cocohook38 @qualitycoffeethings

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @superchocovian @motherkatereloyshipper @snowbellewells  @djlbg

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@kymbersmith-90 @suwya @veryverynotgoodwrites @myfearless-love 

Under the cut, unless Tumblr ate it.

… cannot abide a man who drinks to excess. Which is why I’m sure you will understand why I couldnt not accept Lord Wescott’s offer.

– from Ruby Jones to her brother Killian, upon refusing her second proposal of marriage

~*~*~*~*~*~*

“No!” gushed Emma Jones, Killian’s very pregnant wife and one of Ruby’s very closest friends. “They didn’t!”

“Oh, yes, they did,” Ruby said grimly, as she sat back in her lawn chair and sipped a cup of lemonade. “And then they all got drunk!”

“Fiends,” Emma muttered, leading Ruby to the realization that what she’d really had enough of the evening before was the horribly chummish and collegial manner of men. Clearly, all she’d truly needed was one sensible female with whom she might disparage the lot of them.

Emma scowled. “Don’t tell me they were talking about that poor Mildred woman again.”

Ruby gasped. “You know about her?”

“Everyone knows about her,” Emma said, rolling her eyes slightly. “Truth be told,” she continued, moving closer, her voice dropping to a whisper though there wasn’t another soul around to overhear, “I feel sorry for the woman. All that unwanted attention, and it can’t be good for her back.”

Ruby tried to imagine and simply couldn’t.

“Regina once even asked her about it.”

Ruby’s mouth fell open. Regina was Emma’s stepsister who’d lived with the Jones for several years before she wed the rather merry village vicar who lived just five miles from My Cottage. She was also, quite honestly, one of the sweetest, kindest, and most welcoming people of Ruby’s acquaintance and if anyone was going to befriend a tavern wench with large bosoms, it would have been her.

“Mildred and her husband are in Robin’s parish,” Emma continued, referring to Regina’s husband. “So of course Regina knows them.”

“What did she say?” Ruby asked, still a bit astonished.

“Regina?”

“No, Mildred.”

“I don’t know,” Emma said, pulling a face and rubbing the side of her swollen belly. “Regina never told me. Can you believe that? I don’t think she has kept a secret from me her entire life. She said she couldn’t betray the confidence of a parishioner.”

Ruby thought that was quite noble of Regina, though she really wouldn’t have expected any different.

“Not that it concerns me, of course,” Emma said, with all the confidence of a woman who knows beyond any shadow of a doubt that she is loved. “Killian would never stray.”

“Of course not,” Ruby rushed to agree. Killian and Emma’s love story was legendary within their family - the two of them initially meeting at Alice Jones’ masquerade ball nearly a decade ago and falling madly in love that same night, but being the bastard daughter of the Earl of Glowerhaven, long dead by then, Emma had had to return to her life of forced servitude in her own household, until fate intervened and Killian and Emma met again two years later and were able to overcome secrets, lies, and the ton’s expectations to find their well-deserved happily ever after. Their story played no small part in Ruby’s desire for a love match and was a prominent factor in why she’d turned down so many proposals of marriage. She wanted that kind of love, drama, and passion. She wanted so much more than three homes, sixteen horses, and forty-two hounds, which were actually words said to her by one of her many suitors when he’d asked for her hand.

“But,” Emma continued, “I don’t think it’s so much to ask that he manage to keep his mouth closed when she walks by.”

Ruby was about to add her firm and vehement agreement when she saw Sir Graham walking across the lawn in their direction.

“Is that him?” Emma asked, a smile on her face.

Ruby nodded.

“He’s very handsome.”

“Yes, I suppose,” Ruby said slowly.

“You suppose?” Emma snorted inelegantly. “Don’t you play coy with me, Ruby Jones. Don’t forget that I was your ladies maid and know you better than just about anyone.”

Ruby couldn’t help the amused twist of her lip, but she did manage to bite her tongue instead of reminding Emma that she’d been Ruby’s ladies maid for a paltry fortnight before she and Killian had come to their senses and married. 

“Very well,” Ruby allowed. “He is quite handsome, if you prefer the rough, rural sort.”

“Which you do,” Emma said pertly.

To her complete mortification, Ruby felt herself blush. “Perhaps,” she muttered.

“Oh, look,” Emma said approvingly. “He brought flowers.”

“He’s a botanist,” Ruby said.

“That doesn’t make the gesture any less sweet.”

“No,” Ruby grudgingly agreed, “just easier.”

“Ruby,” Emma said, turning to her, the disapproval in her voice exceedingly hard to miss. “Stop. Don’t you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Cut that man down before you even give him a chance.”

“That’s not what I was doing,” Ruby protested, though she knew she was lying the moment the words left her mouth. She hated that her family was running her life as if she had no say in the matter and it left her feeling sullen and uncooperative. It didn’t matter in the least that she was the one who’d brought it on herself.

“I am not even going to dignify that statement with a response,” Emma snorted. “The flowers are lovely and it doesn’t matter if he had eight thousand varieties to choose from. He still thought to bring them.”

Ruby had no answer. It was true. And even though she knew she was pouting like a child, the gesture did make the corners of her lips lift in a small smile, and a sense of well being enveloped her. Maybe things would be alright after all.

“Killian didn’t give me all the details…” Emma hedged.

Ruby laughed. She just couldn’t help herself. “What do you want to know?”

Emma looked over at Sir Graham, gauging just how long they had left to talk before he arrived at their sides. “Well, for one thing,” she began, conspiratorially, “is it true you’d never met him before?”

“In person? No,” Ruby replied. Her sour mood was back again. It sounded so silly when she said the words out loud. Truly, what had she been thinking? Running away to a man she’d never met.

“Well,” Emma mused, “if it all works out in the end, what a romantic tale it will make.” A soft smile graced her face and it wasn’t hard to guess what her beloved friend and sister-in-law was thinking. “Much like mine and Killian’s.”

Ruby swallowed hard. It was too soon to know if it would work out in the end. She was quite certain she’d end up married to Sir Graham, but she didn’t love him and she knew he didn’t love her. Being here in the home of her other favorite brother and sister-in-law, witnessing the love and affection between them, just made her even more afraid that she’d made a terrible mistake.

But the only way to answer that question was to marry Sir Graham and see what happened.

“Miss Jones, Mrs. Jones,” Sir Graham greeted them upon his arrival. He held out a bouquet of white and purple orchids toward Ruby. “I brought you these,” he said, unnecessarily. 

“Thank you,” Ruby replied, a smile spreading across her lips at the little flutter her heart gave at the lovely gesture. “They’re beautiful.”

“Where ever did you find orchids?” Emma asked, the delight in her voice clear. “They’re exquisite!”

“I grew them,” he informed her. “I keep a greenhouse.”

“Ah, yes,” Emma exclaimed. “Ruby mentioned that you are a botanist. I do love to garden myself, but am simply miserable at it. The gardeners would be quite happy if I simply stuck to enjoying their efforts rather than trying to join them.” Both Emma and Graham chuckled lightly at her statement and Ruby realized she needed to make introductions, even if he’d correctly guessed who Emma was.

“Emma,” she said, clearing her throat and motioning between them, “may I present Sir Graham Humbert. Sir Graham, this is Killian’s wife, Emma.”

“I am very pleased to meet you,” Emma said, holding her hand out gracefully. Graham bowed over it and brushed her knuckles with his lips.

“The honor is mine, Mrs. Jones,” he murmured.

“Oh, please call me Emma,” she gently corrected him. “Since it seems you’re part of the family already.”

Ruby and Graham both flushed and Emma realized her faux pas at once. “Oh, no! That’s not what I meant. Not for you two…” The words poured from her lips like a dam breaking and her eyes bounced between the two as she sought to assuage both their discomfort. “I mean, amongst the men.” Her hands fluttered aimlessly and she could feel her cheeks heating. “I mean… Killian said, well, there was quite a bit of wine last night…” 

“A fact I’d rather not dwell on,” Graham mused, the self-deprecation in his voice clear.

