#i'll be like ... damn me saying i could use a service dog feels so up my ass. like i won't Die it's not like i NEED it

[aromacaque]

i need a service dog so i can curl up in a ball on the floor in the middle of the cereal isle while i'm grocery shopping and have no one bother me because my big dog is blocking me from being perceived. and then i pet him to calm myself down and can just Stare at the dog and nothing else because everything else is too overwhelming and pretend i am not in a giant store surrounded by the Horrors (fluorescent lights and giant open spaces with people i have to interact with)

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

❄️ Let it Snow

A big snowstorm hits Hawkins leaving Eddie and yn trapped in his trailer for a night... Will long-hidden feelings finally come to light?

Warnings; Angst to Fluff, cuteness ❤

Likes or reblogs are always appreciated 😘

I don't give anyone permission to copy my work.

Winter fics start now 🎄💞 ❄️

❤

Her relationship ( if you could call it that) with Eddie had started in a haze of one of their usual arguments followed by mindblowing sex.

For the last two months, it had been much of the same. They would argue, have sex, lather rinse repeat.

It's not like she planned to fall for him or anything, Eddie had been a pain in her ass since middle school.

There was just something they both saw in one another that made them fight like cats and dogs and pushed each other's buttons.

Chrissy had told her once that she and Eddie had a lot of sexual tension and it was obvious they both wanted each other which made yn nearly choke on the milkshake she was drinking.

She denied it absolutely wasn't that at all, sure Eddie was handsome and all but he drove her up the wall. There was no way she wanted him.

God, she was an idiot.

This latest argument was because she was tired of sneaking around and wanted to come clean to her friends that she and Eddie were... seeing each other.

He refused.

"Oh, yeah that will go down great sweetheart. The freak and the princess, I'm sure people will have a field day with that one".

As much as Eddie pretended he didn't care what people thought that was obviously a load of bullshit.

So she argued that she didn't care what anyone thought and he countered that they were just a physical thing, that was all and her heart broke.

"Well, if that's how you feel then I'll just go then"

"Fine!" he yelled and that was that. Whatever they had was over. She bites back tears and heads into school.

When she was alone with Eddie it was like they were in their own little bubble. Eddie would be so soft, sweet.

Then at school it's like they hated each other. Like they didn't spend every night wrapped in each others arms.

It was tiring pretending that she didn't feel so much for him. Nancy approaches her and asks if she has heard about the snowstorm heading Hawkins's way that night.

They discuss it while heading to class and she freezes a little when she sees Eddie walking her way.

She missed him so much already but she knew he didn't miss her.

❤

After school, she is in the process of cleaning out her car when she finds Eddie's D&D notebook wedged in the backseat.

Knowing how much this means to him and that he will need it for Hellfire Club she decides to take a quick drive to his to drop it off.

The snowstorm is gathering strength as she heads out but visibility is still good. It will be a quick drop off and that's it.

Well, it should be. Just as she gets to Eddie's her car stalls. Great! Eddie has been on at her for weeks to get her car serviced, no doubt he will say I told you so.

When she knocks on the door he answers looking as grumpy and down as she is.

"Just dropping off this" she gestures to the notebook in her hands and his eyes light up.

"Fuck, I've been searching for that all day" he takes it eagerly and smiles at her then it disappears.

"Thanks for bringing it" she nods and tries to avoid looking into his big brown eyes, those were her weakness and he knew it.

"I should get going, can I use your phone though? My car stopped working. Need to report it, not that anyone will be able to get out tonight"

He frowns as he eyes the weather, the snow is fiercer now, the wind bitingly cold and beginning to gain speed. The snow was accumulating fast on the ground so she would have to get home quickly.

"You can't walk in that". Eddie tells her annoyed but there's worry in his eyes too.

"It won't take me long" she argues and he groans.

"No, you'll freeze. Do you always have to be so damn stubborn?" She steps inside her anger flaring.

"Why do you care? We are just sex right so why do you care what I do?" he softens.

"Sweetheart... Oh no, he was not getting reeling her in with sweet tones only to break her heart again.

Hearing enough she walks out and attempts to walk away but within minutes she is freezing and soaked with the snow.

Eddie catches up to her and she doesn't complain when he hurries her back into his trailer for warmth.

"Stubborn woman" he huffs as he shrugs out of his jacket but his angry demeanour soon melts when he sees how cold she is.

"I've got a Hellfire shirt that's in your size, he blushes. Made it just incase you ever wanted to watch a campaign" he tells her and her heart warms at his cuteness.

He helps her out of her wet jacket and jumper and she slips into the Hellfire shirt and he gives her one of his own hoodies, it's oversized and so comfy and warm.

She snuggles into it, it's like being in a hug from Eddie. His fingers stroke over her hair and she smiles up at him.

"Thank you, Eddie".

"Anything for you princess" he murmurs softly and she feels her heart skip a beat. When he acts like this it makes her think he could feel the same way.

He was so confusing. Eddie's phone rings. His uncle is stuck at work due to the storm so he is having to ride it out there.

She can tell Eddie is worried and her instincts to comfort him take over as she rubs his shoulder, it takes some of the tension in his body away.

"Your uncle will be okay Eddie, he's tough" she assures him and he rests his head against hers.

When he's calmer he takes a peek at the storm outside. It's growing wilder and the wind is howling. It's practically blizzard type conditions.

Eddie notices her shivering and goes into the hall then comes back with thick blankets which she takes gratefully.

They set up the blankets in his room and she feels herself grow anxious, she loves snow but this storm is relentless.

Eddie grabs a book from his shelf and begins to read to her.

The Hobbit. She smiles and snuggles into one of Eddie's pillows. Both have them can instinctively tell what the other needs without saying anything.

Especially if the other is anxious or upset.

She pulls away still hurting by what he said, sensing this he strokes her cheek.

"Im sorry about what I said sweetheart, this isn't just sex. I think we both know that what we have is so much deeper than that" he tells her softly.

She nods and cuddles into his chest.

"I don't care what my friends think Eddie. The truth is I've fallen in love with you and if they can't handle that then tough. I want to be with you. You make me happy" his eyes light up and he kisses his forehead.

"I love you too. You know that right? Tried so hard to stop but I can't, you make me happy baby, the thought of being with you always is something I've dreamed about"

"We need to stop worrying about making others happy and ourselves miserable Eddie. High school social politics does not dictate what makes me happy or who I love. No way"

He kisses her smiling and she gets cosy as he begins to read to her.

The storm soon becomes background noise as she focuses on the story, giggling at Eddie's voices he does for each character until eventually they fall asleep.

❤

It's quite late in the morning when Wayne arrives home. The storm has settled and he can't wait to get to bed and get some coffee in him.

He's sure Eddie is fine but he worries and wants to check his boy is okay. Probably sleeping in with school being closed today he chuckles.

He heats up some coffee and checks Eddie'z room, smiling as he sees Eddie snuggled up with yn.

They had been seeing each other for a while now, Eddie thought he was being sneaky and that Wayne didn't know but Wayne saw the bright smile on his nephew's cheeks and the dopey grin he would get when he saw yn out in town.

Or the fact he could hear them giggling in Eddie's room. Yeah, the boy couldn't hide shit.

Still, it was nice to see him happy and in love.

Yeah, Wayne knew that too. He clears his throat and Eddie wakes up and smiles brightly.

"Uncle Wayne, I'm so glad you're okay" his face softens as he stares down at yn who is sleeping peacefully on his chest.

"This is my girl yn" Wayne chuckles and ruffles Eddie's hair.

"I know son you can't hide anything from me. I'll make us all some breakfast before I take a nap yeah?"

❤

After meeting Eddie's uncle properly she was even more determined to show the world she was very much with Eddie.

So on the Monday, she wore the Hellfire shirt Eddie gave to her, his leather jacket slipped around her shoulders as he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, a beaming smile on his features.

She joins the Hellfire table and sits on Eddie's knee as the whole cafeteria is silent.

Jason calls over to her.

"Yn? what the fuck are you doing with the freak?" she glares at him.

"Eddie is my boyfriend Carver. Got a problem? Tell someone who cares. So just deal with it yeah?" he gapes and she turns away ignoring him and gently kissing Eddie on the temple who is chuckling at Jason's expression.

The Hellfire boys welcome her to the table happily and she feels at peace that she can finally be at peace with the man she loves.

[lareinenoir]

THE PURGE; Sanctuary C.E x black reader

PT III

60 Days Until The Purge

THEN...

"I'll order take out. I know you like Thai-"

"Don't order anything. I'm actually not even hungry." You said as he took your bag and put it on his shoulder. "What?" He was looking at you weird and it made you frown.

"Where's the rest of your stuff?"

"You asked me to stay the night. That is my overnight bag." You replied folding your arms and walking over to the couch. Your hand touched your forehead and you sighed. You could still feel him looking at you as you tried to relax with your head leaned back. "After I tell Shonda about our situation, you're signing the papers."

"What do you mean-"

"You know what I mean." You shot back

"Ok, well theirs a lot to consider now." He motioned to your stomach and you sat up straight. "We're having a baby, now."

"No no no." You shook your head feeling your petty insides bubble a bit in sarcasm. "I'm having a baby. Me. Just me.”

"Obviously I want to be apart of our baby's life." Chris argued back and you frowned and scoffed. He put your bag down and crossed his arms as you brushed it off. "You can't seriously think I won't. V that's insane."

"You wanna know what's insane? You think you're gonna get anywhere near it. Why in the hell would I allow you and your broken promises anywhere near my child? Do you think I'm stupid? To make the same mistake twice!"

"Again? V what do you want me to do?" He asks throwing his hands up. "Acting is what I do, that's my job-"

"I don't care about that. I'm not asking you to chose your job or me-"

"It damn well near sounds like it. I would never make you choose." He countered back and you gripped your fists together.

"You may not have said it directly, but there have been many times where you have indirectly patronized me. I just found out I'm pregnant and I have been trying so hard to deal with it." you replied watching him pace back and forth and shake his head. "I have been getting the worst headaches, I can't keep any food down and I literally get lightheaded on set every single day because hiding my pregnancy has been a real joy ride." You replied sarcastically with a small chuckle

"What do you want me to do? I tell you to tell the producers, you get mad. I tell you to take a break, you get mad. I tell you to come over and you’re mad.” Chris said in disbelief. “I don't know what you want from me." He shrugs brushing the hair from his eyes.

"Not once since you found out have you asked me how I'm doing? My whole career is at risk I could lose my job. And you don't even seem to care.” You said

"V, I do care." He reached for your shoulder and you took in another breath. "I want you to stop worrying all the time. And you're right, I should be concerned more about you. I should be there for you-I should've been there for you in the beginning.” He admitted and you folded your lips again.

Are For real this time? Should I let it go and move past it? Again? No because it'll start all over again.

"This baby is mine. This is a life changing thing that's happening, I can't let you ruin it too." You spoke

" I'm taking responsibility because this is something I want. Ok? Can't we find some common ground? You of all people should know what it's like to grow up without a father!"

"You know too!" You shouted back. Chris' dad had died when he was younger. He talked about him sometimes but not as much. "I'd rather have had my father six feet under then to have him choosing when it's convenient for him to show up!" You said with your foot down shaking your head.

"Forget the divorce. Me and you living here happily married for the years to come. Whats so bad about that? Why can't I have that? What's so wrong with the picture of two parents raising a child?" His voice was loud and he was getting frustrated. He didn't shout, but you could tell how passionate he was about it. He always wanted to be a daddy, a parent. "Huh?"

"It's not just about you!" You said stepping closer. "Because..." You shrugged feeling your eyes water as you suck in your cheeks. "I knew the kind of man I was marrying. So involved with his job it took him almost fifteen years to actually start dating. It's not about you or your career. This baby is all I have right now.”

He looked confused as he relaxed his brow and pinched the bridge of his nose. From two feet away you could feel his heartbeat and you felt a little bad for how foolish you probably looked. You still loved him, not like you ever stopped, but you remembered that you still loved him.

Because, it's not about me either anymore. You thought

"Forget the papers okay..." You said swallowing your own pride. "just forget it. You’re right. I want our child to have two parents who will love him unconditionally. But it has to stop, because it takes two. I can't have you with one foot in the door." You admitted

“Yeah yeah.” He nodded “yeah I get that. I’m not going anywhere.” Chris said and you walked forward and took his hand kissing his palm as you placed it on the side of your face. “I promise V.” He cups your face and stares into your eyes. His stubble poking at you a bit as you held his wrists.

“I love you.” You said with a small smile

“Still?” He laughed making you roll your eyes as you giggled a little. “I love you too. Are you sure you aren’t hungry?” He asks again

“Yes.” You nodded “now shut up and come take a nap with me.”

NOW....

CHRIS POV**

“Damnit! Damnit! Damnit!” I said throwing the phone on the couch. I had called five times and her phone went straight to voicemail.

“This is not a test, this is your Emergency Broadcast System. Announcing the commencement of the annual purge sanctioned by the U.S. Government. ALL Weapons have been authorized for use during the purge. Government officials of ranking 10 have been granted immunity and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime (including murder) will be legal for 121 days. Police, fire, and Emergency Medical services will be unavailable until December 15, 12:00 o’clock midnight, when the purge concludes. Blessed be our new founding fathers and America... A nation reborn. May God be with you all.”

My tv was replayed the message nine more times before shutting off. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Today is august 15, Vanessa’s birthday is tomorrow which was when she’d be 17 weeks. We had marked it on the calendar together. More than half my wife’s pregnancy would be spent during the purge. I needed to find her!

I didn’t support the purge. Something about killing people to be “cleansed” just didn’t sit right in my gut. It made my heart ache thinking about the clean up at the end. I could bring Dodger, but he can only do so much. Maybe he could help track her scent. Grabbing my coat I folded my lips together.

“Fuck!” I shout

With what weapon? How was I going to run the streets looking for my wife without a gun? I loved the idea of owning one, but Vanessa made me swear not to bring one in the house if she was there. So I just dropped the idea. Looking in the kitchen I grabbed one of the Chef knives off the rack. Maybe this would be enough for now...

“Damnit!” I curse looking at Dodger. “She said she was at Topanga Park. Start there?” I asked, as if he’d answer back. I grabbed her bonnet from off the bathroom door handle and stuffed it in my backpack.

I didn’t hesitate l. I locked up everything and jumped inside my truck. Dodger sat on the passenger side and I felt my hands start to shake as I put my foot on the gas. I started to promise god I would go to church if he would keep her safe.

“I don’t even know if you’re even listening or you even care. I love her, I’ve been such and idiot and I don’t wanna lose her.” I looked at Dodger and he was sitting up straight. “I remember you didn’t like her. You wouldn’t let her anywhere near me, you bark and squeeze yourself in between us when we sat down in the room to watch movies.” I chuckle wiping the little tear that slipped from my eye “You stole one of her wigs too.”

“WHAT THE FUCK!” she shouted chasing you around the house. “DODGER GIVE IT BACK! COME BACK!”

We chased him around the house and Dodger thought it was some sort of game. We had been officially dating for a month. I had started laughing when I caught him and held her headband wig in my hand. She stood their with her arms folded while I petted his head and she rolled her eyes.

"I told you he doesn't like me." She said as I stood up and she took the wig from my hand.

"Come on, he's just getting used to you."

"I've been over here every day. Your dog hates me."

"What?" I tilted my head to the side and touch her nose with my index finger. "Deal breaker? If my dog doesn't like my girlfriend, I'm gonna dump her? Tell me where that makes sense."

