#if i hold a candle to my face and sniff i can smell it but if i light it and sit near it i can't

[zipquips]

i think i'm losing some of my sense? but i'm actually not sure because i don't have any clear memories that i could use as a benchmark

anyway ig the blood moon was supposed to be red? which makes sense bc the name but when i went out and saw it at peak it was brown. like the moon just looked dark. no red

it was red on my phone but i thought that was a camera vs my eyes thing, not an there's something wrong with my eyes thing?

[zroronoas]

roommate!ace

bc i love ace and kept imagining what he'd be like as a roommate!

-

-ace loves candles, will always have one lit up and he'll even bring his favorite one everywhere he goes. if he's going from his bedroom to the living room, he will have that candle with him. super considerate though, he'll always have you come candle shopping with him and sniff each one to make sure you like the smell.

a disgusted expression is plastered onto your face as ace holds up the candle to your nose. once he sees your reaction to it, he immediately puts it back on the shelf.

"you don't like it?"

"ace, it smells like feet."

-ace absolutely loves building forts out of the pillows and couch cushions. he takes extra time and effort to make sure it's the most structured pillow fort that has ever been built. usually, he likes to sit in there while you two have movie nights and since he's using up all the couch cushions, you have no choice but to sit in there with him. you have to admit that it was cute, he would set up the inside with the softest blankets and all of the snacks you two loved.

"what are we watching today, ace?"

"wicked."

"again?"

-he's convinced that the apartment has ghosts and will literally force you to ghost hunt with him. you're terrified but it's an excuse to walk around the house in the dark while he holds your hand so you consider it a win.

"dude. did you hear that?"

you press yourself even closer into his side, frantically whipping your head side to side to find the source of the noise. you feel him tighten his grip on your hand, his way of comforting you.

"do we really have to do this? can't we just ignore them?"

"the noise came from your room, good luck sleeping in there tonight!"

"don't say that ace, i will literally move out."

"or you can just sleep in my bed tonight."

-he loves grocery shopping and doing all of the household chores with you. despite him having a messy room, he always makes sure that your shared spaces are clean. if he knows you've been busy, he'll even do your laundry for you. you appreciate the gesture but have had to ban him from touching your laundry because he always makes dirty jokes whenever he sees your underwear.

"oh, these are some scandalous panties you've got here!"

-loves to comes into your room and just plop down on your bed without saying anything. you grow accustomed to it, so usually you just continue what you're doing without sparing him a glance. after a while, he starts to snore and you have to deal with dragging him out of your bed so you can lay down.

-you and ace love to cook, especially if you're doing it together. he loves finding recipes on tiktok and is always sending them to you. neither of you enjoy cleaning up though, so it's always a fight. figuring out who's going to clean up the mess consists of bets and countless games of rock paper scissors. but ace always ends up cleaning up because he's a sweetheart and hates making you do literally anything.

-despite ace's antics and the occasional urge to kick his ass, living with him felt like marriage. you would never admit that to him, in fear of making it awkward between the two of you. you couldn't imagine constantly having to avoid each other during the duration of your two year lease.

-but it was so difficult. regardless of his intentions, ace was extremely flirty and touchy. the man was constantly teasing you and would attempt to cuddle you on the couch every single night.

"why won't you ever let me cuddle with you?" he whines. even though your foot was brought up against his chest, pushing with all your power, the man wouldn't let up. you didn't even know why you even bothered to try and stop him.

"roommates don't cuddle," you state. "and you stink."

"then let's stop being just roommates."

the sentence makes you freeze and you forget about trying to keep him away from you. your foot slowly falls back onto the couch as you stare at him, wide-eyed.

a boyish grin appears on the mans face and he takes the chance to wrap his arms around you. you have no idea what to do, but you do know that you don't have the energy to push him away. you were sure that he could feel the beating of your heart and the warmth that was spreading throughout your face.

"we can be roommates and best friends!" he grins. "that means we can cuddle now, right?"

your fist collides with his arm before you push him off and run as fast as you can to your room. ace winces as he watches you make your way to your room, the smile on his face growing even wider.

he thinks you're the most adorable person on the planet, and couldn't wait for the day he could call you his partner and his roommate.

[partycatty]

a depressed and drunk johnny cage in his trailer on his birthday and we decide to surprise him. Us being a good bestfriend bake him a cute little cake with happy birthday spelt out in frosting and get permission to go deliver it to him.

what’s he supposed to do when he’s drunk and a cute little thing like us does something so sweet? sure it’s his birthday, but he thinks you deserve a gift and he ends up fucking you in his trailer.

love ya 💙💙💙

ARF ARF BARK BARK GRRR WOOF

johnny cage > happy bithday

you surprise your best friend on his birthday. he returns the favor.

warnings: smut ofc, he's drunk (i knowwww he's a canon recovering alcoholic BEAR WITH MEEE) SUB JOHNNY NATION RISE UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i kinda made him beg like a dog icl so hes kinda ooc oops

notes: INTENTIONAL MISSPELT TITLE!!! and this fic kicked my ASS. it took me like a week to get the courage to finish this holy fucking shit.

word count: 2.8k

[ masterlist ]

• you and johnny went far back. you had ties in the filming industry though you weren't on screen yourself. this drew you two together, even before you careers blossomed.

• you worked next door to his production, and you recall johnny expressing to you his annoyance for having to work on his birthday. he sounded... more miserable than usual, and it left a weird pit in your stomach.

• during your break, you ran into a nearby supermarket and purchased all the equipment you'd need: cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, and two numerical candles that spelled out 30. it took blood sweat in tears for you to bake this cake in record time, and decorating may have not been your strong suit but the purple frosting and gold lettering turned out... decent. hey, it's edible nonetheless!

• tip-toeing your way to his trailer, you were sure he had to be inside. you even double checked with his staff, and he was on an extended break while filming. standing at the door, you knock a couple times, and a stuffy, groaning voice responds.

• "m'busy," you know it's johnny's voice but it sounded far sadder than anticipated. hopefully the cake would cheer him up?

• you reply with his name through the crack in the door, and there's some shuffling before the door swings open. you don't even have time to wait or process the situation before johnny tugs you into his trailer by your arm. your face darkens slightly when you notice his flushed face and parted lips. his hair was messy, and the smell of alcohol poured from his mouth. the top few buttons of his dress shirt were undone, giving you a peek of his bare chest. any other situation, you'd be head over heels, but his appearance concerned you.

• "are you drunk?" you ask with a hint of bewilderment, and johnny can only wipe his eyes and nod weakly, giving you a lopsided grin that unfortunately makes you feel weak in the knees. you swore to god to never act on this little crush, since he was a celebrity and all, and you knew better than to put your genuinely good friendship at risk.

• "you made me a cake?" johnny's gentle, almost tearful voice tore away any anger that began to bubble up and replaced it with warmth. you nod and hold it out to him, and the faint candlelight flickers against his skin beautifully. he was so soft when he was drunk at times, and only you got to see this warmer side compared to his typical cocky ways.

• "it's... not my best work," you shrug sheepishly, looking down at the cake. when you look back up, you notice johnny's lashes are wet as they flutter, looking down at the cake with you. he sniffs, and wipes his eyes quickly.

• "you spelled it wrong." his smile doesn't falter but the tears threaten to spill.

• "what?"

• "doll... look," johnny's finger trails the iced words. "you forgot the R."

• oh, shit. you did. the cake reads HAPPY BITHDAY JOHNNY in the most confident gold lettering. the time crunch must've made your proofreading not too accurate. you blush and try to move the cake away from view, sliding it onto his vanity.

• as you were about to sputter useless apologies and try to move on, johnny takes a step closer and fully embraces your body in his large arms, his form completely overtaking yours and trapping you in his grasp. johnny's head buries itself in the crook of your neck as he squeezes tight, nearly knocking the wind out of you.

• on instinct, your arms try to wrap around his body, gripping his shirt tightly. johnny mutters something incoherent, his drunken ramblings a key trait of his state.

• "you're so sweet to me," he mumbles tearfully, peppering kisses along your neck. sure, he was affectionate typically, but he was kissing your neck. he was drunk, but... your heart fluttered.

• "hey, hey..." you rub his back soothingly, hoping maybe you could stop him from attacking your neck in hopes it'll cool your rising heat. "because you're my best friend."

• he whines into your neck, presumably in appreciation of your words. your neck begins to have a faint smell of alcohol.

• "such a sweet girl..." he doesn't stop. his hands wander to your lower back, pulling you in harder. this worries you, deeply.

• "johnny," your voice is warning as they find their place on his broad shoulders. "easy, easy, you're drunk."

• "whassat matter," he bites down into your flesh, making you yelp in shock. "mean so much to me."

• when his hands find their way to your ass, kneading at the flesh, you shove him away with furrowed brows. "you don't want this," you warn him, fighting every single urge to not pounce on him in that moment. "this is... really, really stupid, i mean, it's just a birthday-"

• johnny shuts you up quickly with a kiss, slamming his face against yours so hard you feel the clack of his teeth. his face cups yours, borderline squeezing your cheeks as his lips dance with yours. when he finally pulls away, a string of saliva connects your lips and it sends you weak in the knees.

• "doll," he huffs, wiping his mouth. "birthday or not, i've wanted you for so long." he's breathless and nearly incoherent, like this was his only shot at what he truly wanted. johnny was infamous for admitting shit when drunk, so you knew that this was true for the most part. this was only reinforced when he suddenly dropped to his knees, level with your stomach as he placed fluttering kisses along the front of your shirt.

• "please, i..." he pressed his face into the fabric, fists bunching up around the back. "i'll make you feel real good, if you let me..." his hand snakes under your shirt, rubbing circles in the flesh of your waist as he looks up with pleading eyes. your hand moves downward, raking gently through his hair.

• "you really want this?" you ask gently, toying with his hair. "no going back."

• his lips brush against your stomach as he teeters between kissing the skin and speaking against it. "i want you so bad, doll."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

• all it took was your permission, and johnny was on you in seconds. he backed you into his vanity, sending various items clattering to the ground. he fit so snug between your thighs, settling there to make out with you. perhaps he didn't even notice, but he was gently rutting into you as your lips connected, expelling desperate whimpers down your throat that only fueled your long-time desire. his cock could just barely make out the dip between your folds, but he pressed a little harder and made you gasp when your clit received unexpected attention.

• johnny pulls you in by the waistband of your pants, pressing your bodies impossibly closer as he panted in your ear. "let me taste you," he begged in a low whisper as he hooked his thumbs under the fabric. "i'll be good, i'll be so good."

• jesus, it seemed he wanted to eat you out more than you wanted to be eaten out. you'd never seen this flavor of eagerness in a man and it admittedly took you some strength to not giggle at how johnny fucking cage of all people became a lost, drunken puppy between your legs.

• "go on, pretty boy," you pant as your lips brush. the smell of alcohol brings you back to reality for only a moment.

• johnny decided that words took too much effort and instead dropped to his knees before you, shoulders holding up the weight of your plush thighs as he parted them hungrily to not waste a second more.

• the poor man forgets to even remove your pants before he's pressing his nose onto your heat, eyelashes fluttering as his heart swells with adoration. your scent, your heaving chest, your pretty thighs weighing his shoulders down, it was all too much. his pants feel a size too tight as his boner strains against his slacks.

• you get his brain going by jumping your hips up to get your pants past your ass, letting him pull them down the rest of the way. he throws them far, far away and latches himself again onto your pussy, now only divided by the fabric.

• "you were so eager before," you groan, thrusting forward slightly to put more pressure. "take them off."

• "no," he mutters against your panties, the vibrations making you jolt. "want this to last." his tongue flattens, drawing a long stripe up the fabric. when your panties stick to your pussy, it makes out the shape and he groans at the tease.

• "hold on," he places your thighs back down, trying to calm his breathing and flushed face. "i... i need this first. please." he unbuckles himself and pulls his slacks down to his thighs, giving you a view of his rock solid boner. it honestly looked painful, and you felt pity even if he looked adorable like this. his eyes were downward, fidgeting with his loose belt in shame. he chuckles breathily. "it's so hard, it hurts."

• "that's..." you struggle to find words when your mouth goes dry staring at his thick imprint. "that's alright." your voice was flat, trying to hide your desperation at his need to ask for permission. he didn't need to ask.

• johnny swallows thickly and lets his pants drop, followed by his boxers. his cock was blushed and seeping with precum, twitching once when he looked back up at you. he lets out a small moan, getting far ahead of himself as he positions his hips against yours. he gasps when the contact is made, stuttering his hips ever so slightly. johnny's hands find your thighs again, squeezing down hard to ground himself to not cum immediately. sober and platonic interactions were already far too much for his raging desire for you, so actually getting what he craved was beyond overstimulating.

• you were sick of waiting, so you snake your arms to rest atop his shoulders, hands raking through his undercut. you grip down slightly and he bites his lower lip in response, eyebrows knitting together as his wet eyes burn through yours. you glide your cunt along his throbbing dick and he jolts forward, resting his damp forehead against your shoulder.

• johnny understands you're just as eager as him and begins to thrust into your damp panties, but quickly decides it won't give him what he needs, so he hooks them with his thumb and stretches them aside. his tongue darts out to wet his lips, his eyes are glossed over and all he can fixate on is your pleasure.

• his tip notches between your folds and settles nicely, earning a hiss from the both of you from the warmth. johnny bucks forward eagerly, sliding himself up and down seamlessly due to how soaked you were. your folds hug his cock in just the right way, and you feel yourself already feeling heavenly every time your sensitive clit bumps against his tip.

• "fuck, doll," he hisses into the skin of your neck, placing open mouth kisses. "i want to last, you're - ngh - making it so hard... so hard..." he trails off, groaning when you slip and make his tip kiss the entrance of your cunt, making his knees buckle. "'m gonna cum just from this... god, you're so beautiful, beautiful girl-" his praises become increasingly more high pitched and you can tell by the way he begins to stutter his hips that he's close, unable to last long and it's driving him wild.

• johnny wasn't ever this needy, ever this pathetic. you reduced the cocky a-lister to a near-sobbing mess as he slips across your cunt, finding a momentum difficult from how slippery the entire scene has become. his cock is soaked, dripping down his leg due to your arousal.

• just as your orgasm builds up, as does his, johnny pulls away and lowers himself, gripping the flesh of your ass to pull your hips to his mouth. now thoroughly soaked and clenching around nothing, your cunt is desperate for a release that johnny happily provides, latching onto your clit, and shoving two fingers deep in your hole. he flattens his tongue, shaking his head slightly and flicking your clit relentlessly.

• your orgasm rides up on you rapidly, overwhelmed by the direct pleasure and how filled you were from two of his long fingers alone. wanting to lurch forward as your body trembles, johnny uses his other hand to sit flatly on your stomach, pushing you up against the mirror of the vanity and forcing you to take his lapping and fingering.

• johnny couldn't stand to have your pleasure soak his cock, shockingly. he needed, needed to taste the mess you were making for him or he just might die. you shake, trying to writhe and twitch as your orgasm fights you in waves. loud moans are pulled from your throat with each pulse of pleasure. your arousal soaks johnny's face, effectively soaking his nose and chin as he devours all you have to offer. he matched your moans with high-pitched whimpers, brows knitting together as his eyes clench shut. he was in heaven just as much as you were.

• he continues to lap at you until you force him away by his hair, his mouth becoming borderline painful as he eats you out through your orgasm. you giggle, as it slightly tickles. johnny looks... well, still drunk, but now a new kind. pussydrunk? lovedrunk? either way, the glossy look on his face suits him.

• as your chest heaves, attempting to recollect yourself, everything about the situation comes back to reality. you just grinded against your best friend. your best friend made you cum from his mouth.

• "what's that look?" johnny asks, wiping his mouth with his forearm. his eyes are glittering with delight.

• "nothing," you shrug, his grin contagious. "you did good, johnny."

• "yeah?" he seems proud of himself, glancing downward for a moment. he squeezes your thighs lovingly, placing a gentle kiss on them before finally standing up.

• "yeah." just as you respond, you look down to his cock, wondering if maybe he'd need some help getting there, too. it seemed only fair, that is, until you notice it's semi-hard and soaked. you sit up and lean forward, looking past your legs and onto his trailer floor. cum is splattered onto the flooring, some of it dripping down his thigh. "you came from giving head?"

• "how could i not have?" johnny's sheepish at your observation, but owns up to it quickly as he tucks it back into his slacks. "you're incredible." his face is tinted pink.

• "you're too sweet," you giggle, and johnny helps you down from the vanity as your legs wobble. giving up on finding wherever the hell your pants went, johnny leaves for a moment and returns with a pair of pajama pants, presumably a pair he kept in the trailer for his princess naps.

• "look who's talking... hey, speaking of sweet," johnny laughs, rubbing his hands together. "you and me wash up, and we have some cake, yeah?"

• "i like that plan," as you jump into the pants. johnny visibly tenses up seeing your breasts bounce from the jump, and he can't ignore the way your thighs and ass jiggle. "where did i put it, anyway?"

• you both look around the trailer for a moment, the memory of placing the cake down hazy among the rest of the event. you let out a small gasp, realizing that the cake was on the vanity, the one you got fucked out on... or rather, it was. the cake was splattered on the floor, frosting spread out and depressingly smeared anywhere it could reach. you frown, and johnny hovers behind you as you both look over the mess.

• "that sucks," johnny sighs, but his voice sounds uplifting. "that's alright, i ate something better."

• "don't be gross," you giggle, swatting at his form behind you. "that was perfectly good cake."

• "we can make another," johnny offers. "together. and i'll make sure you spell it right this time." his arms wrap around your middle, pulling you in close and breathing in the scent of your hair. the sweat, perfume and natural smell you carried always drove him wild, but he was now comfortable enough to bury himself in it. you lean into his touch, sighing as the heat from your bodies provides the perfect comfort.

• "happy birthday, johnny," you mumble softly, rocking back and forth in his arms. johnny responds into your hair, his voice breathy and warm.

• "thank you, doll."

[gremlin-girly]

Flufftober Day 3: Favourite Scent

Title: Candle Shopping

Pairing: Dean Winchester X gn!Reader

Tags: Fluff, Flufftober 2024, Dean Winchester x reader, established relationship, candle sniffing in the supermarket is always a fun past time

Part of the Flufftober 2024 challenge that can be found here @flufftober

Warnings:  Dean being a little misogynistic (calling candles “girly”) but we love him all the same

Word Count: 1k

Summary: To get rid of that musky, bloody, dead-monster stink out of the bunker, you convince your boyfriend to come candle shopping with you.

A/N: I'm an absolute tart for candles - I love me a candle with a crackling wick. This was a dometic-y one; I was really struggling to figure out where to go with this one so I hope you can enjoy it regardless x

As always I do not give permission for my work to be reposted, translated or copied

I hope you enjoy! likes, commentsand reblogs are always appreciated 💜 Dividers by: @/saradika-graphics

Prev | Next | Masterlist

“Dean, please,” you plead, following your boyfriend from his man-cave to the kitchen. “it smells. Just come with me so you at least have the opportunity to choose.”

“No,” Dean replies sulkily. He’s still in his bathrobe and his hair’s a mess but somehow, he still makes it look sexy. “I don’t want any of your girly candles ruining my bat cave.” He says gruffly, making himself a coffee.

You crinkle your nose, remembering the smell of Dean’s so-called Bat Cave. “Only you call it the Bat Cave,” you huff. “And it’s starting to smell stuffy.”

He flashes you a lopsided grin and toasts his mug to you. “Smells like man.”

You roll your eyes and bite back a smile. “No – it stinks. Come with me to pick a candle.” You cosy up to him, giving your best puppy dog eyes and pout knowing it would make him melt. In your best sing-song sweet voice you add, “I’ll even let you choo-hoo-se.”

Dean tries not to look at you but it’s pointless; his heart melts at the sight and he can’t say no to you. He sighs, tilting his head back dramatically.

“Fine.” He grumbles.  “But no flowery stuff.”

You lean up on tip toes and peck a kiss to his lips, making him smile. “Thank you! I’ll go get ready.”

