#hold me back from the ranchers chapters

[leafdoodles]

Dirges in The Dark [Fanart]

Comic/scene redraw based on @twodiamondhoes really cool fic Dirges in the Dark!

I saw it on Ao3 and it's a Life Series western au with Ranchers and you should read it. I had to restrain myself from drawing other scenes (hold me back guys).

[luimagines]

Soulmates from the Start Part 7

Final Chapter!!! Wooo!!!!!

Masterlist

First Chapter/ Previous Chapter

Content under the cut!

“Wha- what?” Link looks at you as all the breath in his lungs leaves him at once.

You swallow the spit in your mouth, but it feels like sandpaper going down your throat. “I… I did a very bad thing, Link. I’m sorry.”

Your Link shakes his head, scooting closer to you, holding your hands tighter. “You’re not that kind of person. I know it. Stop this.”

You bite your lips harshly and hang your head in shame. How could he have so much faith in you? Haven’t you done enough damage? How isn’t he angry with you?

“Ok.” Someone else speaks up. “Can I say something?”

You look at him. He’s one of the two you don’t recognize. Green undertunic, red on top, blue hat, pink hair- wait. Pink hair? You can work with that. What was his game again? A Link to the Past?

While you’re busy trying to figure out where you might know him, he takes your silence as permission to keep talking. He puts his hands on his hips and manages a smile. “Whatever it is. It can’t be as bad as you think. You’re clearly shaken. The Rancher here is going to take good care of you, now. We’re not here to make enemies. We’re to end them. No one is in trouble. Got it?”

That last sentence seemed pointed, but you’re too distraught and distracted to figure out who he was actually talking to.

You take another deep breath, holding onto Link tighter and tighter. You’re shaking. You can feel the tremors wreck your nervous system from the top down. Luckily, he seems to meet you halfway, pulling you closer to keep you contained and to keep you close.

Feeling a little braver, you turn to the boy. “Which one are you?”

Because that’s a normal question to ask.

It shows on his face because his reels back in shock, not fully understanding what you mean by that. “...Meaning?” If anything, he seems to calm a little more. “See? How can you know all of our secrets if you don’t even recognize me?”

You flush. He has a point. “Every Link is famous to some degree. But… the only thing I have to go off of is your hair. I don’t recognise the rest of you.”

“I- ok. My hair isn’t supposed to be this color.” He deadpans. You can feel your Link snickering by your side. The untitled one shakes his head. “They call me the Hero of Legend. Or The Veteran. Whichever floats your boat.”

“The Veteran?” Strange name.

He smirks. “Yup! I'm the most experienced hero here. Seven adventures, counting this one!”

Your mouth makes a small ‘o’ shape. That makes more sense. If he’s responsible for and is the protagonist for at least six or seven Legend of Zelda titles, there would have been no way you would have known at first glance. Your breath gets short again. Your lungs feel hollow and heavy. You need to breathe again, but you’re too frozen to make a sound.

Your Link (you refuse to call him anything else) notices your spiked panic and gently rubs circles on your back. “Darlin’, what is it? No one will attack you here.”

You don’t fully believe him. The one they called The Captain, Warrior, has been eyeing you suspicious the entire time you’ve been here. You turn back to Mr. Legend, gulping down more sand. You hesitate to ask. You’re aware this is a loaded question. You have to take a few more deep breaths to even think of making your mouth move the way it needs to speak.

You’ve probably taken too long. Legend now looks nervous.

Your voice is quiet and weak, barely above a whisper. There is very little reason to believe that this is going to end well. “...Do you know Koholint?”

You see it before the others do. His eyes widen and his pupils widen to almost exaggerated proportions. He takes a step back- going as white as a ghost.

The rest of the group looks between you both.

Legend himself begins to shake, staring at you with renewed suspicion and distrust. “How… How do you know that?”

You bite your lip, keeping our eyes on him, watching his fear and shock. You deserve this. You knew better and did it anyway. You should have better self control. Now he’s in front of you. Time to confess your sins. His reaction is all the answer you need.

“She had a beautiful singing voice.” You say, twisting the knife for you both. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“You knew her?” He whispers. 

You shake your head. “No. But I saw you… and her... And the windfish.”

Then he surprises you. He gulps, also meeting you head on as tears begin to pool in his eyes. “Could I have saved them?”

You both know who he’s talking about.

You shake your head.

He takes in a shaky breath, hanging his head- not dissimilar to how you had your earlier. But he nods, surprising you again. “I understand… Who else knows?”

Do you even answer that? Would it do more harm than good? But the look on his face- the bond you share with the boy next to you- the way everyone’s eyes are on you, waiting for you to explain yourself and answer his questions- You can’t bring yourself to lie.. “....Millions.”

Warrior scoffs and finally takes his eyes off of you as spins on his heel. You don’t even bother hiding your flinch.

“It’s true.” You weakly defend yourself. “I’m not the only one.”

“How?” Says the final one you have trouble placing. They called him Hyrule and he does magic. But you can’t pinpoint anything familiar about him that would tell you of his identity. What happened to him? What were his adventures about?

“There’s… stories.” You can’t really answer his question either. The truth would seem cruel, mean and pointless. You know better than anyone thanks to Your Link- it was more than what you saw. Their fears and experiences were real- so real and you had no right to learn what you did.

“Just that? Stories? Down to the details then?” The Hero of Time raises an eyebrow at you. You’ve that look in passing when Link would let it slip through your connection. You never considered how it would feel to be on the receiving end.

It feels worse, somehow. You think you might vomit.

You nod. “....Interactive stories.” Because how else would you explain it? “But yes.”

“So you know us?” The Hero of Winds bounces towards you. At least, he seems more intrigued than offended and suspicious. “Do you know about me?”

You nod. “I do… You wield the Wind Waker… And sailed on the King of Red Lions.”

He laughs, delighted with the recognition. “That’s me, alright! One of the fiercest pirates to ever sail the Great Sea.”

“An interactive story, huh?” The Blacksmith (The Hero of the Four Sword- Hero of Light- Hero of Men- your brain supplies unhelpfully) leans forward from where he’s sitting and puts his palm to his chin, his elbow to his knee. “I bet that’s mighty entertaining. I’ve never heard of a story that you interact with.”

Game- Game- It’s a game- They’re games- They’re fun- They’re for children- Your brain fires off in rapid succession, deepening your guilt. There’s no way you can tell them. They’ll be horrified. They’ll be pissed.

“Games?” Yout Link whispers beside you, turning to you with an unreadable expression. The fur along your hair stands on edge. He’s caught on. “Darlin’ games?! Is that all this ever was to you?”

You flinch violently.

In a last ditch effort to defend yourself, even though you’re fully responsible for your own actions and his anger and awe is fully justified. “Link- please- You know that’s not true!”

He growls.

“I didn’t…”

“Don’t say you didn’t know.” He snarls. “I’ve had you in my head since we were children. Don’t you dare say you didn’t know.”

“I wasn’t going to.” You whimper, letting your chickens come home to roost. “I didn’t think I would have ever met them. Link- I only followed along with your story but I never touched it. I never stepped into that. I know what it was like for you. I remember the sleepless nights- the panic attacks- the fear in your ice cold blood as you journeyed. It felt wrong to take your struggles and make it a game.”

“What about them?” He gestures to his friends. They’re all staring at you with looks of incredulous judgment.

“...I thought it would be just you.” You whisper pathetically. “I couldn’t have known you’d meet them. So many of them don’t even touch your time and era- I wanted to know them! I didn’t think it would have mattered from where I was because they… they didn’t exist, Link! They don’t exist and so many people don’t even think the land of Hyrule is real-”

Your Link rubs his hand down his face, taking a moment to breathe and calm himself down.

“We’re not real?” The Champion, Wild, steps forward. “We’re… toys?”

You bite your lips. “I… wouldn’t go that far. But many would.”

“So this is why you feel guilty.” Your Link mutters, ruffling his own hair roughly.

“....Link, I’m sorry.”

“Just-... give me a minute-!”

You click your mouth shut.

“We’re games.” The Knight of Skyloft sits down on a nearby log. “Are you sure?”

You nod. “It’s incredibly popular actually… So many people love you.”

“Do they?” The Captain scoffs again, turning back and glaring into you. “Toys. That’s what we are. To break and remold as they see fit because we’re not real people to them. That’s not love.”

“That’s-” You struggle to find the words. The stench of betrayal lingers heavily in the air. It’s all your fault. “That’s because you don’t see how many lives you save by just existing, even as a thought.”

“Explain.” The Hero of Time doesn’t leave room for negotiation.

“Your stories… despite your struggles, are lighthearted.” You swallow down figurative glass. “Because they’re told from your perspective- because despite everything, you just wanted to help people. You just wanted to do the right thing. Even when everything was against you, you stayed true and proud and you were so brave-” Your voice catches and you’re shaking again. “You all have so much love… for your people… your homes… your friends and families… They push you forward. They give you a reason to keep going. I-if we… If we could so much as copy a fraction of what it means to have courage, our lives wouldn’t have to seem bleak and… hopeless. What use are ruins in an old world when there is no love to preserve the present?”

Your words silence the group as they mull it over. You're on the verge of tears again. You’re so scared. Your heart is pounding. You never wanted to hurt them. You weren’t trying to hurt anyone. You hiccup and clasp your hands together, trying to lessen the way you vibrate. It doesn’t work. “...I wasn’t trying to do anything wrong… I panicked…”

“This conversation isn’t over.” Your Link curls up his lip, revealing a fang that you’re not entirely sure was there before. “But even if I’m not happy about this, I stand by what I said earlier. You’re not that kind of person. You didn’t do this maliciously.”

“I’m sorry.” You repeat yourself for the nth time.

“I know.” His voice finally softens and he pulls you close to him again. “I know you are. I can feel it in every fiber of my being.”

“If we’re famous even outside of Hyrule,” Wind speaks up again, appearing more calm than the others at the news. “Then why did you stop talking to Twilight? You were avoiding him for a while.”

You hang your head again. “I was with you guys… I didn’t want to risk Link learning something of your adventures that could have ruined the timeline or potentially… ruin the relationship we already had. I didn’t mean to-”

“Are there people who know more than you?” Legend asks again, having calmed down from earlier.

“Yes, of course.” You wipe your eyes, coughing on your own spit. “I… became obsessed- I won't lie or sugar coat, but I am certainly not the craziest fanatic out there. It’s not like I’ve got shrines in my room or collected all the icons and merchandise I can… I thought about getting a few… But again, I didn't want to risk hurting Link if he saw something he recognized when I couldn’t give him a straight answer.”

“Idiot.” Your Link clicks his tongue. It stings but in the way a blade or a fire would. At best, it’s close to tearing a scab. Not the greatest feeling, but you have the inclination to admit he’s not trying to actively insult you.

“Millions…” Warrior throws his back against a tree as he scowls into the space in front of him. “We can’t even be mad at you then. You’re not the only one and you’re not the worst.”

You’re scared to see how they’d react to the people who dress up as them. “Yes, neither the first nor the last. I’m not the only one.”

“But you’re the only one that matters.” A new and dark voice whispered in your ear. It made you jump, making all the hairs on your body stand up on edge.

Your Link jumps to his feet, reaching behind to his hand on the hilt of his sword. He puts his hand on your shoulder, keeping you down on the log before you can get up as well.

“Pathetic, little hero.” The voice taunts. You don’t know where it’s coming from. It seems to be both in your head and yet all around you at once. “It wasn’t my intention for you to find each other, much less so quickly. It certainly complicated some things, but I can’t say that this hasn’t been entertaining in the least.”

“Touch them and DIE.” Link snarls.

“I’d love to see you try.” The voice mocks.

It shakes you to your core. The voice echoes in the clearing you’ve found yourselves in. It circles you, like the shadows of the setting sun. In through one ear, behind your head, teasing the other ear as it makes its rounds.

“Link…” You say softly. This is too much. Why can’t today end already?

Multiple swords are unsheathed in an instant, moving around and getting into a circle around you without muttering a word. They certainly know what they’re doing, even if it isn’t just to protect you specifically. You won’t lie, it does help your heart somewhat if you allow yourself to think that they’re protecting you despite it all.

“Do you feel that betrayal, little hero?” The voice taunts Link again. He said, “They knew about you all along but didn’t share a single detail about themselves.”

“I couldn’t!” You shout impulsively, almost jumping to your feet in the same second. Your Link keeps you down. “I would have if I could have!”

The voice chuckled darkly. His form simmers out from the shadows of the trees, appearing within the circle the other heroes have made, appearing right in front of you. Your heart jumps into the thick of your throat. He looks so much like Your Link, but with solid black abysses for eyes instead the blue you fell in love with.  “....Liar.”

***

You suck in a breath, getting to your feet at once. 

Twilight pulls you back and quickly puts himself between you and the monster that threatens you. This is not the time for this. He points his blade at the shadow man, grazing the flesh of his throat with the tip of his sword. A bead of crimson blooms just beyond the edge of the sharp steel, but the shadow monster doesn’t seem to be impressed.

“You’re no better, little hero.” The creature turns its head to him, cracking it unnaturally as it bends at an abnormally twisted angle. “Have you even told your sweet ‘Darlin’ of the effects that crystal of yours has done to you?”

“I owe you no answers, beast.” He spits, thrusting his sword ever closer to his jugular. “Leave now or lose your head.”

“I am not the beast.” The shadow man sinks into the earth, reappearing behind you, grabbing you by your hair and stealing you away from Twilight. “You are.”

You both scream as the shadowman laughs. Yours; in pain. Twilight’s; in outrage. “Go on! Tell them. Tell what has been done to you!”

“Link.” You gulp, trying to reach behind your head to lessen the pressure. Twilight can see it; the way your hands seem to phase out so you can’t physically touch the being that has trapped you. One wrong move and you could be gone forever.

But Twilight doesn’t know what to say to the creature. He doesn’t understand. You already know that he turns into a wolf. He can remember how you started to research all about wolves just to learn more about him. Not that you told him that part- that was before you started to drift away.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Of course you don’t, stupid boy.” The creature pulls on your hair sharply. Your cry of pain causes Twilight to growl, baring his teeth as the fangs set in his jaw. He doesn’t register the warmth of the crystal- just the bubbling determination to get you away from him as fast as possible.

“See that?” The shadow man starts backing up slowly, ignoring the rest of the group as they all wait on baited breath. “There’s very little man left in him. It’s only a matter of time before the beast inside takes over.”

“That’s not true.” You whimper, trying to get away. 

“It is very true, my pet.” The creature tugs harshly again, toppling you over in an instant. The sound you make when the hit the ground is worrying and it makes Twilight unleash a feral sound. It startles himself, he hadn’t known he was capable of such noises.

The creature seems pleased by the development. “A perfect demonstration, little hero. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”

An arrow flies, nicking the shadow man in the shoulder. A crimsonline blooms from the injury, making him stubble backwards and away from you. Twilight dives to pull you back up, cradling you close.

It appears that the creature wasn’t expecting the attack. Its hubris had caused it to believe that no one would make a move when he had you in his grasp. “Pathetic fools. I’ll be back.”

He slinks away back into the shadows, not sparing any one but you a passing glance. Twilight doesn’t like it one bit and tightens his grip on you.

