#i should not have had to play an escape room challenge to get my pup hood

[pupperdup]

[mostlycompetentwriter]

Blueprint

Part of the Stray Wolves Series

F/M Pairing: Y/N x Lee Felix (SKZ)

Genre: Vampire AU; Werewolf AU; Forbidden Love AU; Prequel

Warnings: Graphic Smut; Explicit Language; Blood Drinking

Word Count: 8K

Summary: Y/N is tired of her werewolf pack dictating her choices, especially when they force her into an arranged marriage with a younger friend. In retaliation, Y/N sneaks out one night in direct defiance of her alpha’s orders, and she meets a mysterious vampire who allows her the first tempting taste of freedom...and she might just fall in love with him in the process.

A/N: This was supposed to be for Felix’s birthday, but I’ve got something else that I could release for him, so here ya’ go!!

Blueprint: “a detailed outline or plan of action: a blueprint for success.”

My life had always been dictated by the choices of others instead of my own. For example, when I turned 16 and endured my first painful heat, our pack alpha declared that I was finally ready to mate. It was a scary thought for me to process, and I begged my father not to force me into an arranged marriage.��

However, he was stern in his handling of the situation, refusing to disobey his alpha, but more than willing to pair me with a much younger werewolf named Mark who wasn’t quite ready for the mating ceremony because he still hadn’t gone through his first rut. In hindsight, I knew that it was a logical compromise, but I was still upset because I didn’t want to mate with another wolf and have pups. Plus, Mark was one of my friends, and I was troubled by the thought of presenting myself to him.

It ignited a fierce passion deep inside of me, and I rebelled against my pack for the first time that night by escaping into the darkness of the forest when the moon was at its highest point. You see, our alpha had mandated a curfew for the pack omegas, but I defied his orders and considered the possibility of running beyond our defined borders and into the surrounding mountains. But as I paced alongside the river separating our territory from a rival pack, contemplating several life-changing choices, I suddenly realized that I wasn’t alone.

But it was when I first turned around to confront the stranger watching me from the trees that I experienced my first taste of regret for leaving the pack without informing another member. Because upon closer inspection, I realized that he was startling beautiful - peering at me with vibrant blue-colored eyes that were hidden beneath white, cascading hair. My wolf growled because I understood well enough that he was a vampire, and that made him a natural enemy of my people. Yet, the boy didn’t attack me like I feared; instead, he studied me carefully as if I was something particularly interesting.

“This is not your land, vampire,” I said, attempting to sound a lot more confident than I felt. 

He smirked at my feeble attempt to stand up to him. “I have no land.”

I shivered at his tone. “What does that mean?”

“I’ve been banished from my coven,” he continued. “They gave me rogue status when I left.”

“Still, that doesn’t give you the right to be here!”

“I should think that you don’t really belong out here either,” he continued. “This forest holds many dangers.”

“You don’t know me,” I snarled.

“It’s a strange place for an unmated omega,” he continued while looking at my chest. “And you’re ready to carry pups.”

I gasped at his audacity, and I quickly covered myself with my hands. “Mind your own business!”

The vampire chuckled. “Relax, I have no plans to hurt you.” He swaggered forward with an unrivaled arrogance, leaning in to inhale against the side of my neck. “You do smell like something that I would enjoy playing with.”

I took a step back to create some distance between us. “I’m patrolling the border.”

“Alone?” he questioned. “I know your alpha, and he’s quite strict when it comes to his pack’s females. Actually, I’m surprised that you’re not already mated.”

“Who says that I want a mate?” I returned, sending him a challenging stare. “I’m not some pliant bitch who plans to open her legs for anyone!”

“Clearly,” he said, running his tongue across sharp fangs. “But you’ll learn to obey your pack leader, just like the other mindless pups who fall in line with the status quo.”

“Well, I’m not like those other wolves,” I insisted. “I can think for myself!”

“Really?” he asked, eyebrows shooting up into his bangs. “Prove it to me.”

“What?” I asked, hesitating because I wasn’t sure how to handle his request.

“Show me that you won’t give in,” he said. “Do something that would demonstrate this defiance you have against your alpha.”

I growled because I despised the arrogance in his tone, reaching out for the collar of his shirt to pull him closer. It pleased me to see the vampire caught off-guard, and I quickly pressed my lips against his just to shock him even more. Still, I couldn’t help but grimace when the taste of him reminded me of copper, and I closed my eyes while shivering because of his cold skin. But I eventually pulled away after a moment, studying his expression with a smile. “See?” I said. “I’m not like the other wolves.”

The vampire took his time opening his own eyes, looking at me with a gaze that reminded me of the ocean. Then, he grabbed me by the shoulders before leaning down to kiss me again. However, this time it was my turn to be shocked, and I pulled away to gape at him. “That’s cute, little pup,” the vampire said. “Do you know what else would really make your alpha seethe?” I froze in place when his hand reached down to cup the heat between my legs. “Your alpha wants a good virgin wolf,” he continued. “Maybe you should be the one to decide who gets the honor of fucking this pussy for the first time.”

His words were crude, but they were nothing short of arousing, and I launched myself at the vampire and molded my lips to his, kissing him feverishly as my hips started to grind against the telling erection in his leather pants. But it was like an electric shock had amplified my senses, and despite the taboo nature of coupling myself with a vampire, I couldn’t deny that every part of me was begging for him. I didn’t even know his name, but he had managed to awaken a part of me that was determined to start making choices for myself.

Subsequently, I lost my virginity to that alluring vampire in the middle of the forest alcove, naked against the silencing watch of the moon as I took his cock and experienced my first taste of a pleasure that I had chosen for myself. Thereafter, I continued to meet him often, returning to that alcove and waiting for him to arrive with his ocean eyes and snowy-white hair. For the most part, we fucked in our little private shelter with the sound of the river in the background. However, there were also nights when we simply enjoyed one another’s company, talking about our vastly different worlds and the places where we had come from.

He told me that his name was Felix, and I whispered my name in return. Paradoxically, such a simple act opened a deep intimacy between us, and it made everything better because we had both decided to cherish our brief moments together away from the regular monotony of our lives. And he always listened to me with admirable patience, offering me advice with a wisdom that defied the age he appeared on the outside. 

“My alpha did promise me to someone,” I told him one night. “We’re supposed to mate after his first rut.”

“Someone younger?” he questioned, turning over onto his side. “That little mutt won’t know how to please a woman.”

“He’s actually my friend,” I said softly. “I don’t think either of us want to go through with it.”

“Then don’t,” he suggested as if we were talking about something as simple as the weather. 

“That’s not how things work in the pack,” I said.

“I thought you weren’t going to let them tell you what to do,” he said, looking at me with those irresistible eyes.

They filled me with courage, and I nodded my head determinedly. “I’ll run away if I have to.”

He laughed. “You don’t have to go that far, pup. The rogue life isn’t exactly glamorous.”

“You’ve survived,” I pointed out. “Maybe we could just go somewhere together.”

He grinned. “I guess we could.”

Meanwhile, I moved myself closer to him, cherishing our close connection. “Let’s start something on our own, like a combination of a pack and a coven.”

“Oh?” he asked, wordlessly moving himself on top of me. “Would you like that, pup?”

I nodded frantically. “We could lead it together.”

“It sounds so sweet coming from your lips,” he said, spreading my legs to make more room for himself. “Hmmm...I can smell your arousal.”

I blushed at the comment. “Maybe I missed you.”

“Is that right?” he questioned. “Let’s see how much you missed me, pup. Take off these clothes for me.”

I happily complied, eagerly tossing my shirt over my head before reaching down for the button on my jeans. Perhaps in another life, I might consider taking my time and putting on a show for him, but I was probably one of the clumsiest wolves in the pack, and it was better for me to remove them without incident. “Good?” I asked, shyly, whimpering when he pulled my panties down my legs.

“Let’s spread these some more,” he said, pushing my thighs apart and releasing a guttural moan. “I want to see your pretty cunt.” 

I threw my head back at his words, feeling exposed under the weight of his gaze, especially when he started tracing my swollen labia, parting the delicate folds and rumbling low inside his chest. “Please,” I whispered.

“You’re begging already, pup?” he asked, grabbing my knees and keeping them spread wide. “Look how wet you are. Did you get like this talking about that future mate of yours?”

I shook my head. “It’s always you, Felix.”

“Oh? Well, it’s a good thing that this pussy belongs to me, then.” he said, and I tried not to moan when I felt his hot breath contradict with the cold sensation of his hands. It sent tremors down my spine, and I watched as his tongue collected the arousal that had started to form courtesy of his irresistible presence. And I knew exactly what he was going to do, but it still felt indescribably good to feel him trace my slit, mouthing at my clit and sucking the sensitive bud into his mouth. 

He started a steady rhythm, eyes watching me the entire time as his tongue explored my wet heat - sharp teeth bright under the moonlight. The sounds of his tongue lapping at my arousal were loud, and I fisted my hands at my sides as I started to grind against his face. My pleasure was steadily mounting, and it was comparable to nothing else in this world - exquisite luxury of which I had started to form an inescapable addiction. But Felix had a wicked tongue, and he sometimes spent most of our nights together eating me out while whispering dirty things that left me trembling for more. 

In the meantime, I could feel some of my slick leaking down my ass, and it felt like he was doing his best to taste as much as he could. “Feels good,” I slurred, and he chuckled at my comment.

“I bet it does,” he said, slipping two fingers into my tight heat and forcing me to arch my back at the rough penetration. “Relax.”

“I can’t,” I whined, and I was blissed out as he thrusted his fingers in and out of my soaking wet pussy while his tongue lapped at my clitoris. He curled them deep inside, brushing against my g-spot, and I moaned at the wildly intoxicating sensation. 

“Can you come for me with just my fingers?” he asked, adding a third as he continued to pump them inside of me, creating filthy squelching noises that disturbed the quiet of the forest. 

“Yes,” I panted because I always wanted to please him, and Felix’s deep groan was nothing short of sinful when I started pulsating around his fingers. It was like something inside of me had snapped, and his fingers were still curling against my overstimulated walls as my hips steadily rode the waves of my orgasm until it was verging on the edge of too much.

“Felix,” I cried, wrapping my fingers around his wrist while he pulled his fingers from my heat, licking them with a concentrated expression - like it was blood instead of my arousal. “So good, pup,” he praised, and I beamed at him while enjoying the post-orgasmic glow surrounding me. However, Felix was clearly not finished yet, and I whined when he circled his fingers around my swollen clitoris. “Can you take my cock?” he asked and I shakily agreed.

Felix stood long enough to remove his jeans, tugging at his erection as he surveyed my pliant form. He had such a nice dick because it wasn’t as mind-numbingly large like my older sisters always complained of their alphas, but it was big enough to leave me feeling satisfied. “It might be interesting,” he said. “To see you take a knot, but I’d be too jealous to let that happen.”

He took his place between my thighs, pulling me even closer as his fingers traced my gaping opening. “Could this pussy even handle a knot?”

“Let me have it,” I whimpered, rubbing myself shamelessly against his cock and shivering when it traced against my folds.

“I’ll give you everything, pup,” he promised, and then his cock was splitting my tight heat, stretching me open as I clawed at the grass on either side of my head. “Such a tight pussy,” he commented, and I could tell that he was holding himself back from hurting me.

Naturally, Vampires were born with uncanny speed, and that applied to more than just running through the forest. For example, Felix sometimes liked to show off just how fast he could move his hips while fucking me with his cock, but we always gradually worked up to that, allowing me to adjust around him first. Otherwise, I would be left an incoherent mess incapable of uttering a single syllable while he had his way with me.

Yet, at the same time, I could also feel his sharpened incisors edging along the prominent vein pulsing with blood. I titled my neck to the side to give him better access because I never minded it when he took some blood while we had sex. However, he simply chuckled at my submissive behavior, wrapping his fingers around my throat as he started to quicken the pace of his thrusts. Consequently, my little whines increased in volume, knowing that he could literally drill his cock inside if he really wanted. “Oh, fuck,” he cursed. “You look so good on my cock, love.”

I closed my eyes, fingers brushing the soft grass around me to provide a steady anchor. Especially when he reached for one of my legs, hoisting it around his waist for a better angle at my stretched opening. Felix pulled all the way out, looking down at where his tip teased the entrance of my gaping hole. But there was no oxygen left inside my lungs when he filled me up again with his impressive length, allowing a faster rhythm while he studied me with hooded eyes. The new position was making it very difficult to breathe, but I wanted to be so good for Felix, and I tried to focus on the remarkable way that his cock managed to hit so deep as it ruined the soft walls of my pussy. “Felix,” I whispered. “Drink from me.”

His eyes grew wider, but he nodded and leaned down, positioning my neck to his liking. I grimaced when his canines bit down for the first time, but it rapidly turned more enjoyable when he released the familiar endorphins that always made me feel like I was high. He started drinking in long and languid pulls, and I swore I could feel his cock grow even larger inside of me as he swallowed down my blood. 

He finally pulled away gasping, eyes flashing red as he grabbed my legs and started to literally force me down onto his cock, moving so fast that I could barely find the time to scream at the overwhelming pleasure. “Stay still for me, love,” he requested while his hand gripped my chin. “I want to see that pretty face when you cum on my cock.”

It didn’t take me long after that, contracting around his length as I came for the second time that night. Felix grunted when he felt me squeeze around his erection, and his cum was surprisingly warm when it started to leak out of the place where we were still connected. But my lungs were also on fire, chest falling up and down as I slowly came back from the precipice of my all-consuming orgasm. 

And Felix bent down and inhaled against my neck, tongue sweeping out to lap at the place where he had bitten me. “I want to see you again on Friday,” he said, voice gruff as he kissed me, and I could taste the remnants of my blood on his tongue.

By the time I arrived back at our camp, it was still too early for the sun to be visible over the horizon. Likewise, most of my pack mates were still asleep which made it easier to sneak back to the Omega cabin. Of course, I inwardly cursed when I remembered that one of my friends was often waiting for my arrival. But Hwang Hyunjin was the pack’s night guard, and he always kept watch at the main entrance of our camp.

“You were out late last night,” Hyunjin commented, and he looked like he was expecting me to break down and tell him the truth.

“I needed a walk,” I told him smartly. “But you already knew that.”

“Yeah, but you need to be careful, Y/N,” Hyunjin said. “I’m covering your ass, but the others might notice that you smell like cum.”

I froze at his declaration, and it took everything that I had not to smell my clothes, wondering if Felix had touched something on me. However, I also knew that Hyunjin had one of the best noses in the pack, and he sometimes noticed different scents even after I spent hours washing myself in the river. But if he could smell something that risqué on me, then it meant that someone else might also detect the same scent. And I was suddenly very self-conscious, looking around at my other pack members as they passed by the two of us. “Is it bad?” I asked him.

Hyunjin nodded slowly. “When are you going to tell me who you’re meeting? Is it someone from another pack?”

“I can’t tell you,” I said. “It’s better that you don’t know.”

“Well, I hope that Mark doesn’t say anything on your mating night,” Hyunjin said. “I think he’ll probably notice that you aren’t a virgin anymore.”

There was a warning in his tone that I chose to ignore. Because I couldn’t think about those repercussions. Thankfully, Hyunjin was a very close friend, and he would never reveal my secrets to our alpha who might feel so inclined to dismiss me from the pack if he discovered my impurity. Of course, thinking about my mating night with Mark always managed to ruin my good mood, and I sighed as I leaned back against the wall of the Omega cabin. “I hate that my father chose him.”

Hyunjin shrugged. “He tried to put it off, but I think it’s nice that you and Mark are friends.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, glancing over Hyunjin’s shoulder to locate the younger as he laughed with some of our pack elders. 

“To be honest,” Hyunjin said. “He smells a lot like rut these days.”

I shivered. “How long?”

“Maybe another week or so,” Hyunjin informed me. “You know that our alpha will want to move forward with the ceremony as soon as Mark finishes his first rut.”

I shook my head at the situation. “It’s not fair to either of us.”

“Why?” Hyunjin asked. “You were fine with it when your father made the arrangement.”

“Feelings change,” I said. 

“Or, it’s because you like this mysterious wolf that you’re meeting in the middle of the night,” Hyunjin said. “Maybe next time I should stop you.”

“Please don’t do that,” I said. “I want to enjoy my time with him while I can.”

“Well, I hope you're being serious,” Hyunjin said. “Once you’re officially mated to Mark, you can’t sneak out of camp anymore.”

“I got it,” I snapped at him, even if I knew that it wasn’t his fault. After all, he was only telling me the truth that I needed to hear, but it still didn't make it any easier to accept.

“Well,” Hyunjin huffed. “Since you’re in such a jovial mood, I’ll tell you about the guests that we’re expecting today.”

“Guests? Inside the camp?”

“Vampires,” Hyunjin said with a grin. “The Coven from the mountains.”

“I thought our alpha hated them.”

“It was Chan’s idea to meet,” Hyunjin said, referring to our alpha’s son and the next alpha-in-command. “He wants to establish some diplomatic ties with their young prince.”

“Really? That’s unexpected.”

“I think so too,” Hyunjin said. “And the idea of having so many bloodsuckers in the camp sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Both sides are probably uncomfortable,” I said, defending the vampires when my younger self would’ve never hesitated to curse their existence.

But feelings change.

“When did you get so wise, Y/N?” Hyunjin asked with a playful smile. “I’d say it’s because you make smart decisions, but you wouldn’t be sneaking out of the camp every other night.”

“Ha-Ha,” I replied, but a better rebuttal would have to wait because I noticed that Adam, one of Chan’s youngest friends, was walking in our direction. “Don’t you two have other responsibilities besides gossiping?” Adam grumbled.

“I haven’t received my assignment yet,” I said. 

“Jisung’s leading a border patrol this afternoon,” Adam informed me with a sarcastic huff. “Knock yourself out.”

“Gee, thanks,” I retorted with a roll of my eyes. Adam had always acted dismissive towards me, ever since he asked for my father’s permission to mate with me and I sternly turned him down. It didn’t help that he confronted me later on about it, informing me bluntly that I was missing out because he had a gigantic knot and would fill me up so well with his pups.

And Hyunjin smirked at the tension between us. “I’ll join that patrol,” he said, tossing an arm around my shoulders before leading me away. “You’d think that Adam would move on already,” he said. “I guess you bruised his ego when you chose an inexperienced pup over him.”

“I didn’t choose anyone,” I grumbled. 

Except for Felix.

But neither Adam nor Hyunjin needed to know about him. In fact, I had every intention of keeping my first lover a complete secret, and I planned to carry it with me for the rest of my life.

Later on, I found Jisung waiting at the main camp entrance, attempting to count the gathered heads of his pack mates. Despite his position, Jisung was actually rather inept when it came to leading patrols, and usually someone else had to take over for him. However, it was still endearing to see him try so hard for the rest of us, so I never complained. Plus, Jisung was lenient when everyone started to complain that the western border line was too long to navigate, which meant that we often ignored the swampland and the sticky mud that coated my fur.

“Let’s go,” Jisung said, taking command as he shifted into his wolf form, waiting for the rest of us to do the same thing before we took off for the woods. I nipped playfully at Hyunjin’s shoulder while we remained at the back of the patrol, enjoying the feeling of the sunlight warming my pelt. There was always an undeniable sense of belonging whenever I found myself on four legs instead of two - moving through the thick underbrush of the forest with eyes wide open. 

Eventually, our patrol tapered off to a brisk walk, and Hyunjin leaned in closer, using the pack’s established mind-link to speak to me. “You seriously aren't gonna spill about your mystery man?”

I turned to glare at him as best I could while functioning as a wolf. “It’s none of your business.”

“I’m the one who protects you,” Hyunjin returned, baring his teeth in an intimidating manner. “I thought we were friends.”

“Trust me,” I said, lowering my head somewhat submissively to appease him. “You don’t want to know.”

Hyunjin considered me for a moment, and the brown eyes of his wolf matched the same color of the man who shared the same consciousness. However, before he could say anything else, Jisung approached us both with a sharp growl. “Stop messing around,” he said. “You should be checking the caves.”

Hyunjin nudged me with his head, encouraging me to start in that direction. “Don’t think that this conversation is over,” he said, rumbling low in his chest. “We’ve never hidden secrets from each other, Y/N. It makes me think that you’re hiding something bad.”

I bristled at his claim, following him on unsteady paws as we navigated to the caverns overlooking the ocean. They marked the edge of our western border, and usually posed no threat to surrounding packs. In fact, most wolves disregarded the uncomfortable caverns, which made our job easier after a thorough inspection with no sign or smell of foreign intrusion.

It was also starting to grow late in the afternoon, and we had ventured far from our campsite. Jisung released a summoning howl to bring our patrol back together, and he ensured that everyone had detailed their report before announcing our abrupt return. “Don’t forget that we’re expecting visitors tonight,” Jisung said. “It’s a peaceful meeting, so let’s not make trouble.”

“I don’t get why we’re trying to play nice with the vampires,” Hyunjin said with a resentful tone, and I knew that I had made the right decision by keeping my encounters with Felix a secret from him.

Of course, upon our return to the camp, I could tell that the vampire representatives had already arrived because there was a noticeable amount of wolves patrolling the entrance with evident tension reflecting in their gazes. Jisung bowed politely in their direction as we re-entered the camp, and I quickly discovered that my pack mates were lingering outside of Chan’s cabin where he always conducted his diplomatic affairs.

Most of us had already shifted back, and as if on cue, the door opened and Chan stepped outside with a strikingly familiar face that had me pausing in my steps. “Hey!” Hyunjin protested when he ran into my back. “Don’t just stop like that.”

But I made no attempt to move from my position, and his words had barely registered over the panic seeping into every inch of my body. Because the vampire standing next to Chan was none other than Felix - the very same man who frequently met me in our private alcove at the river. However, it was surreal to see him here in camp as my worlds literally collided together, but it wasn’t nearly as startling as the realization that the vampire who I had trusted was certainly no rogue. “That’s Prince Felix,” Jisung informed me.

“Prince?” I repeated, feeling a cold dread holding me hostage.

Felix's eyes met mine at the same time when I realized that the mysterious stranger who I met at late hours of the night was the vampire prince of the coven that my pack loathed. Felix noticed me immediately, but his composure never faltered with the exception of one brow raising suggestively. He wasn’t listening to Chan, looking at me with the same eyes that I often saw from the space between my thighs.

I shook my head when I couldn’t stand it anymore, and I quietly dismissed myself from my patrol who were all quietly observing the vampire prince. “Nice going, Y/N,” I muttered to myself as I retreated into the Omega cabin. “Shit, this is bad.”

On the one hand, I felt anxious about the knowledge that the vampire I had been meeting in secrecy was running around my camp. But, on the other hand, I also felt sick to my stomach because Felix had lied to me about his rogue status. It was even worse since he was the prince of the vampire coven that my pack alpha despised - the same one that Chan was trying to improve our relations. Everything could be easily undone if the pack knew that I was literally screwing around with Felix. Not only would it ruin our attempts to communicate peacefully, but my alpha would order my banishment from the pack if he discovered that I broke my chastity vow and gave myself to someone other than my predetermined mate.