Dean only huffs in response watching you skip out of the kitchen triumphantly. He took a swig of coffee, secretly looking forward to your little shopping date.

Standing in the Home aisle, your eyes rake the shelves of candles before you with excitement. The excitement clearly wasn’t as contagious as you’d hoped; Dean stood arms folded, looking down the aisle away from you. You frowned at him.

“Spoilsport,” you mutter at him, picking up the first candle and giving it a whiff. Your, for lack of a better word, nosebuds are attacked with the overwhelming scent of commercial pumpkin spice. The terribly artificial scent making your nose crinkle as you put it back to the shelf.

“Can’t you just pick one?” Dean huffs. “Then we can leave and grab some food on the way back to the bunker. You know that diner we passed looked pretty go-“

“No way,” you interupt. “There’s an art to this.”

Dean rolls his eyes as you pick up another candle and bring it to your nose. This time, you smell floral scents that you’re sure would give anyone hay-fever from the smell alone. You huff, frowning thoughtfully at the shelves.

Your eyes scan each shelf meticulously, making mental notes of the scents and skimming over scents you just know your boyfriend will despise. Then you see it. Tucked away behind another candle jar, sat a Cherry Pie scented candle.

You almost dove headfirst into the shelf to grab it. You take a small sniff and and slam the lid shut again, turning to Dean with a wide smile, clutching the jar tightly like the gremlin you are. You hold the candle to him and he pulls a face at you.

“Really?” He scoffs. “Cherry Pie? Heh, yeah sure.”

“Trust me,” you say, watching Dean lower his face to the jar’s opening as you peel back the lid.

You watch with a satisfied smirk as the gentle notes of almond and vanilla caress his nose buds like it had yours, the perfect balance of cherry scent melding between them. Dean sighs almost wistfully, unable to stop himself from gazing at the candle in awe. It would be PERFECT for the Bat Cave. Smelling like pie? His favourite pie?

When he meets your smug little face over the rim of the jar, he frowns.

“You like it?” you tease.

“Shut up,” he grumbles, re-fitting the lid but not handing the candle back to you. “Can we go?”

“You want the Bat Cave to smell like cherry pie?” you grin, feeling smug.

A smile twitches at Dean’s lips. “Maybe. But you just called it the Bat Cave.”

You roll your eyes playfully. "Whatever. Is that the one you're choosing?"

Dean's face flushes slightly. He's excited to light the candle (and eat food) but he can tell by the look on your face that you're teasing him. "Why?" He asks cautiously, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“Well, it’s just...” You pretend to look coyly behind you the the wall of candles. “They have an apple pie one too.”

“WHERE?!” Dean says much too quickly, excitement getting the better of him. You giggle watching his eyes go wide with childish glee as he scans the shelves, and you point at a jar that looks almost bioluminescent.

Dean shuffles the first candle in his grasp and reaches for the new candle. You watch him awkwardly open the lid and take a long, deep sniff. He hacks and turns away to cough; the strong, artifical scent of green apple and cinnamon making your own nose wrinkle.

When Dean turns back to you, he's beaming, and looking very adorable with his signature excitable smirk.

"You want to light your candles now, don't you?" You try to suppress the smile that's pulling at your own lips but Dean’s excitement is contagious.

"Yeah." He says sheepishly, carrying his pie scented candles close to his chest. "Come on. I'm hungry too, and that restaurant had some good burgers."

"Alright, alright." You shuffle along behind him to ring up the candles, chuckling softly to yourself.

Later that evening, after eating a better than average burger and fries, you and Dean are curled up on one of the chairs in the man cave watching a movie. The scent of the new apple pie candle wafted around you as Dean’s fingers traced languid patterns over your shirt. He'd insisted that the cherry pie one belonged in his bedroom; that falling asleep to cherry pie dreams was the only way to fall asleep.

"Today was fun," He rumbles softly, kissing the top of your head. "I'm glad you convinced me to go candle shopping."

You huff gently, smiling. "You're just happy to have found out pie scented candles exist."

"Happy to have found they exist with you," he quips, smugness emanating from him. You roll your eyes and shift in his lap to press a kiss to his lips.

"Shut up."

[tpwkwriter]

Can we get y/n as a total book worm and Harry just finding it so adorable and loving that about her and teasing her and recreating cute scenes from romance books with her

Head in a book

I wish I could say I was a bookworm but in fact the only things I read are on tumblr🥲

Warnings: slight cursing, mentions of book tok😭fluffy as!!☁️

Pairing: Harry x quiet!y/n

——————————————————————————

Y/n appreciated a quiet life, the small moments were a huge thing to her, the smell of freshly baked bread, picking flowers, watching the stars n all.

So when her boyfriend is the most biggest popstar, surrounded by loud music, screaming fans, and flashy cameras, everyone thought the couple wouldn’t work out, oh how they were so wrong.

After loud music, flashy lights, the screams and chants of millions of fans, Harry learnt that quiet and peaceful moments were better shared with y/n, he didn’t just love her, he adored her and everything she did.

She was the quiet rain in the darkest of nights.

It was a common occasion that Harry would come home to y/n absolutely nose deep in a book on the sofa, he loved watching the way she would get totally immersed in the story and endorsed on the character’s behaviour and thinking process.

Well tonight was no different, the time neared 6:45pm and Harry was out of the studio relatively early, he walked into there shared home, before he could look around he could sense something wasn’t right, the lights were all off, normally y/n would have various candle scents lingering in the atmosphere and the sound of her playlist would be faintly heard in the background.

He toed off his shoes and released his belongings by the door (making a mental note to clean it up later)

And walked through to there shared living room, y/n was bundled on the sofa with a grey faux blanket covering her, her hoodies hood was covering her hair and her eyes looked red and defeated.

Alarm bells are immediately going off in Harry’s mind, and he’s quick to act.

“Hey you, what’s happening?” He asked gently asked, swiftly sitting down next to her, leaning back and gently tapping her arm enough to signal ‘come here’

“Harry? Didn’t even hear you come home” she said voice a little wobbly, she joined his side, lounging her legs across his lap and resting her head on his chest.

“S’okay, what happened my love?” He asked softly into her hair, allowing his hand to slowly trace gentle circles on her back.

“Well” she started

“You know the book i was close to finishing?” She sniffs.

Harry begins to slightly relax at the fact it may not be as serious as he anticipated.

“I do m’love” he smiled

“Well because, it wasn’t a good ending at all” she begins to tear up again and snuggle her head further into his chest.

He mainly chuckles out of relief that it wasn’t anything ‘real’ and ‘serious’ he continues to hold her and press kisses to her hairline.

“I’m sorry to hear that m’love, wanna speak about it?” He’d gently ask.

As she begins to tell him the tragedy of the protagonists death and the failing love story between characters, even if truthfully Harry had no idea, he loved listening and taking in what she had to say.

“It sounds like such a beautiful story though my love” he said, trying to amp the spirits up.

“Mhmm” shes hum against him, the rest of the night was filled with cuddles and a lazy dinner together.

——

It was a few weeks later and now y/n had got on to some new books, she was never without one.

One evening when y/n was sitting up reading in bed, and Harry was in there shared en suite getting ready for bed, y/n had an idea, that would send not only her but many girls around the world into a frenzy.

Before he finished up she sent up her phone discreetly on her beside table and began to work her magic.

“Harry!” She called

Lucky for her, timing was great, he emerged from the bathroom and was about to head out to the bed.

“Stay right there mister” she smirked

A confused smile crossed his face, at her instructions but he did as she said.

“Babe-?” He chuckled lowly.

“I’ve just been reading here” she said holding up her book

“And it says here: “with arms holding him up he leant against the doorframe admiring the girl in-front of him” “ she recites from the paper.

Rolling his eyes already knowing what she was gonna request.

“So if you could please, show me your best doorframe lean, I’d be very happy” she smiled as she put the book in her lap and leaned back against the headboard.

His famous smirk flashes at the girl

“Y’want me, to lean against the doorframe?” He chuckles.

“Basically, but like- in a really romantic and heroic way, y’know” she giggles.

Y/n can practically see Harry think of how he’s gonna do this.

“M’kay, I need you to c’mere then” he calmly requests.

“Harry, just do it!!” She blushes, she’s also thinking of how thankful she is for the 5 minute feature on TikTok!

“Will, just come here” he laughs, he walks over and takes both of her hands and guides her to the place he wants which is right by the doorframe but far enough.

When satisfied with were the both at, harrys left arm lifts up and due to his height sits just above the top door frame, already y/n found her self flustered, and with his right hand he held her face and pulled her in for a sweet kiss on her lips, while still holding the “doorframe leaning position”

She pulls away flustered and blushed up,

“You did not just do that” she laughs as she stares at him.

“No Harry, I know the fuck you did not do that” she states, her eyes still wide and her mouth curling up into a big smile.

The smirk of satisfaction crawled up on his face as he managed to to fluster up his girl, despite nearly 5 years of being together.

Remembering the iPhone camera pointing in there direction, she quickly turned on her heels to stop it, at the realisation of she’s been filming them hits Harry and it’s now his time to go red.

“You cheeky thing” he says going up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, he kept his chin on her shoulder as they watched the video they just made together, sharing laughs and smiles.

“Fuck sake” he smiles, pressing a kiss to her temple and getting into his side of the bed.

She presses post and couldn’t wait to see what everyone had to say tomorrow, she joined in the bed next to him.

“Safe to say girls are gonna be having a field day with that one” she laughs.

“Where did you learn that stunt from anyway?” She giggled leaning in to his side.

“Well baby” he started.

“When your girlfriend is obsessed with books and romance novels you do learn a few tricks along the way, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t read a few of your stuff” he nonchalantly pointed out.

Her eyes light up again.

“Really? You have?” She excitedly asked

“Mmmhmm, I got say y’got good taste” he shrugs.

“If you want recommendations just say”

——————————————————————————

[venactricisfics]

Bucking Tradition: A Yellowstone Fanfic

Chapter Thirty-Two

I stretched out beside Ryan as the sun started to peer through the window. He shifted a little in his sleep as I slid out of bed. The fire had died out so I shivered a little as I pulled his shirt around me. I smiled as I wrapped myself in the warmth of him that still lingered in the fabric. 

I walked into the bathroom to take care of my needs, then brushed my teeth. He was still sleeping peacefully when I made it back to the room. I started to rummage through the cabinets pulling out a box of pancake mix and started coffee. 

I opened the old refrigerator, checking the date on the milk, it was still good. I gave it a sniff to make sure. I grabbed an old cast iron skillet and dropped some butter into it to heat while I mixed the batter. 

This cooking stuff isn’t so hard, I thought. 

The smell of sizzling butter filled the air as I poured the pancake batter into the skillet, the edges of each one starting to bubble just right. I flipped one carefully, watching as it browned to a perfect golden hue. I couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. Cooking had always seemed like a chore, but here in this moment, it felt oddly satisfying.

I turned the heat down as I kept an eye on the pancakes, glancing over at Ryan. He was still asleep, the light filtering through the window casting soft shadows across his face. I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me, not just from the heat of the kitchen, but from the quiet peace we had here together.

I moved quietly, making sure not to disturb his rest as I finished flipping the last pancake. The soft scent of coffee now mingled with the pancakes, and I set everything out on the counter. I glanced at the clock—it wasn't too late, but I knew Ryan would be waking soon, hungry and ready for the day.

As I poured a cup of coffee for myself, I could feel the anticipation building. We’d spent the night together, but mornings like this always felt a little more intimate. It was the quiet moments that held the most weight.

When I finally turned back toward the bed, I noticed Ryan had shifted again, his eyes flickering open. He stretched, a soft groan escaping his lips, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him, tousled hair and all.

“Morning, cowboy,” I said, my voice soft but full of warmth. “Breakfast is ready.”

Ryan blinked a few times, taking in the scene—me in his shirt, the pancakes on the table, and the aroma filling the cabin. His lips curved into a lazy smile. “You’re full of surprises.”

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s just pancakes and coffee, nothing too wild.”

He chuckled, rubbing his eyes. “I think you’ve managed to surprise me in every way possible.” His voice was rough from sleep, but the affection in it made my heart flutter.

I carried the plate over to him, the warmth of the food and the moment grounding me. “Well, I’m glad I could surprise you,” I said softly, watching him take the first bite. "I just figured I'd give this whole domestic thing a try."

Ryan looked up from his food, his eyes locking with mine, a playful glint in them. “If this is your idea of domestic, I think I can get used to it.”

“Well there were directions on the box,” I told him, “so I figured I couldn’t fuck it up too badly.” 

Ryan shook his head with a chuckle, “You didn’t fuck it up at all, baby.”

“Glad I have your stamp of approval,” I took a bite, surprising even to me, it was good. Didn’t hold a candle to Gator’s but it was edible. “What time do we have to head back?” 

Ryan glanced at his phone for the time, “Shit,” he exclaimed, “now.”

“Well,” I chuckled, “I guess no morning sex for me.” 

“We can have afternoon sex,” he kissed my neck, “after I get done what I need to. Then after supper sex,” his lips trailed over my ear. 

“That’s my whole day sorted,” I smiled as his lips tickled my neck. 

Ryan chuckled against my skin, the vibration sending a shiver down my spine. “Well, I’m glad to know I’ve got your day planned out.” His hands slid around me, pulling me closer, and for a moment, I let myself lean into the warmth of him, enjoying the feeling of being tangled in his arms.

But the reality of the clock caught up with us. I reluctantly pulled away, looking over at the pancakes still sitting on the counter. “Guess I’ll just have to savor this breakfast before it turns into a rushed lunch,” I teased, standing up and pulling the shirt down a little.

Ryan sat up, stretching like a cat in the sun. “Let me grab a shower real quick, and I’ll be ready to go. We’ll make it work, baby.” He gave me a wink, and I smiled, watching as he moved toward the bathroom.

I finished my coffee, feeling that buzz of energy take over me as I gathered up the dishes. The sun had risen higher, casting the cabin in a soft golden light, but the day was calling us back to reality.

Still, I couldn’t help but smile. Even if it was a quick morning, it felt like we were in our own little world, even if just for a little while. I was already looking forward to when we’d have that afternoon—one that would be full of a different kind of intimacy.

The rain had finally stopped by the time we saddled up again, our horses’ hooves clicking against the wet ground as we headed back to reality. The rest of the world, as we knew it, was waiting for us. The hands were already busy in the yard, working with the two-year-olds as we made our way back to the barn.

I dismounted and led my horse by the reins, feeling a quiet sense of accomplishment. The cabin had been a brief escape, but now, it was time to get back to the routine.

Ryan’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Let me get the horses settled, baby. You go see to your spoiled-ass rodeo horse. I’m sure Denim missed you while you were gone.”

I shot him a playful glance over my shoulder, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “I’ll be sure to give him all the attention he deserves,” I teased, heading toward the barn where my loyal steed was waiting.

I walked to the back of the barn, “Morning boys,” I called over to Goose and Maverick as they chomped at the hey in their trough. I stopped suddenly when I reached Denim’s stall, he was already saddled. 

No one ever saddled him but me or Ryan. 

I stood frozen, Denim’s reins in my hand, my heart pounding in my chest as I stared at the sign hanging from the saddle horn. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could even stop them, blurring the edges of the words in front of me. The sign read: "Will you marry me?"

It was like the world had slowed down around me, the sound of the horses grazing in the background fading into nothing. The only thing that mattered, the only thing I could focus on, was that question hanging there, bold and clear, a promise I wasn’t expecting but had hoped for.

I swallowed hard, blinking away the tears, my hand shaking slightly as I reached for the sign. My chest felt tight, like there wasn’t enough room for the emotions swirling inside me. I had no words in that moment, just a rush of thoughts, of memories, of everything that had led me to this point.

I turned to look back at Ryan, standing in the doorway of the barn, his face lit with that easy, confident smile I knew so well. He was watching me, waiting.

“Well?” he asked, his voice gentle but laced with an excitement that mirrored my own.

I didn’t know what else to say except, “Yes.”

The hands that had been too busy to look up from their work before had gathered behind Ryan, hooting and hollering. 

“I fucking told you she’d say ‘Yes’,” Colby clapped a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Don’t know why 'cause  you still can’t rope for shit.”

Ryan brushed off Colby’s words, not responding with his usual comeback. He walked up to me as he fished a black box out of his jeans. 

“El–,” he started.

“I will change my mind real quick if you say my full name in front of everyone,” I chuckled through the tears on my face.

Ryan froze for a moment, his lips curling into a grin at my teasing. “Alright, alright, no full names.” He dropped to one knee in front of me, a move so effortless and natural it almost seemed like he’d planned it. The box in his hand flicked open to reveal a simple, yet stunning ring, catching the light from the barn.

“I know we’ve got a lot of history, a lot of things we’ve been through, but I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. So, how about it, baby? Will you marry me?”

The words tumbled out of his mouth with that familiar warmth, the same intensity that had kept me by his side all this time.

I glanced over at the hands behind us, their whooping and hollering still echoing in the background. Then I looked back at Ryan—at the man who had become a constant in my life, someone I couldn’t imagine not having by my side.

“I’m not going to change my mind, cowboy,” I said softly, bending down to meet his gaze. “Of course, I’ll marry you.”

His grin widened, and I watched the tension leave his shoulders as he slid the ring onto my finger. The sound of cheering and applause from the crew behind us didn’t even faze me. In that moment, all that mattered was him and me—and the life we were about to build together.

Rip’s voice sliced through the air like a knife, cutting through the celebration that had erupted around us. “What the fuck is going on around here?” His tone was sharp, demanding attention. “Don’t y’all have work to be doing?”

The hands froze, mid-laugh and mid-cheer, their expressions shifting from jubilant to sheepish in an instant. Rip didn’t even have to move; his glare alone sent them scattering, back to their tasks like cattle suddenly aware of their herder's presence. But it wasn’t just his authority that silenced them—it was the way he carried himself, the raw power behind his words.

Once the commotion died down, Rip took a deliberate step closer to us. His eyes flicked to Ryan for a brief moment, the corners of his lips twitching, as though trying to suppress a smirk. But when he looked at me, that smirk broke free.

“You sure you want to marry this asshole, Alex?” Rip’s voice was low, the challenge barely veiled beneath the humor in his tone. His gaze was teasing, but there was something more—something like approval, lurking behind those sharp eyes.

I didn’t hesitate. The feeling in my chest, the clarity that had been there from the start, was undeniable. I smiled, my heart pounding but steady, as I looked Rip in the eye.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” I said, the words solidifying my certainty in that moment. It wasn’t just about the proposal or the ring, but about everything Ryan and I had been through—and the future I saw with him.

Rip paused for a beat, as if weighing my words. Then, with a half-grin, he gave a quick nod of approval. "Well then, guess you’ve got the old bastard’s blessing."

I laughed, the sound light and genuine, before glancing at Ryan, who was watching with that familiar, crooked grin of his. The teasing between Rip and us only solidified it: this was real. This was my family, my future, and nothing could change that.

"Thank you," I said, my emotions swirling in a way I couldn't control. Lee was gone, and Kayce and Jamie had left the ranch. But there was still one brother who would never leave.

"Don’t fucking cry," Rip grumbled, his voice low.

"Shut up," I shot back, irritation thick in my voice. "Don’t be a dick."

"Can’t help it. It’s just who I am." He paused, then added, "And don’t hug me either."

I hugged him anyway.

—-----

I couldn’t stop smiling as I made my way back to the house. Beth was at the kitchen bar, sipping coffee and typing away on her laptop.

“You doing what you always do?” I asked, leaning against the counter.

“Trying to take over the world?” She glanced up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Yep.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I replied, sliding onto the stool next to hers and resting my left hand on the counter.

“Finally, he put a ring on it,” Beth muttered, not bothering to look up. “But no double weddings, Alex. That’s fucking stupid.”

“Fine, I’ll give you your own day and I’ll have mine,” I said. “Where’s Dad?”

“Office,” she replied.

I stood up to head down the hall. “Hey, you’ll make a good blushing bride. You haven’t had the blush fucked out of you yet.”

“I’ll take that as the compliment you meant it to be,” I shot back.