“Twilight, what the hell?” Wild throws his hands up. “Is there something else we need to know about? Why are they-” He points to you with an arrow. It slips from his grasp. “-brought into the middle of this?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight grumbles. If he had things his way, you would both be meeting under very different circumstances. “But they’re here now and the shadow wants them for some reason-”

“It claimed you were changing-!”

“I can feel him. He’s not changing.” You speak up, still shaking. Twilight tightens his grip on you. Despite… everything, the rose around his heart is too real and too intricate for him to bash his way through. Any amount of brute force on his end would crush the already delicate foundation that it’s built. He takes a deep breath, willing himself to comfort instead.

You’ve had one hell of a day. You both have. Twilight doesn’t want to ever repeat those terrifying hours of not having you connected to him. And thinking about it, there’s no misplacing that amount of guilt and sadness in your voice and soul for him to think you would have hidden all that you did out of malice.

You were that kind of person. He’s said it already. He’s said it twice, even.

“What do you mean?” Four speaks up, tilting his head, keeping his sword unsheathed. Nobody else seems keen on putting their swords away after the not too violent attack on their senses. They had thought this was a safe space. Apparently not.

You gulp and cling to him like a lifeline. He holds you. “I have him. He’s mine. I can feel him. And I’ve had him for as long as I can remember. He’s always been the same.”

Twilight sighs and hides his face in your hair. A hand of his comes up to gently soothe down the spots where the monsters had viciously grabbed you. You relax within seconds, leaning more of your weight on him and loosening your grip.

“We should move.” Time growls, not dissimilarly to how Twilight was earlier. “We can’t risk having the shadow come back while our backs are turned. We need to find a spot to camp for the night.”

“On it!” Warrior twirls his sword, taking Legend and Wind without a second thought. They lead the group as scouts while everyone else picks up their equipment to follow them. Everyone gives you both passing glances but no one says anything.

You’re his soulmate. He’ll figure out what to do with you. You’re here now; he has to take care of you and make sure that thing never comes close to you again. Today was too close. It was toying with you both. If it ever so much as looks at you the wrong way, he’s going to rip out its throat.

His grip on you increases subconsciously and you squirm.

“I know you’re mad.” You whisper. It rings more through your connection than through his ears.

“Not at you.” Twilight huffs. He’s decided it. You’ve been chased, hunted, cut, bruised, thrown about and frightened within an inch of your life. He’s already told you that he’s forgiven you. He’s not going to take it back.

You’ve already apologized and cried him a river. Something he never in a million years would have asked for. What more does he want from you?

“How?” You say, looking up at him. The cut on your cheek makes him grit his teeth. You’ll survive, he knows this. He’s still not happy about this. He’s not happy about any of this.

But it’s never been your fault.

“...Even if you know our secrets-” he starts and takes a deep breath to steady himself. The others have all left save for Wild, who doesn’t want to leave you alone on the off chance that danger still lurks in the shadows. “-it’s not inherently wrong to know about us. If we are toys in your world-”

“Please don’t say it like that-”

“Let me finish.” He takes another deep breath, looking into your eyes. “If we are only stories and games to other people, you know better. You know we’re real. That I’m real. And while others would brush us off as fiction, you went in with a different mindset entirely. You wouldn’t feel so guilty if you didn’t see how badly it could have gone. I can’t fault you for the place you’re from or how other people see us.”

You lip wobbles once more and you collapse against him, properly hugging him back at long last. “You’re too good to me.”

Twilight tries to fight another snarl. Was the shadow creature right? He wasn’t this beastly before…. And he has been using the crystal more often now that he’s with the group. “I’m still processing everything, but I personally think that what should take priority now is keeping the shadow away from you and making sure that you don't get hurt. Do you fight?”

You still have the energy to give him the flattest look ever. “Link, you already know the answer.”

His lips twitch up. “Forgive me for asking anyway?”

You drop your forehead to his shoulder. It gives the impression it would hurt if he wasn’t wearing his layers and wolf pelt. “...Fine.”

A beat passes. Wild stands a little ways away, looking through his sheikah slate for something Twilight can’t be bothered with. Not while you’re in his arms and slowly sinking deeper into the embrace. “How’re you feeling Darlin’?”

“Tired.” You sigh. “I’m exhausted. I’ve never run so much in my life.”

He snorts and shakes his head good naturedly. “Come on. We’ll walk from here on out. The group should make camp soon enough.”

You blow a raspberry but break away from him. Twilight all but dives to take your hand, capturing it in his hold. You hold him back without question.

Do you really think I’m not changing? He asks through the bond, not wanting Wild to overhear him.

You lean your head against him again and shrug. Mentally, psychologically? No. Physically? Not really. Although admittedly, I’m not the best judge of that. However the fangs are new.’

Fangs? Twilight raises an eyebrow, bringing his free hand to poke at his teeth. 

He has fangs.

And they retract apparently, given that he can feel the sharp point receding the more he calms down. That’s new.

I just said that.

Twilight smiles. You’re feeling better already. You have to be feeling better to banter like this with him again. It’s like a weight’s been lifted from your shoulders. It feels lighter on Twilight too.

Does it bother you? Twilight tries to ask casually. He’s aware he looks different from the people of your world. You haven’t ever seemed bothered by it before but then, he’s never asked.

No. They’re hot. 

You trip over yourself.

Twilight snickers, covering his mouth with his hand. You blush brightly, still holding onto his hand even if you’re unable to meet his eyes.

“That,” you say out loud, “was a little more honest than I was intending.”

“I would rather if you both kept your flirting in your heads.” Wild rolls his eyes, coming forward at last. He has a sword in his hand. Twilight feels the need to protect you flare up, but it’s strange. He’s never felt threatened by Wild before. This is weird. He’s being weird? Is he being weirder than before?

“Here.” Wild snorts, seeing the way Twilight gets offended. He hands you the sword.

You take it, inspecting it. “A flame blade?”

“You recognize it?” Wild seems surprised. “Oh wait- duh. You know my story too?”

You nod. “...Yours was fun…. I yelled at you a lot.”

Wild deadpans. “You’re Twilight’s soulmate alright.”

You laugh. Actually laugh.

Twilight takes a deep breath, feeling the sound penetrate to the deepest marrow of his bones and fill him outward with such a peace he didn’t even know was achievable. Is that corny? Screw it, he’s a farm boy. He can handle corn.

You swing the flame blade experimentally, a bright smile that only spells trouble for Twilight’s (and the group’s) future. A small tail of fire follows the path of the sword. Twilight thinks he recognizes this. It’s not his powerful variant of this weapon but it can be held in one hand and deals a decent amount of damage regardless. Setting the opponent on fire usually helps with that.

This choice was purposeful.

Twilight wants to feel grateful that Wild is already looking out for you too, but the fact that you seem a little too excited about it has Twilight reconsidering the option.

“I love it.” You grin at Wild and it fills Twilight with a familiar sense of dread. “Do I get to keep it?”

“So long as you swing it at the other guys and not towards us.” Wild gives you that same smile.

You giggle, hopping excitedly on the balls of your feet as you grip the hilt of the sword tighter..

Twilight groans and has half the mind to smack Wild. “Why did you give them that?”

“They need something to protect themselves with.” He says decisively, leaving no room for argument.

“...But the flame blade?”

You pause and look back at Twilight. He can vaguely feel where your thoughts are going. But before he can stop you, you speak up with a wide grin. “If this is a problem, can I have the one that freezes stuff instead?”

“Let’s stick with the fire.” Twilight finds himself saying. The only thing worse would be to give you something that would inevitably backfire on all of them. A fire is (unfortunately) more their field of expertise.

Wild chuckles, knowingly giving Twilight a wink over your head. You seemed to enjoy Twilight’s disgruntlement very much, laughing at his expense when he agreed to the weapon. He’s in trouble. He barely fought that.

“Well, that’s all from me.” Wild gives a mock salute as he begins to walk away. “I’m going to catch up with the others.”

“Thank you, Link!” You call out to him and he smiles.

“I think you’ll fit in just fine. Just give the other guys some time to adjust.” He says and walks away.

You gulp quietly and nod. You look down but have nowhere to put your new toy flame blade. “Hmm… That could be a problem.”

Twilight rubs his temple before you shove the sword in his direction.

“Oh wait-! You’re my boyfriend! Hold it for me?”

He coughs but takes it on instinct. He stares at you for a comment before your words sink in. He blushes, feeling it crawl up his neck to the tips of his ears. He hooks the blade to his back, converging with his other sword.

You smile nervously and take his hand again. “...Are we good?”

“We’re good.” He says softly, bringing our hand up to kiss it. “Come. A new chapter awaits us.”

“I can’t wait.”

[jrswritings]

Tingles and Giggles - Chapter Eleven - Tyler Owens x Reader

Get caught up with Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, and Chapter Ten! Masterlist :)

Chapter Eleven - What Every Guy Says

While Tyler blew the end of a hot dog on fire, you grabbed two more beers out of the cooler. Even though the shack was small, you enjoyed the simplicity of it; not having any neighbors for miles and miles on end. Granted, being 30 minutes from the closest small town wasn’t the best if you needed something from the grocery store. 

As much as you were excited for Tyler to meet your parents, what if they didn’t like him? Or what if it didn’t work and he just ended up hurting you, even if he did reassure you he wasn’t going to? No amount of comforting words or physical actions could prevent your brain from the negative waves hitting you. Years of trauma and empty promises kept your heart under lock and key. Where did that key go? You had no idea, for all you knew it was taken away in a tornado for Mother Nature to hold onto. 

You were still timid, you knew there was something special to be had with Tyler. Even though you were scared, you were that much more excited. 

“What is that pretty mind thinking about now?” He asked, sitting next to you and handing you a plate with two semi-burnt hot dogs. 

“Oh you know, all my trauma,” you said, taking a sip of your beer. 

“When you’re comfortable, you can share it with me,” he said, stabbing his hot dog with a plastic fork and biting the end off. 

“We’ll see about that,” you sighed, gently pressing the fork into your dog. 

You didn’t have the heart to tell him everything you had gone through in your short lifespan. Most of the things had been shoved so far back in your memory archives that they only were brought out when you were in a very dark place.

“Someday, darlin’,” he said, taking a drink of his beer and looking over at you with a goofy grin. 

“What’s your middle name?” You asked, trying to change the topic to anything but you.

“James, you?” He said, taking a bite of his hot dog. 

“(Y/m/n),” you said, finishing your first. 

“(Y/n) (Y/m/n) (Y/l/n),” he said to himself softly, “I like it, but it would sound better with Owens.” 

“That’s what every guy has said,” you said, poking your fork through the last dog and tossing your paper plate into the fire. 

“Ouch,” he said softly, “I thought we established that I’m not like every guy.” 

“Again, what every guy says,” you said, looking over at him with a slight smirk. 

“I’m not winning this, am I?” He asked, hanging his head and then looking over at you. 

“Nope,” you said, leaning back in your chair and sipping on your beer. 

“Gotcha,” he said, finishing off his beer and tossing it into the fire. 

“What would you want to do if you couldn’t chase anymore?” You asked while looking into the fire. 

This brought a silence over him, he had never really thought about what he would do. He only ever thought about what his life would be like after. 

“I guess maybe a rancher or a trainer for people who want to ride bulls,” he said, leaning back in his seat, “What about you?” 

You smiled slightly as you had thought about it more often than you’d like to admit. Throughout your life, you’ve always had a backup plan for anything you strived to achieve fell out from beneath you. 

“I’d take over my parents' cattle farm,” you said, leaning your head back and then looking up at the horizon which was painted various shades of red, orange, yellow, and some blue, “Be able to start a family with whoever I end up with, have them grow up on the farm I was raised on and doing the same stinky chores I had to do.” 

He laughed softly, “That sounds like quite the plan, princess.” 

“I’ve given it some thought,” you said, taking your phone out of your back pocket and getting up. 

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” He asked, tossing his plate into the fire. 

“To capture the sunset, even if it won’t do it justice,” you said, walking over beside the shack to get the trees out of your way and raising your phone. 

While you were preoccupied with getting the perfect picture of the sunset, Tyler was getting one of you. He smiled at his phone screen. It was his perfect picture. You, Ol’ Red, and the shack that was his second home all in one picture. He made it his lock screen and made the one of you asleep on the couch his home screen. 

“You got any pets back home?” He asked, 

“Yeah, two golden retrievers,” you said, walking back to him and scooting your chair a little closer to his. 

“Names or do I have to wait to meet them?” He laughed, setting his phone down and grabbing another beer. 

“Willie and Waylon,” you said, finishing your beer and leaning into your seat. 

“Like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings?” He asked, handing you a bottle. 

“Yeah,” you said, twisting the top off. 

“That’s cute,” he said, “I have a Saint Bernard at home with my aunt.” 

“Name?” You asked slightly mocking Tyler, “Or do I have to wait to meet them?” 

He laughed, “Cash.�� 

“Like Johnny?” You asked, playing with the label on the beer.

“Exactly,” he said, stretching his legs out and grabbing your hand that was playing with the label. 

“Should get a female and name her June,” you said, “Like Johnny and June.” 

“Maybe someday,” he said, “He’s still pretty young, like two years old.” 

“Ah, Willie and Waylon are brothers. From different litters, but only two years apart,” you said, “Willie is five and Waylon is three.” 

“Sounds like we’ll have a good mix,” he said, “Cash was a rescue after a tornado went through… He wasn’t chipped and had no collar. The team and I asked around for what felt like weeks with no answers. So he became my little buddy, but he became so terrified of storms I decided to keep him with my aunt.” 

“Poor thing,” you said softly, “I’m glad you found him and gave him a good home though.” 

“Oh yeah, he gets spoiled rotten,” he laughed, “It gives me peace of mind with my aunt being home alone.” 

“You and your aunt seem pretty close,” you said, looking over at him. 

“Yeah, she’s a second mother to me,” he said softly, “After my parents passed she was all I had.” 

“I’m sorry, Ty,” you sighed softly, squeezing his hand. 

“Don’t be, it was a long time ago. I’ve come to terms with it,” he said, squeezing your hand back. 

“Doesn’t change the fact that it happened and it’s a horrible thing for a person to go through, especially at such a young age,” you said, looking over at him while he stared into the flames. 

“I know it doesn’t, and as much as it may still hurt, I know I can’t do anything to bring them back besides to join them,” he said, “But I have too much blue sky ahead of me to do that.” 

You couldn’t help but tear up at the man who you were starting to view as indestructible with tears welling in his eyes. You leaned over and placed your lips to his cheek softly, putting your hand on his other cheek. You knew someday you would experience the pain of losing your parents, but it was a pain you didn’t want to face just yet in life. 

“I’m so sorry, Ty,” you whispered against his cheek, not knowing what else to say.

“Baby, don’t be,” he said, wiping his eyes, “Besides, I have the Wranglers, my aunt, Cash, and now you to live for.”

Want more? Here's Chapter Twelve!

Tag List: @fanboyswhore9 @faith719 @ummmeg

[thetriumphantpanda]

Come Away With Me | Joel & Tommy Miller (The Epilogue)

Summary | A final visit to our favourite family.