“The fact that you remember at all is quite remarkable, if you ask me,” Ruby mumbled, but not quite low enough that her companions were unable to hear her. “Does your head ache terribly?” she asked, louder this time.

“Like the devil,” he replied.

“Good,” she mumbled again, churlishly. She shouldn’t be acting this way and she knew it - especially when presented with the lovely and rare orchids - but she just couldn’t help herself.

“Ruby!” Emma scolded.

“How is Killian this morning?” she asked sweetly.

Emma sighed. “He’s an absolute bear. And Henry is still abed.”

“I seem to have fared the best then,” Graham observed.

“Except for David,” Ruby informed him. “He never feels the aftereffects of alcohol. And of course Liam hardly had anything.”

“Lucky man.”

“Would you care for something to drink, Sir Humbert?” Emma asked. “Of the non-intoxicating type, of course. I’d be glad to arrange for some lemonade to be brought out.”

“If I’m to call you by your Christian name,” he began, “then I must insist you do the same. And that would be most appreciated, thank you.” When she began to struggle to move off the chaise, Graham hurried to her side to help her.

“Thank you,” Emma puffed. “I always forget how hard it is to get out of these chairs by this point of my confinement.”

“I shouldn’t have asked for the lemonade,” Graham admonished himself.

“Nonsense,” Emma replied. “I offered. It’s only a short ways to My Cottage and the walk will do me good. I’ll return shortly.” She offered them both a sharp nod and began waddling toward the house. Ruby smiled.

“She’s as stubborn as I am,” she informed Graham, “if not more. Don’t concern yourself,” she continued, laying her hand on his arm as he sat on the lounge Emma had just vacated. “She would have insisted no matter what.”

Graham nodded, looking down at his hands for a moment before meeting her gaze. “It’s good to see you this morning.”

“And you,” she replied.

“I must apologize for my behavior last night,” he said, clearly uncomfortable.

She scrutinized him as he fidgeted on the seat. He seemed sincere. She didn’t know him well, but he didn’t seem the sort to apologize without really meaning it. She shrugged indifferently. “I have brothers,” she said, blandly. “I’m used to it.”

“Perhaps so,” he allowed, “but I am not. I assure you, I am not in the habit of overindulging.”

She looked back at him, observing the distressed look in his eye. Somehow she knew that he was telling her the absolute truth and she forgave him with a nod of her head in acceptance of his words.

“I have been thinking,” he said.

“As have I.”

He cleared his throat and tugged at his cravat. “We will have to marry.”

“I’m aware,” she bit out.

“I am sorry that it’s occurring under these circumstances.”

Ruby turned to him in surprise. “What?” she breathed.

He looked confused for a moment, his eyes darting everywhere but at her. “These… circumstances,” he repeated. “I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chaperone in place when you arrived. I’m sorry that your brothers descended when they did - though I had decided we’d suit and was planning on proposing marriage with a ring and whatever else it is that I’m supposed to do before they arrived - and forced the issue before you were ready for it. But I’m not sorry it’s happening.”

“You’re not?” She couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice. How was it possible that he was able to discern that particular character quality after only knowing her for less than three days? There was nothing she valued more than her independence, about having choices in her life, and she was profoundly grateful that she was part of a family that allowed her to do so. There were many brothers within the ton who wouldn’t have stood for Ruby rejecting as many offers of marriage as she had. And while she had thought she was exercising that independence and control over her own life in running off to Gloucestershire, it had done no more than brought her to the place she was now. And there was no getting around that, no matter how much Ruby wanted to ignore her own part in it. 

But how could Graham have known that it wasn’t the fact that Liam was making her marry him, it was the fact that she wasn’t ready for it yet? She couldn’t deny that she found him extremely attractive, and even though she’d only met him three days ago, she was quite sure in the depths of her soul that he was a man she could love. She just wasn’t there yet. And not knowing how he felt about her - beyond that he clearly thought she’d be good for Nicholas and Ava - was the only other true reservation she had. 

So it wasn’t that she was being required to marry him, she simply wanted more of a say in when and how it happened.

“No, I’m not,” he replied, finally meeting her gaze. “I’d be willing to wait as long as you needed, but I’m afraid -” here his eyes looked up the hill toward Liam and David who were making their way towards them, preceding a servant laden down with more food than Hercules himself could carry - “your brothers won’t allow that. Quite frankly, if you were my sister, I’d have marched you to a church last night.”

That, more than anything, went a long way toward assuaging her distress over the entire situation. As much as she hated Liam dictating her future to her, she knew he did it out of a place of love and honor - for her and for their family - and the fact that Graham agreed with the principles underpinning Liam’s actions told her with certainty that he was also a man of honor.

Ruby glanced at her brothers and then blurted out. “Why did you decide we would suit?”

Graham blinked in surprise. “I beg your pardon?” He couldn’t have been more surprised at her question. Although heaven knew why not. This was Ruby after all.

“Why did you decide we would suit?” she repeated, her tone insistent. Of course this would be how she would ask. No beating around the bush with Ruby. Why be coy when she can just be direct and move on to the next thing that much faster? 

“I… uh…” he stuttered.

“You don’t know,” she interrupted him, and if he wasn’t very much mistaken, she sounded disappointed.

“Of course I do!” he protested. No man liked to be told he didn’t know his own mind.

“No, you don’t,” she insisted. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be choking on air.”

“Good God, woman!” he exclaimed. “Don’t you have a single charitable bone in your body? I simply needed a moment to formulate an answer.”

“Ah, there’s the happy couple,” David proclaimed, sitting himself down at the table a few yards away. 

“Good morning,” Graham rose and greeted the brothers, never more happy to see another human being in all his life.

“Hungry?” David asked. “I took the liberty of ordering breakfast al fresco.”

Liam sat down and glanced toward his sister. “How are you this morning?”

“Fine,” she replied.

“Hungry?” 

“No.”

“Cheerful?”

“Not for you,” she informed him haughtily. He chuckled and picked up a napkin and placed it in his lap as the servant relieved himself of his burden, apologizing profusely for his clumsiness when everything on the tray rattled alarmingly. 

After assuring the flustered man it was no problem, Liam turned to Graham. “She is usually more prone to conversation than this,” he said. 

Graham raised an eyebrow as he cut his eyes toward her. She looked like she wanted to hit her brother and Graham was quite intrigued to see if she’d be able to master the impulse or not.

The two brothers served themselves then Liam turned to Graham and Ruby. “The two of you seem particularly well-suited this morning,” he informed them.

Ruby’s glare could have curdled fresh milk. “And when did you come to that conclusion?”

Liam shrugged nonchalantly. “It wasn’t hard to see.” He paused for a moment, smug mirth dancing in his eyes. “It was the bickering, actually. All the best couples do it.”

Graham nodded thoughtfully. 

“Elsa and I often have similar conversations before she comes around to my way of thinking,” he said. Graham was starting to worry about Ruby. If she glared at her brother any harder, her eyeballs might pop right out of her head. “Of course,” Liam continued, completely unaffected by Ruby’s ire, “she might offer a different interpretation. I allow her to think I’m coming around to her way of thinking. It’s easier that way.” Graham glanced briefly at Ruby, amazed that there wasn’t smoke pouring out of her ears. “When did you arrive?” Liam asked him, pulling his attention away from the food and Ruby and back to the viscount.

“Just a few minutes ago, actually,” Graham said.

“Yes,” Ruby interjected smartly, “You’ll be pleased to know he proposed marriage.”

Graham coughed loudly when Ruby made the announcement. She glanced briefly at him before continuing. “He said, We’ll have to marry.”