“Sure, you do that.” She waved me off without looking up.

I leaned against my father’s office door, watching him read through papers on his desk. “I hope I didn’t fuck up your whole system while you were… gone,” I said.

“Your organization could use some work, sweetheart,” Dad glanced up at me, “but you managed everything just fine. Between this and Travis’ horses, we might finally see some green after all these years.”

“Glad I could help.” I pushed myself off the doorframe and walked in, settling into the chair across from him. “How’s your cattle protester?”

“Her name’s Summer,” he replied. “And I wish you girls wouldn’t give her such a hard time.”

“As long as she doesn’t start calling you ‘Daddy,’ I’m good,” I shot back. “You need someone who can make you happy.”

He looked at me curiously, letting my words sink in. “Sometimes I wish you girls weren’t so comfortable with telling me shit like that.”

“We haven’t been ‘girls’ in a long time,” I responded dryly. “I’m just glad she’s not a stripper named Candy.”

He shot me a look.

“She’s not a stripper, right?” I raised an eyebrow.

“No, she’s not a stripper,” he said, with a hint of uncertainty. “At least, I don’t think so.”

“You gonna see her again?” I asked.

“I didn’t exactly plan my social calendar around her,” he replied. “Did you come in here to talk about my dating life, or did you have something else on your mind?”

“Ryan asked me to marry him,” I said, my voice steady. “And I said yes.”

“It’s about damn time.” He looked up at me, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “He make you happy, sweetheart?”

“Every day,” I answered, the warmth in my voice undeniable.

“That’s all I want for you, your sister, and your brothers,” he said.

“We will be,” I replied, with quiet certainty.

“Until you decide where you want to build your life with him,” Dad said, “You two can stay in Lee’s cabin.”

No one had been in Lee’s cabin since he died. Dad tried moving in there for a while to give Kayce space in the main house, but it didn’t last very long. Too many memories there.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “We can just stay here until we’ve figured everything out.”

“I’m sure, sweetheart,” he looked at me, “Lee would want you there.” 

I nodded. 

I called Kayce, and when he picked up, it was clear he already knew. Maybe it was the twin connection, or maybe Ryan had already talked to him. Either way, he was one step ahead.

I tried calling Jamie next. Straight to voicemail. I called again, but it was the same—voicemail. Frustration bubbled up, but I kept my cool and sent him a text:

I need to talk to you. Call me when you can.

It felt like one more unanswered thing in a day already full of them. But I needed to hear his voice. Needed him to know what was happening.

—----

It was getting late, and still no return call from Jamie. I’d eventually have to track him down, but that was a chore for another day. For now, I wanted to spend the evening with my cowboy.

So, I headed to the bunkhouse.

“When you and my boy get married, you gonna let him come over and lose at cards?” Colby chuckled, leaning back in his chair.

“When we get married, I might just teach him how to beat you boys at cards,” I replied, grabbing a beer from the fridge and tossing it to him and Ryan.

“I don’t lose,” Ryan said, glancing between us with a grin. “I just play better when you’re not looking.”

“Sure, cowboy,” I smirked. “Keep telling yourself that.”

“So come on, girl,” Laramie said from across the table. “Show me the ring.”

“What, this old thing?” I grinned, holding up my left hand.

Walker whistled, then looked over at Ryan. “Bet that set you back a month’s wages.”

“Worth every penny,” Ryan replied, his voice full of pride.

“Gonna be hard to rope with that thing on your hand,” Teeter chuckled. “You still gonna hang around here when you’re Sadie Sadie, married lady?”

“Where else would I be?” I raised an eyebrow. “You all would fall apart if I wasn’t around to stitch you back together.”

“Are we playing cards or what?” Colby asked, glancing around the table. “Alex, you in?”

“Sure, deal me in.” I tossed some cash into the pot. “Don’t cry when you’re broke tomorrow.”

“I won’t be the one crying,” he shot back, a grin spreading across his face. “How many cards you want?”

“Give me two,” I said, discarding my two and watching him deal me two more.

“I’m going four,” Laramie declared, leaning back in her chair.

“Anybody named after a city,” Walker teased, “is a crooked fucking card player, if you ask me.”

“Hey,” Laramie fired back, her eyes narrowing. “Keep your comments to yourself or get in the game.” She reached over and pulled him in for a kiss, making everyone laugh.

“Hell, you know I work too hard for my money,” Walker chuckled, still smiling after the kiss.

“I gotta jump in here real quick,” Ryan smirked, looking over at them. “YOU work hard?” He looked around the table, incredulous. “Did you hear what that man just said?”

“I don’t know nothing about him working hard,” Colby chimed in, shaking his head. “I’m usually too busy working hard myself to notice.”

“Dude, you fucking kidding me?” Teeter chuckled. “Y’all wouldn’t know hard work if it crawled up your leg and sucked on your fucking pecker.”

I burst out laughing. 

“Are you gonna let your girlfriend talk to me like that?” Ryan looked over at Colby, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t even start,” Colby groaned, shaking his head.

“Teeter, it’s official, isn’t it?” Ryan asked, his voice full of mischief.

“I don’t know,” she replied with a shrug. “He don’t like labels.”

I smirked. “Do y’all have a song?”

“Walker, now you can work for your money,” Ryan laughed, gesturing to him. “They need a song.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve got… Mm-hmm, they do,” Walker replied with a smirk, then started strumming his guitar. The melody began to take shape, and lyrics flowed easily. “Damn, take it easy, mama, won’t you lay your head down?”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“I ain’t your fucking mama, baby,” Teeter shot back, her eyes darting over to Colby.

“All’s I can say is, between all of y’all,” Jake laughed, shaking his head, “I’m feelin’ a big-ass shit show comin’ on.”

Walker didn’t miss a beat, his fingers dancing across the strings, the lyrics flowing through him. His gaze settled on Laramie, a smile tugging at his lips. “It’s hard when you’re alone…” he sang, his voice low and teasing.

“Alone?” Laramie raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “When have you ever been alone?”

I hadn’t noticed Lloyd sitting in the corner, brooding and fuming, not until he shot up from his chair, snatched Walker’s guitar from his hands, and slammed it against the wall with a violent crash.

“Hey! Hey, goddamn it, no fighting!” Ryan’s voice cut through the chaos. “No fighting, that’s the rule!”

“I ain’t fighting. I’m smashing a fucking guitar,” Lloyd shot back, his tone laced with anger.

“Fucking semantics.” I stood up from my chair, my voice sharp. “That was a shitty-ass thing to do.”

“You’re a fucking asshole!” Laramie screamed at him, fury in her eyes.

Ryan narrowed his eyes at Lloyd. “You’re done smashing it.”

Lloyd’s gaze shifted to Ryan. “I’ve known you since you were eighteen years old,” he spat. Then his eyes flicked over to me. “And you since you were born. You think you know what he is? You don’t know shit.”

“They don’t know me any more than you do,” Walker’s voice was low, but there was a fire in it as he stood, squaring off with Lloyd. “But I fucking know you. I’ve seen a thousand of you in prison, thinkin’ you’re some kind of bully ‘til a bigger bully comes along. We all know how that ends. With you on your fucking knees, bitch.”

Lloyd’s eyes darkened, and before anyone could move, he clicked his knife open and threw it with deadly accuracy. The blade lodged into Walker’s chest with a sickening thud.

“Oh fuck!” Walker shouted, stumbling back, disbelief written all over his face. Everyone jumped to their feet in panic.

“What the fuck, Lloyd?!” Laramie screamed, her voice cracking as she rushed to Walker’s side, catching his arm to steady him.

I was on my feet in an instant, moving to the other side of Walker, helping him sit back down in the chair. The room felt like it was spinning.

Ethan lunged at Lloyd, trying to stop him from making another move, but Lloyd swung violently, knocking him to the ground.

Colby and Ryan charged across the room, grabbing Lloyd by the arms to subdue him. Ryan managed to get him in a chokehold, his grip tightening until Lloyd finally passed out, collapsing in his arms. Colby and Ryan quickly cuffed him, the tension in the air palpable.

I focused on Walker, his face pale as the knife wound bled, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Jake hovered behind me, his voice low and urgent. “Should we pull it out?”

“Can you get outta my light so I can see how deep it is or if anything’s gonna gush when you yank it out?” I snapped, trying to keep my focus.

“You want me to call the vet?” Jake asked, concern in his voice.

“Don’t call the vet, call a fucking doctor!” Walker barked, his face contorted in pain.

“We ain’t calling any doctor,” Ryan’s voice was firm as he took charge of the situation. He tossed Colby his keys. “Get my truck, bring it around front.”

I glanced at Walker’s wound, trying to keep him steady as everyone scrambled to move. The world felt like it was moving too fast, but I couldn’t stop to panic. Not yet.

I carefully helped Walker remove his shirt, making sure not to disturb the knife lodged in his chest. “Call the vet. I can’t tell if it hit an artery,” I said, my voice tight with urgency. “I don’t want to pull this out without knowing for sure. We need an x-ray.”

“Alright,” Jake replied, his voice low but steady.

“I’m going to…” Ryan murmured, glancing at me as he pointed toward the door. I nodded, catching a brief look of determination in his eyes before he and Colby headed out, dragging Lloyd along with them. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest.

“It’s gonna be okay,” I said, though my own voice betrayed the uncertainty in my heart. I tried to reassure both Laramie and Walker, but the shock was settling in, and I could see it in their eyes.

The vet arrived shortly after, hauling a portable x-ray machine behind him. I let out a quiet breath of relief as the x-ray screen flickered to life. The image was clear: no arteries were hit. The blade had lodged itself just under his clavicle.

“I’m aware of where it fucking is,” Walker grumbled, wincing slightly.

The vet scanned the screen one last time. “Didn’t hit the lung,” he said, his voice clinical. He turned to me. “Sterilize the site and prepare the sutures.” I nodded quickly and grabbed the supplies, but before I could act, the vet added, “The tissue is adhered to the blade. It’s going to be a messy extraction—considerable bleeding and pain. And I don’t have anything to give you for the pain.”

Walker gave a sharp laugh, his face twisted in pain. “What about Banamine?”

“We don’t know the long-term effects of Banamine on humans,” the vet replied, his brow furrowed in concern.

“Do I look like I’m gonna live to be fucking seventy?” Walker shot back, his voice low but laced with annoyance. “Just give me the damn thing and get it out of me.”

I stepped in, preparing the shot, knowing I had no time for hesitation. I gave him the injection, hoping it would dull the pain even a little. As I prepped the gauze to stop the bleeding, the vet moved in to extract the blade.

“Fuck, shit, fuck!” Walker shouted, his face contorted in agony. The pain meds hadn’t taken effect yet, and I could see the raw, intense suffering on his face.

“The blade hit the bone,” the vet said, glancing at me.

“Not according to the x-ray,” I responded, my voice firm despite the tension in the air.

“I need to check the x-ray again,” the vet muttered, as if second-guessing himself.

“Just pull it out!” Walker growled, his patience fraying.

I took a deep breath, gripping the knife handle firmly. “I got this,” I said, though I wasn’t entirely sure I did. With one sharp pull, I yanked the blade out of Walker’s chest, the room filling with the sound of his strained breath. I dropped the blade on the table and immediately applied pressure to the wound, trying to slow the bleeding.

Laramie knelt beside him, tears in her eyes. “Are you okay, baby?” Her voice cracked as she searched his face for any sign that he wasn’t on the brink of collapse.

“Just another Monday,” Walker quipped, though his voice was hoarse, and the pain was still evident in his eyes. Despite everything, he managed a small, strained grin.

—----

No one had a peaceful night’s sleep after everything that went down. Walker had camped out in Laramie’s trailer, and honestly, I didn’t blame him. After what had happened, he didn’t feel safe staying in the bunkhouse, and I could tell from the way he kept glancing around like the walls might close in on him. It wasn’t just the wound—everything felt wrong now.

Rip came storming through the bunkhouse door, Laramie and Walker trailing behind him. There was a tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife.

“Everybody in here?” Rip’s voice rang out, a little sharper than usual.

Laramie gave him a slight nod. “Where’s Mia?” Rip demanded.

“She left,” Laramie replied, her voice flat.

Rip didn’t waste time. “This here’s for you,” he said, handing Laramie two envelopes. “Give her the other one when you see her.” He turned to Teeter. “Pack your shit up.” He handed her an envelope, too. “You both are gone.”

“What the fuck did I do?” Teeter yelled, her face flushed with anger.

“It ain’t my decision,” Rip said coolly, but there was something in his eyes—something regretful, maybe even a little apologetic. He shifted his gaze to me. “You should stay clear of here for a while, too.”

Before anyone could say anything else, he turned to the rest of the hands. “The rest of y’all come with me.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of what Rip had just said hanging in the air. I saw the look of defeat flash across Teeter’s face. She dropped her gaze, not looking at anyone as she took the envelope, her shoulders sagging. She shot Laramie a cold, cutting stare, her hurt obvious. It was clear the game Laramie had played with Lloyd and Walker had come back to bite her. And it had cost Teeter her place in this world, out of a home she’d grown used to.

I followed Teeter as she walked slowly to her bunk, her steps heavy. The air felt thick with the sting of what had just happened. It wasn’t just Teeter being thrown out—it was all of us. We were all getting swept up in the mess.

“I can try to talk to my dad,” I said quietly as I helped her pack her things. “After this whole thing blows over, maybe it’ll help.”

Teeter snorted, the sound bitter. “Ain’t no use,” she muttered, her voice low. “That’s how it always happens for me. As soon as I make somethin’ for myself, something always fucks it right up.”

Her words hit me hard, a punch to the gut. I couldn’t argue with her. I knew what it felt like to have everything fall apart, no matter how hard you tried to build. But hearing her say it… the resignation in her voice, the acceptance that it would never be different—it cut deep.

I watched her pack her things, the sadness in her movements evident. No words could fix this. No quick fix or promises would erase the sting.

“You need anything,” I said as we walked toward her beat-up old truck, “you call me. No matter what. Anytime.” I forced a small smile, trying to lighten the weight in the air. “I’m gonna need a bridesmaid, you know.”

Teeter let out a dry chuckle, kicking at the dirt with the toe of her boot. “Ain’t never had many friends who were women,” she admitted. Then, after a pause, she corrected herself. “Well… never had friends who were women.”

“Me neither,” I confessed, meeting her gaze. “Glad you changed that.”

She nodded, her expression unreadable, but there was something in her eyes—something softer than usual. A flicker of understanding. Of gratitude. She didn’t say anything else, just threw her bag into the truck bed and climbed in.

As the engine sputtered to life, I stepped back, watching as she pulled out of the yard.

Life at the ranch wouldn’t be the same without her.

—-----------

I leaned against the fence, arms folded, watching as the steers were separated from their mamas. This part of the job never sat right with me. And today, I wasn’t fucking doing it.

The calves bawled, their mothers calling back, the sound carrying across the pens like a mournful song. I understood the need—selling cattle was how we kept the ranch running. These steers were ready to move on, whether that meant better pastures or someone’s dinner plate. That was the way of things. Didn’t mean I had to like it.

I stayed put, boots planted in the dirt, letting someone else do the cutting while I just watched.

I lost the fight with my father. Or, more accurately, he never let me have it in the first place. He shut it down before it could even start.

He decided who worked here and who didn’t. Not me.

That realization hit fast and hard, though it shouldn’t have surprised me. Over the years, I’d seen hands come and go. I never got too close to many of them. Besides Lloyd—who’d been a fixture on this ranch before I even learned to walk—and Rip, who had fought for us, protected us, since the moment he set foot here.

It wasn’t until Ryan that I really started connecting with the hands. They stopped being just workers and became friends. Family.

And I hated the thought of losing them.

Teeter leaned against the fence, squared her shoulders, and faced my father like she was ready for a fight. And hell, she had every right to one.

“Excuse me, sir,” she called out. “Can I have a word?”

Dad glanced at Rip. “She talking to me?”

“I believe she said she wants a word,” Rip translated dryly.

Dad huffed. “I can’t understand a damn thing coming outta her mouth.”

I stepped in a little closer, ready to back her up, but I knew this was a battle she had to fight on her own.

“Sir,” she started, voice steady, “whatever’s between Walker and Lloyd, it ain’t got nothing to do with me. Or Laramie, for that matter. That was just an excuse. I was the first one up every morning and the last one done. Ask him,” she motioned to Rip. “Ask him if anyone works harder’n me.”

“She ain’t lying, sir,” Rip confirmed.

Dad studied her for a long moment. “So the fight wasn’t over you?”

“No, sir,” she answered, a tinge of frustration in her voice.

“You just did your job?”

“Every damn day,” she said without hesitation.

“Never fooled around with anyone in the bunkhouse?”

“Ain’t nobody ever said I couldn’t,” she countered.

“Common sense says you shouldn’t,” Dad shot back. “’Cause the next fight will be over you.”

Teeter swallowed hard, but she didn’t back down. “So all that ‘this is my home forever’ talk is just bullshit?” Her voice wavered, but she held firm as she yanked her shirt to the side, revealing the brand on her chest. “Scarred for life, and it don’t mean nothin’?”

Dad didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pointed off to the side. “Wait over there a minute.”

That was it. That was all he said. But it was enough.

The brand meant something. It meant everything.

As he rode off, Rip turned to her. “Teeter—go get your gear. Put it back in the bunkhouse.”

She stood frozen for a second, like she didn’t believe what she’d just heard. Then, catching my eye, she let out a sharp breath, nodded, and took off toward the bunkhouse.

She’d fought for her place. And won.

—-------

Teeter’s return was marked with a celebration—gathered on the sofa, eyes glued to the television, watching the horses my father and I had bought compete. The tension in the room crackled as we waited to see who would take home the prize.

“Yeah, motherfucker!” Teeter hollered at the screen as our horse cut the steer with precision.

“Whoo! That is huge,” Ryan shouted, his excitement infectious.

“Is that a Yellerstone horse?” Teeter asked, squinting at the screen.

“Yep, that’s one of ours,” I told her, grinning. “The last few have been.”

Ryan slung an arm around me, still buzzing with energy. “Baby, when we get married, you think Travis will finally let me ride one of those sons of bitches?”

I smirked, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’ll see what I can do, cowboy.”

Colby shook his head, turning to Teeter. “It’s not Yellerstone, it’s Yellowstone.”

“Whatever you say, baby,” she smirked, “just take your pants off.”

Ryan scoffed. “Other room. Take your pants off in the other room.”

The bunkhouse quieted as the door swung open. Lloyd stepped inside, his gaze locked on Walker. A heavy silence settled over us as we braced for whatever was coming next—half expecting another punch to be thrown.

But instead of fists, Lloyd handed Walker a guitar case.

“I don’t know shit about ‘em,” Lloyd admitted. “Guy at the store said it was a good one.”

Walker took the case, setting it down before flipping it open. He ran a hand over the smooth wood, then pulled the guitar out, inspecting it like it was the first real thing he’d owned in a long time.

“Well,” Walker said, his voice edged with amusement, “it’s a hell of a lot better’n the one you fuckin’ tore up.”

“As it should be,” Lloyd replied, his tone gruff but sincere.

Walker strummed a few chords, the warm, rich sound filling the room.

“Sounds good,” I told him, throwing Lloyd an approving smile.

Walker glanced up, meeting Lloyd’s eyes. “Anything you’d like to hear?”

Lloyd hesitated for only a second before shrugging. “Hell, I don’t know… just play me one.”

We listened as Walker played a soulful song for Lloyd. The tension that was once in the bunkhouse had been forgotten. They may not be the best of friends after that, but they now had an understanding. And that was enough. 

“Hey, cowboy,” I murmured, slipping my arm around his waist, pressing in close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him. “I got something I want to show you. Grab your coat.”

Ryan quirked a brow, his blue eyes studying me with curiosity. “More surprises?”

I smiled, tilting my head as I looked up at him. “I think you’ll like it.”

He didn’t question me further, just grabbed my jacket from the hook, helping me slip my arms into it before shrugging into his own. He adjusted the collar, then reached for his hat, settling it into place with an easy familiarity.

“Ready?” he asked, reaching for my hand.