Word Count | 1.6K

Chapter Warnings | Consumption of food, allusions to smut, brief talk of difficult pregnancy, family dynamics, lots of fluff & a little surprise for you in this.

Authors Note | Well, I can't believe I'm about to say this, but we made it! Trial & Error Season 2 is complete, which marks the end of the line for my favourite threesome and their family. I firstly wanted to say thank you to each & every one of you for continuing to support this story and me. I never dreamt that you would love these three as much as I love them, and I will always be eternally grateful to this story for helping me through some tough times this year. I hope you love this ending as much as I do, and if you, I'd love to hear from you. Please always feel like you can scream at me in my inbox, and reblogs & comments also really help. This isn't it from our fabulous threesome, I have one-shots and ideas to bring to life in the future, but for now, it's adios to Joel, Pretty Girl & Tommy. And, as always, If you want to support me, you can donate to my Ko-Fi.

A reminder that I no longer use taglists - to keep up with my writing, please follow@thetriumphantpandanotifs and turn on notifications to keep up to date.

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist | Ko-Fi

The sun is warm but there is a slight breeze that crosses your skin, moves the long grass on the ground and rustles the trees. The summer has been hot, but it’s moving into time of year where it cools a little, isn’t so stifling that it makes you want to tear your skin off or spend all your time in an ice bath. 

You smile, watching not one, but two young children, just after their second birthday’s, sit in the grass and play together. Twins. Two baby girls. Your heart is full. Your soul is full. Your family is complete in a way you never thought it would be. Sitting on the porch, mug of coffee in hand, you can see the broad expanse of a man walking towards you. The sun is blocking his features from view, framing him perfectly in light. You’d know that outline anywhere. Joel. 

“How are my girls?” He smiles, bending down and placing one of his palms on the back of Ava’s head, the other hand holding one of the toys up for Addie to take hold of in her little hand. 

He stands again, walking up onto the porch to where you’re sat. He dips to kiss your forehead, then, when you tilt your head to him, he presses a kiss to your lips too, “And how is my pretty girl?” 

“I’m good,” You smile, snaking your hand around the back of his neck to pull him into another kiss, “Worked hard?” You ask once you’ve pulled away, letting him sit next to you on the porch bench. 

“Can you not tell?” He chuckles, pulling the rag from his pocket to wipe his brow of sweat. 

You put a palm on his thigh, looking back out onto the land you now call home. It’s vast, fields upon fields of open land. You can see the other house in the distance, the one Tommy and Joshua call home, the one that you spend half of your time in. It’s a pleasant walk between them, one you’ll take tomorrow morning, twins in arm. A ranch. Land bought when you’d found out you were pregnant again, this time with two babies, not one. It's further outside of the city, which you love. Peace and quiet and a wonderful place to raise your children. Joel and Tommy had worked hard throughout the nine months you’d carried Ava and Addie, taking contracting jobs wherever they could find them, squirrelling away enough money to build the life you have now. You’d offered the inheritance money from your parents who had passed away just before you’d met Tommy, which had built the two houses you all called home. Joel has insisted on sheep for the ranch, whilst Tommy had wanted cattle, so they’d compromised and gone with both. 

You hadn’t thought that being the wife of two ranchers would have been something you’d enjoy, but you’d proved yourself wrong. You could take Joshua to school each morning and pick him up each afternoon, you could spend as much time as you wanted with your baby girls, you’d learnt to bake properly, and cook meals for everyone each evening. You would all sit together, eating and drinking into the evening, until you fell into one bed or the other, curled up next to Tommy or Joel, and sometimes even both of them, until you fell asleep and started all over again the next morning. It was the life you loved, and you wouldn’t change it for the world. 

You can see Tommy walking from the other house, Joshua’s hand clutched in his own. He’d taken him out today, let him ride with him on his horse, mostly in an effort to tire him out because at six years old, he was starting to run rings around everyone with his energy. 

You watch as they come into view, Joshua dropping Tommy’s hand when he recognises his baby sisters. He’s always been so gentle with them. He kneels down on the blanket with them, picking up some of the toys in his hands to start playing with them. He hands Ava a small wooden car, and Addie gets one that is slightly bigger that she can’t quite hold properly. He tries to get them to engage in a race but it’s relatively futile, they just giggle at him and wave their arms around. 

You chuckle to yourself as Tommy heads up onto the porch too, he bends to give you a kiss similar to the way Joel had, but leans against the post that connects the porch to the roof that covers it, taking out his own rag to wipe his hands with. You’re about to open your mouth to ask if anyone is hungry, when the front door is ripped open and the newest addition to your family comes bounding out. 

“Didn’t keel over and die today then, old man.” 

You bite back a chuckle, as does Tommy, but Joel doesn’t seem to find it so funny. 

“What have I told you about bein’ rude, Ellie?” 

“I wasn’t being rude,” She shrugs, “I was just being observant.” 

You think you hear him mutter something about her being a little shit under his breath, which of course is no better than her previous comment, but you let it lie, “Anyone hungry?” You ask. 

Everyone agrees, so you push yourself up and head down the steps to pick up Addie. Joel follows behind, taking Ava in his arms, whilst holding his hand out for Joshua to take, walking everyone into Joel’s home, where the pot roast has been cooking for most of the day. 

Ellie hadn’t really been planned. Once the twins had been born, you’d thought that was it. It had been a hard pregnancy, you’d struggled with sickness at first, and then at the sheer amount of extra weight you’d been carrying around. You’d swollen in places you didn’t even know you had, and spent that last month being as still as possible. With the way your relationship had changed, you’d agreed early on that the twins would be as much Joel’s children as they were Tommy’s, but whenever Joel watched you walk away to spend time with his brother, which he didn’t resent in any way, and you took the twins with you, that big ranch house felt awful lonely to him, with Sarah still being away at college. 

He’d shocked you and Tommy when he’d sat you both down and mentioned adoption. Giving a home to someone who needed it. It had more rooms than he knew what to do with, space enough for another child. You don’t think you could have picked someone more perfect for him than Ellie. In some ways, she was the complete opposite of Sarah, but in others, they were very similar. She wasn’t ever going to be a replacement, Sarah still visited often, was still a huge part of everyone’s lives, but she kept him company in those lonely nights, made him laugh, kept him on his toes, and you loved her just as much as if she were your own. She was a love all of Joel's own.

Everyone takes their seat at the table, helps themselves to as much food as they want. Between mouthfuls of your own food, you help Addie eat, with Joel doing the same with Ava. Tommy is helping Joshua, who still doesn’t quite have the hang of how to properly cut things with his knife and fork, and Ellie is talking, mainly at Joel, about what she’d been doing that day. Its domesticity at its best. You and the two men you love with every fibre of your being, your children who you would lay down your life for, including Ellie. Everything you always wanted, all at the same time, no compromises. 

You sit around the table for most of the evening. Ellie helps you put the twins to sleep upstairs when they start dropping off. She knows the dynamic of the family, you’d sat her down one day when Joel and Tommy were out working, fumbling over the words of how to explain exactly how things worked. 

“So, they both love you, and you both love them?” She’d asked, mixing the batter for the cake you were making together, “Sounds cool,” She’s shrugged, as if it were the most normal thing in the world, “Just so long as I don’t ever have to hear what you and my old man get up to.” 

You’d smiled, given her a hug, and promised to keep it down with Joel whenever you were there. It proved to be difficult, that man knowing how to make you cry out and scream whenever he got his hands on you. 

Once Joshua has settled himself on the couch, resting quietly with the TV on in the background, and Ellie has gone to her room to read or whatever else it is she does up there, you reach next to you and take hold of Tommy’s hand. He clutches it right back, with Joel’s arm resting across your shoulders. You look up at Joel, who is smiling softly, with that glint in his eyes that tells you he’s dying to take you upstairs. 

You look Tommy directly in the eye, “Together?” You ask, squeezing his hand. 

“Together.”

And that’s how it is. That’s how it will always be. Some nights spent alone with your men, others spent sandwiched right between them as they take turns making you feel good, coaxing orgasm after orgasm from you until you don’t know who you are or what day of the week it is. And then being able to snuggle into one of them, tonight you know it will be Joel, who will drape his arm over your waist and press his front as close to your back as is humanely possible, with Tommy clutching your hands from the front. Your two men, their girl, and the life you’d risked almost everything to have. 

THE END. 

[haleswallows]

I’ve Been the Forest and the Fire (and the Witness Watching It) DC x DP Dead on Main (Jason Todd/Danny Fenton) Teen Soulmates AU

Chapter 2!

Teaser:

"This is bullshit."

His soulmate turns around at the sound of his voice. Freezes. He looks tired and scrungly and of course. Because the universe hates Jason, so of course the asshole is also in the class he's taking for his Maths Gen-Ed credit.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Jason stands over him. "Aren't you supposed to be really good at math, or something? Why are you in an intro level class?"

His eyes are huge. "I don't test well and did bad on the placement exam."

"Great," Jason seethes. A twisting in his gut makes him feel like he's about to throw up. The soul bond demands proximity with his 'other half'. Chronically contrarian, Jason fights the instinct and the rising nausea before giving in. He slides into the desk next to his soulmate. The discomfort immediately eases. "Fucking fantastic."

There's attempts at a conversation. Jason ignores it in favor of getting himself settled. Pulls a copy of the list of accommodations he'll need that the Student Affairs Office helped him put together. Subtly scopes the room - for exits, and the best desk for when he brings Ace.

Ignores the put-out expression, the longing looks coming from his right.

Thankfully, the professor focuses on reviewing the syllabus only. And assigns a set of problems. What sort of jerk assigns homework on the first day?

Students scramble for the exit as soon as the dismissal comes. Asshole looks like he has something to say, but Jason just… he can't. Refuses. Before he gets subjected to what the fuck ever the asshole thinks he needs to say, Jason snags the professor.

He's vaguely aware of his soulmate lingering, and then eventually leaving. His gut clenches and his hands shake.

•○●○•

Jason stops in his tracks. The asshole looks at him. Jason glares back.

He's in Jason's literature course too.

"Whoa, 'scuse me," another student mumbles, side-stepping around Jason and his cane where he's standing stock-still in the doorway. Fuck.

OK. Fine. He has two classes with the piece of shit. Jason's dealt with worse.

He doesn't sit next to him, finding a seat in the second row and near the door. It's strategic. Less walking, a better view of the board. There'll be more room in the aisle for Ace when he starts bringing him. Jason stakes his claim - this'll be his desk for the semester.

The asshole can sit in the back like a delinquent. Jason doesn't care. He can't see him from here anyway.

The professor - mid-30s, bearded, Southern accent - makes them do an ice-breaker game. Jason wants to die.

Professor 'Just call me Justin' holds up a bag of Jolly Ranchers, directs them to take one and pass the bag down the line. Jason fiddles with the wrapper of his 'cherry' (it doesn't taste like cherry, he can't be convinced otherwise) while the bag makes its journey, and Justin makes an odd list on the board.

Grape for a favorite poem, Blue Raspberry for a pet's name, Lime for best vacation, Watermelon for 'what you wanted to be when you grew up', and Cherry for favorite food.

"Alright, everyone got a candy?" Justin claps the chalk dust from his hands. "Great, I'll start. I'm Justin," the class titters. Yes, they know. "Lime! So, I taught English in Japan for four years. My favorite vacation was to some traditional hot springs in Osaka. Next…. you!"

The random student pointed to blushes. "Oh! Uh, Karmine. Blue, my family's dog is named Cesar."

"Hi, Karmine! Pick your victim."

She shrinks a little, points randomly. It goes on like that - name, flavor, stupid random fact. It's dumb. There's cringing and some laughs at the stupid pet names. Then someone - Samir, Jason now knows - points to him.

As if he isn't a local celebrity that's had his photo in every newspaper multiple times since he was 12. And that tabloids theorize about his relationship with Bruce, or why Bruce is 'ashamed of him' as a cripple.

"Jason, chili dogs from Dave's stand." In between the pitying looks, a few nod knowingly. Locals, then. He ignores the smattering of whispers, no doubt picking up on theory crafting about him where Vicki Vale left off.

He taps the desk of the guy next to him. And away it goes, another name, flavor, and answer.

Jason's tapped out, vaguely listening but mostly only keeping track of who hasn't gone. It's background noise, all he wants is to talk to the professor and go the fuck home. When —.

"Danny. Uh, watermelon. I wanted to be an astronaut." The asshole smiles shyly, then ducks his head and rubs the back of his head.

Gross. Jason knows his name now. He frowns and the asshole — Danny — sees it, the smile dropping off his face.

Gross. He turns forward, Danny pointing to one of the few remaining people. It's hard to breathe and the wrapper of the Jolly Rancher is sticky when he unwraps it. Pops it in it his mouth.

Gross. Fake cherry.

[mmelete]

Twilight squeezed his eyes shut, hating the way his face burst into flames. He wrapped an arm around his stomach, begging for mercy. He still had to relay this new information to Sky…Crap, he’ll never be able to look at the vet the same way again…

And vet…short for veteran, of course, but also a vet, like an animal…an animal doctor…

“I’m fine,” Twilight spat out, needing the reassurance spoken aloud. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”

It’s fine it’s fine don’t think about Legend do NOT think about the rabbits—

“Are you sure?” Time wondered, clearly not believing Twilight’s words. “Here, let’s go back upstairs—”

As Time stood, the bunny fell out of the hero’s lap. Last minute, the rabbit leapt to the nearest person, which of course meant Twilight.

“No!” Twilight yelped, nerves freezing into ice when warm paws pressed against his shoulders, his face, sniffing and nuzzling and—

Legend’s child is sniffling me. Oh my goddess, Legend’s kid is licking me—

Time snatched the rabbit back into his arms, clearly seeing the rancher’s discomfort, and Twilight left out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. His cheek stung from where the small, bristled tongue licked him. 

If Twilight needed any confirmation now, that was it. Of course the veteran’s kid would lick strangers. Why was he even surprised at this point?

____

Chapter Two of my fic! Rating: Teen and Up. Main relationships: Sky & Twilight, Legend & Ravio, and the rest of the chain. Sky and Twilight make a unique assumption after seeing that Legend has pink baby rabbits living in his home, and everything after that is mass chaos.

Link:

[occasionallyprosie]

The Look of the Hero

Chapter 2: "Restraint"

Sky didn't expect Warriors to be the one who emerged after Time went to check on him and their still-injured veteran, he expected what the captain informed him and Twilight of next... Why, exactly, was he expected to not make an example of this man who hurt his little brother?

<<Previous

Read On AO3

----

“How is he?” Sky demanded as soon as Warriors came downstairs.

“He woke up,” the war hero reported, looking over them. “I got him to go back to sleep, and had the Old Man sit in with him.”

That was surprising. Normally, Warriors didn’t relinquish his place in vigil of their injured young heroes until forced, especially not during the night. It’d taken Sky and Twilight hours to convince Wind, Wild, Hyrule, and Four to go onto bed. Lady Purah had given them housing for the evening, she had a rather large house, Sky would wager she was from an old, known family.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked, eyes narrowing. “You’d never give up watch like that.”