“Well,” Liam said, looking directly at Ruby, “you do have to marry. And my compliments to him,” he continued, darting his eyes to Graham before settling back on his sister, “on not beating around the bush. I’d have thought you of all people would appreciate that sort of directness.” His gaze settled on Graham then. “She’s just irritated about having her choices dictated to her. She’ll be fine in a few days.”

“I’m fine now,” she snapped.

“Yes,” Liam agreed affably. “You certainly look it.”

“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” she gritted out.

Liam raised a single eyebrow. “Now that is an interesting question. I guess you could say I should be in London with my wife and children. But I’m not, am I? I’m here. In Wiltshire. And why am I here again?” he asked blandly, spreading honey on a scone.

Ruby snapped her mouth shut. Before Liam took a bite, he reached in his pocket and withdrew a small letter. “Mother sent this for you,” he said, handing it to her. “I regret it slipped my mind to give it to you last night.”

“Do you want to read it?” Graham whispered to her.

She answered him with a small shake of her head as she continued to look at the missive in her hand. “Not now,” she whispered right back. Graham realized exactly what she meant - she didn’t want to read it in front of her brothers - and suddenly knew what he had to do.

“Lord Jones,” Graham said, standing from his seat. “May I request a moment alone with your sister?”

“You just had a moment with her,” David said, in between bites of bacon. 

Graham ignored him. “My lord?” he asked Liam again.

Liam glanced at Ruby before answering. “Of course, if she’s agreeable.”

Graham grabbed Ruby’s hand and hauled her to her feet. “She’s agreeable,” he said.

“Hmmm, yes,” David mused. “She does look agreeable, doesn’t she?” Graham decided right then and there that all of the Jones’ should have their own muzzles.

“Come with me,” he said briskly, hopefully before she decided to argue with him. Which, of course, she would since she was Ruby Jones. He might not know her well, but he did know she’d never trot obediently behind him, not when she could argue instead.

“Where are we going?” she gasped, once they were out of earshot of her brothers. His long and powerful stride had her nearly running to keep up with him, so she was utterly unprepared when he came to a sudden stop.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“I’ve never been here before, Ruby,” he informed her, rather incredulously, she thought. “Of course I don’t know where I’m going.”

She raised an eyebrow at him in question. “Perhaps you’d like to go inside the house?” she asked, sweetly.

“Yes, capital idea,” he replied. He grabbed her hand again and didn’t release it until they stood next to a side door of My Cottage. “Where does this go?” he asked.

“Inside,” she cheeked. He raised an eyebrow at her and Ruby bit back a chuckle, feeling immensely better now that they were away from her brothers, but particularly Liam. “Through Emma’s writing room to the hall,” she continued.

“Is Emma in her writing room?”

“I doubt it,” she said. “Didn’t she come inside to fetch you some lemonade?”

“Good,” he said, trying the door and raising a prayer of thanks when it opened easily. The room was empty, but the door on the other side leading to the hall was open. Graham strode across the room and shut the door firmly. When he turned back to Ruby, she still stood in the open doorway, the expression on her face a cross between curiosity and amusement. “Shut the door,” he ordered.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”

“Shut the door,” he repeated. It wasn’t a tone 0f voice he used often, but after a year of feeling lost with no direction in life, he finally knew what he wanted, and he was going after it. “Shut the door, Ruby,” he repeated in a low voice, taking slow and deliberate steps toward her. 

She appeared frozen as he approached, her mouth dropped open in a small O of surprise. “Graham, you…” She trailed off as he reached behind her and shut the door himself, then turned the lock. “What are you doing?” Her voice was no more than a whisper as she looked up into his face as if she didn’t know him. Hell, he wasn’t sure he knew himself any longer.

“You were worried that we might not suit,” he said gently, running the back of his hand along her jaw. ��And I thought it was time to show you that we do.”

Ruby had only a moment to take a deep breath before his lips were on hers. And it was a good thing she did, because if the passion of his kiss was any indication, he didn’t intend to release her for quite some time. Perhaps sometime in the next century.

But then he stopped and she gasped in astonishment, unable to take her eyes from his. His large hands cradled her face and he simply stared at her, cataloging her every feature, his eyes bouncing between hers then moving on to her forehead, then nose, and finally her lips, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks.

“Graham?” she whispered.

“I just had to look at you,” he explained, his voice but a whisper between them. “You’re always moving. I never have a chance to just see you.”

Her knees nearly gave out at his words and her lips parted, but she had nothing to say. All she could do was stare up into his blue eyes and try not to drown in them.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his thumbs still stroking her cheeks. “Do you know what I thought when I first saw you?” Ruby shook her head silently. “I thought I could drown in your eyes. I thought I could drown in you.” 

She swayed toward him and his thumbs moved from her cheeks to her bottom lip. The gentle feathering touch sent ripples of pleasure shooting down her spine and she realized that she’d never understood the power of desire until this very moment. Never knew how it weakened one to the point of collapse and strengthened to the point of never letting go at the same time.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

Graham smiled. “You always order me about.”

A coy smile touched her lips. “And I’ll do it even more as your wife,” she said. “Kiss me.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, still smiling. “Because once I start, I might not be able…”

She couldn’t wait any longer. She grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down to meet her waiting lips. He chuckled against them as his arms tightened around her. When his tongue touched the seam of her lips, she opened to him with a groan deep in her throat, welcoming his invasion as he explored every inch of her mouth. He held her closely, stirring the fire he’d kindled, pressing her closer and closer to the heat of him until she could feel it burning through the morning dress she wore.

~*~*~

~*~*~

His hands moved down from her waist to her bottom where he squeezed and kneaded and tilted her up until…

She gasped when she felt the hardness against her. She’d heard whispers, of course, and then there’d been the time she and her sister Tink had used their pin money to bribe one of the servant girls to tell them exactly what to expect, so she knew what his hardness meant, but she’d never imagined it would feel so hot, so insistent.

“I want to be inside you,” he groaned, peppering her jaw with kisses. Her knees really did give out that time, but he held her securely then lowered her to the sofa and stretched out atop of her. His weight was heavy, yet thrilling at the same time and Ruby’s heart beat double time as his lips trailed down the column of her neck, sending shivers to all of her extremities.

“Graham,” she moaned. It was her only coherent thought, the only word she had.

“Ruby, yes,” he groaned in response. Her name seemed to be torn out of him, and Ruby nodded vigorously in reply. Whatever he wanted, she wanted. Whatever he desired, she desired. She wanted it all. She wanted everything. Everything he would give her. And she wanted it now.

His hand reached down and touched her ankle, the calluses rough against the silk of her stocking. She gasped as he continued nuzzling and kissing her neck while his hand slid steadily upward until it reached the edge of her stocking. He didn’t stop, but Ruby didn’t want him to. She opened her legs to him until he settled himself firmly in between them.

She was on fire for him and the incoherent moans and gasps that fell from her lips were the only language she was capable of uttering. His fingers tickled the inside of her thighs and she thought she’d die from the anticipation driving her higher and higher. She was a taunt bow string, ready to sing for him at the slightest provocation.

And then he touched her.

Touched her where she’d never been touched before. Her mouth dropped open on a silent scream and she knew one thing beyond any shadow of a doubt. 

She was his.

His touch was feather light against her folds and she squirmed beneath him, mewling cries as she felt herself blossom - like one of his beloved blooms - beneath his tender and almost reverent touch. And when he reached inside, his name was ripped from her lips on a cry of ecstasy that left her riding the crest of a wave of pleasure inside her she’d never known, filling every corner, to the very tips of her fingers and toes.

It seemed to last forever, and when she finally collapsed in replete exhaustion, she didn’t think she could lift her pinky finger if her life depended on it.

“Oh, Ruby,” he groaned. “Do you have any idea…” He removed his hand from underneath her dress and very deliberately, never taking his eyes from hers, licked his fingers. “Delicious,” he murmured. Ruby released a shocked gasp at the brashness of his action, but why now and not when he was touching her so intimately, she’d never know.