“I am,” I said, threading my fingers through his as we stepped outside into the night.

The snow fell softly around us, catching in his hair and the brim of his hat, dusting the ground in a thin, glittering layer. The cold was sharp, but the warmth of his hand in mine was enough to keep the chill at bay. Our boots crunched over the frost as I led him toward Lee’s cabin, the old place standing quiet and still in the moonlight.

Ryan looked around as we approached, his thumb absently stroking along the back of my hand. “What are we doing out here?”

“You’ll see,” I said, reaching for the door.

I flipped on the light as we stepped inside. The cabin smelled of aged wood and lingering memories, but it didn’t feel haunted—not anymore. It felt like something waiting to be filled, a space ready to be lived in again.

Ryan glanced around, taking in the familiar room, his expression unreadable.

“What do you think about staying here with me?” I asked, turning to face him fully.

His gaze snapped back to mine, his brow furrowing slightly. “For the night?”

I took a slow breath, steadying myself before stepping closer, placing a hand against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my palm.

“For our life,” I said softly. 

Ryan stared at me for a long moment, searching my face, the weight of my words settling between us. Then, slowly, a smile curved his lips, warm and certain.

“You really want that?” he asked, his voice quieter now, almost reverent.

I nodded. “I do.”

His arms came around me, pulling me against him, his hold strong and sure. “Then I guess I better make myself at home.”

[cillianmurphysdimples]

A snippet of Clíodhna finally turning 1 and Cillian gets really emotional because of all the things surrounding her birth and how Clíodhna wouldn’t really be here if it hadn’t been for that mishap they had? #pubichairgate 👐

Pubichairgate will forever be a birthday story Cill and Y/N share 😭😂

I have no glasses on and it's half 12 at night so forgive my awful typos should they (probably) appear!

Sexual references - NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 18s.

".....happy birthday dear Clíodhna! Happy birthday to you!"

The collected family applaud in unison and Clíodhna, safely strapped into her highchair at the dining table, claps her tiny hands together with an excited grin. You can't believe you're here - on her first birthday - and while it's the happiest of times, it's hard not to remember this day twelve months ago, and all the trauma that came with it. Sitting to the right of Clíodhna's chair, Mary cheers playfully and reaches towards Clíodhna, gently caressing her cheek. On her left, Cillian smiles and mirrors his mother's action then laughs as Mary chuckles - you can tell she's not sure if Cillian is playfully mocking her, or just joining in with playing along with Clíodhna.

Cillian pushes back his seat and gets to his feet and lifts the birthday cake from the table, where it was set down in front of Clíodhna. You'd both decided against candles, but had stuck a cocktail stick foil firework into the rabbit shaped cake for decoration. He pulls the firework out and slides it across the cluttered dining table to Aran, who looks entirely too excited to be receiving the glittery decoration. Cillian shakes his head and makes a whooshing sound as he 'flies' the cake over Clíodhna's head. He stands with wide eyes and bright smile as she leans her head backwards and offers a wide, three-toothed smile to her Dad. "What is it, leanbh? That your cake? Your bunny cake, hey? Will I go and cut it? You gonna eat some cake?* He smiles at her again, looks down the table at you briefly and jerks his head towards the doorway out of the room, and walks away with the cake held carefully.

You take his body language to mean he wants you to follow, so you make yourself an excuse to be abandoning his parents, sons, brother, and your daughter. "Everyone having cake?" You ask as you stand up. Everyone indicates that they absolutely are having cake. "I'll make tea too, yeah?" You suggest and walk away before anyone gives any real answer to that question. You slip into the kitchen and walk up behind Cillian, wrapping your arms around his hips as he stands at the island with a stack of plates, a small plastic bowl, and a large kitchen knife ready for portioning up the cake. "You okay?" You ask him. He sets the knife down and turns around in your arms. Facing you, he wraps his arms around you in return. You settle your hands onto his bum and smile at him as he smiles back, but you can see there's little bit of subtle sadness in his eyes. "Finding it tough?"

He sighs, purposefully making his lips vibrate together noisily, then edges forwards to kiss you softly. As he draws back his head, he scoffs at himself and rolls his eyes. You can add that subtle sadness to his eyes has become obvious and watery. "I can't keep all the fucking drama out of my head." He admits. "Like, I keep reminding myself that she's grand, and she's doing fucking amazing, and she's here. But then it floods back in. The smells of the fucking hospital, you...and then her...so fucking small." He sniffs, rolls his eyes at himself, and shakes his head. "I didn't think she'd be here when they rushed you off for surgery, and then I didn't know if I'd have to tell you when you woke up that we couldn't keep her." He sniffs again.

You hold him tighter, and read your head gently against his chest. His heart is racing. "I know, love. It was such a scary, stressful, horrible fucking experience. But she was determined. She's still determined." You whisper. Raising your head, you give him a gentle smile and then allow it to grow wider. "Know what I've been thinking about when it gets heavy like that in my head?"

He smirks, "That she's gas and we're lucky to have her?" He says and clears his throat.

You chuckle, "That's lovely, and true. But no." You raise your eyebrows, and wait for a moment to see if he can pick up on what you're putting down.

After a moment of frowning back at you, he closes his eyes, draws his cheeks in as he pouts exaggeratedly, and then laughs a little. "Ah you don't be thinking about that?" He laughs harder and squeezes you gently before he taps his hands against your hips, signalling the end of the cuddle.

"How could I not draw on what I know for some comedic relief?" You laugh as you turn away to put the kettle on to boil.

"I know, but sure my Mum and Dad are in that room." He scoffs, "If they, or the boys, or anyone for that fecking matter ever found out that she exists because I fucking came on your fucking....." He shudders and then laughs. "It's like a fucking soap opera, something you'd see in Fair fucking City!" You laugh, unable to keep it in as he goes on. Exaggerating a Dublin accent, he keeps the joke going. "Ah, didn't yer man get yer wan up the duff by spunking on her clit?! Ah he did not? Ah he fucking did, isn't that the most ridiculous fucking thing you ever heard of, Fionnuala? Ah it is, surely, Concepta! Sure the Pope'll be raging!"

Your stomach is aching from laughing by the time he drop the perpetuation and you dab the tears from your eyes. "Oh, God!" You shake your head. "Not only is she a premie who has only gone from strength to strength, who has an amazing birth story, she also has the weirdest conception story I've ever heard."

Cillian turns to look at you, the cake finally cut up and plated for everyone, and he's grinning brightly. Just what you wanted to see. "I hope she never fucking hears that particular part of how special she is!"

.

[banannabethchase]

Red Winter Warmth

~

Combination of prompts day 4 and 5, because I was cursed with the sleepies yesterday! Day 4: Holiday shopping. Day 5: Testing holiday candles.

~

“I finished all my shopping last week, so I’m not coming with you.”

Yuta throws a Sting action figure at Danny, who catches it out of midair. “Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.” Danny chucks the action figure back. “I have shit to do this weekend.”

“Come on, please?” Yuta, Danny has learned, is not above begging. Or, apparently, letting Sting action figures hit him in the forehead before they drop into his hands. “I need to get stuff for all my aunts and cousins and stuff. Unless you want me to give them these?” He grabs the Bryan Danielson action figure, and Danny all but dives at him.

~

“This is dumb,” Danny says. “It’s loud. And people are –” He’s interrupted by an older lady bodily shoving him into the balcony. Yuta holds his breath as Danny’s phone wobbles in Danny’s hands, but he manages to hold onto it. “People,” Danny says, a little more loudly this time, “are being dicks.”

The lady who bumped him doesn’t respond, but a woman with six Build a Bear boxes and a similar number of children does.

“I find it abhorrent you would use that unChristlike language in public,” she snaps.

“I find it abhorrent I probably suck dick better than you,” Danny spits back. “Probably why you have so many kids.”

Yuta chokes on his Orange Julius.

“Get in the – get in Bath and Body Works,” Yuta hisses, trying not to laugh. “Go. Shove your nose in some, like, Peppermint Princess candle.”

“Hey there!” says the person at the front doors of the store. Yuta is walloped with the smell of seven thousand smells at once. It is less than pleasant. “Welcome to Bath and Body Works. Can I help you with anything?”

“We’re good,” Yuta says. He does his best to sound sunny and normal, and not like Danny who is still grumbling. “My boyfriend needs to buy gifts.”

“You need to buy gifts,” Danny says. He looks. “Don’t drag me into this.” They duck behind some people so Yuta is fully sure the angry lady is gone, and he decides that, now that his nose has gotten used to the sensory onslaught, he may as well check things out.

“Let me know if you like any smells,” Yuta says. “We’re going, like, auntie vibes.”

“Hey, this is cool. I like the red.” He grins. “Check it out.” He holds it up next to his face, the label reading Red Winter Warmth. “It’s like my alter ego.”

“What’s it smell like?” Yuta opens the lid and takes a whiff. It’s cinnamon piney, warm, and Yuta is momentarily struck with the idea of him and Danny on a cozy rug in front of a fireplace with that candle burning, and far fewer clothes than they’re wearing right now.

“Danny, I think I need this candle.” He grabs Danny’s hand and yanks him, still babbling about whatever next candle he picked up and shoved under his nose. He’ll pick one up, put one down, sniff it, and only put it down when they move forward in the next line. He’s going on about the different weird holiday blends – his hatred for Sugar Cookie Spice is verbose and complex – but Yuta doesn’t understand how words work right now. He fumbles with his card so badly purchasing the candle that Danny rolls his eyes and swipes it out of his hand, paying himself.

“What is with you, dude?” Danny asks.

“I need to burn this candle and fuck you with the heat, like, stupidly high.”

Danny, to his credit, just shrugs. “Rad. Alright.”

Sometimes, Yuta decides, Danny is the best boyfriend ever.

[happybird16]

👻Halloween Shopping 👻

A cute and silly Halloween themed drabble for @postwarlevi's Under A Harvest Moon Collab

Levi x reader, no warnings... maybe a part two eventually

“Smell this,” you playfully command, holding out a candle towards Levi.

Without even looking up, Levi follows your request, tilting his head to the side and distractedly sniffing from the candle you’ve presented to him. It makes you smile, a warm feeling fluttering in your chest at just how readily he trusts your judgment.

He grunts, his face twisting up in a mix of disgust and confusion. It reminds you of the face one of your cats makes whenever he sniffs one of Levi’s cleaning sprays. “What the fuck is that supposed to smell like?”

Twisting the glass jar around, you show him the label with a toothy grin. “Misty Graveyard, apparently.” You take another whiff of the orange wax, wrinkling your nose in contemplation. “I don’t know if I like it. What do you think?”

“I think it smells like rotting leaves,” Levi replies, his tone unamused as he glances at the colorful rows of candles surrounding you. “Why are there so many, anyway?”

“Because normal people love Halloween,” you reply with a smirk. You lean in slightly, holding the next candle up. It’s off-white, almost eggshell in color, with sparkly bits of glitter mixed in. Lifting it to your nose, the scent of sugary sweetness overwhelms your senses, carrying you to memories of childhood candy and festive treats.

“Normal, right.” Levi rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of amusement in his tone. “Does that one have fucking glitter in it?”

“Yeah!” you exclaim, chuckling. “Here,” you offer this candle to him next, and he smells it without a bit of hesitation. His brows furrow as he inhales, and you can see him processing the aroma.

His face twists up in thought. “Smells burnt. Reminds me of when you tried to bake those brownies.”

You playfully nudge his arm with yours. “Hey! I just forgot about them!” Grinning, you defend your baking mishap. “They still tasted fine…”

Levi lets out a short laugh, shaking his head. “No. They did not. Everyone just gave them to Sasha when you weren’t looking.”

“Awe…” you respond, feigning disappointment. “Well, at least they went to a good cause.”

“What’s it supposed to smell like anyways?” Levi asks, his curiosity evident as he eyes the array of candles.

You turn the label towards him, the corner of your lips twitching into a playful smile. “Ghastly Ghoul? It says it’s supposed to smell like a marshmallow.”

Levi scrunches his nose in mock disgust. “Definitely not that one. You know my thoughts on glitter.”

You chuckle, remembering the time he had humorously referred to glitter as the physical manifestation of herpes. “Well, we have to pick one!”

“Do we?” he counters, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Come on! This is our first Halloween with our own house! We have to celebrate!” you insist, your enthusiasm infectious.

He bobs his head in response, his resistance softening. “Fine, but can we at least pick a more normal one?” From the shelf, he selects a cool grey candle, tilting it in your direction for inspection. “How about this one? It’s supposed to be Cashmere and cedar.”

“Cozy Autumn,” you read, leaning down for a sniff. A woodsy, rich scent floods your senses, carrying with it the essence of crackling fires and rustling leaves. You take a deliberate whiff of the candle, nodding in approval as the soothing aroma envelops your senses. “Oh, I like that. It’s cozy and not too overpowering. Though, It doesn’t exactly scream Halloween.”

“Well, we’re not getting any of the Candy or Pumpkin ones.” Levi grimaces, a hint of playful exasperation in his voice. “I’m already getting a headache just standing here.”

“Okay, Mr. Picky,” you reply teasingly, giving him a gentle nudge before taking the candle and placing it in your cart. As you do, a surge of excitement ripples through you, the anticipation of the upcoming Halloween gathering growing stronger. You can already picture the warm and inviting scent of the candle permeating your home, creating an ambiance that’s perfect for celebrating the season together.

Leading him into the next aisle, you eye the shelves filled with spooky skeletons and goofy animatronic spiders. “What about decorations? Do you want to do a theme?”

Sighing dramatically, Levi drags his feet as he follows behind you, his reluctance evident. “It’s just shit that’ll sit in a plastic bin in the attic for 11 months out of the year. What’s the point?”

You smile, wrapping your hand around his arm to tug him forward towards a wall of lawn decorations. “Oh, now I can't wait for December. We're definitely getting plastic reindeer for the yard. And lights. So many lights.”

With a huff, Levi raises an eyebrow, looking intrigued despite himself. “Why are you so excited, anyways?”

“This is our first year with a house! We're going to have trick-or-treaters! I've never gotten to hand out candy before!” Your enthusiasm is palpable as you share your excitement with him. “All the little kids in the neighborhood are going to come up to our door! I want it to be fun and exciting for them, ya know? It was always nice seeing houses that went all out when I was little. Ooh, we should carve pumpkins too!”

Levi lets out a soft chuckle, his resistance melting in the face of your enthusiasm. “Fine, but we aren't getting any of the fake spider web stuff. I've heard that it kills birds.”

You nod thoughtfully. “Hmm, that's a good point. How about we go for something a little different, like a little graveyard theme? With tombstones and skeletons? Maybe even a smoke machine for added effect?” With a twinkle in your eye, you grab a large stack of the fake tombstones along with a severed arm decoration.

Levi shakes his head in amusement, clearly caught up in your energy. “You're really going all in, huh?”

“Absolutely!” you declare with a grin, reveling in the prospect of creating a memorable Halloween experience for the neighborhood kids and embracing the joys of your first year in your own house. “Oooh we should get a big bag of candy too while we're here! The big-ass chocolate bars! I want to be that house.”

“The dentist down the road is going to hate us,” Levi snorts, eyes sparkling at your enthusiasm.

“Or love us,” you reply with a smirk. As you continue to explore the decorations aisle, your excitement is contagious, drawing Levi into the plans and turning what was once a simple shopping trip into an adventure filled with anticipation and shared enthusiasm.

More and more decorations join the pile in the cart, Levi even adding a few himself, to the point that it starts to get heavy, and Levi wordlessly takes over pushing it, his silent gesture of chivalry not escaping your notice. Hanging ghosts for the tree in the front yard, a giant fuzzy spider to hang in the front window, a big spooky electronic grim reaper. You have to fight smiling as Levi quietly adds a skeleton hand-sanitizer hip-clip and a spooky ghost cat mug to the pile.

“This all sounds like a lot of work..” Stopping mid-sentence, Levi scowls up at the rack of larger decorations. “Why the fuck is there a twelve-foot-tall skeleton?”

“Why not?” You add the towering skeleton to your cart, laughing lightly at the way its legs hang awkwardly over the edge. “I bet we could scare the shit out of Hange by stuffing it in a closet.”

“They’d just want to borrow it for something,” Levi grumbles, but there’s a hint of amusement in his tone. The comment makes you chuckle, knowing that his coworker often pulls little pranks on him.

“Oh, did you want to do costumes too? Maybe something to match the graveyard?” you ask, your eyes lighting up with anticipation.

“Costumes to hand out candy?” Levi raises an eyebrow, clearly considering the idea. “Fine. Just pick something. Nothing with fake blood though, I hate that shit.”

You let out an excited giggle, delighted by his willingness to participate. “You’re giving me way too much leeway there,” you tease, already envisioning the possibilities for your Halloween costumes. In the back of your head, you start to make plans to come back on your own and pick up a matching pair of costumes to surprise (and horrify) him with.

As the cart begins to overflow, Levi playfully elbows you to get your attention, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “You know we aren’t here for this, right?” he remarks, his tone light.

“We aren’t?” you turn to him in surprise, your eyebrows lifting in curiosity. “Then why did you lead me to the Halloween section?”

He jerks his head to the side, pointing his chin towards the end of the aisle. “To get a birthday gift for Erwin.”

“What? A skeleton dog?” Your laughter bubbles up, and you can’t resist grabbing a decorative item from the shelf and holding it towards Levi with an exaggerated grin. Its jaw clacks open and closed in response, a quirky feature that makes it both amusing and slightly eerie. “Isn’t it cute?”

Levi shakes his head, his lips quirking into a small smile. “A Halloween Hello-Kitty Squishmallow. They’re getting released today. I think this year’s is a vampire one.”

You burst into laughter at his unexpected choice. “Seriously? Alright, but you do realize those things sell like crazy, right? I think I heard about people fist-fighting over them because of their resale value.”

Levi raises an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. “I know. That’s why I’m here now, before the chaos starts. Erwin’s always wanted one, he’s gone on and on about it several times.”

“Fair enough.” You push the cart along with a playful grin. “Shopping first thing in the morning isn’t too unusual for you though… Decorations and a birthday gift – Two birds, one stone. I don’t see any Squishmallows though?”

“Connie said that they’re bringing the pallet out-” Levi pulls out his phone to check the time “- in about 10 minutes.”

“Connie works here now?” you ask in surprise.

“Part-time. Shit, other people must’ve heard about the release.” Just as he says that, you notice a growing crowd of anxious shoppers gathering around the main aisle.

As you both watch, the anticipation in the air is palpable. You exchange a glance with Levi, and without a word, you decide to position yourselves at the edge of the crowd, ready to grab the coveted Squishmallow as soon as it’s available. “Ready to fight if you are,” you smirk at him.

Levi chuckles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Oh, I’m ready. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. It’d be a pain in the ass to get blood out of this shirt.”

The moment you hear the pallet pulling around the corner, the metal jack rattling loudly, the entire crowd tenses. It's as if you're in the midst of a group of wild animals, their excitement palpable as they rev up and prepare to pounce on their coveted prey. Adrenaline roars loudly in your ears as you feel yourself tense up, mirroring their fervor.

What follows is nothing short of utter chaos. People scream, scramble forward, and claw at each other before the pallet can even be properly positioned. It's like a scene straight out of a zombie movie, with a bunch of wild-eyed 30-something-year-old women mindlessly elbowing each other and spewing insults in their relentless pursuit. By the time you manage to reach the pallet, it's almost empty, with nothing but a handful of plush ghost-strawberries left at the bottom of the box.

Empty-handed, you scan the crowd, your eyes darting around in search of Levi amidst the turmoil. It's a challenge given his shorter stature compared to the rest of the crowd. It isn't until most of the people have dispersed - one woman triumphantly holding a whole armful of plushies - that you finally spot him. He stands empty-handed. “Fuck, you didn't have any luck either?”

He shakes his head, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “That was fucking insane. One of those hags even elbowed me in the chin.”

You notice a pink mark forming along his jawline. “Was it the one that grabbed like 20 of them? I bet she's just going to sell them. Maybe you can find one online?”

