#i like to think he's relieved h took him with her and also not sebastian bc he'd be so hungry for some chaos there

[toupee-or-nottoupee]

he really is so pretty, isn't he?

[living-in-the-darkness]

Date Started: 06/21/2020 3:12pm (15:12)

Date Finished: 06/21/2020 4:42pm (16:42)

Summary: This is the months after your threesome. You are pregnant and have twins. The father is determined at the end.

Pairing: Henry Cavill x Reader x Sebastian Stan

A/n: little story based off Henry's post about Father's Day. Also a continuation of my smut story. I would also like to say that none of these pictures are mine and some will not be Henry and Sebastian since I have yet to see any of them together. I would like you to imagine their faces in place of the ones that are not them. Thank you.

Two months after your three some with Henry and Sebastian, you three have been going on dates and spending time together. Now, at three months after, you discover something that will change your lives forever- you're pregnant.

You were sat on the toilet, bawling your eyes out as you made the discovery. The main thing running through your head was: "what are they going to think?" You hugged yourself while holding the tests.

You were both glad and upset that you were home alone with this discovery. Henry was doing a press tour for his new movie, currently in Boston, Massachusetts. Sebastian was filming The Falcon and The Winter Soldier which meant being far away from you. So in the house was only you and this unborn baby.

"What am I gonna do? They'll wanna know but I'm scared..." You thought aloud. "It's gotta be two to three months at this point. Perhaps a doctor's appointment would be best." You say and put a hand on your belly.

You take a deep breath and go to the room you share with Sebastian and Henry. You all moved in a month ago so you would be closer. You put the tests in one of your clothes drawers to hide it. You grabbed your phone and dialed your OBGYNs number to make an appointment. Tomorrow, at 13:30. You put the phone aside and decide to take a nap.

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

Tomorrow came sooner than you would've liked. You forced yourself to get up and eat some breakfast while you scrolled through your phone. You saw a text from Henry pop up and decided to ignore it. You put your phone down after eating your breakfast and went to take a shower. You washed your h/l h/c hair and beautiful body before getting out and wrapping a towel around yourself. You went to the shared bedroom and got dressed in something suitable for a doctor's appointment especially when it came to being an actress.

You left the comfort of your home at 13:00 and drove twenty minutes to your doctor's office. Once inside you checked in and went to sit down. They called you in at 13:40, you went to a room and were told to wait.

After about twenty minutes, a nurse came in and took your vitals before handing you a urine cup. You went to the bathroom and did your best to fill it before wiping it down and bring it back putting it on the counter. The same nurse came back and took it to the lab where it was to be tested. After about an hour, your OBGYN came in and talked to you like a friend before she got the results.

"Would you like to read it or shall I?" She asks you

"You, please." You answer

"You're pregnant, Y/N." She says softly and looks at you. "Would you like to do the ultrasound today?" She asks and looks at you.

You nod as you try to hold back tears. You lay down on the bed and wait for someone to come in. You took deep and shaky breaths. Your OBGYN had someone come in with a moveable machine and did the ultrasound. You smiled at the screen before jumping and bursting into tears. You pulled down your shirt and rushed out with your stuff. Everyone looked stunned and they didn't understand why until they looked at one of the pictures it took right before you ran off.

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

It was two months after the ultrasound incident before you finally went back. You laid there and tried not to cry as you watched. You had a heart monitor for the babies and heard two, strong heart beats.

"would you like to know the gender?" Your OBGYN asks you

You shake your head "no, thank you."

You leave after getting some pictures and when you arrive home, you see two extra cars in the driveway. You didn't know who it was until you saw the license plates- Henry and Sebastian were home. You parked your car and let yourself cry for a while before hiding the pictures in the glove compartment then running inside after locking the car.

You looked at the boys who had made you lunch and brought your presents. They saw your tear stained face and rushed over showering you in love and affection.

You three ate while you avoided telling them.

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

A month later and you couldn't avoid telling them as Henry had found the pregnancy tests when getting you a new shirt. You had vomited all over the one you were previously wearing. He walked down holding the shirt and tests in his hands.

"Love, what is this?" He asks you softly and holds the pregnancy tests up.

You look up and gasp, deciding there's no way out you respond: "Henry, I should've have to explain to you what w pregnancy test is."

"No, No. I'm asking because there's- are you...?" He motions to your belly which had grown a little bit.

You had tears in your eyes and you bite your lip. You get up and go to find Sebastian who was currently working on some lines. You told him to come into the kitchen and take the seat you had gotten up from.

Henry showed Sebastian the tests and he asked the same as Henry: "are you...?"

You take a deep breath "With twins."

Henry and Sebastian looked upset but also very happy.

"Yes!" Henry says and rushes over picking you up and twirling you gently. He knew there was a possibility that he wasn't the father but he would be there no matter what. He already made that promise to himself.

Sebastian stood there for a moment before it registered, you were pregnant with twins that could or could not be his. He rushes over and gave both you and Henry a big hug.

You were so happy and relieved to see how excited they were. You hugged them back and kissed both their cheeks.

"Do you know the genders?" Henry asks looking down at you.

You shake your head "No, I don't. I wanted to wait for you guys. I have pictures from the ultrasounds in the car."

Henry nearly ripped the keys from the hanger and ran outside rummaging through your car to find them. He was like an excited puppy. He ran back in and showed them to Sebastian. "Our kids!" He shouts excitedly.

"Our babies." Sebastian agrees and smiles at the pictures as tears welled up in his eyes.

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

You, Henry, and Sebastian decided to announce your pregnancy at Henry's birthday party you threw at home. You also made a cake for when the genders would be announced. The only person who knew the genders were your sister and the baker.

All through the party Henry and Sebastian would not stop asking your sister when they could cut open the cake. Finally your sister had enough and decided to let you three cut the cake when Henry cut his.

You found out that the babies were a girl and a boy when you cut the cake open. Henry and Sebastian were hugging you and kissing all over your face.

Soon the party was coming to a close so only the immediate family was around.

Henry's mom walks over to you and smiles at you. "Congratulations, Y/N. Have you thought of any names?"

You smile and nod "thank you Mrs. Cavill. We have in fact. The girl is to be named g/n Cavill-Stan. And the boy is to be named b/n Cavill-Stan." You answer with a smile.

Henry's mother nods and smiles at you giving you a hug. "Thank you for including my boy despite the circumstances." She says and lets go of you.

You nod and smile "He's as much as a father to them as Sebastian is. They're both the father even if only one is biologically." You respond in a soft voice.

Henry's mom gives you another hug and rubs your back. She lets go and goes to find her sons.

After the party is done, you three go to bed with big smiles on your faces.

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

After another three months, making you a full nine. You give birth to two bouncing babies. They were swabbed for DNA as we're Henry and Sebastian.

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

It was another month later that you got the results. You were nervous to open it with them as Henry held g/n and Sebastian held b/n. You slowly tore the envelope open and pulled out the paper. You opened it just as slowly and took a deep breath before reading it in your head.

After reading it twice, you smiled widely.

"What? What does it say?" Sebastian asks trying to look at it but you wouldn't let him.

"Come on, Y/N.... Please show us... Tell us..." Henry looked nervous ready to hear he was the father of neither.

"DNA shows that Henry Cavill is the father of g/n and b/n." You said pausing and looking at Henry who was smiling widely before his face drops and looks at Sebastian who had tears in his eyes.

"w-what about me?" Sebastian asks ready to hear he wasn't the father of either.

"DNA shows that Sebastian Stan is the father of b/n and g/n." You looked at him with a big smile. "it goes on to say that it's rare and the babies may have problems when they grow up but, yes, you both are the father." You add after looking between them both.

Henry and Sebastian hug each other with the babies then hug you. Tears streaming down all your faces.

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

A/n: I hope y'all enjoyed.

[harley-sunday]

Things We Lost in the Fire [07]

Summary: During a bank robbery you’re surprised when the criminals seem to recognize you and retreat in fear. Only after do you learn that your high school sweetheart now runs a nationwide crime syndicate and has you placed on a “no harm” list. You decide to pay him a visit after all these years. 

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Reader (F)

Warnings: Language. 

Word count: 2421

AN: This is it. This story was fun to write and almost wrote itself effortlessly. I hope you’ll like it. Please, please, please let me know what you think. ♥

Masterlist

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Detective Johansson starts, his voice lacking the emotion you weren’t expecting anyway. His eyes are trained on you, as if he’s still looking for clues. “I think you’ll be relieved to hear that Mr Hughes confessed to all the crimes we suspected him off.”

“Relieved is not-”

“We spoke to him at length on Thursday and Friday,” Johansson continues without missing a beat, effectively ignoring you, “and he gave us information that has led us to believe he was behind multiple robberies over the last fifteen years.” He clears his throat, “We also believe that the money stolen was used to pay for his treatment here.”

“Ok,” you draw out, not sure where he’s going with this. He still looks at you like you’re somehow a part of this. Which, technically, you are, but not in the way he might think.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” he pauses, his look falling somewhere over your shoulder to where you know Sebastian is, “we’re hoping to find out who his accomplices were sooner rather than later. We know Mr Hughes couldn’t have pulled this off all by himself.”

The silence that follows his statement feels rehearsed, a way to make you talk, but he should know by now you know how to keep silent. You are glad to hear Josh kept his promise and kept Seb’s team out of this. If what Sebastian has told you is true it should be almost impossible to link back to those guys. Or him.

“While I still believe you should have come to us first,” his voice interrupts your thoughts and you look up at him with what you hope is an apologetic smile, “I also believe that in the light of recent events and Mr Hughes’ confession, it wouldn’t have made much of a difference.” He holds out his hand, “You are no longer tied to this investigation.”

“Thank you,” you say as you take his hand and shake it, relieved to hear the words.

He holds on a little too long though and nods to somewhere over your shoulder, “Who’s he?”

You pull your hand back before you glance over your shoulder where you see Sebastian talking to Betty, his hands in his pockets, his demeanor relaxed, as if he has nothing to hide. You can’t help but smile when you turn back to Detective Johansson which is exactly how Josh told you to do it, “That’s Sebastian Stan. He went to high school with Josh and me.” You hesitate, looking down to add to the sentiment, “I used to have the biggest crush on him back then.”

There’s another silence then, not rehearsed this time and so you can tell it makes him a little uncomfortable. 

“I should go,” Detective Johansson says then. “Goodbye.” 

“Goodbye, Detective.” You watch as he walks away, hands tucked somewhere deep in his pockets, his head held high even though his whole body screams defeat. Someone stands beside you then and an involuntary shiver runs down your spine when you catch a whiff of his cologne.

“You ok?”

You just nod.

His hand finds yours then, and he gently squeezes it, “I’ll be seeing you, dragă.”

Letting your head hang you feel his fingers slide out from in between yours and you want to tell him, “Don’t go,” but you can’t. He needs time to grieve, time to mourn the loss of his best friend, time to set part two of Josh’ plan in motion. And so you try blink away the tears that have formed in your eyes, not caring that they end up falling anyway, because you need time too. 

Two weeks later you find yourself at the end of yet another tour of your house, to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. Not that there’s much left, the three boxes you wanted to take with you already shipped off to their new destination, and there have been several trips to local thrift shops already to donate books, small trinkets, and whatever else you no longer need. All that’s left inside is the furniture the house came with, some clothes, and toiletries. 

You’re set to officially move in with him early August, just in time to celebrate his birthday together in your new home. To say you are counting down the days would be an understatement. Only thirty-five days left, you realize with a smile.

Your phone beeps then, letting you know you’ve received a new message, your smile growing even wider when you see it’s from him.

At the airport, almost ready to board, I’ll see you tonight, dragă.

You type a quick reply, telling him you can’t wait. As you turn around to put your phone down on the dining table your eyes fall on the picture of Josh that you’ve put up on the mantle above the fireplace, on of the few things that will stay here until you actually move out. There’s a candle next to the frame that you try to keep burning at all times, but it’s out now and so you set out to find a new one.

When you do, and you’ve placed it in the holder, you take a moment to thank Josh before you light it. You know you’ll never be able to repay him for everything he’s done, that all you can do is live the live he wanted you and Sebastian to have and enjoy every minute of it. 

And that’s exactly what you plan on doing. 

“Do you think it worked?”

He shrugs, but there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his lips when he puts his arm around you, pulling you closer to him, using his feet to softly rock the porch swing you’re both sitting on. 

As you look out over the garden at the back of his mother’s house you spot the moon hanging somewhere low in the night sky. It’s still warm outside, not unusual for the end of July, and the crickets are taking full advantage, their singing almost like a soundtrack to this lovely evening. 

It’s then his mother walks onto the porch, carrying a tray with three tumblers of Scotch that she carefully sets down. She hands each of you a glass before she takes her own, leaning against the railing next to you. Raising her glass, she looks at both of you with a smile, “To my son and getting to meet his new, old girlfriend.” 

You can’t help but smile, holding up your own glass, “Cheers.”

“Noroc,” Sebastian says, clinking his glass against his mother's, then yours. 

“I still don’t really see why we had to do this,” you admit, even though you had a lovely evening. The restaurant he chose was good, of course it was, and the conversation between the three of you flowed effortlessly, like it always did. You still wish his stepfather could have been there too, but he was away for business and couldn’t get out of the trip no matter how hard he tried. 

“Backstory, dragă,” he says quite matter-of-factly. “Just like all those dates I’ve been taking you on for the last month.”

“Hmm,” you agree before taking another sip of your drink.

“It makes sense,” he continues, “at this point in our relationship for you to meet my Mom.” 

“Sebastian,” his mother says then, with the Romanian pronunciation you’ve come to love so much, even though it sounds like she’s berating him. He must hear it too.

“What?” He laughs, “I know it seems,” he hesitates, “silly, for lack of a better word, but we need to do this. As far as Detective Johansson knows we just went to high school together, so it would be weird for her to just move in with me, right?”

Both his mother and you nod.

“It’s all part of Josh’ plan so that we could have a way out,” he says, taking a sip of Scotch before he continues, “we meet again at his funeral, exchange numbers, start texting each other and before you know I’ve asked her on a date.”

“That was a good date,” you muse, thinking back to the Italian place he took you, the same as where you had your first date, the whole evening basically a repeater of that time nineteen years ago. Minus the braces and the giggling on your part. 

