#in another one i was patting my niece in her cot to try and get her to sleep and as i was patting her bum my hand brushed on a head of hair

[hailsatanacab]

Have a good nap!

every nap is a good nap 😴💤

[not-all-dead]

Hi! I just wanted to drop by and say how much I’m enjoying your writing, it’s amazing 💜

Can I ask for something between Lin and Opal? I’ve always though that chief crankypants has a soft spot for her niece 🥰

prompt #82 - “Just breathe, okay?”

ahh thank you so much!! I completely agree, I think she was probably very grumpy about it at first but definitely cares about opal a lot. This ended up way angstier (?) than I planned, but uh... explosions! aha oops

The blast was huge. Lin rushed behind a building for shelter, though it nearly collapsed on her anyway. She bent the concrete away from her and ran back into the street where everything was in chaos. rubble was everywhere and the ground still shook slightly. There was a minute purple glow to the air, and dust was everywhere. Lin coughed and waved her hand in front of her face in a feeble attempt to breathe clean air.

She stood there for a moment, letting the dust settle around her. The ground stilled and she spun in a slow circle, taking in the extent of the damage. She scanned the small crowd of people beginning to gather near one of the still upright buildings, looking for anyone she knew. She spotted all of the Krew helping one another around, and saw Jinora and the other airkids as well. Tenzin and all the other adults seemed to be present as well, doing their best to aid the civilians hurt in the explosion.

There was someone missing, though. Her niece.

She ran over to the group and pulled Jinora aside, assuming she’d have been with Opal just before the blast. Jinora looked up at her and answered before the question left her lips.

“She flew in right before the explosion. She thought she could contain it, or at least direct it up. I tried to stop her, and I have no idea where she is now…” Jinora had tears streaming down her face as she shook her head.

Lin pulled the girl into a short hug before turning back to the centre of destruction. She glanced back at Jinora.

“I’ll find her. She’ll be alright,” She gave a sad but reassuring smile to the air bender before stalking into the rubble.

Once she was a reasonable distance in, Lin bent the metal from her foot and brought it down hard on the concrete slab she stood on. She focused on the vibrations leaving her foot and dancing out across the earthen materials, searching for any sign of Opal. There was nothing. She bent her shoe back on and walked further into the rubble, the jagged rocks becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Almost to the centre of the explosion now, she repeated her earlier attempt.

This time, she felt a form on top of a cluster of rocks nearby. She ran towards it, feeling for a heartbeat as she did. She reached the spot she’d sensed the body at and started frantically searching again, looking for signs of the red and yellow uniform Opal wore. She brought her foot down again to get a more accurate picture of where she was.

Lin pinpointed her niece among the rubble and began bending concrete away from her, desperately trying to get her out. She spotted a hint of red and redoubled her efforts, clearing everything from on top of the young girl quickly. She fell to her knees at Opal’s side, gently bringing her head into her lap.

“Please, please be alright,” Lin whispered to herself, panting with her efforts.

She held herself as still as she could, watching her niece for signs of life. She let out a huge sigh when Opal stirred under her, a gasp and small cough escaping her throat. Lin brushed the hair out of her face and she groaned.

“Opal, it’s Lin. Can you hear me?” Opal furrowed her brow and tried to open her eyes, but groaned again and let them fall closed when the effort was too much.

“Shh, it’s alright. I’ve got you,” Lin stroked her niece’s hair and glanced around her. “Just breathe, okay?”

Opal nodded weakly at her aunt, eyes remaining closed. Lin continued to pet Opal’s hair as she looked for someone to help. She saw several people beginning to comb through the rubble for any trapped survivors, though none of them were close enough to hear her yet. Instead of trying to call out to any of them, she focused everything she had on hurling a nearby slab into the air and suspending it. She could only hope someone noticed it and knew it was a signal for help.

Lin didn’t know how long it was before help came. It felt like hours of sitting there, checking every few minutes that Opal was still breathing while straining to keep the slab in the air. It was Korra who finally came to their aid, first helping Lin lower the slab and then turning her attention to Opal.

There wasn’t any water nearby, at least none that Korra had access to without hurting another person, so she couldn’t heal her on the spot. Instead, she helped Lin pick up a sleeping Opal as delicately as they could. Lin held Opal under her shoulders, her head resting on Lin's chest, while Korra supported her legs. They carried her slowly back to the darkening area where a small camp had been set up for the injured, the only sounds being those of their heavy breathing and an occasional whimper of pain from Opal.

They set her down on one of the makeshift beds that had been bent out of rock by Bolin and the other earthbenders, each looking around for either some water or another healer. Korra found a bowl of water a few beds over, but was shooed away by Kya.

“They need you out there, looking for people. I’ve got the healing station covered,” Kya insisted, to which Korra nodded.

Kya made her way over to Opal’s bed with the water and kneeled on her left. She glanced up at Lin, who was fidgeting and looking around nervously.

“Lin, sit. I know she’d appreciate you being with her when she wakes up,” Kya turned her attention back to Opal, bringing the water to her.

Lin took Kya’s advice and sat opposite the waterbender, taking Opal’s hand in her own. She stayed as Kya worked her way down Opal’s body, healing each broken bone, ripped tissue, burst blood vessel, and any other physical injury she found. It took longer than Lin had expected, and she fell asleep twice at Opal’s side. Kya took a few breaks too, exhaustion from focus overwhelming her and forcing her to stop to maintain the quality of her healing. It was almost morning when she’d finished.

Opal’s eyelids fluttered not long after Kya had taken off for the night. Her hand tightened almost imperceptibly around Lin’s, but it was enough for the earthbender to become alert again. She watched silently as Opal opened her eyes fully and sat up, twisting to stretch out her sore back. Once she was comfortable and less stiff, she looked at her aunt sitting on the ground below her.

“Thank you,” Opal said, voice raspy with dust and dryness.

