#i didn't muck stalls for years to read this

[crowcalled]

@artlefty

“Be curious about what you’re writing about” is not stock Common Writing Advice but it really, really should be. There are a lot of written works that fail due to the authors just being obviously incurious about what they are writing about.

[honestsycrets]

HELLO, HELLO! Okay, so this drabble prompt/idea is kinda sorta in the vein of Querido (I only think about Old Western Miguel now I cannot help it pls forgive me head empty only man and hörse), so pls skip if you're not inspired or in the mood for more in this genre!

Still, I offer you this: Sheriff Miguel.

He's someone all the women have their eyes on, and he'd have his eyes on them, too, if he were younger. But he has a baby girl to worry about, a runaway wife to forget, and a town to keep an eye on, especially when a woman from the big city pays the little down a visit.

He meets her when he loses Gabriella in the market's crowd, only to find her tugging on a fine dress belonging to a fine woman.

(P.S. reading your writing has inspired me to get back into writing my own reader insert stuff 💖 really love your work, keep it up!!)

bumblebee | sheriff!miguel x dressmaker!reader

❛ pairing | sheriff-singleparent!miguel o'hara x dressmaker!reader

❛ type | extended drabble, not-explicit, wc: 2600ish

❛ summary | miguel loses his daughter-- and finds a part of himself he thought was long past dead.

❛ tags | self-edited, querido au, f!reader, sheriff!miguel, dressmaker!reader, implied parental abandonment, some mention of thievery, widowed!reader, mostly fluff, some mention of death, spanish not translated.

❛ sy's notes | i intended this to be a drabble but... it's quite a bit longer. anon, i hope you end up writing to your heart's content.

Miguel ain’t the kinda man women really need. He’s the kinda man they think they want. A big man with a big name, sure, but he’s saddled with what their fathers colloquially call baggage. A little three-year-old girl with ambitions of rolling on out of this little town by rolling on out of his fingertips. 

“Oye, Gwen,” he catches the arm of his deputy. She’s out on the town just as he was, making rounds about the grassy plain where the market was booming. With too few stalls, the marketgoers visit full wooden wagons chock-full of goods. This year, there were new boxes of small circular chocolates. Once every year, his quiet little town became a bustling fuck fest with foreigners running a muck of it all. As sheriff, he just had to deal with it. 

“What’s it, sheriff?” she asks. “Something wrong?” 

“You seen my littlin anywhere? Swore she was right here.”

This is his penance for fooling around with the hearts of pretty women: chasing him his own little girl and minding the crowd. His long, slicked-back hair was all kinds of out of place, whirling over his wrinkled forehead. He shoves a strand of grey hair back in place out of his dark eyes and scans his little town. She could’ve slipped into any creaky old building that wasn't locked up or hitched a ride on a wagon she didn’t belong on. Or, alternatively…

“Miguel! Rio saw her by the sweets.” Former Sherriff Morales tells him, standing by his son’s stall of sweet roasted corn. Ordinarily, he’d give it a begrudging visit. Miguel whirls around on his muddy leather boots, throwing him a nod of thanks with Gwen short on his tail. 

“Sounds promisin’,” she says. “Could be searchin’ for Lyla or Peter.” 

“Thank you for the help, Sheriff,” he grumbled, shoving his way past a sea of cream, brown, and black dresses. Gwen could spider her way through the groups of people with her comparatively slender frame. As a consequence of Miguel’s hulking frame, he’s markedly slower in his search.

“Ain’t here either,” Gwen hops back to his side. “You sure she wandered off?” 

"She had to."

The alternative was… well, he didn't want to think about it. Out of his periphery, he caught the glimmer of polished metal. He spots his daughter’s peachy dress, bundled up with a fat white bow complete with a bell. He put the thing on thinking that, ideally, his little girl would jingle up some hell of noise if she got lost. Some good that bell did. 

“You lost mi amor?” 

Lost. The word stands out to him first, all dressed up in a sugar cube of a voice. His Gabriella tugs on a stranger’s long gown, eyes pricked with tears streaming down her cheeks. Of all the people-- she couldn’t just pick on someone she knew? Head to Rio’s hostel, find Deputy Gwen stalking around, or even Hobie’s bum ass strumming a tune on the old stage. No, she’s with a strange woman. 

“Now don’t you cry,” you dab away the stray tears with an embroidered handkerchief. “I’ll find you home.” 

You’re not from here because you’re all done up like a buttercup in spring when the women here only broke out color for church. Corset sucking in the finest assets, a buttercream bustle underneath that buttercup yellow skirt. Hair up in a waterfall of curls and covered by a small slouched hat of flowers. You held a parasol for the evening sun, keeping it off your tanned skin. 

“There,” Miguel set his hands on his hips, catching his head in a shake. Gwen leans over on the ball of her feet and stares straight down the barrel of a path. 

“My my,” she says. “Ain’t she a looker. Why are you-- You look good, Miguel.” 

She’s caught on his frantic fiddling. The way Miguel straightens his tie into his waistcoat and checks the chain that drapes along his side. He checks the time on his cracked pocketwatch and spins it between his fingers. Gwen leans up to flick a stray strand of hair away from his face.

“Think so?” 

“Entirely presentable.” 

"¿De veras?" Miguel clears his throat, “Best be on my way to get her.” Miguel loops his fingers on his fine leather belt and waltzes right on up to your stall of hand-sewn dresses. 

For once in his life, he feels underdressed. A man sets some coins in your hand, plucking up a small communion dress for his daughter. With ruffles, lace, and the occasional ribbon. He’s not sure how much luck you’d have selling more than scraps of ribbon in this little town. You set the coins aside, turning your attention back to his daughter who-- somehow, got a brand new ribbon bundled in her ponytail between his fiddling and the walk over.

“Buenas tardes,” he clears his throat, whipping out his metal badge. “I’m Sherriff O’Hara.” 

“Encantada, Sheriff O’Hara. You’re looking as pretty as a penny this fine afternoon. Can’t be wanting any of my dresses. My name is… well, how can I help you?” 

“Papa,” Gabriella coos as if this whole mess wasn’t on her tiny little shoulders. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad, not yet.

“Yes, mami, Sheriff O’Hara. Do you know old Sheriff O’Hara?” Miguel suppresses his delight as you lift her up onto your hip. Most days, he didn’t notice his own melancholy. Coming home to his little girl soothed all that like a good helping of booze after a bad wound. “She likes you.” 

You sure talk pretty. He clears his throat, pulling on the sloppy tie that feels a whole lot hotter all of a sudden. He shouldn't be acting like this. Has it really been that long since he’s been with a girl? He couldn't go to the saloon and pick any one of those lovesick girls. The town wouldn’t continually elect a loose man. Miguel’s eyes catch the flickering gold of a bumblebee locket on your chest. He traces the curve of its wings, wrapping around a crusted gem.

“‘Course she does, she’s my girl. I lost Gabi up in the crowd flow.” 

“You lost her? You can’t tell me you’re the kinda man that does it all. Where is your wife?”

Where is your wife? The question tormented him. He could do it all. Managing the sloppy, slow thieves and putting down the occasional drunken brawl. At the end of the night, he came home to his empty home and saw his little girl. Miguel’s gaze danced along the puffy clouds in the sky. The fluffy clouds drift the same as usual, the same old slow draw, unknowledgeable about the change in his life. He suppresses the distant melancholy in his voice in surfacing old memories. 

“Ain’t got a wife. She ran off on me with some wolf. Usually, I got a sitter for my girl but, she came down with a fever.”

“A wolf?” you repeat after him, “Why, you mean a gentleman?” 

A gentleman, he scoffs under his breath.

“If you wanna call him that. He was an outlaw.” 

“I’m mighty sorry, Sheriff.”  You looked at the little girl in your arms. Gabriella’s small fingers fiddle with the glimmering gold pendant on your chest. He throws her a look-- behave. She’s not paying attention one bit. You set your parasol down, freeing the necklace and setting it in her tiny fist. “I’m a whole widow myself. Lost my man in the war and never got the chance to have one’a my own.” 

“You don’t say. You on the market?”

“On the market like cattle?” you teased. If he’s not mistaken, that shy smile of yours was all his. Maybe you like him. It's a signal that he could keep going. 

“Coño, no. You’re too fine for that,” the words are buttery smooth, but upon discovering how the words may come off, he realizes he might be sliding into a trap on the back of those words. Your lips are slightly agape, half in shock. “Pretty. You’re too pretty.” 

“Oh, Sheriff, don’t worry your head,” you adjust Gabriella on your hip, swaying in place like it was natural. “I ain’t one to take offense to pretty words. Suppose you want your niña back?” 

There went his chance.