“It was,” he agrees, gently kissing your temple. “Just like the five dates we had after that, dragă.”

“But, you live on the other side of the country,” you offer, because you remember Josh’ words too. “And it’s getting serious, because on our last date you asked me to move in with you and I said yes.”

“Yup,” he agrees with a grin, “but it would me weird to move in with me without you meeting my family first, right?”

“Right.”

“So here we are.”

“Here we are,” you echo with a smile, raising your glass once again. 

His mother sighs, “And all this just in case you’re still under investigation? Even though there’s nothing that indicates that you are?”

“Yeah,” Sebastian nods. “Better safe than sorry.”

“Plus, I had a wonderful time tonight,” you offer. “It was great seeing you again, Georgeta,” with a wink then, “under somewhat more normal circumstances than last time anyway.”

She laughs, “I wouldn’t be so sure about those circumstances, Fată.”

You feel yourself tear up at the use of the word for both girl and daughter and so you get up and give her a hug, whispering a quiet, “I promise to take care of him,” 

EPILOGUE

“Seb?” 

There’s no reply and you furrow your brows, because there’s no reason for him not to be at home. You lean in and grab your purse from the passenger’s seat, digging around for you phone to see if he’s called while you were on your way home, but there are no missed calls. Not unusual because the signal is weak once you pass Capetown anyway, even though you are in California and never really not that far from civilization.  

“Seb?” you try again, edging closer to the house, the moon casting a faint glow over the hills around you. Still nothing.

“Fuck,” you mutter quietly, trying your hardest to keep your cool, not wanting to get lost in the what ifs. Still, your mind wanders, figuring that if this means his past has finally caught up with you, you’ve at least had three really good months together here on the west coast. 

You fell instantly in love with the house he built for you, a project he started after he left Pawleys Island. It's a simple two-story cabin, but it's home and the view you have of the sea and the rugged coast making you feel like this is where you belong more than Savannah ever did. 

Three months of living here have taught you the bottom step of the stairs leading up to the front porch creaks and so you step onto the second, trying your hardest not to make a sound. There’s a faint glow coming from inside the house and you see the front door is slightly ajar, and is that music you hear coming from inside?

Must be losing your mind, you think and shake your head, trying to gather the courage you know you’ll need to actually step inside. You take a deep breath, step onto the third step, the porch next, making it to the front door in four quick steps. There’s a small smile tugging on your lips then, because yes, there is actually music playing and you recognize the song as one of your favorites from U2. Deciding things can’t be that bad as you thought they would be you open the door, your smile growing even wider.

There’s a trail of lit candles leading from the front door, past the stairs to the living room and you have no other choice than to follow them, closing the front door with your left floor and dropping your purse at the bottom of the stairs. The candles continue through the living room towards the back of the house, where you find the french doors that lead to the terrace are open, a heart of candles waiting for you outside.

It’s there you find him, in the middle of that heart, looking ever so handsome in black jeans, and a simple grey sweater with leather patches on his shoulder, no doubt because you’ve told him countless times how much you love this look on him. He grins at you, a twinkle in his eyes when he holds out his hand and waits for you to take it.

“Seb,” you start, your voice catching somewhere in your throat. 

“Ssh,” he says, taking your hand in his, “you just need to listen, dragă.” 

You join him inside the heart, butterflies taking over your stomach because of course you know where this is going.

“I love you,” he says with a smile that makes the corners of his eyes crinkle. “And I had this whole speech prepared, but I’m nervous as fuck, so,” he lets go of your hand and takes a small black box out of his pocket, "for now all you need to know is that I love you.”

You want to say something, tell him that you love him too, but it’s then he goes down on one knee and opens the box, “Of all the things I lost in that fire sixteen years ago, losing you was what hurt me the most. I never want to lose you again, dragă, ever." He looks up at you, tears glistening in his eyes, "Will you please spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” you say through your own tears, “Always yes.” 

- FIN - 

=====

Taglist: @blastaz​ | @dontbetooobvious​ | @weirdfanaus​ | @lindsaywill177​ | @oliviastan17​

[chain-unchained]

August 28 (Moonlight Jellies)

“C’monnn Shane, get the lead out of your butt!” Jas’s voice was filled with excitement as she turned around to look back at her uncle, bouncing up and down on the heels of her feet as she waited impatiently for him to catch up. “Jeez, you’re soooo slow!”

“Squirt, I only have one speed and it’s this.” Shane was grinning all the same; it was cute how excited Jas was for the Dance of the Moonlight Jellies. It was one of those festivals that when you described it to someone, didn’t sound that exciting. But oddly enough, actually experiencing it was something almost indescribable. It was like the valley’s farewell to summer and hello to fall, since by the time the festival came around, the temperatures usually dropped, rain became more frequent, and the flora began the transition from leafy greens to warm reds and oranges.

This year, he could feel his stomach doing somersaults with each step he took towards the beach. Marnie’s suggestion to him was still very much fresh in his mind, and he’d spent the entire day arguing with himself inside his head whether or not he should go through with the idea. He still didn’t know which answer was the right one. Maybe there was no right answer. Part of him wondered if he should just do what the characters in Jas’ favorite stories did and ‘follow his heart’, since it always seemed to work out well for them.

The festival was always held late, usually starting at 10PM but sometimes earlier, depending on how quickly the daylight faded. There was no actual dancing done; it was a bit of a misnomer, to be honest. Every year, the moonlight jellyfish would pass by Pelican Town on their way through the Gem Sea to who knows where. Nobody knew exactly when it was discovered, but the jellies were attracted to light, and so everyone would send out little paper boats with candles in them to attract the jellies closer. The jellyfish themselves emitted an ethereal sort of glow, which was why the festival was deemed one of the more ‘romantic’ ones held in town. More than a few couples had gotten together over the years on that day.

As expected, the beach was already filled with the other townsfolk by the time Shane and Jas got there; Marnie had already left quite some time before them, saying that she wanted to help Lewis with the last minute preparations. It was pretty common knowledge in town that the two had a thing for one another, but there was an unspoken rule that everyone followed about not mentioning it. “Alright squirt, let’s go find Marnie and get a spot before all the good ones get taken.”

“So, you excited to see the jellies?” Abigail asked Ashe, as they, Sebastian and Sam all stood together at the end of the pier. “I’m excited, and I get to see them every year.”

“Hm?” Ashe had been lost in thought for the past few minutes, completely zoned out to the conversation the three had been having without him; he hadn’t even realized that Sam and Seb were still taking turns drawing on his new cast, he was so out of it. “Oh, um… yeah, I’m looking forward to it~ I’ve heard they’re beautiful.”

“They sure are.” Sam shared a grin with Sebastian as he passed the sharpie back to him. They’d started a game of tic-tac-toe with the cast as the paper to pass the time until the jellies arrive. “Boy, you must really have Shane on the brain tonight. You’re so out of it.”

His comment made Ashe’s face turn a brilliant crimson, and the three of them laughed at the predictable reaction. “H-How did you know?”

“You’re so obvious.” Sebastian lightly flicked his forehead before digging his cigarettes out of his pants pocket; there was just enough of a chill in the air that night that everyone had traded their shorts in for pants, except for Ashe, who had traded his shortalls for proper overalls, and Linus, who was used to the less extreme temperature changes and was wearing the same spotted tunic as ever. “Something needs to happen with you two. We can feel the sexual tension between you from across town.”

“I dunno, I think it’s cute how they’re playing hard to get with each other.” Abigail laughed at the look on Ashe’s face. “You’re both crushing so hard for one another~ My RP group and I already ship you guys.”

“I still can’t believe you ship people in real life.” Sebastian stuck a cigarette in his mouth as he just shook his head at her. “That’s just… no. Stop that.”

Abigail responded by sticking her tongue out at him with a ‘try and make me’ grin; out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shane and Jas strolling onto the beach. “Oh. Look who’s here, Ashe~” She teased, lightly nudging Ashe with her elbow to get his attention. “This could be your big chance.”

Glancing over to see if she was telling the truth, Ashe’s heart skipped a beat in his chest. There really would be no better time to come out and say how he felt. It was embarrassing that his friends were egging him on to do it, though… “… I’m gonna go talk to him.” He finally said, watching as Shane walked Jas over to where Marnie was waiting. “J-Just to talk!” He clarified, as the three of them broke into shit-eating grins. “Jeez, you guys… can you please give it a rest?”

Before he could talk himself out of it, he swiftly strolled away from their group. “…. Do you think we pushed the issue a bit too much?” Sam asked guiltily.

“It needed to be done.” Sebastian shifted to sit down, exhaling a plume of smoke as he contemplated a job well done. “If we didn’t pick at him like that he wouldn’t have done anything, and I cannot watch them be super awkward with each other anymore.”  

 “There you two are.” Marnie greeted her nephew and niece with a smile as they approached. “I was starting to get worried. Did something happen?”

“Yeah, Jas couldn’t find her bunny-jewel slippers.” Shane lightly ruffled Jas’ hair. “She insisted on wearing them for some reason, so we had to practically tear her room apart trying to find them. Turns out they’d gotten between the bed and the wall.”

Hearing that made the portly woman laugh. “Well then, if that isn’t a lesson in keeping a tidy room then I don’t know what is.” Kneeling down to the child’s level, she offered her a grape popsicle from the little freezer that she and Lewis had stocked full. “Lucky for you, the jellies haven’t passed by yet.”

Beaming at the treat, Jas tore the top open with her teeth. “I hope there are babies this year!” She declared enthusiastically, drawing a laugh from her guardians. It was something she wished for every year, without fail.

“Well, I guess we should pick a spot.” Shane ruffled her hair again with a grin before tucking his hands into his pockets. “… I need to take care of something first. Don’t wait up for me if the show starts before I get back.”

“Alright, hun.” She wouldn’t let it show, but Marnie had an inkling as to what he was going to be doing. “Come on Jas, I’m sure Vincent has been waiting patiently for you.” Taking hold of Jas’ hand, she led her niece towards the docks, leaving a nervous Shane to tug at the collar of his shirt as he looked around. ‘Good luck, Shane.’

‘Alright… let’s see how things play out.’ Shane thought to himself, scanning the dock for that familiar yellow headband. Imagine his surprise when he spotted it moving towards him, as though Ashe was also looking for him in that moment. “Oh. Hey, Ashe. I was just looking for you.” He greeted, feeling his heart jump up into his throat as the farmer approached.

“Really?” Ashe laughed nervously as he came to stand before him, feeling his palms become sweaty from his nerves.

“Yeah.” Somewhat awkwardly, Shane rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous half-laugh of his own. “I actually… well…”

For a brief moment, a painful silence fell between them, as they both wrestled with what they wanted to say. “... Can we talk?” Ashe finally managed to ask, looking up at his friend as he anxiously played with his fingers. “A-away from everyone?”

Shane’s eyebrows raised. “Oh, uh… sure.” He agreed, relieved that Ashe had been the one to ask it. With a jerk of his head, he gestured towards the east side of the beach, where they were guaranteed to have some privacy.

Silently, the two of them crossed the thin wooden plank used to bridge the gap between the two sides, moving away from the dim light cast by the sparse torches towards the north. “Soooo, uh…. What is it that you wanted to talk about, bud?”

Ashe didn’t say anything at first; to be honest, he hadn’t thought this far ahead. Being put on the spot like this just made it even harder for him to think. “I-I just… have something I need to say.” He began slowly, playing with one of the buttons on his overalls just to give his hands something to do as they slowly walked along the shore. “And I… really, really don’t know how to say it, but I’m gonna try.”

They came to a stop near the water’s edge, just out of reach of the gently lapping waves. “You… I mean, we… er….” He started and stopped several times, feeling his face heat up each time it happened. “… Do you remember that one really bad day we had a couple weeks ago? You asked me what I thought was good about you, and I just started going on and on…”  

“Yeah, I remember.” Shane tucked his hands back into his pockets, somehow managing to look calm and cool despite his heart beating loudly inside his chest.

“W-Well…” Ashe swallowed a little and let out a shaky breath. “I meant every word, you know? But it wasn’t just what I thought was good about you… it was everything that I liked about you, too. That’s why that last one slipped out, and…” He fidgeted a little, slowly hunching his shoulders as he worked up the courage to just say it. “….. I like you.” He finally blurted out, making Shane jump a little from how sudden it was. “I like you… so much that I can’t stand it sometimes!”

Without realizing it, he’d screwed his eyes shut, clutching his hands against his chest as he said the words that he’d been wanting to say for the longest time, his entire frame shaking now as he waited for some kind of response from Shane—a rejection was what he was expecting the most, to be honest, and it was what he was most afraid of. He was sure that Shane would want someone closer to his own age, that he just saw Ashe as a little brother.

They were the same doubts that Shane had harbored himself up to that moment, except that he hadn’t had the courage to come out and say anything like Ashe had. But now that he knew that they both had the same feelings, nothing could stop him from reaching out to cup the smaller male’s face and pulling him close until their lips connected.

“Mmf--!” The tiniest noise of surprise escaped Ashe’s mouth, only to be silenced as Shane slipped his tongue inside. It was a little intense, sure, but he couldn’t stop himself once he felt how soft and plush Ashe’s lips really were, how warm they felt against his own. It really did feel like a dream, except not even in his wildest dreams did he ever think it would feel this good to kiss him.

After a few brief seconds, Shane pulled back to let them both catch their breath; the world had seemed to stand still in the moment, but now it roared back to life—the crash of the waves, the smell of the salt on the wind as it blew in from the ocean, the sound of chatter coming from the docks a few hundred feet away. “I feel the same about you.” He murmured, gently brushing his thumb against Ashe’s cheek as their foreheads pressed together; shyly, Ashe leaned into his touch, his hands still tightly grasping at the front of his overalls. “I have for awhile… I was just too afraid of scaring you away to say anything. You could have your pick of anyone in town, and I didn’t think I had a snowball’s chance in hell.”

“Ah….” Ashe blinked slowly in surprise at those words. Here he’d been afraid of speaking up for that exact same reason. “….” Shyly, he tiptoed closer, until he was leaning completely against Shane. “There’s no one else that even comes close to how much I like you.” He mumbled, hiding his face in the older man’s chest. “I wanna be with you.”