He wasn’t the only one who found Legend’s actions in that infirmary extremely out of character, and extremely dangerous. He had, first of all, knelt at the feet of a man while severely injured, and more than that, he left the infirmary without taking so much as a potion.

Sky had never seen Legend act… subordinate, but the way he treated the elder was more like a soldier than anything he’d ever seen from Warriors. It rubbed him the wrong way. He hoped Warriors had good news.

“Elder’s a piece of shit,” Warriors spat venomously. He grabbed his sword from the table. “He hit him.”

Sky froze, he heard Twilight snarl.

“S’cuse me?” Twilight growled.

Warriors met his eyes, both of them looked absolutely murderous. “That’s not even the worst of it, Rancher. He said he trusts us, so I’ll tell you what he told me.”

Sky stood from the seating mat and walked over, waiting expectantly.

“It’s been going on since the kid was on his first adventure, I don’t know how old he was exactly, but I know it’s the majority of his life. Did you know he’s Sheikah by blood?”

He frowned. No, he hadn’t. Other than his eyes, red as blood and flame, Sky would have never guessed.

Warriors nodded. “Yeah, and turns out the elder didn’t like that. He’s worn contacts most his life, apparently red isn’t the color of a hero.” Warriors was glaring at the door, a silver fire burning in his eyes.

“Kit’s not the type to take orders like that,” Twilight pointed out.

“No, he isn’t,” Sky agreed. “What’s the elder got? Power?”

“In a way. He has authority and control.”

They all jumped, their host stood in the doorway to the next room over, beside her was a slightly shorter woman who definitely seemed older too.

“Lady Purah, did we wake you?” Warriors asked, his fury tempered.

Sky glanced at the woman behind Purah.

“No, we’ve been up,” Purah said. “Sahasrahla is the elder, and therefore he has control of the entire tribe. Every Sheikah, from warrior to infant, fall under his leadership and would do almost anything at his command. My… Link is no exception, neither are the shadow warriors.”

“Link isn’t—it ain’t like him to just fall in line,” Twilight insisted.

Purah’s expression softened. “It isn’t, is it? Or is the Link you know just holding onto what control of his life he does have, because he knows that here, he loses it all? There’s a reason I was surprised to see Link arrive with all of you, and it wasn’t because of your conditions.”

“Almost ten years ago, Link was commanded by the elder to hide his heritage and his true self,” the other woman informed them. “Almost ten years ago, my sister lost her only child. One blessed to her by the goddess of life herself.”

“What?” Sky stared at them. “You’re—You’re his family?”

Purah looked away. “Some years ago, there was a little boy I could claim as my own, but in recent years, it was explicitly forbidden unto me to do such a thing.” Her gaze hardened as she looked back at them. “The only soul who can rescind such a thing is the elder, and it need not be the same elder who established such a thing… On a separate note, my older sister here is Impa,” she gestured to the woman at her side, “and is who is set to succeed Sahasrala as the elder, should he… retire."

Sky couldn't believe it. If he understood it correctly, this was Legend's mother. A mother who had been forced to disown her son, who Legend had been forced to no longer acknowledge as family--who even could he see as family? Did he have one? Or did he just become an orphan with nobody to look after him?

Sky looked over at Twilight and Warriors. He wondered if they caught the implications that Purah had set before them. Based on the burning in their eyes, the fire in Warriors and the ice in Twilight, they knew exactly what had been told to them, and what solution was set before them.

"Other than being forbidden from it, did the elder threaten you?" Warriors asked.

Impa answered that. "He threatened Link. Should we step out of line, he would send the warriors after him. Link has become strong, but when this began, he wouldn't have survived the entire force hunting him. He barely survived the hyrulean army hunting him."

"He threatened us with exile as well," Purah added. "But that was more to keep Link in line than us."

"He... He didn't respond very well when I said his name," Warriors added. Sky looked over in surprise. He what? "Is... Is that another thing forced onto him?"

Oh that elder was so dead.

Neither Sheikah answered.

"No," Purah said eventually, "But children are not usually called by their names by those older than them, a cultural thing, they're known as their parent's child until they become adults.”

"So him being called his name..."

"Would be a damnation," Impa confirmed. "I wouldn't be surprised if it is a point of pain for him, especially considering all he has been through."

Sky took a careful breath. "Captain," he turned to Warriors, "you came down here for a reason."

Warriors nodded. "It may be a bit late for a man of his age, but we need to... talk with the elder."

"Thank Ordona you's was plannin' on it," Twilight said, "ain't no one gonna get away with hurtin' my Kit."

On their way over, Warriors told them exactly what Legend said the Elder had done. Sky was left to try and keep a hold on his temper as they arrived.

Warriors knocked on the front door to the elder's home, the guards had let them through when they insisted on 'important hero business' and stuff.

Luckily--stupidly, Sky corrected--they were let inside and the elder was there to speak with them.

Sky eyed the old man. Sahasrahla, he was pretty sure. First of all, who named their child that? Normally he didn't judge people's names on principle, considering how often he'd had his own name insulted, but Sahasrahla? Really? Secondly... Sky wanted to know if something more physical was preventing Legend from just killing the guy for hurting him and his mother and aunt.

"How can I help you, heroes?" Sahasrahla asked.

"We had a few questions about Link, actually," Warriors said. Sky let him take the lead on talking, and it seemed Twilight was of the same mind. If he tried to control the conversation, the conversation wouldn't last long. "How long have you known him?"

"Ah, most his life, but he is a young man. Hard not to."

A vague answer.

"Do you know anything about his family?"

"I believe he has an uncle and grandparents on the farm east of here, why do you ask?"

A lie. Clearly a lie if the fact that Purah was Legend's mother was true.

Warriors frowned. "Sir, I am going to need you to be completely honest with me. I have three questions for you."

"Of course. Ask away, hero."

"Why did you make Link follow you out of the infirmary while he was clearly injured?"

"Ah, you see, I have been needing to speak with Link about matters of the utmost importance. It was prudent that we spoke immediately, before he took off again. You have been traveling with him, he is quite the fast-paced young man, always running off somewhere new. It was only a few minutes."

Sky tried to restrain his scowl. That gave no excuse to take an injured man from the infirmary prior to treatment, especially not considering, if Sky remembered right, Legend had multiple broken ribs and a sprained ankle, and a deep cut in his arm.

"Mhm, right," Warriors mused. "And why, pray tell, couldn't it wait until he was at least treated for his injuries? Those few minutes could've been the difference between life and death, Elder Sahasrahla."

"Clearly he is fine, and like I said, it was of the utmost importance--"

"You’re kidding," Sky snarled, his patience shattering. "He had two--"

"Three."

"--three broken ribs, that alone requires bed rest for multiple days, even with potions, no conversation is worth risking someone's life to have it."

Twilight spoke up. "Las' question. What made ya think you had the right ta not only strip him of his identity and heritage, forbid his family from claimin' him, threaten them all with each other to force them ta never acknowledge each other... but also raise a hand to him?"

"You think we wouldn't notice the split lip?" Warriors asked lowly, blocking the elder's way of escape. "You think we didn't notice the brand new bruise on his face? How many times have you hurt him like that?"

"You have no right to interfere," the elder snapped, a harsh look in his eyes. "That boy is doing his duty as the hero. The goddess has set certain expectations and as her servants, we must ensure they are met."

"The goddess?" Warriors lunged and stopped Sky from attacking the old man. "You dare--"

Sahasrahla scoffed, as if Sky wasn't being physically restrained from killing him. "I am a servant of the golden goddess, and her will is mine to enforce. Link is a disgrace unto her legacy, and the legacy of heroes--"

"Rancher no!"

Warriors couldn't move from restraining Sky fast enough to stop Twilight from slugging the elder in the face, sending him to the ground.

"The kid said not to hurt him!" Warriors reminded them, pushing Twilight back, and that was the only reason Sky didn't immediately follow Twilight's punch with his own. "He said not to hurt them--Sky."

Sky stood above the elder, whose face was becoming covered in blood from his broken nose. He was beginning to push himself up, clearly stronger than his age would suggest.

"Sky, don’t--"

Sahasrahla froze as the Master Sword was embedded into the wood beside his face. Sky crouched down to look him in the eyes.

"You are so lucky that Link asked us not to hurt you," he said lowly. "But don’t take this act of mercy and respect for Link as grace and allowance to continue what you've done. Because this? This isn't the will of the goddess."

Sahasrahla laughed, strained and a bit panicked. "Really? You’re not even hylian. How can you claim to know the will of the goddess better than the Elder of the Sheikah?"

"I am the Chosen Hero of the Goddess, I forged the Master Sword, traveled through time, defeated the demon lord in combat--I killed the god of hatred. You want to talk about knowing Hylia and her will? If my wife was here right now, I would not be the one daring you to try my patience here, she would. And she would be far less merciful than I."

Sky saw the blood drain from Sahasrahla's face.

Good.

"I am human, yes. But you know? Hylia still chose me, she chose my spirit to be her hero. And," he nodded over at Warriors and Twilight, "she chose my spirit again, and again, and again. These men are my descendants, not in blood but in spirit, and so is Link."

Twilight, no longer held back by Warriors, came closer and crouched down. He snarled, teeth bared almost feral-like.

"And if ya can't tell, we happen ta be just a bit protective of the younger ones. Ya hurt him, Sahasrahla. We don’t take kindly to child abusers."

Sky felt his lips tug into a sort of vicious grin.

"No we don’t," Warriors agreed. "So consider yourself lucky that Link--"

The door slammed open.

"Stop! Don’t--"

"Link wait!"

Sky looked back, Legend--in just his black tunic, no shoes, arm wrapped in bandages, leg wrapped too--stood in the doorway, wide eyes flicking from Warriors, to Sahasrahla, to the Master Sword, to Sky, and then to Twilight, and back again. They stopped on Warriors.

"You said you wouldn't hurt him," he said.

Sky never heard Legend sound so... small, so young.

Purah ran up beside Legend, grabbing his hand. "Link, please. They wouldn't kill him--"

Time also came up the steps, stopping at the top a few feet behind Purah and Legend.

"Captain, you said--"

Warriors crossed the entryway and reached for Legend, Sahasrahla tried to move but Sky shot him a sharp glare and Twilight snarled, silencing the man.

"I know," Warriors soothed. "I did. We won't kill him, we won't hurt him badly either--The Rancher's temper got the best of him, and the Chosen's a bit... threatening. It's okay though. We won't kill him."

"There's worse fates than death," Legend said quietly, Sky barely heard him.

He felt a bit bad, and looking over at Twilight they shared that little guilt. But from what Warriors had said, what Purah and Impa said, and how Sahasrahla spoke...

"I know, I know, kid. You said you trust me, right?"

"I-I do, but--"

"Then trust me. It'll be alright. We have it handled... We won't kill him this time--No, listen to me."

Legend shut his mouth.

"Listen. You do understand that what he's done, what has happened, to you and your family, is wrong, right?" Warriors asked gently. "We can't just let it slide, kid. We won't kill him, not this time, but we'll make sure he understands that we can and will do so if he doesn't fix his act."

"Captain..."

Warriors gestured behind Legend's shoulder, Sky saw it and saw Time quickly move forward, pulling Legend back.

"Just trust us, go back to your home, get some rest... it'll be handled by morning."

"You... You swear you won't kill him?"

"Not this time, only if he refuses to learn," Warriors promised.

Sky watched Time try to pull Legend back, but the younger hero didn't budge, still staring past Warriors at them.

Purah was the one who got him to move. She pulled him by the hand and he startled, looking at her. He didn't hear what she said, or understand what shapes her mouth made, but what he did know was that Legend looked close to tears as he gave them one last glance and let her pull him away.

Warriors had gone rigid though, he closed the door again with a nod to Time, and turned slowly.

"Sky."

Sky nodded, he pulled the Master Sword from the wooden floor, Sahasrahla looked terrified.

"Wait! Wait you can't--"

"We can." Sky corrected coldly. "We will. The only reason we haven't is because Link asked us not to."

"But even that ain't gonna protect you forever," Twilight added. "Ya hear him? This time. So listen up."

"You'll resign," Warriors said, walking back over to them, "you'll retire from being the elder. Them, you won't bother Link again, you won't bother him or Lady Purah. If they speak to you, you will respond kindly, otherwise you do not bother them."

"Understand us?" Sky demanded, sword still hovering over his face. "We have our ways of time travel, don't think we won't come back to make sure you're staying in line."

Legend had paced the entry hall, waiting for them to come back. He knew he shouldn’t have said anything, but he thought—He said they wouldn’t hurt him! They had no right, no reason to injure Sahasrahla like that. Especially looking like they did, the way Sky had been glaring at the elder, the way Twilight snarled at him, he knew first hand that Twilight’s ire was not fun to be on the other side of.

“Link—“ Purah tried to make him stop, make him rest, but how could he?

They were trying to fix his problems, in his era, and likely making things worse. They were heroes, revered and respected, especially by the Sheikah who were ecstatic to learn they were in the company of the Anointed, Chosen Hero of the Goddess. But would that prevent those same people from attacking them and defending their elder? Not to mention…

The door slid open, and the three older heroes returned. Legend forced his emotions down to level a glare at them.

"He gave his word," Warriors said. "If he doesn't adhere to it..."

"Then I'd be more than happy to force his hand," Sky offered, a dark look in his eyes.

"You're all idiots," Legend snapped. “Why would you--What even--Why?"

Twilight snorted, he moved over and squeezed his shoulder as he passed by him. “'Cause you're our kid brother, kit. It's s'our job to protect ya, t'do what we can to make your life better. 'Course we ain't able to do much, but what we can do, we will do."

“You—" He floundered. How did one respond to that?! “What does threatening him even help?!”

"Either he resigns or..." Twilight shrugged. "Like the Captain said, we'll handle it. Ya Ian’t gotta worry about it."

"I'll worry about what I want! You can't just-just—You can’t…”

“Why not?” Sky asked, unclipping his sailcloth.

“Because! Y-You’re—“ he was getting flustered.

Twilight was still behind him but he could see how Purah and Impa looked concerned, the former more obvious than the latter. Sky and Warriors were in front of him, Warriors taking off his armor—why had he gone wearing armor if he wasn’t going to fight—while Sky gave him a rather sad look.

“You’re not supposed to be…”

“You’re not supposed to need help?” Warriors said, far too much understanding in his eyes. That same look that had Legend agreeing to trust him. “Everyone needs help sometimes, kid. It’s harder for us heroes, everyone expects us to be perfect and fit into whatever they think the hero should be, so we think we can’t accept help, but that’s exactly why we should help each other while we can. Nobody is ever going to understand the struggles of being a hero like another hero can."

Legend clicked his jaw shut, clenching his hand into a fist. He heard footsteps retreat, but he honestly didn’t know who left the room.

“Like the Rancher said,” Sky hummed, “we’re brothers. Brothers of bloodshed, by arms raised, through hardships… no matter what, that means we got your back, and that anyone who hurts you will have to face the consequences of their actions.”

Warriors added, “Especially when you refuse to administer them yourself, and they show no remorse for what they did to you.”

He stared at them. Sky stepped toward him and to his surprise, wrapped his sailcloth around Legend.

“Zelda would have killed him.”

His jaw dropped, but a piercing, electric look stopped him from saying anything.