“Y/N?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of Hyunjin’s voice. “What are you doing?” I gasped. “This is the Omega cabin.”

“I was worried,” Hyunjin said. “You looked like you were afraid of something.”

I found it difficult to meet his gaze, but I still forced myself to look in his direction. Because it was time to tell him the truth and alleviate the burden that continued to weigh heavily on my subconscious. “The vampire prince,” I whispered, watching Hyunjin lean in closer to hear me speak. “I’ve been seeing him.”

“What?

I sighed at his evident confusion. “My mystery man is the vampire prince!”

My tone was sharp, but I was incredibly agitated, especially as I anxiously awaited Hyunjin’s reaction. I knew that he would be surprised by the revelation, and I could sense the combination of his shock and annoyance reflected in his sharp inhale - eyes glowing with pure anger. “You can’t be serious, Y/N.”

I nodded, wrapping my arms securely around my middle. “I didn’t know who he was,” I said. “I mean, I knew that he was a vampire, but he told me that he was a rogue.”

“Oh, shit, this is bad,” Hyunjin said, and he immediately started pacing across the ground. “I can’t believe that you’ve been fucking a vampire! And Prince Felix? What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Your support is greatly appreciated,” I snapped at him. “Look, when I met him for the first time, I had just been told that my father hitched me to one of my friends. I was angry, okay? I needed to clear my head, and I met him at the river and he just...he made me feel like I could be free while I was with him. Not tied down to a responsibility that I never wanted!”

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. “You talk about Mark like it’s so horrible that you’d spend the rest of your life as partners.”

“But it wasn’t my choice!” I shouted, no longer concerned with whoever might overhear our conversation. “I didn’t ask for a mate, and you know that I never wanted one.”

“Fine, you’re fucking selfish, but that doesn’t explain why you’re still meeting with this...vampire! If you don’t want to be tied down or whatever, then why is he an exception?”

“Because he made me change my mind,” I said. “He showed me something that I was never allowed to have in the pack. Felix made me want him, and he taught me what life could be like when I made decisions for myself.”

“Fucking hell, Y/N,” Hyunjin growled, turning his back to me with an exaggerated sigh. “What do you want me to say?”

“You’re my best friend, Hyunjin,” I reminded him fiercely. “My entire life is hanging by a thread, and I need you to help me figure out what I’m supposed to do.”

Hyunjin’s shoulders rose and fell as he literally shook with his frustration. “I don’t know what to tell you, Y/N. I feel betrayed, and I need some time alone.”

“Hyunjin...” I tried again, reaching out for his shoulder, but he wordlessly shook me off before storming away across the camp.

Later that evening, one of my roommates approached me about a special bonfire that our pack was organizing in celebration of the vampires. I snorted at the idea because I knew that there was a risk of seeing Felix involved, but a frustrating part of myself was also desperate to see him again. Even after the revelation of his true identity. After all, I knew that it was important for us to talk about everything, especially with the potential for close relations between my pack and his coven.

Thus, I joined some of my roommates as we left the safety of the Omega cabin for the impressive bonfire at the center of our camp. It was crowded with wolves and vampires, and there was a neutral atmosphere that certainly demonstrated the potential for peace. Which made me realize that it was essential that I talk to Felix, and I continued searching the bonfire for any sign of him. I walked around the edge of the gathered assembly, and I was so intensely focused that I nearly jumped out of my skin when a cold hand reached for mine. I turned around to confront the source, but his free hand quickly closed over my mouth. “Follow me,” Felix said in the same deep voice that always managed to leave me feeling flushed from head to toe.

I whined in protest, but he gave me no other option when he practically drug me into the trees. “You’re an asshole,” I told him as a greeting. I pulled myself away from him, crossing my arms impatiently as I narrowed my eyes. “Do you think you even have a right to speak to me? After lying about who you are!”

“I’m sorry,” Felix said, but I scoffed at the feeble apology. “I’m serious, Y/N, this wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“Of course not,” I snarled. “You wanted to keep me in the dark! But how long did you plan to string me along, huh? Until I stopped showing up?”

“Y/N-”

“You told me you were a rogue,” I interrupted, slapping away his hand when he attempted to touch me. “You disregarded my feelings, and you played me for a fool! I guess you also lied when you said that you cared about me!”

“Don’t say that!” Felix hissed, and I startled at the strength of his conviction. “I know why you’re upset, and I deserve every bit of your anger. But I hope you don’t actually believe that I was just using you!.”

“What else am I supposed to believe?” I asked. “You had every opportunity to come clean!”

“If I told you the truth, then you would’ve never agreed to keep meeting me,” Felix shouted, and I tensed as I searched our surroundings. “Y/N, if you knew that I was a vampire prince, then I might've never had the chance to speak to you again, and I couldn’t stand the thought of that!”

“Yeah? Well, it doesn’t matter anymore,” I said. “You’ll never see me again after tonight.”

“Y/N! I hope you're not being serious,” Felix said, and there was a slight hint of desperation to his tone. “I was wrong, okay? But I never meant for you to find out like this!”

“I’m promised to someone in my pack,” I said, and my words sounded empty even to me. “There’s no reason to keep going.”

“You told me that you would never agree to the ceremony,” Felix said. “And I plan to make it up to you. Somehow, I’m going to earn your forgiveness.”

“Good luck with that,” I snorted, and I left him standing in the shelter of the trees before I rejoined my pack mates.

It had been several days since I confronted Felix, and I restrained myself from returning to the little alcove in the forest where we usually met for our scandalous rendezvous. I mean, life was supposed to move on, and time could heal all wounds, but maybe all of those old sayings were just bullshit! Because I missed Felix despite our last argument, and I hadn’t seen Hyunjin since he left me standing next to the Omega cabin.

I tried to confront him one morning, but he barely offered me a response before he was talking about some sort of assignment that he had to take care of before the end of the day. Of course, I knew that it was just an excuse to ignore me, but it still stung to face his rejection. I was beyond stressed, and perhaps my breakdown was inevitable when one of our pack members informed me that Mark had finally entered his first rut. “Congratulations, Y/N,” they told me, but I only felt like someone had stolen every ounce of my happiness.

I couldn’t control my actions after the announcement, and my wolf howled from somewhere deep inside of me, and I started running on four legs once I had escaped the camp borders. Consequently, I ran through the trees, dodging the overhanging branches and skillfully avoiding collisions with the surrounding foliage. Eventually, my wolf stopped at the entrance to the familiar alcove, hesitating when I realized that someone else was already sitting among the vines.

“Y/N,” his familiar voice said, beckoning me closer despite my appearance.

My wolf whined, and I quietly shifted to stand on two legs once again. “You’re here,” I said, jerking my head to the side so that he couldn’t see my tears.

“I’m sorry, Y/N,” he whispered to me. “I should’ve never lied to you, but I was afraid that I would lose the beautiful she-wolf who I met that night in the forest.”

“We can’t keep doing this anymore, Felix,” I said, trying to ignore the way that he was looking at me. “I feel like I’m betraying my pack.”

“By doing something that you want?” Felix asked, daring a step closer. “They should value your happiness, Y/N. If you hate the idea of mating with someone else, then they shouldn’t force you. Who’s really betraying who in this situation?”

I closed my eyes to hold back fresh tears. “My pack hates your coven.”

“My father hates your alpha,” Felix said, crowding me against one of the trees. “They have a silly blood feud that has nothing to do with the rest of us.”

“What can you do?” I asked him. “I can’t keep living like this.”

“Then I’ll make it easier on you, Y/N,” Felix said with a fierce determination.

“Felix, what are you-”

“Let me handle it,” he interrupted, quietly pulling me in for a soft kiss that I had desperately missed. “I know a way to fix everything, and you can stay with your pack.”

“How?” I asked him, gripping tight to his shirt sleeves.

“I’ve been planning this for a while,” Felix said with a playful wink. “I know it’s too much to ask, but can you trust me this one time?”

I rested my head against his solid chest, sighing at the sensation of his cold skin competing with my enhanced body heat. There were a million reasons to walk away from Felix, especially since I was feeling so confused. My entire life was something of a train wreck, and everything was changing too fast around me in such a short amount of time. However, in spite of everything, I trusted Felix with my entire heart and soul.

“Okay,” I whispered, and I allowed him to brush another reassuring kiss across my lips.

Felix told me to wait for him, but it was nearing the end of the week when my pack received an unexpected visit from the notorious Vampire King and his young son. Since our pack alpha was gone, Chan stood in his place, welcoming the vampire royals with a forced smile. “Greetings,” Chan said, glaring at a group of wolves who were whispering together in low tones.

“During our last meeting, you mentioned something quite interesting,” the Vampire King said. “I believe you called it the potential for a union between our people.”

“Yes,” Chan agreed. “I’m still searching for ideas-”

“Well, I have a suggestion,” The Vampire King interrupted. “If you’re interested in listening...”

“Of course,” Chan said, and I could tell that his tone was strained.

“In a show of allegiance,” the Vampire King growled. “My son has agreed to marry one of your...dogs.”

“Father,” Felix said, giving the elder a meaningful look.

The King sighed. “He has chosen a member of your pack.” I swallowed hard when his gaze landed on me. “Y/N.”

I froze at the utterance of my name, feeling the attention of everyone in the surrounding crowd aimed in my direction. “Y/N!” Chan repeated. “She’s promised to someone else!”

“My son has made his choice,” the Vampire King declared. “This will be the union of our people.”

The declaration was met with hostile glares and quiet murmurings throughout ,y pack members. Thankfully, Felix could detect their unease, and he quickly sought to alleviate their concerns. “While we’re married, Y/N can return to the pack as much as she wants,” Felix said, sending a soft smile in my direction. “Our marriage can act as another show of respect between our people.”

“But why is she your choice?” Chan asked, taking another step in Felix’s direction. “We have many unmated females!”

“I like her the best,” Felix said, and perhaps it might seem outrageous to these wolves and vampires who viewed us as complete strangers, but it filled my heart with an unmeasurable glee. “We spent a lot of time together during our last visit to your camp,” Felix continued. “Y/N was always very welcoming.”

“This is also nonnegotiable,” the Vampire King said, giving Chan a meaningful look.

Chan hesitated in return, turning around to look at me with sadness in his gaze. “I’ll talk to Y/N first.”

I nodded slowly, aware that I couldn’t just agree since it wasn’t a reaction that the others would anticipate. “Okay,” I said, and I followed Chan to the cabin that he shared with his roommates until he officially took over as our pack alpha. 

It was quiet between us at first, and I could tell that Chan was searching for the right words. “Y/N,” Chan finally said, closing the door behind us. “You can sit down.”

I obeyed him at once, finding a chair near the fireplace and resting comfortably. “This isn’t something that I hate, you know,” I told him as a way to resolve the unusual tension. “I want to do this for our people.”

I took a deep breath as I allowed the unspoken ‘and for myself’ to remain a secret. Meanwhile, Chan shook his head as if trying to wrap his mind around the fact that I wasn’t protesting this unexpected decision. “You can be honest,” he said. “I want you to feel like you can trust me, especially when I take over the pack one day.”

“You’ll make a good leader,” I assured him. “But I’m not lying to you, Chan. This is something that I’ve already accepted.”

“What about Mark?” Chan asked. “Is that not something you want?”

I lowered my gaze to the floor. “I know what you must be thinking to yourself, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m doing this because I feel pressured. It’s quite the opposite actually.”

“But do you really like him?” Chan asked. “I mean, from the way he spoke, it sounded like the two of you had known each other for a lot longer than a few days.”

I sighed at the accurate statement, and I forced myself to meet his gaze from across the room. “What if I told you that it wasn’t? Would you tell our alpha?”

Chan paused in the middle of his pacing, searching my eyes as I returned the gesture, and he eventually allowed himself to sit down on the edge of his bed. “I won’t do that to you, Y/N,” Chan finally spoke. “I’m not an expert on love or feelings by any means, but I can tell that you like him, and that’s good enough for me.”

I felt my shoulders drop at his acceptance like the burden of his response was finally alleviated. “Thank you, Chan,” I said. “I hope that you can also see this as an opportunity for the future between us and the Vampires.”

“He seems like a good leader,” Chan acknowledged. “For that reason, we’ll commence with the ceremony.”

“You have no idea how much this means to me,” I whispered, and Chan managed a smile in my direction that told me he understood more than I realized.

On the day of my mating ceremony, I decided to walk along the shoreline of the river where I had spent so much time meeting Felix in secret. It was a beautiful day, and I felt like a real princess in my flowing white gown decorated with delicate lace and flower patterns. Although I had never once imagined myself in this place, I also couldn’t deny that everything felt like I was walking through some kind of dream with a happy ending waiting for me on the other side.

It was easy to get lost in the natural splendor surrounding me, but I still noticed the sound of the underbrush rustling from behind. I quietly turned around, smiling when I noticed Hyunjin standing there looking at me. “Hey,” I told him, holding out my hand for him.

I was relieved when Hyunjin eliminated the distance between us, taking my hand while the two of us looked out across the water. “I can’t stay mad at you, Y/N.”

I grinned at his words. “Does that mean I shouldn’t bother apologizing.”

“Now, I wouldn’t go that far...”

I finally laughed, leaning my head against his shoulder. “I’m sorry about everything, Hyunjin. I should’ve told you, but every night with Felix felt like a dream that I had to keep for myself. It’s like, if I told anyone else, then I would have to wake-up and marry Mark and pretend like I wouldn’t be miserable.”

Hyunjin nodded, processing my words with a sigh. “There’s no use staying mad over something that ended up like this. Your friendship means more than some secret affair.”

“I’m marrying the vampire prince,” I said, and it was still difficult to hear those words spoken aloud. “It’s strange how things work out sometimes.”

“Well, everyone keeps saying that this will resolve centuries of tensions with the vampires,” Hyunjin said. “I think that’s a little bold, but this isn’t a bad start. Especially if it makes you happy.”

“You’re right.” I nodded. “He does make me happy. He taught me a lot about myself, and it finally feels like I have control over my own destiny.”

“It’s almost cliche,” Hyunjin said. “How you got your happy ever after.”

I squeezed his hand. “You’ll be there too, right?”

Hyunjin chuckled, tugging me closer. “Yeah. I’ll be there for you.”

I was elated to know that we had finally reconciled, but there was still one more thing that I needed to ask him...”Do you like him?”

Hyunjin was quiet for a while, but he didn’t keep me waiting for long. “I think anyone who can make you smile like that is okay in my books.”

“Well then,” I giggled, holding tight to his hand when we started walking back to the camp. “Shall we?”

Hyunjin rolled his eyes at my theatrics, but his smile was fond as we made our way back to our camp to rejoin the gathered congregation of our pack mates and the visiting vampires. Despite the jovial occasion, there was still a hint of hostility in the air that I knew wouldn’t simply go away because of this one act of unity. Instead, it would take patience and time to resolve the conflict between our people, but I could only hope for the best.

Especially when my eyes met Felix’s as he waited for me. As usual, he was undeniably handsome - extravagant in every sense of the word. Plus, he was all mine for the rest of our lives, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time than in the company of the person who I loved most in this confusing world.

[theyanderespecialist]

Gender Fluid Incubus/Succubus Working Days 1 (Mini Series) Various X OC

[YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS Now this one is a little different Mark/Marie is a gender switching gender fluid Incubus and Succubus basically he/she can shape-shift into the opposite gender. So they are both and such and she is a self employed escort and this mini series is of him/her getting yandere clients without knowing and them all fighting over dat booty and fighting for her/him please enjoy!]

(Marie's POV) (He/she is starting off as Marie but she can switch her gender and become Mark and switch back to Marie from that!)

I got dressed in my full make up and dress. I had my first ever client today. Yes I was a virgin incubus sucubus hybrid but that all changes today. My job is an escort and the woman who hired to help a friend of hers that is a deer demon as he been way to tense. If he did not want sex I will stay a virgin for now. But if he does I was fine with loosing it as well.

Because let.me tell you..that picture, let's just say... definitely excited.

I walked out into the room only to see a man, standing rigid, like he was looking for any chance to escape. Clearly uncomfortable.

"I don't need this disgusting service. I've never had sex, not once for over 100 years- I kept certainly do not need this degeneracy now.."

I looked at him and walked over. "We do not have to have sex, Sex is just a bonus, if you want we can just go for a walk or talk." I tell him.

He jumped and turned around as I stare at him and give a small smile as he looked away before sighing and sitting down in a chair as I sat across from him.

"....so..what's your name?" I asked.

"Alastor." He says simply. "I am sorry for wasting you time."

"No it is no trouble. Actually it is a bit nice I will not be loosing my virginity for money, you are my first client!" I say smiling

He looks at me again and this time stares

I realized how odd it must be I suppose.

"Ah, I'm Marie..unless I'm in my incubus form, then I'm mark." I said as I played with my hands

"Incubus?" He asks.

"Yes I am a shapeshifter of sorts where I can turn into a male form and since I am a sucubus that makes it my incubus form." I say.

"For you to not... give into your basic needs must be a challenge." He says

I could tell he was no fan of sex..

"Well it's been difficult but....I do need to start feeding. It is what it is ya know."

I nodded my head. "Would you want to feed from me?" He asks

I stopped. I mean, I wanted to shout yes but that would DEFINITELY lead to me loosing a meal.

"I mean..yeah I'd like that.." he looked at me for a moment. Almost as if he was unsure. "..my dear, don't take this personal."

'oh no..'

"but...you're probably..to soft for my tastes."

"Soft? I-I can change my physical form."

(oh he ain't talking body..he's talking about roughing him up)

(XD)

"No no my dear." He says and stands up. "I want you to be rough with me as I am the prey and you are the predator~"

I looked at him shocked before I smiled. "Well..if that's what you want, then I'm sure, an outfit change is needed..but while I do that.." I use my tail to swipe his legs, causing him to stumble back into the bed.

"I want you to stay right here, I don't want you to move, not a single inch." I said in a stern voice as I walked out, grabbing a blood red set as I stopped, adding garters to the mix, and an easily removed housecoat as I walked out, seeing him still sprawled on the bed, not moving as I smirked.

I liked this power..

"Good deer." I said smirking as I walked over running a hand down his chest, before using my nails to rip the shirt.

"But you don't need clothes, not if you consent to give yourself to me." I said. I still need him to give consent as he seemed to think on it.

And then, he nodded as I smirked, ripping his jacket, and shirt off as I grabbed his face roughly as I force his neck to the side as I inhale.

"Oh yeah, you smell strongly of pent up sexual energy.." I mutter as I tighten my

Grip, digging my nails into his jaw. "I suppose it's my job..seeing as you clearly can't do it yourself." I mutter,dragging my nails down to his neck before grabbing a blindfold, placing it over his eyes, that smile still on his face as I bind his hands together.

"What am I going to do to you...you're pretty much at my mercy.." I said, dragging a sharp nail down the middle of his chest.

I leaned down and bit his lip harshly. "The safe word is butterscotch~" I say

"try not to scream...too much."

"scre--" I cut off his question by grabbing his small antlers.

"Did I fucking say you could talk yet?" I growl as he went quiet as I smirked and see an area of skin free of any scars, unlike other areas of his body.

"Oh..you don't have any marks here..well, that's just not okay, would you like a new mark? Do you want to have my mark carved into you little deer?" I tease, dragging my nail hard enough to scratch the surface, but not enough to cut.

He nodded his head and I smirked. "Beg for it~"He stopped at that as I smirked. This man clearly has never been in this position before, which is why I was making sure I wasn't being too mean, I don't want to cross the line of being a dominating person, and being a bitch.

Two very different things.

"..P-Please.." I stayed quiet as I wanted him to take his time. "please..add another mark to my body, please." It was..well it wasn't great, bit I assume he was from a time where it wasn't common.

"Good..you did good for your first time." I said, look, I'm being rough, but some positive reinforcement is needed. I notice his ears twitch at that as his smile seemed to widen as I smiled. I wonder what his eyes look like behind that blindfold?

I dog my nail in as I waited for a scream..but he didn't. No..he shook in pleasure.

Oh so he is a masochist which means I don't need to be as gentle. Obviously I wouldn't go causing serious injuries..mostly because I don't have the proper sheets for that yet.

I dug a bit deeper though before lifting it up to my mouth before stopping. He should see this. He should see all of it. So I rip the blindfold off, and grab his face.

"I want you to watch me Little deer." I said as I got some of his blood on my hand..and lifted it to my mouth, wrapping my tongue around my fingers as my eyes narrow. How-- he's got the most energy I've tasted..trait me leftovers..are not pretty, but even fresh, I doubt it could compare to this.

It tasted so right and delicious! I want more~!

I look at him as I still was gripping his face as I go to delve back in but stop myself. If I get too greedy..it's not going to be good. I had to keep myself in check.

I look at him before looking at the candles. They weren't ordinary candles, they were meant for people who enjoy some pain.

"So..you like pain, do you?" I ask as he was silent as I grab his throat. "I asked a question little deer, so answer!"

"Yes." He says and I smirked oh he was going to be a fun one.

I take the candle as I make sure he can't move as I hold it over him as he looked confused and was about to speak before he jumped at the feeling as I smirked letting this continue before e suddenly cried out.

"Butterscotch! Darling! Butterscotch!" I snap out of it and blow the candle out. dropping it to the ground and rushing over to him

"Do you want to stop? Are you hurt?!""

"No..No I just..I feel, odd..I've experienced with these services, it's not sexual you know..but..this feels different.." he said as I looked confused before I noticed..he was aroused.

(Alastor's POV)

I looked at her and she smiled. "This is arousal and do not worry there is nothing wrong with it." She tells me. "Just let Mama take care of you~"

(XD I regret nothing XD)

She pushed me back down as she slowly removed my pants as her nails grazed the skin of my stomach before she finally pulled them off I blushed as an erection pupped free. She then wraps her thin tail around the base.

"Don't want you to cum so soon~" She purrs. "You need your money's worth."

I grip the sheets as I was conflicted. I didn't know how I felt about this. Over 100 years and I never had a sexual desire, and yet, here I was.

"Now...let's get started little deer..I'm going to break you~" she purred as she let her housecoat fall to the ground.

I blushed darkly and she gets between my legs and bites my hip hard.

I let out a small whimper as her fangs dig into me as she pulled away. Once more she inhaled as she shuddered.

"So much pent up frustration~" she muttered as she looked at me as I looked away, finding something to distract myself as I look down..to her legs, seeing her in thigh high stockings as my face was probably all red as I let out a Shakey breath

She had a whole garter set and red panties. She then took my cock in her mouth and I gave a strangle scream of pleasure. It feel so odd. I've never experienced something like this. I yanked my arms against the handcuffs, even though I could get out of them, I didn't want to..

I let out another loud moan as she bit down.