His cheeks flaring red from just how cute that was, Shane covered his mouth with one hand, taking a second to compose himself before he tried to speak again; with just a little bit of hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Ashe’s slender frame and hugged him close. “I guess that goes double for me.”

For the longest moment, they stayed like that, feeling the way that their hearts both raced inside their chests; they were both as nervous as the other, almost as much as they had been when they first set out to talk. “… We should probably head back.” Shane commented as he cleared his throat, not making any moves to let go of Ashe just yet. “We’re going to miss the jellies if we take much longer. I would say that we’re going to give people ideas, too, but… I’m pretty sure that the whole damn town’s been waiting for us to get together.”

“Y-Yeah.” Ashe likewise made no move to separate from Shane. It felt nice to be held like that. “… Would it be okay if… Y-You know what, nevermind, it’s—”

“Do you want to watch with me and Marnie and Jas?” Shane offered, almost as if he’d read Ashe’s mind. “I understand if you’d rather watch with Sebastian and the others… but I know Jas would be happy if you joined us. Marnie too. And… I’d be happy too, of course.”

Ashe’s face lit up like the jellies in the distance. “Y-yes! I’d love to watch with you guys.” It was what he wanted to ask, after all. He’d just been worried about pushing things too much too quickly; this was his first relationship.

His response made Shane grin. “Great. Here, let’s get a move on.” He released Ashe from his embrace, and the two began to walk briskly back towards the others, with Ashe happily hugging Shane’s arm as they walked. It was a little embarrassing, but if it made him happy, then Shane sure as hell wasn’t going to stop him.

“There you are!” Jas huffed as they approached. “Jeez, you always take so long to do things! Hurryyyyy, we’re gonna send the boats out!”

“I told you, I only have one speed I can go at.” Shane was more than a little winded by the time he and Ashe got to where Jas and Marnie were waiting on the docks. “I’m hustling as fast as I can.”

“You’re fine, Shane.” Marnie laughed, passing him a paper boat with a candle inside. “You two don’t mind sharing one to send out, do you?” She asked with a knowing twinkle in her eye.

Of course there was no hiding anything from her, not that Shane expected to anyway. “Nope, that’s fine.” He answered. Marnie passed Ashe a match box to light the candle with, and the two of them went to the edge of the dock. “You know how to handle matches, right?” He asked, eying Ashe as he slid a match out from the matchbook.

“Mmhm.” They crouched down, and Shane held the boat close to him; as Ashe dragged the head of the match against the striker, filling the air with the acrid burning smell that was characteristic of the medium as the head ignited. Carefully, he lit the wick of the candle inside the boat, and Shane managed to lean down and set it in the water, giving the vessel a good push to send it on its way. Around them, everyone else did the same, filling the pitch-black surface of the sea with dots of warm light as the boats sailed away.

Within just a few moments, the brilliant glow of hundreds of jellyfish drew near, illuminating the ocean like stars in the sky above. It was the kind of sight that took your breath away with just how simple and beautiful it was, how elegant the jellies were as they glided effortlessly through the water like ghosts through air.

“Auntie, Auntie!!!” Jas whispered excitedly, grabbing onto Marnie’s arm and jumping up and down. “I see babies!!!” It was a wish finally come true, as dozens of tiny jellies drifted alongside the adults towards the docks.

“Shhh.” Marnie tried to shush her, while she simultaneously tried not to laugh at Jas’ reaction. “You’ll frighten them away if you make that much noise.”

“Heh, she’s never going to stop talking about tonight.” Shane chuckled, shifting to sit on the edge of the dock so he wasn’t killing his back by crouching anymore. “She’s wanted to see babies for years.” As he spoke, he casually took hold of Ashe’s hand and laced their fingers together.

“I wish I could get that excited about things.” Ashe felt his cheeks heat up, smiling bashfully as he moved to sit on his knees. After a few minutes, he noticed a peculiar green glow amidst the sea of white and blue, leaning forward a little to try and get a better look. “… Hey, Shane? Do you see that too?”

Indeed, Shane did. To their amazement, a dazzling green jellyfish was drifting ever so lazily towards them, parting the other jellies like it was royalty amongst them. It came right up to where Ashe was, lingered for just a moment, and almost seemed to reach out to the farmer. “Ah…. Hello there.” Enraptured, Ashe leaned forward even more, reaching out with his own hand—only for the moment to be shattered as the tide began to carry the jellies away, back out towards the open sea.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a green jelly before.” Shane was awestruck. “Old Willy’s mentioned them before, but this is the first time I’ve seen one with my own eyes… damn…”

“I wonder why it came up to me…” Ashe sat back, leaning against Shane a little as they watched the jellies return to the distance. “…. I wish they could have stayed a little longer.”

“Yeah, I kind of do too.” Shane gave his hand a squeeze. “But they have their own thing they gotta do. We’re lucky they decide to stop here on the way.”

The Dance of the Moonlight Jellies had never been a lively festival. It was always a peaceful one, a quiet, introspective one. There wasn’t an official end to it, either; people would just leave as they saw fit, whether because they had seen their fill or because they couldn’t stay awake long enough to watch anymore. In a sense, it wasn’t even really a festival. It just was what it was.

Before long, the four of them—Shane, Ashe, Jas and Marnie—got ready to head home as well. “Come along, little missy.” Marnie coaxed a sleepy Jas. “Let’s get you off to bed.”

“Okay…” Too tired to protest, Jas tiredly rubbed at her eyes as she looked to Shane expectantly.

Seeing where Jas was looking, Marnie knelt down to her level and smiled. “Shane will head back a bit later.” She explained, taking hold of Jas’ hand as she spoke. “He’s going to make sure Ashe gets home safe first. Okay?”

“Oh, okay…” It made sense to Jas, who nodded her head with a yawn. “Night, Mr. Ashe…” She bid, letting Marnie lead her away.

“Good night, Jas.” Ashe waved with a smile. “Yoba, she’s so cute.”

“Yeah….” Shane was a little embarrassed that Marnie seemingly read his mind, though he guessed it didn’t exactly take a rocket scientist to figure out that’s what he was going to do. “You’re pretty cute too, you know.”

The compliment earned a surprised little ‘meep’ from Ashe, who turned a bright shade of red. Hearing that from Shane made him… really happy. He didn’t know what to say to that, so instead, he hugged onto Shane’s arm and buried his face in his shoulder. “We should get going.” He mumbled, his voice muffled by the sleeve of Shane’s shirt.

“Pfft… alright, alright.” Shane got a bit of a kick out of that reaction. He’d have to try and get a similar one sometime.

               Lingering off to the side as everyone else left, the three amigos watched the pair head off as well. “Well, would you look at that.” Sam observed with a huge grin on his face.

“Mission successful.” Sebastian fist-bumped Abigail in victory. “See, I told you things would work out.”

“They look so happy together~” Abigail couldn’t help the happy little jig that came over her at the sight. “I wish I’d brought my phone so I could take a picture for the RP group. It’s almost like something you’d read in a storybook, so I dunno if they’ll believe me when I tell them it finally happened.”

“It’s not any of their business.” Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Sebastian ground out the butt of his cigarette into the sand and stuck it into the little container he kept tucked inside his shirt pocket. “It’s not any of our business now. They deserve at least that much.”

He played it off with his usual deadpan tone, but he was just as happy for his friend as Sam and Abigail were. And they were happy for Shane, too. Just like how everyone wordlessly agreed not to speak about Marnie and Lewis, there was already an unspoken agreement to not bring up Shane and Ashe—it was just how the town handled budding relationships, out of respect for those involved. Except for in one very specific situation… “Alright, what are the bets on when they tie the knot?”

[frekydeki]

Much Like Lightning

Summary: You were once someone who would laugh at the one bozo in seven hundred thousand that got struck by lightning... Except now, you are that bozo. Add to that the fact that you get thrown back into time where the comfy dungeon you're stuck in is visited by a certain earl and his butler, and the Queen of England decides they're the only ones fit to babysit you, makes your bad luck like a nice little sundae on a good ole rainy Sunday. You happen to fall in love with the sinfully beautiful butler and accidentally earn the affections of others along the way; hey, just think of it as the cherry on top of your very unlucky sundae.

Pairing: (Reader x Various) (Reader x Sebastian, more specifically)

| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4: Upcoming

Dripping...    What's dripping?    Rain... Right, it was raining before...    Before what?    ...    Oh well... Something stinks too... Oh god, is that you? Are you the source of that strong smell of dirt, rain, sweat, and a faint hint of trash? You groan, trying to will your sore muscles to move so you could grab a shower. But that works against you too; the skin on your back screams at you to just fucking stop moving because it's threatening to tear in half with any movement. The smell of blood doesn't reach your nose until that moment. Where's that smell coming from?

