#i'm glad to see them here though. bonus jokes. :)

[violentlydefending]

adventure time comics good actually [id in alt!]

[thebigbadbatswife]

Hi sorry to bother you or bug you but can you please write a fanfic or maybe a short post about how would the mail Justice League members would react to female superhero reader while she's on her period apparently I'm on the starting stage of having my period cramps are the worst and I need comfort you can make this however you want it's up to you I understand if you don't want to that's fine but if you do want to do this thank you so much you're an awesome person and an amazing writer and also I think you're writing is awesome never stop loving yourself and never stop treating yourself also don't forget to have a self care day 😇

 Hey! You’re not bothering me at all! 

You know what I don’t normally take requests (refer to my pinned post), but screw it. I’m having a shitty time with my own uterus so why not? Nothing makes me feel better than reading and/or writing fluff when I feel bad and hopefully this’ll make you and other people feel better as well 💜

I’ve already done a post similar to this featuring Bruce (you can find that here) so for this I’m just going to be doing Arthur, Clark and Ollie* since I know them better than I do the rest of the League. I hope that’s okay! 

And thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad that you like my writing! I hope that you enjoy 💜

*And a bonus w/ Diana since the idea came to me while I was writing the boys and I could not resist and just had to include her.

Warnings - F!Reader. Established Relationship. Period mentions (Obviously). Comfort. Fluff!

Clark keeps track of your cycle so that he can always make sure you’re stocked up on the things that you need. Chocolates, sweets, sanitary products, pain medicines, his mom’s special homemade cookies. You name it, he’s already stocked the cupboards and fridge with it. 

Definitely a bit of a mother hen. Likes to dote on you and make sure that you’re fed and hydrated, but isn’t overbearing or condescending in any way. He knows that you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. He also knows that there are times where you just want to be taken care of and cuddled in bed until you’re feeling better, he’s more than happy to do so. He’s also a walking furnace so no more waiting for a hot water bottle or heat pad to warm up when you’ve got Clark right there instead.

Arthur is a lot of like Clark. Keeps track of your cycle, makes sure you have everything you could possible need. You don’t even need to lift a finger as he will have the palace staff bring it straight to you. 

Obviously, as king of Atlantis, he has duties he must attend to, but the ones that he can pass off to others he does so that he can be there for you while you need him. When he is with you be ready for lots of kissing and cuddling as he makes it up to you and does his best to make you feel better. 

Oliver can be… a little bit forgetful. He doesn’t keep track of your cycle like Clark and Arthur, at least he doesn’t in the very beginning of your relationship. Definitely makes the wrong joke at the wrong time and the glare that you give him is more than enough for him to realise he’s messed up and badly. He’s quick to start making amends though!

Waits on you hand and foot. Anything that you want he will run and get it for you. To the point that it’s like he’s trying to compete with the Flash for the title of fastest man alive. Still makes jokes, but now they’re so ridiculously corny it’s hard to not laugh at them when you’re still trying your very best to be mad at him. Is more than happy to snuggle with you (once you have forgiven him and will actually let him).

Bonus!

Diana, of course, knows just how much periods can hurt. She sympathises with you greatly when she finds you curled upon the couch and she hates to see you in such pain and discomfort. She makes sure that you have eaten, drunk something and had some pills before she is pulling you to lay on top of her, strong muscular arms wrapping around you and pressing a kiss to the top of your head. She won’t be leaving your side until you’re feeling better so if there is anything that you need she will order it in for you instead.

[watchingblsnowandforever]

We Are Ep.11

Part 1

*sits with half a tub of ice cream with both AC and fan on because my AC is old and needs a little help and puts my cat on Do Not Disturb mode (aka scratching his belly)*

Hello!!!!

Welcome back to my crack posting! =D

Warning: long post, and since I have like 60 screenshots, there will be a part two 😊😅

I wrote that intro before I'd watched the ep. Me as I was watching the ep was mostly incoherent screaming (so much so that my cat woke up from his nap to give me "what the hell, hooman" look).

This episode was amazing, and I loved it, and I'll probably die of too much fluff, but that won't happen before I finish watching We Are (which- WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE ARE JUST 5 EPS LEFT?!!).

I was giggling and kicking my feet (just like Peem the morning after that Prince Charming kiss) from the very first scene.

Oh, they are so gone for each other (and I am gone for them 😭). The smiles, the trying to hear what the other is doing just across the door ah

So, so true. As a writer that hits.

Also, I'm very glad they decided to showcase creative blocks, even if it was for a few minutes.

Me to PhumPeem: yes, Peem, I would love to know too.

Also- I really wanna know what Ciize was doing back there 😭

Too cute to handle 😭

Jokes (and puns) aside, this scene is quite significant. Previously, whenever Phum was seen in the vicinity of the Fine Arts building, it was only because he wanted something from Peem (yes even that scene in ep. 8, he wanted company from Peem), but now, he's just sitting there waiting for Peem. And when Peem comes down, he's pinching his cheeks right there and acting cute with him and asking what's wrong.

And he keeps on asking, because he can see that Peem is a little moody, and not his usual self. "You're usually livelier than this."

Phum: "Actually, I want to be water too..."

Me: No way, is this what I think it is?

Phum: "I want to be the reason you feel good."

Me: yeah, yep, that's what I thought

No but, you can't tell me Phum doesn't binge watch BLs with his beloved teddy bear. Of course he has a whole arsenal of cheesy flirting lines.

All this time, it was always Phum telling Peem how comfortable he is around him and his friends, how fun it is.

Welp, it's Peem's turn.

I love Phum.

This is both him asking for consent as well as making sure they're on the same page and going at the same pace (which he always does, as I'd said before).

Also, no, he wants you to get closer.

HANDS.

Hear how polite and soft Q is with Toey now? Once Q knew for sure that he's allowed to show affection towards Toey as more than just a mentor/mentee, he decided to be fluffy as heck and never went back (because his love language is giving and showing through actions).

Love that for them both <3

This is such a valid fear.

He was afraid that his love would be too much, and in the process he'd lose the person he loves again, so he thought it better to just suffer alone than confess. Not gonna lie, my heart broke just a little here. (Also, because I'm currently rewatching MSP, I'll be pulling a lot of parallels, and this reminds me of that scene where Sound tells Gun that he's afraid to confess to Win because he's pretty sure he'll get rejected).

Oh, and I keep forgetting to say this, but Satang is such an amazing actor. Watching Sound and Toey, I almost can't believe they're played by the same person.

Phum's lethal weapon and Peem's fatal weakness 😭

Let's be honest though, no one would be able to resist that smile, those eyes and that soft, "Na, krab". Oh yeah, he used polite pronouns here by the way.

I can't always notice the shift from formal to informal or vice versa because I'm not that well-versed in the language (yet) but this was pretty obvious.

Bonus (Peem's reaction):

Tan: flirts with his theerak non-stop 24/7 Fang: *brushes his hair a little and apologizes for making him wait* Tan: *melts into a blushing mess*

That man is so whipped.

And in this house, we stan all whipped men.

This actually reminds me of when I was a wee baby (around 3 or 4 years old, I think) when I rescued a baby sparrow and took it to my dad and told my neigbours my dad would be able to heal it because he's a dcotor (he isn't a vet either) 😭

Also- naming a bird by another bird is so true to Pun's character.

This so relatable oh gods 😭

Also, we got the princess carry for Pride month! Twice if we count Chain lifting Pun in the waterfall, which I totally do.

We finally get being carried to bed but realizing they're laying on top of the blankets instead of just being magically wrapped in them by morning!

*sighs fondly* such a simp. <3

Uh huh, you said that last time too.

Don't lie, Peem, you'd let him hug you every night.

👀

Is this the reason behind the NC rating?

Also, this singular line just gave me a brain worm that is making me write my first smut fic. I blame y'all for getting me into this series.

Yes, of course, Phum, everyone believed your "snort mi mi mi".

Don't think I didn't see your little secret smile, Peem.

(Also, I have a headcanon that Phum just loves to be the little spoon)

Now who's hugging who, huh?

"Go away", he says, while putting his arm around his (not) boyfriend.

See, it was all fun till this point, but you can't be giving me this level of domestic fluff while at the same time telling me they're not even dating yet. That just doesn't work.

So, for me, from this point on, they're an old married couple <3

Frankly though, all the four couples in this series are old married couples that just don't know they're married yet.

Toey: HELP ME!!!

Q: WHAT HAPPENED WHO NEEDS BEATING UP-

Toey: I forgot to do my assignment and today's the deadline 🥺

Q: ... 😑

You don't...?

I thought that was the perfect time to start working on it?

jk jk, kids, I'm a chronic procrastinator, please don't learn from me, learn from your P'Q

(Q reminds me so much of @desi-yearning when she scolds me after I pull an all-nighter to submit an assignment or study for an exam 😭)

Oh. Oh.

Oh my.

I love this scene so much.

This pencil box is very very special to Q, and he's asking Toey to draw on it - something that is irriversible, as Toey himself says.

But this is Q's way of putting together both his loves. This pencil box was picked up by Toey the first time, but back then, Q only knew him as Milk Frappe Boy.

Now, he's asking Toey to do something Milk Frappe Boy would never have been able to (remember, Toey started taking an interest in art only after meeting Pencil Senior), because Pencil Senior disappeared on Milk Frappe Boy, but Q would never disappear on Toey.

On this note, I end Part 1.

Part 2 will be out tomorrow, because as much as I try to deny it, I have these pesky things called responsibilities to attend to, and it's very late here now (not past my regular bed time, but way past my ideal bed time 😭)

Thank you for reading! 😊

Here, have some pizza and a cookie🍕🍕🍪

[If you want, my previous posts: Ep. 8 Ep.9 Ep.10]

And here's Part 2

[readingismyhobby24]

For your prompt thing ( if you’re still wanting prompts):

Something fluffy with Wind.

And I’m sorry if I keep repeating myself: it’s totally fine if you’re not up to it and it’s absolutely okay if it takes some time. Don’t rush.

Here you go my dear friend! Sorry for the wait, and thank you for being so patient with me.

Just a small warning, my writing quality is not the best in this, but I didn't want to make @starwolfie have to wait any longer :)

Mini fic prompts are still open if anyone wants to send one!

Mini fic #5! ???

Word Count: 680

Warnings: none

Summary: Wind sees an adorable plushie in a shop window and secretly really wants it

Characters: Wind, Warriors, Legend, and rest of the Chain

After many days of traveling, the chain finally made it to another village where they could stock up on supplies. As they normally do, they split up to go find what they needed. Wind was in a group with Warriors and Legend. 

The three made their way through the town, looking for the right shop when something in a shop window caught Wind’s eye. In the window of what looked to be a toy shop, there was a giant blue octopus plushie sitting there. 

Wind stared at the large toy with wide eyes. It was so cute! And it was more than half the size of him! He wanted it so badly, but there was no way he could get it. With that thought in mind the young boy quickly walked away from the window. 

Warriors though, was watching the boy. He could see how much Wind wanted the plushie. Warriors discreetly looked into his rupee pouch. There was plenty there. Why not just buy the kid the plushie? It should be fine right? Right. 

“Hey,” Warriors called up to the two other boys. “I need to grab something real quick. Will the two of you be okay?” 

“Yes,” Legend answered. “We’ll be perfectly fine. We’re not toddlers.” 

Warriors gave Legend an unamused look which had Wind laughing. Wind always found it to be so funny that Wars and Legend could purposefully find a way to argue or disagree on every little thing. 

Warriors chuckled and then left the other two. 

“Huh, wonder what he needed to get,” Legend shrugged. 

“No idea. But if it must have been important,” Wind thought. 

“I guess so,” Legend said. 

The two boys continued on their way, making small talk and jokes as they went. Unfortunately, Wind’s mind kept going back to the giant octopus plushie. He wasn’t sure why he wanted it so badly, but he really did. It looked so cute and cuddly! 

Wind and Legend bought everything they needed. They then headed back to the spot where they would meet up with everyone. Once everyone met up with each other (except for Wars) they all made sure they had everything they needed. 

“Where exactly did Wars go?” Wild asked. 

“I honestly have no idea,” Wind answered. “He just said there was something he wanted to grab.” 

Not long later, they all heard someone walking towards them. Looking up, Wind saw Warriors coming over with a very familiar octopus plushie in his arms. 

Wind gasped in excitement, “No way!” 

Wind quickly caught up to Wars, who then handed the giant octopus to Wind. The boy excitedly took it in his arms and ran back to the rest of the Chain. Wars was right behind him. 

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!” Wind exclaimed excitedly. 

“You're absolutely welcome,” Wars replied as he ruffled the younger boy’s hair. 

The rest of the Chain just stared in shock at the giant plushie. 

“Wow… that's a really big octopus,” Legend stated. 

“I know!!!” Wind exclaimed excitedly. “It's so cute! I'm going to name him Mr. Squishy!” 

The Chain went back to their camp, all with smiles on their faces. Wind's excitement was contagious, and they were all beyond happy to see him so excited. 

Bonus Scene: 

Warriors was happy to see how excited Wind was to get ‘Mr. Squishy.’ It was definitely worth all the rupees just to see the excitement and happiness on Wind’s face. Wars was glad that he could bring that joy to the boy. 

Legend came over beside Wars and said, “that was really nice of you to get the octopus for Wind. Don't know where you got the rupees for it, but it was nice nonetheless.” 

Wars shook his head, exasperated with the whole ‘Wars has no money’ thing. 

“I saw him looking at it in the shop, and I could tell he really wanted it,” Wars replied. 

“Yeah, um, did you think about how we are going to travel with that thing?”

Warriors eyes widened. Shoot. He did not think about that part. 

[yournextflame]

Elden Ring Theories: A Retrospective

So, enough time has passed for me to form my opinion on Shadow of the Erdtree and revive this blog. But before posting new theories based on the DLC lore, I decided to take a look at my old speculations and see how well they aged.

Does the Greater Will even exist? ✅ In this post, I compared the Greater Will to the Big Bang and suggested that it might not be an actual deity, but rather an attempt by the people of The Lands Between to explain the world around them: the creation of the universe, the fall of meteors, evolution, and the natural order. The Shadow of the Erdtree continues to present the Greater Will as a scientific concept described by the inhabitants of a fantasy world, allowing players to decide whether it’s a god beyond the microcosm or just an empty circle in Count Ymir’s hat, a mere projection of human imagination

The outer gods are natural forces. ✅ 🟡❔While the Greater Will's cosmic origin was emphasized even further in the DLC, the motives of the outer gods were tied even more strongly to earthly concepts. I have many thoughts about the outer gods and godhood in particular, but one of my ongoing ideas is that they manifest human emotions, given how perception and sacrifices shape reality in a material way in the Lands Between.