She tried to clear her throat and started coughing, to which Lin untangled their hands and patted harshly on Opal’s back. The coughing fit lasted for a solid few minutes, and Opal had tears in her eyes when she calmed down and could breathe again. Lin switched to rubbing her back more gently, watching every twist of her niece’s face for signs of pain or anything of the sort.

“What happened back there?” Lin asked when it seemed Opal was doing alright.

Opal shook her head and let a tear trace slowly down her cheek before answering.

“I just…” She took in a deep but shaky breath. “I wanted to protect you, and my siblings, and Jinora and Ikki and… I thought I could do it, I really did.”

Lin got up from the ground and sat next to Opal on the cot. She let Opal sink into her arms, hugging her tightly as she cried.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Lin, I’m so sorry,” Opal sobbed against Lin’s metal armour, not bothered by the cold, hard material in the least.

Lin said nothing, deeming it best to simply hold her niece and listen to her, a solid support rather than a coach or teacher. Opal didn’t say it, but she was intensely glad Lin was there, and played the role she did. Lin was, in that moment, exactly who she needed, and something in her told her that in some way Lin needed that too. She made a vow in her mind to seek out her aunt more often, even if all they did was sit silently with tea at a cafe together. Lin would like that, she thought, simple company if nothing else. When the time came later and she followed through on her vow, she found that her assumptions had been correct. Lin found herself caring more for her niece than she had planned to, though she grew less and less opposed to the idea of it as time went on.

list of prompts

[swanqueeneverafter]

The Once & Future Queen Pt.12

Storybrooke. Sheriff's Station. (Belle reads an entry in a book while Alice grimaces at the creature crawling under Will’s skin.) Belle: “I feared as much.” Alice: “What is it?” (Belle hands Elsa the book who studies the page.) Belle: (To Alice:) “It’s a Fomorroh. (She looks at the drawing of it in the book over Elsa’s shoulder:) Whoever put it there was very highly skilled.” Alice: “What does it do?” Belle: “In the days of the Old Religion, they were used by the High Priestess to enslave the minds of their enemies. Once a thought was planted, the victim would not stop till they’d accomplished it.” Elsa: (Looks up:) “Could that be what affected Anastasia?” Belle: “It’s a definite possibility.” Alice: (Staring at the creature squirming under her brother’s neck:) “How do we get rid of it?” Belle: “First we must paralyse the serpent.” (Belle looks to Elsa who nods and they head into the jail cell to join Alice. Standing over Will who lays sleeping on the cot, Elsa uses her powers to freeze the Fomorroh in place.) Alice: “Is it dead?” Belle: “Sadly not. Merely dormant. Now for the tricky bit. I’ll need a knife.” Lily: (Entering the station alongside Tiana:) “Here. Have mine.” (Lily pulls out a knife from her boot and hands it to Belle.) Belle: “Er... thanks. I still need to sterilize it though.” (Lily nods and walks over to her father’s desk. Pulling open a drawer, she leans down and produces a bottle of rum.) Lily: “Dad’s secret stash. Will that do?” Belle: (Nods:) “Actually, rum is a great antiseptic. Thanks.” (Belle pours the rum over Lily’s knife and Alice grimaces as Belle cuts the Fomorroh out of Will’s neck.) Alice: “That’s it? Belle: “For now.” Elsa: “What do you mean?” Belle: “If you kill one, eventually another grows in its place.” Alice: “But how do we get rid of it, if it keeps growing back?” Belle: “There’s only one way, I’m afraid. You have to kill the mother beast.” Alice: “How can we do that if we don’t know where it is?” Elsa: (Noticing that Will is beginning to wake:) “I think we’re about to get some answers.” Lily: “All right, everyone out of the cell.” (Ushering everyone out, Lily pulls the cell door closed and locks it while Will rolls over onto his back.) Will: (Seeing the five women all staring at him:) “Oh bloody hell. This isn’t good.”

A Short Time Later. (After asking for time alone, Tiana and Will talk while Elsa, Belle and Alice watch with Lily from the Sheriff's office.) Tiana: (Casually biting into one of her beignets:) “So, you don’t remember anything?” Will: “I remember Morgana conjuring the snake, but…nothing more. No.” Tiana: “And how do you feel?” Will: “Apart from this throbbing pain in my cheek, I feel fine.” Tiana: “Mhmm. Well rest assured, you deserved it.” Will: (Bringing his hand to his face:) “This was you?” Tiana: “You’re damn right it was. Under Morgana’s control or not, you had it coming. (Will begins to protest:) First you tell Henry that you and Ella had an affair in Wonderland... (Will’s eyes widen:) Then you run up a huge bar tab at the Lair and leave without paying...” Will: “Oh, bollocks.” Tiana: “And finally you try to break into the library. That’s where I put an end to your night on the town.” Will: (Grabbing the cell bars:) “T, you have to know I would never cheat on you with Ella. Or anyone. I value my life too much.” Tiana: (Smirks:) “Oh, I know. Ella was as surprised as I was when Henry told us what you’d confessed to him. Ella and Henry are fine too, by the way.” Will: (Shaking his head:) “I’m lucky to be alive.” Tiana: “Lucky you can run faster than Henry, you mean.” Will: “Henry? No, I’m more worried about Regina! Or Ella... Or Robin if it comes to that. T, can you ever forgive me?” Tiana: (Nods:) “First things first. (Tiana turns and waves for the others to join them:) According to Belle, the serpent in your neck is dormant and when it wakes, your mind will be Morgana’s once more.” Will: “But how do we get rid of it, if it keeps growing back?” Belle: (Walking over to them:) “There’s only one way, I’m afraid. You have to kill the mother beast.” Will: “That creature that lives in Morgana’s hut? (Belle nods:) Great. How long have I got? How long before this thing wakes up?” Elsa: “A day, no more. And I wouldn’t face her alone.” Alice: “Don’t worry, I have a feeling Will’s going to have plenty of company on his trip back to Morgana’s hideaway.” Land Without Magic. Past. Hong Kong. (August sits across from the Dragon.) Dragon: “Tell me. Why have you come?” August: “You see that?” (Rolls up his pant leg.) Dragon: “No, because the problem is with your other leg. (August chuckles and rolls up his other pant leg:) You're turning to wood... Pinocchio.” August: “How in the hell do you know my name? Who are you? Are you from my land?” Dragon: “August, you're in pain. Waste your energy not on me but on your affliction. All you need to worry about is whether I can help you. And the answer is, indeed I can.” August: (Exhales and whispers:) “Thank God.” Dragon: “There are, however, conditions.” August: “Yeah.” Dragon: “I need an item of great value to you.” August: “Money. I-I have some--” Dragon: “No. That comes later. I need something close to your heart, something that cannot be replaced.” (Points to August's neck.) August: (Pulls out a necklace from beneath his shirt:) ��This? It's... It's worthless.” Dragon: “The pendant, perhaps, but the string—it was the string your father used to animate you as a freshly carved puppet. In a way, it first gave you life. It will serve as payment from your soul.” (The Dragon holds out his hand.) August: “Will it work?” Dragon: “Perhaps. (Reluctantly, August gives him the string:) Now... as any vendor from this world, I also need payment from your wallet. 10,000 American dollars.” August: “$10,000?” Dragon: “Bring the money tonight, and you shall never turn to wood again.”