Despite every fiber in your being telling you that it was the worst possible idea, you push yourself up gingerly anyways; another prime example of your terrible judgement and stubborness. You let out a raspy sob as that aching pain spreads to the rest of your body. You open your eyes, finding that darkness is all that welcomes you. What? Are you blind now too? You wouldn't put that past your luck. Your trembling hand - covered in dirt, you can feel the pebbles against your wet skin - reaches to your back to find your shirt burned away, and hanging on by little threads... And the skin of your back, bumpy, torn; you can't tell much but something isn't right. What the fuck is going on? Your energy to find out is practically sapped from you now that you've tried to check your upper back and found absolutely no answers. You don't even want to lay down, knowing how much pain that's going to send to your already twisting stomach. "H-Hey." You call to absolutely no one. Jeeze! You're in a very alarming situation, possibly in the basement of the new Ted Bundy, maybe in hell, and the first thing you think to say is "Hey"? You still continue on with a croaked, "Where am I?" Who are you even talking to? Despite you kicking your own ass over how stupid it is for you to be talking to no one in particular, you know it's all you can really do. You don't want to move because of your back, but you also don't know what is surrounding you... Maybe it's like in the Saw movies where there's traps everywhere and if you move an inch to your left you'll be eaten by sharks. Heaviness sinks into your chest as your head falls; bad idea because even that movement sends pain down your spine. What are you going to do? Your face contorts as a sob rocks your body, and your hands try to take a fist full of the cobblestone ground beneath you. "Please..." You whine through your childish crying. You can't help it, you're paralyzed in fear. "Help me." You know that burn in your lungs anywhere as shivers run up your arms and your cheeks set on fire. The shortness of breath. The hollowing of your head, to where there's nothing up there except fear. The feeling of a bag being placed over your head, and you can't even tear it off to make it feel better. "H..." You huff out, without breath. "Help me." You mouth. You keep your eyes wide open, trying to see if light will come in the wider you hold them. "Help me." You repeat just under a whisper. Can no one hear you? Another sob strangles the little breath you have from you. You're desperate. "Help me!" You scream, loud enough for God to hear you from where ever you are. Loud enough to feel like you tore the lining of your throat. "Help me!" You scream again. Is no one really going to come? Can no one really hear you? Light. Just a little bit of warmth. Another person. Before you know it, the only sound between you and that man is the sound of your sobbing. "Please..." You drink in the light pouring from around him, pushing away your tears with the dirty ball of your palms. "Help me." "Fetch the master." The man whispers. "The woman has woken." Your breath leaves you as he moves to close the door. No. "Please..." You whimper. But he tears his eyes from yours; what has that word ever mattered when it's coming from your chapped lips? You stare at where his sharp features once were; pink lips parted, blue eyes nearly falling from their sockets they were so wide, feet set apart as if he were ready for you to attack him like a rabid dog any second... He was... Scared of you? Your body crumbles under the weight in your chest. You wrap your arms around your head, cradling your throbbing body... Is this... How you'll die? If this is all you'll be able to do with the extra time you were given, why didn't He just take you when he took your parents? And you submit to the helplessness eating away at your chest and head. What else can you do? What else can you do but cry? Cry and wait to die... It's all you can do now that you're chained somewhere in someone's wet basement. "She's in here, My Lord." You hear before the door opens slowly, and another silhouette stands in it, watching you like you were a demon... Wait. A smile cracks onto your lips before it falls with another sob. You rub away your tears aimlessly, relieved that your fear is shaking away into irritation. And then, you begin laughing... What the actual hell is this? Is this a joke? Is someone pulling a joke on you? What kind of fucked up joke is this? For Christ's sake your back is burned all to hell - at least that's what you're going with - and they think now is a good time to play dress up? "What the hell are you doing?" You snap before the boy can even introduce himself. "You think this is a good idea? I'm wounded and you think it's a good idea to throw me in your basement and play around a little? You think it's okay to take just any girl who's passed out on the street and take her to play dress up?" You rant, tears still pouring down your face. The boy draws back, his face flabbergasted at your explosive behavior. But you just don't care; you're hurting and you need to be at a hospital. The boy sucks in a long breath through his nose, and opens his one eye to watch you strongly. "My name is-" "Ciel Phantomhive, yeah, I get it. And he's your butler Sebastian; he's a demon and you're sad. Great outfits, now let me out of here so I can get help." You snap angrily. Silence runs between them. "Please." You plead strongly, tears still thick on your face, and you show him the chain biting at your reddening skin on your ankle. You look up to them, and then to the red eyes on the butler; they look mighty convincing, though. "How do you know my name?" "Basically everyone knows the name kid." "I'll cut you a deal," the boy begins, "You tell me everything you know, and I'll spare your life." "Like what? The recipe to Martha Stewart's special christmas cookies?" You cry at the boy. "Or would you like to know who killed your parents?" His eye widens greatly, but you could care less about how he's reacting to your harsh words. You press your hand over your eyes, and then pinch the bridge of your nose. "Listen, kid. I'll cut you a better deal. You let me go, and we'll call it even. You kidnap me, in return I get set free... No harsh feelings." Yikes... This kid sure does take his costume seriously cause that sure looks like a real revolver pointed at your head right now. "Tell me what you know about my parents death." Your shocked expression quickly falls away to annoyance as your brows pinch together and your upper lip lifts in a slight snarl. You smack his hand away from you, almost in a scolding manner, and point your finger at him, ignoring the gun skidding across the floor. "You shouldn't be playing around with things like that! Guns are dangerous! You could seriously hurt somebody with one of those!" The boy turns away - after thoroughly examining with a narrow eyed glare and flaring nostrils - and walks towards his butler, who watches you with unashamed amusement on his attractive features. "Sebastian." The butler bows to the boys wordless command. "Yes, my lord." Your entire being ices over as you watch the mans eyes begin to glow... Man... Those contacts... Are really... Those seem pretty real... "Hey! You know what? Now that you think about it my back isn't hurting at all, "That's a lie, "So, I'll take your deal. But, maybe... We switch it up a little... Huh?" You glance nervously between the two. "You, Mr. Phantomhive, get me out of here, maybe give me a little Tylenol, and maybe call off Mr. Sebastian too. And then, I will tell you everything I know. How about that?" You smile up to the two, relieved to see the boy considering your proposal. "Fine, but if you don't, Sebastian won't hesitate to kill you." You suck in a breath between your teeth. "You know, I sure wouldn't doubt it. Mr. Sebastian seems to have good taste in souls to eat and people to kill." You nervously babble as the butler chuckles at you and they leave. You heave out a terrified breath as you're shut away in that darkness again; oddly enough you almost prefer this than having that boy and man in front of you interrogating you like that. If you're down here a little longer, surely you don't have any wounds deep enough that they won't scab over. So, you should be fine if you just play along a little and then head home after having tea; the worst part? You hate tea. But as your father used to say, life is hell, and then you die. So, suffer here, suffer there, and it all pays off! Your forced enthusiasm dies as quickly as a stone falls when you throw it. What the hell are you going to do? What the hell is going on? All in all, what the hell? You jump as the door is opened, and the butler stands there with a candle, clean clothes, and medical supplies. Even better, you guess. You look away from him slowly. He closes the door and walks to you, examining the burns across your back. "My, my... What caused these wounds?" You sigh. "Lightning." "Surely not!" "If you can be a demon, I can be struck by lightning, I guess." You listen to the butler. "My lady, I merely one hell of a butler." You giggle dryly. "I've heard that one many times before, Sebastian." He begins to pull away the fabric from your skin, ever so gently. Silence engulfs you as he begins to clean your burns, much to your agony. "So..." You force out, "Are you really... Ya know... A demon?" "Where would you get that idea?" "Wild guess?" You turn to look at him, his red eyes surprisingly deep in the candlelight. "If you believe me to be a demon, why aren't you scared?" You watch him and smile before turning away. "I think there's a lot more to be scared of than a demon..." "Oh?" You nod and flinch as he begins to put some type of cold creme on your back. "Plus you don't strike me as the type of me to hurt a young lady over nothing." He chuckles as he begins to wrap bandages around you. You can feel the cold radiating off Sebastian's body, your tongue becoming thick as you think, perhaps... Maybe he isn't fake. Maybe this really is Sebastian Michaelis. The Sebastian whom you've been dreaming of marrying for years, the one who you've written cringy fanfiction for, and read even more of. That would mean, of course, that the Ciel you just met, is real too... And you were so unkind to him... After all he's been through. Your chest tightens even more and you grip your arms with white knuckles... You'll apologize if the situation calls for it. Then again, he might just be a brat and not deserve it. "This gown is given by the queen. Will you need help dressing?" Sebastian asks. Your cheeks heat quickly as you take the clothing gingerly and shake your head. Stopping short, you look at the corset, and the several different pieces... What the hell are all of these things? If you dress yourself with this shit, you're going to march out of this room looking like Ariel in that torn sail cloth... You'll look like you were professionally dressed by a seagull; you grind out a heavy sigh. Are you going to loose all of your honor in one night? "Sebastian?" You call to his retreating form. Your head hangs as you try and hide the blush rushing over your cheeks. Why you're embarrassed, you're not sure. After all, Sebastian has probably been with a lot of women, so it's not like he's never seen it before... And it's not like he'd be interested in you in any possible sense. So, no worries, right? Wrong. Very wrong. Looking to meet his purring eyes, consumed in pleasure -if you are reading him correctly - with the way you were looking at him so shyly, is a huge mistake. But you can't take it back now. "I don't know how... Any of this works..." "What ever do you mean?" He questions with a smile, which is more than just a pleasantry smile; he is enjoying himself... A lot. "I've never worn a dress..." You look away from him and to the ground before shooting your eyes back to his, "Like this, at least." You clarify. He raises his eye brow. "I need your help." You mumble. He smiles, his eyes damn near starting to glow with pleasure as he bows and assures you he will help you. You hold your breath the entire time he dresses you, ignoring the goosebumps you get when his hand brushes your skin, or the way he is standing just a little closer than he needs to be. Your eyes narrow; he's doing it on purpose. "There." He sighs, stepping back to admire his handy work. You grab the candle and hand it to him with your lips pursed. "Thank you." You grumble to him. Sebastian takes the candle with a pleasant smile on his pale lips as well as his eyes on fire along with the candles. Sheesh, he sure does take amusement out of small things; like a child. Easily excited. You shake your head as you follow him from the room, down the hall up a stair case, a thousand turns, and you're standing in... "Is this the... Royal Palace?" You wheeze. "Of course." Sebastian assures as he leads you down a long corridor, lavishly decorated with gold and purple and portraits of nobles and royals. You look out the window and stare outside. Where's all the cars? Why are there only horses and carriages? You're plastered to the window, looking at the women in dresses and men in top hats and how no one had a cell phone out... "Sebastian?" "My lady?" "What year is it?" "1888." Your wide eyes, hollow in disbelief, turn to him slowly. "You're sure?" He watches you, his expression blank of all emotion except the slight raise in his brow telling you that he thinks you're entirely insane. "Of course." You nod and swallow; this is not good at all. A nervous smile cracks across your lips slowly, and you nod again. "Right. I guess the strike must have shaken me a little more than I thought." That's a damn understatement. He smiles sweetly at you and begins to show you the rest of the way to the large drawing room, where Ciel and the queen sit, chatting over sweets and tea. "My dear! I am so very glad to see you awake! And to see you looking so beautiful in that old gown of mine warms my heart greatly! You must be very tired. Please, come and sit. Let this old woman get a good look at that face of yours." You stare at the silver haired woman, the crown on her head; you don't know how to act around a queen. Shoot, you barely even know how to act around other humans... Deciding to bow your head lightly and take the seat her gloved hands are held out to, you watch Ciel with a critical eye. This boy in front of you has the ability to end your life in a second if he wishes it. And he is also so unnaturally adorable you could just pinch his cheeks and scream. "Are you hungry?" The queen asks. "Not at all, your highness." "Your accent, you're from the colonies?" Mouth in a thin line, you nod and smile shyly. "How did you find yourself here on the outskirts of London?" You look down to the cup of tea being placed in your hand by Sebastian. You swallow thickly before turning your eyes back to hers and smiling away the confusion. "On a boat. I remember that! But, my lady, I forgot entirely what I came to visit for." "Oh dear! How troublesome." Sipping the tea with a sour face, you put down the cup just as Temaki from Ouran Highschool Host Club taught you; pinky first, turn to the side. "What is your name?" "(Y/N) (L/N)." "You must not have a place to stay." You shake your head and look to your hands. "I do not. But, I'll find my way!" "On my honor I should not leave you to brave those cold streets alone, being as cute as you are you'd be snatched up by hungry wolves in the matter of seconds!" The queen scoffs before taking a bite of her cookie. "Your highness?" You ask, confused by what she means. "You know Earl Phantomhive well. He explained the situation to me fully. You were to come here and see him on business, but you went missing as soon as your boat landed. Since you have forgotten your duties I shall send you to stay with him so he may enlighten you. He will watch over you well, I know it." Drawing your mouth into a thin line, you look to the sneering boy with half lidded eyes; it's too much. "I couldn't impose on him so!" You try and deny him with waving hands in front of you, but Sebastian silences you quickly. "It is our honor to have you." You meet their eyes; ah, the deal. Staring at your hands, you decide now is your turn to move your first chess piece. He wants to know everything he can about future events. Use your knowledge to your advantage, and you'll be safe... However, if you're too quick to talk, you might ruin the entire timeline. From all the sci-fy novels you've read, you know how detrimental it is that you don't alter events. Guidance. Play hard to get. You smile at the two with shut eyes. "Of course." The butler returns your smile; you're screwed. Unequivocally screwed.

[sebastiansmythejoie]

Wicked Games. 

Friday November 8th. 

Sebastian comes to @jackbeiste to confront his feelings for the younger man.

Sebastian

Sebastian had been feeling pain all week since his revelations after the Halloween Carnival. He understood now what Jack meant when he asked if Sebastian cared at all, or what he meant to Sebastian. In truth Jack meant everything to Sebastian. Almost two weeks without the boy beside him and Sebastian felt like he would die. There was a pain in his stomach the likes of which he had never felt before and he had barely been able to concentrate in class or in his extra curricular; which had caused him to fail to pay attention during sparing in fencing one too many times. So here Seb was feeling sick and ashamed outside Jacks' dorm, trying to build the courage to knock, eventually squeezing his eyes shut and rapping the door far more gently than would be expected from a man who was so desperate to see the boy on the other side of the door.

Jack

The last two weeks had been... rough. Especially the first week. He hadn't really gotten much done, and he had preferred to just stay in his dorm when possible. He hadn't even gone to the Halloween celebration, instead curled up in his room, only failing to put on a new movie when he fell asleep to one. It'd been a little easier this week, with Katherine. She was nice, even if she reminded him too much of his brother. And the thought of him made his stomach clench, a lump on his throat. He wasn't sure what was worse, how much he missed Sebastian or how stupid he felt for missing him. But he had finally gotten back somewhat on track, no longer in bed; sitting at his desk with one of his figures, the The Return of the King soundtrack playing soothingly in the background. But he still heard the knock, and sighed softly - he was just about to paint the sword. Putting the brush down, he walked over to his door, opening it as he wondered who the hell it could be. He hoped Gabe and Myles were both okay. And that Katherine hadn't rejected Valerian, but Val didn't know where he lived, did he? The sight of Sebastian caught him off guard, and he just looked at him. His eyes went wide at the look at him, he had clearly been punched... not recently but there were still faint tells. "Who...? Are you...?" Jack tried before he could stop himself, trailing off as he felt his body tense up. "What do you wo... want?"(edited)

Sebastian

The sight of Jack in front of him tightened Sebastian's insides. Finally seeing him again was a a relief yet completely terrifying. Bas had no idea what to do or say but seeing Jacks' face and body was trying to get him hard and distracted. No concentrate He screamed at his subconscious. He knew he had to tell Jack what he was feeling but years of repressing emotions left him unsure how to put into words what he was feeling, never mind the fact he had just barely figured out what it was never mind explaining it. "Oh this?" He responded quietly, pointing at his still off colour nose. "Schuyler." He shrugged, not really wanting to talk about that. "I wanted to see you... to apologise."  He whispered, suddenly feeling so very small.

Jack

Jack frowned at that, but couldn't say he was surprised. Schuyler was moody, and Sebastian probably didn't change that as much as make it worse... for whatever reason. "I...," he was quiet foe what felt like at least a full minute before taking a step to the side, letting Sebastian inside before closing the door. He walked over to sit by his desk again, suddenly not able to look at Sebastian, wrappjng his arms around himself. The only reason he let him inside was because this was so different. Sebastian hadn't just come over, he'd asked to apologise. And that look in his eyes... Jack couldn't send him away, because after everything, his instinct was still to hug Sebastian, and make him feel okay.

Sebastian

Sebastian hovered just inside the doorway, surprised but thankful Jack had allowed him inside. Bas knew his need to apologise was partially selfish, his is inability to function without Jack was high on the list of reasons he was her. But Bas also knew he wanted to make it right; he didn't want Jack believing he didn't care because Jack was worth so much more than that; he was a person that should be cared for by everyone in his eyes. Sebastian walked closer to Jack, sitting cautiously on the corner of his bed so he was within touching distance of the younger man but fighting to keep his hands to himself; he knew this wasn't the time. "I wanted to apologise for the way I acted, for the way I talked to you." He began the words that had been chasing around his head for days but he hadn't been brave enough to say. "I said you were stupid, you're not stupid." Seb hung his head; too ashamed to look at Jack.

Jack

Jack couldn't look at him, for so many reasons; but felt a bit relieved when he finally sat down. He had almost expected him to turn around and leave again. He stared at his feet, especially the left one; not only was it yellow instead of blue like the other one, but it had a hole in it, enough for most of his big toe to poke out. That one probably needed to go, he thought, without ever tuning out Sebastian. But the last time made him look up at the other man, the tears welling up in his eyes. He let out a shaky sigh, uncertain where to start even though he had let himself daydream about what he would say if he could. "There is nou.. nothing more to it. That's what you said," he said quietly. "Is that.. still how, how you feel?"

Sebastian

Seb bit his lip watching Jack watching his feet. He couldn’t read Jack right now and it was killing him. After what felt like forever Jack spoke and the tears welling in his eye were clear. Seb felt like he was going to throw up. He couldn’t stop himself reach out and grab Jacks hand, holding it tightly. He still couldn’t meet the younger mans eyes but he scoured his face and body. “No.” Bas said firmly. “I-“ he took a deep breath finally looking jack in the eye knowing the other boy deserved to see the pain in his eyes; to see how Seb truly felt no matter how terrified Seb was of showing it. “These last two weeks I’ve not been able to function without you. I’ve been lost without you. I haven’t been able to smile without you.” He continued quietly; Sebastian smythe wasn’t one to bare his soul to anyone but that was what Jack did to him, he tore Sebastian open and now he couldn’t stuff this all back inside. “I’ve never felt anything like this before, I’ve never felt anything before. I was trained by my father to push it all down, especially for men but this I can’t push away anymore, especially because it hurt you, I don’t want to hurt you.” Seb whispered barely audible in his own ears above the ferocity of his heartbeats. Kat was the only one who knew how much their father tried to keep Sebastian from feeling but now here he was letting jack see parts of him they nobody else ever had and it was terrifying.