“For at least $1000,” Levi sighs, his frustration evident. “I guess I'll just have to-”

A quiet hiss interrupts Levi, coming from around the corner and stopping him mid-sentence. “Psst, hey! Over here!”

“Connie?” you exclaim in surprise as you spot him tucked around the far corner of the store, holding something behind his back. You can’t help but smile as you take in his appearance. “That vest looks good on you. Oh! Are you growing out your hair?”

Connie blushes shyly, reaching up a hand to awkwardly scratch his hair. “Yeah, I’m planning on trying to dye it, so I needed to grow it out a bit. Jean and Sasha have been calling me Fuzz-Ball though.”

“Dye it? What color?” you ask, genuinely intrigued.

“Silver,” he replies eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

Just as you’re about to continue the conversation, Levi interrupts, his tone carrying a hint of his trademark bluntness. “Shouldn’t you be working, Connie?”

Connie grins mischievously, not missing a beat. “This is technically my fifteen.” But then, Connie’s expression changes, and he becomes more serious. “Oh! I got one of these for you!” From behind his back, he reveals the Vampire Hello Kitty that Levi had mentioned earlier. You hear Levi gasp softly under his breath, clearly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

“Here ya’ go, Prof,'' Connie says, handing over the Vampire Hello Kitty plushie with a wide, cheesy grin. “Don’t say anything to anyone, I sort of had to hide it in the back. I could get in trouble.”

Levi takes the plushy from Connie, his usually stern face softening for a moment. “Thanks, Connie. I really appreciate it.” His voice carries genuine gratitude, and it’s evident that this small gesture means more to him than he lets on.

Connie laughs softly, waving as he starts to back away. “No problem. I know they really wanted one.” He winks at you before adding, “Anyways, I should get going. I actually want to sit for some of my break.”

You watch Connie’s hurried departure, a mix of surprise and gratitude filling you. “You told him it was for me?”

Levi’s expression shifts to a more contemplative one as he explains, “I sort of panicked when he caught me looking them up. It was too weird for me to be getting one for another one of his professors.” He gently places the Vampire Hello Kitty plushie on top of the pile of Halloween decorations that have accumulated in your cart. “Didn’t know he was going to go out of his way to grab one.”

Your admiration for Connie’s thoughtful gesture deepens, and you share a knowing look with Levi. “He’s a good kid,” you comment, your voice reflecting your genuine fondness for the teenager.

Levi nods in agreement, his tone softening as he adds, “He slacks off a lot in class, but he always tries when it really matters.”

As the two of you head towards the checkout, you continue the conversation. “I’m surprised he got a job, even part-time. That has to be difficult to manage during college.”

Levi nods in acknowledgment. “Yeah, it’s not easy, but he’s determined. Plus, I think he likes the idea of earning his own money.”

There's surprisingly not much of a line, and the two of you enter the self-checkout area within minutes, maneuvering your cart to one of the larger registers. You and Levi have a well-oiled system: you scan the items and hand them to Levi, who then meticulously and obsessively bags them to his exacting standards.

As you work together, your curiosity gets the better of you, and you lean against the counter, ready to dive into conversation. "I gotta ask, why go through all this effort? I've never really known you to be the gift-giving type."

Levi raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I give gifts."

You chuckle, recalling some of his unconventional gifts from the past. "Hah, your usual 'gift' is breaking in and cleaning someone's place for them. Didn't you give Erwin a rock once?"

"I was six," Levi retorts with a half-smile, as if that somehow justifies the childhood gesture. "I got you that necklace last year!"

"Yeah, but I'm different," you playfully tease, offering him a knowing smile. "So, spill the beans. What's the reason for all this birthday fuss?"

Levi lets out a soft sigh, his gaze briefly dropping before meeting yours. "You might have noticed... Erwin's been sort of down lately."

"Maybe?" you reply, furrowing your brows as you think back to your most recent interactions with him. "I know he's been working more than usual. He canceled on us the last few times we were going to hang out."

"He's been having a hard time for the past couple of months," Levi explains, his tone gentle, hinting at the depth of his concern for their friend.

“Do you know why?” concern laces your voice as you lean in closer, eager to understand the source of Erwin’s troubles.

Levi nods, his expression solemn, conveying the weight of the situation. "Hange managed to drag it out of him. This birthday he'll be older than his dad was when he- it- it just really hit him hard."

A sense of understanding settles between you as you absorb this information. "Oh," you respond softly, realizing the significance and the emotional weight of this upcoming birthday for Erwin. “Oh- so he's-”

Levi continues, his concern evident. "I think he's sort of dreading it and overworking himself to avoid thinking about it. That's what he always does when he's stressed, cut people off and focus. He's even been skipping our mid-day workouts."

As he lifts up the Hello Kitty plushie and frowns at its giant fuzzy face, you can't help but feel touched by Levi's thoughtfulness. "He's been talking about wanting one of these plushies for so long. I don't know, I thought it might help."

You offer him a warm, supportive smile and reach over to pat his back softly. "You're a good friend. I'm sure he'll love it." Your words carry a sense of reassurance, appreciating the effort Levi has put into making Erwin's birthday special and trying to bring a smile to his face during a difficult time. The tension in Levi’s shoulders eases visibly as he meets your gaze, a soft smile curving his lips.

“I don’t even know how I’m going to wrap this giant thing,” Levi grumbles, his frustration evident as he attempts to stuff the oversized plushie into one of the grey plastic bags. It proves too much for the bag to handle, bursting over the edges and tearing through the plastic along the sides.

You can’t help but chuckle at the sight. “Maybe a gift bag,” you offer with a playful grin. “A big one.”

“Hey, I have an idea,” you suddenly suggest as the two of you continue bagging your Halloween supplies. Levi looks at you with curiosity, his attention piqued. “How about we invite Erwin over for Halloween? He can carve pumpkins with us and hand out candy. It’s a bit after his birthday, and I know he usually spends the holiday alone, handing out candy at his own place, but it might help cheer him up.”

Levi pauses for a moment, considering your proposal. The prospect of spending Halloween with friends and embracing the festive spirit clearly resonates with him. After a thoughtful pause, he nods in agreement. “Yeah, that could work. I’ll talk to him about it.”

Your eyes light up with excitement. “It’ll be great! We can make it a fun and spooky night to remember, it's a Friday night so we could even have a movie marathon after! It might just be what Erwin needs to lift his spirits. I'll be sure to harass him about coming too, so he doesn't cancel like he has been for D&D night.”

"He'll come, I'll even wrangle Hange in if it helps make sure of it," Levi responds, his tone tinged with a touch of apprehension. "Though I don't really want them to make another mess of our house." A visible shudder runs through him as he recalls the chaotic memory.

You can't help but find humor in Levi's horrified expression, and you respond with a playful laugh. "It wasn't that bad," you reassure him, "It made the housewarming party memorable at least. It certainly distracted from my burnt brownies."

Levi's grimace deepens as he recalls the kitchen ceiling incident. "That memory is still a stain on the kitchen ceiling," he grumbles, completing the loading of the final bag, or rather, placing it on top of the already overflowing shopping cart. "Fuck— are we going to be able to fit all of this into the car?"

Your laughter at the comical situation can only be described as explosive, echoing through the store as you both realize the challenge that lies ahead in fitting all your Halloween decorations into the car.

[numberonedukethomasapologist]

You also know what's not talked about alot but has many fanfic? White collar x Batfam!

So here are headcanons of random things the boys did when undercover as neal caffrey that left peter confused (+ Duke as Jones cuz I think it's fun)

Bryce wayne as caffery- Bruce is the dad that hangs up drawings and school reports on his fridge and since he's lonely put in new York the batkids deliver papers to him and whenever peter sees a drawing or a random report card he'll ask about them and Bruce gaslight him into thinking that he's practicing different type of art (which does not explain the school papers at all💀)

Dick grayson as caffery- one time peter didn't check if neal was home to do a surprise inspection, (only cuz when he knows he's home he always walks into neal doing something weird as hell) when he walked in he saw neal doing yoga but he's body was bent in a way from a horror movie, the only lights were weirdly sweet scented candles, and 'Gotham ambiance' on the TV and he exited the room quietly

Jason todd as caffery- one time peter was waiting on neal outside of June's place and neal was almost an hour late and when he asked June she told him that neal had not left his room for some time. So like the heroic man peter is he rushed into neal room and heard rustling in the restroom, when he entered he locked eyes with a red headed, wide eyed neal and he just sighed out of exasperation right before neal flashed him a smile and kicked him out

Tim drake as caffery- Peter swears on everything that one day neal came into the office with this giant mug of coffee but it was off color and sure as hell didn't smell like coffee so when neal went to the restroom he took a sniff of it and yes, there was coffee but their was also some type of fruity smell (half can redbull half can monster) and some type of hard alcohol and when neal came back he sat in awe as neal chugged it down likw it was nothing.

Damian wayne as caffery- peter was doing a inspection on Neal's room and ofcourse it was clean. (some how Damian hid the weapons in the walls and in ever tiny crevice?!) But one thing peter did find was a painting the was on the balcony of an adult male with smooth black hair, perfect blue eyes and the most detailed smiling face sitting in a library petting a dog with a cat around his neck. This was the most detailed and perfectly calculated piece of art in Neal's apartment, a painting of a man that definitely holds a place in Neal's heart that peter doesn't know about.

Duke thomas as Jones- Now peter knew that his Coworker was not as old a peter but stil was around his 30s but one time peter and El were out on a weeknd date where El didn't have any party planning and Peter had no cases popping up on him so he took El out to this new cafe the opened up just round the corner of the agency. What had surprised his was to see Jones, in a Gotham high sweat shirt and a long white skirt with a large journal and a computer opened to what seemed to be school work, he didn't bother to confront Jones about it since he was still on a date with El and she had convinced him that maybe jones wanted to get extra education. The thing that really caught his attention (which El still thinks he was imagining it from thinking to hard) was the swirl of light and shadows that were warping around Jones pen and ever so often a spark or light would go off from the tip of the pen.

[YALL CAN TELL THAT THIS IS MY BRAINROT RIGHT⁉️😭]

[cosmic-frost-main]

Rehired - Chapter 8

Note: Merry Christmas

AO3 version: [HERE]

"There, I've bandaged up her leg and made sure to clean the wound."

Muffled voices barely familiar pulled Susie into consciousness but not open her eyes. A low gruff could be heard before the other spoke up again, their tone more annoyed.

"Best to take my advice and return her to the others and return them back home. This world can do horrific damage to them just as it did to Wilson, one has already been hurt."

Gradually opening her groggy eyes upon hearing the person leave and allowing her vision to clear, Susie groaned silently in discomfort sat up to examine her surroundings.

Her senses immediately waking up as she saw the creature that had been chasing them across the room rummaging through a large pile of junk, she jerked back in shock only to realize that she was sitting on a throne like chair. Eyeing the beast that had captured her finally getting a good look of them, Susie noticed an exit at the far end of the room where her captor stood near.

Planning out her escape she went to carefully get off the furniture, only to audibly wince in pain as the wound on her leg throbbed.

Staring at her leg in horror and seeing a shadow cast over her, she slowly lifted her head up and whimpered upon seeing the beast stare down at her with a grin.

As the large creature leaned up close to her placing their claws on the armrests for support causing her to freeze in horror, Susie could feel her heart beating as their noses touched before the mutant dragged their muzzle down to her neck and sniff her.

The sensation of the beast sniffing and sliding a claw up her back turned Campbell's stomach in knots, despite how much she tried to be silent a whimper escaped her lips. It did get them to stop and move away from her suddenly, a look of worry on their face that confused the woman.

Shaking their head slightly and turning away sheepishly, Susie couldn't help but sit there in confused fear as her captor removed themselves from the chair and rummage around the piles of junk in the room. First was a wooden table than utensils and plates were placed on it before they dragged over another yet different throne, carefully carrying a lit candle to the table and gently resting it on the centre, Susie tilted her head as the creature set up a table one would see for a romantic dinner.

Despite how horrifying the mutant looked, they stared back at Susie with a harmless smile each time that it unnerved her confusingly. Though she couldn't help but recognise that face, it looked familiar yet couldn't pinpoint it.

Gasping in surprise as the creature ran up to her and pulling her into their arms in a hold, Susie couldn't help but fear for the worst as it carried her to the table and gently sat her down on the soft chair. She stared down at the empty plate frozen while clenching onto her knees as the other sat at the other side of the small table, when she finally looked up biting her lip she watched as they clawed open a can of soup and pour it onto her plate before pouring another onto their own.

The smell churned her stomach in disgust and the appearance of it didn't help.

Looking away from the soup with a grimace before looking back at the large creature who stared back at her with a smile, their claws resting on the table as if waiting patiently for her to eat. Than they jolted up and jogged back to the throne and went over the halos that hung there, picking up one with no cracks to it.

The actress frowned as they gently placed the glowless ring on top her head, watching in confused cautioun as the mutant sat back down and let out a satisfied huff.

"What do you want from me?" Susie managed to say through a quiver, the unravelling of her emotion seemingly surprising the beast as it's ears lowered.

"Take me back to Allison or at least take me to Audrey!", She yelled startling the other. "I want to go home..."

The creature's ears perked up before they happily pointed to themselves, a distorted grunt in struggling effort to speak only escaping their vocals.

"Ood... Aukd!"

Deeply concerned with what the creature was trying to relay to her, the actress noticed something on the claw they used to point.

A spiral golden marking strikingly similar to Audrey's on the exact same hand the girl's would be, only the marking extended up their up in tiny slithers.

"Audrey?" Susie squinted her eyes at them in suspicion, in denial that it could be Audrey.

The mutant's ears perked up again and they nodded happily as they held Susie's hands, the woman stared in disbelief at the realization and sight that is the Audrey that sat in front of her.

First was horror than slow rage as hot angry tears filled her eyes, her expression visible to Audrey who was quick to try to calm her.

"You!" Susie shouted as she flipped the table on top of the other, tears trickling down her face. "Do you have any idea how terrified you made me!?" She grabbed the halo and threw it at her.

Removing the furniture off herself Audrey sat back covered in bacon soup puzzled by the older woman's reaction, not flinching when she tackled her nor when she began hitting her.

Audrey took the hits contemplating what she had done, Susie's punching getting weaker and weaker as she sobbed. "I thought we were going to die!"

With one final soft hit Susie curled up onto the beast's chest weeping into the dirty torn cloak they wore, Audrey's expression that of confusion and confliction. They darted their head around as if to look for something to help her but snapped back to the woman, she gently wrapped her claws around her shoulders and lifted her up to face Susie's teary eyed mess of a face.

"You-" She breathed heavily and sniffled, "You even hurt my leg, Audrey..." She shifted her leg and noticed the bandages around where the wound would be.

Looking at the leg with guilt on her face, Audrey stood up holding Susie to her displeasure and carried her back to the chair.

Watching as Audrey crawled on the chair with her and place her on her lap, Susie spoke up with slight venom. "Why did you chase us?"

Audrey opened her mouth to speak but only quiet growl like grunts came out like earlier before she grimaced and held her throat, Susie thought it was another marking but realised that the lighter shade covering Audrey's whole neck was a scar.

"You can't speak?" She asked getting a nod for an answer, she sucked her teeth in a grimace. "Is there a way you can communicate?"

There was a short pause before Audrey blinked and got off the chair to rummage at the pile again, coming back pridefully with a notepad and pencil as she then began writing in it.

"Game of chase"

The writing was sloppy due to the size of Audrey's overall body yet thankfully still readable, that doesn't mean the answer still didn't bother Susie.

"Chase? What part of us hiding and running from terror looked fun??" She asked exasperated startling the other as they scribbled, "Is this why you refuse to tell us anything?!"

"I didn't know. I am sorry :("

"You did not just add a frowny face!" Susie hit Audrey again in a fury not even caring that it didn't hurt her, "You don't get to keep secrets from us! You don't get to lie to us! And you most certainly don't get to have that as an answer!"

The hitting continued until Audrey grabbed onto her wrist in a gentle hold and pulled her into a hug, an embrace Susie reluctantly allowed. The low rumbles resembling a cat's purr emanating from Audrey's voiceless throat pulling her into into a weird comfort, but she still held onto the rage and fear towards the beast.

"Is this why you didn't tell us the full story?" Susie sighed in exhaustion, "You didn't want us to know what really happened to you?"

She lifted her head over to Audrey with a solemn expression, watching as the girl fiddled with the halo with a mournful look.

"Are you even human? Were you one to begin with?"

The question snapped Audrey out of her trance and stare at Susie in hesitation, her claws lowering the halo onto her chest as she laid her head against the chair. Her hands scribbling out an answer onto the notepad, erasing, rewriting, and repeat until she finally showed Susie her answer.

"I want to be"

The answer struck something within Susie, a pained emotion mixed in with fury. What did she mean she wanted to be human? Had she been another experiment of Joey's used with that cursed machine?

"You say that, but yet you are one back home." The older woman clenched onto Audrey's cloak, "You look, behave, eat and sleep like a human."

Audrey winced and gripped tightly onto her book, her eyes drifting away from the other's and onto the chain of broken halos that hung on the chair. Susie noticed the look of longing on their face and frowned, this was not a longing for humanity.

"Why did you kidnap me, Audrey?"

Pulling herself out of her trance to face the woman, Audrey gradually answered.

"I like having my Alice by my side"

"..." Susie blinked in shock and confusion, "You think I'm Alice Angel?" She pointed at herself.

Upon the girl happily nodding did Susie blink more, she didn't know whether to be flattered, worried or horrified. She did appreciate the thought of being viewed as the character, but the thought that she referred to her as her Alice bothered her.

"What do you mean by your Alice?" She asked, worried for the whatever answer she dreaded it would be.

"Alice Angel is Bendy's love interest. You're my love interest, my heart belongs to all Alices"

The answer was worse than she had thought and brought even more questions and worries to the actress, she sucked her teeth in and sighed in defeat.

"Audrey" She began with a saddened expression, "There was a reason I wanted us to just stay friends, and I should've told you it."

The beast's ears perked up in curiosity as she continued, "My past relationships have not been the best with one of them I got out of before it got messy. I am terrified to be in a relationship again to be honest, I'm afraid I'll get hurt or I'll be the one doing the hurting." She bit her bottom lip and wiped her eyes. "I appreciate your feelings towards me, Audrey, and I want so badly to return them. But I think it is best that I stay afloat, at least until I get better at love."

Grabbing onto the demon's claws and holding them together, Susie smiled weakly. "Do you understand?"

Audrey stared at her blankly in thought and agonisingly long silence, an eye twitch from her snapping her out of it as she sat up knocking Susie on her back with a gasp and walked away from the other in a panicked rush to the middle of the room, hands clenching onto her head as her body trembled.

Scared by the sudden shift, Susie sat up and spoke. "You said the other night that you lost your feelings for me, Audrey. Was that a lie or unknown denial?"

Audrey didn't respond as her heavy breathing became harsher, Susie of course still scared yet worried tried getting her attention.

Suddenly the mutant's trembles slowed to a stop stop and her arms limped down, her harsh breathing still present yet slowly shifted to quiet growling.

"Audrey?" Susie softly spoke out not daring to move from her spot.

Grabbing the second throne and tossing it into a wall breaking it on impact, Audrey turned to face the woman in a rage that instinctively made her freeze as they stomped towards her. She didn't even get a chance to speak as they slammed their claw next her head into the chair leaving a hole, Susie just sat there horrified and confused as Audrey used their other claw and hold her face to meet their eyes before roaring.

"This isn't Audrey" She said to herself as tears trickled from her eyes.

Pulling their claw out and using it to grab onto Susie's leg lifting it up slightly, her voice finding her as the creature moved their hand to her inner thigh.

"STOP IT!" She grabbed their wrist feeling the sharp claws dig into the bruised remains of the bitemark her Audrey left, her hand immediately being pulled away and above her head in a restraint.

Struggling against the monster's hold, Susie whimpered in fear, "Audrey?!" She thrashed her arms trying to break free, confused by Audrey's sudden attitude change.

The struggle stopped upon the mutant roaring at her and tightening their grip to the point Susie thought her wrist would break, tears streamed out of her eyes as whimpers slipped her lips.