Morgana’s Hovel. Present. (Agravaine visits his niece to share information from Camelot.) Morgana: “Do the people grow weary of Guinevere’s reign yet?” Agravaine: “I wish it were so, my lady, but I do bring information of an equally enticing nature. I have planted the seed of suspicion in our young Queen’s mind. I’ve struck a blow at the very heart of old Camelot.” Morgana: “Go on.” Agravaine: “Lancelot grew unsure of my motives, but I’ve turned the situation to our advantage.” Morgana: “How so?” Agravaine: “I’ve used it to implicate an old friend of yours. Gaius.” Morgana: “The old healer?” Agravaine: “I think there are some interesting times ahead for our physician.” (Agravaine goes to pour himself a drink.) Morgana: “And that’s your news is it? You were almost found out and managed to divert their suspicions onto an elderly healer? It’s hardly information of an enticing kind, is it?” Agravaine: “No, my lady.” Morgana: “So, my lord…you can do better. And you will do better.” Agravaine: “Yes, my lady.” Morgana: “I, on the other hand, have learned the whereabouts of the man destined to be my downfall.” Agravaine: “Really? You know where Merlin is?” Morgana: “Yes, and I have already set plans in motion that will lead to the Sorcerer’s own demise.” Agravaine: “My lady, I must admit your news is far more interesting than mine. Where is he, this Merlin?” Morgana: “Ah, now that’s the tricky part.” Storybrooke. Past. October 2011. (On the school playgrounds, Henry looks at a family tree assignment he was supposed to complete. It is not filled in. He tucks it into a folder and slides it under his open lunch box. Mary Margaret walks up to him.) Mary Margaret: “Henry? You didn’t turn in your homework again. Is there a problem? (Henry does not answer, so she sits down beside him:) Oh, Henry. Things really will change if you just believe it. (He closes his lunch box:) Life is unpredictable.” Henry: “Is your life unpredictable? Because it seems to me like everything is pretty much the same around here. Except me. My birth mom didn’t love me. Regina says she does, but she doesn’t. I-I don’t belong here.” Mary Margaret: “You do belong here, Henry. You are loved. (Her expression perks up as she comes up with an idea:) I wanna show you something. (She reaches for something in her bag:) This morning, I was cleaning out my bedroom closet. Like I’ve done every week, thousands of times, and do you know what happened? I found something. Something I’ve never noticed before. (She pulls out a large book, entitled in golden letters as Once Upon a Time, and places it down in front of Henry:) It was just there. Like magic.” Henry: “That’s not possible.” Mary Margaret: “Well, of course not. (Henry begins opening the book:) But it happened. This book somehow arrived. (Henry turns to a page with a drawing of an older man and young boy:) Was it given to me? Did I forget about it? I don’t know, but there it was. And do you know what I saw when I looked inside? (Henry looks at her expectantly:) Hope.” Henry: (Glances down at the book:) “Looks like fairy tales to me.” Mary Margaret: “And what exactly do you think fairy tales are? They are a reminder that our lives will get better if we just hold onto hope. Your happy ending may not be what you expect, but that is what will make it so special.” Henry: “Can… can I borrow this?” Mary Margaret: “You can have it.” Henry: (Smiles:) “Really?” Mary Margaret: “Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a powerful thing. I think you could use it. (She gets up and pats him on the shoulder:) I’ll see you in class.” (She departs.) Henry: (Flips to another page of a princess and her prince:) “Ms. Blanchard.” Mary Margaret: “Yes?” (He looks up and is stunned to see her dressed as the same princess in the book. A moment later, she appears as normal.) Henry: “Thank you.” Mary Margaret: (Smiles:) “You’re very welcome.” (She continues walking away.) (Watching this exchange from afar, Emma turns to the Apprentice.) Emma: "That's the last one." Apprentice: "Yes, the storybook that started it all." Emma: "Merlin’s messing with me, right? I put him back in his tree and now he’s getting his revenge? (The Apprentice stares at her with a confused expression:) I mean, I'm not sure I like the idea of being the catalyst behind so much tension between Henry and Regina." Apprentice: "I imagine you would dislike the idea of losing your family forever even more." Emma: "Well, when you put it like that..." Apprentice: "Now remember, you must be in position at the precise time Henry knocks on your door or all will be lost." Emma: (Nods:) "I'll be there. What about Mulan?" Apprentice: "If all goes according to plan, your friend will join you back where you both belong." Emma: "What’s Mulan doing for you while I'm delivering storybooks anyway?" Apprentice: (Smiles:) "There are many elements that have to be set in motion before you can safely return home, Emma. In life, we all have our parts to play, and I am no different. Come, we shall make one last journey together. After that, your fate is in your hands." (They walk together around the corner and out of sight. Meanwhile, Henry opens the storybook and flips to a page of a princess and prince with an infant child.) Henry:  “Emma.”