Jack

Jack just looked at him, not quite sure if he was tuning out Sebastian and replacing his words with things similar to what Jack wanted him to say. But that look in his eyes.. he'd only seen a glimpse of that honesty, but never that rawness. It wasn't only Sebastian's actual words, but he just... it was so different from the usual Sebastian. This was honest. He couldn't help but sob, finally letting out what he hadn't been able to quite let himself feel - despite more than a few tears over the last two weeks - as well as a deep sense of relief, and affection to the Sebastian who was opening up to him like this. "You really h... hurt me," he said quietly, wiping away the salty tears as they kept coming. "Please don't hurt me again."(edited)

Sebastian

Jacks tears made Sebastian’s insides ache. He moved from the bed and kneeled in-front of Jack, their difference in hight meaning Seb only had to stretch a little to place a soft kiss on the younger mans lips. The taste the salty tears spilling from Jacks eyes was sharp like a stab to the heart but the feeling of his lips was like coming home. “I didn’t know what I was doing- what I was saying- I didn’t know what I felt- I still don’t know how to do this- how to feel-“ His words were stuttered in half complete sentences, not at all his usual elegance, but that what Jack did to him, jack broke down all the things Seb was ‘supposed’ to be and left him open and raw. “I never want to hurt you again, unless you ask for it” Seb couldn’t help the inappropriate joke, it was so much a part of who he was, he laughed at his own inability to control himself, hoping he hadn’t ruined everything. But jack liked him right? Even with his ridiculousness?

Jack

Jack kissed back softly, his eyes closing as he took in the sweet yet slightly bitter taste of Sebastian's lips. He laughed quietly at his joke, still crying but not so much out of sadness as out of relief. It had been empty without Sebastian. It really had been. Even more than he had expected. He had assumed that that night was going to be the next step in taking it further, but the truth was, they already had, subtly, somewhere along the way. He didn't have to start falling in love because he was already there. He wrapped his arms around Sebastian, kissing him again, this time hard, yet loving. He wanted to say that it was okay. It was okay not to know. They would figure it out. Together. He was still hurt, a bit afraid that Sebastian would regret this, or say more than he could actually keep to. But they had time. Right now, he just wanted to be close, his body against his, his lips on his.(edited)

Sebastian

"I don't want you to see anyone else." He whispered. Finally admitting out loud what he had been thinking. Sebastian allowed himself to get lost in Jacks next kiss. Letting the feeling wash over him. Being this close to Jack made him feel joy and peace like nothing else; not even the finest bourbon or best game of lacrosse or even losing himself in a book. Nothing was like this. "I want you to be mine." Seb groaned against Jacks lips.

Jack

Smiling into the kiss, he nodded, accidentally bumping his forehead against Sebastian's. It made him giggle, and his fingers ran into the other man's hair - oh, how he had missed that . "You won't... see anyone else either, right?" he asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure he could bear it. Sebastian with someone else.

Sebastian

"Dork" Seb chuckled, seeing Jack laughing again made his whole body feel light as a feather. He put his hands on Jacks waist and pulled him up to stand; their bodies pressed together. "I wont." He whispered in Jacks' ear, nibbling on the lobe, breath ghosting down Jacks' neck.

Jack

He let out a small noise at that, Sebastian's breath in his ear sending a buzz to his body. "Good," he murmured, tilting his head to allow him more access. He felt a little hesitant about this, but somehow he trusted that this was more than just getting Jack to take his pants off agIn... even though he really wanted to get them off, or more importantly Sebastian's pants.

Sebastian

"I only want you." Sebastian panted, feeling his pulse thrumming. He was drunk on Jack; a kind of ecstasy that was more than he had ever felt the few and far between times he had tried anything more than marijuana, alcohol or cigarettes. It was the best he could remember feeling in his life. "Mine" Sebastian growled against Jacks lips, he was panting hard from their kiss needing to come up for air but not wanting to lose the contact. He scrabbled with Jack's clothes, fumbling with his pants button and zipper without any of his usual elegance or grace; this was raw.

Jack

Sebastian's words sent a buzz through his body, warm and tingling. It was the kind of thing he'd barely even allowed himself to imagine Sebastian would say, and yet here he was. The growled 'Mine' sent a buzz too, but it went straight to his groin, and he broke the kiss to allow them both to breathe and to pull his pants off, stepping out of them but stumbling, falling back onto the bed. He just let out a breathy laugh, hands reaching out to pull Sebastian close by the waistband of his pants, fingers fumbling with the buttons. God, he wanted him so bad. But not like when he was so god damn horny that he would let Sebastian do anything to him as long as it felt good. No, this was... he just wanted to feel Sebastian's naked body against his own. He wanted to make him make those moans that didn't just turn him on, but always filled him with such warm affection too.

Sebastian

Sebastian couldn't keep his eyes off Jack as the other boy stripped his pants and oh god dragged Seb on top of him. Oh how Sebastian had missed those noises in just two weeks. Seb quickly removed his own pants and boxers in one swift move before straddling Jack, leaning in to kiss him hard and messy, not holding back, not even trying to keep restraint. Seb just wanted to feel all of Jack and let Jack see he meant what he said. This was the only way Seb knew how to translate his feelings so he gave himself over to all of it.

Jack

God, he tasted so good; Jack couldn't stop kissing him harder and harder, his dick straining against the boxers he had neglected to take off. He reached a hand down to run his thumb over the slit of Sebastian's cock, sighing contently. It was ridiculous that he could've miss a /dick/ that much.

Sebastian

Sebastian felt almost light headed with how hard Jack was kissing him. His head fell back, feeling Jack hard through his underwear. He reached down moving so he could pull them off and discarded them over the edge of the bed. Being with Jack like this felt like coming home. Seb rolled over so he way laying beside Jack and began mouthing at his neck, licking and nibbling and just letting his senses be surrounded. He needed this; to feel and to know every part of Jack.

Jack

Jack tilted his head to allow him more access, moaning softly, his fingers running through Sebastian's hair. He loved the feeling of the other's lips on him, so soft no matter how hard he'd kiss. He pulled himself close, rutting his erection against Sebastian's, enjoying the way they felt against each other. And he let out a happy whimper as he realised that this was going to be his normal now.

Sebastian

Seb groaned, enjoying the way Jack was taking control of what he wanted and right now it seemed that was their cocks rutting against one another and Sebastian was happy to oblige. Being close to Jack was all he cared about right now but he wanted more, he wanted to be closer, he wanted to be inside him. Seb reached down and began stroking Jack's erection, wanting him distracted so he could prep him.

Jack

He whimpered, bucking his hips into Sebastian's hand. He hadn't slept with someone since that disastrous night with Valerian; and jerking off wasn't quite the same. "Bas...," he moaned softly, thrusting into his hand. Even just his hand was bliss.(edited)

Sebastian

That trademark grin was back on Sebastian's face, he loved how Jack was never ashamed to show how much he was enjoying the things they did in bed together. "I'm going to fuck you and make you mine." Bas growled, he was feeling so possessive over Jack, especially now their feelings were starting to come out into the open. He didn't ever want to have to think about Jack with anyone else again and he wanted Jack to know that.

Jack

Jack shivered hotly at that, enjoying this possessive side of him. He'd seen some of it during that threesome... was that why he'd been so weird that night? The thought made him stop, but as he smiled at the thought of Sebastian being jealous about him and Valerian. There was no reason for the other man to be jealous, but it didn't make it less hot. "Yes... want you.. in me"

Sebastian

Seb scowled when Jack stopped for a moment, breaking the spell but not lessening how desperate he was feeling, "What's wrong?" Bas panted. Restraining himself from just fucking Jack in that instant.

Jack

Jack blushed slightly as the other man noticed his slight pause. "You were... jealous? With Val?" He asked, pressing a kiss to Sebastian's cheek before rolling over to grab the lube from his nightstand. He hesitated before turning to his.. his boyfriend. It still felt surreal, and it sent a warm buzz through his body. He handed Sebastian the bottle of lube, resting his head back against the pillows. Pulling the other man close, he kissed him hotly. Sebastian was good with his fingers, and he could feel his thighs ache with anticipation. He wasn't bad at pleasuring himself at this point, but he never managed to get the angle that sent electric shivers through him with each thrust. Not like Sebastian.(edited

Sebastian

"Fuck" Seb groaned "You're mine." He couldn't stand the thought of Jack with Val now even though it was in the past, he remembered the way his insides burned watching Val touch Jack. That was the start of all of these feelings; know Jack was more than just another fuck. He still couldn't bring himself to answer that question fully and quickly turned his attention back to the event at hand. Seb allowed himself to be consumed by Jack's kiss as he followed the clear instructions to spread lube over his fingers and began to tease his index finger around Jack's hole. Seb lightly ran his finger up and down the others' crack until he himself couldn't stand it anymore and slowly pushed a the first finger inside. How good it felt to be touching Jack again with the promise of never having to stop.

Jack

"Yours," Jack murmured against his lips, unable to hold back a smile even as he kissed him hungrily. He let out a soft sigh as he felt Sebastian's finger against his asshole, followed by a shaky gasp as the other finally pushed his finger into him. Kissing him harder, he let his fingers run through Sebastian's hair, knowing he would need something to hold on to.

Sebastian

Hearing Jack say that word brought such warmth to Sebastian. He was only just begining to understand what it meant to have feelings for someone and having Jack here was bringing him such peace. Seb allowed Jack to control their kisses and responded with passion. Gently Seb worked Jack open; taking care to let him adjust despite how desperate he was to be inside Jack. Once he had three fingers inside Jack, pumping them rhythmically, twisting and turning to seek out that sweet spot, Seb sat back on his heals and stroked himself roughly, getting himself ready to apply a condom and lube.

Jack

Jack rocked back against Sebastian's hand, deepening the kiss as the other man continued to finger him. God, it felt so good. He loved those fingers. "Se-Seb..." he moaned against his lips, not able to focus on the kiss as the third finger entered him. His fingers tugged on Sebastian's hair as he let out soft noises, a shaky gasp slipping his lips as he briefly opened his eyes to see the brunette stroke himself. It was such a hot sight, his cock throbbing. Some time he just wanted to watch Sebastian do that. Fuck, he really had to.

Sebastian

The sound of Jack moaning his name was almost enough to make Sebastian come there and then. He let Jack tug his hair; having the other so desperate made him needier, the little spark of pain from the tugging lit him on fire. Seb winked seeing Jack watching the movements of his hand on his own dick. He drew out prepping himself with the lube longer than was necessary just to tease Jack a little more but soon it was getting too much like teasing himself, he needed to be inside Jack. Sebastian quickly got back above Jack and grasped one of Jacks hands with his own and Jack's hip with the other. Sebastian slowly pushed in, savouring the feeling of finally being back inside Jack. The feel of Jack's ass squeezing his cock even after spending time working him open. A guttural moan left Sebastian's mouth, unashamed, head tipped back and eyes closed.

Jack

Jack let out a shaky gasp, his eyes fluttering shut as he felt Sebastian push into him. He loved the way he always felt a little too tight for the other man, loved the way it was always a mix of pain and pleasure in the beginning. His fingers tugged harder on his hair, inhaling sharply as he tried to adjust. "Oh my god," he hissed, squeezing his hand. He was almost surprised at how good Sebastian felt and how good he sounded, feeling a rush of pride as he realised that guttural moan was because of him.(edited)

Sebastian

Sebastian retuned the squeeze of his hand, connecting with him like that almost felt more intimate than sex. He couldn't remember the last time someone had held his hand, and it certainly never happened with a person he was fucking. Slowly Sebastian began to move his hips, fucking into Jack, relishing in how the younger man felt around him.

Jack

A whimper slipped his lips as the other began to move, his body still trying to adjust to it, but clearly enjoying it too, his own cock straining painfully against his stomach. He had missed this so much, but there was even something more to it this time; more intimate. This was their thing now. He was sure there were would still be a lot of guys Sebastian would be tempted to sleep with, but he wasn't going to. Just Jack. He hoped that meant he made the other man feel at least half as good as Sebastian made him feel during sex.

Sebastian

"You feel so good Jack," Seb groaned, "So tight," He moaned unashamed. Sebastian loved every minuet of fucking Jack, though he recently realised he loved every minuet he spent with Jack. All he could think about was making Jack feel good right now and as they continued to fuck he reached one hand down and began to pump Jack's cock. "Pretty dick so hard for me." He whined; hips loosing their rhythm as he began to feel that coil tightening- like feeling inside.

Jack

Sebastian's words went straight to his dick, making huff-y noises as his fingers dug into the other's hand. He loved the way he sounded right now, the way Sebastian's voice was heavy, with that usual confident, smirk-y tone. His hips arched into Sebastian's hand before he could stop himself, each moan louder than the previous. "Ju-just for... you," he managed to get out. "You ma-make me so hard..."

Sebastian

Sebastian grabbed Jacks hips tight as he arched, tight enough to bruise, to mark him, to claim him. He began to lose all sense of time as he fucked Jack relentlessly. “So hard all for me” he groaned and leaned down to tugged on Jacks lip kissing him forcefully and reaching down to stroke Jacks cock. “I’m so-o close.” He groaned, eyes rolling back as he fell over the edge and his orgasm pulsed through him.

Jack

The way Sebastian fucked him mercilessly made him feel so good; he loved how he could feel his fingers digging into his hips and how he knew he was going to be so god damn sore tomorrow. That was okay. He liked the reminder of being fucked by Sebastian. Especially now. This meant... this meant he wasn't gonna fuck anybody else, and that made it a reminder that he was Sebastian's too. If he wasn't so far gone, he'd smile at that; but now all he could do was screamed into the kiss, overwhelmed with pleasure as he started to cum as well.

Sebastian

“Fuck Jack” Seb made a noise deep in his throat, working Jacks cock, wanting to feel him come, wanting him to feel the pleasure he felt right now. “So. Fucking. Hot.” Seb fucked into Jack softly; enunciating each word with a thrust as he milked himself inside Jack, fucking the younger man through his orgasm until he was over sensitive and finally flopped down onto the bed beside Jack.

Jack

He was just lost in it now, making loud noises as he went into total bliss; cumming all over himself as well as Sebastian's hand. As Sebastian laid down next to him, he was still coming down from his high; trying to catch his breath. God, he felt so good.