Elden Ring and Color theory: ✅🟡❔ While I disagree with some points I made in this post, many of my observations were quite accurate. One clarification I’d like to make is that the scroll sigils indicate the heritage of magic rather than its source of power. I also appreciate the DLC narrative that suggests all the differences are actually man-made.

Translation of Marika's echoes from JP, ✅ The DLC gives Marika such human and deeply personal motivations that reducing her to a mere puppet of an evil outer god feels like an insult to the collaborative work of GRRM and Miyazaki. I must admit that my initial reading of her character was too harsh; I even questioned why FromSoft would write such a one-dimensional character. However, I’m very glad that The Shadow of the Erdtree gave Marika awesome depth without depriving her of agency.

My musings upon Helphen's Steeple design and DLC predictions ✅ 🟡 Well, the Shadowlands are described as a place where all kinds of death come only to be suppressed, and the Shadowkeep, as pointed out by the community, very much resembles the design of the Helphen. You can even find Tibia Mariners' boats here. It’s not the exact version of the spirit realm I predicted, but it’s very close.

Small bonus: Even though I insisted that the DLC should be centered around the spirit realm, I pointed out that exploring Godwyn's story beyond what was shown in the base game is pretty unnecessary.

What's wrong with Ranni's Two Fingers? ✅🟡❌ Right direction of thinking, wrong conclusions. One of the biggest reveals of the DLC is that everything is wrong with the Fingers and their mother, Metyr.

Children of the Erdtree 🟡❔I'm not sure what to make of it. The DLC continues to toy with the Empyrean connection to plants, from the special properties of Marika's people's flesh to St. Trina being a literal flower, but it never makes any direct conclusions.

Bells and Bell bearings ❔ The connection does exist, but it should be explored in greater detail.

Candletrees, Miquella, Death and Sleep 💡❔✨ Now that the DLC has revealed Miquella's plan to replace Marika all along, it’s astonishing to realize that my earlier discovery about Necromancer Garris — who likely collaborated with the Black Knives — had Miquella's butterfly and candletree in his basement is actually quite wild

What is Crucible? 🟡❌❔Although the nature of the Crucible is still a mystery, I think my old theory that it was a different tree is not exactly right. I’ve even started to wonder if the Crucible and the Primeval Current are just different names for the same thing.

Some of my old takes haven't aged well, but if anything, I'm glad that Mohg isn't the "walking uooohh 😭💢 joke" I used to call him. However, my opinion on Miquella was surprisingly accurate. For two years, the fandom preached that Miquella wanted to abandon his godhood, making me seem like a major contrarian for insisting that godhood was still his ultimate goal (at least because it would be pointless from a writing perspective to create another Ranni).

I still believe that characters like Marika and Miquella are primarily vehicles to deliver Miyazaki's and GRRM's ideas regarding civilization development, human nature, religion, and philosophy. So, whatever faults they have are the faults of the concepts they represent. Nevertheless, *Shadow of the Erdtree* did an awesome job of elevating these characters from mere ideas to something more human and relatable.

My old description of Malenia is so relevant, it hurts.

Mohg, Radahn, Rykard and Snakes 🐍 Honestly, I'm not sure if Messmer was initially planned by FromSoft or created specifically for the DLC, but looking back, it's pretty funny that I noticed something weird going on between the demigod brothers and the serpents.

Elden Ring lore is a disaster 🤡 Elden Ring story is such lackluster that it was rewritten with the first day patch on top of the giant mountain of cut content. I’m not sure that DLC, if there will be any, can fix this mess or give any proper answers as it seems that writers got too much carried with the idea of making story as vague as possible.

Someone was overdosing on doomium.

To my surprise, the DLC managed to address most of my old frustrations. While I do wish certain things had better foreshadowing or were explored more, it still did a good job of filling many gaps in the base game lore that were making me frustrated. Looking back, I think some of my grudges over the lore were no less important than my theories because they served as a good indication that something was intentionally left unexplained. It seems that the gaps and ambiguities were not oversights but deliberate choices.

As I explore the new content in Shadow of the Erdtree and revisit my old theories, I will also share my thoughts on the new lore and its impact on the narrative. This fresh perspective has already sparked some intriguing insights, and I am eager to see how these revelations will reshape our understanding of the game’s world.

[starcrossedxwriter]

I’m curious have Els and Michael ever done GQs couple quiz? I was just watching them, and I got to wondering about them. Lol 😂, cause Travis and Kylie’s was an absolute mess, but I loved Teyana Taylor and Iman and of course Nip & LL.

I loveeeeeee GQ's couple's quizzes, they are hilarious. They 100% have done it! And here's my attempt cause in my mind, they give a more relatable and fun Ciara and Russell (if you saw their's?) LOL Thanks, Anon!

***

“Hey this is Michael B. Jordan.”

“And Charlotte Elsbeth Jordan, and we are playing GQ’s Couple Quiz.” 

“You ready?” He asked, his hand resting on her thigh. 

“Born ready, I’ll start.” Charlotte lifted up the questions to make sure he couldn’t see them. Little did GQ know, they had a wager going on who knew the other the best and Charlotte was not about to lose. “Ok, this is a soft ball starter, when’s my birthday and what’s my sign?” 

Michael rolled his eyes, “May 4, which makes you a…” he paused. Charlotte knew he had to think about that one because Michael could care less about Zodiac signs and astrology. “I’m 95% sure that’s a Taurus so I’m gonna go with my gut on that one.” 

“Yea, I’m a Taurus… a textbook one too.” 

“I don’t know what that means, Els.” 

“I’ll explain it to you later. Aight, that’s two points for you cause that was two questions. Oh this’s a good one. What’s my dream travel destination?” 

“The Maldives.” He answered quickly. 

“Yep. You know I’m waiting for you to plan that right?” She asked with the sweetest smile that made Michael want to abandon the interview and take her there right then. “I kinda thought that would be our baby moon but no such luck.” 

Michael chuckled and shook his head. “You know I thought about it?” 

Charlotte's jaw dropped. “So where's my proper baby moon at?? Because I haven't to sink a single toe in the sand of the Maldives." Her tone was one of playful confusion. "Wait til he tells y'all where he took me to instead of the Maldives??"

Michael bowed his head as his shoulders shook with laughter. "It's gonna sound bad in comparison BUT I didn't think it was safe to go that far and her doc didn't agree. So we went to a gorgeous resort in Cabo." He raised his hands in surrender. "You already had my nerves shot for those 9 months, wasn't gonna add to that."

She let out a cackling laugh. “I had your nerves shot and you were getting on mine so glad we didn’t add that stress to it. Cabo was a lot of fun though.” 

“Yea it was. Babymoon #2, Maldives - I promise."

Little did she know, Michael already had it planned for her upcoming birthday.

"Well that means I'm never going, I guess," she mumbled. Michael had routinely been talking her ear off about having another baby, as if two rambunctious twin boys were not more than enough for them. But he desperately wanted a baby girl.

"That's a conversation for later but But don’t worry, Maldives are comin’. I promise.” Charlotte did a little happy dance in her seat. “Aight, next question.” 

“What’s a hobby of mine that most people wouldn’t know?” 

“You love to bake. And my training regime hates it,” he joked. 

“Yes! I would’ve also taken crocheting but I haven’t done that in a while. Oh this one is hard. What was the first musical I performed as a lead in?” 

“Ok I gotta work it backward in my mind.” 

“Actually, I’ll give you a bonus if you answer that one and name all the shows I’ve been the lead in.” 

“Okkkkkk. Most recent was The Lighthouse, got my baby her first Tony, of which I know there’ll be more. Before you left New York, you were the lead in Chicago. Then you were in the company of a couple shows. At Juilliard, you were the lead in Oklahoma, one of the few freshman to get a lead in a spring production,” Charlotte did a mini bow to the camera as she laughed. “But you were the lead in every spring show every year so Oklahoma, Funny Girl, Rent, and Kinky Boots. But your fist lead role was senior year as Cinderella in your high school production.” 

“Damnnnnnn…” They shared a high five. “That deserves hella points cause that’s hard as hell. I’ll give you two for that one. What am I scared of?” 

“Spiders and scary movies. Pretty sure if I ever did a horror movie, that’s the one premiere you wouldn’t go to.”

“Correct, you’d be on your own buddy. Ummm, oh this is a good one, what’s my favorite food? You’ve had this question before though.” 

He laughed. “And I learned that it wasn’t my bolognese - utterly heartbroken by that by the way - but it’s still pizza. All the girl eats is pizza.” 

“Correct. Oh this’s hilarious,” she laughed. “Who is my celebrity crush?” 

“Mannnn..." Michael grunted at the mere premise of the question. "Well, obviously me but I will say you went into a deep fan girl space the time you met Denzel and George Clooney.” 

“I mean every woman watching would revert to their 16 year old fan girl self in the presence of those two. But correct. Denzel is actually a friend now, we have him and Paulette over for dinner a lot so I’ve chilled out significantly. Um who’s my favorite actor?” 

“Me.” 

“He’s a bit conceded,” she joked to the camera. “Bonus point if you get whose number two on that list?” 

“Mahershala Ali.” 

“Good job. But you’re number 1 all day, baby.” 

“Oh I wasn’t worried about that at all.” 

“Ok, last one, what’s my favorite sleeping position?” 

“When I sleep like draped across your chest.” 

Charlotte made a buzzer noise and shook her head. “The question was MY favorite, not yours.” 

“That ain’t your favorite too??” 

“Absolutely not,” she doubled over in laughter at the pure look of offense on his face. “I’m sorry, baby but like when you’re at your Adonis or Killmonger weight, you are hella heavy. My side of the bed is basically also his.”

“It’s been 6 years, why you ain’t say shit?” Michael was genuinely surprised. 

Charlotte shrugged. “Cause you sleep best that way and I like that it makes you happy.” Her tone signaled that she was not simply saying that for the cameras but she actually meant it.

“That’s really sweet, babe. So what’s your favorite?” 

“Umm when we’re traveling and apart, I sleep on my stomach with like one leg half out of the covers… and in the middle of the bed so I can like sprawl out.”

“Noted. Ok how’d I do, baby?” 

“11 points… that was pretty good! Pretty sure I’m not gonna do as good but let’s see.” 

“Aight. Oh ok, how many movies have I been in?” 

Charlotte’s mouth fell open. “Ok that’s not fair! Did you pay someone to write these questions?? That’s hella hard. Um… are we counting the ones where you were just a cameo?” 

“Why not and I’ll give you a bonus if you name the first movie I was lead in?” 

“Ok if we’re counting cameos, I’m 95% sure it’s 20 or 21. And your first lead was Fruitvale Station, though you could make a case for Chronicle but that was more of an ensemble cast so I would go with Fruitvale.” 

“Damn you’re good! I don’t even know the number exactly but 20 sounds right so you get both points.”

Charlotte wiped her hand across her forehead and said “Whew. Cause it wasn’t looking good for me for a sec.” 

“What’s my least favorite food?” 

Charlotte laughed. “You have a visceral, and do mean, visceral hatred for Brussels sprouts.” 

“Correct. Hate them so much. Umm in the similar vein, what’s my ideal cheat meal when I’m training?” 

Charlotte smiled. “Whew, ok you got a lot but I feel like it depends on where we are? Like when we’re in Philly, it’s a cheesesteak, easy. But when we’re in New York, it's pizza from Prince St. and those cookies from that bakery in Lower Manhattan… can’t remember the name. And honestly, when we’re home, you love a huge breakfast spread and anything with carbs. Oh and donuts from that spot in downtown.” 

“Damn Els! You get two points for that. Very spot on. Umm how do you know when I’m mad at you?” 

Charlotte laughed. “Well, we don’t really argue much but when you’re upset it’s fairly easy to tell cause you call me Charlotte, which he literally never does any other time.” 

“Correct. What’s my biggest pet peeve that you do?” 

Charlotte grimaced. “Umm when I don’t take my health or safety seriously… or as serious as you would want me to. That causes like 95% of the rare arguments we do have.” 

“Yep. Oh this one is kinda hard because I don’t think you can ever remember the date. What day did I propose?” 

Charlotte leaned into the arm of her chair. “Oof that is hard. Well the world thinks we got engaged in June around the Tonys cause that’s the first time I wore my ring in public. But fun fact everyone, we got engaged in March. That week was a blur of you know… trauma and near death experiences,” she chuckled, her joke falling flat with her husband. “It’s been six years, we still can’t joke about it??” 

“Nah we can’t.” 

“Well, I’m the one that almost croaked so I feel like I can joke about it a little,” she argued with a smile. “But anywhoooo, you proposed on March 5. Wait, no! March 6 because it was like 2 am the Thursday after the premiere of the show on our balcony in New York. Best night of my life.” 

He leaned forward and kissed her hand and winked at her, causing her to blush. 

“Good job. What do I consider to be our first date?” 

She chuckled. “Ok well we have different opinions on this but you consider our first date to be that steakhouse we went to after filming one night in Philly. But I consider our first date to be our actual first date, that art walk in the summer. I don’t think I ever learned why you think Philly was our first date?” 

Michael merely shrugged nonchalantly. “Cause that night made me fall in love with you. From that date forward, my heart was yours. The art walk was just when you finally caught up,” he winked at her, shaking her knee a bit. 

“You never told me that. Stop saying these sweet things and making me want to cry,” she moaned, wiping away a stray tear. 

“She cries at basically everything,” Michael fake whispered to the camera causing Charlotte to playfully scoff. 

“Next question!” 

“What’s my favorite nickname to call you? Bonus question if you tell me which of the ones you call me is my favorite?” 

“Your favorite to call me is honey bee but you call me Els the most, which I love. And umm I don’t know the second one, everyone in the family calls you Bakari so I doubt that’s it. And baby is so basic? I call you ‘love’ a lot but I don’t know… you tell me.” 

“I really like it when you call me ‘Kari.” 

In her utter confusion, for a moment, Charlotte forgot they were surrounded by cameras. “That can’t be right,” she laughed. “I called you that like once in our entire relationship when we wer-“ she stopped herself mid-sentence as she realized he was teasing her and she was about to put alllllll their business on front street. “I really hate you, you know that right?” 

He actually almost fell out of his seat in laughter as Charlotte shook her head and covered her face with her cards in embarrassment. 

Her mind floated back to once years ago when Michael made her squirt for the first time. He had been fucking her so hard and for so long she could barely formulate thoughts, let alone sentences. And as he demanded she scream his name over and over again, she shortened it to Kari out of pure necessity because she could barely say more than a syllable at a time. He teased her relentlessly afterward. 

“Impossible.” He winked at her. “Ok let’s get this back on track. Who’s my favorite athlete?” 

“Forever and always , Kobe.” 