"That'd be best," he slides his hands underneath Gabriella’s tiny arms to pick her up. The pendant she held clattered free from her grip, nestled in the deep grass. You were about to pick it up when a scrawny thing of a man swiped it from the grass. For an instant, Miguel thought it might be Pavi, who loved to be helpful in the most annoying ways. Catching doors even when it's men, dropping his scarf on mud for girls, a charming and shy kid. It isn’t, though, it’s that weasel he seems to be throwing in the pin every damn week, bolting off in a full-on run. 

“Ay, not my locket!” you gasped, plucking your skirts over your boots. 

“Maldito niño--” Miguel stops you, sliding Gabriella back into your arms. Not that she was complaining, tiny hands slapping together in a rendition of applause as Miguel darted after him, his booming steps beating the ground. “Get back here, kid!”  

“Dios, you sure have a busy papa. I'm sure he’ll back in two shakes of a lamb's tail.” You looked between the little girl nestled comfortably in your arms and the parting sea of the crowd. Gwen zooms past, eliciting another round of jovial laughter from Gabriella O’Hara. She does love a good game.

It ain’t that Miguel wants to leave his girl with any old fool that waltzed on into his town. But he knows his community, knows they’d not leave him out to dry, and knows that taking his daughter on a town-wide chase with a skinny little weasel around town is not the move. Especially not if he has a gun, which he did, because of course he did. Now, the man has a jail cell and Miguel has a crook in his neck from where the buffoon fell through the crooked second floor of the post office.

He works the sore muscle the whole way back to your wagon. It’s high time for eating. His stomach was raging after the scent of someone’s pulled pork, the roasted sweetness of corn. If we wanted to be presentable then, he sure wasn’t now. Dust was a second skin on his pants and aged boots. He walks past the platform where Hobie plays a tune with his banda. Most vendors were wrapping right on up for some proper debauchery.

He finds you there, swaying to the beat of the music with Gabriella hanging in your arms. Her tiny hands were around an ear of elote already. Guess she extorted a snack out of you. 

“One gold locket,” Miguel heaves out the words as he digs in his pocket, whirling the golden chain into your small hand. You flip it over once, then twice, examining it for any defects. “Better to keep that tucked away out here. Puts a target on your back right quick.”

“Muchísimas gracias, sheriff. You're a sweetheart,” you reach out, grazing his scratchy cheek with your supple lips. Gabriella is flatly squished between his sweaty chest and yours. She’s fallen asleep flat against your chest. “You don’t know how much this necklace means to me.” 

There are whispers from the women he’s turned down. The viejitas who have been trying to set him up for a full-on year now, those who told him he needed to find a girl as soon as possible to marry. He didn’t want to. Not unless it made sense. 

“Yes, well, you could tell me,” Miguel finally picks his daughter from your arms. She’s out like a light. “If you want.” 

“It was my mami's, once upon a time. She gave it to me on my wedding day," you explain. "It's all I got left of her. I wonder what she'd think of me these days, travelin' town to town like I got secrets."

"You ever think of settlin' down again?" He turns his gaze past Hobie’s banda, to the yellowing sky. The sun is setting out over the horizon, casting warm orange and soft pink into the air. The road is full of wagons. The clip-clop of horses running their way to the next town, some checked in to the hostel.

"A veces," you explain. "If it feels right, I think I will."

"Yeah?" He settles on the bed of your wagon. The dresses were packaged and kept in locked chests, kept away from the bed of the wagon where your blanket was. Most of the foreigners have left, but you. He doesn’t have to guess to know that it was his fault. “You off to Rio’s hostel?” 

“‘fraid I’m out of town,” you smiled at him. “She ain’t got any rooms. Next city over might.” 

“Stay with me,” he says. “The night. Bit too late to get robbed on the road with all them pretty dresses you make. Wouldn’t be right to be sheriff and let a young thing out there without company. Some'a them outlaws take wives that way, y'know.” 

“Oh, Sheriff O’Hara, ain’t no one care about widows on the road,” your hand finds your chest. It’s said with a laugh, as though someone, somewhere, made you feel less than. It wasn’t going to be Miguel.

"Ain't a widow if you're carried off." He reclines, watching the figures of couples dancing to whatever the hell Hobie was playing on his guitar. His eyes track over Hobie’s gloved fingers that prance across the strings, waiting for you to walk back on that stupid comment. You do, snapping out a fan in the waist of your heavy dress to fan yourself.

“You really sure? I don’t mean to be a burden. I’m sure you got better to do than take care of company.” 

“You took care of my girl. Least I could do. Long as you go to church in the morning.” 

“Oh, now he’s askin’ me to church. When’s the wedding, Sherriff?” 

“Miguel. Soon as you want it,” he returns, half a smile pulling at a normally closed-off face. Miguel turns to set his Gabi down on your blanket, throwing you a look for permission. You nod, watching her roll on the wool thing, setting her hands under her cheek until she gets into a position that isn’t as bad as laying on her back. He tucks her hair back over the shell of her ear, exhaling a breath. Somewhere between his ex-wife’s flight from the town and today, she began to look more and more like him. He’s thankful for that. He doesn’t need more memories of her. Only needed to get through each day, and make the next better than the one before.

“She’s tuckered out,” you lean down, just by his face. “All that escapin’ papa work.” 

“Si,” Miguel hums as he massages his sore shoulder. “Tell me about it. I’m getting too old for this.” 

He lifts his head from his daughter’s tiny body, reminded of all the times someone told him to get married. If not the women chasing him around his jail at all hours of the day, then the women at church who, at the moment, were gossiping away. He could hear the prattle already: sheriff likes rich girls. The type to have a golden locket and French silk. The luxury of hopping from town to town like some no-good woman. He’d wager, your husband ain’t had the money to take care of you but for these light luxuries. Traveling town to town wasn't no small feat.

Tch. He’d deal with it tomorrow when he took you to church. Scandalous as that was.

“Fancy a dance?” he offered up his hand. 

You remove your gloves, skin is soft and supple against his, only marred by the pricks of a needle. Your gloved fingers grazed his scarred palm, tracing the long strike that marred his open palm. There’s a thought there, just behind the reach of your playful eyes. He couldn’t quite reach it. 

“I’d love to, Miguel.” 

Something tells him he has time to.

[foundtherightwords]

Love in a Storm - Chapter 1

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Chrissy Cunningham (Regency AU)

Summary: A devastating loss threatens the happy marriage of Edward and Christine Munson, Lord and Lady Hurtsfield. However, when Edward is accused of a crime he didn't commit, Christine has to set her grief aside and embark on a perilous journey to prove her husband's innocence.

A/N: Here it is, the sequel to my Hellcheer Regency AU, "Love in a Mist" (sorry about the cheesy title, I'm really bad at titles!) I came across the Cato Street Conspiracy while researching "Love in a Mist" and thought it the perfect Regency equivalent of the Satanic Panic, but I couldn't work it into that story, so I had to write a sequel for it. That also means this is more of a legal drama/crime mystery than a romance, but I did try to give the Munsons' marriage some attention. I hope you'll enjoy it. And big thanks to everyone who has read, liked, commented on, and reblogged "Love in a Mist" - without you, this sequel wouldn't exist.

Warnings: childbirth, stillbirth, infertility, angst, false accusation, wrongful imprisonment, legal drama, some violence (non-graphic), some smut (non-explicit)

Chapter warnings: childbirth (non-graphic), stillbirth, angst

Chapter word count: 3.1k

Chapter 1

Yorkshire, April 1818

Edward Munson, Baron Hurstfield, was up to his elbows in sheep muck.

Lambing season was winding down, but Edward, who had always loved this time of year ever since he was a boy, refused to stay away until the last lamb was born, not just at the Home Farm but all around the village of Hurst as well. There was something magical about being out and about in the warming spring air, breathing in the sweet smell of hay, watching the newborn lambs take their wobbly first steps toward their mothers, watching the ewes welcoming their babies, eyes soft with love. Even the dirtier, more mundane work like preparing the barns, docking the lambs' tails and marking their ears, or helping an inexperienced new mother give birth could become enchanting, when there was so much life around. Edward would lend a hand whenever and wherever he could, and the tenants, having gotten used to their master working alongside them, all warmly welcomed him.

Once Edward finished mucking out the stalls, he and Farmer Hopper started spreading armfuls of clean hay on the floor of the barn. Their ewes were all seasoned mothers so there was no need for assistance, but the weather was about to turn, and the Hoppers, being old and childless, could use all the help they could get. "Ah, bless ye, Master Edward," Mrs. Hopper said, bringing in mugs of tea and a plate of scones. "Just this mornin' Jim was sayin' he didn't know how many more lambin' seasons he's goin' to see. I told him, I said, Jim, the lambs are born whether you're here or not, but he keeps fretting' about who's goin' to look after 'em when we're gone."

"If only our Jonathan was still here," Old Hopper said, shaking his head wistfully. Jonathan was their only son, killed when the war with France first broke out, nearly fifteen years ago. "Such a blessin', children, so why the Lord sees fit to take 'em away, I don't know..."