She walked closer to me and wrapped her arms around my waist looking up at the ceiling as I kissed her neck. "I guess you have a point." Vanessa sighed.

"He's just warming up to you that's all."

"What's stopping me from breaking up with you?"

"Over a dog?"

"This is his third assault against me. First it was tearing up my purse, then chewing up my crocs, not to mention the little shit I found inside of them. And now stealing my wig and playing cat and mouse." Said Vanessa as I rested my head on top of hers. "Luckily this is a backup wig."

“Aren’t you wearing one right now?” I asked

“Headband wig. And that wig your dog has destroyed,” she gave him the side eye “it was my favorite and expensive.” She gritted her teeth

“I’ll buy you another one.” I offered

She purses her lips and shook her head. “I don’t want you buying me anything. I’ll just break up with you. For real this time.”

"Fine then..." I baited her shrugging my shoulders. "Break up with me."

“Over a dog?” She frowns mocking me as I smile down at her and her eyebrows bend downward a little as she caressed my face. Her finger was gentle and she stood on her top toes and kissed my lips. “Never.”

...

I look over at Dodger and pat his head. "We'll find her. I know we will." I say trying to lift my spirits.

When we arrived to Topanga Park, it was a sight. I didn't even want to leave the truck. I felt my heart race a little more. "What the hell..."

In the middle of traffic-in between the cars were bodies. Dodger started barking at the train of blood that stained the streets. It was empty, but I could feel a heavy weight on my back. Walking behind me, next to me...it was all around me. I hadn't realized I had my hand over my mouth an nose, it was hard for me to breath as the stench of dead bodies. Dodger kept barking and that led to me chasing after him. I had her bonnet in one hand and I called after him.

I came to a halt when I came face to face with another person. He had Dodger in his hands and I felt my muscle tense up. He was tall and very familiar looking. I swallowed the lump in my throat and held the kitchen knife in my hand with a firm grip.

"Captain America?"

I tilted my head sideways and licked my lower lip narrowing my brow a little. "Yeah, give me the dog and we can go our separate ways. Ok?"

He nodded his head. He ran his fingers through his hair and put the dog down. I wasn't really concerned about who he was I was trying to prepare for a fight. He dropped his gun on the ground and held up his his hand.

"I'm not going to kill you. I'm looking for my wife." He said "She left her watch in that building." He pointed to the school and slowly pulled the watch from his pocket.

"In there?" I asked

"Yeah." He nodded, but I still couldn't shake the feeling I knew him from somewhere. "My name is Jared. My wife's name is Gianne, I'm pretty sure she was with someone else-are you looking for someone too? Maybe we could help each other. There was something written on the chalkboard in there, I wasn't something Gia would write, but she was here. All I wanna do is find her-"

"Supernatural?" I asked turning my head to the side. Vanessa loved that show. Whenever she had spare time she would watch it or on those many night she'd spend the night at my house we would watch it-well not really watch it. The Netflix and 'chill' was emphasized. "You said something about some sort of message on the wall?" I asked motioning with my hand. "what did it say?"

"um, CE equals BE or something like that." He shrugged

I laughed a little. Vanessa Evans plus Chris Evans equals Baby Evans. It was a stupid joke-an Easter egg if you will. Shonda put in the show on the whiteboard in one of our love scenes as a way to announce our pregnancy to the audience. She often left clues to the next episode in every episode except this one was not only in the show but in real life.

"Chris Evans." I say extending my hand out to him. I'm pretty sure he knew by the little smile playing on his face. He shook my hand and nodded his head.

"I know. I'm a big marvel fan, I know all your lines." Jared chuckled and then cleared his throat as he nervously laughed. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jared Padalecki - I know I said that already..."

I introduced him to Dodger and I felt a little more relaxed. I gathered that she was alive and we both came to the assumption that they were traveling together.

"Where do you think their headed?" I asked as we walked to his car which was tricked out and full of ammunition and guns. Not to mention government level protective gear.

"While I was in there, I picked up someone else. Heavy footed and big, traveling with dogs. Hair everywhere." He went on tossing me a bullet proof vest. "You heard of Sanctuary?"

"The safety place? Yeah, but it's hard to find. It's for people who get caught in the Purge right?"

He narrowed his brow and shook his head. "No." Said Jared sharply. "Sanctuary is a secret government funded task force. It started off as a conspiracy some myth to explain all the random disappearances throughout the year. It's a government project designed for population control." He went on

"Ok...what does that have anything to do with the Purge?"

"Everything. An organization designed to control the US population. We're talking Pro killers who were once on a leash, but when that horn sounded and the Purge began, they are just as free to kill anyone they want." Said Jared handing me an ipad. It was a list of celebrities. From pro athletes like Steph Curry and their immediate families to movie stars and singers like Rhianna and Tom Cruise. "There are rumors that they are hunting celebrities. The kardashians and Jenner's are fair game. If not the stars themselves then they choose their parents, brothers and sisters."

"And do what?" I asked quietly as I saw mine and Vanesssa picture

"Most get auctioned off to the highest bidder, I've also heard they kill them on the spot for money or bring them in to fight for the death. Bottom line, there is a bounty on our heads. During the Purge everyone is fair game, their is no protection."

"You're telling me she's out there being hunted by them right now?" I asked

“Possibly. The dog hair isn’t a breed we know. They are a combination of hunting canines, bloodhound, foxhound, Labrador retriever with the built and aggression of a something like a pit bull a Rottweiler.” Said Jared as I looked up from the iPad and gave it back. “You’re gonna need more than a kitchen knife. We find the dogs and the hunter and we’ll find them.”

He held a gun out to me and wiped my mouth with the palm of my hand trying to mentally prepare for what is to come."

“Do you believe in the Purge?” I asked still questioning why his car was full of weapons. “You kill people?”

He nodded his head. “Yes. I don’t believe in hiding or waiting for someone to kill me. We all have the right to Purge."

"What's stopping you from killing me?"

Jared sighed and shook his head. "I'm hunting them. I'm surviving and if you decide to threaten my survival, then I'll kill you." He went over to the driver side of his Ford charger. "Get in. Knowing Gia she is headed for Roberts hole."

"What's that?" I asked climbing in the passenger seat of the car.

“It’s a Cassino for celebrities. Jack Black owns it. It’s locked up right but open to his favorites during the Purge.”

“They’ll be there?”

“Relax.” He out his hand in my shoulder and looked at me as dodger sat in the back seat. “We will find them. You know how to shoot don’t you?” Jared raised his gun in the air and nodded my head.

I guess it wasn’t confidently and he chuckled. “Vanessa isn’t a fan of guns.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll practice. Ok?”

.

.

.

.

.

A/N: Sorry it took so long😬 don’t hate me, please. Lol, I hope everyone is doing well and safe out here. If you wanna be tagged leave it in the ask box, Anyways…Untill next time!

Tags!

@Tantricevans

@rosey1981

@toni9

@onceuponahuntersrealm

@pm-my-hubbies

@Cynthetic

@liqourlaughslove

@melaninfalconbucky

@omg-mymelaninisbeautiful

[oddsnendsfanfics]

Sparkle

Genre: Fan Fiction (Sand Castle)

Pairing: N/A

Warnings: It’s so fluffy!

Rating: G

Length: Drabble

Disclaimer: a strict work of fiction, I own nothing except the original characters and the plot line. In no way am I affiliated to any of it.  

A/N: thank you @rmtndew​ for the edit of Sy in glasses :D More Sy and Wispy? Why yes! 

Henry Cavill Master List

“Uncle Sy,” Annie giggled at her uncle, as he pulled a face. “Sit still.” Her voice going firmer.

Beside her, Willow had her hand on her hips shaking her head at their uncle. “Uncle Sy, we need you to stay very still.”

“Fine, fine.” He gave in sitting statue straight, still as could be.

“Close your eyes, please.” Annie instructed.

Doing as he was asked, Sy closed his eyes and leaning against the couch to support his back. Cross legged on the floor, a mound of pillows under him, he fought the smirk that kept threatening to creep onto his face. The two little girls painting the floral scented mud, clay, paint? Whatever the cool, thick stuff was onto his face. Around his beard, across his cheeks and forehead. Sy felt the soft brush that Aimee had handed them against his skin.

“You know Sy,” Aimee's voice greeted him, yet his eyes remained closed, “this stuff is actually pretty good. It might even help brighten that complexion of yours. Tired and sunburned was so last year.”

Snorting, Sy shook his head, both nieces scolding him for moving while they tried to apply the mask. Directing him to pucker his lips, Willow stood in front of him, a glob of lip moisturizer on her brush, she slapped it on spreading it thickly against his red chapped lips. The girls were taking good care of their Uncle Sy.

At least they wanted to do it at home this time. Sy was unsure of the product quality, but the service was far better and cheaper than when he'd taken them to an actual spa. Now that had been a sight, the look on the woman's face when the giant, bearded man in boots strode into the salon with the two little girls in tow. Despite the initial shock, Sy had to hand it to them, those ladies were magical.

He'd left feeling like his hands, feet, and face had been kissed by angels and butterflies. Hell, he'd even let Willow and Annie pick out a polish for his toes. Sitting in the chair chatting with the woman painting his toes, while his nieces had watched from their own pedicure chairs, Sy learned that men coming in to dote on their daughters and nieces wasn't really all that uncommon. He, however, was one of the first to ask for Pompeii Purple toes. The shade had really brought out his eyes.

In his sister's living room, Sy chuckled when Willow announced that he absolutely needed to trim that scraggly beard of his. In their life time, neither of his nieces had ever bore witness to their uncle without his beard. He liked it too much to part with it. Besides, the women loved it. Clearing his throat, Sy opened his eyes, a mocking frown on his face.

“Don't you dare touch my beard, understood bub?” He smirked. Willow nodded and Annie, standing just out of sight giggled. “There will be no cutting of my beard, until I say so.”

“Oh come on, Sy.” Aimee teased from the kitchen. “You could use a trim,” she winked at Annie.

“I would prefer to do it myself, thank you sister dearest.” He winked at Willow, a near impossible task with the clay beginning to set on his face.

“What if we just make it pretty?” Annie piped up, shuffling into the room with a hairbrush and bows in her hands. “Can we?”

“Please, Uncle Sy.” Willow pulled out the puppy dog eyes. Bouncing on her tip toes with excitement.

Playfully grumbling, Sy waited a minute or two. Letting the little girls get antsy before agreeing. Under some conditions. Nothing but a comb and some pink sparkly bows went into his beard. If they so much as tugged the wrong way, Sy was combing it himself. His beard was his pride and joy, right after his Wispy. He'd worked hard over the years to grow this bad boy.

“Gently,” He reminded them, lifting his chin for Willow to gingerly take the comb through his thick beard.

Climbing onto the couch behind him, Annie sat with her legs crossed gently rubbing a hair brush through his growing curls. A full out pamper day wasn't entirely bad. Enjoying his “spa treatment”, Sy winced when he heard Aimee giggling like a child on too much sugar. He knew his sister well enough to know that this was not going to be good.

“Aim, what in the hel-ck are you doing?” Sy asked glancing at his sister. Her phone poised as she giggled and shrugged.

“I thought ma might like to see. Maybe fire one off to the boys. You still in touch with the Major? Show him what retirement does for ya?”

“You wouldn't dare,”

“Send one to the Major? No. But I would send it to ma and everyone else we know. Come on Sy, you're adorable. You should let me share this on that mommy blog, it would be a hit.” She laughed. “Former Army Captain attacked by Girl Scouts.”

Sy replied with a grunt. More than one single mother, and a few not so single, on that damn blog Aimee was part of had themselves hot and bothered for the youngest Syverson. Every time Aimee mentioned her brother, at least one woman would ask if he was seeing somebody or how he liked children, who weren't his. Sy liked children fine, but he had no interest in taking on any to parent.

“Leave Uncle Sy alone,” Willow pouted, as she put the last bow into his beard. “Don't be mean, mommy.”

“I wasn't being mean, baby girl. Uncle Sy and I were teasing. Now, why don't you finish up those bows and help him wash his face. You can't leave the mask on too long, remember.”

“Oops,”

“It's okay bub,” Sy pulled away from the hair styling by Annie. “You ladies clean up a bit out here and I will go clean my face off.”

Striding down the hall, Sy could feel the clay on his face hardening and drying. If nothing else his pores would be flawless for a few days. Chuckling as he went, he could hear Annie and Willow in the living room. No doubt discussing their next plan for their uncle's beauty treatment. If he had to, there was a lovely yellow nail polish that he'd been eyeing in the box of tricks. It may not be the right season for yellow, but it would surely make the hair on his big toes really pop.

In the bathroom, he grabbed a wash cloth and turned the taps. Allowing the water to reach a nice, warm temperature he began scrubbing the dried clay away from his face. The bows in his hair and beard were a sight to behold. Admiring the handy work, Sy stood for a few seconds looking at the man in the mirror. The one grizzled, gruff, hard as nails and fearless Captain was reduced to a soft and gentle giant.

He loved spending the time with the kids, allowing them to have their fun, before Uncle Sy packed up and drove back across town. It was no wonder people were forever asking him when he'd have his own. Ah well, it was better this way. Sy enjoyed the company of the kids, but all the time and he would be even more grizzled and cranky than he was when he was stationed over in the desert.

Being home had it's perks, like getting to be with his family whenever he wanted. Having sleepovers with the kids, whenever Willow decided that he was lonely in his house. Or how she was forever trying to set him up with any woman they came across, while he had her out. That one was less and less cute, especially as she had somehow been targeting only married women lately.

The last thing Sy wanted was to get his ass kicked by some woman's husband or wife, for hitting on their wife because some kid said she was pretty. Shaking his head, he finished checking himself in the mirror to make sure he had all of the clay off.

Cleaned up and refreshed Sy joined the girls in the living room.

“Ladies, what's next?”

“Lunch!” “Make up!”

Laughing at their very different ideas, he nodded to Annie. “I agree lunch is the much better idea, make up can be after.”

“But mommy said we could go out for lunch. You can't go out unless you have a proper face on.” Willow pouted. Annie sighed. Her cousin had a point.

“Girls,” Aimee spoke, she was about to do everything in her mom power, to get Sy out of this one. As amused as it would be, seeing her brother go to lunch in a full face of make up.

“No, no she's right.” Sy nodded in agreement. “Aim, why not let Annie do your make up and Wispy can do mine. Then we'll all be ready for lunch, hel-ck, I'll even pay. Treat all of my girls.”

“Yeah!” The cheers went up from the girls.

Aimee, rolling her eyes and making a mental note to kill her brother later on. She would never forgive him, nor forget. Some day, she would get him back.  This is when she should suggest wearing their best dresses – Sy included. Instead, she'd pay him back when he least expected. Maybe the next time, she'd insist they go for lunch wearing some over the top princess costumes.

Sy chuckled, what did they have to lose? At 11 years old, Annie was more than capable at putting together some make up. Willow was eccentric with her colour palate, but Sy wasn't worried much about that.

“Mommy, please. Please, we can all do our make up and go for lunch.”

“I hate you,” Aimee whispered passing her laughing brother, sitting down on the floor. “Okay, girls, let's get to it. Then we can make Uncle Sy take us for the best lunch, we've ever had.”

“Drive thru at Burger King isn't that fancy,” laughing, Sy nudged his sister with his elbow.