Storybrooke. Present. The Dragon’s Lair. (Zelena watches as Regina fills a large leather bag with various unsavory looking items, including the baseball bat.) Zelena: “What happened to you focusing your energies on Maria and Henry?” Regina: “Morgana targeted Henry. I don’t know what she’s up to and Morgana can attack me all she wants, but the minute you go after my kids? You better believe I’m coming for you.” Zelena: “Are you sure that’s the wisest move? I mean you don’t exactly have the greatest track record when it comes to witch fights.” Regina: “That’s why you’re coming with me. Come on, Zelena, Morgana is the reason Robin Hood had to sacrifice himself. Don’t you want revenge for that?” Zelena: “Honestly... revenge is the last thing on my mind. I’m more concerned about keeping the ones I love safe and so should you be. I thought we retired from the revenge business?” Regina: “Well I don’t know what else to do! Without Emma, I can’t create a protection spell powerful enough to protect the town. Even if I could, we all know how well that worked out last time.” Zelena: “All right, but shouldn’t we try and find out what Morgana wants? Lord knows she’s not the first person to try and take over everything. If we understand her motivation then maybe-” Regina: “Guinevere already tried that, remember? The last time anyone gave into Morgana’s demands, she kidnapped Lily and Maleficent. Then, when people gave her the benefit of the doubt, my daughter was taken from me. (Sighs:) Look, I admire this new passive nature you’ve discovered and we can ask Morgana all the questions you want, but this time we’re gonna take the fight to her for a change. Now are you coming or not?” (Regina picks up the bag and leaves while Zelena considers her options.) Land Without Magic. Past. Outside a bar in Hong Kong. (August looks through his wallet to find payment for the Dragon, but does not have sufficient funds.) Mulan: (From her seat at the bar:) “Hey.” August: “Hey.” (He walks towards her.) Mulan: “You look like you could use a drink.” August: “Yeah, well, I wasn't planning on staying very long.” Mulan: “Come on. Humor me. Celebrating alone is no fun. (When he sits next to her she pulls out her purse, which contains a big stack of one hundred dollar bills:) Figured a medicine man wouldn't take plastic. (Raising her bottle:) Um... To second chances.” (They toast.)

August: “Who knew they'd be so expensive?” Mulan: “Mm. Save my seat?” August: “Sure. (Mulan gets up and heads to the bathroom. August drinks his beer and looks around the bar. Turning back he sees a man now sitting in Mulan’s chair:) Oh, hey someone was sitting there.” Apprentice: “Yes, she was saving my place. Hello, August.” August: (A little startled by this:) “All right, how do you know my name?” Apprentice: (Chuckles:) “I know many names. Would you prefer I call you Pino-” August: (Hushed voice:) “Keep your voice down. August is fine.” Apprentice: (Smiles:) “Very well. August W. Booth. If you’re looking for answers... (Slides the storybook in front of him:) here’s where you should start.” August: “I’m not sure a bunch of fairy tales can cure me. (Winces in pain:) Ah!” Apprentice: (Notices August rubbing his leg:) “The body has a strange way of sending us signals, doesn't it? The tricky part isn't hearing them, but knowing what they truly mean.” August: “Listen, old man, I’ve already found someone who can give me what I want.” Apprentice: “Yes. But you have no money with which to pay him. August, what the Dragon has will stop you from turning to wood, yes. But that's just a symptom. You have a choice to make, either you can steal this poor girl’s money and give it to the Dragon. Or you can take this. (Places his hand on the storybook:) Inside lies the answer to your salvation. (Cautiously, August reaches out and opens the book:) Remember August, only you can cure yourself.” (After turning over a few pages, August looks up to see that the Apprentice and the money have both vanished.) Boston. Past. An Upscale Restaurant. (Emma Swan arrives and walks through the restaurant. Spotting her mark, she heads to Ryan’s table, he stands and extends his hand.) Ryan: “Emma.” Emma: “Ryan? You look relieved.” Ryan: “Well, it is the Internet. Pictures can be…” Emma: “Fake. Out-dated. Stolen from the Victoria’s Secret catalogue. So…” (They each take their seats.) Ryan: “So… tell me something about yourself, Emma.” Emma: “Oh… Uh, well, today’s my birthday.” (Watching this from a discreet distance, Emma smiles at the past version of herself before heading into the elevator.)

The Land of Oz. Past. (Carrying a small basket, a young girl walks along the yellow brick road. Up ahead, her path is blocked by a young man and a fallen tree.) Young Girl: “Excuse me, but your tree is blocking the path. You should move it before somebody gets hurt.” Young Boy: “I'm afraid it's already too late.” Young Girl: (Sees a lone egg nestled in the boy’s hand:) “The poor thing. It must not have survived the fall.” (The girl waves her hand over the egg and it glows green.) Young Boy: “How did you do that?” (The Young Girl waves her hand again and the nest reappears safely in the tree above them.) Young Girl: “Magic.” Young Boy: “Are you a witch?” (The girl nods.) Young Punk: (Stepping out of the bushes with his friend:) “She's a freak! Haven't you ever heard about the monster who lives in the shack? The freak with magic?” Young Girl: “That nest didn't fall out of the tree, did it?” Punk: “No. It made good target practice, though. And so will you.” (The Punk draws back his catapult and the girl runs for cover.) Young Boy: (Charges at them, weapon held high:) “Why don't you practice on my axe? (The punks run away. Turning to her:) Are you all right?” Young Girl: “Yes. Thank you. (Stepping out from behind the tree:) Well, that was a first. Not a lot of people want to befriend the girl with magic. Maybe they're right. Maybe I am a monster.” Young Boy: “You used your magic for good, and that doesn't make you a monster. It makes you special.” Young Girl: “You really think so?” Young Boy: (Offers his hand:) “I'm Stanum.” Young Girl: (Shakes it:) “Zelena.”