"Quit bein' so maudlin, you daft old fool," Mrs. Hopper gently chided. "Master Edward needn't hear such things, not when him and his lady are expectin'. How is Lady Christine then?" This was directed at Edward, who was reaching for a scone.

"She's well, thank you," he said, though with some uncertainty. The truth was that Christine was nervous about the birth of their first child, and that, in turn, made him nervous, so he had to find any excuse to get out of the house, for anything and everything he did irritated her now. He would've liked to stay close, but, after Christine had snapped at him "I don't need you to hold my hand every time I walk down the stairs, Edward, I'm not made of glass!", he knew he had to find some peace, for both of their sakes.

At that moment, there was a commotion from outside, and a boy burst into the barn. It was young Will, one of Edward's footmen, his hair all tousled, his face pink with excitement and effort. "Your lordship!" he exclaimed, breathless. Will, like most of the young servants, still had trouble addressing Edward by his first name with the same ease as the older ones. "Mrs. Wayne sent me—to tell you—that—" Here the boy bent double, trying to catch some air.

"Tell me what? Come off it, man!"

"—that it's—it's—" Now his stammering was due more to shyness rather than breathlessness. "It's—starting, my lord," finally he finished.

"What's starting?" Edward asked, mystified.

Mrs. Hopper put a hand on his arm. "I think the boy meant Lady Christine's labor," she said gently.

Edward turned to Will, eyes wide. The boy nodded, flushed with pride for having delivered such important news. Edward threw down the scone and bolted out of the barn, and Will scrambled to follow behind, as the Hoppers looked on, smiling indulgently.

***

Edward saw the gig of Dr. Sinclair in the stable yard of Hurstfield Hall and felt a bit easier. Running inside, he found the house suspiciously quiet. He hadn't known what to expect - for all his association with reform-minded ladies, childbirth was not something he was familiar with. It was not a topic often discussed in salons and drawing-rooms, no matter how liberal they were. Still, he'd thought there would be maids scurrying to and fro and the doctor shouting for hot water and clean towels. Or was it clean water and hot towels?

As he hovered by the door leading to the staircase, unsure if he should go up or not, Mrs. Wayne, the housekeeper, came down.

"How is she? When has it begun? Has Dr. Sinclair been here long?" he asked, shrugging off his coat. Before Mrs. Wayne could answer, he heard a scream of pain, almost inhuman in its intensity, from upstairs and rushed toward it. Mrs. Wayne had to hold him back.

"Calm down, Master Edward," she said, taking his coat. "Dr. Sinclair and the midwife are up there wi' her now. They're takin' good care of her. You best get yersel' out of those boots and wash yer hands first. It'll take some time. The first child always does."

***

It did take a long time. The screams of pain became, if possible, louder and wilder, like knives twisting in Edward's guts, then, even more frighteningly, they became weaker, more like moaning or whimpering, as if Christine could no longer find the voice or the strength to cry out. Several times Edward rose from his seat just on the other side of the door, trying to get inside, only to be politely but firmly barred from it by the midwife and the doctor. Clearly, they believed a husband had no business in the birthing room. Mrs. Wayne brought up some food and drink, but his stomach felt like it was on fire and he couldn't eat anything. If he had been a smoker, he might've burned the carpet down with the ashes from his cigars, but he had given up smoking after marrying Christine, for she disliked the smell. He even started praying, but he had never been much of a praying type, and he didn't know what to say except for "God, please help them", and then, as the hours dragged on, "God, please help her", as he no longer thought of the child, only wanting Christine's agony to end.

When darkness began to fall, Dr. Sinclair finally emerged from the room, his face gray and drawn. Edward jumped up, then backed down again when the doctor shook his head. "I'm afraid her ladyship is having a difficult time of it, my lord. The child is not lying well, and they're both weak."

Edward could feel blood draining from his body, leaving it icy cold. "What are you saying?"

"I shall try my utmost, but you may have to make a choice—"

"Save my wife," he said, before the doctor could finish. "Whatever you do, try to save my wife."

Dr. Sinclair shot him a look. It wasn't an answer he was accustomed to receiving, Edward knew. He and Christine had discussed this. It was a difficult conversation, and Christine had balked at the idea, but having grown up without a mother, Edward had tried to convince her of how difficult it would be for a child.

"It wouldn't be like that for our child," she'd protested. "You would be there for him. Or her."

"Yes. But I'd much rather have you with me. We can have other children. But there is only one you." And at that, she had finally acquiesced. Yet, for all their discussion and preparation, Edward would never dream that it would actually come to this...

"May I see her?" he asked.

This time the doctor nodded.

***

Christine didn't realize that a person could feel so much pain and not die. It was as if all the cramps of her monthly Curse from the past nine months, and even before that, had accumulated into an ocean of pain, washing over her in waves after relentless waves, flooding every fiber of her being, drowning her, the brief moments of reprieve so fleeting that they were all swallowed up by those waves. The doctor had given her copious amount of laudanum, and she sunk into a fog somewhere between half-awake and half-dreaming, drifting amongst ghastly, shadowy things that howled and hissed and clawed and ripped at her, drifting with no anchor, drifting until they tore her apart.

Then the anchor came - a familiar hand in hers, strong, warm fingers holding her own quivering ones in place, a soft voice calling her name. She forced herself out of the fog and saw her husband's face coming into focus amongst the flickering candles, pale with concern, but still smiling that smile she loved so much. "Sorry I'm late, sweetheart," he said, brushing his lips over her clammy forehead, her sweat-tangled hair.

She tried to smile back at him, but her smile died before it reached the corner of her lips. She lifted a hand toward him, only for it to fall back on the counterpane. "Do I have something in my hair?" he said, reaching up and pulling out a bit of hay from his brown curls, which he always wore too long. Christine briefly wondered if the child, the child that refused to be born, would have Edward's brown hair or her gold. 

She wanted to speak but her voice had gone hoarse. Eventually, she managed to croak out, "The letters."

"What did you say?" Edward asked.

"The letters. Read them."

His face changed, fear coming into his eyes. "No. Not yet."

Christine felt another wave of pain cresting, threatening to sweep her away. "Read them. Promise?"

He swallowed hard, his lips trembling. "I promise."

A shadow fell over them. It was Dr. Sinclair, touching Edward on the shoulder. "My lord, I think you ought to step outside now."

"No, let me stay with her, please. She needs me." His fingers gripped hers more tightly, but Christine tried to pull away. Once before, Edward had lifted her out of a world of pain and death. He might not be able to do it again this time, not when there were two of them to be saved. She didn't want him around to see this.

"Go," she whispered, then his hand slipped from hers and the wave engulfed her again.

***

Edward felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him awake. He sat up from the chair where he'd been for nearly twenty-four hours, blinking blearily, rubbing out a crick on his neck. Mrs. Wayne was looking down at him, with Dr. Sinclair standing by her side. The moment Edward made out their expression in the gray morning light, his heart stopped cold in his chest for a second, then started hammering. They all wore the same somber, sorrowful look of funeral attendees. There was blood on Mrs. Wayne's usually spotless apron, and blood on Dr. Sinclair's hand.

"What's happened?" he asked in a shaky voice.

"Oh, Master Edward—" Mrs. Wayne blurted out, tears streaming down her face.

"We've done everything we could, my lord..." Dr. Sinclair said, bending his salt-and-pepper head.

"What's happened to my wife?!"

"Her ladyship will recover, God willing," the doctor said. "But the child..."

Edward didn't hear the rest of the doctor's sentence. He staggered into the bedroom. There, lying amongst blood-splattered sheets, was Christine, as white as the sheets themselves, her eyes wide and unblinking, though her chest still rose and fell with a shallow breath. In the corner of the room, the midwife, sniffling and wiping at her eyes, was wrapping something tiny and gray into a towel. 

***

Later, he didn't know how much later, for he had lost all sense of time, Edward went into his study and dug through the top drawer of his desk for the two letters that he had put there for safekeeping, three weeks ago. They were addressed to "My Edward" and "My child" in Christine's neat, elegant hand. When she put them into his hands, Edward had tried to laugh it off, but she had made him solemnly vow to open them in the event she didn't survive childbirth. It was a cruel irony that she hadn't prepared for the possibility that she would survive, but their child didn't.

Gathering up the letters, he returned to the bedroom. Dr. Sinclair had left. Before leaving, the doctor had tried to tell Edward something about complications and how future pregnancies might be affected, but he was no longer listening. Now the midwife was going too, bobbing a curtsey to him as she went out. Her eyes were still red. Edward found himself wondering why she kept working as a midwife, if the sight of a dead child affected her so. She must have seen so many of them. But perhaps it never became easier, no matter how often it occurred.

He went to sit by the bed and held Christine's hand, as he had done once before, back when he hadn't known how much she would come to mean to him. Mrs. Wayne came in and offered to switch places with him so he could eat something or have some rest, but he refused. There would be things to take care of, a burial to organize, all the pretty little things that Christine and Mrs. Wayne and the maids had made, as well as a crib sent all the way from Naples by Christine's mother, to be put away. But they could wait. For now, he only wanted to be with his wife, just the two of them.