Not completely to hrt my dick but to send jolts of pleasure! I never felt this good. My hips rock forward and she chuckles around my cock dragging her teeth,

I groaned as she left little marks as she looked up at me. "Normally I'd make you stay still." She said, her words muffled as I blushed. "But you're cute, besides...I like knowing that you can't control yourself~" she said as she flicked her tongue as she gripped my thighs as she suddenly sped up.

I groaned and continue to thrust my stomach knotting I needed to cum!

But I couldn't..I couldn't cum.

"Aw you look like you're about to burst.." she said, her tone mocking as I let out a whimper. "Can you not hold on? Do you want to cum? You'll have to beg me for it. You know that~"

And I did know that. So I begged.

"please- please just- just let me cum please!" I said as she look d at me and it was clear she wasn't fully happy with it, but she still smiled, releasing me as she pushed her head back down as I came as she grabbed my throat, completely cutting off my air supply as she pretty much sucked my cum out of me.

I gasp for air and she continued holding my neck until I was milked dry only then did she let me go. I fall down and catch my breath I swore I saw stars.

"No test yet my little fawn~ you did not get mama off yet~" she purred.

I looked at her wet dripping core as she took off the panties and smirked. Shit... I was already hard again.

[YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS and we will be making this (Or already made as this is a pre written story, a full story with more plot with this idea concept) please enjoy and hope you enjoyed this too and stay sexy all of my sexy friends!]

[sodalitefully]

It’s hazardous to breathe... [GNR Mad Max AU, pt. 1]

This is the first half of a AU inspired by the movie Mad Max: Fury Road that @smokeandmirrorz and I came up with after he posted some awesome art for a Mad Max AU!  This oneshot very loosely follows the plot of the movie, it may make less sense if you haven’t seen the film. I split it into two parts so it would be more readable on tumblr, the second part is here and the whole fic is also on AO3.

*Contains mpreg, character death, and plenty of unpleasant things from the Mad Max universe, including implied/referenced sexual violence, some regular violence/gore (more so in the second part), and Immortan Joe.*

----

It wasn't often that the wives were brought outside their chamber.  Less often still that Steven got to be present when they were – so he considered himself lucky to be in the same room when the Immortan's only surviving wife emerged from the biodome to watch Immortan Joe send off his top Imperator on a mission to recruit more valuable full-lives after the untimely deaths of his other two wives.  

It was a little known truth that Steven and Slash had history.  'Little known,' because if the Immortan caught wind that the two had become close when Slash was first brought to the Citadel and Steven was just a War Pup, he would be toast.  As little as they'd talked in the years since then, Steven still considered Slash... if not a friend, at least an acquaintance.  And that's more than he could say about his fellow War Boys.

Being allowed in the same room as Slash was the first step to reigniting their friendship. Now, if only Slash would acknowledge him...

"Steven." Slash's voice was barely loud enough to hear.

"Yes?" Steven perked up, encouraged that Slash hadn't forgotten about him after all.  

"I need you to do something for me."  Steven nodded eagerly.  "I need you to go to Imperator Stradlin, and tell him to come visit me as soon as possible.  Can you do that?"

"Of course.  Anything for the Immortan!"

It wasn't for the Immortan, but Steven didn't need to know that.

"One more thing – It's top secret.  You can't say a word to anyone else, alright?"

--

Getting to the wive's chamber wasn't hard for Izzy: all he had to do was convince the guards he was on official business, and then once he was inside the vault, the soundproof walls would take care of the rest.  All the same, he did not have a good feeling about this "meeting."  Whatever was going on, it was going to be trouble...

The thick vault door swung open, revealing a scene straight out of a dream, so serene it seemed impossible that it could exist in the same world as things like gas wars, and tumors, and the Wasteland.

Sunlight streamed through huge semi-opaque windows and illuminated the smooth sandstone walls.  Green plants and relics of the old world surrounded a pool of crystal-clear water.  And in the center of it all, clothed in the purest white, was the Immortan's most prized treasure:

"Slash... the Desired."

"Imperator."  The wife looked him dead in the eye; his hair was restrained in a ponytail and draped with the same white fabric as the rest of his body.  It was the first time Izzy had ever seen Slash's face completely clear of dark curls, and the first time he'd seen him with enough clothing to cover the rest of his skin.  

“Why did you ask me to come here? Does Joe want something from me?”

Slash’s mouth twitched into a frown at the name, but he responded in a carefully level tone:

“I have a proposition for you.”

Izzy raised an eyebrow. What could a wife possibly have to offer him? Besides the obvious, of course, and that... that was more trouble than it was worth.

“I can’t stay here any longer,” Slash explained.

“You’re crazy if you think he’ll just let you leave,” Izzy replied with a startled laugh. It was inconceivable, but Slash was looking at him with complete sincerity.

“He won’t. But you want to leave too.”

“Do I?” He did, but Slash definitely wasn’t supposed to know that.  

“Please, you hate it here, it’s obvious.  You want to leave, and I want you to take me with you."

“Fucking hell – don't you think I would have left by now if I could?  And why would I help you anyway?  How do I know you're not just testing my loyalty to the Immortan?"

"Don't be ridiculous.  Me, doing favors for Joe?"

"Alright, fine. Then what if I betray you? I could be rewarded for... keeping the Immortan's property safe."  

"What if I tell everyone you took advantage of the Immortan's absence to take his one and only wife for a test drive?"

"Fuck. You're not as pure as we've been led to believe, are you?"

Slash snorted.  "Not by half."

"But that doesn't change anything.  The Immortan would rip my throat out with his horse teeth for trying to steal one of his breeders –"

“Don’t call me that!” Slash snapped.

For a moment, Izzy was reminded of a younger Slash, fresh from the Wasteland and ready to bite at anything that got too close.

But Slash quickly composed himself, trying and not entirely succeeding to recapture an air of calm assertiveness.  "Look, just... Just think about it, alright?  We have a chance, I know we do, and really... How much more of this do you think you can take?"

Izzy sighed. "I'll think about it," he conceded.  

"Thank you."

Slash did his best to hide his disappointment, and Izzy wasn't about to stick around and make things worse by trying to console him.  He turned around to leave the wives' sanctum, but hesitated before he reached the doorway.

"Slash... What really happened to the other Wives?"

"One... One miscarried. The Immortan wasn’t happy about that. The other tried to..." his lips faltered at the worst profanity in the Citadel, "... abort her pregnancy, it didn't end well. The Organic Mechanic couldn't do anything but give her something for the pain.  They give us a serum, sometimes, to help us sleep.  I gave her my dose."

--

The scouting party brought back a feral! they said.  Full-life and raving mad, driving an Interceptor, can you believe it?

No, Izzy couldn't believe it.  Couldn't believe that Axl Rose, MFP legend turned Road Warrior, could get taken down by a pack of half-dead War Boys.  But the proof was in front of him, shivering in a cage, starving and in dire need of a shave.  

"...I-Izzy?"

His voice was exactly the same as it always was, the respirator that Izzy cobbled together a lifetime ago couldn't hide the low timber that sometimes still appeared in his dreams.  

He'd made a mistake when he thought he could play it safe at the Citadel.  He should have listened when Axl told him they were better off on their own.  The Citadel was a shrine to depravity, and he wouldn't let Axl become another one of its victims – he needed to get them out of the tower walls and far away as soon as possible. It would be a challenge to escape unnoticed... but Izzy knew the perfect distraction.  

--

"I'll make a deal with you, Slash."

Slash didn't have the decency to look shocked when Izzy barged into the biodome uninvited – or the decency to put on the thin white shirt that lay discarded on the floor.

Actually, Izzy was the one looking shocked when his eyes fell on Slash’s bare belly and his carefully planned proposition died in his throat.

“What’s the deal?” Slash asked, but Izzy was more concerned with his unfortunate new realization:

“You didn’t tell me you were pregnant! What were you thinking, asking me to help you? The Immortan is going to shred me to pieces!”

“He’d shred you anyway, this won’t change anything,” Slash gritted out. Pregnant or not, there was no way he was about to let Izzy back out, not now. “What’s the deal, Stradlin?”

Izzy hated to be caught off guard, but he could use this to their advantage.  Joe would never risk hurting a potential heir, making Slash an even better shield than before.  And once he and Axl split off, there was no way Joe would waste time and resources going after a twice-disgraced Imperator and a feral bloodbag before he got his pregnant wife back, giving them a valuable head start – if it came to that.

"I'll take you with me on my next supply run.  Ten days from now.  We'll go to the Buzzards' territory, trade guzzoline for another vehicle.  Then we part ways, got it?  I'll get you out of here but I'm not babysitting you or your sprog for the rest of my life."

"You don't want to get caught with me, you mean.  Stopping to deal with the Buzzards will give the Immortan time to catch up to us.  I'm fucked on my own."

Izzy didn't respond, and tried to look like it didn't matter to him whether Slash took his offer.

"Fine.  If they catch up... At least I'll die historic on the Fury Road," Slash said with a sardonic smile.  "But I have a request – I need you to find me a driver.  Someone who doesn't serve the Citadel, someone no one will notice is missing."

"There is no one like that."

"Really?  All those people down there, and none of them can operate a car?"

"If they could, they wouldn't be there."

"There must be someone," Slash insisted.  Izzy sighed.

"I'll see what I can do in ten days.  But what the hell do you need them for?"

"Well... I can't drive."

--

On his third visit, Izzy had spent enough time in the biodome to say that stepping inside the pristine vault always made him feel like a dirty rag, used to wipe away sweat and grime then left out to stiffen in the dusty waste.  

But if he was a dirty rag, then Duff was roadkill.  He was a half-life, one of the Wretched who clung to the sides of the Citadel like barnacles, bathing in dust while the Immortan bathed in Mother's Milk.  He was lanky – no, skeletal, nothing but sunburned skin and bone.  He carried the Wasteland with him wherever he went, tracking dust with each step.  Izzy bit down on the irrational urge to warn him not to touch anything in the vault.

The black leather collar around his neck marked him as a former denizen of Gas Town, one who had likely outlived his usefulness if his rickety prosthetic leg and the cluster of nasty tumors half-hidden by his hair had anything to say about it.  Clearly, he was in no shape to labor in the refinery.  Rumor had it that The People Eater was a cannibal – as his name suggested – but evidently Duff had escaped that fate, perhaps because he had no meat on his bones to speak of, and instead sought out clean water, abundant food, and fresh air at the Citadel.  Hah.

Slash stared at them over his shoulder, wide-eyed and seated in the shallow pool in the center of the room.  Tiny bottles lined the edge of the pool, and the scent of flowers wafted in the air.

"A bath? Now, really?"

"It might be the last chance I get," Slash countered, but he rose from the water, the beads on his skin already drying in the inescapable desert heat.  Izzy averted his eyes as Slash wrapped a length of gauzy white cloth around his waist, tugged a loose shirt over his head, and bent forward to twist another cloth around his damp hair.  Then, finally, he turned to face his guests. "Is this...?"

"This is Duff, the Wretched.  Not a War Boy.  He came from Gas Town, so he can drive."

"Good."  Duff was staring at Slash like a mirage, but Slash knew how to get on a person's good side: "Do you want some water, Duff?"

--

"How the fuck did you get in here?!" In a heartbeat, Izzy's handgun was aimed at the War Boy's head.  He saw movement out of the corner of his eye.  "Slash, get away from him."

"No! You can't kill Steven!"

"He knows too much, he's a liability.  Kill him and let's go," Axl advised.

"No! Stradlin, who even is this guy?" Slash demanded, but once again, he received no explanation.  

"Slash, what's going on, where are you going? Please don't leave me!"

"Steven, I –"

"Take me with you! I can help!"

"Slash, I'm serious.  Step away." Izzy inched closer, his gun unwavering.  War Boys were unpredictable, Kami-crazy.  You never knew what they might do when backed into a corner.  

But Slash was crazier – he pushed Steven back, placing himself between Izzy and his target.  Izzy recognized the steely glint in his eyes before Slash even spoke: "He's coming with us."

--

They were curled up in the hold of the War Rig, surrounded by food and supplies that would never make it to Gas Town like they were supposed to.  Duff was happily munching away at a carrot, and Slash was sitting with his legs curled up to his chest.

"Are you scared?" Duff asked.

"... Yes," Slash admitted, barely audible over the roaring engine.  "Are you?"

"No."

"Why not?  If we get caught, you'll be punished too, for helping me.  And he doesn't care about taking you alive."

Duff shrugged.  "It doesn't really matter, does it?  I've got a few months left, at best."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be.  I've had my whole life to come to terms with it.  Well, half-life."

It was a terribly morbid joke, but Slash still laughed.

“So... You’re not afraid of anything, then?”

“Well, I don’t know – When Izzy brought me to you, I was scared. It was like he’d taken me out of the real world and dropped me in a fantasy. I thought if I touched anything, I’d destroy it; if I spoke, I’d break the spell and wake up in the Wasteland, half dead with a crow pecking at my tongue. I thought if I got too close to you, I'd pass on my illness, and if I looked at you too long, I'd go mad and start believing in things like beauty and health and the goodness of humanity."

Slash could have laughed at the momentous gap between Duff's perception of the biodome and his own.  Instead, when Duff finished his recollection, Slash crawled across the middle of the hold and pressed himself against Duff's side.  

Duff tried to scoot away, but Slash entangled him with the soft touch of fine cloth and uncalloused hands. He wrapped his arms around Duff’s thin torso and laid his head on his shoulder.

“No, don't go.  You don't have to be scared, Duff...  You're the cleanest person to touch me in a long time."

Hesitantly, Duff reached up and let his good hand rest on Slash’s back. Slash’s hair brushed against his collar, even softer than his clothes, and when Duff breathed deeply he could still make out the sweet scent that filled the room when they first met.

For a moment, Duff let himself get lost in the fantasy world that still surrounded Slash, even in the hold of the War Rig, miles from the Citadel. He could forget about the danger they were in, the cruelty they’d experienced, and even the ticking time bombs in his own flesh.

“Do you think your baby will survive?”

“I don’t know.” Slash didn’t sound optimistic, he toyed with his sleeve and avoided Duff’s gaze.

“I’ve never seen a completely healthy baby before, I didn’t think it was possible. But then I saw you, and you’re perfect, so maybe...”

Slash scoffed.

“The Immortan is toxic. He taints everything: the water, the people... and me. If I was ever perfect, I’m sure as hell not anymore, and neither is this baby.”

Duff hugged Slash closer, and slid a hand down to his belly.

“We’ll see.”

----

[part 2]

[timexistsnow]

my baby (oh my pup)

Chapter 3: the stories (we make)

Techno entertains Tasha.

“I kept a distance from these and drew the enemy toward them. I face them and cause him to put his back to them,” Techno finished the paragraph he was on, checking on the page number: 74. Oh, Techno balked, he had been sitting here for a while. The pup in his lap was not quite asleep but definitely more relaxed than she was before the reading had started. It seemed he had found a past-time for them. Which they could resume later, “I know that I’m no genius with kids, but you probably need more than just a house to make this thing work. We’re not exactly in a living situation that supports two people.” There were a lot of things that needed to be done. He should probably make a list.

“Us?” Tasha murmured into his chest.

“Of course, Tasha.”

But if he wanted to make a list he would have to move Tasha and that would be… difficult. His fingers ached in memory. So he picked back up his book and resumed. Was his copy English… yes, but could anyone blame him for not wanting to learn a third language? No.

A few minutes passed when a nail poked into his side. The book slipped from his hands and he fumbled, trying to stop it from landing on Tasha’s head. She looked annoyed and when he waited for her to talk, she poked him again, harder this time.

“Hey, chill. What?”

“No. Chill,” she huffed, “No. Speak. Book.”

He rolled his eyes and resumed his reading, this time remembering to narrate. One more poke and Tasha was satisfied.

Until she wasn’t. She didn’t poke this time but Techno knew that look, the spacing out: Tasha was bored. Which was a little insulting to such a classic like The Art of War. He had spent countless hours in this very chair rereading the text when he had nothing else to do. Everyone could learn something from it, the strategies and the battles- yeah, that was going to be boring to anyone that wasn’t Techno. Looking back now, Techno did only pick it up when he was bored.

“Are you bored?”

Tasha wiggled, her pent up energy finally escaping. A hand came out and patted at his face. That was a yes then. Perhaps it was time for a different book. He twisted as best as he could, arm snaking around his shelves. A few manuals, an enchanting guide, a textbook on English (far more detailed than anyone else would want), and so on. Nothing that a piglin pup would find interest in.

“Sorry, pup, I’ve got nothing else on me.”

The pup in question grumbled and refused to yield, “Get. Else.” Nice, she was either threatening him or telling him to buy a book from a non-existent trader. If he had the free time he could… no, that would be pointless and he wasn’t that skilled. Unless…

No.

“How about instead… we… go downstairs,” smooth, “and see what needs to be done?” Ignoring the grumbling, he scooped and carried Tasha down and to the carpet she loved so much. Look for something, Techno, don’t be a fool. Ah-ha, “I need a chair.” Easy, all he needed was some dark oak planks which he didn’t have- but he did have saplings. And bones for bone meal. And just like that, he’s got a plan. No one should ever doubt his abilities.

Grabbing his axe, Techno swung open the door, letting the cold air in. Tasha whimpered but was wearing her cloak. She must need warmer clothes. Techno would take care of that later- which was another activity!

Out on the porch, Techno reached down to help Tasha down the stairs, but she wasn’t there. She was still sitting on the carpet… whimpering. “Hey, what’s going on,” he soothed.

“Change. Mind?” she whispered, Techno’s ears just sensitive enough to pick it up. No, no, she didn’t think that, please, Tehno begged.

Techno kneeled in front of her, setting his hands on her shoulders. She flinched away

Techno wasn’t getting used to the pokes and prods, even after they had been happening for so long. The needles were starting to get long and stuck further into his skinny body. The villagers were returning soon, all he wanted was for the touching to stop.

and Techno retracted his hands. He stayed crouched but leaned back, giving her some space. He needed to fix this now, “I’m keeping you for as long as you want to stay. That’s my promise and I never break them.”

Tasha’s lip quivered, her eyes watered. Not a single tear fell. After a moment of doubt and Techno forcing himself to have patience, she lunged forward into his arms. “Promise?”

“Yes.” She would realize later how she was better off without him. But not yet, “Are you ready to go? I can show you my skills with a carving knife if you want.”

She wrapped her limbs around him so Techno could stand up and take them outside. The tree could just be grown a little ways from the house in the clearing. He crouched down to plant a few saplings and almost toppled over, “Hey, Tasha, you’ve gotta let go.” Tasha peered down at the ground, the snow a few inches thick. Techno batted the snow around and she oinked in wonder. Her hoofs crunched in the snow when she hopped off of him.

“Snow…” she scuttled around the saplings, kicking snow everywhere and watching it blow in the wind. Techno let her play, growing the saplings into a mighty dark oak tree. Distracted by the snow, Tasha squealed when the tree appeared. Her hoofs didn’t catch up to her mind causing her to trip and face plant into a snowdrift.

At the sight of the poor pup, Techno let out a belly laugh. Aw, Tasha was pouting- nope, that was a quivering lip. His laughter ended, “Sorry! Uh… Tasha, I wasn’t laughing at you,” okay that was a lie, “I was- It was funny, the situation, not you.”

Her lip stopped quivering and she smiled hesitantly, “Funny?”

“Yeah, kiddo.” Techno helped her up, and gave her a handful of snow, “Go back to playing and I’ll be done soon.” She obliged with an oink and went back to running around. Techno made sure she was away from his axe before he hacked his way through the tree, netherite turning the bark to butter. He only needed one or two logs, but it was never a bad idea to have more. Down the tree went and this time Tasha watched it fall with wonder-filled eyes. The slam echoed around the mountains.

Getting to work at hacking apart the trunk, Techno made a stack of logs under the lone spruce tree in front of his house. Now they would remain at least a bit sheltered from the weather. One of the logs was turned into planks for the chair. Inside the cabin, Techno would carve and sand them down further.

Techno carried the wood in one arm and Tasha in the other, the latter grumbling and making grabby hands at the snow. When they got to the door, though, Tasha helped Techno by pushing open the door and then patted his face. Techno thanked her.

The wood went on the table and Tasha went in her chair. Or his old chair… which meant it was way too big for her. Hmmm. He could make the new chair to her size and he would just get back his old chair. It would take less time by being smaller.

“Could you help me out with this?”

The pup slipped out of the chair and stood next to him, studying the wood. “How. Help?”

How was he going to do this? “I need your measurements: height, width, and…” Techno droned on, focused on assembling the chair to the best of his rusty ability. Tasha followed him around, marking where he said, grabbing new pieces of wood, but never using the saw he had brought inside. Techno didn’t let her. She did make a nice assistant, Techno smiled to himself.

The chair was assembled, and Tasha looked comfortable in it, much more than she was in his chair.

She saw him judging his handy work and said, “Make. Mine. If. Techno. Can.” Her fingers were running along the smooth wood, nice but not very interesting. Perhaps.

“I could carve some things into it. What do you want?”

Tasha’s tongue stuck out in thought, “Fun,” she perked up, “Not. Nether.”

Okay, something from the Overworld that was fun. Fun. Fuuuun. What sparked joy in the world? Friends, family, pets- no Carl wasn’t the most amusing horse, mostly just annoying-, animals. Kids loved animals. Oh, he knew: “How about some pigs, those are pretty fun animals.”

She shook her head, “No. Nether.”

Techno explained, “No, pigs are in this world, piglins are in the Nether. Pigs are brilliant creatures. Fun, as well.”

A soft oh escaped Tasha. “Show?”

“Later I’ll show you a real one, but you’ll get the idea from the carvings if you still want them.” When no opposition was heard, Techno began carving into the back of the chair. He hadn’t done this since he was a kid, he used to carve on his practice wooden swords. They were never good, Techno had a habit of biting off more than he could chew, but a pig was simple.

But then it was carved… not very well. Techno bruh-ed. Maybe he underestimated the challenge a pig would prove to be. No matter, he had to get at least one good pig, so he started a new one, a few inches to the left of the previous. Tasha watched closely, breathing in softly as if she didn’t want to disturb him. Her face was leaning closer and closer with each pig Techno finished. By the time that he was done with the back and the tops of the arms, her snout was brushing against Techno’s hand. When Techno pulled his hands back to admire his handy work, Tasha was so caught up in following his movements that she bumped into the arm of the chair, not realizing that Techno had left.

She let out a squeal and rubbed her snout. Still not noticing that he was done, just that he had moved, Techno nudged her, “Do you like it?”

Her hand moved away from her face and to the carvings, running along each intricate pig. After the first three, Techno had finally gotten a hang of it, the rest- and there were many more- of the pigs were pretty cute. The chair wouldn’t fit where the table currently was so it went into the main room. Techno then dragged the chair over to the table, her side being the one closest to the crafting table, and pushed Tasha in. She was at the right height size now, it was clearly meant for her.

Tasha oinked at a pig with a smiley face on the left arm, yeah she liked it. “Pig! Chair! For. Pig. Tasha!” Oh, she was such a baby, an adorable, little baby. As Techno wrung his hands out, the tension escaping them, he couldn't care less about all of the scrapes and nicks that the knife gave him, Tasha’s sparkly eyes made it all worth it.