“Right. What’s my favorite thing to cook?” 

“Bolognese… and you got good at some other homemade pasta sauces like pesto during the pandemic that you still like to do.” 

“Right. Aight, last one, oh this is a good one, what has been my favorite role and movie I’ve played in my career?” 

Charlotte mused for a moment. “Oof that is actually hard. I mean the easy answer is Adonis because you’ve spent the longest with him and I think you’ve valued watching your own career and who you are growing and evolving along with him? And you know, you got me outta that deal which is pretty great.” She joked. “But I think Killmonger and Black Panther will always hold a special place in your heart. Not just because of Chad but because that role was a stretch in terms of who he was and the darkness in him. He challenged you in a lot of new ways as an actor, I think And because of the cultural significance of that movie and the bond it created with Ryan and the entire cast. I’ve never seen you or quite frankly any cast with as close of a bond with each other as you all do. I mean I’ve watched you do 100 press tours and that was the first one you were genuinely sad to have end. And you know, while I would love to see Killmonger back, I think even if you never get the chance to pick that character up again, I think the experience of that character will stick with you forever.” 

She rubbed his arm gently as she spoke. 

“Yea you get a point for that. Not sure which of those I would choose either but the reasoning for both is super spot on. I think that’s, you know, what I value most about those two roles and projects specifically. Those are definitely the top two. Good job, baby girl. “That’s it! Who won??” Michael immediately inquired of the producer behind the camera. 

“You actually tied so you both win.” 

They leaned in and kissed each other. “Good job, baby. I guess we both have to pay up.” 

“Fine by me,” Charlotte winked at him. 

“Wanna tell us what you all wagered?” the producer asked. 

The couple laughed and shook their heads. “Nope, nice try though.”  

Michael winked at his wife before the producer yelled cut.

***

Thanks for the ask!! I love these so much lol

[graysparrowao3]

Heyyooo!

I'm popping in cause i just wanted to let you i really love your stuff and miss seeing you on my dash.(why tumble timeout??) I'm sorry someone felt the need to come at you with unkindness but i bet there's a lot more people who LOVE seeing you roll across their timeline (self included). I love your writing, its super sweet and i adore how you present the characters. I do hope that person didn't dampen your spirits too much, You're a gem!

Helloooo! 💛 This was such a kind thing that you took the time to say, thank you so much. It really, really lifted my spirits and to hear that you enjoy my presence and writing is so touching (and especially as I absolutely adore all your content and posts too!). You're absolute royalty. I'm so glad to actually be able to be back in your presence and respond to you now as well!

I don't know if you remember this post, but in celebration of being freed from Tumblr jail and in gratitude for your kind words, I finally wrote you something based on this prompt. It's just a series of three short scenes but I hope you like it! I'll put it below a cut.

Summary for bonus part 4 of the Rolan, Cal, and Lia sneaking in and out for dates series: Cal and Lia are sneaking around trying to hide their romance liaisons from Rolan, who, unbeknownst to his siblings, already knows about them both...

Words: 1,174

Cal gathered up the usual stack of envelopes, scrolls, and a copy of the latest Baldur’s Mouth that filled the postbox and began to sort through them as he sauntered into the kitchen where his family was seated.  

“For the owner of Ramazith’s Tower.” Cal handed an unusual, sealed paper over, then dropped the rest of the assorted junk onto the middle of the table.

Rolan tucked the envelope quickly away.

“Love letter?” Lia teased.

“Not that it would be your business if it was.” Rolan returned the light-hearted tone.

“Just joking,” Lia leaned casually on her shoulders, “but now I’m interested.”

“Never you mind.” Rolan waved her away, taking another bite to break his fast.

“Not that you have to tell us,” Cal settled back onto the table and flipped idly through the Gazette without reading it, “but it would be nice if you found someone.”

“I’m sure it would,” Rolan mumbled, “alas, your curiosity will remain unsatisfied. I promise it is not about my personal affairs.”

“If you say so,” Cal was already distracted by one of the illustrations, dropping crumbs onto the page as he chewed. “Weird thing the other day. Could’ve sworn I was being followed.”

“How’d you figure?” Lia’s brow creased with concern as she placed her drink down.

“Pass that here,” Rolan ignored the conversation and gestured for Cal to hand him the newspaper.

“Not sure exactly. Might’ve been imagining it.” Cal grimaced as he tried to recall, “was probably nothing.”

“Worth checking, though,” his sister insisted.

“I’m sure you’re making a mountain out of a molehill.” Rolan glanced briefly over the top of the page.

“Yeah,” he shrugged, “you’re probably right.”

“Rolan,” Lia pulled down the top of the paper in front of him, “think it’s worth a check – to be sure.”

He opened his mouth, then scoffed, reluctantly agreeing,

“Fine, fine, I’ll check up on it today. I’ve got more than a few favours I can call in. I’ll keep us quite safe, fear not,” he folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm.

“Thank you, Rolan.”

When they were done and the crumbs cleared and the plates cleaned, Rolan restrained his interest long enough to nonchalantly stroll to his office. Once inside, he quickly applied an Arcane Lock to the door and hurried to the desk, eagerly taking out the envelope and opening it with rushed hands. The letter unfolded, finally the favour he’d called in had paid off. He huffed as he read – they could’ve been a little more subtle about it, at least; he wasn't supposed to have been aware of them.

Archmage Rolan – as you wished, please find below the following information regarding the individual that has been seen in the company of your brother. Stand up member of society, as far as I can tell. Boring, honestly. And not that you asked my opinion, but they did seem rather happy in each other’s presence. It was sickening.

No, I didn’t ask, Rolan thought, but he couldn’t help but smile.

Rolan sat, legs and arms crossed. Eyelids falling gently shut before he commanded them to remain open. It would be morning soon. Lia should have been back long ago. His foot tapped restlessly against the floor. Then… a sound. He leant forward in the chair, ears willing it louder. Two sets of poorly concealed footsteps lazily approaching the door outside. He exhaled. At least she was alright. A click in the lock and the door creaked open. With a quick flick of his wrist, Rolan shrouded himself in Invisibility.

An uncharacteristic giggle followed by a soft gasp of excitement. His sister stepped backwards across the threshold,

“Shh,” Lia pressing her finger delicately against her partner’s lips, “lest my brothers hear.”

Rolan raised an eyebrow.

Lia fell back in, replacing her finger with her own lips. She pulled them in close, willing them to step into the tower with her body, hands in their hair. They obliged, their hands on her, searching the edges of her corset, exploring the material tight against her sides, sitting on her hips, teasing at her waist.

Oh, Gods, no. Absolutely not.

A sudden sound caused Lia to pull away. She turned to see a heavy tome that had slammed onto the ground nearby. She crept over and looked around, finding no obvious place where it could have fallen from or been dislodged.

“Tower is Gods damned cursed.” She muttered. She returned to her lover at the door, lacing her arms around their shoulders and pulling them in for a passionate goodbye. Rolan rolled his eyes and shuffled away, grateful to find his bed.

Rolan was enjoying a glass of his favourite red and warming himself by the fireplace after a long day. Long, but rewarding. Honestly, he couldn’t have imagined better, more fulfilling days. He heard the comforting noise of two tieflings moving into the room to join him before the night called to them all.

“I thought we might,” Rolan gestured lazily with his glass, “spend some time together tomorrow evening. Games, drinks, what have you.”

“Tomorrow?” Lia stopped before she made it to a chair, her question tenser than it ought to have been.

“Does it have to be tomorrow, Rolan?” Cal exchanged an uneasy look with her.

“I suppose not, though,” Rolan took a sip of his wine and smiled indulgently into the glass; he’d let them sweat just a little, “what’s the problem with tomorrow?”

“Just…” Cal stumbled, “something else might come up.”

“Might it,” Rolan raised an amused eyebrow.

“I just mean, there was something going on, maybe. I’m not sure. Better to be free for it than not.”

“Is that so,” he took another sip, enjoying himself immensely.

“All got our secrets,” Lia crossed her arms defiantly, “don’t ask you about yours.”

“I think you’ll find you do,” Rolan waved his goblet, “all the Gods damned time, actually.”

“Fine, have it your way.” Lia said, wishing she didn’t sound as disappointed as she did.

“No, no, by all means, do have your mysterious plans tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll figure it out sooner rather than later.”

“Don’t know about that,” Cal relaxed.

“You are many things, dear brother, but a master detective is not one.”

“Is that so?” Rolan’s smug smile loosened by the wine.

“Not saying you’re not good at other things,” Cal added, quickly.

“Just that you’re not always the most insightful. That can’t be news to you.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Rolan swirled the claret liquid around the class, “I might have picked up a thing or two over the years.”

“Go on then,” Cal tempted him, “if we’re hiding something, what is it?”

“Let me guess,” Rolan feigned ignorance, “a friend I might disapprove of – someone from the guild, perhaps? Or perhaps an unwise game of chance in someone’s basement somewhere.”

Cal and Lia shared a cheeky look.

“Yeah,” they settled into the chairs beside him, “something like that.”

“You see,” he relaxed back, a smile of contentment on his face, “I’m sure I wouldn’t have a clue.”

[sxftkxssxs]

How do you think the main 6 would react if MC was related to one of the courtiers (sibling or child of) and they still had a relatively good relationship with them, like hanging out over tea or freindly bickering ect. Bonus if its valdemar cause they're probably the scariest out of all of them xx

//I love your HCs BTW xx

I just went ahead and used Vlademar! If you do want versions with the others then I'll gladly do that! I'm glad you like my writing <3

M6 with a Mc who’s a sibling of one of the courtiers

Asra

...You're actually related???

Wonderful, amazing, love of his life, related to Vlademar??

He's filled with a mix of disgust, surprise, and confusion.

Why that one? Out of all of them he despises Vlademar the most.

He does try to not fight or be salty towards him at least, which is only slightly successful.

If Asra runs in on you two catching up over tea he'll be absolutely flabbergasted. Vlademar?? Crazy experiment doctor chatting over tea?

He'll always come with you when you go to see your sibling, and in doing that he learns a lot about the both of you and your relationship.

Julian

downright terrified 

you’re?? The sibling of Vlademar?? 

he’s spiraling, and there’s a 80% chance he will faint 

he’s always been intimidated by Vlademar even before he met you, and now it’s even worse

Julian will be sweating buckets around them. No questions asked.

It’s very weird seeing you banter with them, though. He never thought he’d see the Vlademar so relaxed and having a good relationship with someone.

Vlademar has threatened Julian more than once just for existing around you, and then tries to act like he was joking when you come around.

Nadia

You have to be kidding.

You're related to the craziest of the courtiers? Why couldn't it have been Vulta!?

She's stressing, growing metaphorical (and possibly literal) gray hairs.

As long as you both won't be a thorn in her side, (and you don't turn up in a ditch somewhere), she doesn't mind you two having time together in the palace.

She finds it incredibly awkward when she runs in on you two having some friendly bickering. This is still the same Vlademar right? You didn't replace him with someone on the streets of Vesuvia?

Nadia will try to spend some time with the both of you together, but she usually sits out on your little get togethers.

Muriel

He's not very pleased with this information

Vlademar was literally a follower of the devil??? And now you're fighting them over if a pastry tastes good??

Muriel would definitely hold some resentment. If you really do want them to get along he'll try his best.

Inanna in turn, also despises Vlademar. She'll never stay in a room alone with them.

He doesn't really like spending time with your sibling, they unnerve him.

Inanna will accompany you if she has to, especially if it'll ease Muriel's worry.

Portia

She's shocked

Portia is more easily introduced to them as your sibling, but she definitely holds a grudge against how her brother was treated during the plague and how cruel Vlademar can be

She doesn’t often hang out with the two of you together, but if you ask her to she will!

She learned how to fake pleasantries from working at the palace, and she puts them to use here

Pepi sits in your lap, making you look like an evil villain.

Lucio

again, why that one?

He never really liked Vlademar (or any of the courtiers)

You just had to be related to one of his past (Demonic?) "friends" didn't you?

He doesn't like being near Vlademar at all. Lucio will completely leave you two to be by yourselves.

Melchior likes to stay with you though, and will definitely growl if you two start bickering too harshly

Mercedes is with Lucio, screw hanging out with Vlademar!

[inklessletter]

Hi there! It's Vane (or Bane) speaking, thank you for coming by. I'm in my thirties, I'm from Spain (English is not my native language, so if you see something odd, you know the reason now), I've got the laziest dog in the world and I'm currently hyperfixating on Stranger Things, especifically on steddie, so most of my posts will be about that, even though the original intention was it to be more generic. Joke's on me. I should just cut the crap and just use an ST icon, I'm not fooling anyone, I'm in love now.

I've been drawing since I was a little girl, but I've had some sort of traumatic experiences showing my stuff online lately, and I'm trying to make peace with that, so I made this blog with the intention to actually be bolder and share the few things I do. I expected it to be more drawings than fics, but I guess I keep surprising myself, so, yeah, I'll embrace the change. I've realized that writing fics is healing my soul in ways I've not expecting, so, you know, I'm kind of my own target audience, but if you like what I do, feel free to comment or share my posts, or to engage in a converstion about common interests, my asks are always open. I'm always happy to meet new people and I'm glad to interact with anyone.

Above all, this blog is a hate free space. We are all here to have fun and respect each other, so, if by any chance there's someone who doesn't like what is posted here, I politely invite them to just leave. Keep the hate away, please and thank you.

Also, I must say that I'm not aiming to post +18 stuff, but I am also not aiming to stop reblogging things for adult if I feel like it, so, you must be warned about this. This means, that at some point I could post NSFW, always specifically writing down a warning, even in the masterlist. By the way, I must ask minors to not interact if in such posts or else you will be immediately blocked. This goes for blank accounts and accounts that might be suspiscious to me, too.

I feel the need to please ask people to NOT post my pictures as their own (reblogging the post is always welcome, but reposting is NOT), and if you want to use any of my drawings, please ask for permission first to know how to use it correctly. Respect the artist, please.

That being said, I'm going to proceed to make a MASTERLIST of my posts (I'm fascinated with all the talent in this site, I keep reblogging amazing things and then I'm having trouble finding my own stuff). Most of my works are on AO3 so, please, read the tags there if you want!

Fanfics

Faith, should I take a leap? [oneshot - steddie]

Back when I was living (for the hope of it all) [oneshot - steddie]

I think I've seen this film before (and I didn't like the ending) [oneshot - light ronance]

Is it chill that you're in my head ('cause I know that is delicate) [oneshot - steddie]

Laughing on a park bench thinking to myself (hey, isn't this easy?) [oneshot - steddie]

It's a love story (baby, just say yes) [chapter 4/6 - steddie] ONGOING

You drew stars (around my scars) [oneshot - mike w. & steve h.] Bonus scene!