He smoothed his hand over her hair in a gesture so tender and loving, Ruby could feel her eyes filling with tears. She still couldn’t move, so when he moved off of her and smoothed her skirts back down, she felt bereft.

“Oh, Graham,” she breathed. She was sure she had the silliest grin on her face, but she just couldn’t help herself.

~*~*~

~*~*~

“Is there a washroom?” he asked, his voice rather hoarse to her ears. It was only then that she noticed he held himself rather stiffly and his features looked strained.

“Uh, yes,” she said quickly, pointing toward the door to the hall. “Out and to the right.” It seemed odd that he’d have to relieve himself after such a breathtaking encounter, but who was she to try and understand the working of the male body?

He rose from the sofa and walked to the door. But before he opened it, he turned to look at her, his gaze alone threatening to consume her once again. “Do you believe me now?” he asked.

“Believe you?” she replied, “About what?”

He smirked as he turned the knob. “We’ll suit.”

Once alone in the washroom, Graham needed less than a minute to finish himself off. He was that wound up after his encounter with Ruby.

Dear God, she’d been magnificent in her passion. And she had no clue what she’d done to him. He thought back to how she looked still sprawled out on the sofa when he’d left her. She’d just looked at him with a blissful smile on her face, completely oblivious to the fact that he was ready to explode.

He had no earthly idea about the intricacies of a woman’s toilette, but he was quite sure she’d need to redress her hair at the very least before rejoining the others outside. 

He’d known that if and when he ever found a woman he was interested in bedding, that his body would react strongly. It had been that long since he’d known the pleasures of the flesh with anything other than his hand. The feel of a female body responding to his touch was pure bliss.

But now he could see why he’d never indulged with the local whores and barmaids who’d expressed interest, or found himself a discreet widow. He’d been waiting for her. 

He’d been waiting for Ruby. 

He needed her. More than he’d ever needed anyone. He wanted to sink into her and never leave. He wanted to possess her as she possessed him.

He’d had fantasies, of course. Every man did. But now his fantasy had a face, and he’d better get himself under control or he’d be walking around with a constant erection if he couldn’t get his thoughts directed elsewhere.

He needed a wedding. And fast.

He emerged out onto the lawn to see all four of the Jones brothers gathered around the table.

“Ah, there he is,” Killian said as he approached. Graham stopped when he saw the pistol in the man’s hand. Was it possible that he knew what had just transpired in his wife’s study? 

No, Graham thought, swallowing hard. There’d been no one around when they’d entered the room, nor when he left. He’d made sure of that. Besides, Killian was smiling. Though, he supposed, it could be possible that he was the type of man who’d enjoy picking off the spoiler of his sister’s innocence.

“Uh, good morning,” he replied, glancing at the others, trying to gauge the situation.

“Do you shoot?”

“Of course.”

Killian motioned with his head toward a target some thirty yards away. “Good,” he said, amiably. “Join us.”

Graham noted the target was firmly in place, which meant that he would not be serving in the role.

“I didn’t bring a gun.”

“Of course not. We’re all friends here, right?” Killian was still smiling, but it wasn’t the type of smile that inspired confidence in one’s well being.

“I would hope.”

“We’ll provide one for you.”

Graham nodded and approached the table. If this was to be the way he proved himself to Ruby’s brothers, then so be it. He was quite accomplished in the skill, after all. It was one of those manly pursuits his father had insisted on him learning. He’d lost count of the hours, days, and weeks he’d practiced shooting on the lawn of Romney Hall. His arm held out straight until his muscles burned with the exertion, breath held until he’d taken his shot, always praying his aim was true.

If it was, his father wouldn’t beat him.

It was as simple, and as desperate, as that.

He murmured his hellos to the rest of the men and examined the pistols laid out. 

“Let’s get on with this,” Liam said, “before Ruby returns.” He glanced up at Graham. “Where is she, by the way?”

“She was reading the letter from your mother,” Graham lied smoothly.

“I see,” he said. “Well, that won’t take long. We’d better hurry.”

“Maybe she’ll go ahead and pen a reply,” David mused. “She’s always writing someone a letter. That will give us a few extra minutes.”

“A very few,” Henry groused. “She’s fiendishly fast.”

“At writing?” Graham asked.

“At everything,” Henry said, rolling his eyes. “Let’s shoot.”

“Why are you all so anxious to start without her?” Graham asked.

“Uh, no reason,” Killian said at the same time Liam mumbled, “Who said anything about that?”

Graham raised an eyebrow as he looked at each of the brothers in turn. He decided it’d do himself no earthly good to remind them that they all had.

“Age before beauty, old chap,” David said, slapping Liam on the back.

Liam stepped up to the chalk line drawn in the grass, aimed, and fired.

“Well done!” Graham exclaimed when the footman brought the target near. Liam’s shot was only an inch off of dead center.

“Thank you,” he said. “How old are you?”

“Uh, thirty,” Graham replied.

“That puts you behind David,” he said. “We always do things like this by age. It’s easier to keep track that way.”

“I see,” Graham murmured. Killian and then David both took their shots. They were good, but not perfect, but still good enough to kill a man, if that was their intention.

Graham selected a pistol and tested its weight in his hand before he stepped up to the chalk line. It’d only been recently that he realized he liked to shoot, that it wasn’t a chore. And when he realized that, his father’s voice in the back of his mind - always yelling, always criticizing - was gone.

He raised his arm, his muscles rock steady, and fired. He squinted. It looked good. When the footman brought the target near, they all saw he missed the bullseye by no more than half an inch. Closer than anyone so far.

They all murmured their congratulations to him before Henry stepped up to shoot. When he did, he proved to be Graham’s equal.

“We do five rounds,” Liam explained as he stepped to the line again. “Best out. If there’s a tie, the leaders face off.”

Graham nodded his understanding. David looked at Graham with deadly serious eyes. “We take our games seriously.”

“I’m gathering,” Graham replied.

“Do you fence?”

“Not well.”

The corner of David’s lips lifted in a smirk. “Excellent.”

“Be quiet!” Liam barked, shooting an irritated look over his shoulder at his brother. “I’m trying to aim.”

“Such need for silence won’t serve you well in the middle of a crisis, brother,” David called cheerily. 

“Shut up!”

“In fact, if we were attacked,” he continued, completely unbothered by the glare Liam was sending him, “it would be quite noisy, and I, for one, am rather disturbed to think…”

“David!” Liam bellowed.

“Don’t mind me,” David said jauntily.

“I’m going to kill him,” Liam said to no one in particular. “Does anyone mind if I kill him?”

No one did, but Emma, sitting about ten feet away with her nose stuck in a book, did look up and mention something about the blood and the mess it’d create.

“It does make for an excellent fertilizer,” Graham interjected, trying to be helpful, since it was his area of expertise.

“Oh, well then, by all means,” Emma said, turning back to her book.

“How’s the book, darling?” Killian called.

“It’s quite good, actually,” she replied.

“Would you all please be quiet?” Liam’s cheeks colored slightly as he glanced at his sister-in-law. “Not you, of course, Emma,” he amended.

“Glad to be exempted,” she said cheerfully, rubbing the side of her stomach.

“Do try not to threaten my wife,” Killian said mildly.

Liam glared menacingly at his brother. “The lot of you should be drawn and quartered,” he mumbled.

“Except for Emma,” David reminded him.

Liam turned to him with a deadly expression. “You do realize this gun is loaded, don’t you?”

“Luckily for me, fratricide is considered far beyond the pale.”

Liam clamped his mouth shut and turned back toward the target. “Round two,” he shouted, taking aim.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaait!!!”

All four Jones men sagged and turned around, groaning when they saw Ruby careening down the hill toward them.

“Are you shooting?” she demanded, hands on her hips.

No one answered her. No one really needed to.

“Without me?”

“We aren’t shooting,” Henry piped up. “We’re just standing around. With guns.”