“Oh, but Sy if we have our best faces on, we need something better than cheap burgers in a bag. I was hoping maybe we could go to Janet's.”

It was Sy's turn to roll his eyes and stifle a groan. Of course Aimee would insist they go inside to eat. Saturday was the busiest day of the week for the small diner. Whatever, Sy was man enough to take it. With more confidence than anyone had ever seen, he would walk into that diner, head high, and his beard bows sparkling. The things he did to keep these children happy.

If it meant buying a hundred ponies, wearing full make up, and walking across a floor of legos – Sy would do it all to see these kids smile.

“I love Janet's!” Willow squealed dancing on her tiptoes, nearly poking her uncle in the eye with the eye shadow brush she was using. The hot pink creme shadow she had chosen for him was really going to pop with his dark beard. “Uncle Sy, please. Please can we go? You said that you would take me there the next time we went for lunch, you said that I could have a big sundae and...”

“Sy?” A sideways glance at her baby brother, Aimee puckered her lips for Annie to apply some lipstick. Offering the kids ice cream as a meal wasn't a crime, but it would explain why they sometimes came home bouncing around like mad hornets in an old coke can.

“Wispy, you're not supposed to tell your ma that I let you at ice cream as a meal.”

“Sorry, but can I?”

“Maybe for dessert, you can Annie can shade a giant sundae.” Aimee reasoned.

“Fine, but the next time we go....” Staring at her uncle, Willow pouted.

“Whatever you want, bubs.” Smirking at his sister, Sy conveniently pointed to the blush in the bag, asking Willow if she thought the orangeish colour would work for him.  “Whatever you want.”

[babyboyblasty]

CHAPTER 12:

All the girls had at least one bag in their hand. Momo had eight (some big but most of them medium sized that only contained one or two things each), Mina four, Hagakure two, Jirou one, Uraraka one, Tsuyu two, and Aoyama five. The only one without any bags was Bakugou since he hasn’t bought anything. So far— and he will rather die than admit it out loud— hanging out with his classmates wasn’t the most terrible thing that has happened to him these past three days. He was actually kinda having a good time.

"You should have come with us to get your nails painted too, Bakugou-kun" Hagakure placed an invisible hand on his shoulder where he saw some glittery blue polish.

"Yeah! I think a nice /green/ would look great on you" Uraraka smiled, giving a wink to Tsuyu who shook her head.

“Actually, I think Bakubabe would prefer a firetruck /red/ ” Mina nudged Jirou who gave her friend a knowing look.

"On the contrary, I believe a nice dark color like black or purple would suit Bakugou-san best" Momo suggested, oblivious to what her other friends were hinting at. "Perhaps Bakugou would like to join us on our next trip?" she turned to look at him and he looked back at her then the rest who were waiting for his answer like they were insane.

"But I won't be a girl then" he replied like they'd forgotten. 

"We know that, kero, but Bakugou-chan is fun when he is not yelling," Tsuyu responded, a finger to her cheek.

"You joining us again would be très bien, monsieur" Aoyama smiled over at him, wiggling his fingers in front of his face to show off simplistic french tipped fingernails. 

Bakugou didn't really respond but he did smile a little on the inside. Not that they needed to know that though.

The conversation was dropped to start another one about what they've bought so far, cuticle care (via Aoyama), and what they wanted to do tomorrow in their free day. That somehow turned into Momo recalling a restaurant she visited with her parents where the food was magnificent and that led to Bakugou claiming he can make the best damn breakfast they've ever had and Jirou challenging him to cook breakfast for them tomorrow to prove it. He agreed of course and the girls couldn't wait. They already knew Bakugou was a great cook but challenging him was always fun for both them and for Bakugou since he liked to prove he was the best.

After walking around for a bit, the girls decided that they wanted to go into a store that just recently opened. It was one similar to Victoria Secret that sold lingerie and other intimate clothing that Bakugou didn’t feel comfortable in so the blonde stayed outside on his phone. 

"Is that Bakugou Katsuki I'm seeing? Or do my eyes deceive me" Bakugou could practically hear the smirk and sarcasm dripping from the words. Looking up, he saw Emo Deku 2.0 walking over to where he was standing, the smug bastard. 

"Is that the human vibrator I'm seeing? Or is it just a big pile of dog shit" he countered back, baring his teeth up at the guy. Shindou Yo always rubbed him the wrong way and just the sound of his voice and that dumb way he patronized and looked down at him like he was better was enough to make his blood boil. He thought he’d seen the end of him after their provisional hero license exam when he was a first year and Shindou was a third year, but fate has a funny way of working and Bakugou seems to run into the guy more often than he'd like when he's out doing public service hero work or at internships. 

"No need for insults, Bakugou. I was just surprised to see you, that's all. I heard about what happened over at the agency but I didn't believe it. I mean, you /are/ supposed to be the best, right? So how on earth was I to believe that a small time thug got the upper hand on the Great Explosion Murder God DynaMight?" Shindou tilted his head, looking down at Bakugou with fake curiosity and concern. "I could see I was mistaken though. Maybe you're just not as amazing as they say you are /just/ yet. That's okay though. It took me all three years at Ketsubutsu Academy to fully learn how to be a great hero but I guess some people need more time. It's okay being a late bloomer. Isn't that right, Katsuki?"

Bakugou was positively fuming and it took everything in him not to launch at him right then and there. He wasn't the same explosive boy from his first year that couldn't control his impulses. Besides, making him lose his composure is what that asshole wanted and he won't give him the satisfaction. He won't compromise his perfect record and possibly endanger someone by using his quirk in a public setting. Clenching his fist as hard as he could, he let the sparks threatening to ignite die in his palms.

"What? You've got nothing to say, Katsuki? How very unlike you" the black haired boy teased. It's been two years since Shindou Yo graduated from Ketsubutsu Academy High School and half a year since he's been working as a rookie pro hero. He was assigned to this mall by the agency he works at and imagine his surprise when he saw Bakugou just standing there in the open like that. Really, he just couldn't resist coming over and saying hi. The blonde was always so entertaining. 

"Pro-hero Grand! May we have your autograph?" a small girl and boy ran over to them, each holding a pen and notebook in their hands up to Shindou's face. The man's condescending smile changed into a friendly one at the flip of a switch. "Of course! It'd be an honor" he laughed and gave them both his signature. Bakugou let out a 'tch' sound, crossing his arms over his chest. "Thank you for your support!" he waved them goodbye and the children waved back with a 'thank you', running off back to a woman who they guessed was their mother.

"Does it ever get tiring being a two-faced bitch?" Bakugou growled and Shindou turned back to him, letting out an amused laugh.

"See? There he is. Or should I say she now?" he made a thinking face and laughed when Bakugou audibly growled like a dog. "That's what I like about you, Bakugou. Always so feisty" he cooed before stepping a bit closer. Bakugou kept his ground so they were almost chest to chest, Bakugou glaring up at the guy because of his new height. If he was smaller by one or two inches before, he is now nearly half a foot shorter than the bastard. "You know, this look actually kinda suits you. It makes you look cute when you're angry so really I can't even take you seriously. Not that I did before, but now I get the sudden urge to hug you. Isn't that funny?" he smirked.

"Well take a good long look, perv, because I'll be turning back to normal tomorrow morning," Bakugou spat. Shindou looked genuinely confused for a split second and it made Bakugou get a sinking feeling in his chest.

"Tomorrow morning? Are you sure? Did Eraser tell you that?" the pro hero raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. 

"What the hell are you getting at?" Bakugou frowned. 

"Oh nothing, don't mind me. If that's what your teacher said then it must be true" he shrugged.

"Is there something you're not telling me? If there is, spit it out already."

"Like I said, it's nothing. Anyway, I must be getting back to work. The streets don't keep themselves safe, you know?" Shindou smiled and turned to leave but Bakugou immediately grabbed his arm, spinning him around to face him and gripping onto the black and gold top piece of his hero costume to pull him down to his eye level.

"Woah there Bakugou. Aren't we moving just a bit too fast?" the older of the two chuckled.

"Listen up, dumbass. I swear if there's something you're not telling me I'll—" he growled out before getting interrupted by a stern voice.

"Bakugou! What is going on here? Let go of him immediately" Iida stepped up to both of them. Midoriya, Todoroki, and the other three standing behind the tall, navy haired male were all ready to intervene if need be, Midoriya and Todoroki more so than the rest.

Bakugou unclenched his hands from Shindou's hero costume with a huff and Shindou smoothed it out with a throaty laugh.

"Thanks for that. Iida Tenya, right? Ingenium's younger brother?" Shindou smiled. 

The class rep nodded and answered 'yes, I am' before putting his hands together. "Pro-hero Grand," Iida gave a deep bow, "I apologize in advance for my classmate's despicable behavior. As class rep it is my responsibility to ensure everyone acts their best in order to better represent the name of U.A. My apologies again, sir!" Iida was practically yelling and it caused a few heads to turn their way in curiosity to what was happening, but they all looked away with a sharp glare from a certain ash blonde that basically told them to mind their own fucking business. "Is everything okay? Was Bakugou bothering you?"

Bakugou could have laughed. Of course they'd think that so he wasn’t even surprised.

"What?" Shindou laughed before the black haired hero began maneuvering the younger so that he had an arm around Bakugou's shoulders and his other hand was holding one of Bakugou's wrists like they were the best of pals. "Oh no, not at all. Bakugou-kun and I were just talking about old times. I was giving him a few words of my experience so far and some advice as a pro hero" the male gave a bright smile. "What you saw just now was a new move Bakugou was demonstrating to me. There is no problem here, right Katsuki?"

"Whatever."

Midoriya's eyes flickered over to Kacchan. Honestly, he doesn't think that that was what happened at all. He thinks Shindou said or did something that made Bakugou react that way. He's known the blonde for a long time now and while his childhood friend might be a hot head, he wasn't the type to start fights without reason. Todoroki, Shoji, and Koda thought the same but didn't say anything. They didn’t get good vibes from Shindou either.

Todoroki didn't like the interaction between those two one bit and Izuku felt the need to go up and pull his Kacchan away from him.

"Well, that's a relief" Iida answered with a bit of hesitance. He was still a bit suspicious but let the matter slide.

"I hope to see you all out in the field in a few years. Work hard" Shindou said his goodbyes to all of them individually before turning to Bakugou. "It was nice bumping into you, Katsuki-chan. And I meant what I said earlier too. You look good" he winked and Bakugou growled. "Take care, guys" he smiled, waving goodbye. 

They all watched the hero go before Iida was turning to Bakugou. "What happened between you two, Bakugou?" he frowned and Bakugou grumbled.

"Nothin' that concerns any of you. Now quit buggin me."

Iida tried not to take offense. After a few years of being classmates, he should be used to the blonde's somewhat hostile way of speaking. “As you wish. Why were you alone? Where are the girls and Aoyama?” he asked.

“In the store” he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

Almost as if by magic, Bakugou’s group started walking out of the store, some carrying new small bags. 

“Deku-kun! Iida-kun!” Uraraka grinned, going up to them excitedly.

“Uraraka-san. It’s good to see you” Izuku smiled. The rest of them caught up before Iida started lecturing the girls about leaving Bakugou alone.

“I can take care of myself, four eyes!” he yelled but Iida paid no attention to him as he continued talking to the rest about what he saw happening with Bakugou and Shindou earlier to make a point about why we should all be in groups or in pairs at all times. Mina gasped loudly and Momo turned around to look at Bakugou with sympathy.

“Did he do something to you, Bakugou?" the pink girl was stomping over to him, a furious look on her face. "Where is he? I’ll beat him up I swear” Mina frowned, looking around to see if she can spot the black haired hero around. For his sake, he better pray she doesn't. Apparently she thought the same thing Midoriya did.

"Bakugou-kun! I am terribly sorry we left you alone. I should have known better and stayed behind with you. I am so sorry for your troubles" she apologized.

"Hah? Do you think I'm some type of damsel in distress now or something? It's fine, ponytail. Quit apologizing" he grumbled, looking away. “You too, Pinky.”

Momo gave him a soft smile and went in for a hug. She was sure he'd most likely push her off so when he didn't, she was very surprised. He didn't hug back but Momo didn't expect him to and she hugged him a bit tighter, the rest of the girls going in for a group hug as well. The boys were unsure what to do (even though some of them really wanted to join) so they stood to the side and watched how Bakugou started telling them to quit being "sentimental fucks" and let go already. They could tell he didn’t really mind it when he didn't immediately threaten to blow them up though.

Bakugou couldn’t wait until he went back to normal tomorrow.

[ word count: 2318 ]

(the shindou and bakugou inspiration for this chapter was these two pieces of fanart!)

[sahbibabe]

A Growing Awareness

A Growing Awareness

Soulmate AU

Sephiroth/Fem! Reader

Reno offers you a job that requires your mercenary skills, requested by Rufus Shinra personally. You neither want to do it or obey his every whim.

Sephiroth is vulnerable, if only for a few moments, and allows you in, but you would never have known otherwise.

SO, [NAME], WE HAVE A proposition for you."

Reno, ever flashy in his nice suit, and Rude, who was carefully pouring you tea after refusing to allow you to do it, had cornered you in your shop sometime after closing. Sephiroth had made good on his promise to escort you, and told you in very simple terms that he would be back again to continue your conversation. If he came into contact with the two Turks, however, there would be bloodshed, you had no doubt; death was the last thing you wanted these days.

"Thank you, Rude," you said, thanking him when he handed you your cup of tea. He nodded imperceptibly at you. "What kind of proposition? I'm afraid there's not a lot I can do for you."

Reno grinned. "See, that's the thing--there's plenty you can do for us. You see, I've been digging up some of your old files--"

You went rock solid. Slamming the tea cup down on the table, you fixed him with a look that could curdle blood, mouth pulled into a firm line, daring him to continue. You felt Rude, beside you, spook just a little. "How dare you."

"--and I found out some very interesting tidbits about you. Would you like to hear them?"

"Do I even have a choice?" You sneered. Your amicable nature had taken the back burner and the mercenary was taking its place, ready to spill blood and cut throats. "I assume you're going to tell me anyway."

Reno produced a thick manila file from inside his blazer, slapping it down on the rickety table with an audible smack. There were red sticky tabs labeled on the parts he thought were important, yellow ones and blue ones and green ones that you didn't know the meaning of.

"[Name] [Surname]," he began in a mocking tone, flipping to your diagnostics page. "Twenty-three. Female. Originally born in Sector Two, moved to Sector Seven at nineteen. Daughter of [M/Name] and [F/Name], head Shinra executives."

You squeezed your eyes shut. "Stop."

"Form occupation: mercenary." His tone got more sardonic the more he read. The more he got closer to the information you tried to forget about for hours at a time, that never ceased bothering you every waking moment. "Charted casualties: six thousand. Known kill count: fifteen thousand. You were a busy woman, weren't you?"

"I said stop."

"And here's the interesting part," Reno hummed, flipping to another red tab, another part of your life that killed you to relive. "After a week in Hojo's lab, you suddenly retired. Packed up and shipped out to Sector Seven without any prior word otherwise. Set up a little tea shop. No one looks twice at the blind woman, except you aren't blind and you aren't as innocent as you make yourself out to be."

You couldn't take it anymore. You were across the table and wrapping your hands around Reno's pale throat, fingers digging into muscle and the hard cartilage of his esophagus, eyes boring holes into his own. Rude tried to pull you away, but you held fast, some supernatural strength rooting you there, threatened.