All I can say is it was enchanting (to meet you) [oneshot - steddie]

Fanarts

Steve Harrington B&W [digital art - FINAL]

Steve Harrington B&W [digital art - WIP]

Eddie Munson B&W [digital art - WIP]

Robin Buckley [digital art - WIP]

Steve Harrington Scoops Ahoy! [digital art - FINAL]

Steve Harrington Scoops Ahoy! [digital art - WIP + LINEART]

You're dangerous, Harrington [lineart color final]

It was very metal, what you did. That's all I'm saying [digital art]

Are you real? [sneak peak lineart grayscale final]

I'm not sure if you're mine, or if I'm yours [sneak peak lineart grayscale final]

Harder, Munson [sneak peak lineart final]

Is this shit recording yet? [digital art - FINAL]

I will keep updating this list. Thank you very much, and I hope you have a great day!

(By the way, if you haven't guessed yet, yes, I'm a swiftie, too).

Love,

Vane

[faofinn]

19. Curled up with a pet

Part 1 | Part 2

He nodded. “And Hars can stay?”

"For now, yeah."

"I've already spoken to them." Harrison said quickly. "They know."

“Okay then.”

Harrison squeezed Tai's hand. "We've got this. You’ve got this."

Despite his nerves, the surgery went well. Recovery was shit, as it always was, but the nurses were lovely and Harrison was there. He struggled and groaned as he came back to himself, tossing his head back and forth. Harrison did his best to soothe him, one hand in his hair and the other gently keeping him from pulling the oxygen off, again.

Eventually, he was awake enough to be moved back to the day ward, sitting up in the bed as they wheeled him back. They stopped by x-ray on the way, getting a final scan before allowing him some more rest. 

Tai had barely had an hour's sleep (even though he was adamant he wasn't tired) when one of his physio colleagues appeared to pester him. He knew he was miserable and unenthusiastic, but he didn't have the energy to care. The pain had started to creep in again, but he didn't want to ask for anything until after; it would only make him spaced and dizzy, and he wasn't going to collapse on his colleague. He'd been on the wrong side of those patients too many times. 

Physio completed and homework given, Tai gave in and asked for meds. They were happy enough to give him some, just waiting for the rest of his medications to come up from pharmacy before he could go. 

The morphine quickly kicked in, Tai relaxing back into the bed with a groan. Harrison was quick to soothe him, all too aware how shitty it would be making him feel. The soft words and gentle hands were enough to allow him to relax, glad to be pain free once more.

He was worried about going home and managing his pain there, but as soon as they gave him the green light, he was up and ready. Harrison was firm as he made him use a wheelchair, partially out of selfishness and self preservation; if Tai stumbled or fell, he wasn't sure his own leg would take it. 

With a grumble, his resolve crumbled and he let Harrison push him to the car, just glad to be going home, to be in his own bed, with his own snacks and home comfort. And, of course, the kids and the dog were a bonus too, and he found himself smiling to himself on the drive home, dozing with his head resting against the window. 

It was always strange, leaving hospital. Day surgery always fucked with his head, too. It just seemed so… jarring. Like after the surgery and everything, he shouldn’t be going home yet. But he was glad to be out of hospital, away from it all, where Harrison would look after him, and it felt like he’d just closed his eyes when they pulled up on the drive. He lifted his head, blinking sleepily at his fiance. 

“Home?”

Harrison reached over to squeeze his hand. "Yeah, we're home. Let me come around and help you, yeah? Let me open the front door first."

“Mm, yeah. Need my crutches.”

"Bed or sofa when we get in?"

“Uh, what time is it?”

"Half four." He murmured, heading round to open Tai's door. "Careful, yeah? No injuring yourself, please."

“Sofa, then.” He said. “I’m fine, I can do it.”

"Okay. I'm here, yeah? I know you want to do it all yourself, but I'm here."

“Crutches?”

"Here, slowly." He passed them to Tai.

He took them, carefully getting to his feet. “Thanks.” He mumbled. 

Harrison couldn't help but hover, worried that Tai was going to hurt himself. "That's it, you're doing great."

“I’m okay. Get the door, yeah?”

"Yeah, I'll get it." Harrison didn't dare to move too far away, still within arm's reach as he unlocked the door. "You doing okay?"

“Yeah, yeah. Slow and steady an’ all that.”

"Exactly." He stretched out as Tai neared the step, unable to help himself. 

“Hars, I’m fine, really.” He said. 

"I know you are. I'm just helping." He huffed. 

“Yeah.” He said softly. “I’m the one who hovers, I’m the physio.”

I've had enough physio to know how to hover." He tried to joke. 

“True.”

"I'm sure the boys will be excited to see you."

“Looking forwards to seeing them too.”

"Hopefully Steve's not gone mad with them."

“They’ve probably gone mad with him.”

"Ah, maybe." He grabbed at the wall as he stumbled himself, too focused on Tai to remember the step. A blush spread across his cheeks, and he turned to call into the house, pretending he didn't just trip. "Boys? Dad? We're home."

Tai couldn’t help but laugh. “What was that you were saying, love?” He couldn’t help but tease. 

"What? As long as you get in safely, I've done my job. I don't matter."

“Until you fall and I trip over you.” 

"At least you'd have a soft landing." He grinned. "Ah, watch out. I hear the terrors."

"Dads!"

“Hey, boys.” Tai said. “Missed you.” 

Alfie was uncharacteristically quiet, keeping his distance. He offered his dads a smile, letting Kieran past him to try and hug Tai. 

“Careful, Kit. I’m not very good at hugs with these crutches. Why don’t we go and sit down and we can hug on the sofa? What’ve you done with Grandad Steve?”

"Sorry, dad." He pulled back, stepping out of the way. "Grandad's drawing with Levi."

“You’re okay, we’ll cuddle up on the sofa.” He reassured, offering him a smile and one to Alfie, too, who looked mildly terrified. 

The twins led the way, protesting as Harrison reached to ruffle their hair. Levi and Steve were waiting, Levi proudly holding up a clearly homemade get well soon card.

"Aw, bless you guys." Harrison found himself choked up, turning to look at Tai. He couldn't quite believe that that was their little family, waiting for them and wishing Tai better. They'd all obviously helped, with various degrees of success; even Steve had glitter and pen over his hands and top. 

"You alright, Tai? I'm glad you're home."

Tai too, felt himself choke up, though he knew it was the sheer amount of meds in his system. “Oh, thank you, Leaf. That’s so sweet.” He managed to get out, overwhelmed. He nodded when Steve spoke. “Yeah, glad to be back.”

"Cmon, on the sofa." Harrison pushed gently, stepping out of his way. "Let's get that leg back up, and we can see if you want any pain relief or snacks."

Tai settled on the sofa, sighing happily once his leg was up. He made sure his crutches were close by, where he could reach them if he needed to get up again. 

"Right, all settled?" Harrison fussed over him. "What do you need?"

“Settled.” Tai said. “Need my boys, and maybe a tea?”

"I'll go make you one. Do you want one, dad?"

“Won’t say no if you’re putting the kettle on.” Steve said, settling on the other sofa.

"Won't be long then." He hummed, heading to the kitchen. 

"Dad?" Alfie asked, standing at the edge of the sofa. "Can I come up too?"

“Of course you can, Bug.” Tai said gently.

Kieran and Levi had already snuggled beside their dad, but Alfie hesitated again. "Where can I go?"

“Come squish in, we’ll make space.”

He made a noise. "I'm scared I hurt you."

“It’s only my knee, you won’t hurt me.” 

"But you had an operation."

“I’m okay, you can come and cuddle.”

He slowly tried to get in, getting somewhat closer to his dad. He fidgeted with the sleeves of his hoodie, worried he'd hurt him or get in the way, or just do something wrong.

Tai looped his arm around his son and pulled him closer, kissing the top of his head. “There. Perfect.” 

Alfie squeaked quietly, freezing in panic as Tai pulled him in. Instead of being in pain and hurting him, Tai kissed his hair, and he broke. All the emotions of the day bubbled up and over, and he buried his face against his dad's chest. Scout whined from the floor, unhappy one of his boys was crying, and he edged closer too, front paw on the sofa's edge.

“Oh Bug. It’s okay, I’m okay, yeah?” He said. “Look, you’ve got Scout worried about you now. Do I get all of you up here? Good job we’ve got big sofas. C’mon, Scout, hup.”

Scout happily jumped up, sticking his wet nose in Alfie's face. His tail was gentle as it wagged, but his tongue was relentless, trying to wipe all of Alfies tears away.

"I'm so-sorry. I didn't mean to make him sad."

“It’s been a long day, huh? It’s okay. Come on, we’ll all have a cuddle here, Scout can curl up with us, we’ll make Dad go and sit with Grandad Steve. I get you all to myself.” Tai hated seeing Alfie upset, knowing the anxiety he’d had to deal with all day would’ve been hard on the boy, especially knowing full well he tried to be strong for his brothers. 

Harrison returned with mugs of hot tea and paused in the doorway. His heart broke for his son, but he tried to be strong and joke. "I go make a cuppa for two minutes, and my kids and the dog have stolen my husband from me."

“You snooze you lose.” Tai joked, managing a small smile.

"Can you reach your tea if I put it on the side?" He asked Tai, passing his dad's to Steve.

“Yeah, that’ll be fine, thanks love.”

He settled Tai's on the coaster on the side, stretching over to give him a kiss. He was more than a little jealous of the four on top of Tai, but his husband looked content, and he sure as hell wasn't going to interrupt. He ruffled Kieran's and Levis hair, and gently gave Alfie a squeeze for a hug. The oldest twin gave him a small smile, tucking himself back into Tai's chest. Scout, not wanting to be left out, thumped his tail, so of course he got a kiss on the nose, Harrison sneaking a treat from his pocket. Eventually, or so it felt, he flopped on the sofa by Steve, kicking his feet up. 

"Ah, that's better, being home. Everyone sorted." He sighed happily, looking around the room. "My little family."

Tai had to admit it wasn’t the most comfortable, everyone on top of him, including the dog, who wasn’t always the most gentle. But they weren’t making his pain worse, the painkillers he’d had in hospital still mostly working, his boys with him, he wouldn’t change it for a second. Alfie’s tears had stopped, Kieran seemed more confident, and Levi was happy. He carefully reached forwards to scratch behind Scout’s ears, appreciating the comfort the dog brought. 

“Yeah, perfect.” He said softly, glancing at his husband, already fighting sleep. “Jus’ perfect.” 

Before he knew it, he was asleep, the meds taking over. His chin tucked into his chest, he was out, completely lost to the world. 

Harrison stood, quietly padding across to Tai. He pulled the blanket from the back of the sofa, gently tucking it around his husband and sons. Both twins looked exhausted, and Levi was already pretty much asleep. Kieran was yawning and Alfie rubbing his eyes, both pressed tight to their dad. Harrison made sure they were all tucked in, no limbs escaping from under the blanket. The boys whispered a thank you, snuggling closer to Tai. 

Harrison sighed, pressing a kiss to each son's hair. "Love you, guys."

[dribs-and-drabbles]

#BADBUDDYREWATCH

Ep 11

Okay, first, I can't believe Pat and Pran went down from the rooftop and left their dorms to go to the bus without stopping off to pack a bag 😄

But all jokes aside, I love love love that we got confirmation straight away that Pat had told Pran about what his dad did. Not only that but he obviously had apologised/fretted over how Pran would feel about it again and again because Pran tells him 'enough'. And that Pran is still there with Pat despite everything with their parents shows the strength of their convictions with each other.

"We can't change what happened. We can just live with it." I just realised that this ep is bookended with more than just the same clothes - what Pran is saying here is echoed at the end with Tong's 'One man can't change the world, but the world can't change me either'. The nuance from Tong, though, is instead of just 'living with it', Tong chooses to actively do what he wants despite it not having an impact on others, and that's what Pat and Pran learn by the end. But it's so interesting that Pran basically has the same perspective in the beginning.

Pat pulling Pran onto his shoulder so that he won't see Pat crying. 😭 I think Pat already knows here that running away isn't the answer - him saying 'I can't live with it so I'm going to run away with you to a place where people will accept us together' is just putting on a front. He might want that, but the tear shows he knows deep down it's not a permanent solution.

"Being with you already feels like freedom" 😭😭😭

Pat's question about Junior, "So he's sulking because he wants to stay longer?" is actually a premonition of how Pat will act later.

Pat's SO CHEESY! 😄 but Pran loves it so much!

Elephant shirt my beloved!

I just adore that they bicker and fight over every little thing. It's their language. Or it's Pran scolding Pat and Pat teasing Pran and their ensuing bickering because of it. And it happens in this whole ep and I think which is why I love it so much. Because we really see them at their most domestic - this is their dynamic, just them, no pretences, and they don't feel pushed away or less loved from the treatment they get from each other, they do it all the while knowing how much they love and have chosen each other.

Junior "You don't have to pound it so hard"...not understanding he made the most incredible innuendo comment.

Sneaky fucking Pran rises again. Pat asks if it's spicy. Instead of being honest and saying it is, or lying and saying it isn't, Pran simply states "I know you don't like spicy food". And then feeds the spicy sauce to Pat. Peak gremlin 😄

I have very mixed feelings about the talk on the beach between Pran and Junior's mum...but that's for personal reasons I guess.

And then we get that bar scene which contains so much it gives me whiplash. First I swear Ohm and Nanon show through when they're drinking the beer and burping afterwards. Then the English song feels like an odd choice and which kind of pulls me out of the scene a bit - I don't see why they didn't use an acoustic version of a Thai song. And then we get That Look™ from Pat to Pran as Pran is looking wistfully to the musician. And finally, Pran's wistful look takes me back to the conversation on the beach with Junior's mum and I just feel irked at all these parents who crush their children's dreams because they think it's not right for them or not profitable or not whatever else. (and I know that's not the main point of the conversation but it hits close to my heart, so I pick up on it more). And I'm just so glad that later Pran includes wanting to be a musician in his answer to what he wants to do after he's graduated.

Sulking Pat!

Look, I know I keep harping on about it, but this is how you incorporate product placement into the story. Those seaweed snacks helped that scene - it's a prop that would have worked even if it had been an unbranded snack. Pran used it as an olive branch but it had the added bonus of connecting Pat and Pran (and us) back to the very beginning of their relationship - with the beginning of the bet - giving them (and us) a way to reflect back on where they started and how far they've come.

I love watching all these Thai and other Asian dramas but I am sad sometimes that I miss some nuance in the language translation. I wish I could have a Thai speaker sit down with me and talk me through that kiss scene because I'm sure there's more in there that we're missing.