“It’s your throne, Tasha,” he sat down across from her, giving her a potato and golden carrot.

“Throne… Pig. Throne,” Tasha gasped, eyes glowing. After her declaration, she monched down on her potato. Then went the carrot.

Techno sighed, this was good. Tasha was happy. Techno was content.

He pulled out his notebook from his belt where it was always fastened. A list was still in need. Tasha’s Needs was a good start. There were obvious ones like food which consisted of potatoes and carrots but he would run out of potatoes soon, the villagers didn’t trade for them and he had no farm. The next was clothes: Tasha had some, but the ones she had were old and few. Techno would have to make more using the old ones as patterns. The last was iffy, Tasha needed a bed. Tasha had only stayed two nights and only during one did she use a bed. That left the question of whether she would use his or her own and if she had her own, she needed a room.

But… he would figure that out later. For now, he had a pup to entertain and still a few hours of daylight to waste.

“Story. Time?” Tasha must have been watching him just stare at his notebook after finishing his list.

“No,” Tasha pouted, “But… maybe later. For now, we can go outside again, play in the snow.”

Tasha did not hesitate and scrambled for the door. She got scooped and off they went to the clearing. It must have snowed when the chair making was going on, as there was a good fourth of a block of snow covering the frozen grass.

Even though Tasha wasn’t wearing real pants, just a dress, she didn’t mind once she was put down. That didn’t stop her from sinking down to her knees in it. After kicking around in it, Techno lied down and made a snow vex, not getting up after. It was comfortable, don't judge him. He closed his eyes and listened to Tasha giggling-

A snowball splattered next to his face. Ah. A battle it was.

Techno scrambled behind the pile of wood he had made earlier and started to pack up snow. Another ball exploded next to his hoof. He’d have to hurry. He peeked around the corner, let out a war cry and a snowball. When he heard a squeal he threw the next one less… excessively. Techno wouldn’t call himself competitive. Just… battle-ready.

They traded hits, Tasha picking up Techno’s war cry, hers being a high pitched screech. Soon, Techno was cornered in the woodpile, so he ran to the forest, making sure to stay in Tasha’s sight. Through the trees, he weaved. He hid behind a thick spruce with low branches and made the biggest snowball he could. This… this would be the finishing blow. Not- Not in a death way, Techno scolded.

He could hear Tasha’s crunching hoofsteps growing closer and closer- there! He spun around the branch and-

Tasha let out her screech, Techno blinded by the snow she had smashed into his face. No… he- Techno had lost. But Technoblade never dies. How could this be? No, no, Techno refused. He wiped the snow out of his eyes and pounded a snowball into shape, he aimed.

Tasha wasn’t there.

No.

She must have run away, must have gotten scared at his yell. Techno had gotten too aggressive, had gotten too engaged in the fight. It was supposed to be fun, just a game. The trees must have made her think he was trying to lose her in the wilderness, and Tasha… didn’t know the area. She wasn’t the Human GPS. She could easily fall into one of the snow overhangs and hurt herself on the ice. No!

Techno scrambled after her hoof prints, a new snowfall starting to cover them up. He tripped over a root and yelled out. His ankle twisted but he kept plowing forward. The prints were weaving through the brush and Techno struggled to keep track of them.

He let out a sob when he saw Tasha in the distance skidding over some ice. She kept her balance but either didn’t hear or care that Techno called out her name. Techno’s fears were right: she was running away. Should he stop? That might calm her down but if she left, she would never come back. Techno didn’t want to be left alone again, not after he had grown to like Tasha so much.

He was starting to gain on Tasha! Right as she was in reach, Techno grabbed out and slipped. Ice broke his fall and winded him. Trying to get up, Techno rolled to his side and watched her disappear from his view over a hill. It was too late.

When his breath came back to him, he limped back to the cabin. His eyes blurred, Techno was a failure.

“Me. Beat. You!”

Techno collapsed onto the carpet. Curling in on himself. She was… playing tag. Okay. That was. Fine.

“Techno?”

He needed a minute but Tasha hopped down from where she was sitting regally on her throne. She curled into his side and stayed there. When Techno regained his composure, he tucked his head into his knees and whispered, “Please don’t run off like that again, Tash, I thought you-” his voice broke, “Just… don’t, okay.”

Tasha pulled his arm over her, “Okay. Sorry,” she whispered back.

They stayed like that until Techno’s back hurt. Tasha stayed quiet and clung to Techno when he stood up. He scooped her up and brought her upstairs. It was bedtime for them.

He helped Tasha get changed out of her wet clothes and into one of his nightshirts. With her situated for a moment, he went into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face. It was frigid but welcomed. Off his cloak and dress shirt went to be replaced with a soft cotton one. Tasha was where he left her, standing and fiddling with something.

Setting her on the bed, she stopped him from tucking her in. “Here. For. Sad.” In her hand was a crumpled dandelion. He closed his eyes and breathed for a moment.

“Thank you, Tasha.”

When he tucked her in, the dandelion sat on the chest of clothes. He would have to pot it.

Techno slipped in beside her, and she crawled over him to be on the open side, Techno against the window again. The sun was slipping down the horizon and golden light seeped into the room. When the sun was fully done and the moon rose, Techno found himself still awake. He was restless, both from their battle and the aftermath.

Slipping out of bed and hushing Tasha back into a slumber, he looked for something to occupy himself. His journal sat on the chest next to the flower. Taking a gentle hand and adjusting the flower’s petals, he took his journal to his library chair and got comfortable.

He might as well get a head start on the stories Tasha wanted. Quill dipped in ink, he began his first story.

[codyfernmorelikedaddyfern]

Let The Right One In - Werewolf!Duncan x Werewolf!Reader

So. Here it is. I-

This is somewhat inspired by @dyns33​‘s Pack Of Problems except that here, Reader is an Alpha under suppressant.

Description: When Duncan Shepherd finally meets (Y/N), the fastest raising self made business woman, he does not realise he isnt the only Alpha playing the bedding game.

Warnings: Werewolf fic, so animalistic behaviour is somewhat expected. Mention of breeding and knotting. Unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it, guys). Power play and power shift. sub!duncan, dom!reader

Word Count: 2509

When he stepped into the large hall that held the (Y/L/N) conference, he couldn’t help but being carried by the sickly sweet flavours invading his nostrils. The most erotic and arousing smell he had smelt yet and the wolf in his mind growled. “Mate here”. But he tried dismissing it, pushing the thoughts of what might become if he attempted to chase after it. The scent she carried proudly around was something Duncan had never experienced before.

Not quite like an Omega nor a Beta.

If her suppressant had been further delayed, he would have definitely been able to distinguish the dominant nature of the lithe woman slinking her way across the hall. He silently thanked whichever higher power to have not been in his rut because the gentle lace draped across her body would have been littering the floor and he’d be pounding his way between her thighs, guests or not.

And with each steps he took towards (Y/N) that feeling in the pit on his stomach intensified, as if to confirm the nature of his craving for the young woman. As if she could feel his presence looming over her, she fled his company for hours, beaming at the praises received by her peers. A few pretenders were already nearly hanging at her neck, Betas and Omegas silently mewling for the beautiful woman to claim them.

But she enjoyed fleeing from Duncan too much to cut the chase and their little game only made him grow more impatient to sink his teeth in the crook of the little lamb’s neck. But she had been the big bad wolf all along.

(Y/N) has never displayed her status in the past and she intended to keep her Alpha at bay. But the way she carried herself, handled her multibillion business with an iron grip or even the rumours of the way she would fuck the partners she would have for a night should have been enough for Duncan’s alarm bells to ring. But his instinct did not care so neither would he.

Slowly running out of hands to shake and advances to refuse, Duncan slunk his way towards her stance. Now she could smell it. The musk. The hormones. The dominance. The Alpha. And her blood ran cold. Or hot, she wasn’t fully sure.

She turned around to face him, brushing off the irony of the situation like she would a couple of crumbs on her dress. The blue velvet of her long gown clung to her hips and pushed her curves out just the right way for him to crave the sweet decadence her body could offer.

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure to meet you yet” Duncan rested his shoulder on the column standing next to him. “Duncan, Duncan Shepherd” his hand shot up to grab hers with a delicate touch. “No need to introduce yourself however, Mrs. (Y/L/N), what a lovely event you gave me the pleasure to attend.” His smirk grew wider as he felt the tension shift, his lips carefully pressing against the back of his host’s hand.

But now that he leaned on the column, slushing the bourbon in his glass as they took part in small talk, the only thing he wanted was to take her back to his room and let the beast loose to consume her through the night and further through the morning is she could even handle him.

If it wasn’t for the pain the heels she slipped her feet into was causing her, she would have refused his invitation to retire to somewhere quieter. The alcohol coursed through her veins as she stepped into the elevator. Once heavy metal doors closed behind the tall frame of the Alpha, she also felt something else slip when Duncan’s body towered above hers.

Spinning on her heels to face the brunette, it’s his primal instinct that pushed Duncan to press his body against hers, a growl trembling up his neck. But it was another feeling that sparked through (Y/N).

The feeling bloomed in her stomach only to shoot straight up to her throat. It was like she could feel him stretching his way down her mouth and all she could do was swallow a handful of times. When she did not snarl or whimper back at his vocalisation, Duncan felt his hackles rises.

She did not show her throat either and the challenge she was offering brought the male to brush his fingers against the heavy velvet of her gown, traveling from her thigh to her navel the up between the valley of her breasts to wrap around the column of her throat.

There was something about the way his pheromone made her nostrils flare up and her core warm up. If she had ever thought about ending up claiming an Alpha, she would have found herself practically dying with laughter. Nothing about them attracted her. She needed a challenge. She need the power. She needed dominion over someone. She didn’t need Duncan Shepherd.

The small whimpers of her wolf did not ask for her opinion as the small quietened voices gently whispered ��Mate. He is Mate” in the back of her mind when the first huff of his scent hit her nose for the first time.

The doors of the elevator opened and with a swift brushing of his wrist, (Y/N) was out of his grip and trotting out into the hall, quietly waiting for the male to lead her to the prestigious hotel room he was hoping to wreck her into.

His shirt was discarded and tossed at the first occasion he had, musk and pheromones seeping out of his pores. With a growl of her own, her face was pressed against his neck, breathing him in deeply as her arousal pooled between her thighs. She could smell his too, smearing in the confines of his boxers as he only grew painfully harder.

Her gentle features turned feral as she dragged her nose across his chest like a puppy sniffing their way to their favourite toy or master. Animalistic whimpers and groans filled the room as she clawed and palmed at him, the constriction in her throat building tighter. (Y/N) wanted to surrender to him as much as she wanted to bend him into submission.

Duncan’s fingers latched and gripped at every inch of her body within his reach, feeling her frame tremble against his as she took in his smell and status of Alpha. Desperately clawing at her skin for more, he blindly guided them to fall back on the back. Instincts took over her body as she climbed on top of Duncan, watching up tilt his head back at the feeling of her hands brushing and caressing his sculpted chest.

“Enjoying the smell of your Alpha, little one?” he groaned, opening up his neck, unaware of the position he found himself in. Her response to his teasing was a soft chuckle and nip of his neck, causing his blood to run cold. Quickly however, hot sparks of arousal blinked through his body when he finally felt her body grinding up against him.

(Y/N) felt her throat tighten once more and her wolf had enough of waiting. That was where she needed him so that was where she will have him. Fumbling to whip off his belt, it took her less time to dispatch his trousers, eyeing his length hungrily as she nipped at his ankle. “My alpha, uh?” she bit his calf slightly harder, getting the male to groan at the feeling.

“Indeed, little lamb. Now climb back here and let me smell you too.” His voice rasped as she watched the outline of his cock throbbing painfully in his boxers. “Oh, Duncan, the night is young. You’ll have the chance to smell me. And maybe claim me” her lips suckled one of the prettiest bruises on his inner thigh. The salty taste of his skin was more than enough for her to want more.

So she took more when she pulled down the waistband of his boxers to tear it off of his legs, his meaty shaft springing free to slap against his stomach. Heavy and throbbing, her panting breath ghosted against him, causing Duncan to twitch. “I’m never been with a bitch quite like yo-“ his words where interrupted by a breathy moan at the moment (Y/N)’s tongue pressed the warmest lick from the base to the tip of his cock.

And it was another one of his low growl that filled the room when her lips wrapped around him, allowing to stretch a path down her throat. The euphoria of the feeling helped times bleed out and blur as (Y/N) languidly bobbed her head, taking him deeper with each strokes of her mouth.

Rutting his hips, Duncan’s fingers reached up to fist on the female’s hair. A guttural growl escaped his chest, thrusting up to crudely fuck her throat, the male found himself lost in his own lust.

Drool slicking down his cock and balls should have been enough of a sight for him to release deep down his mate’s throat but luckily for him, his head tipped back and his eyes screwed shut. (Y/N)’s cheeks hollowing against his twitching shaft as he bucked his hips up to meet her face only tortured the Alpha male some more.

“Such a good little bitch. Letting your Alpha fuck your throat like that”. Just like a handful of daggers, the dominant Female’s nails raked the stubbly white thighs of her lovers under him, the irony of his words causing half of a giggle to rumble in her throat. The sudden fluttering of her mouth suddenly induced Duncan’s climax, his seed shooting fast and thick past his lover’s lips, a stutter shaking his body heavily. For but a second, everything seemed to fit into place for both alphas.

That’s when Duncan felt it. The need to bite her. Claim her. Get his bitch to fully surrender to him so he could pump her full of his pups as soon as she reached her heat.

Perhaps it was simply the sickening smell she bore between her thighs as her arousal pooled past her folds. Or perhaps it was the way she had dared to refuse him the privilege of taking in her scent. Or perhaps even the obvious instinctive bond that linked them, destined to be mates.

Carefully, she slipped his length out of her mouth, already hardening at the simple feeling of her tongue. But now he could smell it too. The musk. The hormones. The bubbling need she felt too. To claim him.

An Alpha.

The pieced all seemed to fit together and if the throbbing of his cock didn’t remind him how much he craved this woman, he would probably show his throat, his tail between his legs anyways. And when she stood, the heavy blue velvet of her gown pooling to the ground, her scent hit him even harder. And so was he.

Then the pair of panties she wore climbed down from her legs. Then her bra was tossed to the other side of the room. And then her overwhelmingly dominant presence was looming over him. Ready to pounce on her pray, she bit her way up his body, from his calf to his collarbones.

Now he could lean up, his nose buried in the mussed nest of her (Y/H/C) hair similarly to the way she did once his shirt flew off of his chest. If he hadn’t known any better but to please his lovers, he would have probably felt himself come once again on his stomach.

Such an intoxicating smell. Such a beautiful balance between sweet and sour that it became exhilarating. And his instincts kicked in with a growl, hackles up and shoulders rolling forward. But it was already too late for him to assert dominance once he felt the arousal sticking that had been sticking to her thighs being smeared above his navel when she sat down to straddle him.

In his next breath, her fingers were tangled in his hair, opening up his thick throat for her to bite onto. A yelp turned into a moan while Duncan let his Alpha nibble his neck, marking his flesh with purples and blues. There was no going back now.

Working her way to the other side of him, she claimed the column of his throat before her fingers lined him up with her wet folds before letting his throbbing cock split her open.

What a delicious stretch he was. A whimper skipped past Duncan’s lips as he felt himself bottom out between her tight fold and (Y/N) couldn’t help but chuckle at the state of the Alpha beneath her.

His arms looped around her waist to pull her against him, his nose lost between the valleys of her breasts, smelling her once more as if he had forgotten her scent already. That was the last thing he wanted. For that bond to disappear.

It wouldn’t. Never has it happened but in that instant, the survival of their mating was all that mattered. When (Y/N)’s hand stretched around his bruised up throat and she started fucking herself on his cock, all he could do was allow those pretty little whimpers to leave his lips.

“Look who’s the bitch for his Alpha now” she teased, the sound of her skin now covering his strangled moans. A nod was all he gave her, her fingers leaving his throat to pin down his shoulders. Her hips quickly snapping above Duncan, (Y/N)’s moans joined his vocalisation and his fingers sheepishly caressed her waist.

Coil twisting deep in the stomach, the Alpha’s nails rakes down Duncan’s chest with angry red trails and in a surprising display of submission, the male sat up, nuzzling, kissing and licking the female’s chin. She raised her face to gaze ahead, exposing more of her jaw for him.

“Please” his strained voice whimpered while. “I’m so close” he continued, feeling himself swelling between her thighs.

With a shared moan, her coil snapped, her walls tightly clamping against her mate’s cock whilst he bucked his hips, desperately pushing himself over the edge, swelling so much that stimulation soon became painful before spilling thick ropes of his seed deep between her thighs.

Panting and whimpering, their bodies collapsed on the bed, his hands carefully cradling his Alpha’s waist. Their eyes met for a second and is nose went back to muzzling her neck and jaw before peppering it with kisses promptly returned by the female.

Tension slowly seeped out before Duncan could speak again. “Next time, I’m the one claiming that pretty neck of yours.” He teasingly nipped at her neck, a gentle giggle shook (Y/N). “Well, maybe next time I’ll let you fill me up with your pups…” she ran her finger along the bridge of his nose before softly kissing the tip of it. “Or maybe I’ll be the one properly fucking you” she finally whispered, causing Duncan to swallow back the thick knot quickly forming in his throat.

______________________________________________________________

Babes squad:  @langdxn, @littlegirlsdontplaynice, @moonanonwriting, @hecohansen31,  @blakewaterxx, @antichristfern, @littledemondani, @fckinsupreme, @wroteclassicaly & @leatherduncan

[bobbyboops]

Fluff Alphabet Challenge

First of all I guess I should introduce my mc! 

Name: Ellie Addair

Age: 26

Ethnicity: Mom is American, father is Scottish. 

Grew up in Los Angeles until age 10 then moved to London. Her mother is an actress, father works in film production. 

Profession: Singer/songwriter

Lives in London

Love Interest: Bobby

fluff template

A = Attractive (What do they find attractive about the other?)

She loves his smile, it lights up the whole room, and he has the most infectious laughter. She will do anything to make him smile/laugh. He was the first boy she noticed as she walked out, she saw the smile and couldn't help herself. She was immediately drawn to him. She also loves his eyes and freckles. When they first met she found herself mapping all of his beautiful freckles, and got caught often. She was pretty shameless about it though.

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why/Why not?).

Yes absolutely. She was an only child, and with two parents with very busy schedules she often found herself lonely. She always dreamed of having a big family, and she is extremely excited to start hers. That being said she is in no rush, she has a very demanding career herself, but when she finds the right person and they are both ready she will have no problem taking a step back. She is a talented songwriter and could easily make a living writing for others and take a break from touring. She wants at least 3 children, but could be persuaded to have 4. 

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

Ellie is a huge cuddler, as previously stated she was often lonely growing up, so she always longed for the comfort of physical touch. She loves to be the little spoon, but doesn't mind being the big spoon on occasion. If they are on the couch together watching a movie she will always curl up on his lap or on his chest. Or she likes when he will lay his head on her lap, and she will stroke his head/ play with his hair. When he is in the kitchen baking, she will come up from behind and hold him and kiss between his shoulder blades. She is very physically affectionate.

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

Dates are usually not too extreme, she loves to plan something at home. She grew up in the spotlight, and knows how unforgiving it can be, so she doesn't love going out and having paps in her face and personal business. That doesn't mean she is boring though. She likes to have MasterChef competitions with Bobby, or cupcake wars. She will turn their backyard into a drive in movie theater, or turn the office into a ball pit. She is very creative! 

E = Everything (You are my ____ (e.g. my life, my world…))

You are my sun, and my shelter. Ellie had gotten used to being the sun for everyone else, but Bobby had quickly shown her he was ready to be the sun for her too.

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

The moment she stepped out of the villa and saw his smile beaming back at her she knew she was in trouble, but when they were making out and found themselves on the ground and Bobby mentioned it being something to embarrass the grandkids with she knew for sure. Then when she was sent to hell aka casa she knew her life would always be brighter and happier with him in it.

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

Ellie is very gentle. Her friends always called her the mother hen of their friend group. She has such a sensitive and compassionate personality, and genuinely cares and worries about the people around her. She will go out of her way to make sure someone’s day is brighter. She is very socially aware, and can often read when people are struggling even when they don't say anything. When she notices someone having a bad day she will do anything to turn it around, usually with some form of humor. She has a hug and a listening ear at the ready always for anyone who needs it, or a joke ready if hugging isn't your thing.

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

Fingers intertwined, always. She never wants to let go.

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

She walked out of the villa the breath caught in her chest, he was so beautiful to look at, and she immediately could feel he was such a warm soul. His smile was like being wrapped in a blanket fresh out of the dryer. Then when he spoke and made her laugh she knew no one else would compare to him. Her mind was made up immediately.

J = Jealousy (Do they get jealous?)

I mean doesn't everyone get jealous to a certain extent? She is a pretty chill person for the most part, and if she is jealous she wont vocalize it. It will make her feel insecure more than anything but she is pretty quick to bounce back.

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

Bobby technically initiated the first kiss during truth or dare, but she definitely took it further by kissing him back passionately. She initiated their real first kiss on the day beds. As I said she is very physically affectionate, and she wanted him to know she was serious about giving them a shot. She is a very intentional kisser, when she kisses you, it means something.

L = Love (Who says ‘I love you’ first?)

Bobby said that he loved her first, but she was so fast to return the sentiment its not even funny. She had been trying so hard to hold off saying it, because she knew deep down Bobby would want to say it first. So the moment it escaped his perfect lips she was ready.

M = Memory (What’s their favorite memory together?)

In the villa her favorite memory is the cake decorating, she loved seeing Bobby in action with his passion, and then eating the entire cake afterwards and seeing his face light up with happiness and admiration was *chefs kiss*.

Outside of the villa her favorite memory will be when Bobby proposes. She will remember it forever.

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Material things have never meant that much to Ellie, but with that being said if she sees something that reminds her of Bobby of course she will buy it! Her spoiling usually comes in the form of service, she is always doing little considerate things for Bobby. 

O = Orange (What color reminds them of their other half

Yellow, he is her sun and her warmth. Everything about him screams yellow to her.

P = Pet names (What pet names do they use?)

Sugar Boo, cupcake, big man, or love.

Q = Quaint (What is their favorite non-modern thing?)

She has a music box that her parents got her for Christmas when she was 8. She listened to it for hours when she was little, and she still pulls it out when she is feeling anxious. She had a strong love for music from an early age, it was often her only companion. Music has a way of touching your soul that nothing else can really seem to do.

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

She loves to curl up on the couch with her sugar boo and a warm blanket to watch a movie or read a book. Give the girl some candy and some popcorn and you are golden! She will sometimes pull Bobby out to dance in the rain though even though he claims to not like it, his face always lights up with childlike wonder. 