"I said, stop it," you seethed, ignoring the feel of scalding tea seeping into the skin of your abdomen. You would have burns there, later. "Shut the hell up and tell me what you want. There's no reason for you to educate me on my past."

When you finished speaking, you released him roughly, slowly reclining back in your chair when Rude released you, relieved you weren't going to lunge at his partner again.

"Sorry, [Name]," Rude began, no doubt referring to the giant imprints of his hands that would be left on your hips from his pulling you away from Reno. You hadn't even realized how hard until the pain set in, brutal and aching. "I'll get you a potion."

"No need," you huffed, pulling your shirt away from your stomach. The skin was already raw and hot; you guessed second degree burns by the feel of it. "Either you get to talking, Reno, or get out and never come back."

He was still rubbing his throat, red hair downcast over his eyes, and you made out the imprints of your fingers around his neck like a suffocating ring. You felt somewhat guilty about it and felt the urge to apologize, but the smug smile on his face made you take it back and want to give him a nice shiner in the eye.

"Fine then. President Rufus. He wants you to reinstate your merc services." He leaned back in his chair, though he kept a hand on his baton, you noticed. "He has need of your skillset."

"What?" You mocked, mimicking the tone he had used on you before. "Turks not good enough for the mighty Rufus Shinra that he has to hire a retired mercenary?"

You relished in the irritation beginning to show on Reno's face.

"Look. It's three million gil a gig. Take it or leave it. As for your answer, you have a few months before you'll be needed. I'm sure you can come up with a good one by then."

In short, you couldn't tell them no, and you were going to be seeing Rufus Shinra earlier than you had intended, which had just gone from never in a million years to right in a few months. Unless you wanted your life ruined, you had to go. Had to obey, like a dog.

"Get out," you hissed. "Get. Out."

Reno smirked and waved for Rude to stand, the both of them heading to the door.

"You have my card if you make your decision early."

Once the damned Turks were out of your building, you flipped the open sign to closed and began tearing your shirt off to let the burn breathe. You left it somewhere on the stairs and fumbled for your first aid kit, pulling out a sanitary wipe and burn gel that Tifa had helped you procure at an insanely cheap price.

"Damn," you cursed, feeling the scissors drop from your fingers. You instead ripped the packet of burn gel open with your teeth and spread it across your stomach generously, laying back on your bed and sighing in relief when the powerful sting of the burn went away in a rush of cold. "Much better…"

"Three million gil is a lot of money. You should take it."

You jerked upwards with a shriek, nearly shoving the first aid kit on the floor in your haste to cover your chest. Your shirt had been padded, so you hadn't worried too much about wearing a bra, but now you could very well say that you were regretting that decision now.

Sephiroth sat in the same chair he had before, one ankle crossed over his knee, an insanely long katana balanced on his thighs. He didn't seem particularly bored, or as if he had been waiting long. His cat-eye stare was fixed on your face, watching, waiting for an answer; he didn't even look down at your breasts once. You weren't sure if you should be disappointed, relieved, or both.

You swallowed thickly. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." He gave you a shrug that seemed entirely out of character for him. "I see you were burned."

"I spilled some tea," you explained quickly, eyebrows furrowed,"but… What are you doing here? I didn't even hear you come inside--"

"I used teleportation materia." He leaned over and plucked a red orb from your letter drawer, rolling it between his fingers. "Your turn."

You huffed and, seeing he wasn't going to look at you in an intimate way anytime soon, went to the bathroom to pull on your robe. It was one you had splurged on at Aerith's urging, saying it was soft and comfortable. You had slept in it on many occasions, sometimes when the weather got too hot or the sun lamps were too concentrated.

With your back turned in the threshold of the bathroom, working furiously at the knot you had tied into the belt, you wouldn't have noticed those green-blue eyes admiring the panes of your back, darting from the back of your neck to the dip in your spine near the hem of your pants.

You finally got the belt untied and pulled on the robe with a grimace, adjusting the tightness so you wouldn't have the fibers sticking to the burn gel. You probably should have put gauze on it or something, but in your panic at seeing Sephiroth and being half naked, you had forgotten all about it.

The robe hung open as a result, but you could easily hide your chest by crossing your arms. When you were satisfied, you turned back and began picking up the burn gel and supplies, tucking them away in the first aid kit.

"You aren't going to take it?"

"Take what?" You asked.

"The Turk's offer."

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" You brushed hair away from your face and sat down parallel to him, reasonably positioned on the edge of your bed. "What Rufus Shinra wants, he gets. He'll make my life a living hell if I don't."

"You could always leave," Sephiroth suggested. "Leave Midgar. I doubt he would follow."

You smiled sadly and looked out your window where Seventh Heaven's lights glowed brightly. You could pick out Tifa and Cloud sitting on the steps, pointing towards Jessie and Wedge who were encouraging Biggs to guzzle a drink. You even saw Marlene and Barret sitting outside as well, but you weren't able to tell what they were doing.

"I can't leave." You stroked the soft cotton of your robe idly. "Even if I wanted to. I have friends here… Friends I consider family. I couldn't leave them like that. It wouldn't be right."

"Then you would have to take the offer," Sephiroth concluded, uncrossing his legs. He left his sword on the chair and approached you, standing uncomfortably close. You edged back and leaned against the window frame to allow him to see outside as well. "Rufus Shinra will go after them if you don't."

"I know. He's smarter than his father, I'll give him that."

"Smarter and nearly twice as clever." He shook his head. "What that Turk said--is it true?"

"What part?" You hummed, watching as Wedge approached Cloud and began talking animatedly. You would get nothing out of being dishonest; he had heard everything, after all. The least you could do was be honest. "The mercenary thing, or…"

"Both. The mercenary part, and Hojo's experiments."

He sounded testy, like he was weighing his options and those options rested on what you told him.

"The mercenary part is simple." You looked at him from underneath your lashes, somewhat startled by the intensity he was looking at you with. You had almost thought he had pilfered your personal files, but it seemed not. He knew as much about you as you did him. "I worked as one for about nine or so years, racked up an ostentatious kill count. Got sick, went to Hojo, and he screwed everything up. I left, he never pursued, to make a long story short. I doubt he even knew what he was doing. He only wanted a test subject."

"I see." Sephiroth went quiet, seemingly content with that answer. "You didn't have to tell me. So, thank you. [Name]."

You couldn't help the butterflies that erupted in your stomach at the sound of your name. It was better than you had imagined it to be. "It was a long time ago. It bothers me sometimes when I don't talk about it."

"Of course. Most things do."

When you looked up, you caught that glimmer in his eye--that spark of life and consciousness that he had never seemed to have before. An awareness of the world, you had to guess, or an appreciation of reality, as if he had come out of a long sleep and was just now seeing things for the first time.

You had to wonder what it was like to be a SOLDIER, to live in that mindset for so long that you couldn't distinguish between yourself and the weapon that you had become. Cloud had certainly struggled with it, but he had Tifa; Sephiroth had no one, would not allow himself to be vulnerable to you in that way. He seemed to be slowly coming out of in all on his own, that dangerous aura receding to allow something genuine and almost pure to rise to the surface: thankfulness.

But with that self awareness came problems. You had to face the bad things you had done and the things you would still do before you ever came to terms with your new existence. You would know; you had spent two years curled up in one of Merle's apartments, only eating, drinking, sleeping, and despairing over your previous actions. The people you had killed.

So you decided to make him an offer, even if he wouldn't accept it.

"Hey," you said, your voice a whisper. Any louder and it might break the silent peace that had developed in the room. "If you want to talk about it, I'm here. I might not know much about SOLDIER stuff, but…" You shrugged awkwardly. "I'll be here."

He didn't smile, but you could see a miniscule grin on his face, just the tiniest pull of his lips. He didn't acknowledge it, though, and continued looking out the window until you slumped against the sill with a yawn, eyes heavy lidded and hazy.

Sephiroth helped you to your bed when you stumbled, pulling the blankets over you when you flopped down onto your pillow with a groan at the pull of the burn on your abdomen.

As you closed your eyes and tried to force yourself to sleep, you felt the feather soft brush of lips on your cheek, felt his breath on your ear as he whispered.

"Thank you."

[xxisxxisxxis]

Shining Star | Part Two

[Axl Rose x OC]

Words: 3.1k

Warning(s): Explicit language, mentions of suicide

Tag list: @teller258316 @reigns420 @xpoisonousrosesx @oskea93 @blowinmeupwithherlove @redlipscrystalskies14 @sparxx27 @kaitieskidmore1 @sublimeprincesswasteland

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"Pretty as a picture." I say to myself, swiping lipstick across my lips in the bathroom mirror before I click the tube shut and make sure my hair looks good. 

My stomach churns at the thought of seeing Tommy...and Vince. 

I haven't spoken a word to Vince since he got Tami pregnant a year and a half ago, and I haven't spoken to Tommy since he leapt out of my bedroom window after 3 minutes of awkward sex. 

"Do you fuck all of your friends?" My mother's words come back to bite me in the ass as I groan out in frustration. 

The only plus to any of this is that I'll get to hang out with Viv. 

There. Viv. Just focus on Vivian. 

I leave the bathroom and glance around to see if I see any familiar faces. 

Nope. 

I pull the skirt of my dress down a little and rub my lips together, people passing left and right, looking either too drunk to be bothered or too busy. 

"Tansy?" I hear a confused voice and look straight ahead, seeing Vivian by the payphone. 

"Hey!" I reply excitedly, rushing to her as fast as I can, being careful not to trip over my feet adorned in red heels. 

Vivian Sixx—Kinston at that point—had a ballet scholarship to Juilliard, never missed a Sunday church service, and was one of those annoyingly gorgeous girls that genuinely thought they were ugly. She couldn't stand her red hair because she was teased in middle school and called "firecrotch," she hated her freckles and her height because she'd been compared to a giraffe--"tall as shit with brown spots"--and the fact her mom was a batshit crazy Jesus lunatic never helped matters…but that stuff was all in her head because after middle school, guys looked at her differently, Jesus-lover and all. She saw annoying traits, but most people saw legs a mile long, a unique hair color that stood out in the sea of bleach blonde, freckles that framed emerald green eyes, and a heart as kind and beautiful inside as she was on the outside. 

She's always said I was the most gorgeous woman she'd ever met, but she is, to me, the most stunning. 

She didn't have to try to get anybody's attention, she walked in a room and she had it--so much so that Matt Sorum called her "Fire Woman" after The Cult song because he claimed that's the first thing that came to mind when he first saw her walking back stage at his first gig with Guns N' Roses. "She could give me the fucking clap and I'd kiss her feet for it." He told me, his facial expression mimicking someone who'd been struck by lightening twice…

People always looked at her like that but she rarely noticed because she'd be too busy looking up at Nikki with utter hearts in her eyes, but we'll get into that later.

"What are you doing here?" She asks me curiously. 

"Vince called me and wanted me to come." I explain and she raises her brows. 

"Vince?" She asks and I nod. "The same Vince that cheated on you multiple times Freshman year? And your entire relationship?"

"It's been, what, four years?" I ask, in reference to how long it's been since he and I started dating. "Maybe he's grown up a little." I suggest and she just clears her throat, cueing the hollering of an angry girl.

"Fuck you! Piece of shit! Motherfucker!" She shouts, the sound of her hitting Vince gets louder and she stomps down the hall as he follows after her, continuously trying to get her attention by saying "babe" repeatedly. 

"My pants! Babe!" He's fully in sight now as she stomps off...and he's fully naked.

"Fuck you!" She calls back to him, leaving him behind. 

"I fucking love those pants." He whines, disappointed, cupping his dick. 

"Your swimsuit parts are out." Vivian tells him, and he and I make contact over her shoulder, my nerves tensing up anxiously as he looks at me with a grin. 

"Hey, Tans." He says to me, about to come closer but Vivian stops him. 

"Go put some clothes on." She orders to him and he rolls his eyes, turning and walking away, his butt shining as he leaves. "You had sex with that." She reminds me and I frown slightly. 

"Yeah, he hasn't changed a bit has he?" I ask her and she shakes her head a little. 

"He's gotten worse." She states. "Alright, c'mon, let's go see Tommy." She takes my hand and leads me to where he is, my heart nearly beating out of my chest. 

How awkward is this going to be? 

We turn the corner and see him and two other guys standing in their street clothes, and when Tommy sees me, all my nerves dissipate because he completely makes me forget our awkward sex never even happened. 

"Tansy fucking Reilen!" He exclaims excitedly as I walk to him to hug him. 

He leans down to reach my 5'3" height and wraps his arms tightly around me. 

"Hey, Tommy!" I reply, just as happy. 

This is the first time he, Vivian, and I, will be hanging out together...Viv's been having to hangout with us separately because we've been avoiding each other for the most part. I guess we don't have to, anymore. 

He releases me, immediately turning to the ball of teased, jet black hair. 

"This is Nikki," he informs me, "the band's bassist." 

Hazel eyes--nearly green--look down at me behind his hair, traveling down my face, to my chest, down my legs, and back up again, the tiniest, mischievous smirk on his lips, and I raise my brow a tiny bit…

Trouble. Trouble. Trouble. Trouble. Is exactly what Nikki was, and it was all he and I could get ourselves into for years to follow.

"And this is Tansy." Tommy tells Nikki, oblivious to how he's looking at me.

"Nice to meet you." I tell Nikki. 

"Yeah." He replies. 

"And Mick, our guitarist." Tommy says next, nodding to the shorter man who's also got jet black hair. 

"Hi." I say to him. 

He just gives a small smile and mumbles, "hey."

"He's a little quiet but when you get to know him he opens up." Tommy says to me, quietly as Vince reappears with clothes on. "We were about to head to the rainbow," he starts next, his eyes flickering to Viv. "If someone's willing to stay out late." 

"Fine." Vivian doesn't argue, sighing out. 

"Hallelujah. Thank fuckin' God." Vince pipes, sliding his arm around my shoulder, making me roll my eyes. 

The entire time to the Rainbow, Vivian and Nikki are constantly back and forth, tearing each other new assholes and going for each other's throats. I don't know what beef they have with each other but it's brutal and borderline sex fueled. 

Once we get to the bar and grill, I drag Viv to the bathroom with me so I can touch up my makeup. 

"So…" I start, looking in the mirror, "...have you lost your virginity yet?" 

"No." She says it as if she's slightly offended. 

"Oh." 

"Why?" 

"It's just…" I start but quickly decide that it'll just piss her off, probably. "Nothing." 

"Tansy." She sighs, irritated. "What is it?" 

"Nothing. I just thought you and that Nikki guy have messed around." I shrug and she looks like she's seen a ghost. 

"I—ew why would you think that? We haven't." She insists and I hold my hands up in surrender. 

"I'm sorry, I just thought you had." I tell her. 

"What makes you think we have?" 

"There's a tension." The words are framed by a smirk and she widens her eyes. 

"There is not a tension. There is so not a tension." She gets it out without laughing although I can tell she wants to. “We argue. All the time. He thinks I’m a self-righteous prude and I think he’s the spawn of Satan. If there’s a tension, it’s because we hate each other.”

"You don't have to like someone to have sex with them." I inform her, speaking from experience of the guys who've had sex with me without giving a damn, and me having sex with guys I didn't necessarily like just to make them happy. "I really like him for you, though. You get all riled up and firey when he's around." 

"Oh, please." She rolls her eyes. 