Outside Morgana's Hovel. Present. (Raising her head from behind a large boulder, Merida looks down at Morgana's hovel as Agravaine exits.) Merida: (Whispered:) "Do you know that man?" Will: "Not a clue. Thanks to this thing in me neck, I can barely remember my own name." Merida: "Shh. (Merida watches as Morgana also exits the hovel:) Right, there's our chance. You tell the others, I'll go on ahead." The Land Without Magic. Boston. Past. Emma’s Apartment. (Henry Mills arrives outside and is about to knock on the door when it swings open.) Emma: “Hey, kid. What took you so long?” Henry: “Oh... Are- Are you Emma Swan?” Emma: “Yep, and you’re Henry and you’re also my son.” Henry: “Yeah... how did you-” Emma: “I’ll explain on the way. Come on, kid. Let’s go home.”

[writingamongtheroses-archive]

The Lady- Chapter 3

(Monet gains a buddy.)

“Wait- what?”

“Honestly, Rob, I’m not even sure why you’re here.”

Monet opened her eyes, looking around. She...she was at the diner. How silly of her to forget. Francis wanted her to visit. Apparently, he had a new opportunity for her and Dae. Robert “Rob” Polk, her junior apartment mate, had insisted on tagging along. He claimed it was so he could check out the new music store, but she couldn’t resist the twinge of fondness. “-onet? Monet, what do you think?”

“Sorry!” she burst, sitting upright. “Sorry. Got lost in thought.” She turned a smile at Francis. She still felt flattered that the man, three years older than her, paid so much attention to her. “Can you repeat yourself, Franz?”

Pink burst to life on his face for some reason as he fiddled with his glasses. “Um, of course, Monet.” He cleared his throat, aiming a smile of his own at her. “I want us to make Dae a cartoon. I showed some investors your Dae the Demon comics, the ones in the funnies. Several were interested.”

Her eyes widened with shock. After a stunned minute, Monet gasped and grabbed his hand. “Really?!”

He chuckled, staring at her tenderly as he clasped her hand. “Yep! Now, we just need to make some model boards of a demo episode to show them.”

“Wow,” Rob snarked from where he leaned against the diner seat. He was a tall, sandy-haired man who looked like he never smiled. (It was one of her greatest goals in life to get him to smile, besides his smirks at other people’s suffering.) “I didn’t know you helped create Dae.”

“I just want what’s best for Monet and her little devil darling…”

“Yeah, well, I don’t know about this we business…”

“You don’t have to be involved. I don’t even know why you’re here…”

Monet rolled her eyes, pulling out the small sketchpad she always had on her. She knew the routine by now. It was best to let the boys argue until they wore themselves out or came to blows. She took a sip of her milkshake, trying to figure out what she could do for the demo episode. The taste registered and the sophomore did a spit-take.

The two stopped arguing as she coughed and spat. “What’s wrong?” Rob asked, handing her a napkin as Francis patted her back.

She wiped off her tongue. “I- I don’t know! My shake just tastes like…” Monet picked up the glass to get a good look. Her mind screeched to a stop when she realized that her vanilla shake was black. She let out a cry and dropped it. The glass shattered against the table, the ink spreading across it. The girl looked around, suddenly realizing that the booth simply hovered over a sea of dark ink.

“Rob?”

Where was he? She was so sure he was right next to her.

“Monet. My sweet, sweet Monet. He’s not here.” An arm wrapped her shoulders, knuckles fondly rubbing her cheek. “It’s just you and me.” She pushed herself away, looking up. Francis Matthews, looking like he did the day she left, sighed. “Of course you’re still stubborn darling. But, no matter.”

From the sea below them, ink roared up and splashed over them. When she was done coughing and spitting, she realized that the ink had formed chains around her wrists. She opened her mouth to say his name, but the chains yanked and she was thrown from her seat. When she surfaced, the ink forming more chains around her, she looked up.

Ink leaking from his eyes, Francis smirked.

“See you soon Monet.”

-_-

Monet let out a gasp as she sat up in bed.

She looked over her wrists when she managed to calm, sighing when there were no chains to be found. “It was a dream.” As she absently rubbed her wrists, she looked around.

It was a small room. A Dae the Demon clock hanging on the wall said it was three o’clock- although Monet had the feeling that time was up for debate. Two cots had been set up. She laid on one of them, feeling like she might throw up…

Wait, no. She was.

There was a bucket set up next to her cot. Monet managed to roll off the cot in time to throw up in it. Why was it called morning sickness when she had it all day?! She wasn’t aware of anyone else until she managed to hear “Hey-OH JESUS!” A hand held her ponytail out of the way, another patting her back.

Finally, it was over. Monet let out a groan as she sat back. Buddy settled next to her, rubbing her back. “Sorry,” she managed out. “First trimester.”

“You’re pregnant and you still came?”

“Thought I would try and mend some bridges,” she said with another groan. “Obviously, that’s not what happened.”

Buddy patted her on the shoulder before getting to his feet. “C’mon, I made some food. You probably need it- you’ve been out for about two days, if that clock can be trusted.” Monet nodded, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her to the next room.

They sat in a space free of ink at a table that looked like it had seen better days. Monet whispered her thanks when Buddy set a bowl full of soup in front of her, taking one for himself. She remembered when Francis had entered what could be best described as a mood, hiding emergency supplies in random places in the studio. Guess it worked out after all.

“So, I guess I should explain what happened,” Buddy said after a few minutes of sipping mushroom cream soup- more like mushroom flavored broth at this point. “I guess it started with this thing-”

“The Machine.” Monet interrupted. He stared at her in surprise. “I was still working here when Francis had it installed. He never told me what it was for.”