When I first watched the kiss, though, I thought the pause that Pran made after pulling Pat to him was a bit odd...but just now it made me think of Pran talking about the 'hesitation' before a confession and I think this moment gives the same excited anticipation energy that he talks about there, and which is why he chooses to pause before the kiss.

I don't think we as a collective fandom talk enough about the noise Pat makes at 14:40 in part 3.

Pran Parakul '10/10' Siridichawat. He's so fucking smug.

How on Earth did we get our collective knickers in a twist about the possibility of Pat and Pran breaking up?! I mean, Pat says it himself - "You never leave me. You always fight alongside me." They were basically telling us not to worry, that even when they go back and confront the fallout of their parents finding out, they'll stand by each other, fight alongside each other. 🤦🏽‍♀️

THE FUCKING SONG! (I can't believe I didn't notice straight away first time round that it was the theme song - I was so engrossed in watching the flashbacks 😭).

Ahhhhhhh this ep!!!

[can-of-pringles]

I know you're working on a lot of different things right now so absolutely no pressure to write this one!!

But that being said, turnabout is fair play so here's a Practically Prompt if you're interested.

Kyle and Jasper

Sentence starter: "Would you stop that? I'm telling you, they're a good band!"

Bonus points if you play with Jasper's emotion-sensing a little bit

Don't have a toyhouse but I'm happy to answer any questions!

It's done! I really hope you like this. I tried to keep Jasper in character from what I've read. I slightly went off tangent with the prompt lol.

"Would you stop that? I'm telling you, it's good!" Kyle defended, though his tone was light.

"You just said Fireflies by Owl City is amazing... really?" Jasper said, crossing their arms against their chest.

"Okay, sure, it's a little overplayed... but I think it's fun! But I know it doesn't fit your usual music taste." He shrugged.

Jasper placed their hand on Kyle's, smiling at him. "I'm glad you like it, and it's nice to listen to just on the radio I guess..."

They could feel the usual sweet happiness from Kyle. It rose in their chest to their heart; reminding Jasper of sunlight.

"Just on the radio? I think more than that." He teased.

"It's definitely on brand for you," they added.

"What do you mean by that?" Kyle genuinely asked, slightly tilting his head.

"Well... you're like a ray of sunshine. And that's the vibes that song gives, at least that's what I think." They complimented.

The feelings they sensed grew more, like a nice summer day. One that was the perfect balance of sun and a cool summer breeze.

"I'm sure being blond helps," he joked, pointing to his hair.

Jasper chuckled. "Actually, do you have a favorite Owl City song?"

"Hmm... are you looking for recs?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because Owl City goes perfectly with Muse and everything else in your music." Kyle joked.

They laughed. "Maybe I just want to know my boyfriend's favorite Owl City song." They brushed off the question.

"Oh! You're up to something, I know it! Does it have to do with a surprise? A gift perhaps...?" His face lit up.

"If it's a surprise, why would I tell you?" They fought to keep a smile off their face, which they knew wasn't selling it. But Jasper couldn't help it, feeling the joy radiating off Kyle was hard to ignore.

"I knew it! You are planning something! I guess I have to wait until a birthday or Christmas..." Kyle grinned.

"My lips are sealed." They held their hands up in mock defense.

"Oh, alright..." He pretended to sigh dramatically, getting another chuckle out of them. "Wouldn't want to ruin the secret. Would you at least accept a kiss? Mx...? Mx 'my lips are sealed'?" He finished the sentence after getting a quick nod from Jasper over the title.

Jasper blushed, feeling the sweet rushing emotions inside. "Yes, I'll make an exception for that," they replied.

Jasper welcomed the kiss, feeling his warmth against themself and wishing it would last forever. Finally, the two parted and shared a hug.

"I'm still excited though, about whatever you're planning." He mentioned.

"Oh, I have a feeling." Jasper smiled. "But no more questions."

"No more questions mean I can play more Fireflies instead."

"Where did I say that?" That got a giggle out of them.

"Oh, you know, it's totally in the rules that I just made up." Kyle kidded.

"Oh, yes, of course. Makes perfect sense." They went along with it.

"See, I knew you'd get it. This is how I secretly turn you over to the Owl City side." He continued.

Jasper laughed, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Yeah... no. Nice try though."

[zepskies]

Hello, friend!! I'm so excited to read your thoughts on this mega chapter! lol

And you started that chapter strong. 🥺 Our poor Dean is on the hitlist. But I knew it was not good that Nick got his last name. 😑

Yeeep, unfortunately Dean's now on Azazel's hit list.

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS??? That motherfucking bastard! He is THE lowest of lowest that has ever been there!!! I knew that he would not let it slide that easily but this is just... He needs to pay for all he's done! 👩🏼‍⚖️

Do not worry, my friend. Nick's time is nigh! 😤😤 You'll see what ultimately happens to him...

Aaaand here it comes. 😟 I have a feeling that this is not the end of it all. The insecurity of Y/N is understandable and I love that Dean realized that she didn't wanna joke around and that there needed to be some real talk. Will Jo overcome her feelings for Dean? 🤔

Yeah it's that couple moment of "Ooh you're not in the mood for jokes. Gotcha." lol But that's a good question about Jo!! All I can say is, you shall see. 😝

A bonus point for Sam! 😃 I love that he's helping out as much as he can and that he's on board to be Y/N's lawer. He is a sweet sweet boy too. 🥰

She's his friend now too! Sam's nothing if not honorable and good in that sense.

Oh hun! 😟 This scene was so nervewrecking! 😰 This fire was huge but I did not think that you would let us go through something so intense. But they made it out alive and I'm glad that Gordon survived. And I feel like he's come to terms with Dean being his Lieutenant.

Ahh I'm glad that scene was sufficiently gripping! And yes, that was one of the main points I wanted to come across in the scene -- that Gordon and Dean were now on the same page.

Why does this still stand between them? I get that Dean was hurt but this is not easy for Y/N either. Does he not see this?

Dean's lashing out partially because he's stressed, and he's feeling helpless in the situation. 😞 We've all played the blame game, and this isn't his best moment. But he knows this isn't easy for her and he makes it up to her later.

And this is what you get for being so stubborn and leaving her alone... 😑 But that's really creepy. You lay in bed, not fearing of anything and than you realize that someone has been IN your bedroom... It's such a horrible thing. 😖

Literally. Untended consequences for him letting his frustrations get the best of him, and he knows it. It's very creepy though! The reader is hella shook up after this, and so is Dean.

Meeting John for the first time... this was really not the optimal situation. 🙈 And I get why he's so persistent but I think he went a little over the top here. Gladly Dean took her side and put John "in his place".

I did promise (warn) that her first meeting with John would be interesting! loll But yeah, you can understand where he's coming from while still being "you're going to far, dude." It's kind of hallmark John Winchester behavior imo. And Dean doesn't stand for it when it comes to protecting his girl.

Oh I hope he's right with that. 🙏🏻 But they're living together now and that's what's important right now. 🥰

Yep, that is what's important!! (For now. 😂)

What a rollercoaster again, hun! But I loved every second of it! ❤

Thank you so much, lovely!! I'm so, so glad you enjoyed it. Can't wait to bring you Part 15 on Friday!

Smoke Eater - Part 14

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader 

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real. 

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.   

AN: Welcome back! Get ready for some more detective work, a pinch of Jo drama, another fire, and the reader finally meets John Winchester...

🔥Series Masterlist

Word Count: 7,500 Tags/Warnings: Angst, fire hazards, threats, and hurt/comfort.

Part 14: “Message in a Bottle”

A week before Christmas, John Winchester left his house for work before the sun had even risen in the sky. It was still dim when he stepped out onto his porch, which is why he didn’t see it at first.

He heard the clink when his boot kicked at something metallic.

He glanced down and found a small badge lying on the ground. He bent to pick it up, and on further inspection, it was a fire department’s badge. A replica, probably, because it had Dean’s number on it: 20579.

The badge was also splattered with blood.

Later at his office, John handed it over to his partner for his inspection.

“It’s actually paint,” John said. “Forensics looked it over. No prints, of course.”

“That’s a shame,” Cas said. His tone was mild, but his face was as grave as John’s as he considered the crimson-stained badge. They stood together in the bullpen of the 84th Precinct.

“And I got this little present a few days ago,” John admitted quietly. He grabbed a folder off his desk and showed Cas its contents: a picture of Sam leaving the courthouse while talking on his cell, climbing into his car. Someone was watching his sons.

“I already have a police detail on him,” John said, heaving a sigh. “I requested approval for Dean’s this morning.”

Cas’s frown was deepening, along with his furrowed brows. “We may need to ask for backup on this.” 

John shook his head. “Rufus won’t give it to us.”

Their esteemed Lieutenant thought John was on a vendetta with a ghost, stirring up a conflict of his own making. He only approved a temporary police detail for Sam, with the condition that John stopped what he was doing, let the Fire Department handle the serial arsonist, and let this blow over.   

But Rufus should’ve known better than that by now. This was personal, and John wouldn’t tolerate these yellow-bellied threats to his family.

“Azazel’s applying pressure, hitting your weak spots,” Cas said, perhaps pointing out the obvious.

“So let’s hit him back, goddamn it,” John growled. He threw down the folder back onto his desk.

“How?” Cas asked. “We still don’t know who Azazel is.”

The other man thought hard, rubbing a hand over his mouth, and feeling the overgrown stubble. He didn’t remember the last time he’d shaved.

“How’s your progress on questioning Savage & Co.?” he asked.

“Stalled. Nick Savage has lawyered up,” said Cas.

His face slackened from frustration to realization. He didn’t seem happy about his next idea, but it looked like he had one.

“Though now that I think of it, we may be able to apply some pressure of our own,” he said.

John raised a brow and crossed his arms. “How’s that?”

“Dean’s girlfriend works there, if you remember,” Cas said. “Something happened this past weekend at her company Christmas party.”

John nodded, despite his frown. He was set to meet you in a week, but it looked like they might need to question you before then. What a pleasant first meeting that was going to be.

But if you had anything on Savage, on the company, or even better, if you were willing to wear a wire, that could be the break they needed to get some headway on this case. They could squeeze Savage for any information he might have on Azazel—like his real identity.

“Tell me,” John said.

You returned to work on Monday with steel in your veins (and a taser in your purse).

You had about an hour of peace in your office, catching up on your emails and calls. Then there was a knock on your door before it pushed open without your consent.

Damn it, should’ve locked it. Your lips pursed when Nick Savage came in.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” you said firmly. Already you were opening a drawer in your desk, reaching into your purse.

“It’s my goddamn office,” Nick replied lazily. But he crossed his arms and stopped just behind the spare chair that sat in front of your desk. It gave you a good few feet of distance.

You stared back at the man with hidden satisfaction through your disdain. It seemed Dean’s threats got to him.

“Just thought I’d let you know that Josh’s been promoted to Senior Sales Manager,” Nick said. He checked his watch absently.

Your teeth clicked in irritation, but you let it pass. He was just trying to get a rise out of you, and you no longer gave a fuck about this company anyway. What you told Dean before was the truth: you were now here just to collect a paycheck, until you could find a new job.

“Good. He’s been working hard, kissing your ass,” you said with a fake smile. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a lot of work to do.”

Nick made the mistake of taking a half-step forward. Your hand subtly clenched on the weapon in your purse, but you tried your best to seem relaxed. In control of yourself. This was your office that you’d occupied for three years.

This was your space, and this man didn’t control you.

“Take one step forward, and I will quit today,” you threatened. And then you bluffed.

“I’ll call Mr. Greenway,” you said. “In fact, he offered me a job last month. Then I’ll make a few more calls, and I’ll take all of my accounts with me. I’ll kill your fucking sales team and leave Josh to continue sucking your lackluster tequila dick.”

Nick stared back at you with thinly veiled shock. You’d always been “no nonsense,” but you’d never spoken to him like that before. He smirked.

This was why he liked you. And hated you.

“All right,” Nick said. He didn’t come any closer, but he did rest his hands on the back of the chair. “How about I buy out your friend Greenway. His whole damn company. And then I’ll blacklist you with every other company that calls for a reference. Even the ones that don’t call.”

Your eyes widened incredulously. He had the gall to wink at you, boiling your blood.

“I’ll fucking sue you,” you said, hating the slight tremor in your voice.

Nick rolled his eyes. “This again? Please.”

You couldn’t help it. Your temper snapped, and you pushed away from your desk to stand up. You gripped the edge of it to steady yourself. You quirked a humorless smile.

“As it happens, I know a damn good lawyer,” you countered. “He puts murderers in jail every day. I doubt he’d struggle too much with a corporate asshole. And I’ll remind you, Dean’s father is a police officer. I’m sure he’d like nothing better than to lock you up after I report you for what you did. And I will.”

Nick scoffed at that, his eyes narrowing.

“If you take it there, I’ll have every resource at my disposal to make your life a living hell. I’ll drag this out for years. Until you’ve got nothing but your boyfriend’s charity to keep you from living in a fucking box.”

You were seething, trying to stay in control. He knew it too, and he smirked at you. He pushed away from the chair and started to leave.

But then, he tossed you a smug look over his shoulder.

“Just remember,” he said. “You could’ve just spread those legs for me.”

It took everything you had within you not to hurl a stainless steel stapler at the back of his retreating head.

“A double please, Ellen. Dry, lots of olives,” you requested.

After a ridiculously long day at work, you were now trying to let go of your frustrations at the Roadhouse, while you still had the money to drink. You rubbed through the ache in your temples.

“Long day, hun?” Ellen asked you. Her eyes were sympathetic as she made you the martini you ordered. You gave her an attempt at a smile.

“Long life,” you muttered.

“Hmm. Asshole boss?” she surmised.

You met her gaze with a note of suspicion. “Did Dean tell you…”

You knew he’d told his brother about what happened at the Christmas party. And you had a feeling he’d told Cas as well, to try and see what you could do from a law enforcement standpoint. The first step was filing a report. Now you knew, however, that you couldn’t. Not if you wanted your life to remain in one piece.

“Nothing, hun,” Ellen shook her head. “You’ve just got that look. I reckon every woman in the world has worn that face. Usually because of a man.”

You sighed and chuckled at the same time. It loosened some of the tightness in your shoulders.

“Yeah, well. This one’s a rat bastard in human clothing,” you replied.

“Ooh, sounds like my old biology professor,” Jo chimed in. She was drying out some newly clean glasses behind the counter along with Ellen. “He had a reputation for scoping out freshman girls.”

You made a gagging sound as you reached for the delectable martini glass Ellen slid your way.

“Men are disgusting,” you said. Jo snorted.

“99.8% of them, yeah,” she said. But her gaze drew towards the door when Dean Winchester came in. And she added, “A few of ‘em are all right.”