“I just met the guy and I can tell he has you acting different. You used to be so quiet and shy around people you don’t really know, now you’re jumping in to conversations just to piss him off and prove him wrong.”

“Because I don’t like him.” She shakes her head. “And he doesn’t like me. That’s where the tension comes from. See? It’s full-circle.”

"Hate-sex is always an option." I suggest. 

"Do not even start." She scolds me, pointing her finger. 

"What? It gets rid of all the aggression and ill feelings." I explain. 

“So does their shows. Did you know they encourage people to get their feelings out during a show so they go home chilled out and not so uptight?” she tells me and I look at her, not even the slightest bit convinced. “And it works.”

“Yeah, until he gets off stage and then you get all hot and bothered.” I reply with a grin. 

“I get hot because he’s Devil-Spawn and the heat from hell radiates off of him and I get bothered because he’s an arrogant idiot.”

“Or you like him and don’t know why you do so you displace your frustration and confusion on to him.” I shoot back. “I was honestly joking about the hate sex okay? I don’t want you to go jump in to bed with him if you don’t want to but you two were fighting like cats and dogs the whole time we were on our way here. I think you should try to let whatever kind of bravery he evokes in you come out in a way that’s not in the form of riled up anger or fiery hatred.” I recommend and she nods a little. “Now, c’mon because I have a slutty blonde waiting.”

That was the night Mötley Crüe was signed to Elektra records by rock-god signing Tom Zutat, who's responsible for record companies grasping ahold of a plethora of leather-patented hair metal douchebags that could make good music and snort their way through long enough power rails of coke that once they reach the end of white powder without flinching, China's on the other side. But you want to know a secret? It was all bullshit. Every person I've met in that rock scene, you know, the ones that despised the term "hair metal" yet teased their hair two feet above their heads and played heavy metal? Yeah, them. Every single one of them had this "I was made for this shit" attitude. 

Some of them nearly put bullets through their head, OD'd, hung themselves, turned their cars on and locked themselves in their garage...even the ones that hadn't purposely tried to take themselves out either almost pushed it too far and died accidentally from too much booze or drugs or vehicle accidents, or did push it too far. 

They weren't made for it. 

Nobody's fucking made for millions of people wanting a piece of them every single night, management running them to their grave for more money, dealers keeping them numb, all their relationships just exploding in their faces, all of their "friends" wanting more and more and more. 

They thought they were made for it because when someone gets a taste of what they decide the universe or God or whoever or whatever destined for them to become, they take it and run with it without reading the fine print. 

They see the fame without the lack of privacy and hangers-on. 

They see the fans without the people who hate their guts and make it known. 

They see the money without the gold diggers. 

They see the excess without the high risk that comes with taking advantage of having everything with the snap of their fingers. 

They see the glutton without the punishment. 

Until they're standing on the railing of the balcony of their Hollywood penthouse, their best friend trying to talk them down while the police are on their way. 

And then of course when they do turn up dead by suicide, people talk their typical, "how awful, they killed themselves in their mansion, surrounded by their expensive furniture, wearing their expensive clothes, with millions—possibly billions—in their bank account, how sad for them, boohoo." 

As someone who's been dirt broke, to the point of getting my water cut off and having to shower at a friend's house, but then growing up to have more money than I knew what to do with aside from blow it on drugs? Money doesn't buy happiness, jerkoffs. It can buy distractions to buffer pain and suffering, sure, but once the high wears off, or that new car loses its luster, or that new house starts to feel fucking empty, all while that wall full of awards and plaques and magazine posters cementing your fame and worth and stake in the industry you sold your soul for just reminds you that you don't even recognize who the hell you are anymore and nothing can change that...you get fucking depressed. Hate to say it. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, that even though you're poor as shit and are depressed as shit that even if you had money and fame you'd still be fucking sad. But I'd rather tell you the truth than sell you the fallacy that me and everybody else I was friends with bought, that landed every single one of us in situations where we felt we had no other way except to just off ourselves all while remembering when we were stupid enough to proudly say: "I was made for this." 

People are made for this like Matthew Trippe replaced Nikki Sixx, which—if you want the truth—is complete bullshit.

“He said we could possibly score a five album deal, Viv, why aren’t you happy about this? I thought you wanted us to get signed?” Tommy asks Vivian as she slings her keys across the guys' shitty living room, pissed beyond measure.

“You just told me you were dropping out of school, Tommy! We are so close to graduating, can’t you just wait?!” 

“No, I can’t! I can’t just wait because what I wanted is happening and I need to focus on the band right now more than ever!” He argues while motioning to Nikki and Vince, who, like me, are being smart and staying near the door incase we need to get out of sight once Vivian and Tommy kill each other.

“Your education should be your main focus, at least until you graduate! You are so close to being done, Tommy, why can’t you just—“

“Because I don’t give a fuck about school, Vivian! What I am passionate about doesn’t require a diploma, and I’m sorry if me dropping out makes you feel like I’m leaving you behind or whatever the fuck you feel, but I’m not sorry for wanting to focus on my main priority!”

“What I’m hearing is that I wasted hours of my time throughout school trying to tutor you and help you all for you to throw it away on the idea of being some hot-shot rockstar with girls and drugs and booze—”

“Oh, my God, you act like you would have had better things to do with that wasted time!” He sounds like he already knows he's gonna lose the argument while Vivian just rolls her jaw. “And it’s not a fucking idea, it’s fucking reality and you’re only mad because you have no control over it!”

“I’m mad because we talked about this and everything we agreed on, everything we promised each other, is absolute void to you now that it’s actually happening!” 

“Shit changes, Viv, people change! What I considered important junior year is completely different than what I consider important now.” He calms down, sighing. 

“We agreed we would both graduate high school and I could either put off college or drop out if I needed to...” she trails off, her voice shaking slightly with oncoming tears, making me feel bad for her. “That was our plan to avoid this from happening. To avoid you leaving me behind.” Now it's crystal clear why she's freaking out over them being offered a record deal. “You considered me important junior year when you came up with that plan. When you promised me you wouldn’t go on to bigger things without me and forget me. And now...” She takes a step back, while Tommy attempts to walk to her. 

“Viv, I didn’t mean it like that.” He tries to tell her. 

“No, you’re right.” she replies, her body shaking a little. “Shit changes.” I raise my brow because I've never heard her curse before. “People change.” She keeps on. “Glad this is happening now, though, so I don’t waste any more time on a completely different page than you, Tommy.” Her voice cracks a little and she grabs her keys quickly.

“Viv—“ Tommy tries to grab her arm as she heads to the door but she snatches away from him. “Fuck you.” she cracks, her voice barely coming out as tears spill over her  lashes. 

Nikki and Vince step aside to let her leave all while I contemplate following her, but if I know Vivian, I know she likes to think about things when she's upset, rather than just talk them out with someone. Which is the only time she likes to be alone. 

She just slams the door on us, and Tommy. 

Most definitely wouldn't be the last time she did that.

"Tommy, are you—"

"—I'm goin' home." He grumbles, grabbing his keys, and me and Nikki and Vince all look at each other. 

"Tommy, you are home?" Nikki reminds him. 

"I'm stayin' with my folks so I can vent to my sister because she's the only one who knows Viv good enough to know she's being fuckin' unreasonable." He states. 

"I barely know her and I can tell you she's unreasonable." Nikki scoffs, earning a glare. "Sorry, man." He mumbles in return. 

"Bye." Tommy says, closing the door behind him. 

"Well...I'm gonna go find a chick to fuck." Vince says, stretching.

"You got one right here." Nikki chuckles looking at me and I raise my brows. 

"Not since I knocked Tami up." Vince reads my mind and I nod. 

"Exactly." I reply. 

"Who?" Nikki asks. 

"Nobody. Don't wait up." He tells us, opening the door and leaving, too, more than likely heading to the strip club down the street. 

"So, like, how old are you?" Nikki asks. 

"Why?" 

He just gets a shit eating grin on his lips. 

[babygirlkiki1016]

Wendigo

As we pulled up the next morning I spotted a man who is talking to Haley, Ben, is checking a shotgun. They're all carrying full backpacks.

"I'll tell you again, I don't think Ben should come. You're paying me good money to keep everybody safe. I think Ben's safest at home." I hear man say as I get out, Haley shakes her head as Sam and Dean get out of the car. Sam opens the back door of the Impala and pulls out the duffel bag.

"You guys got room for three more?" Dean asks.

"Wait, you want to come with us?" Haley asks.

"Who are these guys?" The old man asks.

"Apparently this is all the park service could muster up for the search and rescue." Haley gestures to the man next to her as Sam heads past everyone.

"You're rangers?" The old man asks.

"That's right." Dean answers.

"And you're hiking out in biker boots and jeans? While your hiking in that." Haley points to me, signaling at (whatever you decide to wear.)

Dean looks down at himself, then at me. "Well, sweetheart, I don't do shorts." Dean heads past Haley, I walk up to her.

"And I'm more of 'I don't care what I wear type'."

"What, y'all think this is funny? It's dangerous back country out there. Her brother might be hurt." The old man says as Sam turns back to us.

"Believe me, I know how dangerous this could get. We just wanna help her find her brother, that's all." Dean says as he head past Sam. Our little group hikes through the forest, with 'Roy' in the lead, then Dean, me, Haley, Ben, and Sam bringing up the rear.

"Roy, you said you did a little hunting." Dean says, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, more than a little." Roy huffs.

"Uh-huh. What kind of furry critters do you hunt?"

"Mostly buck, sometimes bear." Dean passes Roy, uh oh, I can see where this is going.

"Tell me, uh, Bambi or Yogi ever hunt you back?" Roy grabs Dean as Sam looks on, I quickly step between them before it escalated.

"Both of you cut it out." I say.

"Whatcha doing, Roy?" Dean asks. Roy grabs a stick and pokes the bear trap Dean had almost stepped in. Haley looks annoyed.

"You should watch where you're stepping. Ranger." Roy drops the stick and retakes the lead.

"It's a bear trap." Dean yells to us and we hike on. Haley catches up to us.

"You didn't pack any provisions. You guys are carrying a duffel bag. You're not rangers." She grabs Dean's arm. "So who the hell are you?" Ben and I goes past her, who stopped to talk to Dean while Sam looks at Dean, who indicates with his expression that Sam's to go on by. Sam obeys and he catches up to me.

"Hey." He says.

"Hey..."

"So how did you sleep?"

"Pretty good, the bed was comfy."

"Did my brother try anything?" He asked worried.

"No he didn't..it was more of me who..."

"You kissed him?!" He whispers the last part.

"No I wanted to, but I turned away before I did anything stupid."

"That's surprising,mostly Dean is the one always trying to get laid." He say, I could tell he's some what pissed.

"Sam...do you think that he could..that we could?"

"No at least not now, your still a kid. Wait a little bit longer before you try anything." He smiles and pats me on the back. Roy continues to lead the way, followed by Sam, me, Ben, Haley, and Dean.

"This is it. Blackwater Ridge." Roy says as Sam heads past.

"What coordinates are we at?" Sam asks. Roy pulls out a GPS, which reads N 35o 45.383, W 111o 00.55.

"Thirty-five and minus one-eleven." Dean comes up to Sam and the three of us listen.

"You hear that?" Dean ask.

"Yeah." Sam replies.

"Wow...Not even crickets." I say.

"I'm gonna go take a look around." Roy tells us.

"You shouldn't go off by yourself." I warn.

"That's sweet. Don't worry about me."

"Fine if you wanna be the idiot be my guest." I joke, Roy just waves his gun and pushes between us to retake the lead. Dean turns back to the others as the other two catch up.

"All right, everybody stays together. Let's go." About ten minutes later the five of us are looking around, near a large rock.

"Haley! Over here!" Roy yells and Haley runs towards his voice, followed closely by the others and we come to a halt.

"Oh my God..." Haley gasps. The tents are torn open and bloody and all the supplies are scattered.

"Looks like a grizzly." Dean and Haley look around.

"Tommy?" She takes off her backpack and goes through the campsite.

"Tommy!" Sam moves to catch up with her.

"Shh." Sam says.

"Tommy!"

"Shh-hh-hh!"

"Why?"

"Something might still be out there."

"Sam, Y/n!" Dean yells, me and Sam goes over to him, Sam crouches down.

"The bodies were dragged from the campsite. But here, the tracks just vanish. That's weird." Sam says.

"I'll tell you what, that's no skinwalker or black dog."

"So then it's a Wendigo, it's the only explanation." I point out.

"We still don't know for sure Y/n."

"Dean think about it, it's fast it doesn't leave a trail and there's claw marks everywhere. It's a Wendigo."

"Y/n it can't be."

"Fine, if I'm right you have to do whatever I ask without complaining."

"Don't do it Dean." Sam intervened, with a smirk on his face but Dean completely ignored him.

"And if I'm right then you have to do whatever I say without complaining for a day."

"Alright deal." I hold out my hand and he shakes it. "Prepare to lose Winchester."

"In your dreams." Dean chuckles and we go back to the campsite as Sam follows. Haley picks up Tom's cell phone it's bloody and she cries. She turns the phone over and the back is open, Dean crouches next to her.

"Hey, he could still be alive." She gives Dean a look.

"Someone Help! Help!" A voice yells and Roy leads the way as everyone except me runs to the aid of the shouter.

"Don't run towards it you idiots!" My words were mostly towards Dean and Sam. They still did it anyway, there figures disappearing was the last thing I saw before I was thrown back against the tree. My vision went black, but before I was unconscious I could see the Wendigo walking towards me.

Dean's Pov-

"Don't run towards it you idiots!" I heard Y/n shout but no one listened.

"Help! Somebody!" It shouts again but we find no one.

"It seemed like it was coming from around here, didn't it?" Haley wonders, we listen, nothing.

"Everybody back to camp." Sam says and back at the campsite, all the supplies are missing, including Y/n.

"Y/n?!" I yelled, no response. "Y/n?!" Now I was getting nervous, she was right behind me...wasn't she?

"Our packs!" Haley exclaims, not even caring that one of our own was gone.

"So much for my GPS and my satellite phone." Roy complains

"What the hell is going on?"

"It's smart. It wants to cut us off so we can't call for help." Sam says, that's when we both realized Y/n was right. "Y/n, where is she?"

"Oh you finally notice!" I say sarcastically and kick a rock. "Damnit!"

"You mean someone, some nutjob out there just stole all our gear and kidnapped that pretty girl?" Roy says, making me even more angry. Sam tugs on my sleeve, catching my attention.

"I need to speak with you. In private." We head a little ways away from the group. "Good. Let me see Dad's journal." Sam says, I hand it over. Sam opens it and flips through until he finds a particular page.

"All right, check that out." Sam points to a First Nations-style drawing of a figure.

"Oh come on, wendigos are in the Minnesota woods or, or northern Michigan. I've never even heard of one this far west."

"Think about it, Dean, the claws, the way it can mimic a human voice. Y/n was right and we new it but you didn't listen. You just wanted to prove her wrong!"

"You think I don't know that!" I try to hold it in, damn it why am I getting emotional? I only met her a week ago! "Well isn't that great." I takes out my pistol. "Since we're hunting a Wendigo, then this is useless." Sam gives me back the journal then heads back to camp but only stopping for a moment.

"One of us should've stayed with her...we need to get these people to safety."

"Sam we can't just leave Y/n-"

"She's probably already dead Dean!....Her father was right...people we know die sooner or later." He leaves and I follow, we get back at the campsite, and Sam addresses the group.