It was dark again when Christine's eyes fluttered open. How small, how wasted she looked! He was used to seeing her brilliant blue eyes light up whenever they rested on him, but now they remained faded, like the sky over the Dales during the winter months, obscured by fog and rain.

"Did you see him?" she asked, her voice muted. Him. It was a boy.

Edward could only nod. He had seen plenty of death in all his time on the farms. Lambs born dead, sheep and dogs and other animals killed by diseases or accidents or predators. Even a person or two. But faced with the death of his own child, his son, he hadn't been able to comprehend it, the pain, the injustice of it. Could it even be said that the child had died, when he had never lived, when he hadn't even drawn a breath? No. That wasn't true. He had lived. For nine months he had lived, in his mother's belly and his father's mind, in both of their hearts. And now he had died.

Edward wondered if it was his fault. Should he have told Dr. Sinclair to save the child instead? Should he have insisted on staying with Christine? Would his presence have given her the strength to save their son? They would never know.

"I'm so sorry," Christine said.

"Sorry for what?" Edward bent down to her.

"I shouldn't have agreed to let Dr. Sinclair save me."

Edward's heart twisted. It was bad enough for him to think these things. He wouldn't let Christine go down that path as well. "No. Don't say that. Don't even think that."

But she wasn't listening. "How can I live, when our son died? What kind of a mother would I be? What kind of a wife am I?" Her face crumpled, and she tried to curl in on herself, but her body went stiff, and a choked-back groan escaped her.

Edward climbed into bed and gathered her into his arms. He didn't dare to hold her too tightly, for fear of hurting her, so he let her rest on him, while her tears soaked into his shirt. His chest ached with his own unshed tears, but he told himself he must stay strong for her. He reached into his pocket for the letters, opened the one addressed to him first, and started reading out loud.

"My beloved Edward, I know you must be grieving right now, and you're no doubt throwing your whole being into it, just as with everything you do, but I implore you..."

"What are you doing?" Christine asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

"I promised I would read the letters. So I'm reading them."

"Not to me. They're for you, and—and—" And the child that they would never know.

"Just listen, will you?" He cleared his throat, and continued. "... but I implore you not to dwell on it. Please take care of our child. Teach him or her to be kind, and honest, and brave, as you are. Tell him or her about me. You're a much better storyteller than I, I know you will do me justice. Please continue to live and love with all your heart, as I would like to think of you. And if you think of me, please think of me out in the garden, amongst the flowers and the trees, watching you always, with love. Christine."

"Edward..."

"No, please, let me finish. I know this one is not for me, but please listen." He opened the other letter. "My dearest child, I am sorry I cannot be here to say these words to you myself. Please know that I love you, I have loved you even before I knew you, and I will always love you. Please be a comfort to your father. He can be exasperating sometimes"—here he paused and looked at Christine with a wry grin—"Do you really find me exasperating?"

"Only sometimes," she said, and a ghost of a smile crossed her lips.

"...but everything he does comes from a place of love and sincerity. Think of me fondly. Your mother." He put the letters down and lifted her hand, kissing it, then kissing her forehead, her cheeks, and her lips. He tasted tears, hers or his, he did not know. "This is the kind of wife you are, Christine Connyngham Munson. This is the kind of mother you would be. And shall be. Full of love and always thinking of others, even when you're not around. So stop blaming yourself. I won't hear of it."

Christine let out a sob, and was still again. They lay together like that, with his arms around her and his head cradled on his chest, while the crib stood empty in the corner of the room, until the gray spring dawn broke again outside the windows.

Chapter 2

As usual, if you want to be added to the taglist for this, feel free to drop me a message/comment!

[emeraldestateequestriancenter]

Meet Raelyn Abbott

“Good morning! I’m Raelyn, Jasmine and Ezra’s daughter. I’m 16 years old and this is a day in my life”

“I start my day by doing the usual self care things, breakfast, brush teeth, do my hair, get dressed, etc. First I get ready for the barn.”

“After I’m dressed, I head out to the barn to meet Rosemary and do barn chores. Feeding, mucking, all those sorts of things.”

“Once the horses are fed and stalls are mucked, we tidy up the barn and get horses ready. Rosemary gets her mare, Ladybug, ready and I get Tulip, my mom's mare, ready. If I have time, I ride a stallion we have temporarily at Emerald Estate, or I ride him after school.”

“Typically, my mom will come in before they’re ready and will chat with us, check on what we need more of and what not. Once the horses are ready I go and get ready for school and eat breakfast.”

“Then I’m off to school! First class is calculus today”

“We have a good bit of free time in the morning. Study, snack, meet with your friends, whatever”

“Then it’s class time. I don’t mind my teacher, he’s a good teacher but he’s not usually on the best mood. I think he used to be a professor at Yale”

“Lunch time! More time to study, chat, and get food”

“More class now, teach is usually in a better mood at this point. Maybe he doesn’t eat breakfast”

“And now I head home! Time to do the afternoon chores once I change.”

“Once the chores are done, I ride Olympian if I didn't ride in the morning. He’s a stud we’re housing at the estate for a few weeks while we breed Tulip. I’ve taken on his ride, he’s really cool! Very responsive and has a very charming personality, almost like he knows he’s the best. Recently, we hosted a show. Here’s a pic from that. ”

"After I ride and eat dinner with my family, I do my homework and then get ready for bed. Sometimes I may record or edit one of my videos, or make music, read, knit... whatever I feel like!"

"Well guys, this is Raelyn singing off. Bye!"

[stablelad]

you've changed quite a bit since i saw you last.

He'd been pushing up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows when he heard the sweet voice. His head turning and eyes already blowing wide at knowing who would be standing there. His gaze lands on @sillygorl as he turns to face her, dark hues taking her in with a slow look that dragged across her frame. His lips parted, mouth going dry as he tried to repeat back the words she'd spoken to him. But the truth was? He didn't know what to say. He didn't have anything that could be said. It'd been years since he'd seen Lucy-- the last time back when they were just pre-teens running amuck Honeyhold. Well before her father sent her away to study under women in the North. Something about them being proper ladies....

"Lady Lucy..." his voice finally finds him, voice coming out in a gentle tone as he steps out of the stall he was about to start mucking. He comes to a stop a few feet off from her, unable to stop the way he's looking over her again. When he'd seen her last she was shorter, hair longer but just as curled. Her features weren't as pointed as they are now and it takes him a moment to gather his thoughts. She's beautiful... breath taking even. He'd heard whispers of how and Lady Justine grew into themselves, but he'd always found them to pretty. Lucy though? There'd been something about her smile that always lingered with him.

He stands taller than he did back when she saw him last, hair shorter and face scruffed with a slight mustache and goatee combo. He's as lanky as ever, all limbs, but he's built in the right places from all his time in the stables. He's constantly moving, constantly working. Unlike Lucy he hadn't gotten to go off and get a proper education... he'd learned everything from his dad. Reading, writing, playing a lute. You name it. He licks his lips, shaky breath leaving him as he stands with an awkward shift of his feet. He wrings his hands together, smile trying to feign just how eager he was to see her, "I heard rumors you'd be back soon, but I... I can't say I was expecting to see you so soon upon your return."

[warmaidensrevenge]

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Pairing: Steddie x plus!size reader

If you want to read my other work you can find it HERE

A/N: At long last, another part in my Steddie fic. Please forgive if it's not the best. I'm really working on my smut writing. I know it's not the best so thanks for reading. I'm kinda excited because I'm gonna be taking a creative writing class next year. So hopefully that will help with my writing. Also, I just want to say. That I kinda just wanted to give you guys a taste of the threesome. But I promise I'm going all out in the next part. So basically this is a filler episode. Anyways, enjoy. As always feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated. ✌️

Warnings: 18+ smut, language, slight body insecurities, mentions of force sex, mentions of menstrual cycle, fluff, and not proof read and no word count.

Summary: How you ended up with not 1 but 2 boyfriends is beyond you. Why Eddie and Steve are into your thickness is strange but, they make you feel like a queen.

Part 5

September 1986

You started feeling better about yourself the rest of the day. You and Eddie spent most of the morning and afternoon in bed. You knew the moment you guys left, that the own personal heaven you and Eddie created would be gone. And not wanting that to happen just yet, you laid their holding each other.

Everything felt so right with Eddie. It felt so good finally being with him. Like you were made for him. But all that afternoon you missed Steve.

Eddie took you out for lunch and called Steve to join. You guys met at the diner and you hugged Steve so hard.

" Miss you Hun."

Steve lifted you a bit and turned around. " Missed you too baby girl."

He set you back on your feet and gave you a close mouth kiss. You were shocked at first because neither one of them kissed you in public before. But you kissed him back. Smiling after.