“He hit you, he threatened you and your family to control you, had my Zelda been here and seen how he didn’t even feel regret for his actions, not even a little bit… Idiotic men in power hurting the good-hearted kids just trying to do what was right…” 

There was a slight glaze in Sky’s eyes, something that was a little offsetting. He didn’t look all himself, his eyes—normally a soft blue—were far paler, nearly an icy frosted blue. In the same moment, they returned to normal… Those eyes though… that was the look of a hero, he realized. The soft kindness, the flickering, undenied righteous anger, the power and assurance…

Sky had the look of a hero.

“Zelda would have killed him on the spot, and the only reason I didn’t do the same is because you asked us not to kill him… I’ll only extend that mercy once.”

Legend bit his tongue, looking down briefly before dragging his eyes back up and just nodding. He didn’t trust his voice, he wasn’t sure he trusted that their actions would bring any positive results and not just horrible consequences, but he trusted them… and that would need to be good enough.

“Come on, you need to get some rest,” Warriors said softly, he couldn’t find it in him to fight against them.

[oohnotvery]

Hand To Your Heart (Chapter 5)

Tw/cw: pregnancy content in author’s note

Holy freaking shit, I have never experienced nausea like this in all my life. I don’t remember being sick at all with my daughter, but this time, the nausea has been debilitating. I can barely get out of bed, can’t stomach anything except Jolly Ranchers, and I’ve had to resort to playing Doctor-Patient with my toddler so I can just lie on the floor while she covers me with blankets for “playtime.” Lolololol.

I want to finish this story so badly, for myself and for all of you. I hope and pray that my condition improves as the weeks go by. In the meantime, thank you for your patience these days :)

As she stares down at the set of unearthed coffins poking out from the mud of an ancient graveyard, Scully isn’t quite sure why Mulder insisted she come here today. Before he left her apartment last night, he gave her the address of an old church and told her to meet him in the back by the graves. He’d mentioned a body he wanted her to look at, but all she sees right now are a few decaying tombstones.

And to her irritation, there’s no sign of Mulder . . . or Diana.

With a frustrated huff, she glances once more around the empty churchyard before advancing towards the cover of a shady oak tree. When she left her apartment this morning, the day was sunny, if not a little overcast. Once she crossed the border into Maryland, however, tall pillars of dark clouds began to pile up on the horizon, and before she even reached the church, rain started pelting her car. After frantically searching her backseat and trunk for an umbrella that didn’t exist, she threw on a spare trench coat, but it did little to protect her hair, and within minutes of entering the graveyard, she was completely drenched.  

She’s about to duck under one of the tree’s largest branches when she hears a shout.

“Scully!”

She whips around, stringy wet hair slapping her cheeks, and sees Mulder and Diana striding towards her purposefully, two matching black umbrellas raised high. Scully fights the urge to fix her dripping locks as she takes in Diana’s perfectly styled curls, which seem to be completely resistant to the weather.

Mulder gestures for her to meet them in the spot where she was standing earlier, and grumbling to herself, she starts marching back out into the rain. Mud squelches under her boots and chilly water trickles past her jacket collar and down her spine, sending goosebumps up her arms. She’s about ten feet from the suspicious set of coffins when her foot catches on a partially-exposed tree root. With a yelp, she flings out her arms, trying to catch her balance, but her other foot slips on the wet surface and she goes down, landing with a splat in a thick, oozy puddle of mud.

Before she can even assess the damage, she hears a bright peal of feminine laughter ring out over the rain. Heat flames across her cheeks and she digs her fists into the slick mud to push herself to her knees. She glances down and curses when she sees that her entire outfit, from jacket to undershirt to trousers, are brown and slick with filth. Tugging her hands out of the sludge, she tries to rake some of the thicker, goopier chunks off her shirt, but it’s a futile endeavor. Her clothes are almost certainly ruined.  

The rain pelting her face suddenly lessens and she glances up, seeing Mulder standing over her, his umbrella shielding her from the storm. Their eyes meet and she can tell in the mischievous glint of his gaze that he’s holding back a laugh.  

“Hey, Scully, you’ve uh, you’ve got something . . . right . . . there,” he says with an impish grin, swiping his finger across her cheek, gathering mud as he does. Mortified, she dabs at her face with the back of her hand, realizing in horror that it’s not just her clothes—her entire face is coated in mud.

Humiliated, she dips her head as angry tears well in her eyes. Even when Mulder hoists her to her feet and gives her grimy arm a tentative squeeze, she can’t bear to look at him. In her peripheral, she watches him furiously shake mud off his hand like some sort of wet dog, grimacing when he can’t seem to get it all off.

“You okay?” he asks quietly, all joking gone from his voice.

“Fine,” she says past a thick swallow. She squints towards the coffins, ignoring Diana, whose face is practically gleaming with delight, and clears her throat. “Is there somewhere in the church where I can get cleaned up?”

Mulder dips his clean hand into his pants pocket and pulls out a set of keys. He slips them into her jacket pocket, being careful to avoid the mud coating her clothing. She looks up at him in question.

“Why don’t you head to the motel and take a shower?” he suggests instead, guiding her away from the graveyard. “I’m in Room 4. Take a shower, clean up, and we can try again later today.”

Forehead crinkling, she shakes her head. What motel? “No, Mulder, I’m here now. Let’s just get this over with—”

“I can’t take you seriously with mud all over your face—”

“I didn’t ask your opinion,” she snaps irritably. “I just need ten minutes to get cleaned up, and then we can get back to work.”

“Scully,” he sighs, taking a step closer, but not close enough to risk coming into contact with her ruined clothes. “I’ve known you for five years and I’ve never seen you this filthy.” He briefly seems to reconsider this. “Okay, maybe, maybe the time we got covered in shit when I was hunting cockroaches. But this is a new level of mess, Scully. You’re not going to be able to work in these conditions. I’m not going to be able to work in these conditions.” He reaches out as if to touch her hand and then pulls away, thinking better of it. “Go take a real shower.”

It’s illogical to argue with him and she knows it. She herself is disgusted by the way her clothes are sticking to her skin, humiliated by the brown wash of dirt all over her nice blouse and trousers.

A few moments pass in silence, the only sound the pitter patter of rain on his umbrella. After a minute, her eyes climb to meet his. “Why did you book a motel room?” she asks suspiciously. “We’re only forty-five minutes from your apartment.”  

He shrugs casually, his eyes flickering towards Diana. “We plan to be at this case a while. Figured it was easier than driving back home every night.”

At his words, a light bulb seems to illuminate in her mind, and something akin to horror begins to creep into her chest. She parts her lips, wondering how to ask. Wondering whether she should ask.

She clears her throat. “So did you stay here . . . last night?” Did you drive to D.C. last night to fuck me, and then turn around and drive back to the motel to be with Diana? The thought is so chilling, she shudders.

Mulder swallows, a frown creasing between his brows. “It’s easier than fighting traffic every morning,” he shrugs.

A non-answer. She purses her lips tightly. “I see.”

He shakes his head. “You see what, exactly?”

But she won’t dignify him with a response. Turning her shoulder, she gestures defeatedly towards her car. “You’re right, Mulder. I’m too filthy to work this case right now. I’m just going to go home.”

“Scully,” he growls, irritation flickering across his face, “no. I asked you here for a reason. I know you have a change of clothes in your car. You always carry at least three different outfits, I’ve seen them myself. Go take a shower, chill out a little, then come back here. I need you.”

Her spine stiffens. I need you.

She inhales sharply, wondering when this particular catchphrase became so painfully loaded. “Which motel?” she asks after a moment, not meeting his gaze.

He replies with the name of a place that sounds as if cockroaches are its primary inhabitants. With a cursory nod, she turns on her heel and starts walking to her car. Mulder jogs to catch up with her, pointlessly holding the umbrella over her head as if she weren’t already soaked to the bone and caked with mud.

He opens her driver’s side door, gesturing for her to take a seat. Grimacing, she peels off her dirty coat and tosses it into the passenger floorboard before lowering herself into her always-impeccable car. Mulder rests one hand on the roof, ducking his head to meet her eyes. She glares at him from underneath her brows.

“I never thought I’d say this, Scully, but I think I have a thing for women covered in mud.” He gives her a cheeky wink and she whips her eyes towards the dashboard so that he can’t see the outrage building in her gaze.

He probably thinks he’s being cute, she realizes with a clenched stomach.

He taps the hood of the car before shutting the door, and she makes sure to peal out as fast as possible so that her tires sling some mud onto his expensive trousers. It’s petty, sure, but when she catches his outraged look in the rearview mirror, she almost smiles.

Almost.

**

The motel is only a few miles down the road and Scully finds Room 4 easily enough. She lugs her go-bag into Mulder’s room and dumps it on the unmade bed, then retreats into the bathroom, where she cringes when she catches sight of herself in the mirror.

It’s worse than she imagined. Dark clumps of mud hang from the wet strands of her hair, and thick brown streaks cover her chin and cheeks. Underneath the grime, her face flames red with mortification. She thinks about all the dozens of humiliations she’s faced in the past two days and curses: Mulder showing up to bed her out of some warped sense of obligation; discovering that he’s very likely fucking Diana, a woman who blatantly disdains her; and getting a graveyard’s worth of mud shoved up her throat in front of that woman . . . .

She strips down, peeling off layers that will undoubtedly need to be thrown away. Her coat and shoes she’ll try to salvage, but she shoves her pants and shirt into the plastic bag of the bathroom trash can and ties off the bag before starting up the shower.

She steps into a blast of shockingly cold water, yelping as goosebumps ripple up her spine. Furiously, she turns the knob until the water starts to grow gradually less frigid, but it remains cool throughout her shower. Gritting her teeth, she decides she’s just going to have to get this over with fast. It takes four passes with the soap bar to get the initial mud off her arms, face, and neck. The bar grows stubby and useless by round five, and she growls in irritation when she discovers remnants of mud lingering behind her ears. Finding none of Mulder’s own products in the shower, she lathers up her hair with motel shampoo, rinsing and repeating three times for good measure before finishing with some motel conditioner. Only when the water finally starts to run clear at her feet does she decide she’s clean enough.

By the time she’s stepping out of the shower and into a fresh towel, she feels slightly buoyed. She slips into new underwear and a fresh pair of pants and a work blouse before running out to her car to clean the crusted mud off the driver’s seat. Once she’s finished cleaning, she retreats into the bathroom to run a blow dryer through her hair, frowning at the way her hair poofs up when not tended with her own products. She makes a mental note to stock her go-bag with better toiletries.

She’s finger combing her hair into place when she notices something that slipped her attention earlier: there’s a connecting door in Mulder’s room. And it’s open, just a crack. A sickening knot of dread forms in her stomach, but it’s not enough to dampen her curiosity. She takes a few steps towards the door, then waits quietly for a few beats to ensure the room’s occupant is not in. When she’s sure the room is empty, she pulls the door the rest of the way open.

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, Diana’s room. The bed is crisply made and two pairs of sky-high heels stand primly in front of a set of dresser drawers. An odious perfume lingers in the air, one with which Scully is vaguely familiar, one she’s sensed in the basement office and in the Hoover Building hallways . . . and maybe even in Mulder’s apartment.

So . . . Mulder is sharing a connecting room with Diana. Scully thinks back to her conversation with him from a few days prior, how he told her Diana has been consulting with him for the past few weeks. How many times have the two of them spent the night away from home? And how many times have they booked adjoining rooms?

Swallowing thickly past a wave of confusing emotions, Scully starts to back out of the room when something catches her eye. There, on the bed.

How did she miss it on her first pass through the room?

Sitting right on top of the duvet, almost like a pair of prizes, lay Diana’s bra and underwear. They’re in full view, which Scully assumes is purposeful—just in case Mulder steps inside for a chat. Despite her better judgment, she takes a step closer. The bra is a sexy, lacy thing, black with red ribbons interwoven through the fabric. The underwear is even more scandalous, just a scrap of fabric that can’t possibly cover anything Diana’s hiding underneath her clothing. In a fit of maniacal self-sabotage, Scully wonders whether she should inspect the underwear for traces of Mulder’s semen.

Her cheeks blaze at the thought, but it sets off a new train of suspicions. Mulder’s products were missing from his shower. What if . . . oh, God.

With ringing ears, Scully slips into Diana’s bathroom and shoves back the shower curtain. Her eyes furiously scan the bottles lining the shelf and her heart stutters to a complete stop when her gaze lands on a familiar bottle.

That’s Mulder’s shampoo. And that’s Mulder’s soap. In Diana’s shower.

If she wasn’t sure about the state of affairs before, she is now. She’s a sucker for hard evidence, and this is pretty damn close to confirmation.

She bolts out of the bathroom before she can find any more incriminating evidence that will inevitably break her heart. It makes sense, she realizes as she grabs her go-bag with shaking hands, intent on abandoning the case and heading straight home. She’s not a believer, not like Diana is. She’s not sexy, not like Diana is. She doesn’t own lingerie, not like Diana does.

Oh, shit, she winces as she replays memories from Mulder’s late-night visit. What kind of underwear was she wearing when he went down on her? It definitely wasn’t a sexy lacy scrap of fabric. She doesn’t even own anything like that. More like something white and cotton and comfortable and . . . oh, God, could she be less appealing?

She’s so caught up in her thoughts that she almost doesn’t see the person stepping up onto the sidewalk right in front of her. With a yelp, Scully swerves out of the way, tripping over herself as she manages not to knock down the other person.

A cool laugh floats through the air as Scully rights herself.

“Be careful, Agent Scully,” comes Diana’s voice. “I would hate to see you fall twice in one day.”  

[sweetflanfiction]

Second Chances - Part 8

Universe: Read Dead Redemption 2

Pairing: Arthur x reader

Disclaimers and Warnings: If you want me to tag you on the chapters let me know! Also leave a comment with your thoughts :D Not finished, not proofread. English isn't my 1st language. All I know about 1899 is from google, so inacuracies will be plenty. The reader is on the older side, and identifies as a female. Gif by the talented @sweeetestcurse. There's a little funny tidbit at the end of the chapter :D

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7

• ··········· • ············ •

His eyes looked up and he felt his muscles tense. That single word had such an impact on him that he didn't even know he was holding his breath until Albert spoke again.

"Cattle convoy." The older man said, but Arthur didn't blink. "Some affluent cattle farmer needs his cattle delivered by train to his ranch north of here. Everston agreed to a substantial fee for it. He wants us to help him."

Arthur slowly breathed, hoping it would remain unnoticed by the two other people in the room. Hell, even he wasn't aware he was holding his breath.

"Who's goin'?" You asked, moving the bucket of water you had been using for the dishes.

"Well, Everston obviously, his eldest, myself, Brant…"

"Can I come?" You asked abruptly and Albert laughed.

"You know the answer is no."

"Fine. No hurt in asking." Your eyes landed on the silent Arthur and she squished her eyes, one side of her mouth curled up. "Take him then."

"Hum…could actually be a good idea. What do you say Mr. Callahan?"

Arthur had only been on the other side of the cattle transport. The side that steals it and re-sells it, with the probability of killing the participants. To be honest, knowing the ins and outs of the outlaws may be of use to them. He nodded silently. 