Was it just you, or was there a softer look in her blue eyes when she noticed Dean?

You were soon distracted though, giving your boyfriend a smile to try and cover up how exhausted you were, in every sense of the word. He greeted you with a warm hand along your lower back. He dropped a kiss to your forehead.

“Waiting long?” he asked.

“No, just a few minutes,” you shook your head. You laid a hand on his thigh when he took a seat next to you at the bar. “How was your shift?”

This week he was on three 12-hour shifts instead of his usual 24-hour shifts, which meant you got more of him in the evening. 

“Fine. Just a couple of accidents to clear off the road, nothing major,” he replied. He ordered a beer from Ellen and gave Jo a smile. He was surprised to see mother and daughter working civilly together under one roof, after the scene he saw last week.

“How’s the studying going?” he asked Jo, once Ellen was out of earshot to serve further down the line. He turned to you and filled you in. “Jo’s gearin’ up to hit the Police Academy.”

“Oh wow, that’s great!” you remarked.

Jo glanced over at her mom, but then she smiled, looking back at you and Dean. She focused on him.

“The test is in a few weeks,” she said. “I think I’m ready, but I don’t know…”

“You’ll be fine,” Dean said, with easy conviction. “You’re stubborn enough to know it’s what you want. So I got no doubts about you.”

Jo’s smile was warm, with a hint of shy and gratefulness. You smiled at Jo encouragingly, but inside, you had a familiar unease churning inside your gut.

Dean then turned to you with expectant brows. His fingers brushed a strand of hair away from your cheek, curling it behind your ear.

“And how was your day?” he asked. His tone was quieter, laced with double meaning.

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Jo moving on to another waiting customer with a small sigh.

You met Dean’s gaze and you nodded. “It was fine.”

His brows rose a touch higher. “Very convincing. You took the taser with you, right?”

You sighed and had to smile a little. His concern warmed you, made you feel protected, even though you’d had to do that part yourself today. You soothed a hand over his chest, between the open panels of his plaid shirt.

“Yes, I did. I’m okay, baby. We’re at a standstill,” you said. And you reminded him, “I can handle myself, you know.”

Dean nodded, sighing through his nose. His hand rubbed up and down your back, whether to comfort you or himself, you didn’t know. Your fingers curled into his shirt, and you smiled up at him, just before you tugged him down for a kiss.

It was slow and sweet, until you became a bit more than sweet, grazing his bottom lip with your teeth. His hand came up to cup the back of your head as he accepted the warmth of your kiss.

You knew that you couldn’t tell Dean what happened this morning in your office. He’d likely go for the Halligan in his trunk and beat Nick Savage within an inch of his life.

While the idea appealed to you for several reasons, you didn’t want to be the reason Dean lost his badge, or ended up in jail.

So over a couple of drinks, you distracted him by having a healthy debate over what you two were going to have for dinner later: sushi or pizza.

You ultimately won with sushi. (Or maybe he let you win. Either way, you were getting salmon rolls tonight.)

Still, you had that uneasy feeling when you and Dean left the bar. You wondered how the hell it had taken you this long to notice the starry look of longing in Jo’s eyes.

You fell into step with Dean as you two headed for the sushi restaurant down the street. It was already dark out, but even on a Tuesday night, the streets and sidewalks of downtown were busy.

“Can I ask you something…potentially uncomfy?” you said.

Dean’s head turned to you, with a raised brow.

“Uncomfy?”

You let out a breath, and you could see it on the December chill in the air. Your hands were tucked into your pockets, and so were Dean’s in his.

“Did you and Jo ever have a thing?” you asked.

Dean blinked, but then his lips pressed together. “What makes you say that?”

You sent him a suspicious look. You’ve known him long enough to know when he’s hedging.

“Just please, answer the question,” you said.

He blew out a breath. After a moment, he nodded.

“Yeah, for a few weeks,” he admitted.

You sighed. That sure explained a hell of a lot. And really, with his track record, you couldn’t be surprised.

“You dated her, or you hooked up with her?” you clarified. Dean shot you a look.

“Dated,” he said, rubbing a hand over his mouth.

Your brows furrowed. “When?”

He’d told you that he’d been in one relationship before, briefly…

“About a few months before I met you,” he said at last. But he saw the incredulous, almost upset look on your face. “Obviously it didn’t work out.” 

“You couldn’t have told me that earlier?” you asked. Your hands slipped out of your pockets to gesture at him. “How did it end?”

The man sighed, looking up at the sky.

“Come on, Dean,” you prodded.

“All right,” he placated with a hand. “It didn’t end great, put it that way.”

You couldn’t help a frustrated huff. You crossed your arms and kept walking beside him down the street, albeit in silence.

Dean glanced at you in slight exasperation. He was with you now. Why did it matter to you so much?

“She still has feelings for you,” you said, though you still weren’t looking at him.

“How do you figure?” he asked. But if he was honest, even he knew the truth.

“Because I could see her eyeing you like a honey glazed ham,” you snipped. At that, he let out an incredulous chuckle. 

“Are you jealous?” he teased.

You stopped walking and looked up at him, frowning. “Do you want me to be?”

Dean stopped as well. He sobered, realizing you weren’t in the mood for jokes. You’d been through a lot recently, and he knew then that you didn’t need this kind of stress on top of everything else. He drew closer and gently grasped your arms.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. Though he thought to himself, I’ll talk to Jo if I have to.

You sighed in frustration, but he soothed his hands up and down your arms. His touch plied you, along with his smile.

“Hey,” Dean said, dipping his chin so he could catch your eyes. “You should know how I feel about you by now.”

You sighed and nodded in agreement. He wasn’t satisfied.

“Okay,” he said, squeezing your arms and earning your eyes on him. It took him a moment, letting out a breath, but he was honest.

“I love you," he reminded. "And if that damn elevator hadn’t broke down on you, I’d still be missing something.”

…Damn it, you thought, even as a blushing smile grew across your face. Dean Winchester was too smooth for his own good.

But you also saw the sincerity in his eyes. You couldn’t help but be warmed by his words, down to your toes.

“There she is. All right,” he said with a grin. He nodded in satisfaction and gathered you into his arms. “My soft girl again.” 

Your smile deepened, but you still pinched his side, making him flinch and laugh. You held him back and looked up at his handsome face. He still looked amused and his eyes were warm. You leaned up on your toes for a kiss that lingered on wind-chilled lips.

“I love you,” you whispered back, against his lips.

His smile against yours was your answer.

Two hours and two salmon rolls later, Dean drove you home. You had taken an Uber to the Roadhouse, which reminded him that he needed to make another trip to Singer Salvage.

He’d been scoping out potential cars to fix up for you. He’d even recruited Bobby’s help to find something good, something with strong bones. Dean could do the rest.

Even after he watched you get inside your house safely, he let out a subtle breath before he peeled away. He wished you were coming home with him tonight. More often, he was feeling your absence when you weren’t in his bed. But it also reassured him, that he knew you were safe with him and Sam at their apartment.

He later found his brother eating leftover chicken parmesan at the kitchen counter.

“Why’re you eating standing up?” Dean asked, tossing his keys onto the counter. He reached into the fridge for a beer. “You look like Big Bird if he wore a suit.”

Sam sent him a dry look. “I don’t know. Force of habit.”

He barely had time in his day for an uninterrupted coffee, let alone a meal. When Dean wasn’t here, Sam fell back onto his work habits. He took his plate and actually went to the table.

“You eat already?” he asked. Dean nodded and said he’d eaten with you.

“Oh yeah? How’s she doing?” Sam asked.

Dean sighed and sank down heavily onto the chair opposite his brother. He rubbed at his forehead.

“She’s okay, considering,” he replied. But he knew you hadn’t told him the whole story about how your day went at work. Whether you were trying to spare him, or protect him, or yourself, it still drove him up the wall. Knowing Nick Savage was still your boss, and he was there, an ever-present threat just a few floors above you in that building…

It made Dean’s skin crawl. It had his teeth grinding and coiled his spine tight with repressed rage. And worry.

He met his brother’s eyes. Sam had been watching him, hiding his wariness.

“What can we do about him?” Dean asked. He knew he didn’t have to explain who he was talking about.

Sam started to shake his head, but Dean wouldn’t have it.

“I mean it, Sam. Because I almost…” His hand and forearm clenched and unclenched on the table. He could almost feel the way his arm had pressed into Nick’s throat, slowly but surely crushing his trachea. Just a couple of minutes more, and Dean could’ve done it. In that moment, he saw it so clearly.

It was the first time he’d ever wanted to take a man’s life.

“I know,” Sam said. His brows furrowed in sympathy. “But you did the right thing.”

Dean’s lips pursed as his hand once again fisted on the table.

“If I hadn’t been there,” he said. “If I had been just a few minutes off…”

These were the what ifs that kept plaguing his mind, ever since the party. Sometimes, it added to the catalogue of waking nightmares that wouldn’t let him sleep.

“And now she’s gotta go back there, every day, where that animal is just waiting for an opportunity,” Dean gritted out. Then his fist dropped more heavily onto the table, rattling Sam’s silverware.

Sam held the table steady and looked at his brother, calm but firm.

“You can’t touch Savage,” he said. “Don’t even go near him. Whatever you do, he’ll use it against you, and potentially against her. Unfortunately, she’s got the best plan right now.”

Dean looked up at him with angry eyes.

“Wait him out,” Sam said, “until he makes a mistake he can’t easily cover up. In the meantime, she’ll find a new job and get the hell out of there.”

Dean forced a sharp breath through his nose. He leaned back in his chair and tapped his fist more calmly on the table.

“I don’t have to like it,” he said.

Sam nodded in agreement. “No, you don’t.”

The fire was wild. It was eating up the four-story apartment building in a full blaze. The Truck 79 team was geared up outside of it, with Chief Singer already calling out instructions along with Dean.

Benny and the Rescue Squad were already on the roof, rappelling down to get the ones trapped on the top floors out through the windows. Dean was on the ground. He had Gordon, Jack, and a few others behind him. Meg and Chuck were on standby, waiting for the firefighters to pull out any residents still trapped inside.

Dean had to wonder if he was walking into another arson, like the Richardson fire. Against his will, he thought of that day. He thought about everything his father had told him about that arson, about Azazel and his mom’s death. He thought about you, working for a man who was potentially tied to Azazel.

“Winchester,” Gordon tapped him on the arm. “You good?”

Dean glanced over at him, then nodded.

“Yeah. Let’s rock and roll.”

When Dean was at work, he couldn’t let the outside world into his mind. All he could let himself focus on was the scene ahead after he put his mask on.

Inside the first floor of the building was like entering a living furnace. It was hot as shit, and layers of smoke choked the room. The mask was the only reason Dean could see, let alone breathe.

He turned to Jack. “All right, take it room by room. Stay close. We don’t got a lot of time.”

Jack nodded his agreement, and Dean split his team. A few of the others took the first floor on his orders. Dean, Gordon, and Jack would take the old stairs to clear the second floor.

Fuck. This whole place is just wood and plaster, Dean thought, shaking his head. These old buildings were all the same. Easy to build, easy to knock down. And usually they weren’t up to code, often thanks to cheap property owners.

He got apartment 201 open with his Halligan. The shoebox studio was smokey as all hell, but it was clear of any tenants. Gordon moved on ahead quickly, but Dean’s brows furrowed as he listened to the unsteady creaking of the floorboards. He moved more carefully forward.

Until he felt the warmth under his boots, saw the orange glow underneath a thin patch of flooring.    

“Walker, wait!” Dean called, at the same time he held Jack back.

He reached out, just as the wood floor splintered and broke underneath Gordon. His eyes flashed wide just before he fell.

Dean dove for him. His Halligan clattered away, but he managed to grab onto the man’s sleeve before he disappeared. Gordon grabbed onto Dean’s arm and nearly pulled him down too. Luckily, he managed to grab onto the splintered edge with his other glove-covered hand. He gritted his teeth at the strain of the other man hanging off his shoulder, but he didn’t dare let go.

Jack grabbed Dean’s belt to keep him from sliding further down. It let him grab onto Gordon with both hands. The men panted for breath; Dean had a better vantage point to see that the middle of the ground floor below was engulfed in flames. The glow of it flared in the corner of Gordon’s eyes. He could feel the heat making both of them sweat.

The wood flooring under Dean creaked ominously, but before anyone could move, it broke further. He almost lost his grip on Gordon as his torso hung over the edge. He managed to get a new stronghold under the other man’s arm, and Jack did his best to keep Dean from falling by pinning his legs down. Jack was strong, but he was still a smaller man than Dean.  

“Jack, call for backup!” Dean gritted out. Jack nodded behind him and radioed in for help.

Gordon stared up at Dean with wide, but resigned eyes. “The floor’s gonna cave before you can pull me up.”

Dean stared down at him, even as lines of sweat poured down his forehead from within his mask. They both knew that if that happened, Dean would be pulled along for the ride down, maybe even Jack too. Dean gave a sharp shake of his head.

“Just hold on. Backup’s comin’,” he said. All his strength was going into keeping a firm grip on the man’s arm and jacket. He called to Jack over his shoulder. “Can you get next to me and grab him?”

To his credit, Jack tried. But the jagged edges of the floor around Dean were unsteady, creaking and groaning under Jack’s added weight, a bit too much.

“Stop, stop!” Dean shouted, halting Jack’s movements.

Gordon licked his dry lips and blinked sweat out of his eyes. “This might be the part where you let go, Winchester.”

Dean took exactly a beat to process his shock. Then he glared down at the man.

“Shut the hell up, Walker. You don’t let go, you hear me?” he barked. “Jack, grab the back of my jacket and my belt.”

Jack followed the order, and a combination of him pulling Dean up and Dean straining every muscle he had to heft up Gordon slowly, painfully, brought them back up and over the ledge.

Jack had an easier time then of helping Dean pull Gordon the rest of the way out of the hole.

And the rest of their Truck crew came to help them onto their feet, before the fire consumed the rest of the second floor.

Once Dean was out of the building, he took off his mask and breathed in cooler air on his face. He made a beeline for the fire truck. In the back was a cooler, and grabbed a bottle of water to dump over his overheated head and face while he caught his breath. Gordon and Jack were following suit, and the men stared and one another. All of their faces said the same thing.

We made it. We’re alive. That was almost fucked.

Gordon’s gaze met Dean’s, sobering further. For a moment, he looked like he was searching for words.

“How’s your shoulder?” he asked eventually.

Dean nodded, rotating his right arm. He was going to feel that bitch tomorrow.

“Fine,” he said. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Gordon nodded. Another hesitation, followed by an honest gaze. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”

Dean’s face broke into a smile, wry but also genuine. “Yeah, thank me by layin’ off the burgers.”