You guys got the booth you had gotten on your first date. Sitting the same way as last time. Both of them were kissing your check and caressing your thighs when the same waitress from last time came.

You saw her roll her eyes and gave you a look of disgust. " What will it be?"

The guys stopped and picked up the menu. Cindy kept giving you ugly looks and you felt embarrassed again. You looked at your menu and just ordered a salad with water. The guys looked at you and you faked a smile.

" I'm not that hungry." You tried assured your men.

Then you heard a scoff. All of you did. Coming from Cindy. The boys scowled at her. You could instantly feel the tension in their bodies. You placed your hands on their knees, to silently ask them to not make a scene.

They didn't and instead ordered their food. You had excused yourself to use the bathroom because you started cramping. It was about that time of the month and you knew you would be starting soon. When you cleaned yourself you were starting to spot. You thanked whatever higher power there was that you didn't start last night. That would have been very messy.

You went to the sink and pulled out some ibuprofen and took it with a sip of water after washing your hands. That's when Cindy came in. You were about to leave when she started talking.

" So you're their new girl huh?"

" Umm."

" Hey I know it's none of my business. But I just want to warn you to be careful. Okay?"

" Uhh what do you mean?"

" I used to be one of their girls. It only happened like twice. But I stopped. Because I heard that they forced a girl once. So umm just be careful. Don't do anything that you're not ready for."

With that said she went to the stall.

What the hell? They forced a girl to have sex with them?

Your thoughts ran a muck. Feeling out of it already, you headed back to the table and put on your best performance. Being a happy girlfriend. Though right now you felt like a complete fat, short hobbit. Your body hurt and you felt just so damn ugly compared to the few of their so called "ex's".

After lunch the boys took you to the mall. They wanted to buy you something nice. Though you really weren't up for it. You tried your best to play along.

-

Eddie and Steve noticed that you were a little off. But your smile made them feel a bit better. While you were trying on an outfit they talked quietly amongst themselves.

" So we had sex last night. And again this morning." Eddie grinned at Steve.

" You were gentle with her I hope."

" Of course. It was perfect man. Thank you for letting us have our moment."

Steve was sad that he wasn't there and that Eddie got to make love to you. He wanted to feel your pretty pussy wrapped around him too. But he knew Eddie needed you. But he needed you too. He wanted another moment alone with you. Sure the first time he was with you went beyond his expectations. But anal wasn't what he pictured the first time would be like that. There was this rawness that he loved about it. But though the lustful times you had with him weren't enough. It didn't fill his heart like it did Eddie's.

" Hey umm do you think I can have a night with her?" Steve asked.

Eddie raised his brow. " You already had a night with her."

" Yeah but...It wasn't like yours. I really want it to be special."

" Wait what? It wasn't special for you?" Eddie was confused.

Steve didn't give him all the details about that night. Just saying you guys had sex. " Well it was but not like I wanted it to be."

" What happened?"

You came out of the dressing room to show them the outfit. You had scrunched your nose and shook your head. Then went back in to change.

" So?" Eddie asked again

Steve sighed. He really didn't feel comfortable telling Eddie what you let him do. But he had to be honest.

" We had anal. I had the feeling she wanted you to be the one who had her pussy first."

Eddie clenched his fist. He had to talk himself down from getting angry. That was something that was supposed to wait. Until all of you were together and you were completely ready for it. But then the thought of you waiting for him eased him. He smiled to himself. You loved him. You loved him enough to save yourself for him. Even though he knew you wanted Steve too and you could have let him. But you didn't.

"Did it hurt her?"

Steve shook his head. " I don't think so. But it was her first time so maybe."

Eddie shot his head towards Steve. " Her first time?"

You came out showing them a dress. They both smiled and gave you a thumbs up. Your giggles made their heart flutter. When you went back inside they continued the conversation.

" Yeah. But I went slow and she came."

Eddie nodded. " Alright. So what you're saying is you want just one night without me?"

" Uhh yeah. Only if it's cool with you."

Eddie looked at the dressing room door and wanted to say no. But he had to share. " Only if that's what she wants."

-

While you were changing outfits you kept looking at your gut and your thick ass thighs. You hated it. You hated every god damn pound. Every fucking dimple in your ass and legs. Your fat ass floppy arms. You hated the first outfit because it was way too tight. Even though it was labeled your size. Then the dress fit and you liked it. But when you went back in to change, all you kept saying to yourself that only a moo moo would fit you.

Had you been gaining more weight? Have your boys noticed? Would they tell you if they did? And what was Cindy talking about? Steve and Eddie always asked if you were ready and if you wanted to. So that made no sense to you. Maybe she said that because she's jealous. From the looks she gave you, that was a very strong possibility. Or maybe the guys do it so much because of that.

You shoved all the questions away for another time, when you weren't out on a date. Besides your back and stomach were killing you now. So you took some more ibuprofen and left the dressing room.

" So. I don't really need anything. But I would like to get you something." You smiled at Eddie. " You need some new jeans. Those bad boys won't last much longer."

" Well let me buy you this dress and I'll let you buy me a pair." Eddie offered.

You nodded and Eddie gave you a kiss on the cheek and went to find something in his size. You went to Steve and he pulled you on his lap. You wanted to get off but you had little to no energy to fight.

" Do you want anything Hun? How about a new sweater?"

Steve gave you a loving kiss that made you melt into him.

" I don't need anything either. Just you."

With a soft smile on your lips you kissed him again.

Eddie was coming back but saw you two have a moment. He was glad to see that you were happy with Steve. But a small part of him wished it was his lap you were sitting on, his lips you were kissing. He shook those thoughts away and went to you guys when he saw you put your forehead on Steve's.

" Alright, so I want to try them on for you"

You looked over to Eddie and gave him a sweet smile.

You stayed on Steve's lap as he rubbed your back. You guys kissed a little more while Eddie tried on his jeans.

" Okay so how about these?" Eddie asked

" Hmm turn around." You said circling your finger.

He did.

" Yeah definitely. " You got up from Steve's lap and went to Eddie.

You lifted his shirt a little to see if the waist line wasn't too tight.

Eddie was grinning from ear to ear looking at you helping him. When his eyes met Steve's, his smile faded. Steve's eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly agape. Eddie saw him stand up quickly and move behind you. Before he did that Eddie had seen a red stain on Steve's blue jeans.

Steve wrapped his arms around you and you smiled. But that smile went away as fast as it came when Steve whispered that you leaked through your pad and pants. Your stomach fell to your ass and your face got really hot. You didn't know what to do. You looked up at Eddie and saw him trying to figure something out to help. But Steve was the first to react.

He moved away from you just a bit and pulled off his sweatshirt and tied it around your waist. You wanted to cry. You wanted to run away from them and crawl in a hole. But Steve turned you and held your waist firmly.

" C'mon sweetheart. Let's get you home."

You let him lead you out of the store into the car. With Eddie following suit. Eddie kept shaking his head beating himself up for not wearing something to help you like Steve did.

Once you got home you took a shower to clean up and finally let yourself cry. You should have known better than to carry small pads during the beginning of your cycle. It always came down like Niagara falls the first 3 days.

-

"Did you know she started her umm...her..."

" Shark week? Nah man. She was fine last night." Eddie was going through your nightstand grabbing some comfy clothes for you, while Steve changed your bedsheets and put them in the wash with his jeans and sweatshirt.

" I'm gonna go rent a movie and get some comfort food for her." Eddie said laying your clothes on the bed.

" Yeah okay." Steve nodded finishing putting on the comforter.

" Try and find a heat pad and rub her back. It must be really hurting her right now."

" What if she doesn't have a heating pad?"

" I'll pick one up just in case."

" Okay. And some midol yeah?" Steve said grabbing his wallet and tried to giving Eddie money.

" Nah man I got it."

" Well use it for snacks or something?"

' No it's cool. I got it. Oh umm should I get her some tampons or something."

" Uhhh that's a good idea. Umm you know what size?"

Eddie shook his head.

" Ask Liz. She should know."

Eddie nodded and took off.

-

When Eddie left Steve sat on your bed waiting for you. But then he remembered something that could actually make you feel physically better. He got up and went to the bathroom door. Happy that Liz gave you the master bedroom.

"Hey sweetheart. You okay?"

" Uh huh." You sighed.

Steve went in and took off his remaining clothes. Getting in the shower with you.

" I hope this is okay baby girl."

" Umm yeah. It's okay." You said nervously.

" Are you sure?...I leave and wait for you."

You turned around and covered yourself as much as you could.

" Hey. Baby what's going on?" Steve stepped closer to you.

You didn't look at him but you stepped closer too. " I umm I just feel ugly. And I dont-"

Steve cupped your face with both hands finally getting a bit of water on him.

" Sweetheart no. You're so beautiful. Don't let those thoughts get to you. You're so unbelievably gorgeous I can barely stand not looking at you sometimes."

You looked into his eyes and almost believed him. He leaned in and placed a small kiss on your lips.