"You alright there?" You asked. Your eyebrows furrowed deep in her face, concern written in them.

"Huh…" He cleared his throat. "Yes, yes! Sorry, I've had some past experiences with that sort of…job."

"Bad ones?" The rough farmer asked.

"Both, I guess."

"It'll be fine Mr. Callahan. We do this often, it's income. It's the first time we work with this feller, but we have some that we tipically work. We just go to town, get them off the train, ride them to their owners and come back."

"No outlaws?" Curiosity had the better of him but, to his surprise, Albert chuckled.

"That's what's worrying you? That you'll get shot?"

"More like if I have to shoot someone…"

The older man's face turned serious for a moment and Arthur thought he'd been found. 

"The law around these parts generally accepts one or two dead outlaws. Especially if they have bounties on 'em. We try not to let it get to that extent, but if it's between them and us, we try to make it all about us."

The small kitchen was silent for a while, the gravity of the topic not escaping anyone. The other two people might have been more reserved in their opinions about killing anyone, but Arthur had done it more times than he could count. And he did it well. Too well sometimes.

"You know how to use a rifle don't you?" Albert asked. His eyebrows raised and a grin on his lips. He knew the answer to that.

"If he doesn't, he could just tackle the bandits to the ground. The man is taller than a lighthouse, probably tougher than a tree trunk." You joked and Arthur felt his cheeks turn red.

"Well, say what's on your mind why don't you?" The older rancher chastised, getting up from his seat on the table and walking out, both Arthur and his daughter following him.

"What? Am I lying?" She turned to Arthur and placed two hands on his upper arm, wrapping them around his muscles, making him stop dead in his tracks. "Look at this!"

"Stop manhandling the help, dear. You're making the man uncomfortable."

You looked up at Arthur. In a nonchalant manner, his eyes slowly moved from your hands to your face. He wasn't uncomfortable, quite the opposite. It felt like a comfortable joke between friends. He tried to stop himself from tensing his muscles under his shirt to see if you would react. However, your face showed you had realized you may have stepped on a line, your smile fading and your hands moving from his arm.

"I'm sorry Mr. Callahan."

It took him a moment to reply, clearing his throat and nodding his head at her and smiling casually.

"No need to be sorry Miss Graham."

She mimicked his smile and patted him on the shoulder, following her father to a room he hadn't been in before. It was just at the bottom of the stairs but he almost never saw it open.

"Come on Mr. Callahan. Let's meet the rest of the land." The older gentleman half shouted from inside what seemed to be his office.

Arthur walked into a sunny room furnished with a couch, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf filled with books and knick knacks, a desk and a chair. Much like the rest of the house the room was small and cramped, but wasn't uncomfortable. It was cozy and lived in.

You sat on the couch and grabbed a guitar that had been leaning against the wall. You started to strum it as Mr. Graham grabbed a framed map from the wall and placed it on top of his desk.

"Now, this is Captain's Corner." He pointed to the map.

A loose diamond shape was drawn on yellowed paper and divided into five parts: four around the shape and one smaller. The faded names were neatly written on the paper. Some he could make out, others not so much.

The upper part of the diamond seemed to have a small river or trail of water around it. Beyond that some trees were drawn and another dotted line appeared. On the lower part there were some trails with arrows pointing to various locations.

"Now here." He pointed to the top left part of the diamond. " That's us. We have horses, four sheep, and two cows..."

"And the chickens. Don't forget the chickens." You reminded him and Albert nodded.

"And some chickens. We sell sheep's wool, and horses. We've got some crops that we use for whatever we can. Right now we have wheat growing, but that may change. As long as it's hardy it probably grows." 

"We're gonna try potatoes after and maybe have some beehives." You added from behind Arthur still plucking random notes from the guitar.

"Below us is Brant's. Eleanor and Williamson. They have corn crops and Eleanor has a herb greenhouse. They live alone, no kids unfortunately. Mighty fine people. If you ever feel under the weather, go to him. He'll fix you up in no time... You're living proof of that."

He moved his hand to the lower right part of the diamond.

"The Everstons. Bernard and Josie, and about 200 kids…"

"It's just 5." You interrupted again.

"And their 5 kids. Lovely family, loud and warm. You'll meet them soon. He's the cattle owner of the bunch, has more cows than brains sometimes, but he's an excellent man and I trust him to make wise judgements. And here, next to us, we have Mr. Thomson. Tobacco leaves and foul humor, that's what he got." Albert's tone shifted to a less friendly tone as he talked about his neighbor. "He drinks and takes care of the crops. If at all possible don't cross the lines to his propriety. He's as rancorous and he is a good shot."

"Amen. My leg still twitches every time I get near that fence." He could hear the venom in your voice, which was an unfamiliar sound to him.

"And in the middle we have Miss Beatrice Renoir. Widow, her husband came from France, died and she stayed here. She's trying to plant sugar cane and it's succeeded up to now, but we still have to wait and see."

"How about this?" Arthur pointed to the woods above, which have a dashed line running through them.

"Native folk have settled there." Albert said, watching Arthur closely.

"They trouble?" He asked.

"No. Quite the opposite. We all try to help each other."

"Alright then." Arthur stood straight and looked at the older man. “Can I ask a question? Without meaning any offense?”

“Of course.” The rancher straightened up.

“Why is it called Captain’s Corner? It’s clearly not a corner and…” 

“Most of us were War veterans." He laughed. “And some drunk in town decided that we were all captains and that we had taken this corner of the land so…Captain’s Corner…”

Arthur nodded. He felt nervous about this. It was the first honest to God job he had since he could remember.

"You understand everything?" Albert asked, placing the map on the wall again.

Arthur nodded, taking a deep breath.

"When do we leave?"

• ··········· • ············ •

Map of the ranch:

• ··········· • ············ •

@photo1030 :: @sylum :: @marislittlereadingcorner :: @rratman :: @clevergirl74 :: @aureolinb

[poseidonsdaughterthesiren]

The Daughter of Poseidon: Chapter Two

Della pulls Jason along to meet Chiron. She glances at him every once in a while and he looks panicked. 

“You know no one is going to execute you right?” she giggles.

Jason’s face resembles a deer in headlights. He pauses by a sign. 

“You know something about who I am right? You and that Annabeth girl were very invested in my arm.” Jason’s blue eyes were full of paranoia. 

Della sighs, “Look I don’t know who you are. That mark on your arm is unusual, and you know the gods by their Roman personas.” 

Jason crosses his  arms, “How do I know this Chiron guy isn’t going massacre me?” 

“Chiron is just and fair. He won’t kill you unless you give him a reason. Now let's go I need to talk to Beth.” Della begins to walk towards the trail. 

“About that Percy kid right?” Jason doesn’t move from his spot.

“Yes,” Della sighs, “about that Percy kid.” She swallows hard holding back any feeling that tries to escape her. 

Jason has moved to the trailhead now, “Who is–”

“He’s my brother,” Della sniffs, “Let’s go.” 

They meander up the trail to the Big House. A four-story manner painted baby blue with white trim. The wraparound porch had longue chairs, a card table, and an empty wheelchair. 

“I’m not supposed to be here,” Jason said. He stands petrified on the spot. 

“It’ll be fine Jason, I’ll be here the whole time. You won’t get massacred.” 

Jasons nods. 

The sound of hoof steps came from the house and Jason straightened like a soldier at attention. 

Della smiles at the centaur on the porch, “Hey Chiron this is Jason.” 

Jason backs up so fast he almost trips. 

Chiron adorns his World's Best Centaur shirt and has his bow on his back. He ducks to avoid the porch light and starts to smile at Jason. Then the color drained from his face. 

“You…” Chiron says, “You should be dead.” 

An uncomfortable silence passes over the three of them. 

“Adella, I need to speak to Jason in private,” Chiron says. He was stiff as a board. 

Della frowns, “Are you sure I can stay if you–”

“Adella, now please.” 

Della nods and steps back from the pair. 

Jason’s face screams HELP ME! 

Della pats him on the back. Once the door clicks shut. She makes her way down the trail. 

The ring of cabins is deserted. Everyone is off doing activities to keep busy. She stops in her cabin and grabs her market bag. She shuts the door and makes her way to the lake. 

Once her feet hit the shore she slips off her sneakers and sets them to the side. The wreckage of the chariot was cleaned up. The only evidence of the event was a black smoldering mark on the sand.

Della rummages through her bag, she should clean this thing out more often. Shells from Dad–no, blue Jolly Ranchers–no, aha! Della pulls a quartz crystal and a drachma. She sets the bag by her shoes. Skillfully, Della angles it to create the smallest of rainbows she tosses the drachma and says, 

“Iris goddess of the rainbow please accept this offering. Show me Percy Jackson.” 

Nothing happens. 

Della sighs and sticks the quartz back in her bag. She should’ve known. Normally, the offering presents you with the person you’re trying to get a hold of. Ever since Perc went missing any time Della or Annabeth tried nothing happened. 

Frustration seeps into Della. She knew better than to let it fester. Fully clothed in her oversized orange shirt and cut-off shorts she slips into the lake. She swims towards the bottom. Perks of being Posedion’s kid she could breathe underwater. 

She nuzzles herself into a little spot crosses her legs and tries (key word tries) to meditate. Not achieving her goal Della opens her eyes to green mist instead of blue water. 

Free me daughter of Poseidon, or the Earth will swallow us. It must be by solstice!  A familiar older woman’s voice rang through her head, “FREE ME!” 

Della gasps awake. She wasn’t underwater anymore. No, instead she’s levitating above the middle of the lake—no sign of the green mist or the voice. There is however a crowd of campers by the lake. 

“Della!” Will yells, “Della, are you okay?” 

Is she okay? She tries to control the water to help when whatever force is holding her up decides to drop her. Before she can crash into the lake she is caught by Will. 

“You good?” Will asks. 

Della gives him a dazed look, “Chiron–I need to see Chiron. Vision, bad vision” 

Will sets her down but keeps an arm on her just in case, “Alright everybody move. Nothing to see here.” 

Della tries moving forward when her legs nearly give out. She grabs Will again.

Will swiftly scoops her up and rushes them towards the Big House. 

“Ugh, I’m never going to live this down am I?” Della asks. 

“Don’t worry Dell,” Will pants, “I’ll let you keep your dignity.” 

She focuses on staying awake. She vaguely remembers feeling like this at the Lotus. Disoriented. 

Will bangs through the doors of the Big House. 

Chiron, Annabeth, and Jason's heads all snap toward them. 

“Will? Della? What happened?” Annabeth places a hand on Della’s forehead. 

“I don’t know,” Will pants, “She was floating above the lake and then she fell. I barely caught her–then she said she needed to see Chiron–something about a vis–”

“A vision?” a unique voice said from the couch. Red hair appears in Della’s tunnel vision. Rachel. 

“Rachel?” Della croaks. She tries to roll out of Will’s arms. 

Will takes the hint and sets her on her feet. He and Annabeth both have a hand on her. 

“Will, go prep the infirmary, I need to speak to Della,” Chiron orders. 

Will slips his hand off her and dashes out the door. 

Annabeth slips Della’s arm over her shoulder for stability. 

“Chiron,” Della rasps, “Green smoke–meditating–solstice–” 

“It would seem Della has had the same vision as Ms. McLean.” 

“Huh? Piper had a vision?” 

“More like Hera hijacked Rachel who seemed to have communicated for her,” Annabeth says.

“But Della wasn’t in the cabin–” Annabeth says.

“Guys,” Jason says, “She doesn’t look too good.” 

“Della?”

Della felt her spinning like she was on the merry-go-round with Percy and their mom on the beach. Her knees buckle, and she slips out of Annabeth’s grasp on the floor. She can see him. Percy. He’s running by a freeway Riptide at the ready. “Percy? Percy, I can see you” she sighs. He just barely glances at her before the darkness swallows her like one of her father’s waves. 

[countrymusiclover]

40 - Newest Dutton Baby

Country Rancher

This is the final chapter ❤️ thank you for reading

Tags @whateverthecostner @rosie-posie08 @kayceduttonn @kcloveswrestling @the-morning-star-falls @kaymudd @hcwthewestwaswcn

I gasped seeing water coming from between her legs since she was wearing just a dress and some socks after her shorts were tighter. “Oh my god. I think the babies coming.”

Kayce and I frantically turned our head towards one another sharing the same terrified look that we weren’t expecting this yet. Her due date wasn’t supposed to be until the rest of the family got back in town. “Call the helicopter!”

Kayce carried his first born daughter in his arms while we had someone else flying the helicopter for us. Carter had grabbed the baby bag. With the rest of our kids piling into the truck. “I’ll follow behind ya’ll. You stay with our baby girl.” Kayce told me when I climbed into the helicopter shutting the door behind me.

“Mommy, I’m scared.” Bree winced reaching for my hand when we rose off the ground flying as fast as we possibly could.

Grasping her hand in mine I sniffled through tears, remembering what it was like when I had her around my early 20’s. I still felt like I was a kid back then but nowhere near as young as she is. “I’m here, B. I’m always here. It’s you and me against the world.”

She sucked in a breath closing her eyes. And she remained that way for the rest of the flight. Finally we landed on the hospital building. Some medics rushed outside, rolling her into an elevator. I never let go of her hand even when her doctor came into the room. “Ms. Dutton, you are almost ready to push. But we will check up on you in a few hours.”

“Thanks doc.” I told her simply before she left the room leaving us alone.

Bree croaked through tears when she had some more contractions in her lower back. “Mommy, what if I can’t do this?”

“Don’t worry, baby girl.” Brushing hair out of her face I blinked through tears. “You are the strongest person I know. Heck when you were five years old you fell off my horse for the first time. But you wanted to get back on the second it happened.”

The door opened where I saw Carter and the others coming in. Kayce shut the door gently behind him. “How’s she doing? I called my dad and told him what’s going on. Unfortunately he can’t be home until the end of this month. So it will be a few weeks before he sees the new grandkid.”

“The doctor said she’s almost ready to deliver. But it would a few hours before she’s fully given the green light.” I shrugged my shoulders at my husband.

Carter went to her other bedside taking her other hand that I wasn’t holding. “Bree, I’m here. Uh…whatever you need from me.”

“Thanks Carter.” My daughter mumbles squeezing his hand.

Tate was helping Dallas and Elsa playing some games on the iPad we had got recently. Kayce walks over to me removing his hat where I got to my feet since he clearly needed to say something privately. “Little B, we’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Bree just nodded where we stepped out into the hallway shuttling the door behind us as we went. Wrapping my arms around myself I sighed heavily. “So what’s going on, Kayc?”

“I just needed a minute. Cause when I look at her right now I…it makes me think back to when I left you and how scared you probably were.” He ran a hand down his face.

Holding my hands I shake my head not being able to handle him crying right now. “Kayce, please don’t cry right now. Okay we’ve gone past this. Was it hard, yes. But you are here now. And I know you’re scared for our girl. But you aren’t alone. We’re in this together.”

“I just….feel like such an ass. For abandoning you for years because I chose Monica first over you. When it’s always been you who holds my heart and no one else will ever be that for me.” He sniffs through tears until I tug him against my chest. He buried his face into my neck where I ran my fingers through his hair.