“Making live toons.” She dropped her spoon, staring at him. “Well, I think that’s what he was trying to do. He didn’t tell us that though. But...people started to disappear. Grunts at first, people easily replaceable. He told us that they had left. But the kicker was Angelina.”

Monet froze. “What...happened to Angelina?”

Buddy shrugged. “I...don’t know. She started wearing this little black dress and golden cross everywhere, you know, like Lady Dot.” She nodded- Dot was Dae’s foil in the form of a very religious but kind human noblewoman. “Then she started looking all sickly. Her skin got paler and her eyes were turning black, then she started having this cough. Mr. Rob was really concerned…”

“I don’t like it.” Rob groused. Buddy glanced up at his boss, seeing his gaze was hard on Angelina. She was talking to Tobias White, the studio’s projectionist, smiling and waving off his clear concern. “She’s been getting worse.”

“Maybe...she just has a bug?” Buddy suggested meekly.

Rob turned his glare onto his intern. “Yeah, because a bug makes you look like a corpse.” He thought over his words. “Wait, they actually can nevermind. But still-” The music director was cut off by a thud, followed by several people screaming. Buddy watched as Rob paled and took off through the crowd. He was quick to follow, finding Rob and Tobias by the collapsed Angelina.

Ink was leaking from her nose, her mouth, her eyes. She stared blankly at the ceiling, not seeming to notice Tobias yelling for help or Rob’s desperate pleads. “He...is a liar.” she rasped.

Then there was nothing.

“People tried to evacuate,” Buddy scraped his spoon against his bowl. “But Mr. Matthews...he stopped us. A few managed to get away, while others fell to the ink. The Machine disappeared and so did Mr. Matthews. Nobody knows how to fix it.”

Monet stared at her own bowl.

Her appetite had been lost.

She had so many good memories of the studio. Going over the new songs with Rob, sharing lunches with Tobias, helping the janitor Luis Diaz find his keys, talking about Dot with Angelina. All led back to the sunshine-filled diner where a young man plopped himself across college freshman Monet Garcia and introduced himself as Francis Matthews.

“What happens...if the Machine was turned off?”

Buddy thought for a moment.

“That might work...except nobody knows where it is. Hasn’t been seen in over nine years.”

“Yes, but, if someone did find it…?”

He nodded. “It could work. Do you want to look?”

She did, but she raised a brow.“Do you?”

The boy considered this in silence. “To be honest, before you showed up, I thought I would never leave. But, I have an older sister who was pregnant when I got stuck here. I wonder if she’s given birth. Do I have a niece or nephew?”

Monet extended a hand with a gentle smile. “You can find out.”

Buddy considered her before smiling and taking her hand.

“Then let’s do it.”

Tag List: @fishymom-art, @h-faith-marr-writeblr, @captainleemon

[whatyourfathersays]

Who’s The Daddy → BWS

Summary: Brad is a single, working dad trying to raise two, six month old twins after Y/N died giving birth.

Warnings: spelling and grammar errors.

—

Brad pats the child's back, giving it burpees as he bounces it gently up and down. Hushing it and peppering kisses over her face, he pauses to look down at her twin brother who was sound asleep.

"Shhh, that's it," he whispers gently, watching his daughter slowly falls asleep in his hold. Once he was certain, and only when he was certain she was asleep, did he lay her back down in the cot next to her brother.

Brad stressfully runs his hands through his hair, knowing full-well he had heavy bags under his eyes but he also knew that he had to finish writing a song that was due tomorrow at the studio.

He walks into the kitchen and flicks on the kettle to boil some water. Although he was craving a therapeutic and soothing cup of mint tea that Y/N had managed to get him to enjoy more than he would like to think, he needed a bitter coffee to keep him up for only a few more hours.

He ended up falling asleep at his desk with tears of frustration staining his cheeks since he didn't finish the song he was meant to present to the boys the following day.

He woke up to the sound of his six month old son crawling through the open door with his sister giggling behind him as she leant against the wall opposite Brad's room.

Brad rubs his eyes to wake himself up, smiling at his two little sunshines before getting off of his chair and picking up his son, Isaac Derek-Will Simpson.

"Hey, kiddo," he holds his son in his two hands, spinning him around in his arms and grinning at how loudly Isaac chuckled. "Shall we get you and your sister some breakfast, yeah?"

He kisses his son's nose lightly, and by now his daughter was crawling over to Brad's leg and hugging it. Brad chuckles and picks up Felicity Anne Simpson and holds them both at his hips while walking towards the kitchen.

He sets them down in their respective baby chairs and begins making them some porridge for breakfast.

While Felicity plays with her teddy bear she always has in her left hand, Isaac played with his Barbie doll that Nat had given originally to Felicity. Brad didn't mind that his son wanted to play with 'Girl toys'.

As Brad put the first bowl of milk and oats into the microwave, he hears his phone ringing in his bedroom and quickly goes to get it. When he answers, he puts the phone between his ear and shoulder so that he can stir the bowl of warmed-up porridge.

“Hello?” Brad answers.

“Brad!” The person on the other end cheers and he knew it was his annoyingly tall best friend and bandmate, Tristan. “I sent you a text but I guessed you were busy with the twins. Do you still want me to come and pick you up for work today?”

“Yeah, can you bring the kids with us? The babysitter is on holiday until Sunday,” Brad asks hopeful. It was too late to ring up any other babysitters and he didn’t want to bother Nat or his parents since they’d been helping out loads over the past six months.

“Of course, that’s no problem,” Tristan replies. “I’ll be there in forty, is that alright?”

“Yeah, thank you.”

They bid a final goodbye before Brad ends the call and brings a spoonful of porridge up to his lip to check how hot it is while the other bowl spun around in the microwave.

Brad feeds Felicity who was easily distracted while eating, so he ended up doing the standard ‘Here comes the airplane’ trick, causing her to giggle.