" Baby girl, believe me. You really are so damn pretty. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes." His voice was low and deep. Calling to your core.

" Damnit Hun. I really wish I wasn't on my period."

Steve smiled against your lips giving you one of the hottest kisses you had ever had.

He dropped his hands down to your waist. "Well...we are in the shower."

You moved your hands around his neck. " Ohh no. That's gross."

" It could help with the cramps. If you cum. Which I know I can do."

"I...I don't know."

"Let me make you feel better sweetheart."

You bit your lip and took a second to think about it.

" And it will help with the cramps?" You said just above a whisper.

" Mmhm. Want me to help?... Let daddy help you." He cooed kissing your jaw down your neck.

Daddy?

Why the hell did that turn you on?

" Are you sure you want to do this sweetheart." He said between kisses

" Y-yes please."

You heard a gutteral sound coming from him. It making your skin rise. He turned you around and one of his hands went down and touched your small bundle or nerves. You sunk against him letting your head fall back on his chest. A soft sigh left your lips feeling his gentle fingers rubbing lazy circles.

You could feel his erection pressed against your ass. You swirled your hips just a little to try and give him something. You looked up at him. He grinned and kissed you. His tongue swirled in your mouth. The moment he touched yours it made your body shudder.

He moved your arm behind you and had you wrap your fingers around his length. He slowly fuck your hand as he continued rubbing circles around your harden clit. His free hand went to massage your breast but you whimpered.

" oh baby girl. I'm sorry. They're sore huh?"

You nodded and he moved his hand to grab at your waist. You were close to your release when he slid a finger into your aching sex, that was contracting around his long finger.

"Oooohhhh." You moaned, throwing your head back.

"You gonna cum for me?"

" Uh huh."

"Good girl. You gonna cum for daddy?"

" Mmm fuck." You mewled as he pumped faster.

"Call me daddy." He cooed in your ear.

" Yeah?... Oh.. daddy! I'm... gonna- You said breathlessly.

" oh baby girl. Can I cum too?"

" Yes daddy. Cum with me....shit...C-cum for me."

You felt his hot release shoot up your back. And when he curled his finger hitting your g-spot you came too.

You leaned into him as he pulled his finger out of you and held you. He rinsed his hand and put both of his arms across your chest. You brought both hands up and held onto his forearms. Resting the side of your head on his chin.

" Mmm you did so good for me sweetheart. Do you feel better?"

You nodded and smiled. Steve always knew how to make you feel better.

" Good. Let's clean up and we can go lay down."

...

Finally all cleaned up and dried off, Steve led you to the bed and cuddled with you.

" I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too dad."

Steve grinned. He liked that a lot. He rubbed your back for a little bit until Eddie came back.

You looked up and smiled. " Eddie spaghetti."

He chuckled. " Hey Angel. How you feelin'?"

" Mmm better." You hummed resting your head back down on Steve's chest playing with his chest hair.

Eddie pulled out all the goodies for you. He went out to heat up the pad and took off his jacket and laid it on the couch. He quickly came back and dressed down to his boxers. He climbed in the bed with you and Steve and put the heating pad on your lower back.

" Is this okay right here?" He asked.

" Yeah."

" Okay." Eddie whispered putting his hand on your waist.

You were quiet for a while both of them tried to comfort you. You really did love them both. But a question was eating at you.

You moved to sit up grabbing the pad. You leaned your back against the wall and fidgeted with the loose string hanging from your long sleeve.

Steve and Eddie sat up too.

" What's the matter sweetheart?"

You could feel them burning a hole on either side of your face. You swallowed the lump building in your throat. " Did...did you guys ever...forced a girl to umm have sex?"

" Did someone tell you that?"

You turned to face Eddie. Looking in his eyes for just a second and nodded before looking back down to your lap.

Eddie looked at Steve and they both knew exactly what you were asking about. But that wasn't what happened.

Steve grabbed your hand. "No. We never did that. We never would. But... There was this one girl."

Eddie took your other hand bringing it to his lips. "We were hooking up at her place."

" When her boyfriend came home." Steve said.

" She said that we had gotten her drunk and took advantage of her. But, we met at the mall." Eddie sighed.

" That's why we make sure to ask every time we want to do something. So no one gets the wrong idea."

You looked at Steve and nodded.

" Is there anything else you want to know about Angel?"

You leaned your head on Eddie's shoulder and he put his cheek on the crown of your head.

" I know that we kinda talked a little bit about it. But I'm really not feeling so great about myself...Do umm....do you guys think I'm fat?"

Eddie and Steve furrowed their brow and Eddie lifted his head. Steve reached over and grabbed your face gently to look at him.

" Why would you ask that baby girl?

Eddie wrapped his arms around you.

" Did we ever make you feel like that?" Eddie said scooting closer to you.

" Well no. It's just..." You put your hands on Steve's. " So far all the girls I've seen that you've been with look nothing like me. And I can't help but feel ugly and fat in comparison."

You slightly hung your head wanting to cry. You felt Eddie's grip tightened.

" You're right sweetheart. You look nothing like those girls. But you are not ugly. You're so beautiful. Everything about you is gorgeous. I told you not to let those thoughts get to you."

You sniffled." I know. I just can't help it."

" Look at me baby."

You looked deep into Steve's eyes.

" Seriously. You're so perfect. Your smile, your laugh. Everything about you is perfect."

Steve gave you a soft kiss. After Eddie turned you to look at him and put one hand on your back and caressed the apple of your cheek, rubbing the tear that fell.

" Don't cry pretty girl. Steve is right. You're so special and so damn sexy. We see who you really are. We all have flaws but we don't judge you for yours. We know all about insecurities. But you never have to feel insecure with us. We see you, we hear you, and we feel you. When we're with you, nothing else exists. Only that gorgeous smile, that sweet voice, those big pretty eyes, and this beautiful face." He kissed your cheek. "You're amazing Angel. And we love you for everything you are....I love you."

These guys were gonna be the death of you. They're so sweet and beautiful. It was hard to believe that they were all yours.

...

The guys did everything they could to make you feel better all that week. Taking you out on dates, buying you flowers. Eddie even let you braid his hair, while Steve braided yours. Steve introduced you to his parents. And for the most part they were nice. You finally saw what he was talking about when he said they ignored him. They exchanged pleasantries but that was the extent of their interest in Steve's love life. Your heart broke for the lack of attention he was getting. And you promise to try and give him all that he needed.

They stayed with you for most of the week. Switching every other day. When Monday came around, the guys went home. Eddie pulled his car themed calendar and wrote out your shark week for the rest of the year. While Steve did the same with his daily planner. They wanted to be prepared for you. Making sure to have a care package ready to go.

-

Class was cancelled on Monday so you ended up working. With Liz joining you after school. She would catch a ride with Eddie since they both were going to the same place. You felt a little weird about that. Since they hooked up and all. But you trusted Liz and you trusted Eddie. When they walked in together, Eddie jogged over to you and spun you around in your swivel chair.

" Hey pretty girl. I missed you."

You blushed. " I missed you too."

He put his hand on the arm rests and gave you a big smooch, with Liz making gagging sounds.

You looked at her and narrowed your eyes.

" So what's the plan for dinner?" Eddie asked. His body and eyes never leaving you.

" She's having dinner with me. You know. It's sad that we live together now and I barely see her. You guys need to share." Liz said with almost a sneer.

You and Eddie just grinned at each other.

" Actually, I have a date with Steve."

" Really?" Eddie jerked his head back a little. " He didn't tell me."

Eddie didn't look too happy after you said that. You moved his hair behind his ears and gave him a quick but sweet kiss.

" Don't be upset with Steve. He just came over during his lunch and asked. I'm sure he was going to tell you."

Eddie tilted his head and grinned. You were always trying to make the best of the situation. And he absolutely loved that.

" Okay pretty girl. Do you have time for a break?"

" Ummm." You looked at Liz and she waved her hand. " Uh yeah."

" Okay come on. I want to show you something."

He stood up and held out his hand. You took it and he led you outside to the back of his van.

When he opened the door you smiled.

" What's all this?"

Eddie was staring at the side of your face to see your reaction. " I uhh. I wanted to have a place just for us."

You gave him a look of adoration. " Just for us?"

You looked back in the van. He put in a fold out foam chair and a crate with a radio. There was a stuffed puppy sitting in the middle. He also has a stack of your books and a small box filled with your guys favorite snacks. You saw his D&D books with a brand new note book. There was a case of beer and a case of coke bottles.

" You did all this for me?"

He put his arm around your waist and kissed your temple. " Yeah pretty girl. I thought whenever you get in a funk. We can go somewhere and just relax."

You climbed in and looked around and saw a brand new brush and scrunchies. Hand lotion and blankets. Your smile got bigger and bigger with each item you found.

Eddie climbed in and watched you. Seeing you that happy made his heart full. He swore to do everything he could to make sure that you always smile when you were with him.