"All right, listen up, it's time to go. Things have gotten...more complicated."

"What?" Haley exclaims.

"Kid, don't worry. Whatever's out there, I think I can handle it." Roy says.

"It's not me I'm worried about. If you shoot this thing, you're just gonna make it mad. You have to leave. Now."

"One, you're talking nonsense. Two, you're in no position to give anybody orders."

"Relax." I huff. "Sam will get you to safety, I'll stay and try to find Y/n."

"Look we never should have let you come out here in the first place, all right? I'm trying to protect you." Sam says but Roy steps right into Sam's space.

"You protect me? I was hunting these woods when your mommy was still kissing you good night."

"Yeah? It's a damn near perfect hunter. It's smarter than you, and it's gonna hunt you down and eat you alive unless we get your stupid sorry ass out of here." Roy laughs.

"You know you're crazy, right?"

"Yeah? You ever hunt a wen-" I push Sam, desperately trying to make him calm down.

"Chill out."

"Stop. Stop it. Everybody just stop. Look. Tommy might still be alive. And I'm not leaving here without him."

"Wow well aren't you brave." I comment.

"It's getting late. This thing is a good hunter in the day, but an unbelievable hunter at night. We'll never beat it, not in the dark. We need to settle in and protect ourselves."

"How?" Hayley questions.

~

We built a campfire, and I begin to draw something in the dirt around the campsite while Haley pokes at the fire.

"One more time, that's-" Hayley asks but J interrupt.

"Anasazi symbols. It's for protection. The wendigo can't cross over them." Roy laughs, gun over his shoulder.

"Nobody likes a skeptic, Roy."

When  I was fine with the drawing I head over to sit next to Sam.

"You wanna tell me what's going on in those freaky heads of yours?...Sammy."

"Dean-"

"No, you're not fine. You're like a powder keg, man, it's not like you. I'm supposed to be the belligerent one, remember?"

"Why don't you focus on your own feelings, I'm sure your feeling pretty guilty."

"Bout what?"

"Dad's not here and if we left then Y/n would still be with us. I mean, that much we know for sure, right? He would have left us a message, a sign, right?"

"Yeah, you're probably right. Tell you the truth, I don't think Dad's ever been to Lost Creek."

"Then I'll get these people back to town and we'll go find Y/n. Then we leave I mean, why are we still even here?"

"This is why." I come around to Sam's front and held up the journal. "This book. This is Dad's single most valuable possession-everything he knows about every evil thing is in here. And he's passed it on to us. I think he wants us to pick up where he left off. You know, saving people, hunting things. The family business." Sam shakes his head.

"That makes no sense. Why doesn't he just-call us? Why doesn't he-tell us what he wants, tell us where he is?"

"I dunno. But the way I see it, Dad's giving us a job to do, and I intend to do it."

"Dean...no. I gotta find Dad. I gotta find Jessica's killer. It's the only thing I can think about."

"Okay, all right, Sam, we'll find them, I promise. Listen to me. You've gotta prepare yourself. I mean, this search could take a while, and all that anger, you can't keep it burning over the long haul. It's gonna kill you. You gotta have patience, man." Sam looks down, then up.

"How do you do it? How does Dad do it?" Dean looks over at the others.

"Well for one, them." Sam looks over at Haley and Ben. "I mean, I figure our family's so screwed to hell, maybe we can help some others. Makes things a little bit more bearable....I'll tell you what else helps." Sam looks back at Dean.

"Killing as many evil sons of bitches as I possibly can, starting with the one that took Y/n." Sam smiles, but a twig snaps, someone presumably the wendigo yells "Help me! Please!" I stand and readied my gun.

"Help!" Sam shines a flashlight about.

"He's trying to draw us out. Just stay cool, stay put." I warn.

"Inside the magic circle?" Roy jokes.

"Better than ending up dead."

"Help! Help me!" Growling, Roy points his gun at the sound.

"Okay, that's no grizzly." Ben starts to freak out a little but Haley talks him through it.

"It's okay. You'll be all right, I promise." Something rushes past and she shrieks. I just smile, scardey cat.

"It's here." Sam says. Roy shoots at the rustling, then again.

"I hit it!" He yells happily and being the idiot that he is, goes to see what he hit.

"Roy, no! Roy!" I yell after him, I turn to Hayley and Ben. "Don't move." She's holding a stick, burning at one end, as a weapon. Me and Sam run after Roy, but no luck.

~

Sam is sitting against a hollow tree stump, holding dad's journal and playing with a lanyard. Me and the other two are among the tents.

"I don't...I mean, these types of things, they aren't supposed to be real."

"I wish I could tell you different." I sigh.

"How do we know it's not out there watching us?"

"We don't. But we're safe for now."

"How do you know about this stuff" Carefully, I think of what to say.

"Kind of runs in the family." Sam comes over.

"So we've got half a chance in the daylight. And I for one want to kill this evil son of a bitch."

"Well, hell, you know I'm in." I say, I had to, I needed to. That son if a bitch took her, and I was gonna get her back. Sam shows the wendigo page of dad's journal to the siblings.

"'Wendigo' is a Cree Indian word. It means 'evil that devours'."

"They're hundreds of years old. Each one was once a man. Sometimes an Indian, or other times a frontiersman or a miner or hunter." I contribute.

"How's a man turn into one of those things?" Haley wonders.

"Well, it's always the same. During some harsh winter a guy finds himself starving, cut off from supplies or help. Becomes a cannibal to survive, eating other members of his tribe or camp."

"Like the Donner Party." Ben says.

"Cultures all over the world believe that eating human flesh gives a person certain abilities. Speed, strength, immortality." Sam intervenes.

"If you eat enough of it, over years, you become this less than human thing. You're always hungry." I sigh, I knew the feeling...and Y/n probably does to.

"So if that's true, how can Tommy still be alive?" Haley asked.

"You're not gonna like it." I glance at Sam, then back to her.

"Tell me."

"More than anything, a wendigo knows how to last long winters without food. It hibernates for years at a time, but when it's awake it keeps its victims alive. It, uh, it stores them, so it can feed whenever it wants. If your brother's alive, it's keeping him somewhere dark, hidden, and safe. We gotta track it back there, and hurry cause he might it's next meal."

"And then how do we stop it?"

"Well, guns are useless, so are knives. Basically-" I grab the can of lighter fluid, the beer bottle, and the white cloth that was in the ground. "We gotta torch the sucker."

~

Once we gave them hints about what there headed into, I lead the way through the woods, Molotov cocktail in hand. We pass trees with claw marks and blood. Sam is leading the group now, with me right behind him.

"Dean." He calls out, and I catch up.

"What is it?" We look around at the trees, there are bloody claw marks and broken branches everywhere.

"You know, I was thinking, those claw prints, so clear and distinct. They were almost too easy to follow." Growling was heard and the three of us whip around. Trees rustle as Haley is standing under a tree. Blood drips on her shirt.

"Sam..." I say point towards Haley. She notices to what I'm pointing to and looks up, then leaps out of the way. Roy's corpse lands where she'd stood. I examine Roy as Sam goes over to Haley.

"You okay? You got it?" He asks.

"His neck's broken." I comment. Sam helps Haley up and more growling is heard. "Okay, run, run, run, run, go, go, go!" I yell. Everybody takes off and Ben falls, Sam hurries back to help him up, dividing the group two and three.

"Come on, I gotcha, I gotcha." Sam tells Ben, I listen for any movement. I heard a noise, then Haley screams, it was the Wendigo.

Y/n's Pov-

I woke up to shouting, it was Sam and Ben trying to talk to Haley. She was hanging by her wrists from the ceiling while Dean was trying to wake me up.

"C'mon darling, focus, focus." He unties me, making me fall forward but he catches me. "It's ok I got you, I got you. Can you walk?"

"Yeah...." I say groggily. Haley divests herself of rope as she stands up she spots Tom still hanging and starts crying.

"Y/n hey focus on me!" Dean caresses my cheek, tears were falling down his cheeks. "I thought I lost you..."

"It's gonna take a lot more than that to kill me." I smile, he returns it and hugs me. I spot the stolen supplies that are piled in the corner.

"Dean." I say and point to the bags, Dean picks up flare guns.

"Flare guns. Those'll work." Sam grins and Dean laughs while twirling the guns. We decide to make our escape and head down a tunnel, Me, Dean and Sam in the lead with the flare guns and the two siblings supporting Tom, who is limping. Growling is heard once more.

"Looks like someone's home for supper." I say.

"We'll never outrun it." Dean says and looks back at the others, then at me. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Yeah, I think so." Sam answers.

"Good, I'll distract it, the four of you get out of here."

"That is not what I was thinking!"

"Oh I'll be fine." I stare at him in disbelief.

"If you think your gonna go up against it alone your dead wrong. We'll distract it while y'all get out of here." Dean knew he didn't have the time to argue, so he agreed.

"All right, listen to me. Stay with Sam. He's gonna get you out of here."

"What are you gonna do?" Haley intervenes. Dean winks and starts walking and yelling.

"Chow time, you freaky bastard! Yeah, that's right, bring it on, baby, I'm feeling good." The rest of Dean's words are indistinct. I follow Dean before he could get himself killed.

"Hey! Hey, you want some white meat, bitch! I'm right here!"

"I think it heard you Dean."

"Well if it heard me then why isn't it here?" I shake my head and listen, at first I couldn't hear anything but then I heard growling far of into the distance, then Sam yelling.

"Dean it's by Sam."

"Son of a bitch." He yells and we run down the tunnel towards where Sam is.

Eventually we spot the Wendigo and we come up behind it.

"Hey!" I yelled. The Wendigo turns and before Dean could shoot it, it slices his neck. Blood began pouring out, Dean eyes me and falls to the ground.

"No!" I yelled and ran to his side, it slowly came towards me but Sam yelled to distract it. However Sam wasn't having any luck either, Sam's flare gun was thrown to the side and he was cornered. I look back to Dean who was bleeding out badly, he wouldn't last much longer.

"Hold on ok? Hold on.." I cried, tears ran down my cheeks faster then me running a marathon. Although it was like I knew what to do. I place my hand on Deans neck to try to stop the bleeding, he grabs my hand roughly, I could see the fear in his eyes as he gasped from breath.

"Breath just breath ok? Hold on, please!" I focused and like an instinct the words came to me. "Heli tius naman" I muttered over and over, my hands began to glow as his skin begins to form back together. His eyes showed amazement as he watched my form changed, my hair turned white as snow. I looked towards the Wendigo who was about to kill Sam, and hold out my hand as I begin enchanting.

"Sini tuis montir ot leh!" The Wendigo turns but is trapped in place growling at me.

"Sam now!" I yelled and Sam grabs the flare gun then lights the evil son of a bitch. As the Wendigo burned I turn my focus back to Dean, who was staring at me. Sam runs over, with fear in his eyes.

"....Not bad, huh?" Dean jokes as he stands up and he pulls me up along with him. Sam sighs I'm relief, then hugs me.

"Thank you...I don't know what you did but I don't know what I would've done if he..." Sam let's go and Dean slowly approaches me.

"Your nose.." He reaches over and rubs the blood from my skin with his sleeve. After we exit the woods, an ambulance loads up Tom. Two Police officers interviews Ben as Sam stands behind him.

"And the bear came back again after you yelled at it?" Asked the officer.

"That's when it circled the campsite. I mean, this grizzly must have weighed eight hundred, nine hundred pounds." Ben agreed and Sam nods in approval.

"All right, we'll go after it first thing." I watched as Haley talked to Dean, both have already been patched up. A weird feeling set in my heart, what is this? Am I...jealous? Haley attempts to kiss Dean on the cheek, but he slowly stepped back. They exchange a few words, then he turns to look at me. Sam sits on the Impala's hood with me as Dean walks over.

"Man, I hate camping." Dean complains.

"Me too." Sam agrees.

"It's not so bad." I say.

"So I guess...you win the bet." Dean admits. "I'm sorry for not being there when it came after you."

"It's ok....it's not your fault your a dum dum sometimes." I giggle, noises of the ambulance caught our gaze. "Think they'll be ok?"

"Yeah they'll make it." Dean smirks, I grab his chin and kiss the corner of his mouth, however he didn't stop me, he slightly kissed back but then realized it wasn't an actual kiss.

"What was that for?" He said blushing.

"For coming to save me...and for wiping my nose and ruining your jacket." He smiles and looks over at his little brother who's smirking at us.

"Sam, you know we're gonna find Dad, right?"

"Yeah, I know. But in the meantime? I'm driving." Dean smirks and tosses Sam the keys. The three of us get in the impala, slamming the doors almost in sync. What I can't get out of my head however, is why did Dean refuse Haley but not me?.....

The New Hunter Masterlist

@samsgirl93 @nani-gram @eliwinchester99

[adg1115]

I Need Your Help Ronnie

The rest of the day went without incident. I saw Logan a couple of times in the hall but I refused to make eye contact with him but that didn't mean he wasn't on my mind. It was still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact someone my own age, who used to be one of my best friends, had a kid.

When the bell sounded for fourth period, my stomach started turning flips. Why are you freaking out Veronica? It's only Logan. I noticed the 'out of order' sign I had made at the beginning of the year to keep the unwanted out of my unofficial office.

"I thought you weren't going to show."

"I had a quiz. As much as I enjoy our little meetings, school does come before anything else." I paused long enough to meet his eyes. "It's my ticket out of here."

He was quiet for a while. Who would have thought I could silence Logan without the help of my little tazor? "I didn't know you were trying to escape."

"Seriously? After this last year I am surprise I'm still here." I was trying to keep my anger in check but how could he not know what he did to me? "In my mind I am already gone. Only have a year left and then I never have to look back."

He crossed over from where he stood next to the sink and towered over me. Was he trying to intimidate me? I don't think so. Something was different about him but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. "I'm sorry." It was barely over a whisper and to be honest I didn't know if I heard him right.

"No. Don't." I couldn't let him just apologize. Not now. Not like this. I wasn't ready and the look on his face. It was too much. "Did you need something Logan?" I said holding up his note.

"God Ronnie, chill," Logan said running his hands through his hair. "Did you find anything out yet?"

I didn't know when or how he did it but I honestly started feeling sorry for Logan. "Yes and no. I ran a background check on Amanda but nothing came up, which I figured would happen. I have my dad running her cell number through some of his contacts and I will know more after school."

"You told your dad?!" Logan glared down at me then started pacing around the bathroom. "Shit Veronica! I didn't want anyone to know!"

I walked over to him and gently put my hand on his arm to get his attention. "Logan, give me some credit. I know how important this is to you and I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that."

He gave me a small smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Yeah, thanks Ronnie. I need to go. I'll…um…meet up with you later to see what your dad finds." Logan absently walked out the door and I felt my eyes start to tear up.

After school I called dad to see if he had any luck with Amanda's cell. "I did find some interesting things out. The phone number you gave me is registered to a Joseph Washington of the Marksville area. But honey, that phone has been disconnected for a while now. "

"That's ok dad. Are you going to be home tonight?"

"Probably not kid," he sounded wounded but this actual would help me out.

"That's ok -I have some studying to do and I promised Wallace some BFF time. Love you!"

I really needed to look into Logan's case. I wanted to stop by Mars Investigations and use the database to research Mr. Joseph Washington. As I pulled into the parking lot my phone rang.

"What can I do for you?"

"Hey Ronnie, it's me. Logan."