“Near a target,” David interjected.

“You’re shooting,” she accused.

“Of course, we’re shooting,” Liam ground out. He flicked his head over toward Emma. “Emma’s reading a book. You should join her.”

“A very good one, in fact,” Emma called.

“Reading books is very improving, you know, Ruby,” Killian said.

“I don’t need to be improved, Killian,” she snapped. “Give me a gun.”

“I’m not going to give you a gun,” he retorted. “We don’t have enough to go around.”

“You can share, you know,” she said, smartly. “Have you ever heard of sharing? I hear it’s very improving.”

Killian scowled at her as only an older brother could, and in a way that wasn’t particularly reflective of his years.

“Here,” Graham said, magnanimously, handing his gun over to Ruby. “You can use mine.” All four Jones brothers groaned in annoyance, but Graham didn’t care. He found that he rather enjoyed annoying them.

“Thank you,” Ruby said graciously. “Since you just called out Round Two, I assume you’ve all taken one shot?”

“Indeed,” Graham replied. He looked around at her brothers, all of whom wore a dejected look on their faces. “What’s wrong?”

Liam just shook his head.

“She’s a freak of nature,” Killian volunteered.

Graham raised his eyebrows and turned his attention back to Ruby. She didn’t appear particularly freakish to him. 

“I’m dropping out,” Henry muttered. “I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“You’ll have to order more,” David informed him. “I ate it all.”

Henry groaned. “It’s a wonder I haven’t starved to death with you around, David.”

“Did the two of you grow up in a barnyard?” Liam asked.

Graham bit his lip to contain his smile.

“Are we going to shoot?” Ruby asked.

“You certainly are,” Henry groused. “I’m leaving to eat.” He didn’t move from his place leaning against the trunk of a tree as Ruby lifted her arm and fired.

Graham blinked in surprise as the footman brought forth the target.

Dead center.

“Where did you learn to do that?” he asked, trying desperately not to gape at her.

She shrugged. “I didn’t,” she informed him. “I’ve always been able to do it.”

“Freak of nature,” David repeated Killian’s words from earlier.

“Well, I think it's splendid!” Graham exclaimed.

Ruby looked at him, her eyes aglow. “Really?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” he affirmed. “If our home is being attacked, I know exactly who will join me on the front lines.”

She beamed at his praise, then looked around at her brothers. “Where’s the next target?”

Henry rolled his eyes as he pushed himself away from the tree. “I forfeit. I’m getting something to eat.”

“Get something for me too,” David called.

Ruby turned to Liam. “It’s your turn then?”

He took the gun from her hands and laid it on the table to be reloaded. “As if it matters,” he mumbled.

“We all have to do five rounds,” she informed him haughtily. “You’re the one who made the rules.”

“I know,” he muttered. He took aim, but he clearly was past caring. He was off by several inches.

“You’re not even trying!” Ruby cried, indignant.

Liam turned to Killian. “I hate shooting with her.”

“Your turn,” she said to Killian. 

Killian, then David, took their turns. They both performed better than Liam did, but still missed their marks.

Graham stepped up to the line. “Don’t you give up, too,” she admonished him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said softly, a smirk on his face. 

“Good,” she said, spearing her brothers with A Look. “It’s no fun shooting with poor sports.” She turned her attention back to Graham as he took aim. “They do this every time. They perform badly until I quit because it’s just not worth it, then they all come back and have all the fun.”

“Be quiet,” he admonished her lightly. “I’m trying to aim.”

“Oh, sorry,” she apologized quickly and shut her mouth, watching him intently as he took aim and fired.

“Perfect!” she cried when the footman arrived with the target. “Oh, Graham, that was wonderful!”

Liam grumbled something under his breath before turning his attention to Graham. “You are going to marry her, aren’t you?” he asked. “Because if you will take her off our hands and shoot with her, I will gladly double her dowry.”

Graham was quite certain by then that he’d marry Ruby for nothing, but he just grinned and replied, “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

~*~*~

Thank you for reading and sharing! I'd love to hear what you think! Next ch will be up Tuesday night before I go to bed.

[asexxxualauthor]

It’s crazy how much the world changes when you’re not paying attention to it. 

I was at a party my parents were hosting in my childhood home’s backyard. They do this every once in a while, where they invite all their friends from the country bar they go to. It’s usually not my vibe, but I like food, and the music and dancing is always good, so I showed up—and between burgers and line-dances, discussion turned to how beautiful the backyard was, and the work my parents had put into it.

The backyard is truly beautiful—there’s a large concrete patio that runs the full length of the house’s back wall, furnished with a gas barbecue, a large corner trellis with a bench, and a pergola crafted from the trellis’ twin. A wall of lilacs runs along the northern and most of the western sides of the patio, and a stout stone wall runs along the length of the fence line, dividing the neatly trimmed lawn from trees, bushes, and wild grasses my dad lets run rampant in the background. There’s a vegetable garden, a large tool shed in the corner, and a quiet little shady spot decorated with shucked antlers and my dad’s dozing hammock.

It’s all so beautiful…and none of it existed when we moved in twenty years ago.

That patio was around the same area in size, but a large chunk of it was loose gravel under a large wooden porch. The lawn was bland and uninteresting—there was a corner garden with a fish pond that we eventually buried, and an above-ground pool where the shed now stands that lasted a good few summers before we gave up on it—and the only plants that could be found were massive bushes of pampas grass that were so annoying we had them ripped out within the first year, and a sapling globe willow that cracked in half in a wind storm a few years later.

That willow was also a treehouse for a time—the spot where my dad’s hammock hangs used to house a clubhouse hidden between the tree and the fence—a second vegetable garden sat beside the first, and was quartered off into sections for me and my sisters to try our own hands at agriculture, something the middle sister still loves with a wonderful passion to this day. And even after that one was abandoned, my dad made two more in the space where the pool once was, and where the shed now is.

(That corner, perhaps, has seen the most change, by far.)

Those aren’t the only changes, either—the whole neighborhood has changed.

When we first moved in, there was a rolling horse pasture that sat beside the road on the way in. Coming back from elementary school, we’d stop to watch the horses and try and give them pats. The horses are gone now, the pastures rolled flat, and a subdivision now stands there.

Out on the southern side of the neighborhood were these large mounds of dirt that the other kids would take their mountain and dirt bikes on. I remember seeing them and wishing I had a bike so I could go and join them. They got bulldozed flat for more houses to take their place before I even got the chance to try.

Perhaps the worst of the bunch is the spot where a neighborhood called Bison Ridge now sits—its eponymous name coming from the small herd of bison the farmer whose land it had been had kept and nurtured. He’s still there, with a few elk he tends to, but the bison are gone and have been gone for the better part of twenty years. I still wonder about where they went.

So much of my childhood memories, gone before I even realized it.

There’s a game my family used to play, whenever we’d leave on a road trip to go see my grandparents. Once we turned the corner on that distant dusty road, all us kids would hop up in our seats, craning our necks and trying for the life of us to be the first to spot their orange-roofed house as we crested the hill approaching them. We’d scream and squeal and laugh as we saw it, knowing soon that we would be scooped up in the arms of our doting grandpa, smothered by our loving grandma, and spend a weekend of movies, fun, and root beer floats.

We’ve gone to that house a few times over the past year, but I don’t think we ever played the game. The dusty road is still there, as is the large hill we crest over—even the familiar orange shingles that you can see like flare on the horizon, they’re all still there. Nothing’s changed. But no one shouts, no one squeals, no one laughs, because that’s not grandma and grandpa’s house. Not anymore.

It’s crazy how much the world changes when you’re not paying attention to it.

[nancypullen]

Another Sunday

Oh my goodness, how long has it been? My weeks are a blur. Not even fun blurs. But I refuse to use this space to complain. Let's talk about what's GOOD.