Sebastian

Sebastian panted hard as he came down from the high, not able to keep his eyes from Jack's face. He still couldn't believe what he felt for Jack, and even more surprised he'd managed to admit it out loud. This felt so alien to him to care this much but with Jack it felt so right. Whenever he was with Jack it felt like all of his problems just shrank away, like his father couldn't touch him anymore, like he was free. Being with Jack gave him wings. Still with a blissed out expression on his face Seb reached for tissues to pull off the condom and wipe down Jacks stomach and chest where the cum had spurted. When he had cleaned them both off he pulled Jack in close, an arm around his back shifting until Jacks head was on his chest and he sighed contentedly.

Jack

As he came down from his high, he suddenly felt so sleepy; all spent now. He just let the other clean them both up, smiling softly as he felt Sebastian pull him close. Jack's arm wrapped lazily around his waist as he nuzzled into his chest, loving how the smell of Sebastian was mingled with sweat and sex now. There was such a warm feeling of content spreading through his body, and he wished they could just lay like this forever.

Sebastian

Seb let his eyes close as he placed a kiss on the top of Jack's head, nuzzling into his hair. Everything about Jack was soft and warm and like coming home. He had Jack back and he was finally home. "M-gon'a fall asleep." Seb mumbled, not caring for once that he was in another mans bed, not feeling the need to instantly run as he always did after sex. He was with Jack and that was okay.

Jack

Jack smiled sleepily, fumbling with his hand to pull the duvet over them. This was... so much. He had never ever expected this when he woke up that morning, and it made him all fuzzy. Because the next morning... he would wake up with Sebastian next to him. His boyfriend. "Me too," he said, not sure if it actually came out properly as he rested again Sebastian's chest, loving the smell and warmth of him.

[uwu-sebastianstan]

Photograph (Ch. II)

Sebastian Stan x Reader

Inspired by @holland-stan-posts

Word Count: 2190+ words

Hanahaki Disease: victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one-sided love. It ends when the beloved returns their feelings (romantic love only; strong friendship is not enough), or when the victim dies. It can be cured through surgical removal, but when the infection is removed, the victim’s romantic feelings for their love also disappear.

ch. i 

     I couldn’t tell them that is has gotten worse. I could start to see the branch from the back of my throat. It is actually starting to scare me. I knew that I have three options: I have to move on and learn to love someone else or I get this disease surgically removed or I just accept death right now because I can’t love anyone else but him. Letting out a sigh, I just drank more water to try and get rid of the scratchy feeling in my throat, but I know that it isn’t going to go away. 

     “Hey (y/n).” I didn’t need to turn around to see who it was - I already felt a wave of petals coming up my throat. Before turning around, I took a big gulp of my water to swallow the petals. It wasn’t the best thing to do because it really does hurt with the thorns and the taste of blood was there. Ignoring it, I turned around with my best smile. “What’s up Sebs?” 

     He gave me a side hug, “So what are we shooting today?” We walked towards the photoshoot area. My smile almost dropped, I was dreading this question because we called in his girlfriend to do this shoot with him. It was a simple photo shoot advertising clothing brands, but most specifically couple clothes. My manager thought it would be better to have someone who I am comfortable with and has a spouse, basically meaning Sebastian Stan and his girlfriend. “You, my dear friend are going to have a photoshoot with your lovely girlfriend while Mackie and Evans are going to show off their bromance while in shorts,” I explained to him. 

     The moment I mentioned his girlfriend, his smile grew bigger than it was. I felt a thorn poke my chest. It hurts. “That’s great! I didn’t even know she was going to be on this shoot. Do you know where she is?” He asked excitedly. 

     I chuckled at his excitement, “She is in the makeup room from what I last remembered.” He kissed my head and started off going to the makeup room. I tried to relieve some of the pain in my chest but it doesn’t help at all. “Rubbing at your chest isn’t going to help anything,” Chris came up next to me. I just shook my head and gave him a closed lip smile. He let out a disappointed sigh. “I don’t know how the Hanahaki Disease works but based off the last few months of pain you have been going through, I believe it is best if you try to find someone else that is worthy of your love.”

     “Worth of my love? Does that mean you?” I teased. Looking up at him, he rolled his eyes. He knew that I was messing with him. I tried to crack up a joke to make him smile, but he still had that frown on his face. I let out a groan. “Please let me handle this, I know what I am doing.” That seemed to tick him off. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to a room - I’m guessing to his dressing room. People gave us questioning glances when we passed them, even Sebastian and his girlfriend. I saw Sebastian try to reach me, but I just smiled and shook my head. He got the message and just stared at me while Chris pulled me along with him. Once we entered his room, he used me to slam the door shut. Of course it hurt because he doesn’t seem to understand just how strong he is. “I know you like it rough and all, but I would be more comfortable doing it on a bed than a door.”

     He scoffed and released me from his hold. Finally looking at my surroundings and we definitely were in a dressing room. I even noticed Mackie in a sit just eating a yogurt. “If you guys were going to do it in here make sure to check who is in here before slamming people against the door, Evans. I thought I taught you more class than that,” Mackie threw away his finished yogurt cup into a trash bin. Evans groaned at his comment. Mackie and I just laughed at his embarrassment. “Hey (y/n),” he came and gave me a hug. “Chris is giving you a hard time again?” 

     “I’m not giving a hard time. I’m only trying to look out for her,” he groaned. I gave him a small smile. 

     “I know that you care Chris. I know that both of you care, but you can’t honestly expect me to move on that quickly. It isn’t that easy to fall out of love with someone,” I let out a sigh. I went over to where Chris was sitting and took his hand in both of mine. “Do you know how many times I wish it was you or basically anyone who didn’t already have a significant other? It would honestly be a lot easier to have someone who doesn’t love someone else. I want to move on as much as you want me to move on.”

     “Then why don’t you?” Chris argued. Looking into his eyes, I knew that he was sympathetic. He is tired of me hurting - both of them are. I look at Mackie too and he had the same look Chris was wearing. I knew I had to tell them. I couldn’t hide it from them anymore. 

     “I can’t,” I whispered. 

     “Yes, you can! Like you said, you wish it was me. I might not love you now, but I can learn how to an-” Chris started. 

     “I can’t!” I yelled at him. “It’s too late now.” 

     “What do you mean it is too late?” Mackie asked. I started rubbing my thumb back and forth on Chris’ hand. 

     “It grew too much. I can feel the thorns in my throat. When I open my mouth, I can see the tops of the flower petals sticking out at the back. The only option is to surgically remove it,” I explained. 

     “That’s great! You can get the surgery so you don’t have to feel the pain anymore,” Chris squeezed my hands to reassure me. “If you are scared, Mackie and I can make sure we are there throughout your whole procedure. If it is money, we can help you. We don’t want to see you like this anymore.” 

     “I don’t think you understand the problem here,” I said. 

     “We understand the problem and this procedure is the answer. My wife told me that she had a friend who had the same disease and had it surgically removed and she is doing better now. I can talk to her to get the same doctor,” Mackie stated. 

     “You don’t get it. You don’t know what will happen once I get it removed.”

     “(y/n) stop speaking cryptic and just tell us what happens when you get the surgery done!” Chris stated firmly. I knew his patience was running thin, but I don’t know how they were going to react. 

     “Once I get the surgery, I will no longer feel any emotions.”

     Flashing lights going off every second. “I still don’t understand why they made you the photographer if there is a lot of other photographers that can have taken the pictures,” Mackie grumbled next to me. I knew that he was joking. 

     “Does that mean I am not a qualified photographer?” I questioned with a raised brow. I looked at him and went back to taking pictures of the couple in front of me. I let them do what they want in this shoot so it is more natural. The feeling of throwing up the flowers are strong, but I keep swallowing it down and I kept drinking water to soothe my throat. “You know that isn’t what I meant,” Mackie said. 

     I smiled. “I know you were. Thanks for looking out for me though. I really appreciate it.” I just kept snapping pictures of them in front of me. He looks so happy. With every camera flash came a prick in my throat. It is painful to watch them. Love does really hurt. The couple didn’t do anything extreme, just normal couple poses and being “cute” and “cringey” in my opinion. However, I wasn’t expecting that kiss. No one was because there was people whistling and cheering, but all I could hear was the ringing in my ear and the taste of blood in my mouth. 

     I couldn’t handle it anymore. The pain is too much and I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I quickly put my camera down and ran out. I knew that everyone was staring at me. They were all confused due to my outburst, but I knew two people were following behind me. Rushing through people and bumping into things, I ignored the pain throughout my whole body. I could taste the blood in my mouth now. Just like the first day Mackie and Evans found me, I stumbled into the dressing room all three of us were just before, but this time I didn’t even reach the trash can - I entered up spilling all my contents on the floor. I just kept throwing up blood covered petals after petals. I felt the tears coming down my face, but I ignored it. The petals kept coming out and it wouldn’t stop. Why can’t I stop?

     “Oh gosh. Mackie, go get water now. I’ll try and get her to calm down. Lock the door on your way out!” Chris ordered. “(y/n), darling. You’ll be okay. Come on you got this. Just let it all out. I got you.” He was able to get a trash can and put it in front of me, so instead of the floor - I was now vomiting in the trash can. It took me a while, but I finally calmed down. My throat was killing me. Chris just held me while my head on his chest. We didn’t move, I didn’t want to move. There was yelling behind the door, both Chris and I can hear it. “I can’t let you in Sebastian!” 

     Once we both heard that, we both got on our feet. Ignoring the pain in my throat, Chris and I did our best to clean up the petals from the ground. There wasn’t a broom anywhere, so we have to make due with just shoving the petals in the trash bin. After we checked around us to see if there were any petals left, I sat down. “Open the door, I’m going to pretend that I had a bad breakfast. Tell him that I’m trying to get some rest before the photo shoot and I don’t want to see anyone,” I instructed. With that said, I laid my head back on the couch and closed my eyes. I heard Chris saying everything I told him to say and I knew that he wasn’t allowing Sebastian to come in with the amount of protesting on his end. 

     I toned out their arguing and got lost in my thoughts. I didn’t want to go through this pain anymore. This disease has been causing me trouble for over a year now. I can barely do the things I want without having to vomit. I let out a sigh and open my eyes to look at the ceiling. 

     Maybe I might just go through with the surgery. 

     I felt someone next to me to me. I opened one of my eyes to see the person - Sebastian. Thankfully I didn’t feel like vomiting out petals this time. “Hey. Are you okay? You kinda ran out on us, kinda gave me a scare there,” he asked. Closing my eye, I just groaned. 

     “I’m okay, I just had a bad breakfast I think. Maybe seeing you two be cringey and do couple things made my stomach react,” I teased with a chuckle, but then I started coughing. I couldn’t stop coughing, I knew what was happening. This has happened a few times now where I can barely breathe, so I try to cough to spit out the flower stuck in my throat, but I didn’t think the next episode is where Sebastian was actually in the room. Being the gentleman he is, he started to pat my back and then handed me a water. I downed the whole thing in a matter of a minute. It hurt to swallow, but I had to do it if I don’t want to spit any jasmine petals out. Finally, I was able to catch my breath. “Thanks, Sebs, I appreciate it. I’ll be fine. Go make sure your girlfriend isn’t missing you. Mackie and Evans can take care of me from here,” I gave him a closed lip smile. He looked disappointed for a second, but then he just nodded. “If these two give you a hard time just give me a call alright. I’m always here for you (y/n/n),” he kissed the top of my head and left the three of us in the room. 

     “Get me the doctor’s number.” 

a/n: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I really appreciate all your inputs and ideas. They really do help me write these chapters, so I am really grateful. Please let me know how the chapter went and my taglists are open!      

[dreamstormdragon]

Storm Snippets: “Adjustments”

Adjustments

Robert wasn't sure how he felt morally of ransacking abandoned camps. Camps that had clearly had someone living in them at some point, but long since deserted.

Technically he shouldn't have needed half the things he did. But he didn't want to trouble anyone in Andrea's former village and he also didn't want to keep asking things of Laika. The young huntress still had plenty of her own chores to attend to for her tribe. She didn't need him asking to help him with supply runs.

This was also one of the few times he emerged from the darkness into the light of the day.

It had started because he noted there had been at least one attempt made by someone long ago in the caves to survive. Not much had been there. A fishing rod near a pond that was still in good condition, a tent that aside from a spider he had to bludgeon to death inside, was still perfectly usable and the fabric, while needing a good washing, seemed to be salvageable.

It escalated into a theory if there was one like this in the caves, then was it possible there was more on the surface. As grim of a theory as it was, it had bothered him.

So, with a warning to stay safe from his wife, he set out. Traveling through a snow covered land, bundled up in a cloak made of beefalo fur found from one of the camps he had raided.

He spent a few days on the surface, mapping out the trail leading from the cave entrance to where he was now.

The camp before him had clearly seen better days. There was a tent with claw marks through it and a large fire pire that hadn't been lit in quite some time.

Robert took a deep breath before using his wrench to part the tent flap to be sure no one else was inside.

Like he had suspected, once more, it was empty. Part of him was relieved he wasn't taking from someone who might've needed it… but he also felt a bit guilty ransacking it.

It looked worse on the inside. He could see an abandoned bed roll with dark stains on it. There was a chest off to the side too.

Robert took a glance outside to once more be sure he truly was salone before digging through it.

"Hm…" He pulled out what seemed to be medical supplies. Honey poultice, a container of healing salve… He pulled out a small box, opening it to find a set of scalpels gleaming up at him.

This camp must've been home to a psychician.

Judging from how torn up this place is, I don't think he'd mind if I took these.

I may not be a doctor but I can handle basics. I can't rely on the Thulecitans to suddenly be human anatomy experts.

He gathered up the tools, taking a mental note of what else he found. He sighed a bit, shivering as the wind picked up.

Tomorrow… He decided, I'm going home to my wife.

oooooo

"Alright, I think that's the last one." Andrea sighed in relief, counting the jars in front of her.

Living down in the caves, she had gotten quite adept at canning and preserving the things that grew in her garden.

Sebastian leaned over one jar, scrunching his face up as best as he could.

"Beanssss. Yaaaaay." He hissed.

Andrea shoved him off the counter as he gave a shriek, flailing as if injured.

"Oh don't be such a terror-chick." Andrea crossed her arms, giving him a grin. Sebastian went limp, throwing his head back, letting his tongue hang out.