"Audrey, please!" She begged, watching as they slowly opened their mouth with a crack revealing their sharp teeth.

Turning her head away closing her eyes shut instinctively waiting for the worst as drool dribbled onto her chest from the tongue curling around her face, the actress sobbed out a plea.

Suddenly the snarling was replaced with metal hitting a solid surface followed with a groan, turning her head forward met her with the beast knocked onto their back unconscious.

Looking back she was surprised and relieved to see a dishevelled Allison standing next to her holding a pipe, Bendy back in his toon form hiding behind her leg.

"Allison!" Susie sat up and hugged her tightly, Allison returning the hug while carrying her off the throne. "Thank heavens you're here!"

"Sorry for the wait." She put her down and sighed, "We ran into a few problems on our way here, causing Bendy to go back to his little form." She gestured to him as tiny remaining colourful sparks escaped his body, his expression being that of discomfort.

Susie shook her head, "That doesn't matter, we gotta get out of here before she wakes." She looked back and gasped upon seeing the maiden, Betty, knelt down next to the mutant.

"Be careful!" Allison shouted as she ran to her.

"You don't have to worry, deary." Betty reassured as Miss Pendle stood next to her. "With a hit like that there's a good chance Audrey would be back in control when she wakes, except for the headache she'll wake with."

"What do you mean by back in control?" Susie hesitantly stood next to Allison and looked down at Audrey with confliction, Bendy following and standing close to his sister.

Allison knelt down and examined the girl's body in curiosity. "Bendy had told me that Audrey sometimes isn't mentally there, an evil would randomly possess her."

She trailed her fingers across Audrey's furry legs resembling that of a goats before moving them up her chest, hesitation picking at her as she lifted up the cloth and hum in surprise. "I guess the cloak is just for warmth" She mumbled to herself.

"I do believe it can be based on emotion." The masked woman stood up "When she's incredibly mad is when the ink demon comes out, but it's just a theory I have."

Miss Campbell blinked, "Was she like this when first arriving in this... World?"

"No, she was just a normal person like you two." Betty answered as she cupped her chin. "But I do think we best carry her to her cell."

"Cell?!" Both women questioned, not paying attention to Bendy as he shifts into his alternate form.

"It's more or so a time out room for her." Bendy shortly explained as he picks Audrey up over his back. "When she feels the demon coming near, she locks herself in there to prevent harm."

"Well explained, Bendy." Betty patted his shoulder, "Now let's take her there."

As the two began leaving the room Allison looked over at Susie who stared back at Audrey's notebook, both having an undecided look on their faces.

"Are you okay?" Allison asked as she removed her coat and wrapped it around the woman's body, causing the actress to look up at her.

"I am in a way, but I don't know what to think towards Audrey now." Susie sighed and held onto Allison's coat for warmth. "I don't know whether to feel afraid for or of her after seeing her like that."

"She saw me as Alice Angel, Allison." The actress exclaimed surprising the other. "And after hearing that Audrey doesn't have full custody of her body, it makes me wonder if her feelings towards me back home were really hers."

Allison opened her mouth to say something but quickly closed it and averted her eyes, brows furrowing in thought as she slowly watched Susie walk towards the book.

Picking the object up and clenching onto it with a grimace, Susie turned back to Allison who stood behind her and slowly leaned into her.

Giving her a soft smile and wrapping an arm under her shoulder, Allison walked Susie out of the room and with the others.

"I'm just as confused as you are, Susie."

___

Carefully laying down the unconscious demon onto the floor of the cell as the other turned on the radio that played soothing tunes, both Bendy and Betty removed themselves from the room before Betty closed the door of the room.

Looking in through the glass examining the room that held many dents and claw marks on the wall, Allison turned to the maid with concern. "So she just stays in here until she's calm?"

"It usually works and better than zapping her." Betty led them away from the area, "Well not that we ever tried electrocuting her, probably make it worse."

"You say that so casually." Allison lowered her brows in uneasiness. "Are you use to this kind of thing?"

The maiden let out a short chuckle, "Oh trust me, it takes time getting use to it. Some still hold onto hope for survival, others lose themselves into something new." She looked back, her wooden mask shielding any expression. "But there are some just born from the ink already mad."

Both Susie and Allison grimaced unnervingly before the maid turned her head back forward, Susie scooting closer to the other as they exited into the more homey area of the quarters.

"While we wait for Audrey to wake up, I'll make sure you two feel at home here." Betty said as she led them into a large living room that held a non-working fireplace and two couches with a table in the middle that held blank papers, she sat them down and held her hands together.

"Would anyone like some tea and biscuits?"

___

"You've been researching Audrey and her behaviour?" Allison leaned forward on the couch as Betty turned a page from a handmade notebook, her eyes scanning the book in interest.

Betty grabbed a pen that was nestled in the binder, "We were interested in understanding the changes she had gone through and I began inspecting her whenever she would visit me." She tapped the pen against the page and scribbled down on it whilst mumbling to herself. "Likely will regain control after blunt force to the head."

Furrowing her brows and biting into a biscuit, Susie questioned. "Have you asked her for information or?"

"Oh we have, it's how we know of her diet and the ink demon situation." The maid responded. "Even she has trouble knowing of what she's capable of, but we're happy to help her."

"And by we do you mean there are others?" Allison went to ask before Betty quickly answered.

"Allison usually keeps note of her behaviour towards others and does a good job keeping her calm, Alice would occasionally give information by experiencing the behaviour, Allison's partner does write what he has seen, Bendy is the only one to let us know what she's like in the human realm and nothing else." She stared down at the mutated demon who rested peacefully next to her.

"And Henry would tell me a thing or two but would mostly just accompany her in the more older parts of the studio, says it helps them both." She shook her head and sighed.

Both Susie and Allison perked up at the mention of Henry before immediately frowning in slight horror, one leaning into the other.

"You don't think..." Susie mumbled to Allison.

"That it's Henry Stein? Considering that he was Joey's best friend that walked out on him and now knowing that this world could've been Joey's creation?" Allison sighed, "There's a high chance he made a Henry clone to vent."

"I was thinking that too, but I do think we best call him when we get back."

"Oh! Before I forget." Betty exclaimed getting the attention of the two, "Has Audrey been experiencing any weird changes back home? I want to know if changes do occur from here to there, such as sudden change in mood."

The two began to speak but Bendy cut in while stretching and yawned, "She's been more growly in her sleep than usual and has only stopped when these two stayed the night with her." He gestured to the two women who blinked and tilted their heads in confusion.

"Growly?" The actress lifted a brow.

"We haven't experienced her growling." Allison added.

"I don't blame you, even she doesn't know that she growls, mumbles, claws the back of her pillow." He counted on his claws, "And how could I forget my favourite, has reflective eyes."

Susie stared in disbelief, "And you haven't told her because?"

"We fear that if the demon is in her body in the human realm and she finds out that she's doing these things, the demon might break cover and try to corrupt her or worse." Betty rested her hands on her lap. "It may be a savage monster, but they still can be knowledgeable to manipulate."

Allison and Susie sat back in shock, Bendy sitting up and laying back against the couch while playing with a cookie.

"I think that that thing is quietly hiding while in her human form because it knows she'll try to rid of them." He tossed the cookie in his mouth, "I've seen what she can do when desperate or not in control, it's probably one of the reasons it stayed with her and not me."

"Why not tell her?!" Susie threw her arms up in anger, "If she might be able to get rid of it, why not tell her and how does she not know it back home but does here?!"

"She'll likely use her body as a cage and that's best case scenario, worst case is that she'll kill herself to rid of it." Bendy bluntly answered startling them. "And the reason for not knowing back home is because she gets memory loss each time she leaves this place, she knows she's not human here and would just want to know if she's done anything weird."

"What-" Allison shook her head and rubbed the bridge of her nose, "What makes you think she'll go that far?"

Betty hesitantly spoke up an answer. "She's harmed herself before to stop herself from hurting others, I've witnessed it when first taking her in." She put her pen back and slid the book towards them. "She's a risk taker."

Gradually Miss Pendle took the book and opened it, many thoughts going through her head just as it did with Susie who clenched onto Audrey's notebook.

"Is it okay if I copy the information from this book?" Allison asked before Betty happily nodded.

"Go right ahead, it might help you two." The maiden sat back as Allison grabbed a few pieces of paper and began writing.

As the four sat in silence besides from the scribbling of Allison writing, a creak outside the room caught Betty's attention as she turned her head towards the sound.

There stood Audrey, nervously peeking her head slightly into the room looking in pure guilt. The masked woman gestured her to come on in which they very hesitantly did, their hands behind their back as they nervously made their way to the two women.

Susie leaned in close to Allison who held a hand on her arm protectively while looking up at Audrey, her face being that of indifference and Susie's being that of uneasiness.

Audrey cleared her throat and slowly sat down before revealing two bouquets of inky black roses, the sight clearly surprising the two out of whatever fear they had.

"Oh that's adorable." Betty giggled, "She's trying to apologize to both of you."

Gently taking the roses and eyeing them, Susie couldn't help but let out a throaty laugh. Allison took them with a soft smile and patted the beast's muzzle who responded with a nervous grin, their tail slowly swaying happily.

"Where did you even get these?" Susie questioned calming down from her laughter.

Audrey just held her hands together with the same nervous grin and slowly went to nuzzle her, Susie couldn't refuse and just patted her head with a slight smile.

"It appears she's back to normal." Allison gently touched Audrey's muzzle and rubbed it. "You really gave us a fright, Audrey."

Responding with a playful chirp, Audrey rested her head down across their laps gently pressing against their bodies. Despite her heavy appearance they felt very little of it, like a medium sized dog was laying on them.

"So if she knows of this thing possessing her in this world, why hasn't she tried getting rid of it?" Susie asked while stroking the girl's thick fur, running her fingers rewarding her with a deep purr.

"She has tried before," Betty patted her lap getting the attention of Audrey who immediately lifted her head up. "But with how strong a hold the entity has to control her, it also appears to have the knowledge of how her body works." She grabbed a cookie and used it to lured her over to her, Audrey being eager to devour the snack and lick up the crumbs off her palm.

"Meaning?" Susie asked with slight impatience.

"We know that she can't die in this realm, but the entity may know if Audrey could die in the human realm." The maiden grabbed the bottom of Audrey's cloak and lifted it up, the scar in the middle of her chest was faint but the damage was clear. "There was an incident where she tried to and angered it when doing so, it held out her heart still connected while running around in a craze."

She gently caressed the scar which caused Audrey to flinch and cover her chest, Allison and Susie just sat there in quiet horror as Betty finished. "Audrey had to lay in machine's ink for a week to recover, five days it took for her to finally wake. She may not be able to die here, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt her."

"Think of it as a double-edged sword. Audrey would be willing to die back home to rid of it and the Ink Demon knows it so it is willing to only kill her here, they both won't really die here but from my experience when I had it." Bendy sighed uneasily, "The endless loop of dying is worse than just being a willing vessel."

"That's..." Allison bit back horrified sigh and squinted her eyes in thought. "She's been here in recovery for a week? I've been shown staff's past clock ins and she had no hiccups besides that janitor incident."

"Time works very differently here." Bendy replied, "It's uncertain how different but her week here would've been just a few hours back home."

Allison hummed in surprised, "That's fascinating." She shook her head, "But other than that. What do we do if she does show changes?"

The masked maiden patted Audrey's head, "Try calming her with something sweet, if that fails just knock her out and bring her here." She stopped when Audrey perked up and frowned at her. "What? It was your idea in the first place"

"Something sweet?" Susie tilted her head puzzled.

"Chocolate or anything with sugar seems to weirdly calm the demon enough to back off." Betty answered before adding. "But only sometimes."

"Huh" Susie hummed amused, "Devil's candy"

"But now that we have her conscience and sane." Bendy gave Audrey a playful kick causing her to return the gesture. "We best return you two."

A wave of relief hit the two women, Allison replying as such with a smile. "That would be wonderful!"

Gesturing towards the beast for them to get up and them begrudgingly doing so, Betty help Audrey lead the others to the room where they'll be returned home to.

As they walked down a corridor towards a turn, Audrey stopped them in their tracks and peeked her head around the corner. They feared the worst when hearing a loud voice of anger in the room in question, a voice nearly similar to Susie's.

"Where is that mutated mutt?! I will have her head for stealing from me!"

Audrey turned her head to the others and gestured them to stay before going in, Allison and Susie nervously sneaking a look despite the tugging fear.

"There you are!" The twisted angel glared at Audrey and went to slap her but was stopped when another woman grabbed her wrist, this woman being similar to the angel but had a perfectly formed face along side other slight differences.

"Stop it, Alice!" The other Allison scolded her before letting go, "Why are you even angry at her?"

Alice pointed angrily at the beast, "She stole something of mine and I want it back, this is the third time she's stolen my throne and I am sick of it!" She poked the girl's chest who responded with nervous fidgeting and squinted her eyes. "And I know you do it to get me to go to you, you sick freak."

"That's..." Other Allison shook her head and sighed, "Audrey, please return the chair and stop stealing from her."

Audrey slowly nodded before backing away slightly and lifting her head up, what happened next was just revolting that the others who hid couldn't help but watch in horror.

After retching up a tied up cloth bag filled with something that bled and pulsated, Audrey casually offered it to the angel who stared at her in disgust while the other just looked on in disappointment.

She peeked inside the bag and perked up, her anger vanishing as she huffed and held the bag at her side. "Just return the chair back in my room and I'll forget you ever stole it." She patted Audrey's chest reluctantly before walking off a different direction, other Allison quickly thanking Audrey before following the other.

As the two left Audrey turned to the others and happily gestured them to follow her, despite the scene they had just witnessed they followed.

"Do we need to know what that was about?" Allison whispered.

"No, it's best not to." Betty swiftly answered. "Just be thankful Audrey knows how to calm Alice down."

"I think I'm going to be sick" Susie mumbled staggering closer to Allison who held her close.

"Just puke on the floor, worst has been on it." Bendy said before receiving a soft slap on the arm by Betty. "What? It's true"

Finally reaching the room and opening the door, the two ladies examined the room before immediately noticing the ink machine. The large size of the device brought an unknown discomfit to them as they followed closer to it, the machine back home looked more like a toy compared to the one in front of them. Thick wires connected to the machine trailed back to the right side of the wall where a large switch sat, its deactivated appearance fading away as Audrey approached it, the marking on her hand glowing to life.

As Betty stood by the switch ready to lower it, Audrey and Bendy led the two in front of the machine, Bendy being the first to speak.

"Exiting is pretty easy now that we managed to get this thing working properly, it'll feel weird unlike entering though." He tapped the device with his claw, "Like you're swimming in a well, just ignore the voices."

"Voices?" Susie worriedly asked, "How do we even exit through it?"

"That's where Audrey comes in!" Betty exclaimed before turning the switch. The sudden steam and rumbling of the ink machine activating startling the ladies, ink spewing out of the machine's pipe like tar. "Her abilities makes an exit!"

Placing her marked hand under the spewing ink, Audrey angled her claws enough that a large oval portal formed within the ink. The portal held a bright light at the end of it as it swirled, the voices mentioned just before audible and incoherent.

"So we just walk in?" Allison asked, nervous on entering it while Susie stayed close to her.

"Don't worry!" Bendy laughed "Audrey and I have done it plenty of times, just expect to crawl out when reaching the other end. Right, Audrey?"

The grinning demon teasingly nudged Audrey who stared on saddened, an expression the two felt sympathy for after she used her free hand to hold onto Susie's shirt.

"Are you sad that we're leaving?" Susie gently placed a hand on Audrey's who slowly nodded in response.

Allison smiled softly and patted her shoulder, "Don't worry, Audrey. We'll see each other when you're ready to come back, just keep out of trouble."

The comment reassured the girl as she smiled and nodded before loosening her hold, Bendy gently ushering them in.

"We'll bring back a souvenir!" The demon shouted out as they disappeared into the ink.

___

Finally reaching the end of the tunnel and crawling out the machine that spewed out ink in a similar manner, both women sat on their knees coughing up the horrid air they had been inhaling before and gradually collecting themselves.

They leaned into each other in silence taking in their previous experience, it felt like an eternity before Allison snapped out of it and carefully stood up and helped Susie up.

"Note to self: Don't go near ink machines." Miss Pendle joked with a slight laugh which Susie did not share, only staring at her unamused.

"I'm going to go lay down somewhere..." Susie softly spoke, "Wanna join me?"

"I..." Allison smiled warmly, "I would like that." She held her hand out close to Susie's who slowly took hers. "I'll even get out that bottle of mine you opened."

Susie returned the smile and followed her out of the room. "I won't say no to that."

___

Allison sat on top her desk with Susie next to her, both of them holding a small glass of alcohol while staring on into nothing. A ticking clock being the only background noise in the silent room, a radio would've been nice.

Avoiding anymore tense silence, Allison cleared her throat and began talking.

"When you were with Audrey, how was she before attacking you?"

Campbell swirled the liquid in her cup before taking a small sip, "Weirdly enough, like a goofball." She placed her drink down between them and crossed her legs. "Once I found out it was her I calmed down a bit from the fear, but I was just angry and relieved it was her."

"I was angry that I just began hitting her, yet my punches seem to be useless and like I was hitting a soft wall." Susie shook her hands into fist and sighed, "I still am angry at her..."

Allison leaned to the side in thought, "Earlier you said that she saw you as Alice Angel, what did you mean by that?"

Susie bit her tongue before responding, "When I asked her why she took me she said she liked having her Alice by her side. When I pressed her on what she meant, her answer was that Alice was Bendy's love interest and that her heart belongs to all Alice's." She looked at Allison who stared back in slight surprise. "I should also mention she set up a dinner table for me."

Blinking in surprise, Allison cupped her chin and looked down still in thought. "That is eerie. Yet with what Bendy has told me, it also makes sense."

"Hm?" Susie tilted her head in interest. "Do tell"

"Before you were taken." Allison explained, "He had told me what had happened to her and long story short, there's a high chance that a lot of the Bendy character was mixed in with Audrey's personality."

"You're seriously not going to tell me what happened?" Susie sarcastically remarked, "Was she eaten whole or something?"

"..." Allison fell silent with a poker face.

"... Well?" Susie pressed

"... In a way." Allison began with a tiny grimace.

"She was eaten?!" The actress exclaimed loudly. "While conscious?!"

"Not eaten!" Allison threw her hands up defensively. "Just well, uh... Fused while conscious?"

Susie stared in disbelief and horror, "Well that doesn't explains the scarring on her jaw and throat..."

"Yeeeaah." The other quietly replied. "But besides that, it does bring a few more questions to mind. Such as if the Bendy we have here is his own person in a way and even more questions about Audrey herself." Allison tapped her finger against her chin.

"I think I have an answer to one." Susie mumbled loud enough to hear, her memories pulling her back to when Audrey had those mournful eyes. "I had asked her as just a jab question if she was even human."

Allison lowered her hands onto her lap as realization slowly hit her. "She's not I take it?"

"She told me that she wanted to be." Susie shook her head, "It honestly scares me the more I think about it, Allison." She lowered her head into her hands and groaned, Allison patting her shoulders reassuringly.

"What's scary to you?"

"The thought of growing up your whole life not knowing you aren't human, having to find out through nightmarish horrors what you are, not even knowing what you do while you're unconscious." She lifted her head up. "What had to be accomplished to create an artificial human being?"

"We'll just have to wait and see how she feels about telling us." Allison smiled her usual warm smile, "In the mean time we'll just be living life like usual, sticking together like drunken marines." She giggled while leaning against Susie who couldn't help but smirk.

"You seem to always be bright, why is that?" Miss Campbell allowed her to rest her head on top hers.

"I try to never let a bad moment ruin a day for me or others, why darken the world over a bad day when you can brighten it with a good life." Allison softly hummed, "No matter how hard it gets, there's always going to be a moment of clarity waiting for you with opens arms."

Her words echoed into Susie's mind in a comforting wave, her smirk now replaced with a soft smile of sudden understanding. Perhaps she finally knew why she was chosen for Alice, it hurt to admit but it felt truthful to Susie.