That's right, I've stolen some time to play in the dirt. Hallelujah! I worked a long week last week and then spent Saturday doing a community outreach gig for the library, but today I played. It's so good for my soul.

The zinnia seeds I scattered a week or so ago have germinated and I'm seeing tiny green promises.

Behind the zinnias I popped some sunflowers seeds into the ground and one has already broken through.

Yippee! I'm so excited. Of course, I've also spotted a curious bunny in the yard, and a family of groundhogs has moved in next door. They'd better stay away from my tender young plants. In other blooming news, the clematis I planted last spring came back and is already climbing the porch railing. Isn't she lovely?

I hope she covers us in blooms. I've put a planter on one side of the front steps. IT's got a tumble of flowers that will eventually fill in, and smack dab in the middle is rosemary that will get tall and woody.

Rosemary should be planted by a garden gate, but I don't have a garden gate. The front door will have to do. I'll certainly enjoy using that rosemary in summer dishes.

I purchased a wonderful rolling raised bed and put basil and dill in it, surrounded by marigolds, of course - nature's pest repellant. I can keep my eye on it from the kitchen and run out and pluck what I need for dinner.

I know, I know, that patchy grass is a nightmare. We had a serious mole issue and we're on the mend. We'll have a beautiful lawn again in no time. I'm manifesting it. My spirits lift when things around me are growing. Even better, when working the dirt results in beautiful, bright colors - delightful! My little lilac bush has a bloom, my hydrangea is filling out, and the tiny Zepherine climbing rose has tripled in size and is reaching for the porch. Beauty, beauty, beauty everywhere. That's my goal. Brace yourself for an abundance of flower photos this summer. In other news, you know I've been scouring the info on this year's Kentucky Derby field. Imagine my excitement when I saw a horse named Seize the Gray. I'm not sure he'll make the cut, but if he does that may be where I put my money. I also like the looks of Resilience. If that hasn't been a theme in my life, I don't know what has. Then there's Forever Young, which reminds me of a favorite Rod Stewart song. Choices, choices. I only have a few days to decide where to lose my cash. I won't be doing a Derby Day spread because we'll be going over the bridge on Saturday to play with Little Miss while her parents enjoy some time together. Jamie's birthday is mid-week, but we'll celebrate on Saturday. They can go have some free time, then we'll do dinner, cake, and presents. Low key, but lots of love. A winning horse would be icing on the cake. I need to wrap this up, I'm in the middle of creating cardboard pine trees for a display at work. They'll be in the children's room along with a tent and a sign that says "Readers are happy campers." Getting these dang trees to stand upright has taken some time. Turns out I'm an artist, not an engineer. I think I've got it conquered, now just a few dabs of paint and they'll be good to go. Success! I know this has been a boring post, but I felt the need to post something. I miss this little blog. I've been talking to you through this space since July of 2007. There's been a lot of life lived between then and now. Thank you for sharing it with me. I feel like there's a lot of interesting life ahead, too. There's something big on the horizon, I don't know what yet, but my gut tells me that there is. I hope it's something wonderful. On that note, I'll sign off, wishing wonderful things for you as well. What is meant for us will find us, don't you think? We just need to keep our hearts open to possibilities. So put out a welcome mat for good things to come, be ready for happiness. Sending out lots of love, take what you need and pass it on. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[reincarnatedonthefirst]

Client Recap

I got home tonight and spent the last hour unpacking and reorganizing my ho supplies and all the items I took to my moms for the week. Instead of going back to her house after my appointment tonight, I decided to go home. HVAC repair is coming tomorrow and I also need to mow the lawn.

I need to stop bringing home so much toilet paper from these hotels. I think I brought home five rolls this time. My tower of stolen toilet paper is about to topple over.

The appointment with Sorenson went well. He lives in an apartment complex with other 20 - 40 something professionals. He still doesn’t know what happened to his car but he is being really patient about it.

Oh my God… his apartment. This boy has style!!! If you saw the way he dressed, you’d figure he’s very neat and clean at home. But I wasn’t expecting what I saw.

His apartment looks as if it was professionally decorated (his parents were interior decorators!). He has antique candle snuffers and other antique-looking metal knickknacks. It’s so impressive. The furniture is all upscale. His entire apartment is spotless. He’s an obsessive compulsive cleaner. He said he sweeps his bathroom and kitchen every single day. He has an automatic antibacterial dispenser. I jokingly asked how many times a day he uses it and he said, “six”.

Sorenson is absolutely fascinating. I really enjoyed getting a look at his home life. The way he lives totally matches the personality I saw before visiting his home. I love it. He’s such an interesting person. I joked with him and told him I made sure not to leave any water droplets around the bathroom sink. He laughed and said it would have definitely bothered him.

At the end of the date, we were lying in bed, cracking up about how he hysterically laughs at the 911 calls on this emergency hospital drama. It was the funniest conversation. He literally had me in tears.

We had a decent time and I think he enjoyed himself. He’s a wonderful, interesting, educated, intelligent, well-traveled person. And I just found out he has a great sense of humor.

I also need to remember to smell extra special when I see him. He likes to sniff hair and armpits! I totally forgot.

Also, I don’t remember him telling me this on previous dates but I also found out he is divorced!!! I can’t wait for that story time if and when he’s ready to tell…

Also, our session accidentally went over by 30 minutes and even though he originally scheduled an hour, he paid me my 90 minute fee. ☺️

[buttered-baguette-writes]

What You Like

By some miracle Eddie, Steve, Robin - the entire Party - made it out of the whole Upsidedown ordeal alive. And with things ended for good, the creepy vine bastard dead, and the interdimensional doors closed for good, there's only one thing for them to do. Live. The kids, no longer kids, are able to hang out without an over looming apocalypse. Eddie and Steve are getting closer. Steve's excited to have another friend that he doesn't babysit and Eddie's glad that the Party didn't drop him after everything was over. And Robin, our favourite supportive lesbian, realises that she is best friends with not one but two dinguses.

Also on ao3

The Harrington house looked like it did every year when the festive season finally rolled around. Cold, empty, and perfectly rich. It, like the rest of the town (the parts not in shambles), seemed tired. Like the buildings themselves had had a rough night. Yet as the chilly breeze swept through the area, everything was the same.

Almost.

The Harrington’s had finally decided to desert the hellhole town known as Hawkins, Indiana and never look back. They left the house, and with it, their only child. Though as far as anyone was concerned, Steve Harrington was only their son by DNA. Because Steve wasn’t some rich kid destined to takeover daddy’s company. No.

He was Steve Harrington, ex-king of Hawkins High, resident babysitter extraordinaire, and badass monster killer – who loved his little mismatched family more than his parents loved anyone.

Which was why he was standing outside on the front lawn. Scattered around him were boxes caked with dust and full of decorations that he hoped weren’t broken. He hadn’t opened most of them yet, having wanted to put the Christmas lights up before doing anything else. But when he found them, he sighed heavily at the mess of wires and tiny bulbs.

Meaning he had been standing with his arms crossed, frowning for the past few minutes as he watched the daylight start to hide behind dark clouds. It was going to rain.

Steve scuffed his shoe on the drive, scolding himself for trying to start decorating the whole house that late in the afternoon. He got the idea as soon as Dustin hung up the phone earlier after having successfully convinced Steve to host a Christmas party.

And with his parents gone, he could go all out for the kids.

There were only two good things that his parents had ever done for him: Make him work to pay for the car (that’s in his name) so that he met his favourite lady. And, legally giving him the house once they left.

Before he could feel bitter about his parents, music caught his attention.

Specifically loud music that was later joined by the rumbling of a car. Finally turning away from the house, Steve let a small smile pull at his lips as he watched a van pull into the drive next to his beamer.

Eddie was immediately in his personal space, an excited smile on his face. He was wearing his usual get-up – dark band tee, leather jacket, a billion and one silver accessories. And tight black jeans with rips all over them.

Steve wondered how the older boy wasn’t cold.