"Gooodbyyeee cruuueeel world. Remember meee!" He hissed. "Rose…. Bud."

Andrea clapped slowly as he jumped up, taking a bow.

"Thaaank you, thank you I'll be here all weeeek!" He scurried back up onto the table. "Screee!"

Andrea slid him the jar of beans as he looked at it as if offended. He turned his nose up at it, diving under the table into a dark corner.

"You big baby." She dropped a tea towel on top of him as he poked his nose out.

"It'ssss keeping your mind off the hubby." He replied, his tongue hanging out a little.

Andrea sighed a bit as she brought her arms around herself. She was still worried, her stomach twisting in knots sometimes when she thought of the possible dangers.

"Y-Yeah."

Sebastian nuzzled her ankle before scurrying back into his hiding place.

The door opened as a chill came through the house.

"Andrea?" Robert called as she perked up, hurrying to meet him halfway. He was shrugging off his cloak, sighing in relief at being inside their home. He looked at her with an ecstatic look. "I'm home!"

She squealed, throwing her arms around him as he spun her around, laughing before they shared a brief kiss.

"Mm… Well, that's quite the welcome." Robert chuckled, pressing his forehead against hers. He still had a chill to his skin as she shivered a bit, bringing her arms around him.

"Oh, Robbie, you're freezing! Sit, sit, by the fire!" She said before shoving him towards it as he let himself be moved.

"Yaaayyy brother in law isssss home!" Sebastian chirped, scurrying to another dark area.

"I am. Good to see you too Sebastian. Take care of Andrea while I was out?"

"Terror Beak Theater."

Robert chuckled, rubbing his hands together in front of the crackling fireplace, sighing in relief as warmth came back to them. He looked behind him to Andrea as she laid a blanket around his shoulders before sitting nearby with his bag.

"You can look through it, just be careful. I need to clean quite a bit."

Andrea peered inside. She pulled out the box of scalpels, taking a look before putting them away quickly.

"Well then."

Robert shrugged.

"While I'm not a doctor, I can pick up first aid quickly and I'd rather be able to help if something were to happen. I thought it'd be good just in case." He grinned sheepishly. "Call me overprotective but… I wanna make sure I can take care of you." He looked to Sebastian. "And you, if you ever get changed back."

"I vill NOT be your guinea pig!" Sebastian hissed.

"Guess I'll just fill in your little hidey hole."

Sebastian gasped sharply before scurrying out of the room.

"NUUUU!"

Robert chuckled, offering an arm to Andrea as she huddled close, curling up beside him. He brought an arm around her, stroking her shoulder as she slumped a bit against him.

"How've you been?" He asked, running a hand through her hair. Andrea curled up more until she was almost a ball and sharing the blanket fully with him. He adjusted it to keep it close around her.

"Cold." She retorted. "And busy. I was preserving food or making sure it stayed preserved. Laika stopped by with Sanare and helped out. It was fun." She yawned a little "Wish I wasn't so stressed though."

Robert frowned, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Oh, Andrea…"

"I worry… and my stomach was all up in knots."

"Well, I'm home now. No more knots." He ran his hand through her hair before stroking one of her ears as she let out a small purr.

"M'supposed to be taking care of you. How'd you turn this around?" She asked, her eyes closing as she nuzzled his hand.

"Because I love you." He chuckled, kissing her head before shrugging off the blanket, wrapping her up in it.

"H-hey, I still have to make dinner-EEP!" She squeaked a little when he stood and lifted her up into his arms. "Robert!"

"I'm tired too. Let's go take a nap." He yawned a bit, carrying her to their room. Andrea wasn't going to argue with that as she kissed his cheek.

He set her down before heading out of the room. She sat up, tilting her head, wondering where he was going off to. He soon appeared, munching on a piece of jerky, offering her one.

".. No thanks."

"Suit yourself." He finished his snack before laying beside her, bringing her close.

Robert was the last to drift off, unable to help but watch his wife fall asleep. He still felt like he was in a dream that he feared he might awaken from.

oooooo

Over the next month or so, life went on as normal for them in the caves. Visiting the tribe or hosting young Thulecitians in their abode for meals, Sebastian and Andrea bantering as always…

Until something felt off.

Andrea usually was up first. She would dust her crystals and meditated in the glow of her candles or scry in her crystal ball. She had a whole routine dedicated to her craft for when she first rose with the sun.

He was used to hearing her whisper or softly sing spells as she did so. But one morning… It didn't come.

Robert yawned, sitting up slowly, fumbling for his glasses. He slid them on, staring blearily at the clock he had made for them.

Andrea was beside him still, curled up on her side away from him. He shook his head, figuring maybe she had stayed up too late casting once more. Too much use of her abilities and she was exhausted.

He ran his hand through her hair, humming softly. Andrea's ear twitched before she looked up at him, exhausted. She blinked slowly at him.

"Hey you… Morning." He leaned over to kiss her head before she shook her head, pushing him away.

"No. You'll catch it." Andrea murmured, burying her face into her pillow, her response partially muffled by the action.

While she had tried to keep quiet - and her husband slept like a rock when he worked too long which he had, she had been sick all night, battling bouts of nausea between trying to get any form of sleep.

"Andrea, please tell me what's wrong." He pleaded gently. "What's going on?"

Andrea sighed into her pillow, her hair splayed across it like a curtain before rolling over to face him.

"I think I caught something. I don't want you sick either."

Robert gave her a gentle look, feeling her cheeks and head. He noted she did feel a bit warm.

"Anything else?"

"Nausea… Really, really bad nausea. Like, ate a raw green cap piece by accident levels."

Robert winced. He had been witness to that when they had been younger. He stroked her hair before getting up.

"Wait here." He said over his shoulder.

Andrea sighed, trying to make herself comfortable.

"Can you make me some tea, please?" She called.

"When I'm done."

"With what-No."

He leaned back in, a few of his new tools in hand.

"I cleaned them and I have been studying I can't very well drag a healer down here." He gave her a gentle look. "I'll be fast, promise."

Andrea sighed, nodding.

"Besides your stomach Love, anything else going on?"

"My clothes were fitting a bit weird. More snug in some places." Andrea added.

Robert nodded before listening to her abdomen, focusing on what he was hearing. Andrea watched him, concerned.

Alright, so far so good-Huh?

He blinked in confusion as he heard a new sound in particular. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sound.

It was tiny but it was so strong at the same time. A heartbeat.

"Andrea… I… I think I know what's wrong." He threw the stethoscope around his neck, a look of surprise on his face. Andrea sat up a little, giving him a worried look. "N-No, it's not bad."

"Robbie, tell me."

He rubbed the back of his neck, a grin coming to his face.

"Andrea… I heard a heartbeat." He laughed a little. "A very tiny heartbeat."

Andrea's eyes grew wide as her hands came to her mouth.

"Y-You're not kidding?"

"No! I know what that sounds like. We're… We're actually…" He brought her into his arms, peppering her head with kisses. "Oh my stars Andrea we're having a baby!"

Andrea laughed, hugging him tightly, kissing his cheek in return.

"A little baby." She wiped away a tear that threatened to fall, her eyes a bit misty. "We're… We're having a baby."

Robert nodded, his own eyes glassy.

They had wanted a family of their own, they just didn't expect it to happen quite like this.

"This is really our life… Are we ready?" She asked softly.

"I… I have no idea. But we will be." He assured her as she brought both hands over her abdomen. "And I'll make sure you both are safe."

She smiled giving a nod.

"Heh… A baby… What do you think Sebastian's gonna think of this?"

"Heh, we'll find out." He chuckled, kissing her head again. "Now, you want that tea?"

"Mm-hm. More sleep and cuddling. Food later."

Robert laid down with her, his arms around her, his hands resting over hers.

We're really gonna do this. We're going to be bringing a baby into this crazy world.

I can't wait.

[archive-of-fics]

Snake

“Ma’am, I sense something going on in the greenhouse,” the snowy owl on the woman’s shoulder informed her master. “Indeed, I sense it too Hedwig,” the young female said back. (y/n) was one of the odd servants in the Phantomhive manor. Things were not always this perfect though; at first, her ability to communicate and command winged birds led her greedy father to use her for his illegal drug business.

After he received payment, he’d force (y/n) to tie little bags of drugs onto her bird’s legs, usually falcons or owls, and they’d fly to the designated pickup area.

 There were times when the authorities shot down the birds after seeing the suspicious items on their legs, and while (y/n) mourned the loss of her dear feathered friends, her father was furious over the fact that his customers marched back to his house and demanded their money back, money he’s already spent on expensive liquor and cigars.

Even though it was the police who stopped the birds from making their deliveries, (y/n)’s father always blamed her for his loss of business and would punish her by locking her up in her room for days at a time.

This (y/n) feared the most, as someone who had a deep connection with birds, she feared small, dark places, as her window was boarded up to barely let any sunlight through into the room and obscuring her view of the sky she loved to stare out for hours on end. One day, someone stormed through the house and found her huddled in a corner of her room with her faithful snowy owl, Hedwig, by her side. (y/n) opened her eyes to see a man dressed in a black butler outfit and a child with an eye patch standing before her.

Her owl screeched at them, telling them to stay away from her master, but the young boy geld out his hand to (y/n), telling her to come and work for him and live in his manor. (y/n) didn’t even hesitate and now worked scouting the area around her new home day and night for anyone who could bring harm to her new master.

Aside from Hedwig, she now had a raven named Diaval, a falcon named Shaye, and a robin named Alice; they all stuck by her side and helped her with patrol. It was a rainy day when (y/n) and her birds sensed something amiss in the nearby greenhouse from the tree house she preferred to reside in rather than a room in the manor.

There was something going on inside, but Sebastian had ordered her to stay in her room after asking to borrow her owl for something (“I’m never doing a favor for that man again even if he begs,” Hedwig had commented when she flew back to (y/n) after her duty was done with Sebastian). “Shall we investigate?” Shaye asked. “We shall,” (y/n) turned to her robin and raven on their perches, “You two shall stay here, the rain is far too strong for you to be flying around in.” “I wouldn’t be caught dead flying in that storm anyway,” Diaval remarked, ruffling his feather, “My beautiful feathers would be ruined forever.” All who occupied the small house rolled their eyes, “Of course,” Alice said, shaking her head. Hedwig and Shaye flew out through the window while (y/n) used the knotted rope outside her door to climb down to the ground and head to the green house. All three stopped outside the glass walls and Hedwig peaked inside, her strong eyes able to see through the rain stained glass and the dark. “I can see two people, one I recognize as Sebastian, as for the other, I can’t tell.” “An enemy maybe?” (y/n) suggested. “Probably.” “Let’s enter through the back, and then we’ll see.” “Sure.” Running to the back of the greenhouse, (y/n) slipped through the back door and looked around, mentally gasping at what she saw now that her eyes have adjusted to the darkness: Sebastian coiled up in venomous snakes while an unknown man stood before him, also having snakes on him.

She quickly looked around and was relieved when she saw some rope to the side, possibly left after having used it to hold up the newly growing trees in the garden. (y/n) picked it up and quietly advanced behind the unknown man, her bare feet barely making a sound and her feathered companions perched on her shoulders, ready to be of assistance if need be.

Sebastian noticed her coming and smirked, giving her a tiny nod, to which (y/n) lunged forward without fear with the rope ready in her hands. When the snakes on the man sensed her and sprung to snap at her, Hedwig and Shaye snatched them up expertly with their talons while (y/n) wound the rope around the stranger’s chest, biding his arms close to his sides. “What the-!?” was all he said before Sebastian had taken his handkerchief and tied it around his mouth as (y/n) tightened the ropes around him, ignoring the nonvenomous snakes snapping at her. After securing a knot around the man’s legs, Sebastian smiled small at her,

 “Well done (y/n), I would’ve handled him fine on my own, but you’ve made it so much easier.” “Hm, what are we to do with him? Hedwig and Shaye are itching for a meal with those snakes they have.” The man then struggled hard against his restraints, clearly not happy with the idea that his scaly friends will be a source of vitamins and minerals for the birds of prey. “Hmmmm, let’s keep him under lock and key for now. We’ll have the young master decide what to do with him.” “Very well then.” (y/n) kept an eye on the man while Sebastian left to get something that can contain the man. During his absence, (y/n) took this time to examine the mysterious intruder.

The man seemed to be around her age, medium length hair that was pale white, the eyes that glared up at her were a beautiful yellow color and his pale skin bore patches of what looked like snake’s scales. Upon seeing his scaly skin, (y/n)’s eyes widened and she softly whispered,

“Beautiful . . .” His glare softened and now had a mix of confusion in it. Just then Sebastian returned with a huge wooden box in chains, how he managed to carry all that through this storm is beyond (y/n), but she said nothing as he forced the struggling man into it along with all his snakes, Hedwig and Shaye dropped the venomous snakes in after them and the lid was secured with the chains and a padlock. “There, that should do it,” he slid the box under a table, “Now then, I’m still needed at the mansion, so I’ll have you stay on guard here should he find a way out of there. The last thing we want is for him to slither away and do harm to the master.” “Very well then, I’ll make sure he doesn’t lay a scaly finger on our young Master.” Sebastian smirked, “Very good.” After he left, (y/n) sat down on the box, sighing deeply, “Guess we’d better get comfortable.” Her two birds nodded and landed by her side; all through the night they stayed there, and when morning was drawing near and the rain had stopped, (y/n) sent Hedwig and Shaye back to her tree house for some much needed shuteye and Alice and Diaval took their places.