She tried reaching for the spoon in Brad’s hand but he shakes his head. “Nu-uh, Flick. I gotta feed you, remember? You’ll get it everywhere and make a mess.”

Once she’s fed and the other bowl of possible has cooled down, Brad lets her crawl around for a bit, putting on some television to keep her entertained in the lounge.

Once they’re both changed and in some nice baby clothes Brad’s mum had kindly gotten Brad, he puts on their little Nike puffer jackets that Tristan had also bought. Brad was thankful his friends and family was so supportive of him being a single dad and helped him out from time to time (not that his fat bank balance couldn’t have bought the stuff as well).

Tristan arrives not long after, waiting in his car for Brad to come out with the twins on his hips before buckling them in safely to the baby seats Brad had bought for Tristan’s car since that’s how they traveled everywhere.

Brad gets in the front with a heavy, tired sigh.

“You got that song finished for Joe?” Tristan asks, glancing to the side at Brad.

Brad curses under his breath. “No, I fell asleep before I could finish writing it.”

“You know Joe’s gonna piss—annoyed,” Tristan stops himself from swearing. “You’ve been stalling that song for ages.”

“I know, I know. I just never have time, with the twins and all.”

Tristan sighs. “Brad, you never have time for anything. It’s not a bad thing—look after your kids, yeah—but you don’t seem to sleep anymore, you’re always drinking coffee which we all know is bad for you, you’re never hungry anymore. Are you even showering?”

Brad rolls his eyes. “‘Course I’m showering. I’m not a tramp.”

“All I’m saying, Brad, is that you’ve lost Y/N and now you’ve got kids,” Tris says. “I’m always here to help and babysit if you need—heck, I’ll even move back in with you and play housewife as long as I know you’re eating and sleeping properly.”

“Thanks, Tris, I really appreciate it,” Brad smiles genuinely, gratefully.

“I’m serious, Brad. I’ll move my stuff in tonight if needs be.”

“We can talk about it another time,” Brad says, glancing over his shoulder at his twins. They’re both fast asleep, Felicity holding her bear tightly.

When they arrive at the studio, Tristan takes Felicity while Brad carries Isaac inside. They both get put on the sofa in the studio room before the band and Joe all gather around on uncomfortable chairs.

It takes a while before they’re up and brainstorming ideas which eventually wakes up the twins. Felicity is the first one up and around and is hitting the drums fiercely with her hands.

Tristan chuckles at his little niece. “That’s a drum, Cece.”

“Dwum,” she repeats and all of the boys look over at Brad in pure shock, who’s just about ready to start crying. “Dwum, dwum, Dwum.”

“That’s my baby girl,” Brad coos, picking her up and spinning her around, showering her in kisses. “Next time you’ve get to say daddy, yeah?”

“Dwum!” She giggles excitedly and Brad kisses her cheeks before setting her back down on the sofa next to her brother.

With moments like these, Brad definitely won’t mind being a single dad since his kids makes life worth living.

[spootiliousrps]

Suspicious Nature Part 16 [End]

[Start] // [Previous] // 

Dean sobbed as he lent against the mantelpiece. He had ruined his relationship with his mother all those years ago, and now he had ruined his relationship with Cas. After a long while he stood headed out of his office towards Sam’s quarters.

Cas tried to blink away tears before facing the guards outsides but without much luck. He held his head up high however, until he managed to get to Gabriel’s quarters, Celeste completely forgotten as he practically collapsed onto the other Omega’s bed sobbing uncontrollably.

Dean knocked are Sam’s door ignoring his bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks. 

Gabriel frowned as he came into his room, for his lunch hour. “Cassie?” He asked softly. He sat on the bed and rested a hand on Cas’ shoulders.

It took a few minutes before Sam pulled open the door and paused at the sight of his brother. It took him a minute before he stepped forward and gave the King a large hug and pat on the back. “Come on, I’ll pour you a drink.” He offered, leading him into the room. 

“I’m okay Gabe.” Cas mumbled softly, burying his face in his pillow. “I just need a little bit.” 

Dean nodded, following Sam into the room. “How’s Meg? How’s Emma?” He asked, his heart not in it. 

“Of course you’re okay.” Gabriel tutted, “you’ll say that on your deathbed. What’s wrong?”

“Meg is great… Emma is bigger than ever.” He replied simply, moving to sit his brother down in a chair before pressing a glass of whiskey in his hand. “What happen?” He asked without hesitation.

“Probably.” Cas chuckled weakly. He hesitated a moment before giving a shaky breath. “Dean and I… ended it.” 

“I’m going to resign. You’ll be King. You’ll be better, kinder, fairer.” Dean whispered as he downed the whiskey. 

“He wasn’t good for you. You’re better off without him.” Gabriel said, gently.

Sam arched a brow at that, pouring himself his own glass. “Is that so?” He asked simply before moving to sink into the chair across him. “And if I refuse?” 

“Maybe.” He mumbled softly. “Then again, I’m pretty sure he’s better off without me as well.” He sighed. 

“Then it goes to Emma.” Dean shrugged. “That’s not my problem.”

“Precisely, come on Cassie, no Omega finds their /one/ on the first go round.” Gabriel smiled. “There’s plenty more Alphas and Betas out there.”

Sam pinned him with another flat stare. “Dean…” Sam sighed. “What is this really about? I know its not about the throne.” He pointed out before pausing. “Its that Omega isn’t it… Castiel?” He asked. “Gabriel…” Cas grumbled. “I didn’t want an Alpha before and I don’t want one now. Dean was an exception.”

Dean shrugged. “100 percent of the Omegas I get close to. I hurt. Cas, mom.” He shrugged as tears welled in his eyes. “If that’s the failure rate then how am I suppose to care for a whole Kingdom’s worth of Omegas?” Dean asked.

“Then there you go, everything’s fine.” Gabriel smiled. “You didn’t want an Alpha, and you don’t have one. Come on, let’s have lunch and forget all about him.”