“Heya, big boy.”

Steve’s eyes snapped to meet Eddie’s, feeling like he was caught doing something. But he wasn’t. Definitely wasn’t. “Hey man,” was his eventual reply.

Eddie just smiled brighter at him, if that was even possible. The metalhead glanced around before his eyes settled back on the jock. Oh, if high school Eddie could see him now, friends with the Steve Harrington, the preppy jock.

“What are you doing here?” Steve asked.

Eddie’s eyes widened as he flopped himself onto Steve, all but hanging off him. “Have my castle visitations been abolished? Am I banished to only see you with the children present? You wound me Harrington.”

Steve was trying very hard to give an unimpressed look to the other boy but ultimately failed. They both grinned at each other, staying like that for a few moments. Then Steve lightly elbowed him, and Eddie yielded, putting some space between them.

Minimal, but still space.

“Well, I was going to annoy you or Robin at work, but now I’m here.”

Steve crossed his arms. “Is it your daily goal to annoy me?”

“Hmmm, something like that,” Eddie said.

Steve scoffed but there was no heat behind it. He actually liked hanging out with Eddie, given he only had five adult friends. Well, if he included Argyle, though they didn’t really speak all that much.

“Watcha doing out in the cold?”

Steve ran a hand through his hair before gesturing vaguely at the house.

Eddie was delighted to realize the younger’s hair had no product in it.

“I was going to decorate the house...”

Eddie whistled. “All by yourself?”

“Well, yeah, of course. But the lights are beyond tangled so I ended up just glaring at them.” Steve admitted. It was as if a child had played with the lights and then dumped invisible glue over everything.

“Want some help?”

“Sure, grab a box. Put everything inside.”

Eddie was moving instantly, bending down and picking up a box with ease. No matter what, Steve was always surprised by his strength. He knew the metalhead wasn’t just skin and bones, but there was just something that pinged around in his brain when he saw Eddie doing certain things.

Steve also noticed, without fail, how the long curls bounced when he walked and fell over his shoulders. Or how they would fall over his chest when he titled his head to the side.

“Coming, Stevie?” Eddie asked. It was a fair question since Steve hadn’t moved an inch. But there was something about his tone – knowing, teasing him. But once again, Steve knew he wasn’t doing anything.

Or maybe he was? He’d figure it out. Not today, and with luck (aka Robin) before the end of the year.

Steve took quick steps to get ahead of Eddie, opening the door before heading back for a box. They made quick work and made it inside just as rain started to fall.

Within minutes a heavy storm was raging on outside.

Eddie plopped himself down on the living room floor, surrounded by the dusty boxes. He idly searched through the ones closest to him. He clicked his tongue when he saw the state of the lights.

“You want to watch a movie or?” Steve asked.

“And here I thought we were going through all your Christmas goodies.”

Now, Eddie may not be the best when it came to socialising. He may miss some cues or scare people off with his tendency for the dramatics. But, give him enough time and he would be able to figure people out. He knew how to deal with the kid’s different attitudes. He had his suspicions about Robin while they were still in school. He knew how his bandmates ticked.

And after spending so much of his free time bugging Harrington, he knew the younger boy as well. He knew Steve loved the kids no matter how annoyed he acted. He knew he liked to cook and bake, trying to do better with each try. Eddie also knew that Steve didn’t ask for help often.

Which is why he wasn’t surprised when Steve tried to pass off his offer and tried to convince Eddie to just hang out.

“It’s fine, princess. Besides, it’ll take you years to undo these lights,” Eddie said, grin growing.

“Thanks,” Steve said softly. His brain got stuck on the word ‘princess’, an alarm going off before he rebooted. He pointed at a finger at the metalhead with an accusatory “Hey!”

Eddie just laughed and pulled the lights out of the box.

Within half an hour, they were both sitting on the floor. The coffee table and some boxes were pushed against the wall, leaving them with heaps of working space. Steve was organising ornaments so that it’d be easier for him to find things when he eventually put them up. Eddie was next to him, getting through the lights surprisingly fast.

“How are you so good at that?” Steve asked once he was done with his pile of ornaments.

Eddie hummed, nimble fingers still working away. “It’s my secret talent. I’m the next Houdini.”

Steve tilted his head, parted his lips and…hesitated. He remembered his teachers when he didn’t know something simple. He remembered all the girls that tried to help him with his homework (though that was their cover story for wanting to sleep with him). He remembered Nancy’s face when she got frustrated with him during their little study sessions.

For a scary second, his brain tried telling him that Eddie was like them all.

“You’re the next who?”

Eddie smiled at him. He thought Steve looked adorable like that; head titled, soft hair falling in all the right places. Eddie wanted to —

“Houdini,” he repeated. “Famous magician and escape artist. Always getting out of everything.”

Steve nodded, quiet, and then,

“Is that why you have the handcuffs? For escape things?”

Eddie barked out a laugh, dropping the lights in his hands. He sobered up when he noticed Steve frowning. “Sorry,” he said softly. “No, I have those for other reasons.”

Eddie watched the lines on Steve’s face soften before a different look of confusion captured them.

“Why do you have cuffs then?”

“Souvenir from Indy.”

Steve stared at him.

Eddie started playing with his hair under the attention.

Steve crossed his arms. “That is not the only reason,” he said, sounding confident.

“I don’t think you wanna know Stevie.”

“I do.”

“Why?”

“I’m curious.” Steve admitted. He didn’t mean to pry into all the little details of Eddie’s life, but he was curious. He was curious about all his friends. Besides, him and Eddie had had many late-night talks about some heavy, personal things after the shitshow they went through. He just wanted to know more.

It was just like with all his other friends.

“I don’t want the gremlins parents coming for me for corrupting their nice babysitter.”

Steve gaped at him before huffing. “I’m 20, I know about sex,” he said, guessing that was what it was about. What else could he possibly be talking about? “I am not innocent, you know.”

“Oh, but you are, big boy,” Eddie replied, leaning closer with a big, cheeky grin.

“Try me.”

Eddie’s eyes darted all over Steve’s face, then all over his body. He let out a breath before pushing himself off the ground. He needed chips, or pop, or a beer.

“Fine,” he conceded. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“So…” Steve said, trailing behind the older boy. He stopped at the kitchen entry, standing there awkwardly until he watched Eddie sit on the counter. He silently joined him, smiling when a can of soda was handed to him.

“What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in bed?” Eddie asked. There was no point beating around the bush.

Steve nearly choked on his drink. He swore as some bubbles went up his nose.

“So it is a sex thing?”

“Yep. And since you were so curious, I’ll explain it. Buuut, you can tell me to stop at any time,” Eddie said. He was fine giving Harrington some impromptu education, but he didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable.

Steve nodded.

Eddie nudged his arm.

“Oh, the question.” Steve fiddled with the tab of his can. “I don’t know, nothing?”

Eddie opened his mouth, but it snapped closed a millisecond later.

“I let a girl bite me once though. Does that count?”

“Yes it does, Stevie,” Eddie said, his usual bright smile pulling on his lips. “She probably liked it, and hoped you liked it too.”

“Liked it?”

“The feeling, the pain, or the marks it left behind,” Eddie listed off on his fingers. In a second, two of his fingers were pressed against a spot on Steve’s neck, applying the softest pressure but enough that it made Steve’s brain hold up a flag. “If she did it right here, where it’s sensitive, it’d feel real good. And, it would be a bitch to hide the mark without makeup.”

Steve felt himself swallow and before he knew it Eddie’s hand retreated.

Steve stared at nothing for a few seconds. Finally, he asked, “People like that?”

“There’s a whole world of kinky freaks out there. This isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.”

“Kinky…” Steve mumbled to himself. He swore he had heard that word before, but he couldn’t remember exactly what it meant. “Okay. But what do you do with the cuffs?”