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Listening to music and dancing will always make her feel better. She also will seek out Bobby’s companionship if he is home. He always knows how to calm her down and put a smile on her face. She will also cook or bake when she is sad or stressed. She always loved cooking growing up, and knows how to make some amazing comfort food!

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

She loves talking period! She can sometimes be a little shy, but once she knows you and is comfortable with you she will talk to you about anything and everything. She can keep a conversation going, and loves to make people laugh. Her inner crack head will come out for sure once she trusts you so watch out!

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

Music and dancing! Cuddling, watching a movie, and eating comfort food! Bobby will always whip something up when he notices she is stressed out!

V = Vaunt (What do they like to show off? What are they proud of?)

Bobby of course, she knows sometimes people look at him and only see is clownery surface, but she is so proud of him and how hard he works to achieve his dreams! She also is very proud of her music, she writes new music daily, but she is a perfectionist, so she will only show off the music she is most excited about.

W = Wedding (When, how, where do they propose?)

Bobby proposed to Ellie after 8 months of dating, he couldn't help himself. He proposed at their home, but set up an entire scavenger hunt of their memories together. They got married a year after that.

X = Xylophone (What’s their song?)

Oh this one is hard! She has so many songs, depending on her mood! 

Her song for Bobby: Lover by Taylor Swift or My person by Spencer Crandall

Her song for when she is sad: Inside out by Mokita. That song hits so personally.

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

Absolutely, she cant wait to get married and start a family.

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

Oh a dog for sure! Her and Bobby will probably get 2 rescue pups pretty soon after moving in together!

Sorry I am not a great writer, but this was so fun to do! I’m excited to see everyone else’s!

@ravena-dottir @kingkassam @bobbymckenziess @garyrennell @mrsgaryrennell

[crashdevlin]

It’s Not Christmas

Author’s Note: Written for @ne-gans 5k Xmas Challenge. The prompt I chose was Decorating the Tree.

Summary: Y/n is the Winchesters’ Omega. It’s her first winter in the bunker and she’s not happy with the lack of holiday cheer in her new home.

Pairing(s): Sam x Omega!Witch!Reader, Dean x Omega!Witch!Reader

Word Count: 2659

Story Warnings: fluff, slight angst, A/B/O dynamics, small surprise (which is listed in tags), mentions of Daddy!Kink and breeding!kink (very lightly)

“You know we killed Santa, right? And Mrs. Claus, so… all this is pointless.” Dean gestured at the tree you’d brought into the bunker and placed in a tree stand, which you were currently filling with water and crushed-up aspirin.

“That’s not the point of Christmas.” You grumbled.

“And we’ve met God and he was intimately knowledgeable of escort services. I can’t imagine he had a hand in creating the Messiah.”

“I'm a witch, Dean. You think I care about Christ?” You rolled your eyes and straightened up, setting the pitcher on the map table and turning to him. “Look, I had to deal with Sam being a Halloween grump last month and that’s my favorite holiday. You don’t get to Grinch me outta Christmas.”

“But it’s November. We haven’t even done Thanksgiving, yet.” Dean complained.

“We’re not having Thanksgiving.” You said, shortly.

“What? What- why?” His eyes were wide and you fought back the smile that wanted to take over your lips.

“Why would I make a holiday you like happen when you refuse to participate in the ones I like?” You put your hands on your hips and cocked your head. “I got Jack all excited about Halloween and what’d you guys say? ‘Jack looks too old to go trick-or-treating’. So, I said ‘Fine, we’ll just get dressed up and do something here’ and you said you weren’t going to put on a costume and Sam proceeded to poison Jack’s enthusiasm with his ‘Our every day is Halloween’ bullshit and Jack ended up watching Hocus Pocus with me in the safety of my room to escape y’all’s negativity.”

You pursed your lips in anger. “We could’ve had a lot of fun on Halloween, but you ruined it, just like you’re trying to ruin Christmas. So, why would I spend two days prepping and cooking a turkey, and mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, deviled eggs, my grandfather’s famous sage sausage stuffing, and pumpkin and apple pies for you, if you don’t want to participate in the things I like?”

Dean’s eyes went wider with hunger at every food item you listed. “Sam! Jack! Get your asses in here! We’re decorating a Christmas tree!” He called, pulling open the box of 160 shatterproof ornaments you bought at the hardware warehouse where you picked up the tree.

“We’re what?” Sam asked, walking into the War Room with an incredulous look. “Christmas already, huh?”

“If you want Thanksgiving, you’ll put some Holiday cheer on your face.” Dean warned, starting to slip hooks on the ornaments.

Sam laughed. “She’s threatening to withhold food if we don’t participate in this shit?”

You chuckled. “Well, I could withhold something else, but with your rut right around the corner, I think that’d be a cruel and inhumane punishment.”

“You wouldn’t.” Sam said, seriously.

“I considered it.” You answered, just as serious.

“You’d deprive me of my Omega, when I need her most, over stupid Christmas shit?”

“I said I considered it, but I decided that getting to Dean through food was a better plan than getting you, either of you, with sex. Threaten the feast, get results.”

“She does know me well.” Dean said, handing an ornament to Sam by its hook.

Sam rolled his eyes and started to hang the ornament near the top of the tree. “What are you doing?” Your exclamation forced him to stop and turn to you. “That’s a big bulb, it goes near the bottom.” You scoffed and shook your head. “I get that you’ve never done this before, guys, but come on. It’s just like the tree, itself. Big at the bottom, medium in the middle, small at the top.”

“And you put the topper on last!” Jack exclaimed, rushing into the War Room.

“How do you know that?” Dean asked, looking around Sam to Jack.

“Y/n signed me into her Hulu. There are a bunch of Christmas movies and a lot of them show people decorating the trees.”

“You didn’t set him up watching Hallmark flicks, did you?” Dean raised an eyebrow as he turned to you.

You shrugged. “He asked! He walked in while I was watching A Crown for Christmas and wanted to see more. Not my fault.”

“It’s your fault you were watching A Crown for Christmas.” Sam sassed back.

“It’s cute! I like Christmas! I like romance movies! I like Christmas romance movies!” You swatted Sam and Dean each twice and turned back to the tree.

Dean chuckled. “You’re such an Omega.”

The teasing comment hit you a lot harder than intended, and you knew he didn’t mean to be such an asshole, but it hurt when he made fun of your presentation. “And you never have a problem with that when you need a ‘mega, do you?”

“Sometimes we just want one.” He responded with a smirk.

You bit your lip and turned back to the tree. “This is our first Christmas as a pack, you guys. We have to do it right.”

“It’s not Christmas, yet.” Sam and Dean argued together.

You sighed and shook your head, your lips turning down deeply at the sides. “You know what? Fine. You guys don’t wanna play, we won’t play. It’s not Christmas and it’s not gonna be.” You pointed at the tree and swiped your hand through the air. The tree followed the path your hand took, flying through the air and across the map table to crash on the floor. “Fuck me for trying to have something nice.” You growled as you stomped away toward your bedroom, leaving Sam, Dean and Jack looking completely shocked by your outburst.

You thought sometimes Sam and Dean regretted taking a witch as their Omega, especially one who obviously couldn’t control her emotions. They had to. It was weird, though, how they could make a woman so powerful feel so powerless, how they continuously made you feel completely out of control. How they made you completely lose control. You were crying overwhelmed tears into your pillow when the door opened. “Go away.” You demanded.

“Come on, y/n/n. You have to know that was an overreaction.” Dean said, softly.

“I just wanted things to be Christmassy. I just wanted us to do something together. My favorite childhood memories are of decorating the tree with my family and you guys are my family now and you wouldn’t do this one fuckin’ thing with me.” Your words were muffled by the pillow, but you knew that your Alphas had heard you. Your mattress dipped on each side of you and two large, warm hands dropped soothingly to your back.

“We were just messin’ around, baby. We wanna do this Christmas stuff with you.” Dean said, softly.

“We’re just not good at it, yet. This family stuff isn’t… I mean, all Dean and I had was each other for our whole lives, you know. We didn’t… Christmas wasn’t… it wasn’t like you had.” Sam concluded.

“Yeah. Neither of us have decorated a tree. I mean, the only time that was even close to an option was with Lisa, but she didn’t believe in the tree thing. Said it was a waste of an evergreen.”

“Well, I mean…” Sam started, before clearing his throat. “Amelia and I decorated a tree, but she did most of the work. She didn’t trust me with her ornaments. She only had me put the star up because I was tall enough to reach it.”

You let out a sob at that. Dean sighed, loudly. “Great job, Sam.”

“Should I have lied, Dean?”

“When she's like this? Yes! Lie, make her feel better! Jesus Christ, Sam, I can’t deal with her cryin’ like this.” Dean’s hand moved soothingly across your back. “Baby, turn over and look at us, please.”

“Why? Just go away.”

“Come on, Miss Emotional. You’ve been on edge and over-sensitive for days, what’s up with you?” Dean asked. “You sick? You on your period? What can we do to fix this?”

You sniffled and turned over, wiping at your eyes. “It doesn’t matter, guys. Just… just go away. I’ll get myself sorted and then I’ll… I’ll clean up the tree mess.”

“The kid’s already on that. Think he said something about, uh, stringing popcorn?” Dean said, leaning forward. “Now, come on. What’s got you all fucked up?”

You shook your head. “It’s not… I just… I…” You sighed. “I’m sorry. I just feel a bit overwhelmed about everything. You know, when I left my coven to come here and be with you, I knew things would obviously change for me, but…”

Sam took a deep breath and his eyebrows tucked together. “You change your shampoo?” You shook your head and Sam leaned closer to you. “New perfume?”

“You know I don’t wear perfume.” You responded, pushing him away to get some distance, but then Dean just leaned into your personal space, sniffing at you.

“Yeah, he’s right. You smell weird.” Dean leaned back. “Not bad-weird, just different-weird. Like, not as sweet as you usually smell.”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes. “Great. First you ruin my Christmas plans and now, you tell me I stink?”

“I sense a deflection.” Sam said, grabbing your chin and forcing you to look up into his eyes. “What’s going on, y/n?”

You took a deep breath and slid off of the bed, swatting at the Alphas’ hands when they tried to stop you. You opened your top dresser drawer and pulled out a long, thin box. It was a bracelet box that you’d repurposed, with a red bow and a tag that said ‘To My Alphas’ in the neatest, prettiest script you could manage. “This was gonna go under the tree when we got done with it. I was gonna suggest you open it early. It was gonna be your reward for doing the domestic thing with me.”

You set the box on your mattress between the two men and bit your lip as they each grasped one end of the lid and shook the box open to reveal a pregnancy test. A positive pregnancy test. They stared at it for a few moments before looking up at you with wonder in their eyes. “Pups?” Sam whispered. You nodded, tears popping up in your eyes.

Dean sighed, heavily. “We’re assholes.” He stood, suddenly, wrapping his arms around your shoulders. “You just wanted to do something nice and we fucked it up.”

Sam moved around the bed and wrapped his arms around to splay his hands across your belly. “How long?”

“I’m three weeks late, so…”

“Three weeks late? When’d you do the test?” Dean asked, moving to cup your face in his hands and look into your eyes.

“Last week. Little Miss Patience called and told me it’d be a good idea to take one.” You whispered.

Dean smiled, brightly. “Let’s go get that tree dressed up and pretty.” He pressed his lips to yours and moaned happily when you nibbled on his bottom lip.

“You know what’s great about you being pregnant?” Sam started to walk away with your hand in his, pulling you away from his brother.

“Besides the fact that she’s gonna look amazing all round with baby Winchesters?” Dean grabbed your other hand and followed you out to the War Room.

“She’ll be able to call us both ‘Daddy’ without it being something weird.” Sam looked back with a smirk.

“Was that something weird before? ‘Cause you’ve been havin’ her cryin’ out ‘Daddy’ since her first heat.” Dean teased. “And you know I prefer a simple ‘sir’.”

You were smiling when you got to the War Room and you gasped when you saw the work Jack had put in, already. The tree was back in the tree stand, the mess of water and pine needles cleaned. There were strings of lights blinking on the ground, a huge bowl of popcorn that Jack was halfway through stringing on a roll of fishing line, and the ornaments had been divided into three piles by size. He looked up with a smile. “Are we going to decorate now?”

“Yeah, buddy. We’re gonna decorate now. Let me take the monotonous part off your hands.” You smirked as you pointed at the popcorn and fishing line and the two moved through the air, popcorn forcing itself onto the fishing line. “I have to focus on this. You guys start stringing the lights. Complete coverage. Don’t neglect the backside.”

“Do we ever?” Sam joked, pressing a kiss to your cheek and swatting his palm across your ass before walking away to grab a set of the blinking lights.

By the time you turned around with the string of popcorn, they had the tree blinking brightly and Jack had started to place large bulbs near the bottom of the tree. You smiled brightly. “You guys are doing a great job! Popcorn time. Sam, take this end, it goes at the top.” You handed one end of the string to the younger Alpha and started to roll the string around the tree and down.

It didn’t take long for there to only be one step left on the tree: the star. You bit your lip as you looked down at the expensive yellow crystal heirloom you’d taken without asking when you left your coven, trying to determine who to hand it to. Sam and Dean were both tall enough to reach the top without an issue, but Jack was a child and this was his first Christmas tree.

Sam made the decision for you, picking you up and putting you on his shoulders in one quick move. You hugged his head with your thighs as you leaned forward and secured the star to the tip of the tree. He stepped back and the four of you surveyed your work. “Huh. We did a pretty damn good job.” Sam said, reaching up to pat your thigh.

“You gonna let me down?”

“Nah. I kinda like you there, ‘mega.”

Dean smirked and looked up at you. “Only time she’s ever gonna be the tallest.” Then he looked at his brother. “But you better let her down, because we’ve got celebrating to do, and it can’t be done with her up there.”

“Are we celebrating the pups?” Jack asked, innocently.

“You know, if I hadn’t already told them, I’d be pissed at you for dropping the ball, Jackie.”

“He knew?” Sam exclaimed as he pulled you off of his shoulders.

“He smelled the difference in my scent a couple days ago. I made him promise to keep it a secret.”

Sam and Dean both shook their heads. “Okay, so, let’s call Mom, we’ll go get some pie and-”

“We can go somewhere to celebrate and then get pie on the way back. I don’t wanna go to Shari’s or Biggerson’s, dude.”

“But Shari’s is amazing, babe.” Dean argued.

“The closest Shari’s is in Nebraska, Dean!” You argued back.

“And I’m kinda tired of Biggerson’s.” Sam supported.

“See how it is. Fine. We’ll go to a real restaurant that doesn’t have a pie bar.” Dean rolled his eyes and pulled his phone out. “We wanna tell Mom at the restaurant or over the phone?”

“In person. Always do big news in person.” You coached.

“All right. Go get a pretty dress on.” Sam instructed.

“Okay, Daddy.” You teased, skipping off toward your bedroom.

Sam and Dean watched you disappear into the hallway and smiled at each other. “You know, sometimes I’m really happy we were able to steal her away from the Calla Coven.” Sam mused.

“Yeah, like every damn day.” Dean said, sending the call to Mary through and putting his phone to his ear. “Hey, Mom, you busy?”

Jack stepped up next to Sam and smiled up at him. “I think y/n’s going to be a very good mother.”

“You know, I think you’re right.” Sam said, reaching over to straight the star on top of the tree.

Hunters- @mrswhozeewhatsis, @adoptdontshoppets, @letsby, @spnskinnyballs

Everything- @heyitscam99

[alitheamateur]

The Grind-Chapter 10

Warnings: Violence. 

Round Two

Mendez wasted no valuable time in attacking Colton when the bell for the second round rang out. Three left jabs connected to Colt’s rock-hard jawbone, and he rattled his head as if to shake off the confused stupor clouding him.

“Don’t let him back you into the cage, Colton!! Get off the cage!!” Mac coned his mouth to project the cries of instruction.

The newly named “punisher” masked his stubbled cheeks and doubled over, flexing his abs to lessen the blow of the jabs he was suffering at the hands of The “Matador” Mendez. Colt was able to duck beneath the repetitive one-one-two-one-two pattern and escape. Danny turned swiftly on his right foot to directly meet a lightening surged, spinning back fist produced by Colton that couldn’t have been more perfectly executed had it been wrapped in a floppy red bow. The fastens of the championship belt were metaphorically loosening from the waist of the current title holder. Mendez collapsed wobbly to land at the feet of his assassin, while the rest of the room, myself included, rose in entirety for confirmation that Mendez was rendered unconscious.

A mumbled “shit” rolled over my bitten tongue when he scraped his busted body off the mat, and I realized there was still some fight left in him. Too much for my liking, as a matter of fact. Colt detected Danny was standing on loose bearings, fully primed to finish him off so that referee could lift his likely shattered hand in victory.

“Brett, I’ve taken many a hit like the one Ritter just slung, and I can promise you that Dan doesn’t even know where the hell he is right now.” The retired fighter turned announcer crumpled his nose as The Matador staggered clumsily about the confines of the cage.

Beads of sweat waterfalled from Colton, while it appeared he had turned Mendez’s sweat to blood now. Crimson mist from the brutal blow veiled my Colt’s face in sprayed decoration, leaving him to resemble a battling Spartacus. He was hunting the afflicted animal of his adversary, who was obviously giving his best efforts to remain untouched the dwindling minutes of the round. Effort that sadly for Danny was in vain as his Punisher cornered him with panther like reflexes, unleashing combative hammer fists to his crouched torso. A strident roar more chilling than that of any jungle predator crawled from Colton’s straining, veined throat as he was peeled away from Danny, who was now quaking in the momentary safety of his corner until the next bell rang out beginning the third round.

Colton’s posse catered to his unsteady breathing chest by smashing ice packs to his pecks, and blotching back muscles, leaving Mac to pour water into his gapping mouth. My eyes drooped in mesmerizing ignorance upon the realization of what the world of competitive fighting really entailed. Men who chose this career path were born with the hearts of gladiators, and unfaltering dedication that I deeply admired. When I wisped back to the present moment, my dilated eyes were matched with the two belonging to Colton. His mouth drawn into an expressionless line, jaws flexing in tension, he held onto my gazes for only a moment, however long enough to feel as if I would suffocate from the intensity. It was like he wanted to assure me that he knew I was there, and where exactly. And that he was okay.

One Sunday over brunch at his favorite greasy diner he shut up my harassment of questions.

“You’re gonna have to cool it with the worryin’, woman. Have some faith in me, ight! When you tell me about a story you been workin’ on you don’t hear me sayin’, ‘You sure you wanna do that?’ or ‘that’s a lotta pressure, baby.’ Because I know how amazing you are at what you do, and I got total confidence you’re gonna make that story your bitch. I appreciate the concern. Honestly love, I do. But it’s gonna be fine, I promise ya’.” And in his eyes, tonight in that ring, he reiterated that very same Sunday brunch pep talk.

 Round Three

Colton had appeared to have jumped the proverbial hurdle described as Danny Mendez. Now, we just needed to cross that finish line, and cross it first. There was no way Dan could withstand another round like the previous two, physically or mentally. He was all but a whipped pup whimpering at his master’s feet by this point, but Colt had to finish him. Seal the deal, as they say.

“C’mon, baby. C’mon, baby,” I chanted through clenched teeth, my nervous hands clasped to each side of the chair to protect my newly manicured nail polish from being whittled away in edginess.

Light hands were being tossed between the two men, nothing quite connecting initially. However, when Mendez carried out a right hook resembling Rocky  himself to Colt’s left cheek, he was triggered. From several feet back, separated by a metal cage, a waist high barricade, and two rows of people, I had chills from the look on his face. Raw rage was swirling in Colt’s blue eyes that must be like mood rings because I would swear with every ounce of me that they melted to a muddled charcoal grey shade as his murderous ferment grew.  Blow after blow. Swing, after swing, after swing rained from his hands of steel, some connecting, most not. His overpowering fury and lack of control was swelling all too quickly.

A wonky, sloppily executed move sent him clumsily into the grasp of Mendez, who perfectly seized the fluky opportunity. When Colt nearly knelt to reach for the leg The Matador, his nose and sharp cheekbone crashed to the thigh of Danny. The muscled, male flesh grappling along the blood tarnished canvas was more jumbled to me than the most abstract piece of Picasso. Finally, when the bodies settled a little, I was able to distinguish better what was unfolding. The Punisher’s clearly weakening forearm was constricted between the bulging limbs of Danny.  I subconsciously lunged out of my seat, for a millisecond forgetting what my role truly was here tonight. Not Colton’s girlfriend, not a woman concerned for the well-being of the man she loved, but a columnist for the Pilot. So, as quickly as I was up, I was regretfully seated, left to repel the blazing desire I had to hop that padded retaining wall and run to where Mac stood to be at the side of my Colton.

His face buried into the upper body of his attacker, who was using his hooked arms to ease Colt’s elbow to the back side of his neck. Silencing the uproar of the crowd, and the desperate grimaces coming from the ring, and I could almost hear the tendons buried under my boyfriends tanned skin creaking in stretch, nearing a tear.

“FOLKS IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. If you’re not seeing this one first hand boys and girls, you should be! Danny with the flawless Kimura Lock, Brett. Will Ritter be able to escape this one?” The analyst screamed.

We’d been over arm bars, bare naked chokes, bow and arrow chokes, triangle chokes. Many nights I spent cross legged against the ring post watching Colton perform, and escape nearly every martial arts submission known to man. But the word Kimura didn’t draw any recognition when I heard the broadcaster scream it to the world. Seconds as long as the day ticked, ticked, ticked by. 44 seconds remaining… 41…….. 35……….. Suddenly, the tapping of a submissive hand to the mat. 

A hand strapped in black gloves. Gloves marked Ritter. Mendez was ceased by flailing hands of the ring official, signaling the end of the battle. His victorious hand raised to display, mouthpiece hanging out the left of his lip. In all my life, you could’ve never convinced me this egotistical, loud mouth, headache of a man would commit the act he did next. Squatting to his still face down, defeated opponent, Danny looped his arms under those belonging to Colton, hoisted him to his feet, and embraced him with patted hands into a hug. He had secured their heads together with a palm to crown of his submitters head, and began preaching unheard praises in his ear. Colton responded with knowing nods of appreciation, and the pair were torn apart for the official call from the referee. Not hanging around to partake in the celebration of his defeat, Colton snuck through the opened door of the cage, seeking the escape to his dressing room, away from the shutterbugs in his face, and microphones chasing him. I hoped maybe his eyes would happen to fall my way, wanting to gift him with a smile of support, or even a frown of understanding. But when the pace of his slightly bowed, unmistakably masculine gait increased toward the tunnel, never raising his face from the floor, a heap of strife bloomed in the pits of my stomach.    

 Regretfully I had to stay & witness “almighty” Mendez once again take the belt back into his slimy hands. This reign was beginning to smell stagnant to most of the fan base across the board, and Colton seemed to be the knight with the best chance at snagging the crown right from his head. Much, much to my surprise, Danny’s first post-victory radio interview began with the unexpected praises of one Colton.