I let out a little laugh, "Yeah. I got that."

"Ha. Right. So um… yeah listen. I really am sorry about what I said in the hallway. I just thought you were going to say something in front of the guys and I just want to avoid as many rumors as possible." He honestly sounded sincere.

"I understand Logan and I would never do that to you. But you can't treat me like that. Listen I know we aren't friends, even acquaintances, but Logan you can't use me as a personal punching bag and get away with it. I am doing you the favor here."

"I know Ronnie and I'm really sorry. I am going to stop. Well, try to at least." Oh geez thanks Logan! What a douche. "What are you doing now?"

"I'm on my way to the office to run Amanda's dad's info."

"Oh…. Ok…. Yeah…. That sounds good. Well…let me know what comes up."

What's wrong with me? Karma you really owe me. "Do you want to stop by?" This is the point where I pretend to lose service and my phone dies to avoid the embarrassing reaction I'm about to receive.

"Are you sure? Yeah, I would like that? See you in about fifteen." Logan hangs up ending our conversation and my chance to persuade him this is a horrible idea. Logan and I alone in the office – War World III will probably break out.

"It's strange how we keep meeting like this," Logan said by-passing knocking on the door holding a brown paper bag in his hand.

"Well, why don't you come on in, Logan. Whatcha got in the bag?"

"Always the inquisitive one, Nancy Drew." He holds the bag up in front of my face. "This is a peace offering – some of Amy's famous ice cream. Rocky road for you. Almond Amaretto for me."

Damn he knows my weaknesses! "If I play nice can we share?" I give him my best puppy dog eyes which used to work on the old Logan. I am almost sure the new Logan is immune.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." His eyes lock onto mine and his lip curls into that sexy smirk he has perfected over the years. We are locked in a heated gaze for what seems like forever. Logan is the first one to break away and dishes out the peace offering he brought. "So found anything out yet?" he says nodded towards my computer and handing me a spoon.

What is wrong with me? There is no surprise that Logan happens to be one of the hottest people in the world. Hell, he has a magazine cover claiming just that. But he has always been just Logan to me and now my hormones are playing games with me. "Well I just started searching. My dad found out the phone number you gave me was registered to Joseph Washington, who I am assuming is Amanda's dad. The bad news? The phone has been disconnected for a while."

He pulls the chair from in front of my desk and places it right next to me. He leans in next to me so he can see the screen better and I get a better whiff of him. He always smelled so good – now he smelled like cologne and almond amaretto ice cream. I honestly thought I was in heaven.

I typed in Joseph Washington in the search engine then narrowed it down to the Marksville and surrounding areas. He could have moved in the past six months since the phone was disconnected but this was the best place to start. Of the seventy six who lived in California only one lived in Marksville. "Looks like this is our guy, Logan. He is forty three years old. Married to a Cherry Washington, 40. Stay a home mom. Active in charities. Two children. Marcus, 20. He goes to San Diego State. Amanda, 17…oh shit."

"What Veronica? Suspense effectively built. What is it?"

"Logan, I'm so sorry."

He leans in closer to the screen and reads, "Amanda Lynn Washington, 17, died during childbirth."

[clawedcosplay]

Space and Sinners

A scifi AU for Promare, in which Lio dedicates himself to making change, but looses sight of what he's changing the world for.

Chapter One

18+ Galolio

There will eventually be accompanying art and cosplays!

Exhaustion had long since dulled itself to a roaring background noise, like thunder in the distance. Lio wanted to turn off the blurring light of the Vivitpad, but his sense of duty kept his purple eyes open and trained on his document. After being elected, the pressure had been on. Lio wouldn’t be like the decades of council seat members who made promises they never delivered on. 

Neon lights slipped through the window across his face, and despite his duty he found his attention dragged to it. He stood in his silent and dark office, strolling to the massive windows to the city. His city, now. Below him there was a woman dressed ornately, pinned against a building as her things were searched. 

The bright green eyelashes that framed his eyes narrowed. Another prostitute getting arrested. A Cytype. Didn’t they know they brought down all of the lower class when they acted so deviant? They gave people like him a bad name, he who had fought tooth and nail to be the first Cytype on the council. And a Burnish Cytype at that.

Lio cracked the window, and the sobbing mixed with police radio buzzing swirled around him like a lullaby. He fished out his juul, taking a drag and letting his body be bathed in smoke and neon. 

He would change it. The Cytypes would be seen as equals to the Biomen and Biowomen upper class. Lio will make real change in this worl-

The lights flashed on and the doors slammed open. 

“Boss!” two voices shouted, and Lio flinched, juul falling from his fingers.

He fumbled for it as it clattered out the window, smacking against the sill and down past the upper level, into the abyss that was his home. The lower levels of the city. 

He was only given a second to mourn the loss of his blessed TCH when two pairs of arms threw themselves around him, dragging Lio back from the window. 

“Boss, you’ve been stressing way too much since you won-,” 

“Yes, you haven’t even left the capital building. So,”

“We decided to get you something! Help you relax a little, yeah boss?” 

Guiera and Meis. Those two would finish each other’s sentences as they bumbled over themselves in excitement. Lio sighed and turned around in their arms so he could look at them. 

“Tell me it’s a fix.” he grumbled, still salty about having dropped his old one, “If not, then I need to get back to work.” He tugged out of both sets of hands to get to his desk again. Damn… His Vivitpad had gone into sleep mode. He danced his fingers across the screen to wake it back up, only to have it slip from his hands. 

Guiera lifted it high into the air, smirking. “Sorry boss! No can do! Mandatory break! You need to destress a little.”

“O-oi! Give that back!” Lio hissed, reaching after it.

Too late. As much as he hated to admit it, Guiera had about a foot on him. He couldn’t reach. 

Lio fell back down to his heels. “Fine,” he huffed, hair bristling, “What did you get me?” 

The two shared a shit eating grin. 

‘God, they shared the same gay braincell’ Lio thought to himself. 

Then movement out of the corner of his eye brought Lio’s attention back to the door. For a moment his jaw dropped before he could manage to gather it back up. 

Another Cytype. Likely an Iceist. But that wasn’t what caught Lio’s attention. 

The blue haired man was clad in exotic clothes, even by modern day’s fashion. A neon green curtain skirt fell over the man’s slim hips, and a neon green top clung to his muscular chest, barely held together by straining black cords. Neon green and black were Lio's election campaign colors, and the clothes just emphasized this man's body perfectly. Lio himself felt outdone in his tired mandarin collar shirt and dress shorts with capital sash. Part of him longed to dress in exotic fashion and let loose in the underground music clubs that the Cytype people created with their own hands. Maybe he could take this gorgeous stranger along. Get lost in those almost glowing eyes… 

Lio’s daydream snapped shut as he himself slammed closed the drawer of his desk. This was a prostitute in his office. The Biomen and Biowomen could fool around, that was fine for them. But Lio had to hold himself to a higher standard. He would just be another deviant Cytype if he lowered himself in such a way!

“Boss,” Guiera grunted, clapping his hand down onto the other’s shoulder. 

Lio jumped, looking at him. 

“This is just another fix. Just like your other habit. Unbutton your collar and relax, yeah?” he said, in a surprising moment of stoicism. 

“Well… maybe-,” Lio stuttered, considering it for a second. 

“Cool! Bye!” Guiera shouted. 

“Have fun boss!” Meis added, slamming the door shut with the beautiful stranger stuck inside. 

“Damn it,” Lio grunted, rubbing his hair. 

“Councilman Lio?” the stranger asked, cocking his head to the side. His bouncy blue spiked hair flopping along. 

He looked like a dog… 

Lio slumped down in his large chair behind his desk. “You know, I’m not the biggest fan of your industry.” 

For a moment the stranger’s face fell, but the look quickly disappeared. “Well, most people aren’t. But if you wish me to provide you my service, I would be pleased to,” He said, striding to the desk. 

“You only say that because those two have already paid you, no?” Lio snapped. 

Something flicked through his eyes again, before he stepped around the desk. Lio forced his eyes to look anywhere but how the skirt hugged around the stranger’s ass. They would save the politics and discussion for later though. Lio did need to relax. He couldn’t do his job if he kept so tense. He sighed, feeling tension roll from his skin like the smoke he missed so dearly. 

Worn and warm hands run over Lio’s hand, and Lio felt flames lick at his stomach. Suddenly he realized he missed this just as much, if not more than the clubs and freedom of a life without politics. Companionship… was hard to find when your life was your work. 

The blue haired stranger sinks down to his knees, his rough fingers running down to Lio's ankle. 

“May I?” he asked, fingers hooking into the laces on the councilman’s combat boots. 

Lio’s mind muses how soft the stranger’s voice seemed, nodding wordlessly. 

The man pulled at the laces, painstakingly. Every time his fingers brush the latex material on his shoes, Lio feels his skin light on fire. Oh god… how long has it been? Lio slumps into his chair, feeling shivers run up his spine. 

The fingers finally slip his shoe off, the three inch sole clunking as it falls to the ground. Then finally skin meets skin again, sliding up his thighs. 

“You shave your legs, councilman?” the prostitute asked, letting his face run against the soft skin. 

Lio frowned. “I like the feel-,” He starts to say when his entire body jolts. 

The stranger had parted his lips to drag his tongue up from ankle to knee. It was precious, sacred, like the act was an act of worship. And Lio had never felt that before. 

Lio quickly overcame his shock to ask, “They’re not paying you hourly, are they?”

“No. fixed rate,” he muttered, dragging his face up to where Lio’s shorts started, teasing his tongue up under the tight fabric. 

“Then what are you doing?” Lio hissed, gathering at his constitution like sand that kept slipping from his fingers. 

“Is this not what you want?” the stranger muttered. 

Lio frowned. 

What did he want? 

“Master Lio?” the blue haired man asked timidly. 

Lio’s attention and purple eyes were dragged down to him. 

“Yes?” 

“The name’s Galo,” He said, standing to his full height and slamming his hand down on the wall behind Lio, “And you better learn it fast, because it seems you want me to make you scream it.” 

“Pardon?” Lio asked, hair fluffing out of place. Did this man just flip a switch?! What the hell?! What happened to worshipping him?! 

"Well, that's what you want, right? No more slow burns." The man's hand found Lio's tight collar and yanked it even tighter around the thin neck. "You want me to take control?" 

Lio closed his purple eyes, feeling the steady flame of arousal ignite into a roaring fire. 

Oh god he wanted someone to take control. Responsibility had been weighing his shoulders down and down and down, and he wanted to release. Wanted to lose himself- 

"No," Lio said, "I can't lose control. For all I know you're an assassin. I'm sure the Iceist leaders are mad that the first Cytype councilman is a Burnish."  

'Galo' looked put out. "You don't even use your flames. I'm pretty sure if I wanted you dead, you would already be." 

The circuit board over the other Cytype's arm appeared with an icy blue glow and the collar of Lio's shirt froze ever so slightly. 

Lio felt breath catch in his throat like an ice cube. 

"But, that would be stupid. Pretty sure I wouldn't get paid," Galo laughed, releasing Lio's collar. 

The councilman's lips pursed. Something about this man seemed honest. Though maybe it's just the mesmerizing blue eyes. 

"Okay." 

"Okay???" The man mirrored with a look on his face. 

"Okay I'll use your ...services. I have been too tense. It's affecting my work." Lio grumbled, "but I'm not giving up control. Just because I choose to not use my flames doesn't mean I'm untrained in them." 

Lio's own arms lit up with his fire circuit boards. He gripped Galo by his neon green harness and yanked him forward, and the sheer heat generated by Lio's power made the other's bangs dance. 

Though Galo's eyes lit up, not in fear but in amazement. He pressed forward as the burnish's knuckles seared into his chest, but teased his lips just an inch from Lio's.

"Suppose that means I'm in for an interesting time tonight," Galo whispered to him. 

Lio felt his stomach flip over. 

"Suppose that does." 

[katedrakeohd]

Mistress May I?

Warnings: NSFW • 18+ • Swearing • Very Adult Situations • Smut

VISIT CHAPTER ONE HERE

Chapter Two: Room Service

(Word count: 2221)

Going back home with the adrenaline sizzling in her veins after a Dom session is such a rush. The pent up desire for a vigorous fucking always makes for an aggressive drive. Thankfully traffic out of the city at that hour was light so there was no problem making good time. The missed calls on her phone were from her husband Jack. He sounded especially lonely in the voicemail he'd left behind. Poor dear. Hopefully a late dinner and a romp will cheer him up.

As she drives up to the house there are minimal lights on, and Jack's silver Lexus is parked out front. The motion activated front driveway lights come on as she parks her car next to his. Her dog Dexter's deep throaty bark, wiggling reddish brown body and whipping tail, greets her as she unlocks the front door and carries her case inside.

"Hi there Dex, where's Daddy?" She coos, as she rubs his big head and thumps him on the side.

The klink of wine glasses being set down, and the shuffle of slippered feet answer her question as her husband appears in the doorway to the kitchen. He smiles as he watches her hang up her coat in the closet and walk toward him.

"You look beat honey, tough day at the office?" He says as he tilts his head down to accept her upturned face for a kiss.

"Brutal sweetheart, I can't wait to get out of these clothes and get into a bubble bath."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea, why don't you head down to the bedroom and get undressed and I'll bring down room service."

Jack reaches around and draws Karen into his arms, undoing the zipper on her corset. Inhaling deeply he buries his face in the soft fragrant skin of her shoulder and kisses her neck.

"OK sweety, let me go I'm starving and want to get out of these clothes. You can have me for dessert later." Karen giggles.

Jack reluctantly lets her go and returns to the kitchen. Dexter follows, hoping for a morsel. Karen unzips her boots and kicks them into the closet, enjoying the cool tiles under her feet as she silently pads down the hall. She glances into the kitchen to see Jack loading up the serving tray with a dish of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine. A dinner plate is also on the tray its contents hidden under a cover.

Hurrying down the hall she strips off her loosened corset, and heads down the short hallway to the right and opens the double doors to the bedroom. Flicking on lights, the welcoming scent of the sweet vanilla candles in the room make her smile. Humming to herself, Karen puts her corset away in the velvet covered chest at the foot of the bed and then walks into the master bath. Bending over she peels off her skinny leggings and satin panties, kicking them toward the wicker hamper. Her bath robe is hanging on the hook by the door, and she gratefully puts it on and is enveloped by the plush softness. There's nothing that feels yummier than a soft warm robe, well except for an orgasm in a nice warm bath. There's a soft knock on the door, and then Jack enters the bedroom carrying the meal tray.

"Room service." He says with a smile, and places the tray on the table by the bed.

"What's for dinner my love?" Karen asks, returning to the bedroom with her robe untied.

Coming up behind Jack she reaches around to unbutton and untuck his shirt, and then pulls it down off of his arms. She slides her hands around his waist, up over his abs. Jack draws in a breath as she drags her fingernails up across his chest.

"I'm ever so hungry."

Karen sits down on the edge of the bed, her robe sliding off of her shoulders.

"Mistress, may I feed you?"

"Please do."

Jack pours two glasses of white wine, selects a strawberry and brings it up to Karen's lips. She licks it delicately, then bites off the chocolate dipped portion, closes her eyes and moans with pleasure as she chews and swallows. Jack rubs the remaining berry all over Karen's nipples, then places it in his mouth. Kneeling down between her thighs he tilts his head up, offering the berry in his teeth. Capturing his mouth with hers she accepts the transfer. Jack laps at her breast, sucking and nibbling at her nipples. Karen swallows what's left of the berry and then tilts Jack's chin up and kisses him firmly on the mouth.