“Well,” Eddie started and Steve saw something change. It wasn’t entirely noticeable, but there was a new glint to Eddie’s eyes and the slant of his smile seemed more, well, predatory.

Not that he knew the differences between all of Eddie’s facial expressions. No, Steve didn’t know that much about him.

“If the guy is willing, I put them on him. Behind his back, above his head, to the headboard of their bed. They let go of their control and give it to me.”

Before Steve could respond, the phone rang, making the younger boy abruptly slide off the counter.

Eddie watched from his seat as Steve talked with Dustin’s mom over the phone. He figured it was about the Christmas arrangements that Dustin said he was planning on getting together. And by all the talk about coordinating food and making sure all the kids would have a ride to Steve’s house, he figured the little bugger had gotten exactly what he wanted.

But hey, Eddie didn’t mind being part of a weird little family. He had his Uncle Wayne. He did have his band members, but they were all off to college although none of them were certain it was going to stick. But now he would always have his little family of trauma-bonded teenagers and a sprinkle of reasonable adults.

As soon as Steve put the phone down, Robin’s voice suddenly came from the depths of his pockets.

Eddie smiled, amused as Robin trashed their boss’s existence before telling Steve that they were now working the closing shift. No ifs, ands, or buts.

“Come pick me up. And don’t spend half an hour styling your hair! Literally none of our customers care about your hair.” She said then promptly disconnected their walkie-talkies.

Steve sighed, looking back at Eddie. He was pouting.

The Steve Harrington was pouting because he didn’t want to go to work, and his best friend told him to leave his hair un-styled. He looked like a sad puppy.

“You heard the lady,” Eddie said as he finally hopped off the counter. “Better hurry.” Eddie laughed when the other boy pouted harder. “See ya later, Stevie.”

Steve watched him go. As he looked out the windows, he was glad to see the storm had let up.

…

“That slimy bastard! How the hell does he even work here? How the hell is he our boss?!”

“Robs.”

“He left his half-eaten sandwich in the breakroom. The backroom is now beyond a mess. And what the fuck did he do with the bucket? How are we supposed to catch the drip if we don’t have a bucket, Steve?”

“Robs.” Steve said softly. “I know he sucks but chill. I cannot listen to you rant about him all night.”

Robin threw an m&m at him. “You love my rants.”

The bell above the door rang and Robin was suddenly nowhere to be found. Steve sighed, bracing himself to deal with whatever annoying customer decided to come to Family Video that late in the pouring rain.

“Welcome to Family Video, what—”

“Hiya Harrington.” Eddie Munson was splaying himself over the counter in the time it took Steve to turn and face the door. His rings clinked against it, hair pooling around his head.

“What’re you doing here Munson?”

“I came to see you and the birdie,” Eddie said, grinning up at him.

Steve couldn’t help it, his own smile mimicking the other boy’s. “Miss me that much?”

“Always, baby.”

Steve felt his head swim, knowing his cheeks were a noticeable pink. There was no denying it. But he ignored it – it didn’t mean anything. “Weren’t you going home?”

“Aw, you thinking about me Stevie?”

“Get off it, Munson,” Steve said, lightly pushing the others face away.

Eddie rolled to the side before snapping up right. He leant his elbows on the counter then. His smile was cheeky and bright as he stared Steve directly in the eyes. There was an unnamed tension surrounding them, but it wasn’t strong enough to drown out the feeling of their usual banter. “Anything you want, princess,” Eddie said with a wink.

Steve’s face grew hotter.

He didn’t know if he was thankful or annoyed when Robin came out of the backroom and effectively took the attention off him. He didn’t know why he would be annoyed in the first place. Whatever was happening in his mind, he and Robin would decipher it later.

At that moment, he had a bucket to hunt for.

Part 2

[oc-aita]

AITA for trying to get rid of this weird man who is obsessed with lawn gnomes?

(cw for discussion of slavery)

So I (32 F) run a small commune on a planet that was being terraformed into a theme park but got abandoned. A lot of us are genetically-modified humans or their descendants; it's rough being a xeno out in the galaxy so we're trying to make a more inclusive community, at the cost of ousting baseline humans unless they're extremely chill.

We located a vault near our base full of what we thought was loot but turned out to be people in cryosleep guarded by war robots; specifically they were a bunch of the research staff from the planet's attempted theme park phase. They holed up and went into cryo for 312 years because of an insectesoid invasion which was also what stopped the theme park plans, but that's beside the point.

Anyways. We woke these folks up out of cryo and it turned into a firefight. As in, many of them just rolled out of their pods and started shooting us before we had a chance to chat. Most of them died in the attack, except for two: A (27 F) and G (53 M). Both of them are baseline humans, and, since xenotyping is newer tech, were kind of freaked out by us.

A is cool. We nursed A back to health and she decided her best chance at survival was to stick with us. She's good with a gun and was an assistant veterinarian for the genetically-engineered fauna that was being added to the theme park. She likes our llamas a lot, but feels weird being only one of two baseline humans in the group (the other one, B, is planning to leave in the near future to start a new community).

G is. Hmm. So I've talked with him extensively but he's kind of impossible? My understanding is that he was grown in a lab to be a perfect scientist, discovered an obsession with sculpting lawn gnomes, escaped the lab, and grew up to become a geneticist who also ran an art gallery focused on lawn gnomes. This, by itself, sounds cool as hell. Unfortunately this guy is just really unpleasant to be around.

For starters, he hates sleeping. He claims to have insomnia but he literally just spends his nights wandering around his room, staring into middle distance with the lights on. Every...idk, 38 hours or so he passes out on the floor? He has a bed! We then have to haul him to his bed and he sleeps for 10+ hours. Weird schedules are fine but, man, at least attempt to get into bed instead of wandering about until you're exhausted. And, to be clear, he definitely stays awake until he's completely overtired and barely lucid. Talking to him in this state is...not good.

Also, I asked him how long it takes him to sculpt and paint a singular lawn gnome. He estimated sixty to eighty hours! That's kind of nuts. It sounds like they're beautiful gnomes but also, let's be honest, how much is the average rimworlder going to pay for a fucking lawn gnome? While we do have room for folks in the commune who aren't able to work full-time, we're concerned that he won't even really be making back his cost of materials.

Add that to the fact that he's a baseline human and a geneticist whose research helped lay the groundwork for human genetic modification (many of us have trauma around being genetically engineered against our will) it seemed like our commune isn't the right place for G. Our closest neighbors are a settlement called Love Town, which sounds horny or hippie but they're pretty boring tbh. Not bad trading partners, but definitely wary of xenos. They're part of a bigger network, so we introduced G to them. And, okay, yeah, "introduced" might not be the correct word. We essentially asked Love Town if they wanted to buy G from us in the hopes of recruiting him for their settlement. Since he's a pretty experienced scientist and artist they paid us...quite a bit of silver, which we desperately needed. I know they're anti-slavery, at least I'm pretty sure, so while he could wind up coerced into staying he'd at least be in a much bigger community that could better support him.

That was two months ago. Today, we spotted a drop pod being launched near our base and one of our new members reported an injured man was found inside. And who is it but fucking G. He's not conscious yet but we don't know what we're going to do with him. We radioed to Love Town and they're playing dumb, claiming that they never even bought G from us in the first place. At least they're not asking for their money back?

I don't think we can just kick this man out of the commune, because he won't survive in the wilds but... the other closest settlement to us is pro-slavery, so bringing G to them is also pretty awful. No one really likes this guy, even A who knew him 300 years ago. Our new member who found him, O, thinks it's terrible that we sold him to Love Town in the first place and is pretty mad with me about that. Her argument is that we should openly accept him as a community member to apologize, but I keep trying to convince her how much that won't work. I'm sure once she actually talks to him she'll understand.

But I have to wonder...AITA for selling G to Love Town in the first place? WIBTA if I try to get rid of him in some other way, either bringing him to the other town or just sending him out into the wilderness?