“First of all, I want to thank Ritter for giving me what may have been the most challenging match of my life. The pendejo prick can throw a jab, I’ll give him that.”

Despite the uniquely gracious compliment, the guy still rubbed me the wrong way.

The arena emptied quite quickly, and most of the media frenzied their way to the locker room area for the press conference, coveting to be front row. But I was very familiar with how anything “post” event played out. The athletes and/or coaches usually took their painfully precious time for our brains to rot in waiting, then when they did eventually decide to grace us with their usually self-proclaiming marvelous appearance, it would include all of answering maybe two questions, before storming out. So clearly, I was in no hurry and I figured I had a solid half hour to check on Colt beforehand.

Beth, Michael, and Mac stood identically against the cold concrete of the walls, arms folded about their chest. His mom acknowledged me first.

“Liv dear, hey there!” she drew my hands into hers. “How are you? I’m sure as disappointed as we are…”

“It really is a shame. He had it won, too! He has nothing to be ashamed of though, that’s for sure! Even Mendez was kinda singing his praises out there. Guess that’s just how the world of fighting goes sometimes, unfortunately. How is he?”

Beth never released my hands when looking to her sternly quite husband standing to the left of her.

“Kid won’t see anyone, honey. Got Mac here guarding the door like a rabid dog. This is pretty typical for him. ‘Specially after a loss.” Michael seemed accustomed to said behavior from his son. Annoyed, but accustomed nonetheless.

Beth on the other hand, looked as if she was profoundly saddened that her baby boy didn’t need his momma during a time like this. Her lips tucked in, forehead scrunched in concern.

“Maybe I can raise his spirits a bit, hm?” I gently brushed my soft thumbs to the tops of her hands in efforts to comfort her, then released her hold.

Before I could even wrap a finger around the sliver handle of the door he was hiding behind, Mac’s forearm dropped even between my waist level and the door, reflexes like that of a cat on a tin roof.

“Sorry, sweetheart. I can’t let you go in there. Just doin’ as I’m told, you understand.”

Those rules didn’t apply to me, silly Mac. I’m the woman he loves for crying out loud! I’d hate to be you when he finds out you’re keeping me away for him, ya’ poor sap.

“Just tell him I’m here, Mac. Please?”

His eyes grew to resemble large, glossy marbles and he exhaled in annoyance, disappearing into the room. I combed and teased fingers through my hair, and casually reapplied a layer of Chapstick to my now festering lips resulting from the nervous biting throughout the fight. No sooner than the door had latched behind him, Mac had stepped back out into the now hectic hallway.

“I uh… I’m sorry, Miss Liv. Colt doesn’t wanna see anyone right now.”

“Did you specifically tell him it was ME, Mac,” I quizzically pried, laying both hands over my chest.

“Yes ma’am. Mentioned you by name…” He was bashful, almost embarrassed for me, and probably half pissed at his buddy for appointing him the bearer of bad news.

Shame flushed me head to toe. I would’ve buried my head six feet in the sand that very moment, mortified with humiliation. Let me clarify, I could’ve buried Colton himself six feet under the cold dirt first, then my head. My thumb started to flick my pointer finger, a nervous tick engaging.

“Oh darling, don’t take it personally, okay? The boy will be all apologies once he snaps out of this little tantrum he’s throwing. I’m sure if it.” Beth said unintentionally patronizing.

“No, no. Um… it’s totally fine. Yeah, um.. I’ve gotta get to the post conference anyways so… Beth, it’s so, so good to see you both. Maybe we can meet you guys for breakfast or something in the morning before you head home?”

I could feel my throat tightening with the extreme effort I was giving to hold the dam of tears from bursting. I wasn’t even necessarily hurt, it was the fact that he had made me look like an absolute fool, and in front of his parents, nonetheless. Now, I’m sure they saw me as just another spineless, dense airhead hanging on the coattails of their handsome, prized son.

“Good to see you too, girl. You be careful gettin’ home now.” Michael pointed a finger in my face, while patting my shoulder with the other.

The uneven patter of my heels echoed down the hall, denying the invitation to the pity party they were about to throw for me. The pouting baby wouldn’t face me? There would be no escaping me at the conference though. In just mere minutes, he’d be at my journalistic mercy, with a watching crowd. And he may just take his thrashing right then & there. The groveling look of remorse on his face would more than likely be worth the embarrassment.

TAGS: @torialeysha @eap1935

[hegodamask]

Thanks to everyone who left a comment/message/’like’ about Bo the other day, it meant a lot. I’m still really heartbroken. I got all teary the morning after when I didn’t hear her barking outside like she usually would (I can’t believe I miss her annoying, high-pitched bark omfg) and when I thought about how I’m never gonna see her stand at the bottom of my bed with her little eyes looking up at me ever again. 

But despite all that, I’m in the mood to write down some things about her tonight. Mostly so I never forget them and but also maybe for anyone who has followed me for a while and seen me post pictures of her before. I know it’s kind of silly to be writing so much about a pet, but she was really special to me and my family. Not just because of her illness, but because she was so loving and unique and (I say this with love) crazy. But more on that later...

It wasn’t easy living with a dog like Bo sometimes. We bought her as a puppy expecting her to grow just a tiny bit bigger than our other dog, Leia. But really, considering the size of the pup’s mother and the length of her legs in proportion to her body, we should’ve known better. I’d never had a dog of her size and energetic temperament before, she probably could’ve benefited from an obedience course or something. A lady who used to work with my Mum bought a puppy from the same litter and apparently he jumped out of a bedroom window (and was completely unhurt!). 

So that was the kind of pup we were dealing with here: super strong, but also...nuts. It was a challenge looking after Bo once she’d grown up too because that’s when her seizures started. She would have so many and be very disorientated for hours after. She could get anxious at times and bark too, but she was never aggressive to other dogs or people. 

In fact, she loved to be close to people. She loved to sit in your lap or on your leg (or on your laptop, or on your homework..). That’s why I have so many selfies with her because she just loved to cuddle. Just the other week when my parents were on holiday, I let her sleep on my bed. I wanted her to just nap there at the bottom for part of the night, but instead I would wake up with her practically sleeping next to me! She would follow my Mum (or me if Mum wasn’t about) around the house a lot, nudging legs or trying to stand in between them. A few times, she would nuzzle my hand so I’d give her more pets. 

I say she was nuts, but she was really quite intelligent too. She could open doors in our house by jumping up and pulling the handle down, she knew how to manipulate you for more treats (like any clever dog should, I feel). But, like I said she wasn’t very obedient. I taught her to sit and to give me her paw for a handshake, I very nearly taught her to play fetch once but that was it. I think she preferred being chased anyway. She escaped from our house once, when I was at college and my parents were at work. My grandma was waiting in on a delivery for us, but she hadn’t closed the garden gates properly after my Mum drove out that morning. So Bo got out and went for a run around the neighbourhood. My grandma had no idea where she’d gone until the delivery man turned up and was like “do you have a black and brown dog? i’ve just seen it”. In the end, Bo was lured home by the delivery man armed with a sandwich. Little did my grandma know until they got back to the house that Leia had got out too! But Leia is more of a homebody, she was just sitting at the front of the house watching the chaos ensue. 

Other chaotic things Bo has done:

Stole the Christmas Turkey

Stole pizza from me (multiple times)

Got stuck in the living room blinds

Got stuck in the gap between the wall and my bed. Was too chunky to move.

Fell off the bed whilst asleep and kept on sleeping.

Somehow carried live hedgehogs into the house without hurting herself.

Scared away a burglar by barking so loud (with help from Leia)

Went AWOL once let off the lead and chased after a car.

And yet, we forgave her every time and loved her. I actually feel bad about every time I got annoyed with her now...I was looking forward to another five or six years of her goofy nonsense at the most, even if that still meant dealing with her seizures as well.

On the other hand, I think Bo was so strong and brave to go through so many seizures and live for as long as she did. I still don’t understand how she couldn’t come back from just one the other night after not having any for a good few months, but in a way I’m glad it wasn’t drawn out. She’s been buried in the garden with her favourite toys (santa claus plushies with the stuffing taken out) and a gravy bone biscuit to send her on her way.

Goodbye, Bo. You were such a good girlie and I miss you so much.

[bloojayoolie]

Being Alone, Animals, and Apparently: Ruby Wiggly, sweet, affectionate, playful & friendly lovebug. A family pet who loves toys, giving kisses, & children. Id 70449, 6 Yrs. 55 lbs . ,Spayed & dreaming of a family, at Brooklyn ACC TO BE KILLED – 8/22/2019 "Tree you are, / Moss you are, / You are violets with wind above them. / A child - so high - you are, / And all this is folly to the world." - A Girl, Ezra Pound She is wiggly, sweet, affectionate, playful, absolutely adorable and people pleasing perfection. Ruby is incredibly endearing, soft, loving and she was a family pet who lived with 2 young children she adored and 2 other dogs who were her “pack.” Respectful, relaxed, and playful with all she adored her life and her family, and along with her sibling dogs, her life was complete. But her parents were absolutely negligent to the extreme in protecting their pups from escaping the yard and getting into mischief, and RUBY and her best friend and sister Sapphire would go on grand adventures that invariably would end in heartache. And now these perfect family pets are on the list to die – yes, both of them, because of the failure of their parents to secure their property and pups. The children are crying over the loss of their pets, and Ruby and Sapphire can’t imagine what they did to deserve this imprisonment. Ruby is a gem of a pup, she just did what any of our own dogs would do -- protect her kingdom from intruding dogs who were not part of her pack. She deserves a loving family, a competent family, an experienced foster or adopter who will keep her safe and confined to her own yard and home. If you can give her a safe place to land, please hurry and message our page or email us at MustLoveDogsNYC@gmail.com for assistance fostering or adopting her now. Don’t let this precious girl die. Ruby is spayed and ready to go. RUBY, ID# 70449, 6 Yrs. old, 55.8 lbs., Spayed Female Brooklyn ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Brown Brindle / White Surrender Reason: Behavior – doesn’t like other animals Shelter Assessment Rating: New Hope Rescue Only Medical Behavior Rating: 2. Blue I came to the shelter with my sister Sapphire, Id 70450 (also on the list to die): https://ift.tt/2z7Y6VV AT RISK MEMO: Although she displays social behavior when interacting with staff members, Ruby has been observed to exhibit mild handling sensitivity during her interactions where she attempts to move away from handlers with exuberant contact. Due to these observations, as well as her multiple-bite history toward other dogs, we feel she would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue partner who can help manage these behaviors and decompress in a more stable environment, prior to permanent placement in an adult-only home. There are stipulations with placement. There are no medical concerns at this time. INTAKE NOTE – DATE OF INTAKE, 7/26/2019: Ruby had a soft and wiggly body during intake and ran up to the counselor right away and began to jump on the counselors lap and give kisses. Counselor was able to scan for a microchip, collar and take a picture without any issues. OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Ruby is a 6 year old spayed female that has no current medical concerns that the owner is aware of. Owner had Ruby in the home since she was born but had to surrender due to behavior. Ruby lived with 2 adults, 2 children, and 2 other dogs. When a stranger would come to the owners home, Ruby was friendly and outgoing. She will solicit attention by jumping on the person and giving kisses. Ruby lived with 2 children ages 4 and 6 and was always respectful and playful with the children in the home. Ruby lived with other female dogs (same size), 1 female was spayed and 1 unaltered, and was respectful around the other 2 dogs. Owner stated that she would sometimes get into a scuffle with the her litter mate but never ever bit hard enough to break skin. Ruby has never been around a cat so behavior is unknown. Ruby is not bothered if someone approaches her food, treats or toys. She is housetrained and has a high energy level. Ruby has a bite history (dog to dog) with the most recent bite being 2 weeks ago on 7/12/19. Other Notes: Ruby is not bothered when someone would hold Ruby or restrain her, being pushed off furniture, being disturbed while sleeping, being given a bath, having her paws touched or when an unfamiliar person would come to the owners home. She has never had any medical issues and has no known medical concerns. For a New Family to Know: Ruby is described as friendly, affectionate and playful with a high activity level. She likes to play with all types of toys. In the home, Ruby liked to stay in her favorite spot or snuggle with the owner. She was fed dry food only brand Wellness. She was kept both indoor/outdoor and is house trained. When left alone in the home, she would go through the garbage. Ruby knows the cues sit, come, stay , down and paw. For exercise, she was let out in the yard to play. When on leash, she tends to pull lightly. Owner has never walked her off leash so behavior is unknown. Bite history: 7/12/19: Previous owner reported Ruby and Sapphire to have had a recent bite incident with a neighbor's dog that was being walked on-leash. Ruby and Sapphire were observed to escape from the backyard and began hard barking as they ran toward the neighbor's small dog and one of them bit her on the stomach. This bite resulted in two punctures and the neighbor's dog was rushed to the emergency vet to seek treatment for the wounds. 5/10/15: Previous owner reported Ruby and Sapphire to have had a bite incident with a neighbor's dog. Ruby and Sapphire were observed to escape from the backyard and began hard barking and growling as they ran toward the neighbor's dog and one of them bit her on the neck. This bite resulted in multiple punctures and the neighbor's dog was rushed to the emergency vet to seek treatment and ultimately euthanized as a result of the severity of the wounds. SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild-moderate pulling Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Soft and loose, tail wagging, approaches readily, jumps up onto desk, stays near handler, accepts contact, some panting, jumps up onto handler softly soliciting attention, readily accepts treats softly Call over: Approaches readily, moves away; Approaches again, with coaxing Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Neutral body, tail high and wagging, some displacement (sniffing shoes), panting, ears erect, moves away somewhat with contact, lip licking, accepts contact Exuberant handling: Neutral body, tail high and wagging, lip licking, moves away with contact Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Engages in play with handler, soft and loose; Jumps up, tail wagging, panting, does not escalate Arousal comments: Knock Knock Comments: No response to knock; Approaches readily, soft and loose, tail wagging when assistant enters Toy Toy comments: Minimal interest; Distracted by assess-a-hand PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: According to Ruby's owner, she lived with other female dogs (same size). 1 female was spayed and 1 unaltered and was respectful around the other 2 dogs. The owner stated that she would sometimes get into a scuffle with her littermate but never bit hard enough to break the skin. The owner also reported that Ruby and her sibling has escaped the yard twice in the last 5 years and both times Ruby has bitten another dog causing puncture wounds. The other animal had to be rushed to an emergency vet for treatment. 7/27: Due to Ruby's potential legal hold status, only a gate greet was conducted with a novel male dog. She approaches the male at the with a tense body but is hesitant to greet. FUN FACT: Ruby understands the cues for "sit," "come," "down" and "paw." INTAKE BEHAVIOR - Date of intake:: 7/26/2019 Summary:: Soft and wiggly, approached readily, jumped up, licked staff; Allowed all handling MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial:: 7/26/2019 Summary:: Somewhat timid, friendly; Allowed all handling ENERGY LEVEL:: Ruby has been observed to exhibit a medium level of energy during her interactions in the care center. We cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment, but we recommend that she be provided daily mental and physical stimulation as an outlet for her energy. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Ruby's reported bite history and observed handling sensitivity, we feel she would be best set up to succeed in an adult-only home at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Although she displays social behavior when interacting with staff members, Ruby has been observed to exhibit mild handling sensitivity during her interactions where she attempts to move away from handlers with exuberant contact. Due to these observations, as well as her multiple-bite history toward other dogs, we feel she would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue partner who can help manage these behaviors and decompress in a more stable environment, prior to permanent placement in an adult-only home. Force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing or exposing Ruby to new and unfamiliar situations, as well as utilizing guidance from a qualified, professional trainer/behaviorist. Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Bite history (dog) Potential challenges comments:: Handling sensitivity: Ruby exhibits some handling sensitivity during her interactions where she has been observed to become tense, head whip and move away from handlers when uncomfortable. Although she continues to display social behavior and has not been observed to escalate, Ruby should never be forced to interact or approach if she is not comfortable and force-free, reward based training only is advised when handling her. Please refer to the handout for Handling/touch sensitivity. Bite history (dog): Ruby has been reported by her previous owner to have had two bite incidents with two different dogs. Both incidents occurred when both Ruby and Sapphire (70450) had escaped from the yard and bit a neighbor's dog, resulting in multiple punctures. (SEE BITE HISTORY). Please refer to the handout for Bite history (dog). MEDICAL NOTES 7/26/2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 6y Microchip noted on Intake? yes History : owner surrender Subjective: BARH, good appetite, no elimination concerns Observed Behavior - allowed all handling, mildly timid but friendly when interacted with Evidence of Cruelty seen - no Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective P = wnl R = wnl BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears AU mild erythema, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: adult dentition, mild attrition PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: female spayed, scar noted, no leakage or discharge MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: visually normal Assessment otitis ext - suspect allergies Prognosis: excellent Plan: ok for adoption tresaderm 4 drops AU BID until 8/1 rec derm consult with placement SURGERY: spayed 8/1/2019 Progress exam History: Intake 7/26/19: Owner surrender, noted otitis externa. Started tresaderm. Today, 8/1: Recheck otitis Subjective: BAR, no coughing/sneezing/vomiting/diarrhea. No pruritus or discomfort noted by ACS or behavior staff. Objective: Cageside exam performed. Eyes: Clear bilaterally, no discharge Nasal Cavity: No nasal discharge. Lungs: Eupneic Musculoskeletal: Ambulatory x 4 with no appreciable lameness. Integument: Unremarkable haircoat. Neuro: Appropriate mentation. Assessment: -Otitis externa (resolved) Prognosis: Good Plan: -Okay to d/c tresaderm -Recommend dermatology consult with placement 8/15/2019 Progress exam-longterm stay History : Intake 7/26/19-otitis externa, started on tresaderm Subjective: BARH. No csvd. Some whale eyes, head shy Objective P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: clean adult dentition, no oral lesions PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: FS, no MGTs, no vulvar d/c MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy Prognosis: Excellent Plan: CTM while at BACC *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** RUBY IS RESCUE ONLY. You must fill out applications with New Hope Rescues to foster or adopt her. She cannot be reserved online at the ACC ARL, nor can she be direct adopted at the shelter. PLEASE HURRY AND MESSAGE OUR PAGE FOR ASSISTANCE!

[trustandblasters]

I couldn't work on page 4 today since I spent most of it sleeping so I thought since I had some funny headcanons about the Trust-vers (Some will actually appear in some form in the comic)

Remember these are my headcanons and not necessarily Canon to the Trust fanfic.

* Grillby originally lived in his bar. It was a one bedroom house that he renovated himself into a bar with a kitchen in the back and a side room that you can only access through the kitchen.

* Grillby bought his house when his cousin was born and he was asked to take care of them from time to time, and to help give a more stable place for his aunt to live during pregnancy since the Hotlands were still chaotic with construction at the time. He didn't put a lot of thought into the house besides what his aunt wanted and that he needed to ensure it had a full kitchen.

* speaking of layouts, his bar actually has five exits. One is the front door, one is the back door. There are also three secret doors: One right next to the door to the kitchen that you'd only find if you knew it was there and where to press on the wall, a camouflaged door in the side room, and A secret door near the roof that only Sans and Papyrus can get to and leads out into a very thickly branched tree outside. Grillby had this last one installed with the door in the roof of the kitchen to give the two kids more piece of mind for finding a quick escape.

* other additions and renovations he made is a secret doorway next to the jukebox that originally only Sans and Papyrus knew about, but now is also known about by Greater Dog, a walkway built into the rafters (plus hidden lounge area with slightly raised guards) for sans that also includes an 'emergency exit' into the side room, and the entire removal of the door to Grillby's kitchen at his private home after the door had been destroyed in a 'blaster incident' .

* Alphys gets Sans, Papyrus, and Undyne to watch anime with her, and tries to convince them that it's human history so they won't mock her for it. Sans clues in right away, Papyrus takes until about the second season of their third anime about giant robots fighting in space To clue in, Undyne and Gnash are 10000% convinced (Frank thinks it's hysterical and never corrects this)

* speaking of the Undyne family, they have a running tab at Grillby's. Not for food, they always pay that, but for things they broke. There are three separate categories for each family member. Gnash has the highest item count followed by Undyne, but Frank broke the most expensive item (the jukebox). Grillby waved the tab for the Jukebox in favor of Frank making a short notice house call to do a medical exam on Sans and Papyrus, but asked Frank to remind Gnash that he still owes him for the damages to his bar counter, wall, and a customer's umbrella and abacas.

* Undyne was so excited to one day ride around on papyrus's back that he had to be forcibly stopped by Frank or Grillby a few times when Papyrus was still to small. Shed usually try and get on Sans who would just plop down on the ground and not move. Ever. Gnash would think it was hysterical.

* As kids Papyrus was always the Short One, even smaller than Alphys. Undyne would crack jokes and call him Shorty until he hit 12 and had a sudden growth spurt that just didn't seem to stop until he hit 18 and was suddenly even taller than Gnash. Undyne still calls him Shorty, even if he's at least a foot taller than her.

* Speaking of Heights, as kids Undyne was the tallest, followed by Alphys, then Sans, then Papyrus. As adults it's now Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, and Sans. Sans doesn't mind.

* Sans is shorter than Papyrus but bulkier and can lift more weight. In his Blaster form he can even comfortably carry Alphys.

* Papyrus and Sans actually suggested carrying Undyne and Alphys once. Mostly as a mock play of an anime they were watching about a girl who rode on the back of a wolf. Undyne had the time of her life whipping through the trees. Alphys tried but kept falling off and didn't think it was that much fun even though Sans did his best to make sure she wouldn't fall off. With some help Sans made a saddle for her which surprisingly worked very well and Alphys enjoyed her next ride. She isn't comfortable using her friend as a means of transportation though, especially Sans, so it's a once in a blue moon/emergency thing that has her do this.

* Papyrus and Undyne have battle plans for how they could use his Blaster form and her spears in combat. It's as epic as it sounds. Frank had to use every ounce of his own determination to keep Gnash from challenging them.

* Asgore makes frequent trips to Snowden to check in on Sans and Papyrus. A few times he went dressed as Santa so they wouldn't know but Sans figured it out. Papyrus was oblivious.

* Dogamy and Dogressa eventually do have their own pup, a female named Doge! (This one isn't entirely Trust Centric).

* As the bros get older Grillby starts to wonder if perhaps he should invest in a larger house. Neither sibling is very eager to leave, and there is a fairly large vacant house just past the Librarby....

* Judging by how hit headed Gnash acts at work and how Brash and Mule-Headed Undyne can be, you'd figure she gets her stubbornness and penchant for stupid ideas from Gnash. As Gnash can attest, her stubbornness actually comes from Frank. He says it would be easier to convince a mountain to fly than convince Frank against something he has set his mind to. Frank says the stupid idea thing is a combo from Gnash and Frank's rebellious kid phase.

* Gnash makes all of Undyne's clothes. For multiple reasons but the main one being that he can weave magic into them so they are a 1000x easier to clean and fix after she's done running a rampage outdoors all day.