He looked at the ceiling. " Oh. We're totally missing the best part."

Your eyes followed him to the front and watched him put up a sun shade cover and close the back doors. A soft green glow shined from above.

" Oh Eddie."

" Come here pretty girl."

He sat down on the fold out and held his arms out for you. You went to him eagerly and snuggled with him.

He pointed to a certain spot. " That there, Canis major. And there is Ursa minor....and right there, that's Taurus."

You listen to him name all the constellations he took the time to create. In this moment you never felt so loved and so lucky to have Eddie in your life.

...

That night Steve had decided to finally make you dinner again at his place. You guys had the house all to yourselves. So while Steve made dinner you were making peach cobbler.

Steve had Eddie show him how to make a mix tape for the special night.

" Foreigner?"

Steve looked at you and had a guilty grin. " Uhh yeah."

You chuckled. " No, Foreigner is cool. You just seem like a Steve Perry fan."

" Oh I am."

"That's cool too." You gave him a genuine smile.

When dinner was done, you guys sat at the table.

" This looks so good dad."

Steve sucked his bottom lip and grinned at you.

"So what is the plan after dinner?" You asked between bites.

" Hmmm. Whatever you want to do."

"What if we clean up and then we could do a puzzle?"

He smiled. " That sounds nice."

You beamed at him and he swore he died and went to heaven. There was so much he wanted to say. But for some odd reason all he wanted was this. Just you and him. Together, eating dinner and talking. He loved these moments with you. The comfortability you guys had with each other was something he never had before. And he couldn't get enough of it.

"What's the matter?"

Steve looked at you and shook his head. " It's nothing."

" Steve baby, something up....just talk to me."

He cleared his throat and leaned forward a little. " I just can't help but think this is too good to be true. Like, you're everything I want in a girl. And I know that I put these rules in place. But when I'm with you, all bets are off. Sometimes I feel bad for wanting you all to myself. But then when we're all together it's nice. I wonder if maybe I screwed up by letting myself feel this way for you so fast."

" Do you not want to feel that way towards me?"

" No. I do. It's just now, I can't bear to lose you."

"You won't lose me. You and Eddie are very important to me. I know what you mean. Being selfish. Some days I need you and your roughness and other days I need Eddie's tenderness. But at the end of the day. I want both of you in my bed. Or be in yours or Eddie's."

" That's what I want too. These times you and I spend together mean everything to me. I just don't want it to end."

You stood up and held out your hand. " Dance with me."

He took your hand and held you close swaying you along to Waiting for a girl like you. You rested your head on his collar bone.

" When I'm around you, I lose it too. It's really hard to be good when you look at me like I'm the prettiest girl in the world."

" To me you are."

You kissed his chest. " If I promise to never give up on us. Will you promise to always hold me like this?"

He held you just a bit tighter. "I'll never let you go if that's what you want."

" I want."

He laughed while lifting your chin to look at him before letting it go. " I promise sweetheart. Whenever you need me. I will be here. And I promise as long as I'm here, no one is gonna hurt you."

Your gentle smile made you look so beautiful. It took Steve's breath away.

"You're just so... Perfect. Steve Harrington give me your heart. I promise to take care and protect it with everything I have."

" You have it. You've had it all along baby girl."

You lifted to your toes and closed your eyes to kiss him. This kiss was perfect. It wasn't too soft and not too rough. There wasn't too much tongue but just enough to send your body into a frenzy.

You sucked on your bottom lip after Steve broke the kiss.

" You know. I can be gentle too."

You opened your eyes and looked deep into Steve's pretty brown eyes. " Yeah?" You whispered into his mouth. " show me."

You kissed him again. He moved behind you and pushed your hair to the side to kiss your neck. Then he pulled down the collar of your shirt and placed a soft kiss on your shoulder before letting your shirt go. He did the same thing to the other side. He walked back to face you and caressed your cheek with the back of his hand. His fingers ran through your hair, massaging your scalp as he kissed the opposite cheek. He put his free hand on your lower back and pulled you closer.

Your core ached for him. All you wanted was him to make love to you. Right here, right now.

You lifted your arms so he could take off your shirt. He lifted his head away from your neck and reached for the hem. Sowly pulled it over your head and kissed all over your body. Doing his best to kiss every inch. Your hands slipped under his shirt and your fingers slid through his chest hair. You tried to take off his shirt. But he did that really hot way guys take off their shirts with one hand. Seeing him do that made you rushed to take off his pants. He laughed and held your hands.

" Gentle. Remember baby."

You bit your lip wanting nothing more for him to ravish you. But he was right. You wanted to see this side of him.

He dropped to his knees and kissed every stretch mark and every faded scar. He went to unbutton your jeans and peeled them off with your panties. You got to your knees too and kissed him all over. Your hands went around his neck and into his hair. You pushed yourself closer to him as his hands went to unhook your bra. He slowly slid the straps off leaving a trail of moisten kisses behind it. You felt your cunt clenched as he massaged your chest.

He got to his feet, pulling you up with him.

Now in his room, you sat down on his bed while he lit a scent candle. He turned off his light and the soft glow from the candle dance on his skin. He walked to you and leaned over for a kiss.

You reached up and held onto his belt. " Can I take this off?"

Steve grinned. " Yeah"

Once his body was on full display you drank him in. Every inch of him was perfect. From his feathery hair down to the bottom of his feet.

You stood up, moving Steve to lay down on the bed. You straddled moving your lips from his down to his chiseled jaw line. You grinded your sex with his as the kissing continued. You put one hand on his chest and one on the side of his face while he lifted you by your ass. Your lower half shook as his tip went in with ease. Just for a moment you moved only to fuck his tip. Making all your juice flow.

Steve could feel your wetness drip down his shaft and wanted to ram himself in you. But he decided to let you take control. And oh did you.

You slowly took him in just to let him out completely. Doing it over and over again. With every hop taking him in more and more. You held back your moans until you were at the hilt. Almost crying from the delicious pain that shot through your core.

Steve threw his head back when he hit the end of you. Mewling at the tightness of velvet walls. You leaned back putting one hand on his thigh and the other on his stomach. You started rocking back and forth as Steve's fingers dug deep into your thighs. Sighs and fucks left both of your mouths. But when you started to move faster Steve wanted you closer. So he sat up wrapping one arm around your waist as the other cupped your breast. You hung on his shoulders moving faster, searching for your release.

You rest your face on the slope of his neck moaning. That's when his body tensed.

" I'm gonna cum." Steve grunted

"M-Me T-Two."

" Yeah...cum for daddy."

Your body shudder and twitched as you fucked him through it. Milking his cock for everything it had.

" Mmmm" you hummed finally coming to a stop.

Steve laid back down pulling you to rest on top of him. After a few minutes you lifted off of him and nestled in his arms. You played with his chest hair as he stroked your arm.

" I want this forever Steve." Your voice was soft and weak.

"Me too." He said holding you closer.

And he really meant that. He wanted you forever and a day.

...

September 18th 1986

You were pacing your living room waiting for your guys. Tonight's the night. It was officially your 3 month anniversary. 3 whole months since you started dating Steve and Eddie. And you had planned on tonight being the night you were finally gonna do the unthinkable. Have sex with both of them. Did they know this? Well no. Had you made sure Liz was gonna be gone for the night? Uhh yeah.

You weren't really sure how this was gonna work. Fucking both of them at the same time. But Liz helped you out. You guys went out of town that afternoon and went to a sex shop. You had gotten a small pink vibrator and some strawberry flavored lube. You had also bought a butt plug per Liz's suggestion with a pair of fuzzy hand cuffs. You were so embarrassed buying it you almost didn't. A lot was gonna happen tonight and even though you were scared, you were gonna take the lead on this one. But a conversation had to happen first.

You were already wearing the plug when the guys finally came. After the hugs and kisses hello, you asked the boys to sit down so you could talk.

" Okay. So tonight I think I'm ready for both of you. But I just want to say a few things."

They were both surprised. This wasn't what they expected for tonight's date.

" So I know that we all have trouble with wanting alone time with each other. So I'm making a rule."

Eddie leaned back into the couch and grinned. Steve raised an eyebrow. He liked that you were taking charge. It was definitely different from other girls.

" So I want you guys. Like all the time. So whenever you want me. Take me. If I'm with you Steve and you want to. Then just do it. Of course ask how I want it and I'll let you know. And the same goes for you Eddie. But you guys can't get mad or jealous at the other for it. Also, I would like to set out a couple of days during the week that we all can be together. But, between school and work. It's gonna be hard. So can we make it so that Saturdays are our days for all of us and Sundays can be like a date/ recovery type day. I would like us to be together more often but maybe during the holidays we can."

" That sounds like a good plan." Steve grinned.

"Yeah. Is there anything else we should do or more rules." Eddie tilted his head and gave you a smirk.

" Well let's see...safe words?"

" What do you have in mind pretty girl?"