He swatted the other man’s stomach and went for three more waters. He handed two of them to Jack and Gordon. One was smiling, while the other just smirked and shook his head.

“You callin’ me hefty?” Gordon remarked. “I’m averaging 6% body fat, man.”

Dean scoffed. “Yeah, right. What’re you, the Rock? That’s why you almost sunk.”

He dropped his fist into the air and made an exploding sound. Jack was wide-eyed, but Gordon just chuckled. They started making their way to the front of the truck to start packing up their gear. The Truck and Rescue teams had done what they could, and all the residents that made it out of the building were being seen to by the paramedics.

“I’d rather be weighed down by muscle than all them Little Debbie’s you’ve been putting away at the station,” Gordon shot back. “Cheap cake is not your friend.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “All right, that’s just uncalled for.”

“Dean,” Chief Singer called, beckoning him over with a hand. His free hand wore a glove as he held something steaming.

Dean nodded at his men and joined Bobby outside his department-issued SUV. Dean’s gaze focused on the bottle-shaped object in Bobby’s hand. There was a small digital box attached to the front, with wires wrapped around. The entire device was now blackened, but the smell of chemicals was unmistakable.

“Molotov cocktail?” Dean quipped, but his face was as grave as Bobby’s. The Chief nodded.

“Lafitte pulled this out of the fourth floor,” he said. “Looks like the same kind of incendiary device Arson found at the Richardson fire.” 

That night, you made dinner for Dean at your house. He was forced to explain what happened at the apartment building, and why he had his arm pinned to his side like a chicken wing. You made him sit down and relax, all while you tried to hide your worry and relief that he was mostly all right.

Later in the living room, you sat on your knees beside him on the couch and lifted the bag of ice from his shoulder. You peered at it in concern, gently rubbing your hand over the joint and surrounding muscle. Dean sighed through his nose as your gentle touch was both soothing and painful.

“Are you sure you should do another shift tomorrow?” you asked, replacing the ice. He shot you a glance.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“Right,” you said dryly. “That’s why you can barely move this arm.”

Dean rolled his eyes and made his point by raising his right arm, slowly, but easily back down.

“I’ll be up and running by tomorrow. Just need a good night’s sleep.”

“Dean, are you sure? You seem to be in a lot of pain,” you asked.

He tried to hold in his annoyance. “I think I’d know if I’m fine.”

“You forget, I know all too well what downplaying looks like,” you countered, giving him a chiding look. Dean didn’t appreciate it. He didn’t need you to mother him.

“This is my job, all right,” he said.

You gave him a steady look. Your hand moved up his shoulder to rest along the back of his neck. Your fingers slipped into his hair.

“I know that. But I’m allowed to worry,” you said. Your brows furrowed. “Please don’t get upset at me for that.”

Dean let out a breath. He relaxed against the couch and met your gaze. He knew he had no right to ask you not to worry about him.

“Yeah, okay,” he said.

To you, he still seemed a bit annoyed. You nodded and continued to gently sift your fingers through his hair. You had to wonder if his resentment was coming from a different place.

“Are you still mad at me for going back to work?” you tested.

Dean breathed out deeper this time, but he didn’t answer.

Bingo, you thought with a frown.

“Dean—”

“All I want is for you to be safe,” he said. His voice was harder as his face tightened up. His hand gestured in frustration. “This whole thing…that fucking douchebag…it’s killing me. Fucking killing me. And you know that.”

Your eyes softened, and you unconsciously bit your lip.

“Ditto,” you tried to joke. It landed flat, because your boyfriend was deadly serious.

He looked away from you with pursed lips and a frustrated shake of his head. You sidled closer to him and tried to soothe, with a hand on his chest.

“Look, I’m trying to find a new job, but it takes time,” you said.

“You could quit. You could quit right now,” Dean replied hotly.

You sighed; you couldn’t believe you had to remind him about this. “I can’t, Dean. I have bills to pay, just like you do. You think I like this situation any more than you? I’m the one who’s had to deal with this for months!” 

“I know that!” Dean snapped back. “Or should I say, now I do.”

He pulled away from your touch and pushed off the couch, onto his feet. You looked up with your mouth agape as he left the room. You got up and followed after him.

“You’re leaving?” you asked in shock. You watched him grab his keys and his wallet from the kitchen counter.

“I’ve got a long shift tomorrow and I gotta sleep,” Dean said, rather gruffly.

You followed him all the way to the door, where you grabbed onto his wrist. He stopped in the doorway, glancing back at you over his shoulder.

“Dean, please,” you implored. “Don’t go like this.”

After a beat, he seemed to soften. Just enough to lean over and press a brief kiss to the side of your head.

“I gotta go.”

He left you in the doorway with tears swimming in your eyes, and he pretended not to notice them.

When Dean woke up the next morning, his shoulder still ached, and he still felt guilty. He rubbed the offending join and tried to slowly roll the stiffness out of his arm. Fuck.

He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes next. They blearily took in the digital numbers on his alarm clock: 5:00 a.m.

He slid out of bed and got ready for work. He definitely wanted to check in with Arson about the device that likely started that fire, and he knew his dad would need to be brought in on it. It would give Dean a reason to press John for an update on his investigation.

By 6:00, he was finishing his coffee, about ready to head over to the station. He could hear the pipes running, meaning Sam was in the shower.

Dean was startled only slightly by his phone vibrating in his pocket. His brows furrowed, but he fished it out and found your name crossing the screen, along with a smiling picture of you. He sighed.

Part of him hesitated. If you were calling just to try and convince him to call out of work, he was going to get worked up again. And he’d rather not have anything disturb his first cup of coffee of the day.

Still, he answered. “Hey.”

“Dean, did you come into the house last night?” you asked.

He didn’t like the wary, almost scared tone of your voice.

“No.” His brows furrowed. “Why?”

“Look at the text I just sent you.”

He put you on speaker so he could check his messages. Sure enough, he found a picture from you. It was of a glass bottle-shaped object on your nightstand. There was a black box attached, but its digital screen was blank. Dean’s breath caught in his lungs as his eyes widened. His heart dropped into his stomach.

“Dean, what is this thing?” you asked. Your voice was shakier, more worried. “It looks like a bomb. And it smells awful, like chemicals.”

“Don’t touch it,” he said quickly. “Get out of the house…better yet, wait for me at your neighbor’s place. I’m coming over right now.”

And I’m calling Dad.

Dean tried his best to calm you while the police and the Arson Department swept your entire house for devices, fingerprints, and any other evidence on who broke in.

You had a hand over your mouth by the front door as you watched them turn over cushions, move tables and shelves, ruck through cabinets. Your entire life turned inside out.

Dean’s hand rubbed up and down your back. You eventually had to look away and sigh. You pressed closer to his side, and he wrapped his good arm around your shoulders.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he said quietly, and kissed the top of your head. Inside, he was furious. Mostly at himself.

If anything had happened to you last night, after he left…he would’ve never forgiven himself.

So it was a welcome distraction when John and Cas’s police car finally pulled into the driveway. Dean led you outside, away from the chaos happening in your house.

“Hey, Dad,” he said, with a nod at Cas. Both men nodded back.

“Son,” John greeted, His brown eyes turned to you next. He offered you a hand. “Good to finally meet you, despite the circumstances.”

You blinked up at him and curled a stray strand of hair behind your ear, a bit nervously.

“Oh, it’s…it’s great to meet you, Mr. Winchester,” you said, sticking out your hand and shaking his.

A smile flickered across Dean’s lips. He realized then that this was the first time you were meeting his father. You were adorably nervous.

A reserved smile tugged at his father’s lips as well.

“John’s just fine.”

You smiled back, with a bit of a blush tinging your cheeks.

“Now, can you tell me what happened here?” John asked you, not unkindly.

Dean’s good humor faded away as he explained about the device left on your nightstand. He filled them in about the fire he’d responded to yesterday as well.

“What the hell is happening, Dad?” he demanded to know.

John let out a breath and nodded, swiping a hand through his dark hair.

“It’s another one of Azazel’s signatures,” he said, lowering his voice so only the four of them could hear. “It’s a message.”

“To who?” Dean asked.

“To me,” John said. “Warning me to back off the case…there’ve been other threats. I’ve finally got a police detail on Sam, and I just got approval for you. I’ll add her to the list.”

John glanced at you. Your eyes widened in confusion as you tried to hold in your fear.

“Who the hell is Azazel?” You turned to Dean. “Is this…does this have something to do with your mom’s killer?”

John’s brows shot up at his son. “You told her?”

“You’re over here talking about him too,” Dean retorted. He gathered you closer and met his father with steely eyes, to mask how his gut was churning with worry.

“You need to get this guy,” Dean said, almost through gritted teeth. “Get him now.”

John agreed with a nod.

Once again, you covered a trembling hand over your mouth. Dean squeezed your side a bit to earn your attention.

“I want you to come stay with me,” he said. His tone was boding no argument, not that you would. You nodded and fairly melted against him. Your head rested against his chest.

“Dean, this is insane,” you whispered.

He nodded and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “I know. I’m sorry…I’m so fucking sorry about this.”

You looked up at him, your brows furrowing. “It’s not your fault.”

Dean met your gaze, but he couldn’t quite believe you. He was the one who kept pushing his dad for answers, to let him in on this. This was his family’s bullshit, not yours. You didn’t deserve to get dragged into it too.

The spell between you two was broken by Cas, awkwardly clearing his throat.

“We do need to ask you some questions,” he said. “About Nick Savage.”

You frowned. You peeled yourself away from Dean enough to face the detectives.

“What does he have to do with this?” you asked.

“His company is linked to a money laundering scheme, which ultimately leads back to Azazel,” Cas explained. “But we’re having trouble getting through his wall of lawyers.”

You scoffed. “Not surprising.”

However, it did worry you that Nick was possibly doing business with a criminal. Not that that should surprise you either. 

“What do you want to know?” you asked.

“Well, first of all, would you be willing to file a police report,” Cas said, more gently, “regarding your assault at his home.”

Your eyes widened. Your mouth fell open slightly before you looked over at Dean. His face tightened, along with his hand on the curve of your waist.

“Why do you need me to do that?” you asked Cas.

“It’ll give us the leverage we need to dig deeper into his business,” John said. “Knock loose any shady dealings. We could get him to cough up what he knows about Azazel.”

You wanted to help, but at the same time, you were reluctant to mire yourself deeper in this. Dean saw your reservations, and he could guess why.

“Won’t that just paint a bigger target on her back?” he asked.

“We’re gonna protect her,” John promised. His eyes went from Dean, back to you. “But we need your help. This could be the break we need to get to Azazel. To find out who this bastard is.”

John could see your indecision. “All you need to do is fill out the report. Maybe get up in court to testify.”

You tightened up at that. “Testify?”

“If it gets that far,” John nodded.

“I don’t think so,” you shook your head. “That man can make my life hell without a serial killer’s help.”

You looked to Dean for support.

In the beginning, he had all but begged you to do what his father and Cas were asking. But now, this was just too much. He pressed you more securely to his side.

“Dean?” his father prodded.

“You heard her,” Dean said. “It’s her choice.”

You sighed and held onto the back of his shirt gratefully. The detectives shared a look, with John’s brows furrowing. He regarded you with a gruff, slightly strained look.

“Listen, don’t you want Savage in a cold hard cell?” he asked. “You could put him there.”

“Dad, she said no. Lay off,” Dean’s tone sharpened. Unfortunately, he knew how stubborn the man could be.

“Dean, I’m trying to nail this guy, but I’m missing pieces,” John said. “Right now, I can’t do it without her.”

“Well, figure it out,” Dean snapped.

John frowned in near disbelief. "Excuse me?"

“Look, I know where your priorities are, but mine is making sure she’s safe," said Dean. "If you can’t handle that, then we’ve got a problem!”

The strength of his retort took everyone by surprise, but no one more so than John. He hid it well behind a deepening frown.

He glanced between you and his son. You were looking up at Dean with unshed tears in your red-rimmed eyes, grateful, and holding on tight to his shirt. He still held you to him. His entire frame was tight and angry.

And John knew that he would react the same way, if he were Dean. He also knew then that he was pushing too hard.

So he sighed, and pulled out a card from his wallet. He handed it to you.

“I’m sure you’ve got Cas’s number already, but here’s mine,” said John. “Call me if you change your mind.”

“I’m sorry for invading,” you told Sam that night. He was helping you and Dean bring in your suitcases. You were pretty much moving into their apartment, indefinitely.

“You’re not,” Sam said, shaking his head. “We’re happy to have you here.”

You gave him a tired, thankful smile. “I appreciate that, thanks.”

“We’ll get to have an in-house chef,” Dean chimed in, earning more amused look from you.

“Need I remind you that I’m not an actual chef?” you said. You set down your smaller suitcase, full of shoes and toiletries, to grasp the front of his shirt. You leaned up on your toes and met him with a kiss. It was sweet, but it was also tender. His arms came around your lower back and pulled you flush against him.

He parted from you gently, afterwards pressing his forehead against yours. He let out a brief sigh through his nose.

“I’m sorry, about how I left last night,” he said.

You shook your head, despite the tears that wanted to burn in your eyes. You wanted to tell him, It’s fine. I’m fine.

But you couldn’t lie to him.

“You came back when I needed you,” you said instead. “Thanks for letting me stay here.”

You felt his fingers tangle in your hair, his hand resting along the back of your neck. It was familiar, and soothing.

“This isn’t exactly how I wanted you to move in,” he admitted. You chuckled wryly.

“Really,” he said. “…I was thinking of asking you. But not ‘til, you know, down the line.”

You softened at that. You raised up on your toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Then you circled your arms around his neck and hugged him close. He held you back just as tightly.

“Thank you for always being there for me,” you said. He couldn’t see your smile, but somehow, he knew it was there. But he could also hear you sniffle, and feel your body tremble with tears.

“You’re safe here,” Dean said softer into your ear. “Nothing’s getting to you, all right?”

 You nodded, pressing your face into his neck. He continued to say and do whatever he felt he had to in order to reassure you that night, and make you feel safe.

All the while, he was trying to reassure himself.

AN: *burrr* That tension, huh? What did you think of her finally finding out about Jo's lingering feelings, plus a bit of Dean's resentment, him and Gordon coming to an understanding, and the reader meeting John for the first time! 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Good news though. Next time, we'll take a huge break from all this drama and have a nice fluffy Christmas special. (Plus a healthy dose of spice. ❤️‍🔥)

Next Time:

You hadn’t undressed yet from your jeans and sweater, but you crawled across the bed to come up behind him and drop a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“How’s your slugging arm?” you asked.

Dean quirked a smile at you over his shoulder. “Just fine.”