* Frank got the idea go hide sweets and stickers in his sleeves from Gnash to use on Undyne. As a baby she refused to cooperate during his physical exams and the normal tricks of giving her a sweet didn't work on her. Gnash gave him the idea of sleight of hand tricks to make it a game (having heard it from a fellow guardsmen about getting their kid to take vitamins). It worked like a charm and Frank always used it during her exam times, eventually adding stickers as well. Other children he treated loved it to so he just kept doing it.

* Frank usually runs his sticker and sweet choices by Undyne before he goes to an exam

* As Sans started to pick up on his tricks, Frank had to up his Game. A lot.

* Sans found the Door to the Ruins before he met Grillby! He managed to pass Snowden since he was to fearful of the monsters there and managed go find the door. He couldn't get it to budge but the noise he made on the door attracted Toriel's attention who had been checking on it and about to leave. When she called out he fled. He went back once later on, well after being adopted by Grillby during a Run with the Dog Unit. He wanted to knock, to see if he really did hear a voice but couldn't muster up the courage just yet.

* After the Core was rebuilt and a new Royal Scientist was named Asgore made sure to regularly check in on their lab in person, along with requesting more insight on their personal and official projects. He has had to replace the Royal Scientist a few times when they refused to answer some questions about their projects to him.

* Bertram never really forgave himself over not properly listening to Alphys. He eventually decided that he HAD to make amends as best he could and out in for an extended vacation to spend some actual quality time with her. They had a great vacation that ended up being over a month long and after that he not only incorporated her into his work more he always made sure to stop and actually listen to her when she brings up her concerns and fears about something, no matter how trivial or outlandish they seemed.

** The above is also why Alphys now has flood lights installed under her bed and in her closet with a 'panic button' that activates and deactivated them with a touch on her bed.

* Alphys lends Sans her science books, and helps tutor him when he gets to the point that he is more advanced than the teachers at his school. Bertram helps from time to time as well.

* Bertram was the one to make the school curriculum for Grillby to use when he homeschooled the boys before they were ready to join public school. Both boys ended up being slightly above average for that first year but evened out into their own strengths and weaknesses the following year.

* Asgore invited Sans, Papyrus, Alphys, and Undyne to tour New Home and some of the surrounding area which ended with the four helping in his garden and being allowed to each take a golden flower home with them. Admittedly the tour had some mishaps (including a hole in the throne that Asgore swears was his doing and certainly not the kids, but the kids won't say otherwise so everyone leaves it at that), but otherwise went smoothly. Alphys's flower only ever had one flower to it but is still alive into her adult years as she followed Asgore's directions to the letter, Undyne's now makes a very beautiful golden chain bloom in Gnash's office (it was later moved to his living room when he retired), Papyrus's decorates the inside of the window's at Grillby's bar, their stalks tall and thin but the blooms large and vibrant. Sans has spread the most actually: he separates new blooms and gives them to his friends and close companions. Each member of the Dog Unit has a flowerpot with the large but short blooming golden flowers, Grillby has a small collection, and the librarby has several as well. Dogamy and Dogressa got an additional pot overflowing and draped with golden flowers Sans grew himself when their child Doge was born.

* the five Blasters were all eventually adopted by various monsters in the underground, except for the eldest 003 (Arial). They only resurfaced years later and it's because Gnash found them nearly at Dusting point in Gaster's fallen lab after hearing reports of strange noises. 003 was given to Asgore and while he did his best Arial still took off once they were strong enough to move again. Asgore does sometimes see them (just for a moment) in the gardens but they teleport out as soon as they see him. Asgore has been considering adding denser plants that something it's size could hide in.

[purplemaple-xoxo]

Dog vs. Dog Chapter 1

A series of one-shot’s detailing the shenanigans that Amestris’ top dogs get into. Roy Mustang and Black Hayate compete for Riza’s affections, creating a world of shenanigan’s for the Lieutenant.

Thanks to @allisontherumorhargreeves for being my beta!

Also posted on FF.net

“Come on Hayate, I’m not going to hurt you. I just need you to come with me.” Roy’s tone was calm as he slowly approached the dog, a towel draped between his outstretched arms. He avoided using the dreaded ‘B’ word.

Riza’s words repeated in his head like a mantra.

“Remember to keep a tight hold on his leash, he gets excited when he sees mud. And he’s stronger than he looks.”

Roy mostly remembered scoffing at the idea. Hayate was only a few weeks old, he couldn’t be that strong.

Oh, how wrong he’d been.

“Hayate, it’s just water. Don’t you want to be nice and clean when your mom gets back?”

Hayate sat calmly, his head tilted to the side at the mention of his master. His dark eyes barely distinguishable against the mud embedded deeply into his thick fur, he stuck his tongue out in doggy glee.

“I should jump him now while he’s calm. 1.. 2.. 3!”

Roy quickly lunged at the dog…only to land flat on his stomach. Hayate was already on the other side of Riza’s small apartment.

“Why did Fuery pick today of all days to be sick?!” Roy groaned as he slowly got up on his knees and crossed his arms, eyeing Hayate as he did so.

“You know your mom isn’t going to like that you got dirty and messed up her apartment.”

That seemed to get Hayate’s attention as his ears flattened against his head as he bowed forward.

“You’ve shown your hand, my dear friend.”

“I know you’re upset about Hawkeye being gone, but Catalina has dragged her out shopping. And I know I’m not as fun as Fuery but I know your mom wouldn’t be happy to know you didn’t listen to me.”

Roy tried to hide his satisfied smirk as Hayate ducked his head further in doggy guilt.

“Now come here Black Hayate so I can wash you up.”

Hayate slowly got up and walked over to him.

“That’s a good boy,” Roy spoke with pride as he went to scoop up Hayate “now let’s give you a bath.”

As soon as he spoke, he knew he messed up. Hayate quickly darted away when he realized what going with the Colonel meant.

Roy was able to grab Hayate around the chest but quickly let go when the dog gave a loud yip, afraid he had hurt the poor puppy. He watched as Hayate darted away, he laid down fully on the ground in defeat.

After a while, Hayate came out of his hiding spot and crept into the small living room. He noticed the dark-haired man was lying face down on the floor. He didn’t appear to be moving. He slowly approached and took a chance by sniffing his head. Yup, still alive. Hayate proceeded to sniff around the man before he was abruptly lifted off the ground and was quickly thrown in the bathtub, the psychotic man soon joining him.

Roy quickly turned on the water as Hayate tried desperately to grasp the edge of the tub to make his escape. He quickly grabbed some of Hayate’s soap and began lathering it into the frantic pups fur.

“Cut me some slack here Hayate! Let me prove to Hawkeye that I can do this!”

Hayate continued to scramble around the porcelain tub.

“That’s an order Second Lieutenant! I command you to sit!”

That got Hayate’s attention, and the pup immediately sat down. Roy let out a sigh of relief as he could now calmly wash the mud from his fur. Even though his shirt and trousers were soaked, he relished in the calm and actually took the moment to study the pup.

He could clearly see why Fuery had taken the pup in during the rainstorm. Those brown eyes were irresistible, much like his owners. Roy quickly shook his head of THAT thought, now wasn’t the time or place, and he returned himself to his task. Even through the dirt, Hayate’s fur was still incredibly soft, and who could resist those little ears?!

Once the runoff from Hayate’s fur was no longer brown Roy reached over for the towel he hastily discarded when he first charged through.

“Now that is over with, let’s dry you off.” As he was about to wrap the pup up in the towel Hayate got a burst of energy and launched himself out of the tub and out the door that Roy forgot to close in his haste.

“Just my luck. Hayate! COME HERE!”

Roy tried desperately to not slip on the hardwood floor as he skidded after Hayate. Both having trouble nearly colliding with furniture. When Hayate booked it around the couch to fast he slipped in a puddle, but before he would crash into the floor he was swept up and smothered with a towel.

“Yes, victory is mine Black Hayate! Now to finally dry you off before Hawkeye gets home.”

“It’s a little late for that sir.”

Both Roy and Hayate froze and slowly turned to the front entrance to see Riza standing there with her arms full of bags.

“Hi Lieutenant, how was shopping with Catalina?” Roy spoke nervously as he gently placed Hayate on the ground so he could greet his master.

“Sir, is there a reason why both you and my living room floor are soaked? And why is Black Hayate wet as well?” Riza asked as she bent down to deposit her bags before scooping the small pup up.

Hayate knew that his master’s attention was fully on him and wagged his tail excitedly, once Riza had picked him up he nestled into her neck and closed his eyes contently. Much to the annoyance of the sopping wet Colonel.

“Care to answer my question Colonel?”

“Well, it all started when I decided to take Hayate for a walk…”

-/-/-

“Hayate heal! The park isn’t going anywhere!” Roy tried to pull Hayate back without hurting him. But Hayate was determined to get to the park as quickly as possible. Not caring if the Colonel was struggling to keep up with the small puppy’s questionably rapid pace.

Roy just rolled his eyes as he sped up his gait and let Hayate lead him to one of East Cities many parks. Both the Colonel and puppy slowed down when they finally entered the park.

Roy let Hayate sniff around a section of bushes as he looked around the park. It was Saturday so many families were enjoying the sunny afternoon. It had rained the previous night, and both Roy and others were trying their best to keep their dogs and children out of the muk.

“That’s a cute dog there mister. What’s its name?”

Roy snapped out of his trance and looked over to see a little girl standing beside him. Her large hazel eyes were glued to Hayate as he finished his business and trotted back over to meet the child.

“His name is Black Hayate.” Roy responded as he watched the small child reach out a hand to let Hayate sniff.

“May I pet your dog? My mommy says you have to ask before petting a stranger’s dog.”

“Yes, you can pet him.” Roy smiled at the little girl’s enthusiasm as she gave Hayate scratches behind the ear and chin.

“Mary! There you are! Don’t go running away from me like that!”

Roy and Mary both looked up to see a tall red-headed woman making her way over to the pair. A scowl etched on her face.

“I’m sorry mommy! But I wanted to see the dog! This man said I could pet him!”

“I’m terribly sorry about my daughter, Mister?”

“Mustang, Roy Mustang.” Roy spoke.

“Mustang… as in Colonel Roy Mustang?”

“I knew I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Yes, I am Colonel Roy Mustang.” The way her face brightened made him nervous.

“It’s such an honor to meet you, you hear all these stories.” He knew that look and forced himself to stop from rolling his eyes.

“I can assure you, the papers tend to exaggerate.” He tapped Hayate’s back leg with his foot. He was Riza’s dog and therefore a genius, right?

He was just like his owner though, sitting down and watching him try to get out of a jam without Riza’s help. If he didn’t know any better the pooch was entertained.

“Not some things, Mr. Mustang.” She gave him a long, approving up and down. “You’re much more handsome than the pictures they print you know.” She looked about ready to eat him alive and Roy cleared his throat, reaching for his watch and flipping it open.

“I’m late to get him back to my fiancée, apologies. She’ll be worried I let him run off.” He gave her a trademark Mustang smile, which while almost automatic, didn’t help his case.

“It was nice meeting you, ma’am.”

Roy quickly turned and lead Hayate away from the mother and daughter pair,  putting as much distance between them as possible.

“Well, that couldn’t have gotten any weirder. Don’t date Hayate.”

Roy looked down at his companion who didn’t really seem interested in the conversation, rather taking interest in the obscenely large mud puddles.

“Hayate no. Hawkeye said no mud for you. Now let’s go back home.”

Hayate stopped in the middle of the path, causing the Colonel to stop as well and stare at the puppy.

“Come on Hayate. Let’s go.”

But Hayate wouldn’t move an inch, he decided to sit instead.

“Hayate why are you doing this? I played tug of war with you, I fed you, I took you to the park. What more do you want?” Roy waited as Hayate seemed to contemplate the question before looking over at a puddle of mud.

“No way Hayate. Don’t you think for a second that I would let you NEAR that. We are heading straight home.”

Roy tried tugging on the leash to no success. Hayate wouldn’t budge, he just kept looking longingly over at the puddles.

“Don’t give me that look Hayate, I’m the one in charge here. I’m also your superior officer, therefore, I command you to return home.

Roy would later claim that the little dots above Hayate’s eyes lowered as if to challenge him. Roy raised his own eyebrows before Hayate was gone, the leash ripped from his hands and was halfway to the mud puddles.

“Hayate NO!” Roy yelled, but it was too late. Hayate was already rolling around in the mud, Roy could see it be smothered deeper and deeper into his fur. Turning the white of his fur a deep brown.

“Hawkeye is going to kill me.”

-/-/-

“That’s your story?”

“That’s my story.”

“So you think Hayate was being spiteful towards you because a woman was flirting with you? You shouldn’t let him take advantage of you Colonel. That’s how dogs develop bad habits.” Hawkeye spoke as she walked past the Colonel, Black Hayate still firmly nestled in her arms.

“He yanked his leash out of my hand! What was I supposed to do?!”

“Not let him. He is only a puppy, sir.”

“A freakishly strong puppy! Are you sure he’s not somehow related to the Armstrong family?”

Her laugh could light up the darkest of nights.

“Yes sir, I’m positive Buraha isn’t an Armstrong.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Roy watched as Hayate made direct eye contact with him as he enjoyed Riza’s affection. Making the Colonel scowl.

“Well, I better be going Lieutenant. I’m sorry for the state of your apartment.”

“That is quite alright sir. Thank you for watching Hayate for me.”

“It was my pleasure Lieutenant.” Roy spoke as he made his way to the door. Riza put Hayate down to escort the Colonel out.

“I’m sorry Hayate wasn’t well behaved.”

“He’s still a puppy Lieutenant. Besides, he seems to be quite taken with you.”

“Yes, I guess he has.” Riza spoke fondly as she turned back into the apartment to give the small dog a smile.

“Good night Lieutenant.”

“Good night Colonel.”

The smile she gave him before the door separated them stuck with him for the rest of the week.

[littleshebear]

For the meme: Saladin/Jolder, #7 or #9!

Sorry this took so long, Nonny, it’s been a combination of real life being a bitch and what was intended to be a drabble ballooning to over 2,000 words. So you get a long-ass fic too, Nonny. I went with #7: Laughing kiss, I thought that would be more of a challenge with these two. Angst is the easy route with Saladin/Jolder. This starts out a touch angsty but ends with fluff, both metaphorical and literal. Foundlings.Saladin Forge | Lady Jolder | Saladin x Jolder | Iron Lords | Established Relationship | Fluff | Smooching | Excessive Cute | cw: brief mention of animal death 

“Saladin Forge, what have you done?”

Jolder should have known he’d been up to something. Thinking back, he’d been characteristically quiet after the battle. He always needed time to himself after a fight, but he was very gloomy this time, even for him. His mood had blackened significantly when they’d found the wolves. 

They couldn’t be sure who’s attack had done for them, theirs or the warlord’s but the result was depressingly clear to see. The poor beasts’ bodies were burned, scattered, mangled. Blood and gore marred the ground beneath them.

“It would have been quick,” Jolder had said, squeezing his hand in hers, “I doubt they felt anything.”

“That’s not the point,” he’d growled in response. “This had nothing to do with them. They were innocent.”

“Collateral damage, Saladin. It happens.” Radegast’s calm, measured contribution only served to make Saladin’s scowl deepen. The guilt settled on him, heavy, like drifting snow. He stalked off, separating himself from the rest of the group after mumbling an assurance to Jolder that he would be fine and that he would catch up to them later.

No one witnessed him return to Felwinter Peak. When Jolder finally saw him he was evasive and his normally pristine armour was caked in mud and grime. After a furtive couple of hours, he finally invited Jolder to follow him with a silent, conspiratorial nod of his head. Jolder wasn’t sure what to expect but it certainly wasn’t four wolf pups play-fighting on their bedroom floor.

“What did you do?” Jolder reiterates.

“I tracked back to their den, i wanted to make sure that the pack we killed didn’t have young. They did. So…” He shrugs, as if his actions were perfectly natural, the only reasonable response to the situation. “I crawled in after them.”

“You don’t know that we killed them.”

“They got caught in the crossfire of our fight.” He states simply, obviously in no mood to brook any argument. “We killed them, we’re responsible.”

Jolder shakes her head, “It was an accident.”

“That doesn’t make these cubs any less orphaned.”

Jolder drags her hands down her face and makes a strangulated noise, something between a groan and a growl. “Saladin,” she begins, imbuing her voice with as much compassion and understanding as possible. “I love you. Never doubt that. I love that you care so much but this?” She gestures to the pups, “This is a terrible idea!”

“What else was I supposed to do? Let them starve to death?”

“These are wild animals, they’re not pets.”

“I know that, I’m not keeping them-”

“They’re in our bedroom!” Jolder interjects.

I’m just taking care of them until they can take care of themselves.”

“Be practical,” Jolder presses her hands together and looks at him entreatingly,”How are you going to feed them? Do you have a secret supply of wolf’s milk stashed somewhere?”

“I think they’re weaned…” He glances back and forth between Jolder and the pups. “I think they’re weaned. Don’t they look weaned to you?”

“I’m sorry, I’m Jolder the titan, you must be confusing me with Jolder the wolf expert.”

“This is no time for sarcasm, Jolder,” Saladin says, frowning.

“This is the perfect time for sarcasm!” Jolder retorts, throwing her hands in the air. “You have no idea what you’re doing, you don’t know what to feed them, I’m not sure the others will be thrilled to know there are wolves running around under our roof, and okay, they’re cute now but in a few months they’ll have grown into massive, untameable murder-dogs.”

“They’re not going to be staying after they’re adults, I told you. Just until they can fend for themselves.”

“And who is going to teach them to hunt, you?”

Saladin shrugs. “Perun might help?” Jolder shoots him an exasperated, sceptical look. “She said she likes wolves,” Saladin adds by way of explanation.

“I think she likes them in the abstract, that doesn’t mean she’ll like them running around the Iron Temple.”

“Efrideet?” Saladin suggests, just the hint of a wince in his features.

“You know what?” Jolder laughs mirthlessly, “You’re probably right, she’s reckless enough to go along with this nonsense.”

Saladin looks away, suddenly distracted by movement in the corner of his eye. He sighs and crosses over to the bed, disentangling a pup from the bed clothes as it tries to burrow underneath. “No,” he admonishes gently, petting him behind his ears with his free hand. “Go play with your litter-mates.”

Jolder can’t help but hear the affection in Saladin’s voice and her heart sinks. “Please don’t get attached. The others might not like this. Don’t assume they’ll let you keep them.”

“I’ll tell the others…” He hesitates, depositing the pup on the floor, “…soon.”

“Keeping them secret will not go down well.”

“Fine,” he sighs, “I’ll tell them tomorrow.” He heads for the door. “Can you keep an eye on them for a while?”

“Where are you going?” Asks Jolder.

“I should put in an appearance at the forge and the armoury. My absence has probably been noticed. Then I’ll see if I can get them something to eat from the stores.”

“There’s probably some spare bones they could chew on, I guess.”

Saladin turns back to face her, looking horrified. “No! No bones. They splinter, they can cause a lot of damage to a pup.”

“So how do they manage in the wild?” Asks Jolder, incredulous.

“The adult wolves regurgitate partially digested meat for them.”

Jolder wrinkles her nose, “Please tell me you won’t be doing that?”

Saladin raises an eyebrow.

“That’s disgusting and not even remotely funny,” says Jolder, the look of revulsion still on her face.

Saladin chuckles and opens the door. “I’ll see you soon.” He turns his attention to the pups. “Be good,” he intones to them before leaving and closing the door after him.

Jolder sighs deeply and runs her hand through her hair as she watches the cubs. Two of them are play-fighting, rolling around and snapping at eachother. Jolder wonders if she should break it up at some point. The pup that had been so interested in the bedclothes now has his nose pressed firmly against Jolder’s boot, investigating her scent. Where’s the other one? She wonders. There were four, weren’t there?Jolder crosses the room to check the other side of the bed. Sure enough, there she is, squatting down on her haunches.

“Oh no,” breathes Jolder, “No, no, no, not that, not in here!” The pup stands, leaving a little puddle in her wake. She toddles over to Jolder and begins pawing at her leg, looking rather pleased with herself.

“Forge,” Jolder shakes her head, regarding the mess on the floor, “You did not think this through.”

~*~

Saladin makes his way back from the stores with some food for the pups. He doesn’t think the off-cuts of meat he swiped will be missed but he suspects he may be pushing it with the venison steaks. He hesitates before opening the door, hearing Jolder’s voice on the other side. He presses his ear to the door and listens.

“No, no! Put that down!” There’s a brief pause before he hears her again, “Okay, fine. I can get another one.”

Saladin opens the door very carefully, making as little noise as possible. He waits in the doorway, smiling softly at the scene in front of him. Jolder is seated, cross-legged on the floor, with the pups competing for a chance to climb on her.

“Okay,” She says, gently lifting them down off of her, “take turns, play nice. There’s enough Jolder for everyone.” Two of them begin playing tug of war with a tattered piece of cloth, that looks like it’s what’s left of Jolder’s Mark. They muster the most blood-curdling growls their little lungs can manage.

“It’s all right guys, honestly,” she says, quietly laughing at their antics, “I didn’t need that Mark, truly.” She turns her attention to the remaining two, who have flopped onto the floor beside her, positioning themselves to lay their heads on either side of her lap. “What’s up you two? You tired? Are you tired, little ones?” Jolder pets the wolves snuggled up against her, scratching behind their ears and talking gently to them.

“You okay, Fenrir?” She asks quietly. “Do you miss your family, hm?” The little wolf stretches and grumbles as if in answer. “I know, it’s rough. You’re lucky though, you have no idea how lucky you are that he was the one to find you.” The other pup rolls over on her back, yawning expansively.

Jolder carries on talking while absently rubbing the pup’s belly. “I was like you, you know. Alone, no family. But he found me too.” She laughs at a sudden recollection, “And then I punched him because I was scared and I didn’t know who he was, I didn’t know he was one of the good ones. Didn’t put him off though, he wanted to make sure I was okay, bloody nose and all.” Her smile fades a little, taking on a more wistful, distant look, while Saladin looks on, silently. He covers his mouth, hiding his smile behind his fist.

“And he is one of the good ones. The best, actually.” Jolder’s smile broadens again. “So you be good for him! Or I’ll hand you over to Felwinter, and you won’t like that, believe me.” She jostles the female pup playfully who responds by rolling over and leaping at her, licking at her face. The male pup takes this as an invitation to follow suit.

Jolder shrieks, “Raksha! Fenrir, no! Down!” For all her protestations, she giggles uncontrollably and ruffles the pups’ fur throughout the affectionate attack.

Saladin finally gives voice to the laughter that’s been threatening to escape since he saw Jolder with the cubs. Jolder gasps and looks up at him.

“How long have you been standing there?” She asks, wide-eyed.

“Long enough,” He replies, closing the door before any of his charges can escape. They rush over to him and alternate between nipping at his heels and glueing their noses to the bag containing the meat Saladin has procured for their dinner. He chuckles as he begins distributing the meat among them. “You’re not getting attached now, are you?”