Knock knock

Moving away from each other swiftly and announcing their presence, Bendy opened the door with a smile and a bag dirtied with ink. The sight immediately bringing Allison to leap off her desk in excitement, Susie just frowned.

"Bendy!" Allison called out happily as they hugged each other. "If you're here that must mean Audrey's back as well?" She let go of him and stood up.

He went to answer but stopped before pointing as his mouth, temporarily forgetting his muteness.

"Oh uh, I do have a pen and pad here." Miss Pendle turned to her desk. "Just gimme a second."

"Why not turn into that freakish form before?" Susie asked blankly as Allison furrowed her brows at her, "You were able to speak like that."

"It might be different here, Susie." Allison suggested as she grabbed a pen.

"Not really." Bendy answered now in his lanky form, the sight still startling the two but quickly loosening to it. "I usually only use it when it truly benefits me, my heart beat gets too loud though."

Before the two women could question him a steady yet loud heart beat echoed from him, an eerie sound that also held softness.

"That is absolutely horrifying." Miss Campbell mumbled loudly, "How do you sleep with that sound?"

"I didn't for a long time actually." He sheepishly answered getting an even more horrified look from them. "But besides that, I have souvenirs!"

Opening the bag and rummaging through it eagerly, Bendy got out a fairly large jar of ink that seemed to move in swirls. "We use this like putty for fun, Audrey is against it going outside of the realm but I see no harm." He gently placed the jar down and swooped his claw back in the bag, Allison carefully examining the jar in interest while Susie grimaced.

"Is it supposed to be moving?" Allison questioned in awe as Bendy happily nodded.

"Audrey makes a lot of things when bored and with the ink used to create needed tools." Bendy got out a wind up music box and handed it over to Susie who curiously took it, "She wanted you to have this, don't know why but I won't argue."

Turning the crank until the music began and the box lid opened up to reveal a small porcelain angel turning to the tune, the lullaby easily recognised as Twinkle twinkle little star.

The actress couldn't help but smile softly from the tune and gently closed the box, "I'll have to thank her when I see her."

"And this is for you!" Bendy exclaimed loudly as he held out a large square tool with a handle and tiny light bulbs on the sides, Allison took it with a puzzled expression but was deeply interested.

"We call it the seeing tool because the special glass allows you to see things hidden from normal sight." He explained cheerfully before shifting to a frown, "I doubt there'll be anything of interest outside the machine though..."

Fiddling with the tool and turning it on, Allison looked through the glass in awe along with Susie who leaned a peek. "So you do have eyes under there!" Allison chuckled looking at cartoonishly cute glowing piecut eyes where they should be as Bendy lifted his head up in surprise.

"Oh?" Bendy tilted his head and tapped his claws together, "I guess it still has functions here."

"The glows are amazing to examine!" Allison stepped up close to Bendy to get a better look at him with the device, the little distance they had uneased him but he still allowed her to touch his face. "If you squint your eyes you can almost make out tiny golden speckles flowing around your skin, like a starry night. I wonder if Audrey has a similar appearance."

"Speaking of which, where is she?" Susie asked while tucking the music box away under her arm.

Bendy took a step back and cleared his throat, "She mentioned that she'll be resting in the infirmary, she gets badly sick whenever exiting the machine and laying down usually helps ease it."

Being weirdly quick to worry, Allison's face grew with worry before Susie swiftly walked passed the two and out of the office. "I best make sure she's okay than."

...

Bendy looked down at Allison with concern, "Should we follow or?"

Allison shook her head, "She probably doesn't want us to follow, most likely wants alone time with Audrey."

"Ah" He slowly nodded his head, "I understand."

...

"Audrey mentioned that you're a therapist now." Bendy spoke up, "What exactly is that?"

Curious with the question yet eager to answer him, Allison smiled softly with a reply. "Therapist fit into different categories, but with me I work on checking one's mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing, we allow them to talk to us about their desires, problems, unconscious beliefs, basically help them let it all out and see how we can aid them."

The demon tilted his head in thought, "Hm, funny how a cartoon studio needs one."

The woman smirked and rose a brow, "Joey Drew's studio didn't have one and look where it ended." She chuckled hearing a stifled giggle from the demon, "But since you asked..."

Allison gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Do you need someone to talk to?"

Bendy stood quiet staring at her, he was unsure whether to accept the offer. Why would he need to? He was perfectly content with how he was living with Audrey and away from whatever shackles held him.

But her smile and touch almost felt like they were tugging something out of him, perhaps a small chat wouldn't hurt to burn away anymore boring time.

"I suppose chatting to someone new wouldn't hurt."

___

She thought the creaking and weight difference of the bed would wake the girl up from her fever filled nap, but it appears she's the heavy sleeper type.

Susie sat on the bed Audrey laid on, one arm over her eyes while the other rested comfortably on her side, her hand nearing the Actress's.

The demon wasn't wrong about the sick part as Audrey looked pale and was sweating slightly along with her breathing silently raggered, a hand against her forehead to feel a temperature difference confirmed it further.

She had hoped Audrey was awake just for a conversation but still accepted to be patient and wait. With her hand returning to the girl's forehead to move aside her hair and planted a gentle kiss that moved down to her lips, after that she slowly stood up and went to leave the room before quietly saying her goodbyes.

"Rest well, Audrey."

[parfumieren]

Balkis (Parfums de Nicolaï)

Once, I had the opportunity to sniff a real attar of roses straight from Istanbul. The perfumer insisted on holding the bottle while I bent my head over it-- possibly because it cost hundreds of dollars per dram, or else she thought I might pass out from the heaven of it all.

I understand that in saying this I am committing heresy and will be burnt as a witch, but what met my nose then -- a combination of formaldehyde, black pepper, and cheap dishwashing liquid -- shocked me. All Orientalist visions of rose harvests à la Rudolph Ernst fled before the advancing army of old-lady stonk.

I hated, hated, hated it.

How rose perfumes pass themselves off as dainty and feminine, I will never understand. They're the exhibitionists dreaded by all partygoers-- the ones whose booming voices and shameless antics send humbler guests scrambling for their coats. Even as bit players, they can derail an ensemble piece by turning inexplicably vulgar or sour. There's no predicting until the drydown hits whether you'll be soaring through a sweet pink paradise or swimming in a vat of vinegar.

So why do we keep trying? Because the rose -- the real one, fresh and dewy -- is what we're thinking of while reaching for the sad facsimile. We want that gorgeous thing, and will keep striving toward it no matter how many bad sprays, lotions, soaps, and Yankee Candles burn us.

If I'd stopped after reading the description, I'd have written Balkis off without a thought. Rose AND raspberry? To me, "fruity florals" in and of themselves signal danger. Raspberries figure large in this genre -- usually as unpleasantly as possible -- so I fully expected a great, big, sticky, Jolly-Rancher-flavored slap in the face.

Instead, the first note was a rosemary terpene, astringent and evergreen. I sat up straight. After this palate cleanser came the dessert tray-- but again, the usual sickening syrup was nowhere to be found. Instead, roses and raspberries had been cooked down to a concentrated jam, fused together by slow heat into something as dark, potent, and honeyed as Persian pomegranate molasses. Once this faded (thankfully not too soon) I found myself cozied up to a straight-up oriental rose: friendly, uncomplicated, powdery, and soft, as if headspaced right off of a living blossom still nodding on the vine. Balkis offers almost zero sillage -- unusual for a rose -- but having this scent stick close by your side is hardly a drawback. Above all, there's not a single trace of nasty guest-bathroom soap smell or any of the other demons that plague this genre.

Finally, a rose without thorns!

During a December many years ago, just on the cusp of a barrage of snowstorms which kept the Eastern seaboard paralyzed for months, I found my relationship with Balkis deepening. I cannot stress enough how much I welcomed its optimistic theme in the midst of frigid darkness. I asked it to absorb some of the sadness I was feeling, and it generously complied. Now Balkis has been discontinued-- but I no longer feel as sad or needful of succour. Life requires movement, and I am moving on.

Still, sadness -- like winter -- always comes back around. Before it strikes again, I think I will seek a new, rare rose as as an anodyne to strengthen my soul against the darkness and cold. I'm sure there will be perfumes that startle, delight, and captivate me as much, if not more. But none may comfort me quite the way Balkis did… and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Scent Elements: Raspberry, Turkish damask rose, black pepper, coffee extract, iris, benzoin, vanilla

[arcadyac]

can i have some ?

pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

warnings: nothing, just absolute fluff

(not my gif)

I glide the fruity stick across my lips and rub it in as a final measure. I give it one final sniff, the sweet smell of passion fruit hitting my nose.

As I do, I hear a knock on the door.

"It's open !" I say and in walks my Eddie.

"What are you up to ?" he says,as he stands behind me towering me.

I look at him through the mirror and smiled.

"Oh just trying this new chapstick I got." I hold up the small peach container for him to see.

"It tastes really good and the smells really good too."

He raises an eyebrow, "Can I have some ?"

"Sure." I hand him the small container expecting him to grab it from my grasps but instead I feel his hand on my chin as he tilts my head back and gives me a long kiss on the lips.I close my eyes and melted on to his touch like a candle to a flame.

He pulls away for a second as my cheeks heat up from the gesture. I look up at him as he licks his lips. My eyes widened and my mouth still slightly open.

"You were right. It does taste really good." He says, a large smile plastered on his face.

that smooth bastard.

[midnightsunnyday]

The Brothers Go To Bath & Body Works

A/N: because I was bored and like headcanons where the brothers are in ordinary situations doing ordinary things, yet because of their nature and ignorance of human culture, get in all types of trouble. Definitely counts as a crack post.

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

Lucifer: for horrid's sake it's like Asmodeus and Mammon's bathrooms exploded.

Satan: for once I have to agree with you. This place is a bit...assaulting.

Leviathan: ugh. This is just like that anime I watched: My Partner Tricked Me Into Going Shopping And Now I'm Stuck Watching Them Make Horrible Financial Decisions!

MC: that sounds way too contrived to be a real show.

Satan: furthermore, are we really about to spend an hour shopping for candles?

MC: no, I'm about to spend an hour shopping for candles. You all can wait outside *sighs* At least Asmo gets it.

Asmodeus: such splendor! Such rapture! I mean just look at it: the colors! The scents! The mini hand sanitizers! Oooh, and is that a sale? Buy three get two free, you say?

Lucifer, scanning the shelves: and what is this absurdity?  Pumpkin pecan, pumpkin apple, vanilla pumpkin, pumpkin clove, cinnamon pumpkin, caramel pumpkin...just what is it with you humans and your obsession with pumpkins?

MC: hey, don't judge my culture. Pumpkin scented and flavored products are an annual mortal tradition.

Lucifer: a tradition that should be banned, clearly.

Mammon: humans sure are strange though. I mean, why have an entire store dedicated to something so lame?

Satan: well, candles can be used for many purposes, but for most humans they're not only therapeutic, but romantic. In fact, it's customary for human lovers to light a multitude of candles around their dwelling to draw in their mate.

Mammon: to draw in their mate, huh? Ya don't say...

*loud clanging noises*

MC: Mammon...why are you scooping an entire row of candles into your shopping bag?

Mammon: oi, what are ya the candle police? Don't worry about it.

Salesperson: just so you know, all our three wick candles are--

Mammon: --buy three get two free. Yeah, yeah, we read the sign!

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

Belphegor: hey, which scent do you think smells better on me?

MC: *sniffs* ooh, I really like the lavender one.

Belphegor: good, then that's the one I'll buy. That way, when we finish taking our naps together, you'll smell me all over your sheets. And your clothes. And your pillows. And the rest of your room.

MC: sounds very...Pavlovian. Just no leashes or collars, please. 

Belphegor: I think you might have me confused with Lucifer...and possibly Satan.

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

Asmodeus: Satan dear, please tell me you aren't going to buy that just because it has a cat on it?

Satan, blushing: of course not. I was just...looking, is all.

Leviathan: you know, you're kinda behaving like an otaku who wants to buy all the latest merch of their favorite character.

Asmodeus: so like you, then?

Leviathan: hey! Otaku are a proud people who fuel their hobbies with the upmost passion and dedication. There's no shame in it.

Asmodeus: whatever you say, brother ~

Salesperson: just so you know, that's our limited edition Halloween scent, which is only around for the holidays.

Satan: hmm...

Salesperson, wearing a cheeky grin: we also have cat shaped plug ins.

Satan: where?

Asmodeus: now wait just a--

Salesperson: --did I also mention that we're having a sale on all our bath products?

Asmodeus: on all the bath products, you say?

Leviathan, rolling his eyes: normies.

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

Salesperson: excuse me, sir?

Lucifer, sighing: if you're attempting to sell me something, then I rather hear the quick version.

Salesperson: it's just that you seem a bit...tense. Do you happen to suffer from stress? If so, I can show you a few items in our aromatherapy collection.

*Lucifer, gazing over at Leviathan and Mammon*

Mammon: ok, ok, on the count of three. One, two...three!

*Leviathan and Mammon shrieking in pain as they spritz body mist into each other's eyes*

Lucifer: ...I'm listening.

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

Belphegor: hey guys, I don't think it was a good idea to bring Beel in here.

Lucifer: meaning....

Beelzebub, holding two candles and mumbling to himself: this one says banana walnut muffin and this one says warm apple pie, but it's not a muffin and that's not a pie, but it smells like one, but I can't eat it, but it's named after food, but it's not food...*falls to his knees* it's not food.

Leviathan: uh...

Beelzebub, in a trance like state: it's not food. It's not food. It's not food.

Satan: well, this doesn't look good.

Mammon, placing a hand on Beelzebub's shoulder: hey, little bro. You ok?

Beelzebub: so...the time for retribution has come? Such an ironic fate, being made to roam this chamber which torments me with scents familiar, yet unable to satiate. For centuries I've scourged the lands, devouring flesh to still the pain that naws at my being. Cursed to eat without gain. Without joy. Forever crowned as the sin of gluttony, a crown in which I sometimes find too heavy to bear. For some, I was once a god, for others a mere pest. Even so, I find myself in a hell not of my own creation, but one in which I rightfully deserve.

MC: um, Beel? I love you, but you're freaking everyone out.

Beelzebub, looking up at MC with empty eyes: ah, the mortal to whom I am bound. Tell me, are you here to guide me towards salvation? Or are you too like these wondering souls, searching for nourishment in that which is fleeting? However, I advise you make your decision with haste, as soon I will no longer be able to tell friend from prey.

*silence*

MC: ...we really need to get him some food.

Mammon, helping Beelzebub to his feet: ok, time to go, buddy.

Asmodeus: how about we get you some McDonald's. Do you like McDonald's, Beel?

Beelzebub: immortality is a curse. The only true salvation lies in oblivion.

Asmodeus: ...he wants McDonald's.

*at the food court*

Asmodeus: still, I can't believe I ended up purchasing several bags worth of lotions, candles, and body sprays *shivers* such an insidious place. I love it!

Lucifer: admittedly, this pillow mist is very soothing. Though may I suggest that next time we go somewhere less...traumatizing?

Satan, staring down into his bag full of cat shaped plug ins: *sighs* agreed.

Mammon and Leviathan, holding a cup of ice to their eyes: definitely.

MC: I just wanted us all to go shopping. How was I suppose to know scented candles would make Beel suffer an existential breakdown?

Lucifer: speaking of which, how are you feeling, Beel?

Beelzebub, stuffing his face: cheeseburgers and nuggets are my favorite food from McDonald's.

Lucifer: that's nice Beel.

Leviathan: well, that problem solved itself.

Mammon: but man, what a day. All this shopping sure gave me quite the workout *stretches his arm over MC* I think I'm just gonna head home, light a bunch of candles around my dwelling, let MC walk in and ya know...see what happens.

MC: *sighs* This is exactly the reason why I shop online.

[bubblyhoney]

three times you interrupt george

warnings: none! my first fic with no language are you proud of me ;)

tags: georgenotfound x gn!reader

words: 1355

A/N: pretty much every fic i’ve posted has been written a minimum of an hour before i post it— my b. anyways george is soft and he makes me soft enjoy

requests/inbox status: open

-

The first time you barge in on George’s stream is about four months into your relationship. He is starting to get comfortable being his online persona around you, and suggests rather than get on your train at 1 am, you stay over. “Like a sleepover?” you ask and watch his cheeks start glowing pink.

Yes, exactly like a sleepover.

The sound of the bedroom door opening makes him pick up his water bottle and immediately turn off his camera and microphone, indistinguishable from the unannounced bathroom breaks he usually takes. Turning towards you slightly in his chair, an amused expression grows on his face. You’re barely awake, hovering in his doorway with a crinkled t-shirt and basketball shorts pulled on haphazardly in the dark on your way out of the bedroom. (You don’t sleep in pants. That’s for heathens.)

“Water,” you croak, arms stiff at your side and blinking wildly in the fluorescent lighting of his flat. He tries to hide his smirk and pads over to you, passing you his water bottle with a huff of a laugh. His hand drops to yours, grabbing and rubbing his thumb into your blanket-creased skin. You’re cold.

“I have extra blankets in the cupboard.” He doesn’t let go of your hand. You nod robotically, draining the nearingly lukewarm water through that straw and— he can almost see life return to your face. When you hand the empty bottle back to him, you’re licking your lips and squinting like you’re having a staring contest with the sun.

“I’m gonna go back to bed.” Your voice is thick with sleep, nasally like it always is in the morning. You lift to scratch a hand at your stomach and lean your head forward, bowing to George at an awkward angle. In a second he knows what you’re doing and grants you one (1) forehead kiss before you’re trundling off to the bedroom on legs that function like stilts.

“Sorry guys,” he sighs heavily when he’s back in his chair. “Took a minute long nap and I feel so refreshed.”

The second instance of interruption comes on a day when he’s too entranced in some bizarre Minecraft challenge (with his camera off, for focus reasons) to notice you.

You walk up the stairs, hand on the railing, and expect to find your boyfriend zonked out on the couch with six pillows behind his head and an eye mask. Instead, he’s at his desk, eye bags a lovely shade of violet, with rimrod posture, clicking furiously at his mouse. He’s silent when you pass him to drop your things off in the kitchen. Silent the whole time you go to the bathroom, and silent the whole time you’re making breakfast.

The distance between his flat and your own isn’t monumental, but it is enough to make you exhausted on the train ride over. (It doesn't take much, truthfully.) That’s why you book the tickets hilariously early in the morning and have a perfectly-timed nap. Still, you wake up from it ravenous. And George has a horrible habit of ordering take-away for every meal, so you grab a couple ingredients for breakfast at the mart you pass every couple of days you’re here.

Today it’s omelets and bruschetta toast. George jokes you’re related to Gordon Ramsey distantly for the amount of posh foods you cook; you say you just have taste. Half a dozen eggs, a few veggies, a bulb of garlic, and a loaf of bread is barely £15 at the mart down the road. The rest of the ingredients lie barely touched in his cabinets. You work quickly and have two plates filled with warm and delicious smelling food in the period it takes him to die one more time in Minecraft.

Wobbling two plates and a glass of orange juice on one arm, you approach the backside of his desk on careful and slow feet. When you set his plate and drink down next to him he catches you by the wrist and brings your forearm to his mouth, pressing a kiss there and looking up at you with those brown eyes.

“Thank you,” he mumbles against the sweetness of your skin and presses two more kisses to your wrist. He pulls away and takes a large sip from the orange juice before spam-clicking the shift button at a familiar green character. You leave his station with a smile, feeling warm.

“Y/N!” he calls, leaning back in his chair with a hand on his stomach. “C’mere. Please.”

“Bossy,” you mutter, but get up from your place on the couch and trot over to him with a huff.

“Tell Sapnap what you put in the omelet,” is all he says before passing you his headset and snaking an arm around your waist. You stumble towards him but manage to get the headphones on before Sapnap starts spewing about a breakfast burrito he ate last week that had jalapeños and onions in it. One thing you never thought you’d get to discuss with the man was your culinary prowess, but it seems today is the day of surprises— George helps you bake a batch of salted caramel brownies after finishing up work, too.