“Dean,” you said. Your tone was gentle, but warning. No downplaying.

You pressed your lips against the side of his head and soothed your hand along his shoulder and down his arm. Still, he was resistant.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” he said.

You hummed. “Okay. I guess you don’t need a massage then.”

He paused. His head tilted just so, once again turning to you over his shoulder. You spied the edge of his piqued interest, his grin.

“Well, if you’re offering…”

Dean Winchester Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Series Tag List (Part 1):

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[wonderlandleighleigh]

If you’re still taking baby prompts, Susie’s and or Lenny’s thoughts about “I love it when they’re fresh out of the draw” convo with Imogene.

"You know what goes in drawers?" Lenny mutters as he opens it up, revealing his newborn daughter. "Underpants."

Midge laughs tiredly and gazes down at Lily adoringly. "This way she gets to be right here, close to us."

"I suppose it could be worse," Lenny muses as he lifts the infant into his arms and sits on the edge of Midge's bed. "It could be a trash chute."

"A mailbox," Midge offers.

"See, that would fit the whole stork thing," Lenny points out, letting Lily grip onto his finger with her tiny hand.

Midge smiles, settling back against her pillows and smiling as she watches them.

Lenny sighs softly. "I cannot believe we're doing this again."

"Well, it's too late to turn back now," Midge reminds him. "The baby has breached the vagina. Can't stuff her back in now."

"You are so lucky your mother isn't around to hear that joke," Lenny comments with a laugh.

"She will be soon enough," Midge says. "Inspecting Lily's forehead and how far apart her eyes are."

Lenny frowns deeply as he gazes at their daughter. "She's perfect. She's got a great forehead. Eyes seem fine."

"She though Esther wouldn't be a pretty girl."

"Esther's beautiful, how much drugs was your mother taking?"

"A lot of Seconal back then," Midge admits.

"That explains everything."

Midge holds out her arms. "Give her. Snack time."

Lenny nods and shifts Lily over, but doesn't move otherwise as Midge adjusts to start nursing.

"This isn't weird for you?" Midge asks.

"What?" Lenny asks.

"My tits being used for something other than fun bedroom activities."

He gives her a confused look. "You're literally using them for their intended purpose. The fun bedroom stuff is an added bonus."

Midge considers, but doesn't respond.

Lenny lays back carefully on her legs and looks up at the ceiling. "So no. It's not weird that you're feeding our child. Jesus, maybe it's finally time that I punched Joel in his fucking face."

"No saying fucking in front of the baby."

"You did it."

"Okay, that's fair."

"Our other three kids know how to curse," Lenny points out. "Lily would feel left out if she didn't get an early start."

"One of these days, Ethan is going to call a his teacher a cocksucker, and then we're going to have to explain where he heard that."

"We'll blame Mei."

"Good plan."

Lenny turns his hand and gazes at his wife and daughter. "Hey."

Midge shifts Lily to burp her gently over her shoulder, using a little washcloth to catch any spit up. "Yeah?"

"I'm really happy," he says softly.

She smiles as Lily spits up a load of milk onto the washcloth. "I'm glad, because the amount of disgusting bodily fluids we have to deal with just went from a very low number to a very high number."

"I can't wait."

[books-and-catears]

Hihihiiiii!!!!! Omg I'm so excited to ask this one-> ok so can you write/headcanon the Brothers and Undatables in a situation where MC can't swim and the brothers + undatables don't know it until one of the squad (Solomon's voodoo) picks MC up and throws them into a pool/fountain on the deep end as a joke? And MC drowns?

Bonus if anyone aside from Satan, Leviathan, and Lucifer know CPR and double bonus if Beel manages to rebibe w/o cracking a rib on MC!!

Aww heyheyhey!!! We love excitement in this house yes we do. Thank you so much for the angsty ask!

It got a bit long so I'll do it in two parts! I hope that's okay? Also I hope I can do it justice :3

It was a summer afternoon in Devildom. Diavolo had invited the whole gang upto his castle. Solomon had recently told him about pool parties and he was excited to try it out.

Everyone came in, already having the time of their lives splish splashing in the water, or going ham on Barbatos and Luke's snacks.

You were there, dipping your feet in water, enjoying the cool feeling between your toes. Everyone kept inviting you in the water, you tried to put them off by saying "Maybe later!"

You could have just said you couldn't swim. But that was too embarassing to admit, so you just shook your head and splashed water at them instead.

Mammon and Asmo were splashing water on you, so you didn't see the Little D's sneak up and hoist you up from behind. Before you knew it, you were sent flying headfirst into the water. Maybe you should have told them, you thought.

Maybe that would be better than the endless blue, the distinct lack of air and burn in your lungs as you tried hard to swim to the surface and lost all energy.

(Part 1: The Brothers)

Lucifer

"MC enough playing around. Come Bach up now." Got tensed when you didn't Immediately float up to the surface.

"MC?" He dived in to check on you. His eyes grew wide when you saw struggling, flapping your hands and feet aimlessly.

"MC HOLD ON!" The panic in his voice was muffled by the water. You felt your body being held and pulled up to the surface.

"MC? MC can you hear me?! MC!" You felt someone shaking you, their hands warm on your arms. And then your lips turned warm.

You'd recognise that kiss anywhere. It was more urgent this time, as Lucifer tried his best to get air into you.

"Luci... fer.." You choke out before coughing violently and spitting the pool water everywhere.

"You're okay..." He lets out the biggest sigh of relief. He holds you tight in his arms and takes you inside to dry you off. "I thought I lost you again..."

"Whoever is responsible for this," The suppressed rage in his voice sounded deadly, "will pay for it."

Mammon

"Oi human! Are ya sulking down there?!" Mammon joked as he dived downwards to bring you up.

"They got ya pretty good huh-" He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the state you were in. Your eyes closed and your limbs horribly limp.

"MC! MC WHAT HAPPENED?!" Mammon grabbed you and pulled you up instantly. Even in your dazed state, you could feel the pounding of his heart and the cracking of his voice.

"MC not again please not again I'm sorry I'm sorry please wake up..." He was crying now. His tears and hands were warm on your skin as pushed at your chest cluelessly.

"THEY'RE NOT WAKING UP! LUCIFER SATAN DIAVOLO SIMEON SOMEONE HELP PLEASE!" He was frantic and clamping his mouth on yours now, gasping more than blowing air.

You coughed and sputtered eventually. "Mammon... you...are exceptionally bad at CPR." Mammon hid his face in your shoulder and hugged you like there's no tomorrow.

You laugh and try to tell him you're okay but all he does is hold you and cry. "I'm the worst protector...I'm so sorry MC.."

Leviathan

"Welcome to my turf, MC!" Levi laughed as he waited for you to float back up. But you weren't. Are you stuck on something? He sees air bubbles on the surface.

He dives down and swims towards you swiftly. "MC OH NO! WAIT MC IM COMING!" He darts to towards you and gets you out the fastest.

He starts to tear up and panic cause this is just like that sad anime "Lost my Best Friend in the Deep". Embarassment be damned, he can't let you go.

He urgently called for his brothers for help and fumbled with you held tightly in his arms. He pushed on your chest and watched the water sputter out.

"MC?? You're okay now, right??! MC!!?" The urgency in Levi's voice caught you off guard. You open your eyes to see him teary eyed and sniffling.

"I'm okay Levi..." You say, your hand reaching to hold his face. He breaks down at your touch.

Pressing his face harder into your hand and crying. He's so glad you're okay. "I thought I lost my best friend...don't worry MC, I'll teach you how to swim!"

Satan

"MC, you do know how to swim right?" Satan called out to you, right after the splash. There was something about the way you fell that made him feel uneasy.

When you didn't float back up, he immediately dunked himself downwards, only to see his suspicions were right.

"MC! It's okay it's okay I've got you!" Satan's arm wrapped around you as he pressed a warm kiss on you under water. The flames in your lungs died down a little.

He rushes you upto the surface and lays down gently, tilting your head at the optimal angle.

His mouth is on you again. Urgently breathing life back into you. He also had spells ready in case this usual way didn't work.

"Satan...? You...thank you.." You said tired as you leaned into him, wrapping your arms around him weakly after vehemently coughing.

He lets out a sigh of relief and bumps his lips against your head softly, cradling you in his arms. "Why wouldn't you say that you couldn't swim? Don't do this to me ever again, MC, you're all I have..."

Asmodeus

"MC darling, no need to be embarrassed, you looked so cute when you fell like that! Come up now!" Asmo giggled as he watched the water, waiting for you to come back up.

He gets panicky when you're still not up yet. Swims down as he quickly as he can calling out your name. "OH NO! MC WHAT'S GOING ON?! MC!"

He reaches for your hands and starts tugging you towards him. Why are your eyes closed like this? Why have you gone limp?!

He pulls you up to the surface, frantically calling out to Satan and Solomon for help, all the while bouncing you in his arms like a baby as a attempt to gain conciousness.

He's full on sobbing as he Solomon gives you CPR. The moment you cough and sputter, he pounces on you, his head pressed against your cold chest, now rising and falling normally.

"Asmo... don't cry...I'm okay.." You say weakly smiling and trying to hug him back, running your hands in his hair.

He holds you close and presses kisses on your whole face."MC! You gave me such a fright! Don't do that again please, MC! I can't bear the though of you gone again!"

Beelzebub

"Ah I'm so sorry I couldn't catch you MC" Beel even had his arms outstretched so he could catch you before you fell, but he missed.

He's fastest to get to you after Levi. "MC? Are you okay down there- MC?! Why are you being like that?!" He gets frantic and scoops your limp body in his arms.

This is his worst nightmare. He urgently gets to the surface panicking inside. "MC..please wake up.." He calls out sadly, as he gently lays you down.

You're barely breathing. He knows what he has to do. But you're so fragile compared to him he doesn't want to hurt you.

He tries as gently as possible to push against your chest to regulate your breathing again.

"Beel..Beel..." You cough out his name as you reach up to hold his face in your hands. He stops immediately and engulfs you in a hug.

He doesn't say a word. He doesn't need to. His teary eyes and tight grip as he lifts you up and takes you inside the house to feed you, says everything you need to know.

Belphegor

"MC you're so easy to sneak upon hehe. Come here and lie with me." He was just snoozing at the edge, smiling down at where you just fell.

What's taking you so long to come back up?He impatiently dived downwards to find you. And he was horrified by what he saw. "MC?!Damnit MC, why didn't you call for me!?"

He hoists you into his arms and tries giving you a kiss of air like he'd seen in Levi's shows. Still unsure of what to do, he just hurries you up to the surface.

"They were struggling to swim. Something's wrong. Fix them please. Fix them fast." He said, calling out to his brothers. He held your hand shakily and lay next to you, as Beel gave you CPR. His grip tightened once you started coughing.

"Belphie... I'm okay..." You squeezed his hand as tight as you could. He hid head in your shoulder before picking you up in his arms.

He wrapped you up in a towel and tried to make you fall asleep in his arms. "That was a horrible feeling. I don't want to feel that again." He mutters to himself while holding you closer.

[swinging-stars-from-satellites]

ok but see, the ”kissing early on but denying feelings f o r e v e r” is SO msr its predictable so…. I have to prompt you to try writing something with that but for JonMon (bonus points for a Scully cameo simply for the sake of her being like ’help is this Really what we looked like Back In The Day bc wow this is cringe’)

HWHDBDSJWN ok but I've seen at LEAST 25 MSR fics with this exact premise I'm cackling, it really is so intensely THEM innit? (there's at least three opportunities just in the Pilot smh). soz for not including the Scully cameo... however I will offer you the mental image of one of them accidentally mentioning something about this and her being like. oh my gosh. you're joking. you cannot be real.

also @taleasoldastime-andspace u might like this 👀

~~~~~

Her flight leaves in three hours; she has just enough time to stop by the office, say her goodbyes, and get to the airport in time to check her suitcase. She is intensely aware of the familiar clack of her heels on the floor, a specific sound she's hearing for the last time. After so long working here, it feels strange to leave. It feels a little bit wrong.

John has his back to her, sitting at his desk, when she walks in. Monica steps lightly, trying to sneak up, but he barely jumps when she taps him on the shoulder.

"Hey," he greets. "You heading out?" He says it like she's not leaving for good, like she's just stepping out for the evening. Monica smiles, a little bittersweet.

"Yeah, my plane leaves at nine. All my stuff is already down south, ready to move in." She shrugs. "I know we already went over all this, but I have a little time before I have to head to the airport and I wanted to say goodbye."

John stands up, the slow, natural smile she's gotten to know so well spreading over his face. She's going to miss his smile; it comes much more easily than it did a couple years ago, and she's glad of that. "You be safe, alright?" He says, and Monica laughs.

"Alright," she agrees, then tips her head. "I'm going to miss you, John, you know that?"

He looks down, then meets her eyes again. "Yeah," he says quietly. "I'll miss you, too."

There's a single moment where Monica feels as if she can't breathe. Six years they've known each other, five since the divorce, and two since she admitted to herself that she might love him. She hadn't meant to, at first; she only ever wanted to be his friend in a time when he needed someone to be there, no strings attached. At some point, though, something changed. She's far too aware, of herself and others, to think it's nothing. She knows what he means to her.

The clock on the wall is ticking, counting down minutes, seconds they have left. She's leaving to start over, to be nearer to family, but leaving is hard. Lingering is hard. Moments, the present, is easy, but it's the hesitation that can be the breaking point. Monica glances down at her watch, tries to act like she's not practically vibrating with affection — but then, she's never been very good at acting, or at lying. Especially to John.

"You alright?" He asks, with a tiny touch against the outside of her wrist.

Monica laughs. "I should probably go soon," she says, which doesn't answer his question but is still completely true. She steps forward and hugs him, relaxes into his hands coming to rest on her back. Hugs, she's found, are a good way to hide your face if you don't want someone to see what's written on it.

"Good luck." John offers another smile, lopsided and a bit wry.

Hesitation is too easy to get lost in. Monica doesn't; instead she's lost in sudden impulse, almost like a cliche — her 'Lita would be appalled at a grandchild falling for a blue-eyed white American. There's no strings attached, just this once. She loves John. She's leaving. She kisses him.

It's brief, barely more than a brush of lips, and Monica quickly steps back away. She only meets John's gaze for a split second after she kisses him — possibly the most impulsive thing she's ever done, which is quite honestly saying a lot — but when she does, it feels like they're both stunned. She can feel his eyes on her when she turns to leave.

"Stay in touch, okay?" He calls haltingly after her, and Monica stops, still feeling a little breathless.

She wasn't going to look back. She thinks if she does, it might be too hard to leave; to not want to do something impulsive again. But now, she does. She looks over her shoulder and smiles, still a little caught up in the sensation of kissing him. "I will."