“Shut up,” she’s smiling but the colour is rising in her cheeks. “Okay, they’re cute. But they won’t stay cute. I still say this is a bad idea.”

“You gave them names!” He settles on the floor beside her and nudges her.

“That doesn’t mean anything!” Jolder protests, pushing back against him. “I just thought it was easier than calling them, ‘Smelly Inconvenience One Through Four.’” She points at each cub in turn, “Okay. The one that’s running off with the best cut of meat? That’s Raksha. The one overseeing the feeding schedule? That’s Fenrir, he’s a bossy one. And the two that utterly destroyed my Mark are Luperca and Radegast. They’re trouble.”

“Radegast?” Saladin asks, his voice quavering with amusement.

“Yeah,” she shrugs, as though this is the most obvious thing in the world. “He looks like Radegast.”

“How can a wolf look like-” Saladin cocks his head when he looks at the newly-christened Radegast. “Oh, actually…”

Jolder snorts and collapses into giggles again, leaning against Saladin. He Puts his arm around her and whispers in her ear.

“Admit it. You like them.”

“They tore up my mark.”

“You were playing with them.”

“Luperca peed on the floor.”

“You named them.”

There’s a brief silence, then all Jolder can come back with is, “Shut up.” She tries to fashion a scowl but her smile breaks through. She tips her head to the side, granting his lips access to her neck. He kisses her softly, starting at her earlobe and working his way down the side of her neck. Jolder closes her eyes and bites her lip, doing her best to rein in that treacherous grin.  “This isn’t going to work.”

“What isn’t going to work?” He purrs.

“What you’re doing to my neck.”

“Was I doing something to your neck?” Saladin grazes his teeth lightly over her skin, eliciting a delighted squeal from her.

“Fine!” Jolder exclaims. “Fine you win. They’re adorable. You were right. It would have been wrong to leave them. Pleased?”

“Of course I’m pleased,” He encircles her in his arms and pulls her close, “You admitted you were wrong, I’m going to ask Tyra to record this in the annals.”

“Oh ho, really? Don’t push your luck, Forge!” Jolder turns to straddle Saladin’s lap and puts her hands on his shoulders. Her push is gentle, but he acquiesces to her touch immediately, tumbling back onto the floor, laughing uproariously. She muffles his laughter with her lips, while he threads his fingers through her hair and cups her head in his hands.

Saladin breaks the away briefly to say a breathy, “Thank you,” before closing the gap between them again. His lips are softer now that his mirth has faded a little and she takes her time, luxuriating in the kiss, savouring his closeness. She eventually pulls back and rests her forehead against his.

“It’s worth it to see you this happy. One thing though.” She places her index finger over his lips and holds his gaze. “They’re sleeping in your workshop. They’re not spending the night in here.”

Saladin purses his lips before replying with a simple but sceptical, “Okay.”

“I mean it.”

“I believe you,” he assures her, even as his shoulders begin shaking, a portent of another laughing fit.

“Shut up.”

~*~

Jolder and Saladin lie in bed, any and all attempts at sleep thwarted by the sound of the pups crying from a couple of rooms away. Jolder does her best to ignore the pitiful whines, telling herself that they’ll tire themselves out. She finally throws off the covers and gets up when the howling starts.

“Traveler’s Light!” She hisses in the dark of their room, “They’re going to wake up the whole temple.” Saladin hears her pad across the floor and open the bedroom door. He then hears another door swing open and the crying stops and is immediately replaced by the sound of sixteen sets of claws skittering across the stone floor. He feels the bed being shaken from all sides, no doubt the pups scrabbling their way up onto the mattress.

“Ah-ah!” Jolder admonishes one of them. “That’s my spot. Move.” She slips back into bed beside him.

“We’ll figure out something more practical,” Saladin reassures her as the cubs lie down on the bed; one each on their feet, one wedged between them and one pressed up against the back of Saladin’s knees. “Maybe we can persuade Silimar to build a kennel?”

He feels her tense up in his arms. “Not right away? We’re not going to make them sleep outside right away, are we?” Jolder asks uncertainly. “They’re only babies.”

Saladin buries his face in her shoulder, stifling his laughter.

Jolder sighs. “Shut up.”

[greenkeepery]

How to Calm Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

How to Calm Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

Much like humans, dogs are also capable of experiencing anxiety. If you are a dog owner, you know that your canine counterpart has an amazingly heightened set of senses. This heightened sensitivity can also extend to how they experience thunderstorms and why dogs are afraid of thunder and other loud noises.

Why are Dogs Afraid of Thunder?

Your dog might be able to feel static electricity from a thunderstorm  buildup in its coat even before the first clap of thunder, causing them to react in an anxious or fearful manner. Noise trauma during storms may be stressful for both owners and dogs.

Thankfully there are a number of options for calming a dog scared of thunder. Keep reading to learn more about how natural remedies, like extra snuggles and CBD, can ease your dog’s anxiety.

What Does Thunderstorm Anxiety in a Dog Look Like?

It is not uncommon for dogs to express storm anxiety in a variety of ways and to varying degrees of severity. Before thunder gets rolling, they may have already jammed themselves behind the toilet tank or had an accident indoors. In worse scenarios, dogs may express their panic through destructive behavior such as clawing through drywall, carpets, or even escaping through window screens.

Common symptoms of storm anxiety for dogs include:

Trembling

Panting

Whimpering/Howling

Pacing

Aggression

Having accidents in the house (when usually they are well-trained)

Destructive behavior

While it may be distressing to watch our canine companions acting out because of storm-induced stress, there are ways you can help. Observing your dog’s behavior during a storm to better accommodate its individual needs is a good place to start.

Try These Tips for Dogs Scared of Thunder:

Reward calm behavior

If your dog can remain calm during a storm, providing a distraction can be an easy remedy. You can use playing fetch, petting, a favorite toy, or treats as a simple fix, but only if your dog is in a calm state. Prepare by practicing the “settle” command with your dog often and praise them when they comply and lay calmly at your feet. Ideally, this will enable your dog to listen to you calmly during a storm.

Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm

Many owners may ask, “What can I give my dog for storm anxiety?” The answer is simple: a sense of calm. When dogs are scared of thunder, they may hide themselves away in strange spaces, or they may cling to their owners. Observe if your dog wants to go into a certain room or space and make that space accessible to them. Make sure that they can come and go when they choose. Confinement may exacerbate their stress level.

Comfort your dog

Start by maintaining a calm demeanor during a storm, as your pet is likely to react to your agitation. Try manually calming your dog with a gentle massage. Snug garments that are especially designed to calm dogs can also be an asset. The idea is that the garment works in a similar way to bundling a crying baby.

CBD for your dog

If you have exhausted these and/or other remedies, it may be time to examine a plant-based approach. Consider looking into Charlotte’s Web

full-spectrum hemp extract with CBD for dogs.

Scientific studies have shown that CBD can have a calming impact on humans and rats used in laboratory research. Since dogs have an endocannabinoid system as we and rodents do, it follows that CBD may have a soothing potential for your best buddy.*

In mammals, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) creates chemicals called cannabinoids independently of whether we have ever used cannabis. Scientists have learned that the ECS helps keep our bodies’ internal processes in an optimal, stable state when faced with everyday stresses and challenges.* For this reason, CBD can impart a calming influence on your pet when they experience noise trauma during a thunderstorm.*

What Should You Know About CBD for Your Dog?

Additional information about CBD

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is extracted from both hemp plants and marijuana plants. It is most often associated with hemp because higher concentrations of CBD can be found in hemp plants. Hemp not only has higher concentrations of CBD, but is legally allowed a maximum of 0.3% THC, (the intoxicating chemical found in marijuana plants that is associated with cannabis). CBD is non-intoxicating and does not alter perception.

How are CBD oil and hemp chews for dogs by Charlotte’s Web

special?

Charlotte’s Web

drops and chews include a full-spectrum hemp extract with CBD. This means that they offer the benefits of CBD along with many other cannabinoids and beneficial compounds thus far identified in hemp. This gives your pet an optimal experience of both CBD’s natural soothing benefits, along with the benefits of all of hemp’s additional naturally derived compounds.

What Kind of CBD Should You Use?

So what CBD products for dogs are best for your furry friend? For how to calm your dog during a storm, below are the two options created by Charlotte’s Web

for how to calm your dog during a storm, and details about administering them to your pet.

Charlotte’s Web

full-spectrum hemp extract drops for dogs

Our canine friends absorb CBD a bit differently than us, and they are more sensitive to its benefits than we are. You will need to administer the drops orally and remember to always start at a low serving size and work up from there based on your dog’s reaction. Charlotte’s Web

provides a convenient dropper for easy administration. The drops also come in a delicious chicken flavor that pups love.

Charlotte’s Web

calming chews for dogs

The chews, like the drops, come in a tempting chicken flavor. In addition to naturally occurring CBD, the chews incorporate a blend of valerian root, passionflower extract, and chamomile to promote a sense of calm for your dog.*

Calming Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

Our dogs are our family, and Charlotte’s Web

is dedicated to this ancient interspecies connection. If you think your dog presents with thunderstorm anxiety, it is natural to want to help ease their fear. There are many remedies for dogs afraid of thunder and they are not one-size-fits-all. We know that your best friend is unique and it may take time to find the best solution, but we are here to help along the way.

An expansive line of hemp-derived full spectrum extract with naturally occurring CBD for dogs accommodates your best friend in a way that works for their individual palate. If you are interested in learning more about CBD for your dog, read our guide to CBD for pets, take a look at our CBD oil and hemp chews for dogs or give us a call.

Sources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/04/animals-pets-summer-storms-weather/#close

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-storm-phobia#1

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-storm-phobia#2

https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/safety-tips-thunderstorms.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1806942/

https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/safety-tips-thunderstorms.pdf

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[easilyaddictedin123]

Clashing of Wilds and Blood

Part 1 : https://easilyaddictedin123.tumblr.com/post/162841562811/clashing-of-wilds-and-blood

Part 3: https://easilyaddictedin123.tumblr.com/post/163108659911/clashing-of-wilds-and-blood

This can also be read on my AO3 : http://archiveofourown.org/works/11465187/chapters/25705545

A small warning for minor violence! Also shout out to @holy-minseok for the words of encouragement thank you so much!

Pt 2

You took a deep breath, settling into the warm water letting your hair billow around you. Ecbert would take many days to return and no doubt tear Aethelwulf apart for his decision. From what you gathered Ragnar was friend to the King, ally at least, and for his wounds it would be a healthy cost. The lavender scented water soothed your thoughts of Northmen with black hair and startling blue eyes. Such eyes. Feral, vibrant, challenging. Yes, challenging. What an interesting game he'd offered.

It crossed your mind to ask his father but that felt like cheating, “Where is your mind little lamb?”

Maude’s hands carefully pulled your hair out of the water to dry and plait it. You'd been acting strange since yesterday, nothing noticeable to many but to the woman who'd raised you the signs were blaring. The brush was soothing as it combed through your hair, a noncommittal hum answered her.

“It wouldn't have anything to do with the Lordship’s prisoners, now would it?” you could practically hear the disapproving look, “that'd be an extremely dangerous game for m’lady to toy with.”

“Why do you ask questions when you know the answer?” she scoffed at your tone,  “besides it's just a game.”

“Games like this tend to have fatal consequences. But you're still going to do as you please.” Maude shook her head and sighed aloud, “You're too much like your mother, she liked to play with fire too.”

“Really?” it was rare that Maude spoke of her.

“Mhm, always running about trying to push whatever limits that were set for her. “ -the tug on your hair didn't hurt as she continued the nostalgic story- “ Genoveve thought that to be a woman, a true woman, was to bring herself as high as she could to catch God's eye. For the angels to look down and know her so when she was forgiven and sent to Heaven she could speak to them as friends.”

“Do you think it worked? Sounds like she was a terrible sinner.” Maude barked out a sharp laugh at that.

“God forgives all, she would tell me, then be on time for mass on Sundays to ask for it. But if you're asking me, yes, for her sake if nothing else. I loved your mother dearly and I'll tell you what I told her. Rules in life are set for a reason. To be broken or followed who are we to say?”

You bit your lip nervously, “It's about them. They're just so different and the way they think is bizarre.”

“They're fascinating.” she tapped your arm and offered your towel, “ Be it far from me to think you won't continue to see them.”

You slipped on the deep blue dress on with its gold belt framing your hips, and slipped on your shoes. You had to tell Ragnar about his son like promised then speed of back to his son to play this imaginary chess game.

“Y/N.” Aethelwulf’s voice grated on your nerves but you stopped nonetheless and turned to face him.

“Yes, brother?” His face deepened at the title still thinking you unworthy of the status you’d been given on birth.

“A little bird told me something disturbing, my ‘beloved’ “he snarled out the word, “sister-in-law was creeping into the dungeons. It would be a true shame to your name and the name of King Aelle.”

“In that fact, remember who you are speaking at. I am not some mewling whelp and I’ll do as I please when it comes to m-” You expected the slap, you mouth had often gotten you worse, but not the force that sent you stumbling against the long table.

“Do not forget that being Father’s wild child daughter-in-law doesn’t give you full reign and you will not disrespect me. You will not go back down there, you should be punished but be thankful that King Aelle has use for you if it were I -” You cut him off spitting the taste of iron out of your mouth.

“But I am not, and do not forget that.” You let your tongue run against the busted lower lip, it could have been worse considering Judith’s ear and Aethelwulf’s temper.

You couldn’t possibly see Ragnar now with his steadfast guards to man the door to the Northman’s cage at the risk of more than a busted lip. You turned back to the hall making your way to the east wing if you couldn’t speak to Ragnar then his nameless son would; talking to him was safer too. The same guards held position at his door so getting in wasn’t a problem, the door opened and quietly enough to not disturb the sleeping man on his plank.

He looked tense even in slumbering part of you thought that he might even have slept with a weapon. You were quiet in moving to get close enough to actually see him, the light spilling in gave him a kind of foreign look almost like a stolen secret. You supposed in part that he was stolen from his land or did he come here willing you weren’t exactly sure, you’d leaned over too close to him. Calloused fingers gripped onto your arm hard enough to where you wouldn’t be surprised if it broke causing a slight yelp to escape your mouth. His eyes were still sleep ridden and for the barest of moments you wanted to see what he did before those striking eyes cleared.

Your arm would be bruised from the grip no doubt as he released it while growling something out in his language, you rubbed your wrist lightly to try and ease the burn. Ivar’s eyes slowly took in your form. Your deep blue dress, braided hair, face pinched in pain with a busted lip. He rubbed his temples fighting off the memory of waves crashing into the boat, screams of the dead reaching from the depths while his lungs burned. He instead focused on the woman in front of him that was trying to soothe the harm he’d caused.

“Good morning to you too, princess.” Despite the pain that the smile must have caused you offered him it regardless.

“It is a morning.” He gruffed not caring or noticing the nickname, his accent thicker and voice more gravelly it was a pleasant sound after a harsh morning.

You lifted up the front of your dress skirt just slightly to sit down in front of him, “So I thought to go ask your father about your name but that didn’t go as expected besides it’s not fair to our game. So shall I guess?”

“You are very much awake.” He sat up against the wall scrubbing at his face at your attitude that reminded him much of a pup.

“The sun is up and so am I, besides we’ve a game to play.” You smiled up at his still dreary face.

“Good luck.” The smirk settled onto his face that had a way of infuriating you but at the same there was something almost playful in the look.

“I’ve met people named after plants so you’re going to have to teach me some of your words.” He raised an eyebrow at that but ceded, “What’s the word for sky?”

“Himmel.” The word rolled off his tongue with ease unlike the choppiness that cut through the air when he spoke to you.

After a few hours of playing with various words and names he was becoming more and more entertained at the frustration nearly erupting from your bones. You hadn’t stomped your foot like a child although you wanted nothing more. It was his fault. His smug face. Arrogant look in his eyes. Teasing grin when you got it wrong. It was his fault and it was maddening and enticing. It was keeping you from noticing the time flowing by until the door opened and you leapt under the plank in the only dark spot you knew, keeping safe behind the shield of his legs hanging over the side.

Ivar scowled at the walking crypt that held his mid-day feast. Roast, potatoes, carrots and breads. She also sat down a pitcher and two glasses. Maude looked over the boy with a critical eye taking in everything from how he sat, the lines of displeasure seated on his face and the tightening of his hands on the plank edge. Even more the spread of dark blue peeking into the sunlight from under the dark of the plank.

“Next time you decide to hid little lamb don’t leave your dress edge in the way.” She listened to you groan and crawl halfway out to turn onto your back.

“You could find dirt in the snow.” Ivar looked at you while you accused the woman, he had to admit to the sight below him.

Your hair had loosened but not fallen out of it’s braid as you lay upon the ground, the sun splashing on your face lighting it up to let shadows play down your collar bone and the valley between your breasts that looked close to falling out of the dress. It had been tugged down by your flinging and flopping about.

You could feel the gaze on you yet it wasn’t as calculating as it was when you were learning various words to try and put one to his name, this felt close to appraising in nature. You finally tilted your head to face him, a brilliant smile on your face there was no seduction in your eyes. No lying. It was new and terrifying to him at the same time. Despite your busted lip or maybe because of it there was a kind of otherworldly glow on your skin and twining through your hair. The sun. He blamed it on the sun. There was no other reason he looked. No other reason.

Despite being an ocean and more away he could swear that there was a part of him that was rolling its eyes and looking suspiciously like Ubbe, he was brought out of the musing by a sharp clearing of a throat. The old woman had a ferociously grim look set on her aged appearance, Y/N jumped too maybe she was looking just as intensely?

“Your food m’lady to share with your” -Maude tried to find a word besides prisoner- “Your guest.”

“Thank you, Maude.” The voice was dismissive as you glared at the woman trying to get her out of the room faster.

Maude was hesitant to leave. She’d seen it. That pass of emotions slipping from person to person. It was new and breaching but it was there, Genoveve looked at the King Aelle once like there. As if there was something like an ember in the other, something capturing the hooks of her mistress’ being to drag her down into the darkness and crush her. The prisoner being a heathen or not. There was something else though in his that wasn’t in the King’s, where King Aelle had been deceptive interest, this blue gaze was cautious interest. That made it all the more dangerous.

“I’ll be back within the hour.” It sounded more like a warning than an assurance.

You finally twisted and twined further from the plank and Ivar resisted the urge to choke at the motion jostling you back and forth with your groan of frustration. He blamed it on being in four walls with nothing but his own mind, he didn’t want to admit to the voice that had yesterday called him a liar now saying that you weren’t bad company. Christian aside, a faith that you didn’t seem truly committed to in the first place, there might be something hypnotic.

“Seems like Maude tracked me down again.” You scoffed brushing off the dirt from your dress, “ She was always good at it.”

You walked over to sit next to him offering him half the plate, he hadn’t been fed since they’d dragged him away, and the pitcher next to you with what smelled like sweet wine. He tore into the roast while you poured the wine and offered it. He took a gulp and scrunched his nose at the taste making you laugh.

“Why do you drink this? It taste rotten. No ale.” That made you snicker and shake your head.

“No ale.” His lips tugged downwards at the revelation but still continued to eat around your hands that grabbed for food; the quiet wasn’t deafening, it wasn’t uncomfortable, there was a serenity in the occasional snort of impatience.

A glance from the rim of the cup that splashed against your tongue with sweetness nearly made you gag, you couldn’t smother the laughter that escaped when you swiftly gulped down the rest of the wine. Ivar had made slight mess of himself, the gravy sticking to his fingers and where they touched on his cheeks. He looked childish, more human and less terrifying Northman.

He licked his finger still not noticing until you reached over, he jerked back with a look of suspicion, “I’m not going to poison you by trying to get gravy off your face.”

Ivar did not blush, he was a Viking, he was a warrior but regardless you leaned over and he didn’t move, the blue fabric was soft and came away dirty but you just shook it off and continued to drink. The metal resting carefully above your lower lip to not break open the wound again.

“Why did it happen?” You raised an eyebrow at the look of inquiry, seemingly lost as you sat the wine down, it stopped when a calloused finger barely brushed over your lip.

To your credit you didn’t jump instead sat slightly transfixed at how hands that were so rough were surprisingly easy with the heated flesh under their brush, “My mouth tends to get me into trouble, so sometimes I get reprimanded.”

“You’re husband?” You scoffed at the word as Ivar picked up a piece of carrot and popped into his mouth.

“My sister’s husband, Aethelwulf likes to remind me of being a bastard.” You shrugged now finding the seams more interesting than him.

“Bastard? But you’re someone at least by your hands you are, why are you hit?” You gave a half hearted shrug.

“Just because I was taken in and given position I’m still a woman, not like I can do much against it.” Ivar scowled not understanding how someone so vibrant and full of everything could hollow out in a moment to someone helpless.

“You could fight back.” He watched you wince slightly but there was appeal to the thought.

“With what? My wit, I think we both see where that leads me.” You smirked trying to brush off the grave atmosphere with a playful tone.

“What good is your God if he doesn’t protect you?” Ivar smirked at the look of confusion and thought trying to come up with something to say.

There wasn’t anything you could come up with and he enjoyed seeing the small seed of doubt settled into your mind even if you were going to brush it away it would come back, “What would your Gods do?”

“My Gods let our women fight. They’re fierce and battle with us in raids and in the wars of land. The Goddess Freyja fights as well riding into battle where her Valkyries take half of the slain to her house.” He watched wonder cross your face and there was a slight outrage in the back of his mind by how eager you were to know of a woman who could defend herself.

“She takes half of the dead? So they go to your Heaven.” Ivar scooted back to settle comfortably against the wall as best he could.

“What is Heaven?” After long explanations filled with pointed laughter on both of your causes brought him to a question, “What is sin? You Christians say it so much, but I don’t know what it is.”

“It’s an immoral act against God’s law, like lying, or stealing or killing.” Ivar derided at the idea, “ You’ll go to Hell if you commit a sin and are not forgiven.”

Before he could tell you how ridiculous the idea of such things sending one to Hel was the old woman -Maude he reminded himself- walked back in, “It’s time to leave your guest, it’s nearing feast and I’ve let you escape today’s duties long enough.”

You groaned in an unladylike manner to further irritate her, “Fine, but I’ll be back to talk tomorrow.” ,you leaned slightly over, “If not sooner.”

He watched you stand and brush yourself off, throwing your braid over your shoulder with Ivar slightly resisting the urge to see if it was soft but touching it.

“What will we talk about?” He questioned as you got to the door, Maude walking ahead of you.

“Let us talk of Sin, but until then I bid you good eve. Nobody.” He watched you walk out with the thoughts how many sins could one commit that would damn them and why would they be damned for dying well and living life at it’s fullest? He was back in his dark room, the sun having lowered to cast only an orange glow instead of the bright one that left with you, it was colder save for the wood plank that had warmth still clinging to it. The name of Nobody was confusing as well, he’d have to question it. He could see that you were almost a slave to the God but yet you were a form of royalty at the least. Regardless he was willing to contradict you and your sins.