With sleep trying to overtake her, (y/n) decided to have a nap on the patch of grass in the room after having Alice and Diaval promise to wake her up if anything happened. Something did wake her up, but it wasn’t her feathered friends but Sebastian; he gently shook her shoulder to raise her from her slumber. “Hm?” “Miss (y/n)?” “Hmmmm, oh!” (y/n) quickly sat up, “Sebastian!?” “Had a lovely nap? You slept through the night and most of the morning.” “Forgive me, but I was growing ever so tired, and Alice and Diaval did say they’d wake me up if something happened.” “Well something did happen, we shall be having a new member of this household.” “Oh?” (y/n) stood up and rubbed her eyes, “And who exactly would that be?” “You’ve actually have already made his acquaintance.” “Hm?” Someone stepped forward and (y/n)’s eyes widened, “The intruder!?” “Indeed, he’s called ‘Snake’, and he’ll be working as a servant from now on.” “How can you trust him? He tired to kill the young master did he not?” (y/n) asked with a bit of accusation in her voice. “Which is why you will be in charge of him, I’m sure your birds would make quick work of his snakes and you yourself have fighting capabilities. As for his duties, you scout the skies while he scouts the lands, a rather perfect pair don’t you think?” “U-uh, well, I guess.” “Well then, I’ll leave you two to get familiar with each other, as you will be partners, there’s something that I must see to,” with that Sebastian left the greenhouse. For a moment the two animal people just stared at each other in silence, then (y/n) broke it by introducing herself, “Um, I don’t believe Sebastian told you who I am. I’m (y/n).” “Hm,” was all that came out from Snake. “Uhhhh, even though you were trying to end my master, I’m sorry for the rough treatment Hedwig and Shaye gave your snakes. As my birds are very dear to me, your snakes must be dear to you, correct?” “. . . . Yes, indeed,” Snake said in a hushed voice, “Tell your snowy feathered ball to clip her talons, she nearly pierced my skin!” he suddenly said in a somewhat raspy, deep voice. “Huh?” “Says Wordsworth,” Snake finished in his normal voice. “Oh! I see you have the same ability I do, only you communicate with snakes.” Snake’s passive face shifted slightly to that of interest, “Really? Interesting,” Snake leaned in and looked into (y/n)’s eyes,

“Never thought I’d find someone like me.” He took in (y/n)’s appearance, she didn’t seem odd with the simple, (f/c) dress she wore that stopped just above her knees, although in this day and age it was unheard of for women to be wearing such short skirts so it was just a bit out of the ordinary, she wore no shoes and had a black, hooded cloak over her dress. “Although unlike me, you look rather normal.” “I’d hate to disagree with you, but I’m not.” Snake tilted his h

ead in puzzlement and (y/n) took this as a sign to demonstrate her peculiarity. She pulled on the string that held her cloak over her shoulders and let it fall to the ground, revealing two ligaments protruding from her back covered in (h/c) feathers that almost resembled wings in a way, but were too thin and not feathered enough to be used to take flight.

Her dress had an opening in the back to let them extend as far as they go, as was the cloak’s job to cover both her back and her useless wings. Snake’s eyes grew a few centimeters, “Amazing,” he breathed silently. “Y-you really think so?” (y/n) asked nervously, a bit uncomfortable, as she’s never showed her wings like this to anyone besides Sebastian and Ciel. “Yes indeed, I’ve never seen anything like it, says Oscar,” Snake said in a rather childish sounding voice. “Oh? W-well I’m glad you think so . . . Oscar?” a cute, green snake nodded his head. “Ummmm,” Snake looked as if he wanted to say something, but was too nervous to ask, he shook his head and decided on a different question, “S-so what of your birds?” “Oh! Well for one thing, I have Alice my robin, and Diaval my raven,” the said birds flew from the small plant they were resting on and came to (y/n)’s shoulders. “A pleasure to meet you, says Alice,” (y/n) said, playfully mimicking Snake’s way of telling others what his snakes were saying, she could’ve sworn the corner of Snake’s lip curved upward into a tiny grin, but it was gone by the time she blinked. “Well, my pretty self doesn’t usually associate with such ghastly creatures, but I suppose I can make an exception,” Diaval said, holding his head high. “Diaval! Where are your manners!?” (y/n) scolded, not bothering to translate what he said. “What? It’s true.” “Ugh. Whatever, this is Diaval.” Snake nodded his head. After more introductions with his snakes, (y/n) took Snake around the manor, stopping by her tree house to collect the other two birds who also told their names and gave their apologies to the snakes they snatched up the day prior.

Strangely, the mansion was bare of the other servants and of the master, so (y/n) couldn’t show Snake them yet, but she did tell him about them. “Sounds like your group is just as lively as our circus family, says Emily,” Snake said in a soft voice as he and (y/n) lounged around in the kitchen and they both got hungry and wanted a snack. “Yes, they do seem to get into trouble rather easily, but they do mean well,” (y/n) paused from browsing the pantry and looked back at Snake,  “I’m not sure what happened, but I am sorry that my master was the cause of your family disappearing.” Snake looked to the side with a troubled look upon his face, “They didn’t care that I was different,” he said in his own voice, “They treated me like family, and he took that away from us.” “He’s not all bad. It was all thanks to my master that I was saved from a hard life,” (y/n) said, pulling out two, fresh loaves of bread. “How so? Asks Keats.” (y/n) handed Snake a loaf as she continued, “I was forced to take part in an illegal drug business run by my father, and when something went wrong, he would punish me by locking me up in a dark room with barely any sunlight.” Snake stopped mid bite to look at (y/n), who stared up through the window at the bright sky outside,

“I hate small, dark places, so it was torture for me. Then, one day my young master appeared with Sebastian, he took me in despite my deformity and I serve him now. I’d happily do everything I can to keep him safe, he gave me my freedom back, it’s only the least I could do.” “I see,” Snake felt something stir inside of him seeing (y/n)’s far off look and smile on her face, but he played it off as his hunger and continued making short work of his bread.

 After their little snack, the two continued to walk around the manor until the sun began to set, that’s when (y/n) saw the servants, Ciel, and Sebastian walking up to the mansion. Ciel and the other servants were all wearing black for some odd reason, but (y/n) cared too little to ask. “It seems that you two have gotten closer since that last time I checked,” Sebastian said, approaching them. “In a way, yes,” (y/n) said. From there Sebastian introduced Snake to the rest of the servants, who at first cringed from his uniqueness, but then easily got over it as (y/n) wasn’t normal herself. “Now then, for tonight he shall reside in your little abode up in the tree until we figure out further living conditions for him,” Sebastian said to (y/n) after everyone else entered the mansion. “Really? That’s fine with me.” “Then I bid you both goodnight.” (y/n) led Snake to her tree house, she climbed the rope that was used as the ladder and pulled Snake up when he grasped it tightly, as he wasn’t experienced in climbing ropes.

The tree house was actually quite spacious; large enough to fit a small chest for personal items, a tiny bookcase, wooden perches for her birds, a chair and small desk, and in the farthest end next to the window was a nest of blankets that acted as a bed. “I was never one for mattresses no matter how comfortable they were as they really disturbs my wings,” (y/n) explained as she set out some extra blankets for Snake to sleep on. “Hm.” “This will have to do for now, sorry that it isn’t anything fancy,” (y/n) said, handing Snake an extra pillow. He took it and shook his head,

 “We will all be comfortable enough in this, says Keats. In addition, it’s perfect for burrowing into, says Emily. Yes, I think I’ll like it too.” (y/n) smiled, “Glad to hear it,” she settled down into the blankets, nestling into them until she got into a comfortable position. Snake got himself comfortable practically right next to her, lying down on the stack of blankets and then pulling another one over his body.

Hedwig stood on her perch, staring down at him and his snakes, ready to strike should the moment call for it. “Don’t worry about Hedwig,” (y/n) said when she saw the discomfort on Snake’s face, “She’s the one who’s been the longest with me, so she is very overprotective of me.” “I can see that, says Wilde.” “Well, goodnight Snake, hope you have pleasant dreams,” (y/n) said with a yawn as she closed her eyes. “And to you too, says Emily.” (y/n) awoke in the middle in the night by some noise coming from next to her. She groggily opened her eyes to see Snake, shaking and whispering in his sleep, “Joker . . . . . Doll . . . . . Jumbo . . . . . Dagger . . . . . . . Beast . . . .” His voice was full of melancholy, thus (y/n) guessed correctly those were the names of his old family. Making a decision to herself, (y/n) crawled out of her nest and reached out to him, only to be stopped by a large snake, hissing and baring its’ fangs at her. She only smiled and said,

“Don’t worry, I wont hurt him,” she assured it. It seemed to get the message, for it then slithered back to it’s sleeping position. Gently, she placed a hand on Snake’s arm and ran it up and down soothingly, it seemed to have some effect, but he was still very much shaking.

Straining her back muscles, one of her wings moved and draped it over his midsection. The soft, featheriness sensation seemed to do the trick, for Snake now seemed calmer and even snuggled against the wing. Smiling to herself, (y/n) went back to sleep, thinking that having a partner to scout the area just might be enjoyable after all. ~0~ Several months have passed since Snake was hired to be the footman of the Phantomhive estate; he never thought he’d be able to be comfortable in a new home, but the other servants accepted him just the way he was and he enjoyed his time scouting the surrounding area with (y/n).

Their pets have grown accustomed to one another to the point where some of Snake’s snakes would request that Hedwig or Shaye hold them in their talons when they flew as they wished to experience flying for themselves and they all exchanged pleasant conversations from time to time. Over that course in time, Snake found himself having feelings towards (y/n), but he kept it to himself as he was naturally shy plus there was the fact that it was a rule that servants couldn’t be in a relationship unless given permission by the master. He and (y/n) were on patrol during a party, and after everything checked out, they went back into the mansion to assure no one had sneaked past them, when that checked out, they stood at the entrance of the ballroom, watching all the nobles dance together. “Looks like fun,” (y/n) said as she leaned against the doorframe. “You’ve never been to these parties?” Snake asked. “I was always outside on patrol, but since you’re here, we got finished twice as fast, so for once I’m able to see what it’s like personally.” “I see.” After a few minutes, Snake noticed (y/n) looking a bit uncomfortable. “Are you alright? Asks Emily.” “Sorry, this is a really lovely scene, but seeing all these people in one room is making me feel claustrophobic,” (y/n) answered, rubbing her arms. Snake thought for a moment, then with all the courage he possessed, reached out and took (y/n)’s hand into his own. “Hm?” “Th-then shall we retreat to the balcony?” “Oh? Heh, yes please.” The two walked to the large balcony, where (y/n) took in a deep, relieved breath of the cool night air. “Ah, much better,” she said, smiling from ear-to-ear, then noticed something, “Uhhh, Snake, you’re still holding my hand.” “O-oh, sorry about that.” He released her hand, missing the warmth of it. For a few moment the two animal people just stood under the stars, enjoying the very faint classical music going on inside the manor and the light breeze flowing through the air. Snake, desperately wanting to break the silence somehow, nervously asked, “S-say, w-would you like . . . . to dance a bit?” “Huh?” (y/n) was surprised by the sudden invitation. Although Snake took her confusion as rejection and quickly tried to cover up what he’d said, “I-I-I-I mean-! Uhhhh . . . .” (y/n) did her best to fight back a giggles, for she’s never seen Snake so flustered and stumbling over his words like this before. Before he could embarrass himself any further, (y/n) answered his question, “Yes, I would love to dance with you~.” “O-oh, good then.” They both shyly got into position and began a simple box waltz to the music inside. For a long while, they did nothing but sway to the tune of violins, then (y/n) boldly placed her head against Snake’s chest, causing him to stiffen up but not stop dancing. “I’m really glad you’re here Snake,” (y/n) quietly said. “Hm?” “Never in my life would I have thought I’d find someone like me, although I am sorry you had a rough start in life.” “. . . . . there’s nothing for you to be sorry for, besides, you too went through a rough patch, didn’t you?” “I suppose I did.” Again, it was silent. “Uhh, Snake? The music has stopped,” (y/n) informed the reptile loving man. “U-um,” Snake gulped before saying, “C-could w-w-we possibly stay like this a little while longer?” “Oh? Heh, sure, I don’t mind.” Snake mentally breathed a sigh of relief as he held (y/n) in his long arms, reveling in her scent as it calmed his jumbled up nerves. The two stayed like that until Snake broke the hug, however he kept his hands on (y/n)’s shoulders to which she said in a questioning tone, “Snake?” “(y/n) . . . .” he hesitated before continuing, “I-I’m not very good with things like this, b-b-but I’m going to do my best!” The determined look in his usually stoic eyes brought a smile to (y/n)’s face, “All right then, what is it you wish to do?” “This.” Pushing all the worries and anxiety out of him, Snake leaned in his face and shyly pressed his lips against (y/n)’s in an innocent, sweet kiss.

 A squeak of surprise left (y/n), however she made no motion to move away, instead, she timidly placed her hands against Snake’s shoulders and leaned into the kiss, making his previously closed eyes widen in shock yet they relaxed in relief when he realized that (y/n) didn’t push him away or scold him for doing such a thing. The two continued to kiss until the need for oxygen forced them pull apart, both looking shyly into the other’s eyes. “(y-y/n),” Snake managed to get out between breaths, “I-I lo-lo-love you.” The dazzling smile (y/n) gave Snake just made all the problems and rules of the world fade away. “Me too, I love you too Snake.” “Well isn’t this an interesting predicament.” Both hybrids looked to the double doors of the balcony and their breaths hitched upon seeing Sebastian standing there with an amused smirk on his face. “S-Sebastian, I can explain-!” (y/n) started, thinking that she and Snake were about to be scolded and promised a severe punishment for entering into a relationship without their Master’s permission. “There’s no need to explain yourself Miss (y/n), in fact the young Master had you two figured out weeks ago.” “H-he did?” (y/n) asked. “Indeed,” a new voice said from behind Sebastian, who stepped aside to reveal a passive Ciel, “Honestly, it was rather annoying watched either of you stare off into space with that ridiculous look on your faces when you were supposed to be doing your duties. Now I’m hoping that issue will be resolved since you’ve finally confessed to one another.” Despite his words, both Snake and (y/n) had smiles growing on their faces, which was until (y/n)’s turned into a playful smirk, “Oh I don’t know about that young Master. Now that we’re together, I believe we’ll be daydreaming more often now.” Snake playfully nodded to (y/n)’s claim. “Any slacking off and I’ll forbid this,” Ciel warned, causing for the new couple to frantically promise that they will not allow themselves to be distracted from their duties. After getting Ciel’s approval, Snake and (y/n) hugged each other tightly, relieved that now they had not to fear of what would happen should someone know of their relationship. Unknown to them their animal friends were cheering off in a corner with Alice and Oscar cuddling with one another and Shay and Emily snuggling as well.