“Kayce, I’ve forgiven you. Now we have to be there for Bree.” Breaking the hug we went back into the hospital room and just waited for about two more hours before the doctor came back in and said we had the green light.

Bree had asked that me and Kayce be in the room while she delivered even though we knew she loved Carter. So he stayed outside with Tate and the twins. “Alright Ms. Dutton. I need you to start pushing for me.” The doctor instructed her while she clasped our hands in hers.

She bared her teeth down while she began pushing as hard as she could until she threw her head back needing to rest. “I can’t do this, daddy…” She began panicking with her chest heaving up and down.

“Hey, hey, Little B. You are as strong as your mama. If she could get through this, so can you.” Kayce kisses her forehead holding back tears hating to see his daughter in pain and he could really do anything about this.

She gulped, gripping our hands tighter than she already had. She screamed while she was pushing with everything she had left in her. After a few more long pushes she threw her head back in relief hearing a baby’s cry filling the room. “Ohhh…” Leaning forward I kissed her forehead, smiling through tears.

The doctor handed the crying infant over to a nurse. She wrapped the baby in a soft blanket before he delivered the news. “Congratulations Ms. Dutton, you have a beautiful baby boy.”

“Have you all picked out a name yet?” The nurse asked Carter and her.

Carter chuckled nervously. “Uh no we haven’t.”

The nurse nodded gently, handing their baby boy over to them. “He’s perfect.” Bree began crying while she held her baby closer to her chest crying through happy tears.

Covering my mouth with my freehand Kayce moved around the bed. He wrapped his arms around me crying through tears. “Looks like we’re grandparents now huh Kayce. I…I can’t believe it. We’ve got a grandson.”

“Our little girl is just as strong as you are, darling.” He kisses my forehead watching the doctor and nurses leave the hospital room giving us time alone together.

Carter shifts his gaze down to the infant in his girl's arms. “He’s so tiny…”

“Can we meet the new baby now?” Dallas burst into the room.

Tate came in with Elsa dragging him behind her. “Are you going to name it after grandpa or daddy?”

“Kiddos enough with the questions. Alright your sister has been through a lot tonight. Let’s let her get some rest now.” Kayce looks down at the rest of our kids who were being impatient.

Tate dropped his smile. “Awe come on, dad.”

“Tate, don’t push it.” I warned him with a glare.

Bree cleared her throat causing all of us to turn our attention to the teenage couple. “Mommy, I think I might actually have a name for this little guy. Because I have been reading some letters from 1923. And I found a name I rather liked.”

“Honey , you don’t have to rush into this. It took me a while before I found the perfect name for you.” I reassured her by squeezing Kayce’s hand in mine.

Bree shook her head glancing over at Carter. “It’s okay, mom. The name I want is Spencer. Spencer Kayce Dutton.”

“Are you two going to get married at some point?” Kayce asked his daughter, blinking through tears while a grin was plastered on his face at hearing his name being the boy's middle name.

Carter rubbed the back of his neck avoiding his gaze before Bree sent him a grin. “Uh no sir. But I ain’t going anywhere, Mr. Dutton.” I laid my head on Kayce’s shoulder where he tugged me closer to his embrace, happy that we were all okay.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[luimagines]

That Dragon au Part 6

You already know what it is! @cafecourage Here you go Bestie!

It’s a bit of a filler chapter but it lines up for things later on in the story. :D

Masterlist

First Chapter/ Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

Content under the cut!

Chapter 6: Family Bonding

Warrior looks back to Enno and Wind and hesitates. Between his instinct and his duty, he doesn't know what to do.

He looks at Twilight. "Watch them. I'll be back. Don't leave this room. Don't let anyone come in."

He leaves.

Twilight sighs. "Time already went with Wild. Like I said."

The Rancher moves further into the room and sits on the edge of the bed. "I wouldn't even know where to start. But Wild is the fastest of us and Time is arguably the most powerful. I just hope he doesn't do something he's going to regret."

Enno sighed and moved over to Twilight, leaning on his back to comfort him. “It’s out of your hands now. You both did your best.” 

They didn’t know what else to say. “FD… is a loose cannon but the times that I’ve seen Time use him, it’s always been for good. He even told me that the deity doesn’t do evil unless the user wants it. So… I think it’s fine.” They try to get the hang of their scenting ability. Stumbling, they wanted to comfort both of their apparent new family members with their own scent.

Wind relaxes in their hold and his sobs turn to quiet sniffles.

Twilights leans against them, wrapping his arm around their shoulder. "I'm not going to hear what happened to you while we were gone until much later, aren't I?"

Enno smiles and purrs now that they’re surrounded by family. “Nah I can tell you. Cia went crazy this morning right?” 

Twilight nods joining in with the purr, letting Wind feel warm and safe. “She basically had an adult temper tantrum, I tried to do what I do best and poke the beast. But I played a stupid game and won a stupid prize, so to say. Which was me getting blasted with magic. Zelda and Lana had to regive me a Hylian form and so here we are. Still looking for a permanent fix though.”

"She turned you into a dragon?" Twi asks, wide eyed.

"I didn’t know that was even possible." Wind sits up and curls onto their lap, resting against them.

Twilight stays quiet for a little before he speaks again. "That still doesn't fully explain what happened to Warrior’s wing though. "

“I actually don’t know either. I think he tried to protect me from the attack.” Enno relaxed into Twilight some more. “I’ve basically just got my Hylian form back so we’ve been just resting. Both of us are very sore after the whole ordeal. And I’m slowly waiting to freak out about it all. I had questions because he was talking about claims which was what Cia got pissed off over.” They shrugged. “How was your day aside from the Time thing. Do anything cool?”

Twilight snorts, rubbing his hand over their shoulder. Enno can smell something new coming from the spot he rubbed, telling them that he's claimed them as his own as well. "Of course she did. Warrior has been wanting to court you for a while. Cia probably got pissed that it wasn't her in the end."

Wind sniffed. "We went shopping and Wild went to play a game and lost. Twilight went to play and won and Wild wanted to try again. That's when Time passed us like a man on a mission and a license to kill."

Enno couldn’t help but giggle at being claimed. The smell was tickling their newly sensitive nose. 

“I’m sorry Wind I’m not laughing at you.” They nuzzled into the Sailor. “I’m really stupid happy to have you guys claim me?“ That was a question, not a statement. They weren’t really sure of what it meant even when they tried to explain their giddiness. Their purring got worse. 

Wind hums and hugs them tighter. "We're family now. We belong together."

Twilight nods, agreeing. "We protect our own."

“Did you win a prize at the game?” They tried to continue the conversation despite their bubbly attitude.

"Only Twilight got a prize." Wind laments. "Wild was determined to go so he took my turn and then Time said we had to come back..... I hope that dragon gets what's coming to him."

"Wind."

"What? He's stupid. He deserves it!"

"You two-" Enno sighed, "I'll try to win you that prize Wind. Once I'm allowed to leave the room." They weren’t really sure when that would be since Warrior hadn’t seemed keen on letting them go on their own. "That or I can make you something."

Wind shoots up. "Really?!"

The door opens and Warrior walks in, fully hylian.

He looks somber.

Warrior looks up and smiles the best he can. "They got 'er. She's in the medical bay... she uhhh.... wasn't so hot... quite cold actually. They're going to hold her there overnight just in case. Impa is already into the investigation. It's safe to assume that the noble is dead."

Enno turned back to him, standing up putting Wind on the bed curled up with Twilight. They walked over to Warriors and pulled him in, closing the door. They lead him to the bed, getting him to sit down and sitting next to him, hugging him. "Well what happened, happened. It will be ok."

"I don't know all the details." Warrior admits. "I don't know where Time is and Wild is too busy stuck in his head to answer questions."

He sounds tired. "Impa will be back after the investigation. I'm sure we'll hear the full story by morning, knowing her work ethic." He sighs. "I bet I could guess though."

Enno looked over at Twilight and Wind. "I guess it's time to turn in for the night." I said sadly.

"Wind, let me know what you want me to make for you." They slowly rubbed Warrior's shoulders for him to relax, trying to do the same thing with the scent as with Twilight and Wind.

Twilight didn't argue with that, standing up, "I'm going to check on Cub." 

"Can I stay here?" Wind asks.

Warrior relaxes at Enno’s touch, putting his hand on Wind's shoulder. "Please do. I don't trust Cia even with this commotion."

He leans into Enno some more and begins to purr. He gives a half hearted salute to Twilight as he leaves. Warrior adjusts himself so that he's holding on to the both of them. Wind doesn't hesitate to follow suit.

"Honestly I was going to hope for a small walk outside of the room." Enno sighed, petting Wind's hair. "But you both need cuddles and love." They gave Wind a forehead kiss then reached up to kiss Warrior.

Warrior kissed them back without hesitation. "Thank you. It's just for today, I promise."

Warrior cards his hands through Wind's hair and leans back against the bed. "Today has been a mess."

They let out a soft chuckle, moving so Wind was in the middle. Enno tucked both of them in after they were ready. 

"Tomorrow is another day, so they say." They got in after reaching out so they could hold both boys. They notice Wind dozing off and smile. "Good night Sailor." 

"Night night." He accepted his fate and curled up into Warrior. "Night dad."

Enno had to cover their mouth before they started cooing over the cuteness.

Warrior freezes for a moment before he simply huddles closer into his bed. "Goodnight Link."

Somehow, Warrior manages to move and grasp Enno’s hand, bringing it up to kiss it. “Goodnight, My Love."

Enno snorted. "I'm not going to sleep anytime soon." 

They reached over to cup his cheek. "I'll watch over the both of you again. This time I won't open the door again." they ruffle his hair. "Good night Dad of the Year. I hope you have dreams of the future.”

"I'd say good night to you anyway." Warrior snorts. "Will you meet me there?" He grins, relaxing into your palm. "It can be in the future or in my dreams, I'm not particularly picky."

"As long as our kid can be as good as Wind." Enno whispered back, teasing him more. "I don't know what you have planned. But if I do manage to be in your dreams, I can assure you that you’re not having a nightmare. I am going to fight whatever that is hurting you."

"At this rate, Wind might as well be our kid." Warrior grins. "But I don't mind that future. Sounds quite nice actually."

He giggles a bit, giddy and boyish. He seems so unburdened at this moment. "I think I love you."

He looked at them with the softest gaze, trying to keep a low voice. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.... We'll take care of each other. I'll protect you and you'll look after me. Sounds almost too good to be true."

Every comment of his hit them right where it counts and they became as red as his scales.

"Shush you." They looked away as best they could. "But... yeah, that sounds really nice. Why don't we have a family day tomorrow? Wind said that there was a game he was playing. He really wanted the prize but Wild stole his turn."

Warrior hums running his hand over their skin. "I can't make any promises, Love."

His gaze turns sour. "I might need to bail Time out of whatever stupid decisions he's made. Not to mention the amount of paperwork this could undoubtedly cause.... But I can always try. Not every case falls to me... It just... might."

Warrior sighs and flops onto his pillow. "Why am I always bailing him out?"

Enno tried to not look disappointed, "I don't know..." I looked at Wind. "Do you think it's possible to meet us in town just for a bit?" 

They weren't holding out hope, but at least they can bring Wind around to have some fun. "I think it would be for the best if we all had a break from the castle. But I know you're a busy man, so I would be happy just to see you for a few minutes relaxing."

Warrior smiles. "You make it sound like we've been married for a while already."

He stretches and they feel his hand and nails trace over their back. "I'll try. Maybe I can pass it off to someone else this time. I want to go."

They had to stop themselves from keyboard smashing verbally to not wake Wind up. They tried to calm themselves down. 

"Well I mean we have a young teenage son already." They tried to tease back but were way too flustered for it to land. "Do you think it would be safe for us to go out?"

"I suppose we do." Warrior hums, thinking about it. "Knowing Time? That dragon is dead. Knowing Cia? Maybe not yet but I'm tired of her anyway. We don't have a lot of time left here in my era. It would be nice to show you the city and people within."

"Then let's hope that things are better tomorrow." They said, still not convinced that Warrior would let the work go to someone else. "If you don't come out, I'm going to start buying or making you gifts for your horde."

Warrior shifts in the bed and wraps his arm closer around them. "You know what... I'd like that but I don't think you'll do it."

He smirks tiredly. "Wear the headband when you go out. It'll be easier to adjust than the scarf. Remind me to give you some rupees too." He yawns. "Just so you can go get something nice for yourself... and Wind. He's a good kid."

"I'd have to figure out how to style it, it's a bit fancy then what I normally wear." Enno started to purr, trying to ease him to sleep. "And any money I get will most likely only go towards you and Wind." I lightly threatened. "Also you're biased. He is your son."

Warrior purrs back subconsciously, already drifting off. "He's just as much your son as he is mine."

He hums, purring louder. "I'll just have to buy stuff for you then. Some fancy some not. So that they can always match your outfits and your-"

There's a knock at the door.

Warrior sighs and taps their shoulder, keeping Enno down. He gently moves Wind off of him. Warrior gets up, rubbing his eyes and smacking his face lightly to appear more awake as he answers the door. 

It's Impa.

Enno tucked Wind under their chin protectively as Warriors got the door. They only partly relaxed when they saw it was Impa. But Enno was getting pissed about people just showing up at the door. Despite Wind being with Enno on the bed, it still felt empty.

Impa looked in and noticed Enno and Wind. "I was going to ask if we can talk inside but it looks like we need to talk out here."

Warrior winced and adjusted his clothes so that he looks a little more presentable instead of appearing like he just rolled out of bed. "Alright. How bad is it?"

He takes a step forward, reaching for the door knob to close the door behind him.

"It's as we assumed." Impa says, moving aside. "All the evidence and witness accounts point to him and him alone."

"Perfect." Enno could hear his eyes roll. Warrior glanced behind him, blowing Enno a kiss before he closed the door.  "I'll be right back."

Enno pouted and borrowed into bed with Wind, sighing. There goes all their attempts to calm him. They yawned and started to struggle staying awake.

Outside the room, Impa and Warrior began to talk.

"There is an upside to all of this." Impa started as soon as the door was closed. "On all accounts, the Kid was attacking in self defense. Richard is going to be charged mostly with assault… added on top of the claims the rest of his family have been making against the royal family and yourself. The Queen is tempted to charge them with treason… also the Kid wants you to have the treasure that Richard left behind."

Warrior smiles and ruffles his own hair. 

"The Kid is older than all of us." He reminds her teasingly. "Zelda can do what she wants. You know this affects mostly her and the kid. That being said, I think pressing charges would be the better matter first. He took from Time's hoard, right? Something he had claimed? That’s against dragon law as it is. There's no escaping this for his family. I bet they egged him on. It's only fair that they pay the price for it."

Impa rolls her eyes at that reminder. 

"A Kid is still a kid if he acts like one." She shot back. "I'm letting you know this now just incase more comes up in the night. Zelda is probably going to take this on herself or let me handle it. You're not going to be here for much longer so it's no use having you stay in this case." Impa turns around and starts walking away. "That's all I have to say. Have a good night."

Warrior perks up considerably and bids her goodnight before he returns to his room.

This was good. Great even.

He could add to his hoard. He could be with you tomorrow. He can have a day off.