He doesn’t even catch anything on fire.

The third time you catch George working is right at the end of a Gang Beasts stream with Karl, Tina, and Corpse. He’s just finishing his last wave goodbye and ending the stream when you shudder through his front door with a small bag in your hand.

“Good news,” you announce through a grin. “My GNF candle came in.”

“Your what?” He laughs, closing the browser with a click and sleeping his monitor. You dig the item out and place it ceremoniously on the glass of his desk. His jaw drops.

“Isn’t that cool?” You ask excitedly, nearly bouncing on your feet.

“Oh my God.” He picks up the squat candle, lifting it to his nose to catch a sniff. Hm. Pine. “I wish I smelled like that.”

You just shrug and take it from him, darting into the kitchen to produce a lighter and light the wick quickly. You take a deep inhale when the flame sparks and stills.

“Yeah, that smells nothing like you. You smell more…” You trail off, lips pursed and eyebrows drawn in thought.

“Manly?” He quirks an eyebrow at you. You ponder that and just take another smell.

“More sweet. Much sweeter.”

“That’s cute,” he admits, getting up and disappearing into his bedroom.

“Are you gonna take a nap?” You set the candle down onto the countertop, making your way into his room like you own it. He’s at his closet, tugging off his sweatshirt.

“Yeah,” he answers, muffled by fabric, and finally gets the collar of the hoodie past his neck. “Care to join?” The hoodie goes into his laundry basket and he tugs the covers of his bed back, flashing you a look. You nod, flinging your shoes off and into the emptiness of his closet before crawling into the center of his bed and flopping down halfway onto him. He makes an unsatisfied noise and shuffles onto his stomach. Giggling, you roll into a sitting position and get yourself under the covers.

“Warm in here,” you mutter and get situated. His accompanying pillow is soft on your cheek when you twist onto your stomach and shove an arm underneath it. He just hums in agreement and stares at you. “Hold on.” You plant an elbow on the space between you two and manage to press a firm kiss on his cheek. Okay, perhaps two. If it’s three then George is colorblind.

“Thanks. I guess.”

“Anytime, darling,” is all you say before your eyes are closing and you’re breathing a sigh that deflates your chest.

A hand grapples up your arm, scrambling for your own. You just smile to yourself and offer your palm to him. He takes it wordlessly and squeezes twice before letting your tangle of fingers drop to the sheets.

-

A/N: ask or send me some stuff!! requests, rants, anything. :D let me know what you think in the comments!

[tteokggukk]

amortentia → kth

–pairing: gryffindor!taehyung x gryffindor!reader 

–genre: hogwarts au, enemies to lovers, fluff

–words: 3.7k

–warnings: none, except a teeny tiny dirty joke in the end (?), oh and this was unedited sorry i’m in class, also i mention cedric so just pretend he’s alive ok

–summary: you’re surprised to smell the scent of the boy you constantly don’t get along with coming from the famous, but most dangerous, love potion in the world.

–a/n: uh so i’ve been obsessing over harry potter again for the past month askdlaksdj anyways here’s a short drabble i thought of when i got sidetracked planning my next smau wahoo oh yeah this was also inspired by that one scene where they sniff the potion lol

permanent taglist: @100percent-dum-dum  @mochisjoon​ @boraength @rageyoudamnednerd​

You hurriedly walked into your Potions class with your books clutched to your chest.

Potions has always been your favorite class and no doubt were you skilled at it. Your friends often had to ask for your help when it came to brewing, and an added plus was that you often gained house points for your flawless work. The class was normally held by Snape, who greatly terrified and intimidated a lot of students, but there were certain changes made this year that resulted in a different professor teaching the class.

Students were evidently happy about the sudden change of professors. Walking into Potions back then would instantly result in a quiet room and anxious-looking faces with no one daring to speak. It was a bit strange now, albeit refreshing, to hear the buzz of students chatting and actually smiling in the room while waiting for the class to begin.

Professor Slughorn stood at the center of the room in front of a long table where several cauldrons were spread out, emanating a variety of colored fumes and causing a mixture of different smells to fill the room.

The combination of different smells was something you were already used to—normally they were undistinguishable and almost smelled like something close to nothing, but today there was one scent that stood out, one that was strangely captivating.

Fighting to keep your mind from falling into a trance, you could feel yourself being pulled by the scent. Never before have you sniffed something so alluring, so entrancing— so dizzying, it almost smelled like—

Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a group of students laughing and rushing into the room, causing you to snap out of it. Your head immediately turns to find the source.

There Taehyung stood with his friends who were all fixing their robes as if they just ran a hundred miles to get to the room. They were only standing but they all looked so bright, even you couldn’t deny they were attractive. Though you got on with his friends well, Taehyung just seemed to love annoying you every minute of the day. He especially loved teasing you through uncalled for flirting and a plethora of dirty jokes—and though you could easily retaliate, it was amusing to see you try and hide how flustered you’d get because of it. Because of this, all your interactions resulted in numerous banters, inevitably making it official that you two would never get along peacefully without one riling up the other (which was mostly you).

He found it amusing, whereas you found it annoying.

You glared at him, watching as he ran his hand through his hair while sending a sheepish smile over to your professor.

“Sorry we’re late professor, almost forgot our books,” Taehyung smiled, holding up his copy of Advanced-Potion Making.

Professor Slughorn simply smiled and waved for them to hurry, “No problem, m’boy! Good to see you, good to see you—now, gather ‘round everyone!”

As if he could’ve gotten away with that if Snape were around, you thought and rolled your eyes. You could almost hear Snape from a distance with his low voice muttering a “Ten points from Gryffindor.”

Taehyung catches your eyes rolling as students began to huddle around the different cauldrons. As you and your friends made your way towards one of the potions on the table, you fail to notice Taehyung excusing himself from his friends and moving past other students to walk over to where you were, a smirk forming on his lips.

The seductive scent your mind was previously clouded with has suddenly gotten stronger, and it wasn’t long before you were able to distinguish one of them: a scented candle that had an oddly specific scent of blackcurrant berries and roses. Your brows knit in confusion at the familiar scent of combined fire and fragrance as you whip your head around to look for the person you knew often smelled like this.

Sure enough, he was right there standing behind you. Did he burn all of his candles? Why does he smell so strongly today? Taehyung places his hands on your shoulders, steadying you from looking around too much. He bends his head low and moves close to your ear.

“Saw you rolling your eyes there, y/l/n,” He whispers, trying to look discreet. The scent engulfs you even more—probably because his hair seems to absorb it all, and though you’re not exactly repulsed by it (you were pulled, even, though you’d never admit that), you try to act nauseated. “Darling, do I bother your thoughts that much?” He teases.

“Psh, please, Kim. You wish I was thinking of you,” You faked a gag. “And move—” You push his hands off your shoulders and wave your hand around your face as if to waft away something pungent, “I don’t know why but this room seems to smell an awful lot like you. It’s suffocating.”

Taehyung raises a brow, and looks at you with a confused look before talking in a not-so-discreet and surprised tone, “Me? You know, I was actually gonna say the same about you. It smells like your shampoo in here.”

“My shampoo? You’re literally right behind me!” You retorted through gritted teeth.

“No, I know! But like, it’s everywhe—“

“Now then,” Slughorn’s voice was much louder now, cutting Taehyung off, “Can anyone tell me what this potion is? Maybe Mr. Kim?” He asks, pointing to one of the cauldrons on his right. He definitely heard Taehyung talking.

Taehyung moves closer so he was standing next to you now. He stares into the cauldron, finding a colorless and odorless potion, but Taehyung only looks at him in confusion.

“Sir, is this Veritaserum?” Taehyung asks, his eyes narrowing in thought, “I don’t think it’s supposed to smell like anything, but I can’t really tell cause it smells like y/l/n in here—“

“Oh dear, my bad, sorry!” With a knowing smile, Slughorn covers one cauldron and suddenly the room stopped smelling like Taehyung. Taehyung seemed to be thinking the same thing because he looked back at you with a blank look on his face before turning back to the cauldron.

“It’s Veritaserum,” He concludes, “It’s a colorless and odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth.” “Very good!” Slughorn praises him, “Now, can anyone tell me what this is?” Slughorn continues to ask students around to identify what kind of potion has been brewed along with its function. You raise your arm up every time and Taehyung laughs at how eager you look every moment that you do, earning him a death glare each time. Slughorn doesn’t call you once, but he finally does in the end.

“Now, Miss y/l/n. I know you know all the potions well, so would you do the honor of telling us what this one is?” Slughorn reopens the cauldron he had previously shut when Taehyung was identifying Veritaserum, and suddenly the room smells like him again.

Why does the scent make you feel comfortable yet nervous all at once?

You move towards the brew, heart pumping a little too loudly in your chest. You had your suspicions on what that potion really was, but that couldn’t be it, right?

Taehyung probably just burned all his candles or something, that’s why his scent was so strong today.

But upon seeing the liquid in the cauldron, you could already identify what it was by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen along with the characteristic spirals rising out of it.

“Amortentia,” You spoke, trying to sound calm. Taehyung, who was also secretly good in potions, looked up in shock and moved from his position to a place where he could clearly see your face to see your reaction.

“Very good! Will you tell us more about it?” Slughorn continued.

You nod in response, “Yes, well… It’s the most powerful love potion in the world. It’s supposed to smell differently to each of according to what attracts us.” You stopped. Maybe he wasn’t going to ask you what you could smell, but before you could move back, Slughorn trailed on.

“Correct! Now, can you describe what it is that you smell?” Slughorn smiled before turning to the rest of the class, “You all will have the chance to sniff it too.”

Your eyes widen and you gulped nervously as you moved back closer to the potion. You forced a smile and nodded to your professor before leaning into the cauldron and wafting the scent towards you.

“I smell…” You stared into the liquid before recognizing several scents, “Fresh paint… scented candles…”

You could feel your heart beating out of your chest. Were you actually smelling Taehyung in amortentia? Taehyung, who would endlessly annoy the life out of you whenever he had the chance? Taehyung, who would argue with you over trivial things like food preferences? Taehyung, who recently kept “running into you” and ended up hanging out with you cause it “couldn’t be helped”? Taehyung, who would stay with you until late at night while you studied in the common room because you shouldn’t be “out there alone”?

Taehyung, who annoyed you but made you feel empty whenever he wasn’t around?

Or maybe it wasn’t actually him you were smelling. Maybe it’s just his scent that rubbed off on someone else? You couldn’t possibly be attracted to him when all you did was annoy each other and get on the other’s nerves.

But then again, you’ve never had a day where he failed to make you smile.

The final scent, proving that it really was him these scents were associated with, made you subconsciously glance over at him who was eyeing you with much curiosity. You quickly looked away and stared back at the liquid, feeling the heat spread upon your face and ears before quietly muttering, “…and strawberries.”

Your friends all stared at you in shock because even they knew the whole world associated strawberries with the one and only Kim Taehyung because it was his favorite fruit, after all. Walking back to your place, you kept a good distance from you and the cauldron to avoid being too immersed in the smell, now wanting it to be as far away as you kept mentally denying what just happened.

Taehyung stifled a laugh and tried to press his lips together to suppress himself from forming a wide grin. Slughorn, who caught onto what was happening, thanked you before calling onto Taehyung again.

“And what about you, Mr. Kim? Could you tell us what you smell in amortentia?” Slughorn motioned for him to move over. Taehyung looked nervous, he obviously wasn’t expecting himself to be called again. He gulps nervously and charmingly tries to offer someone else to sniff the potion, but Slughorn declines and tells him that he should do it.

Taehyung didn’t want to do it, but now he found himself forced to.

Now your only problem was the whole world now knew what—or rather, who attracted you. You knew Taehyung would smell someone else in that potion, it’s probably why he’s so against sniffing it right now. Like you said, all you did was annoy each other. You couldn’t expect him to like you back, could you? You could feel the embarrassment coming as Taehyung moved forward.

You kept your eyes on the floor, avoiding any form of eye contact with the boy you suddenly realized you had feelings for. Taehyung kept looking at you before focusing on the potion and leaning into the cauldron, wafting the scent towards him.

“I still smell your shampoo,” Taehyung spoke. You frown before looking up to see him looking at you. You could feel everyone’s attention transfixed on the both of you, eyes darting back and forth from you to him in amusement.

“It smells sweet, like flowers,” He continued wafting, “I also smell cinnamon… and that perfume you wear, smells like cherries and violets.”

For a second it felt like the whole world stopped, and all you could do was stare at each other with expressions of disbelief. From afar, you could’ve sworn his cheeks were turning into a darker shade of pink, but then he had to walk back to his place after Slughorn had said something you didn’t pay attention to. Everyone else raised their hands up and took turns smelling the love potion.

The rest of the class was spent awkwardly making a potion called Felix Felicis and nothing else about Amortentia. Awkward, because Taehyung was working with you on the same table as he and his friends all couldn’t fit in one. Neither of you really spoke to each other, you were mostly just avoiding his stare while he tried to ask you for help in brewing to which you gave him short and monotonous answers. In your head, you couldn’t help but think that Slughorn made a big deal with amortentia just to stir something up.

Finally, the class ended and you were done with your potion. You handed yours in and Taehyung followed, but you noticed him trying to make his way to you causing you to pick up your pace. You excused yourself from your friends because frankly, you had no idea how to face him.

Plus, what if he was joking about what he smelled? He loved making you mad for a pastime, who’s to say he wasn’t just faking all the things he said?

You shook the thought out of your head, even you knew he wouldn’t go that far. You feel a small twinge of guilt at what you just thought, silently apologizing to no one.

As you brisk walked along the corridors, you felt a hand rest on your shoulder. You looked back to see Taehyung, face looking flushed as he looked at you. You almost dropped your books but caught hold onto all of them. Taehyung notices and takes the books from your hand. You couldn’t really decline; your throat was too dry to speak.

“I—“ He starts.

Taehyung, who always has something to say, has suddenly run out of words.

“You don’t need to say anything,” You spoke, voice filled with false confidence, “They’re just scents, you know. Don’t feel obligated to act on anything.”

You have no idea where all this was coming from, but maybe it’s because you didn’t want anything to feel forced between you two. Taehyung just stares at you before clearing his throat.

“Uh, right,” He chuckles, before taking a piece of paper from his pocket and slipping it into your books.

“What—?” You try to open the book to grab the paper, but Taehyung places his hand on the cover and closes it shut.

“Don’t!” He says a little too loudly, causing a few people glance at you two, “Don’t open it now, just… open it later. When I’m not around.”

He flashes you a shy smile before turning to walk away, leaving you dumbstruck in the corridors. You watch as his figure slowly disappears into the crowd, making sure that he’s out of your sight before you open the book and pull the note out. Your heart beats wildly in your chest upon seeing what he wrote.

‘Meet me in the common room after dinner.’

You don’t see Taehyung at all while you were having dinner in the great hall. Surprisingly, you found yourself worrying at the fact that he was skipping a meal, something you never knew you’d ever worry about. The upside was that he wouldn’t hear how your friends (and some of his) mercilessly teased you about what happened earlier at Slughorn’s class, saving you from the embarrassment you would’ve only felt if he were present. With Taehyung being the massive flirt that he is who could come up with a dirty joke within a half of a second, he might’ve actually played along with all the teasing.

Once you were done eating, you excused yourself from your friends telling them that you had forgotten something up at your dorm. Your pulse was beginning to fasten at every step that took you closer and closer to the common room, unsure of why Taehyung asked you to meet.

“Password?” The portrait of the fat lady asks.

“Abstinence,” You spoke.

As you walked in, you were once again greeted by the smell of blackcurrant berries and roses—the scent of Taehyung’s favorite candles. You were also surprised to sniff a few pastries that smelled of cinnamon, and as you made your way further into the room, you later realized that there were freshly baked cinnamon rolls laid out on a platter. The smell was overwhelmingly comforting.

Unsurprisingly, no one was around yet at this hour as people often hung around in the corridors during their free time. All except for one person who was seated on one of the couches, candles spread around on one of the table he sat in front of.

“____,” He looks up once he hears your footsteps. Your heart flutters at the sound of your first name falling off his lips instead of your last. Though he’s already called you by your first name before whenever you two were alone, it was something you still hadn’t gotten used to and filled your stomach with butterflies. Taehyung stands up from the couch and walks over to face you.

“Hi,” You greeted, a little awkwardly.

“Have you—um, eaten?” He asks, scratching the back of his head. The confident, cocky, and outgoing Kim Taehyung was bumbling mess now. It was endearing to see him like this, but it also rose a small ounce of confidence in you.

“I mean you did ask to meet after dinner, so, yeah, I think I’ve eaten,” You chuckled and he jokingly rolls his eyes at you while his tongue pressed against his cheek, a sight that took every effort in your body not to melt at.

“About earlier,” he starts, his expression softening and eyes looking deeply into yours, “I really didn’t want you to find out that way.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I really was planning on telling you. I was hoping to wait until the Celestial Ball since it’s coming up, but then Potions class happened and I didn’t know I’d be up there telling everyone I could smell ­you in the potio—“

“You were gonna wait ‘til the Celestial Ball?” You ask, raising a brow in amusement.

“Well, yeah. I was gonna ask you sooner or later,” He blushed and nervously scratched at his temple before turning a switch and changing back into his old demeanor, folding his arms and leaning in for your faces to meet, “Can’t have you dancing with anyone else other than me, can we?”

“I was gonna ask Cedric,” You lied with a straight face, “But whatever, I guess I could go with you.”

“You what?” He scoffed in disbelief before laughing at what he just heard, “Please, no you weren’t.” You only stared at him. “Please tell me you’re kidding,” His playful expression falters, “____? Hey!” He gently shakes your shoulders, causing you to break into a fit of laughter.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Geez, Kim,” You laughed, wiping a tear away from the corner of your eye as Taehyung glared at you.

“Wow, and to think I helped with baking all these cinnamon rolls for you,” he huffs.

“How sweet of you,” You said in a sarcastic tone, though you really meant it.

“Aren’t I?” He smirks and looks over at you, “So, I’m gonna scratch out whatever you said earlier.”

“And what exactly did I say?”

“’Don’t feel obligated to act on anything’, is what you said,” He raises a brow and folds his arms, “Yeah, as if. It’s like you don’t even know me.”

“I just meant I didn’t want to fo—“ You start talking defensively, but you stop talking as soon as Taehyung cups your face with his hands.

“Well I want to act on it, and it’s my decision. I’ve been trying to give you hints these past couple of weeks, but since you never really caught on…” He chuckles, hands travelling down to your waist to pull you closer which causes your breath to hitch, “I like you, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“How could I when all we ever do is annoy the crap out of each other?” You tell him, unable to help yourself from staring at his lips which were now eye-level with yours.

“What can I say? You’re pretty hot all riled up,” Taehyung smirks and earns himself a light punch on the chest, though it made you laugh nonetheless, “I’m sorry it’s just—I can’t lie. Are you staring at my lips? Does this mean you like me back?”

“Taehyung,” You looked back at him, using his first name for the first time, “I smelled you in my amortentia. Of course I like you.”

“Right. This is why the hat never considered me for Ravenclaw,” He mutters.

Taehyung places one of his hands on your chin and looks at you for any sign of hesitance. When he sees none, he smiles and pulls you in. Before you know it, your lips were crashed into the soft, pink ones you were staring at just a while ago. Maybe this is why the hat never considered you for Ravenclaw as well, because only now did all those “hints” make sense—all those nights staying up with you, keeping you company while you studied, all those accidental “run-ins”—they were all for you.

Breathing each other in, you could’ve sworn there might’ve been some freshly brewed amortentia lying around. Your mind was clouded with thoughts of him as you felt him smiling through the kiss prompting you to do the same. His lips tasted like sugar and cinnamon, probably from taste-testing all the cinnamon rolls he’d just baked, not that you were complaining. It was wonderful.

Taehyung finally pulls away with a small tug on his lips. The sight of your warm, red-tinted cheeks while you looked up at him was the prettiest thing he had ever laid his eyes on.

“Wanna disobey the fat lady’s password?”

That earned him another light punch, but no words of denial left your mouth.

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