" I guess the basics. Green for good, yellow for almost there, and red for stop."

" Yeah I like that." Steve licked his lips before leaning back into the couch.

" So what's off the table is anal fisting. That just seems too painful."

They chuckled.

" Vaginal fisting. Ummm. Maybe. But definitely not now."

They nodded.

"What about spanking or choking?" Eddie said giving you a shit eating grin.

" Only if I ask for it. Or when a punishment is handed out."

A little growl left Eddie's lips and you caught Steve adjusting his junk. You smiled to yourself at the effect your words did to them.

"Is that ok with you guys?"

" Yeah. Definitely." They said in unison.

" Okay. Good. so....umm want to give me a massage?"

Eddie licked his lips and took off his jacket. Steve smiled and got up. When you guys went to the room you took off your clothes and laid down. You watched as they took off theirs as well. Eddie put up his hair and was about to start taking off his rings.

"Eddie baby. You can leave them on. I like the way they feel."

" Yeah?" He asked, honestly surprised.

" Unless you don't want me to ruin them."

" No. No. I'll leave them on."

You laughed softly.

"Are you sure you're ready for this sweetheart?"

You looked at Steve as he sat at the end of the bed.

" I've been ready. Just take it easy on me. This is my first time with 2 beautiful guys."

Eddie chuckled sitting next to you. " Of course pretty girl."

You closed your eyes as Eddie started massaging your shoulders and Steve started rubbing your feet. You instantly got goosebumps. You never had this sensation before. This type of seduction was intense. Feeling hands on your breast and on your thighs shook you to your very core.

...

The night was a complete blur of appendages and lips. The sounds of moaning and grunts burning into your memory. In the morning every inch of your body was sore. But in such an amazing way. You woke up before the guys and went to the bathroom and looked at yourself. You looked so different now. You felt as if you were floating. You saw the hickeys all over and smiled. This feeling was utter bliss. Finally after 3 agonizing months, they had you every way you wanted them too. And you couldn't wait for the next time.

You washed up and decided to make your guys some breakfast. When you were mid pancake flip the phone rang.

" Hey y/n."

" Erin? What's up?"

" We're in town now. I think I'm about 3 minutes away."

" Uhh wait what?"

" Yeah....Did you forget?"

" Uhhh."

" Damnit y/n! It's my birthday."

" Oh fuck!! No I... I'm-"

" Just get ready! I'll be there soon."

She hung up on you and you just stood there.

"OH FUCK!"

...

@salenorona23 @sillypurplemurple @tessab154 @bethanysnow @ibathealone @erinsingalong @stardustmunson @impossibelle

[slashyrogue]

Basic Chickens AU: The Beast in the Tower

There is an old saying that goes, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.'

Prince Adam had never heard that saying as he didn't have time for ridiculous things such as books. He spent most of his life going to balls, his parents attempting to groom him for the throne.

As the Prince grew, it became well known in the kingdom that the prince was very handsome but quite impudent in his dealings with common folk. He had also taken to telling guards to clear the streets during his visits in the square, often taking things without properly compensating the shopkeepers.

The behavior was largely ignored as a collective rule.

It was Elias Thanatos's misfortune that he had been part of the collective.

The Thanatos Brothers had moved into Basica only weeks before, having been run out of their last home due to "unpleasant business" according to Gabriel, the youngest of the two.

Gabriel happened to be out of their shop that morning, which was the reason why Elias did not ignore the Prince's behavior like the others.

It was not known precisely what occurred, but several witnesses spoke for days about the Prince being pushed out of the shop with a yelled, "THIEF! THIEF!"

Then the guards came running, grabbing Elias and dragging him off in chains while he continued to yell.

The Prince showed off a rather strange watch all throughout the day after, his comments of the "deformed buffoon who dared to question" him noted and remembered.

After that, no one would go to the shop while Elias was there and informed as such.

So the older brother no longer worked the shop after, seen mucking up stalls and cleaning the stoop outside their home.

When the Prince stopped coming into town the following season, the villagers breathed a sigh of relief for their income. The mothers looking for their sons and daughters to marry the handsome Prince were quite saddened by his sudden disappearance, blaming the strange and deformed Elias for the trouble.

As years of resentment passed, the Thanatos brothers began losing more and more customers in their shop. Gabriel spoke of attempting to sell their wares in the other parts of the kingdom, convincing Elias to stay home and look after the house despite the argument that ensued.

Elias did not like to be alone but he understood. His hatred for the selfish young Prince grew even worse because of this, and if he happened to be in town any overheard mention of Prince Adam would start him on a tirade the likes of which many could not deal with.

A month passed with Gabriel gone, Elias's loneliness growing, and he was largely devastated most of the time.

Until one day he heard glorious news.

Prince Adam was dead.

He had grown horribly ill and died in his sleep, the decree read. The royal couple were in mourning for their son and would be for the foreseeable future until their grieving was over.

Elias could not stop smiling.

~

He stared at Adam with tears in his eyes. “No, no, it can’t be you.”

Adam reached for him and he recoiled, shaking his head.

“Elias, I...I’m sorry for what I did in the past. I did not know you then, did not—“

“You were a monster,” he hissed, “You ruined me and my brother. I...I could’ve loved the Beast despite him being a monster but I cannot love you knowing just how rotten you really are.”

Adam rushed after him and was pushed back so hard he fell to his knees.

“Highness...” Grigg whispered, holding out his hand.

Adam made no move to take it.

“I spent all this time so desperate to be me again....and now that I am I...I have nothing.”

Nigel scoffed. “Let him go, who cares at all for someone so...”

He shook his head, smiling at Nigel as tears rolled down his face. “I do. I care more for him than anyone could for someone and now...I’ve lost him forever.”

The silence he got in response was apt.

Adam didn’t deserve sympathy.

He may have learned to love but he was, at heart, still the monster he had been.

He didn’t deserve Elias.

He didn’t deserve to be happy.

Now that he was him again he would call on his parents and wed Sir Mason. It was the only thing could do.

[dont-wake-the-dragon]

the me who didn't actually care enough to go to school, who worked for a year then disappeared to somewhere in the northwestern US. she works on a boat now, and every morning she can smell the ocean and every evening she goes to sleep rocked by the waves. she doesn't call her family much, but she sends pictures and sometimes cool rocks that washed up on shore.

the me who didn't wonder if she was broken for not feeling the same as her boyfriend, so she got married and now they sit in quiet companionship while she reads and he plays a video game. it isn't perfect, but they are both happy. someday soon they'll have a positive pregnancy test and they'll be even happier.

the me who studied astronomy and now helps out at a telescope. she's even more nocturnal than I am, and never uses lights at night because the moon and stars are all anyone needs. she discovers a new comet and names it after a favorite character.

the me who said, screw it, and went to europe after graduation. she still doesn't speak the language, but google translate helps and she's picking it up. she lives in a small town and goes to the market every morning for fresh food, and makes cookies for kids who come to visit.

the me who works on a ranch, who is more laid back than I am but just as solid at the core. she can ride a horse, and muck out a stall, and deliver kids and calves and piglets. she loves to nap in the hay barn, where its sweet and soft and a bit scratchy. all the dogs race to give her kisses every morning.

and the me that's here, now. she is restless and wants all these maybes and what-ifs, but she has a bright future and it's coming quickly. she's smart and quick and just a little artistic and she wants to change something small in the world. and if that small thing grows then it grows, and something is better because of it.

i spend a lot of time daydreaming about my other lives

about the me who lives out in the middle of the new england countryside, where i’m quite lonely, but i have a couple goats and cows and chickens that i look after, and i like to make jam and i have an enormous huge crush on my beautiful neighbor who trades me her honey, and i invite her over for tea a little too often to not be super obvious

the me who was born and raised in new york city, who’s sharper and angrier, yet still so kind, with a fire in her eyes and shards in her words, who lives in a awful gross 2 bedroom apartment with 4 other people and loves the people in her life fiercely and is obscene about her art and smokes too much and doesn’t sleep enough, ever, 

the me who went on a backpacking trip through europe after graduation with a desperate need to escape but it was a lot harsher than she thought but she fell in love halfway through france and lives in a tiny city with the love of her life and doesn’t talk to anyone she used to know; she still calls her mother sometimes, but no one knows where she is and she has never felt so free (she is still working on her french)

the me who is on the road to her first oscar, who manages to dodge out of all the gossip rags, who gets to do beautiful work in a city that she hates but she endures and she is not sure if this is what she wanted but it’s what she has so maybe she’ll run with it for now 

the me who lives in a tiny studio somewhere in stockholm, a me who paints and draws her nights away and spends her mornings kneading bread and folding dough for hours and hours and she never wears makeup and the city is both so busy and so quiet and she works as an english tour guide on the weekends at the palace (her swedish is almost perfect, though)

and the me here, with a loud head and a messy kitchen and a giant heart who spends too much time thinking about all the things she is not instead of focusing on the wonder of what she is