"OK, enough tempting me with strawberries. Why don't you go next door and run us a bath. I'm going to eat some dinner."

"Yes Ma'am."

Karen licks her lips watching his muscular back as he walks away, her fingers itching to scratch down his skin and grab that sexy ass. Damn.

Jumping off the bed, Karen pulls the cover off the tray to see a steak dinner. Her mouth waters as she drags the plate toward her, cutting off a corner of the steak she eats it. When Jack returns to the bedroom, naked with a towel wrapped around his waist, he chuckles upon seeing her licking her lips.

"Damn you look so sexy when you eat dinner naked."

Karen smiles and then walks over to him, pulling off his towel and brings it up to wipe her mouth. Jack scoops her up in his arms and carries her back to the bed. He kisses her lips before laying her back on the bed.

"Mmm, beefy."

"Jack, I'm still hungry." Karen whispers, pouting.

Jack walks over to the dinner plate, dips his fingers into the mashed potatoes and then scoops some into her open mouth. Karen looks up at him as she sucks at his fingers.

"Ok, enough feeding eachother. Our bath is getting cold." Jack scoops Karen up off the bed again and carries her toward the bathroom.

Sliding her arms up around his neck she wraps her legs around his torso, holding on tight. She kisses Jack roughly on the mouth, snagging his bottom lip in her teeth. Jack moans as he kisses her back, clutching at her ass he presses her tighter to him.

Panting he presses his forehead to hers, his voice hoarse and raspy. "Time for a bath you dirty, dirty girl."

Jack gently lowers her into the bathtub, and then climbs in behind. He chuckles, pulling her over to him. With a happy sigh Karen settles back against his chest, while Jack reaches around to lather her breasts with a bubbly bath sponge.

"I wish we could do this all day, everyday. I could conduct therapy sessions while sitting in a warm bubbly bath. It's so difficult to be stressed out while sitting in the tub." Karen chuckles, as she guides Jack's hand down below the water line.

"Brilliant idea Doc, you could call it bubble therapy."

Jack caresses up Karen's inner right thigh with the sponge, then drops it, gently stroking upward over her crotch with is fingers. Karen responds by bringing her knees up, trapping his hand between her thighs.

Reaching around from underneath with his other hand, Jack picks her up and sets her on his lap.

With his trapped hand he plunges three fingers inside her and then jabs the thumb on his other hand into her ass. He pulls her tightly back against his chest and kisses her on the neck.

"Ah! fuck." Karen gasps and then moans as Jack starts thrusting his fingers, and kisses his way up to her ear. Karen reaches out to grab the side of the tub.

Jack bites playfully at her shoulder and then releases his grip, he tenderly kisses the skin he was biting. Karen sits up, scooting forward in the tub, passing the sponge back over her shoulder. Jack squeezes out the wet sponge onto her hair, and then Karen sweeps it over her shoulder so he can scrub her back.

"Mmmm, that feels nice."

Reaching for a bottle of shampoo, she hands it back to him. Squeezing some into his hands he rubs them into her hair, massaging her scalp. The soapy lather slithers down her back, and Jack drops his hands from her hair and spreads the lather forward, massaging it across her breasts, squeezing gently. Karen places her hands over Jacks, sliding her fingers through his, flicking her nipples as they harden under their mutual touch.

Jack grabs the sponge again and squeezes the water out onto her chest, he swipes away the soap on the back of her neck and kisses tenderly across to her shoulder.

"Our water is getting cold darling," Karen sighs happily. "Time to rinse and get out."

Karen sits up on her knees in the tub and yanks out the plug. As the water level starts to decline she turns around and slides her way over, straddling Jack's lap, and holding him by the shoulders. Leaning Karen backwards, Jack dunks her hair in the water for a rinse, kissing her collarbone as he then brings her back up to him. He shifts her hips upwards and then slides her onto his cock.

Karen slides her hands into his hair as she kisses his mouth hungrily. "Mmmm, yes." She moans against his mouth.

Karen holds onto the tub while Jack thrusts in deeply with a groan, "Damn you're so hot and wet. "

As the last of the water drains away, he leans her backward once more, with long strokes he drives up against her g-spot. Grunting as he feels her tighten around him. She gasps and shivers, pulling herself forward again and slaps him lightly on the cheek, and then dives forward to bite his neck.

"Oh gaawd," he strangles out a moan, tipping his head back. 

Karen sits up, backing up off of his lap, and then turns to open the water taps and activate the spray wand. Once the water is comfortably warm, she sits up on her knees and rinses the suds out of her hair and off her body. Jack watches, biting his lip.

"Damnit Davenport you're killing me over here."

Karen giggles, flicking the sprayer at Jack, catching him in the face. Jack flinches, bringing his hands up as a shield and laughs. "Hey stop that!"

She sets the sprayer wand down in the tub and then climbs out, reaching over to grab it again she gestures for Jack to slide closer. He complies and Karen proceeds to rinse the rest of the bubbles off of him and then chases the last of them down the drain. After turning off the sprayer and shutting off the water she goes over and grabs a bathtowel and starts rubbing at her hair. Jack climbs out of the tub, walks over to Karen and wraps his hands around her waist. She peeks at him from under the towel and smiles, flipping  the towel out she wraps it around behind his neck and pulls his lips closer to hers. "We have unfinished business."

Jack grins guiding her back to the bedroom. They stumble back to the room giggling and exchanging kisses. The rattle of the dinner plate catches their attention. Dexter is lying on the middle of the bed chewing on the steak.

"Dexter! get out." Jack rushes forward, shooing the dog off of the bed and chases him out the door. Dexter slinks out with the steak in his mouth, whining when the doors are closed in his face.

Karen is doubled over laughing when Jack turns back toward her. His face changes from a scowl to a smile and then he walks over and tosses Karen onto the bed. She lands in a shriek of giggles and scrambles up into a sitting position.  Jack stands at the foot of the bed hands on his hips, his eyes locked on those of  his wife, contemplating his next move.

Karen stares back grinning, knees bent, opening and closing her legs.

"Come and get it."

Jack lunges forward, grabbing Karen by the ankles and pulls her down to the end of the bed. When her ass reaches the edge, he lifts her by the hips and thrusts his cock in deep. "Fuck yeah." He groans.

Karen arches her back, arms spread out clutching at the sheets. "Yeesssss..."

Jack thrusts repeatedly, grunting through gritted teeth. Karen moans loudly, "oh fuck yesss."

With a groan, Jack's body tenses and he falls forward and collapses on top of her.

Karen wraps her arms around him and sighs contentedly, kissing him on the cheek. "I love you Jack."

Jack rolls off, laying back on the bed, sliding his arm in behind her shoulders he pulls Karen over and cradles her to his chest.

"Love you too dear," he whispers and kisses her on the forehead.

They lay this way for a few minutes, and Karen can hear his heartbeat slow down and his breath become more even. Sliding out from beneath his arm, she goes over and turns off the lights before climbing back into bed, pulling the covers up over them both. Jack starts to snore softly, and she smiles, laying there watching him in the moonlight until she drifts off to sleep.

[kaiaprax]

"What's in the bag, a blanket or something?"

"Well open it and see, dummy!"

"I didn't wanna unpack it and not be able to get it back in-"

"OPEN IT."

The woman who had worked here for thirty-eight years pulls out the blanket and looks at the corner. I know there's an embroidered message that says "thank you for all the years of service."

"Aw, that's really nice, guys. That- that's great-"

Her voice is getting high and tight. I pointedly look the other way and ignore the muffled sobs.

"Oh, Nancy-"

"Don't you dare! You're making it worse!"

The woman who has worked here for ten years is hugging her, against her choked protests.

I don't feel like I have a right to be sad. I've only known Nancy for three months; hired in with a new job title, I am a manifestation of the wave of the future that pushed her to hand in her resignation. But she never harbored any resentment towards me. She gave me every little tip she could think of, she stood behind me and whispered customer's names and preferences, and she chatted eagerly and easily when it was slow. She showed me pictures of her dogs and videos of herself singing in a rock band, and damn, she could sing. When we decorated her workstation before she arrived, I had to reel in the assistant manager's enthusiasm. "We have to keep this stuff out of customer view. She doesn't want them making a big fuss."

Nonetheless she was fussed over greatly. Two people sent bouquets. ("Great, now it feels like a funeral," she said.) One customer brought in seven dozen cookies, another sent fudge. Another customer sent several more dozens of cookies. The manager showed up (in the middle of his vacation) with pizza and cake and she started crying again while ordering the rest of us to not be sad.

At the end of the day, we have to take down the decorations so they won't set off the alarm. "Ah rats," she says. "I wanted to bring darts tomorrow to throw at the balloons."

"You want darts, Nancy? I can make darts happen!" I say eagerly. "There's gotta be pushpins around here somewhere -"

"Kaia, no!"

Kaia, yes.

The other teller joins me in taping pushpins to pens, but in the end, I'm the only one willing to launch them at the wall, with computer screens in the way. Nancy watches with delight as the rest of the bank employees flee from the noisy circus act I've created. My aim is surprisingly good.

"Kaia, I'll remember this for a long time."

Weel. Fleeting as our time together was, that's all I can ask.

[marveliciousfanace]

you know i can't resist you~ i'll give you a couple you can choose one you feel like doing 1) How did eggsy find out about harry and merlin? did he find out yet? 2) Merlin and Harry retire from Kingsman. Does Merlin secretly take all the dogs? How do Percy&James fare as the new kingsman-powercouple? do harry&merlin actually manage not to show up at HQ all the time like elderly ghosts? 3) James meeting elton john post tgc!? 4) rolereversal au where percy and james are harry and percy's mentors

I went with prompt number 2. The answers are: what do you mean ‘secret’?, amazingly as always, and you’re kidding, right? Hope you enjoy!

—

Merlin sighs. It’s a very familiar sound to the techdepartment at this point. “Hello, Hamish,” she says politely. “I wasn’t expectingto see you here today.”

He looks sheepish, “This time, it wasn’t actually myidea.”

“Harry?”

“He’s convinced that Alistair needs a bit of help withhis position as Arthur. I couldn’t persuade him otherwise, so I figured I’d tagalong. See what was new here.”

“You just want to know if we’ve gotten rid of the dogsfrom the Bors trials yet.”

Hamish doesn’t deny it. “What good is living on a hugeestate if it’s not full of fluffy animals?”

“That explains why you live with Harry,” Merlin says cheerfully.

“His hairline is finally starting to recede. Vain peacockthat he is, it’s absolutely traumatising for him.”

“I’m sure,” Merlin says. “As it happens, we do have afew dogs left. Would you like to see them?”

“Yes, please.”

She nods and leads him out of the room, “You can’tkeep stopping by every time we hold trials to take the dogs, you know.”

“I absolutely can.”

“How many do you have now?”

“Seven, at the last count.”

“Dear lord.”

“I’m hoping to round it up to ten. I do like nice evennumbers.” Hamish grins at her.

She laughs, “Speaking of even numbers, I finally fixedthat problem with the contacts. They’re so much more efficient than the glassesnow.”

“I knew you could do it, Olivia,” Hamish says. “I didn’ttake you on as my apprentice for nothing. You make a brilliant Merlin.”

“I do my best, sir.”

***

“Harry, for the last time, everything is fine,”Alistair sighs.

“Are you sure that you couldn’t use advice fromsomeone with my level of experience?”

“You know I’m not actually that much younger than you,right?”

Harry waves it off, “I was with Kingsman for yearsbefore you even joined-“

“Harry.” Alistair folds his hands together. “Kingsmanhas changed. We work more closely with Statesman now. I doubt you or I couldpass the trials now, they’re so different. James is our most senior fieldagent, for gods sake. I know you love this organization. But you and Hamish,you made it to the finish line. Not everyone is lucky enough to get out of thisalive, and you two nearly didn’t anyway. Take advantage of that fact.”

Harry sits back in his chair, disappointed. “Oh,” he says.“I see.”

“James will be disappointed he missed you,” Alistairtells him.

Harry stands, “Give him my best, will you?”

“Of course.”

On his way out of the dining room (now complete with anactual round table, and Harry is glad that it’s only taken a few decades to gethere), he runs into Eggsy.

“Harry!” his former protégé lights up. “I didn’t knowyou were stopping by!”

“Yes, well, not even Arthur can keep me away, grumpyas he is.”

“Still,” Eggsy grins, “he’s a lot better than the lastone, ain’t he?”

It’s endearing to Harry that even after nearly adecade and a half in the service, not to mention in the presence of royalty, Eggsyhasn’t managed to entirely shake off his rough accent. “Alistair is a farbetter Arthur than Chester,” Harry agrees.

“You know, he and James make a damn good power couple,”Eggsy says. “Not as good as you and Hamish, of course, since they’re both onthe roundtable side of things and you two basically covered the wholeorganization, but they’re pretty damn intimidating. In a good way, though.”

“It’s nice that they’re finally able to be outproperly,” Harry agrees. “James has never liked being in the closet. Kingsmanhas changed.” It’s hard, letting go of the old, but Harry has to admit, not allthe changes are bad ones.

“Speaking of changes,” Eggsy’s smile gets broader, “guesswhat?”

“What?”

“Do you want the good news first or the great news?”

“Er, the good news.”

“Roxy and Amelia are finally getting hitched!” Eggsysays.

Harry laughs, “It’s about time. They’ve been together,what, nearly ten years now?”

“Hey, you can’t talk. Took you and Hamish nearly fourdecades to make it down the aisle.”

“There were extenuating circumstances,” Harry says. “What’sthe great news?”

“You and Hamish are about to be godparents again.”

Harry blinks. “You mean…?”

“Tilde’s pregnant.”

Harry sweeps Eggsy into a tight hug, “Congratulations,Eggsy. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, Harry.”

***

“I can’t believe you talked Olivia into letting youtake all five dogs. I thought you only wanted three?”

Hamish looks smug, “Well, I couldn’t very well leavethe other two all alone, now could I?”

Harry scratches the ears of the German Shepard layingacross his lap. Their other eleven dogs are sprawled out on the bed or thebedroom floor. “No, you very well couldn’t. Isn’t that right, Marmalade?” TheGerman Shepard wriggles at the sound of her name.

Hamish rolls his eyes, “I still don’t know why I letyou name them.”

“Because you love me, darling.”

“I do,” Hamish agrees, leaning over to give him a gentlekiss.

Harry pulls away, “Oh! And I forgot to tell you! Eggsyand Tilde are having another child.”

“That’s wonderful. Another godchild for you to spoilrotten.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Harry huffs. “Asif you don’t give Daisy absolutely everything she asks for.”

“Daisy is not my godchild, and everything she asks ofme has to do with Kingsman’s tech department. I’m only making sure she has aleg up,” Hamish says. “Besides, now she’s got a job there, she mostly goes toOlivia, not me. She’s doing well, apparently. She’s over in America with Statesmanright now, a sort of interning exchange program they’ve set up.”

“Good for her.”

There’s silence between them for several long moments,and then Harry asks, “When does she get back?”

“Next month.”

“Hmm.” Harry bites his lip. “Alistair hinted stronglythat perhaps we shouldn’t be coming around so often.”

“Olivia mentioned something similar.”

“So we’ll just stop by to see Daisy next month, then?”

“Absolutely.”