The realization was enough to make him giddy.

He softly closes the door behind him. Warrior notices that Enno was still awake. He grins in their direction, keeping his voice low. "I have good news."

They look up, a bit drowsy. “What’s up?” 

They moved the blankets out of the way so Warrior could get in. “Was our marriage blessed?” They teased.

Warrior snorts, climbing in effortlessly. 

"Absolutely." He teases. "The planning is in motion and everything. Countryside, small affair- I was thinking the main colors could be coral and navy blue but I didn't want to make any decisions without your input."

Enno hummed at the idea. “That sounds like a wonderful affair actually.”

He laughs a bit. "I might actually get the day off tomorrow. I can come after all. Impa said that it's no use sending the paperwork to me since we can leave at any moment due to the adventure. So I'm practically in the clear." He wiggles excitedly. 

"I also saw that look you sent to the door." His gaze softens again. "This is standard more often than not. I'm sorry I didn't warn you."

Enno’s eyes light up. “Really? You can?” Maybe they should have held out hope. 

“That’s wonderful. I really didn’t expect that.” They admitted. “Also shush I don’t like that people are coming to you at these hours of the night. You need your sleep because you do so much for them already.”

Warrior chuckles, bringing his hand up to brush their hair away from their face. He purrs happily. Wind purrs back in his sleep.

"It comes with the job. Hero and government work is quite grueling unfortunately." He admits. "But I also happened to get a bonus. So anything you want... either to have or to do, it's on me tomorrow. Let me treat you and the boy."

"You sound like a true dad." The chain reaction caught them off guard. Before they knew it they started to purr as well. 

"I don't think I will be taking advantage of that offer." They lean into his touch. "Unless I notice something for you to keep in here. It's a little under-decorated."

Warrior chuckles. "I have always wanted to be a father.... I never thought I'd get the chance though... not after the war, the promotions.....Cia."

He smiles and relaxes fully. Warrior begins to get sleepy once again. "There's hardly anything here because I rarely spend time here. I'm always being summoned one way or another, as you saw. But I want you to feel welcome here. This is your space as well. If you find something fitting. Get it."

"It's still your room. All my stuff is in the guest room with Pinky's. I don't want to just start decorating without your opinions." Enno tucked him in again. "And I vaguely understand your sentiments. Came from a rather...chaotic household, for a lack of a better word. Never really gave a future with a family a thought." 

They looked down at Wind, brushing his hair. "It's nice."

Warrior hums. "I don't mind. I trust your judgment. Besides, if you stay with me, we might be here for a while. At least before I can work up enough leave and pay in order to move out of the castle to our own place. You need a space to call your own. Even if it's just the corner of the room. Seriously. I can get some different furniture in here and you can have your own space."

Warrior runs his hands over their arms and back, slowly drifting off. "I'm glad you're here. I'm glad I met you."

Enno doesn't really say anything because they know themselves. They are still going to ask for permission, just in case. 

"Go to sleep Link. Dream about that and tell me what it's like in the morning." They kiss his hand, not wanting to bring up that they might have to leave for their own world in the future. "We have a long day ahead of us."

"Can't wait." Warrior nods a bit to himself and finally drifts off to sleep. He doesn't once stop purring, it only lowers in intensity.

Once both boys seemed to sleep, Enno relaxed back into bed. They could help but feel dread with just the thought of Cia. This room seems like a safe haven from her. Leaving it only makes them worried about tomorrow.

Morning, thankfully, comes easily to them once they finally sleep.

[cafecourage]

Pinky Isn't Suffering - Chapter 7

I need to organize these better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was refreshing to actually rest for a bit. Despite a ball literally being the first

thing they had to do, the rest of the days had them getting back to 100%. But

because they were heroes there is no rest for too long.

Something weird happened. 

When they swapped era’s, only Twilight, Pinky and Enno were the only ones together. “We’re on the surface, sky’s era.” Enno spoke up looking around, “in Faron woods.”

“Do you know where the settlement is?” Twilight asked with a sigh. Enno didn’t answer, walking forward a bit to see if they recognized the area. 

They turn to speak but a horn cuts them off.

“Get back! Both of you!” Twilight jumps to action instantly against the horde. However, things went south and fast. First, Twilight wasn’t used to fighting tons and tons of monsters alone. Even with Enno attempting to support with Wind’s hammer, they got hit twice in the arm with arrows while blocking Pinky.

But even with that support they weren’t really exactly winning.

There needed to be a change in the tides and while Pinky watched Twilight get strike down, a twinge of pure unfiltered fear shot through her. A small pull brought her down and gained her attention.

The Fierce Deity Mask was right there on the ground. It must have fallen off when Enno got hit.

Pinky didn’t have time to think.

Even if everything in her body was telling her to not put it on, there wasn’t anything stopping her movement as she put on the mask, slipping into a world of white and suddenly just straight to black.

‘So soon?’ A voice hums in her mind immediately putting her on edge. The deity chuckles, ‘I didn’t mean to startle you, but it should have been expected.’

‘I wanted to protect Twilight, I wasn’t expecting a conversation.’ Pinky snapped back. It was uncomfortable how she could only see the world in a blur and foggy state. She didn’t have any control of her body but she felt it moving, pulling back whatever weapon she had.

‘The Rancher and my Beloved will be safe.’ The deity coo’s almost like he was talking to a kid. ‘Have some faith in me.’

‘Hard to have faith in you when you're in control of my body.’ She was too annoyed to fully catch what he said.

The deity snickers a bit, ‘you haven’t changed a bit.’ The god sounded like he was looking off in the distance.

‘Wha-‘

‘However taking my power and using it has consequences though.’ He steamrolls over whatever Pinky was going to say. ‘I think you will match.’

‘Match?! With who?” There were only two, no- three others that dawned this mask before Pinky.

‘Who else?’ The Deity didn’t even know why she was asking. ‘Your lover, of course.’

‘Lo-‘ oh god, Pinky couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with a War God, who was still using her body to kill monsters. ‘Twi isn’t- we aren’t-‘

‘Oh?’ The deity hums once more ‘here I thought you two would be together at

this point.’

‘Who are you?’ Pinky hissed.

‘A friend’ the smirk on his face was absolutely there. ‘A friend who wants his

friends to be happy. But we’ve gotten off topic it seems.’

A tingle started to grow on her wrist as something was being etched onto her

skin.

‘I remember my beloved saying something about soulmates.” The deity seemed so proud of himself like he completed a life’s goal. ‘How some are connected through a mark. Now you’ll both match and be a part of each other no matter where you go.’

Pinky couldn’t even question as the mark sears through. The stitching of an image on the inside of her arm was burning with pain.

She wanted it to stop.

It hurts so much.

Why does it have to hurt so much?

She was about to cry just from that pain alone. Gaining control back. She throws down the mask and curls up in pain crouching holding her arm closest. Monsters were far gone and had dissipated back into malice. They were all safe but with both Twilight and Enno down, Pinky didn’t know how to move either of them back to safety.

“PINKY!!!!” The voice of Wild filled her with relief. She was quick to turn to face him. The champion was with Sky and Legend. She couldn’t help but run into her brother's arms and hug him sobbing uncontrollably now that she was safe. All the fear and anxiousness crashed over her at once. It all came out. She wasn’t paying attention to what was being said. But she knew they were fine now. Enno needed immediate attention but they were all going to be ok.

The mark however stilled stun.

[hurdy-girly]

legend of identity theft from the wip game? 👀👀

Sure! This is actually probably the best one you could have chosen considering it’s the only one I’ve really worked on lol

So I guess the main idea behind it is that it’s one of those “the chain meets Wild” fics only. That is absolutely not Wild. Not at all. Who is that? Not him! And on the other side of Hyrule Wild’s shenanigan sensor is going off, and Sky has a concussion and is muttering about logs, and “Wild” is thinking back to his theater summer camp, and Legend just really wants a nap

It’s very silly and I have chapter one done but two is giving me some grief, so I’m debating on posting chapter one without two being ready in fear of it becoming Eternally Unfinished

Also here’s a little snippet :D

Twilight popped his neck. “I got him.” The rancher carefully scooped Sky up, tossing him over his shoulder like a sack of aerial potatoes.

“…does he even weigh anything to you?” Wind looked over from where he was looting monster remains with Four.

Twilight grinned. “It’s like holding a couple of grapes.” He shifted a bit. “Sharp grapes, considering that he won’t let go of the master sword, but still. Grapes.”

[meanlesbean]

For the WIP game 3, 18 and 11

For Cadence chapter 2:

3. Who's your favorite character for this chapter/fic?

So even though this fic is Twilight POV, and therefore very Twilight-centric, I am 100% writing this because I wanted more Time (including younger Time) content, and I have 20+ years of brainrot about Ocarina of Time to get outta me. So uhh my favorite LU boy is Time. by a longshot (lol). And that holds true for this fic. But the plot I came up with does not work at all with Time as the POV character, so it turned into a Twilight & Time relationship fic as well.

When it comes to the fic, it feels unfair to choose between Mask and Time, but I'll choose Mask because he is a delight to write. For this chapter in particular, I'll pick Hyrule, because he ended up with a lot of good dialogue.

11. What scene are you most hyped for this chapter/fic?

Previously answered, but I'll give you another. In the current outline for chapter 4 (estimate, don't hold me to this, chapter 3's outline is already so incredibly long) we have a Plot Critical Fishing Trip that I'm excited to write.

18. Share the scene you just wrote, written from another character’s POV.

Snippet of Mask's POV at the beginning of the Grown-Up Talk scene. Disclaimer that Mask should not be taken as a super reliable source for so many reasons, one being that he is 11. This also has zero editing so don't judge it too harshly. This now has some editing but nowhere near what I do for posted chapters. Anyway, bone apple teeth:

The one with the pink hair pulls the prissy guy away. “Finally,” Link mutters to Epona, and he gets about five full seconds to himself before there's another one taking prissy guy’s place.  

It’s the skinny kid, the only one with enough magic to cause a problem besides the wolf and him—the other one. Skinny kid's magic tastes like the waters from a fairy fountain. It’s rolling off of him in waves even though the healing session’s stopped, the tips of his fingers still glowing a faint green. He’s young, but he should have better control by now. 

Link unwinds another braid from Epona’s mane. Her coat and hooves look nice enough, but he’s going to have words with the wolf about mane lengths and stupid hairstyles. His fingers catch on another tangle. Maybe he should just cut her mane himself. 

The kid is talking at him now, but Link looks past him to the clearing’s edge where the wolf is arguing with pinky and prissy. It’s problem number two on his list, and not something he can deal with until he has a chance to talk with the other guy.

Problem number one is laying across the lap of the guy with the white cape. There’s no mistaking the sword even in its sheath. The guy is running his fingers over its etchings in a circular rhythm, back and forth, back and forth. Stupid, holding that sword like it’s some kind of security blanket. 

Unlike you?

Stupid, shut up. 

Something sharp flicks his forehead and drops in his lap. A still-green acorn sits in the curve of his tunic. He glares up at the skinny kid, gets another mouthful of fairy water, and flings the acorn back at his stupid face.

The kid dodges, but Link still gets him in the shoulder. Should’ve thrown it harder. 

“Fuck off,” he says.

Skinny kid smirks. “Managed to get your attention, didn’t I?”

“Managed to piss me off is what you did.” He sinks his fingers in the soil, clenches his teeth so he won’t start pulling up clumps of dirt and pelting him with it. 

“The rancher explained who we are, right?” the skinny kid asks.

“Yeah,” Link says. The dirt digs under his nails. He can feel the eyes of the other one on him. He wants a rock in his fist to throw, he wants to stop choking on fairy water, he wants to stick his hands in the ground and turn this whole clearing into an abyss, he—

He bites at the inside of his cheek until he tastes blood. 

Idiots, every single one of them.

And you?

Especially me, shut up.

The skinny kid is still talking. “You don’t want to learn about any of the other heroes?” 

Link can’t help but make a face. “No?”

[canarydarity]

2023 Writing Round-Up

Rules: Share what you wrote this year! It can be works you posted to Ao3, Wattpad, Tumblr, or anywhere else! You can share everything you wrote or just the ones you’re most excited about.

I was tagged by @bidoofenergy :D thank you for the tag !!! <3

January

bright&fast [Jimmy & Tango | 1,019 words ]

ficlet based on this tumblr post

okay, FINE, i'll explore the ancient city with you—but ONLY if we hold hands the entire time we're down there!!! [Jimmy/Tango | 1,643 words]

That trip to the ancient city retrieving the diamond pants for Bigb

The Night Sky is Full of Love [Scar/Grian | 2,498 words]

Uhhhhhhhhhhh 3L finale from scars pov

Lonely Is the Long Con [Scar/Grian | 4,463 words]

'The trick to selling a good con was believing in it yourself—no one was going to fall for something they didn’t believe that you believed to be true. Scar knew this and he knew it well, but still, he was always his own toughest audience.' or, the product of my month-long last life scar breakdown :)

February

Strawberry Wine (and all the time we used to have) [Jimmy/Tango | 2,332 words]

𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 or whatever it was the song said idk or, the product of my year-long strawberry wine breakdown :)

"I'm trusting you, please don't make me regret it" Dialogue prompt ask [Scar/Grian | 2,360 words]

uhhhhhhhhhhhh DL finale from scars pov

March

We Shall Prevail [Scar/Grian | 2,773 words]

Those few moments in the pond during the 3L finale from Scars pov

At Another Place in Time [Jimmy/Tango | 1,632 words]

limited life session 1 vignette Tangos pov

At Another Place in Time II [Jimmy/Tango | 1,884 words]

limited life session 2 vignette Tangos pov

April

Stay, Find, Become, Join, Soon [Pixlriffs | 2,343 words]

ES2 Pix clearing the capitals catacombs, finding the crown

May

Withering Away [Pixlriffs | 1,638 words]

ES2 ghost Pix, stuck reenacting his death

June

Sentinel Species, Chapter 1 [Jimmy Solidarity | 9,586 words]

An au with a slightly different take on the canary curse, leaning harder towards harbinger of death

July

Sentinel Species, Chapter 2 [Jimmy Solidarity | 7,000 words]

The Rest of His Life [Jimmy/Tango | 1,569 words]

mooooooooore rancher grief rehearsal <3 Jimmy mourning Tango before he's even gone

August

I was sick with covid for the entire month and had absolutely no brain function available for writing </33

September

🙌 gay baseball au 🙌 (which I...really have to start calling by its actual name: Against All Odds)

Which...I know is not finished and posted yet. But I am really proud of my progress and it's taken up a lot of my writing time so I'm including it here anyway!! plot summary snippets

October

see above^^^

November

Thus With A Kiss [Jimmy/Tango | 2,706 words]

Team Rancher Romeo and Juliet au, the balcony scene. a cliche maybe but godbless

December

personal projects mostly!

:D and that was my year!! I am really glad I was tagged in this because it was nice looking back and seeing how much I wrote! I don't think I've ever written and shared so much consistently throughout any year of my life, so it was a pleasant surprise to see what I was able to accomplish here :'))

I am (no pressure, /nf) tagging: @birrdies @liloinkoink @seasonal-writes @hitheeprithee @cillpiines if any of them would like to participate :))