Sam set his drink down, watching his brother carefully. “Mom wasn’t your fault Dean.” He pointed out. “And I don’t know what happened with Cas but… Just because you having dating problems doesn’t make you any less of a good ruler.” He pointed out. “You don’t need an Omega to take care of others. You didn’t have one when you practically raised me on your own and you started a hell of a lot younger than you are now.” He pointed out.

“I’ve had lunch. I’m not hungry.” Cas mumbled, the teasing comforting a bit but far outweighed by his self loathing. 

Dean sighed and shook his head. “I still hurt mom Sam. You’ve heard the stories. No one who treats their family like that should be King.” He shrugged as he stared down into his empty glass. “But I thought I would be better now I’m an adult, but I’m not. I still wasn’t the best when I brought you up, I hurt you, I probably forgot so many things.” 

“Well then you’re grand. Why don’t you go down to the training yard? Help out a bit.” Gabriel suggested. “The fresh air will do you good as well as teaching.”

 "So you made some mistakes... we all do, Dean." Sam shrugged. "Its part of being human. Dad made you do those things to her. It wasnt you. And I'd say you did pretty damn good with me..." He pointer out. "The best thing we can do is learn from our mistakes and move on, better ourselves. Whatever happened with Cas... He's one Omega Dean... Hes not the Kingdom." 

"Why? So they can treat me like the fragile Omega they see me as now? Call Dean as soon as they see me out alone like he's suppose to be my keeper?" Cas scoffed. "I dont understand how they can treat me so different, like some sort of flower, just because I wasnt born a certain way. I'm still the same man who has commanded them for all these years."

 “Sam, all the Omegas I’ve got close to, I’ve hurt. What does that say about me?” Dean shook his head. “How can I lead a Kingdom when I have a track record of hurting half the populous?” Dean asked. 

“They treated yourself like that because you had torn open the wound on your shoulder. That little new soldier, did he treat you like you were weak?” Gabriel asked. “And when have you ever stopped and let the other person win? Go and show them your not fragile.” Gabriel tutted as he started to eat.

 "Dean... you're hurt... its understandable. But in all honesty, you're being a little over dramatic." He admitted. "You havent hurt every Omega. What about the ones you end up sharing heat with? Or the ones that work for you? Or Meg?" He pointed out. 

Cas rolled his eyes turning over to curl into the blankets fully. "Just leave me be. I'm just need some rest and time to think. I'm probably out of job now." He sighed.

“Those Omegas I never learnt the names of? Meg, who I’ve never been in the same room with, without you or Emma there? The ones I work with, that it nothing but professional?” Dean asked. “Ask Cas, I’m a fuck up, Sam. I’m not good enough to be King.”

 “You’re in my bed, that’s going to be quite hard to do, especially when you’ve taken all the blankets.” Gabriel chuckled.

Sam considered it a moment. “Maybe I should.” He offered with a shrug. “Ask Cas I mean. See what he has to say.” Sam challenged. 

 Cas gave a grunt obviously not willing to budge. “You can have my quarters. I don’t like them anyways.” He grumbled, obviously sulking like a child.

“By all means. Go for it.” Dean huffed, as he stood and went to get another drink. “It’s not like he likes me.”

Gabriel shook his head. “By the time I’ve finished work, you’d better have budged up.” He huffed as he finished his food and carried his tray out, going back to work.

Sam arched a brow at that. “The guy has been locked in a room with you for a full week and is still willing to talk to you… Meg and I get on each others nerves after just a few hours and she doesn’t talk to me for days. You must have done something right.” He pointed out. “Will it make you feel better if I do?” He asked already standing up as if to do just that.

“You can’t make me.” Cas grumbled childishly.

“He had no choice, he would have left if he wasn’t in the middle of a massive heat, and infected.” Dean huffed. “You can talk to him, but it won’t make any difference. And just to warn you, if you do speak with him, he jokes. A lot.” Dean said, rubbing his scarred ribs.

Gabriel tutted and shook his head as he left.

 Sam gave a small snort at that. “I’m sure he can’t be any worse than his brother.” He mused likely before his smile faded. “Dean… Dad’s gone… and despite what he taught us… Its okay to be happy… It’s okay to joke and laugh… It really can be a good thing.” He offered, moving to his brother’s side and placing a hand on the man’s shoulder. “I’ll pay Cas a visit… Will you be here when I get back?” He asked softly.

“You know it’s not like that Sammy. You know that things aren’t just instantly better once our father died. I can’t just be happy and have fun.” Dean shrugged and sighed, “but yes, I’ll still be here. Is Meg and Emma here too? Can I say hello to my niece?”

“I know Dean.” Sam sighed, looking torn. “But its something to work towards.” He offered before nodding. “Emma should be waking from her nap soon. Meg is in the nursery with her if you want to stop in. I’ll be back shortly.”

Dean nodded. He downed his drink before knocking gently on the nursery door, as to not wake Emma.

It was a moment before Meg pulled open the door, the glare she had softening almost immediately at the sight of the elder Winchester. “Dean.” She greeted with a small smile, voice a hushed whisper. “What are you doing here? Come in. I was just about to wake Emma.” 

“It’s good to see you too.” Dean whispered. “I was just speaking with Sammy, I thought maybe I could meet my favourite niece.” He smiled softly. He stepped into the room, trying to wipe away the puffiness of his eyes. 

Sammy knocked on Gabriel’s door, hoping that it would just be Cas alone.

“Sure. I’m sure she’d be excited to see you. Would you like to wake her, or should I?” Meg asked.

Cas lay there for a moment after the knock sounded, debating on whether or not to get up. When the second knock sounded he gave a huff and pushed to his feet, storming to yank open the door. “Whatever it is-” He began before his gaze caught on the taller man and he tensed, eyes wide before falling into a deep bow. “Prince Sam.” He greeted respectfully. “I apologize I hadn’t realized…” He rushed, trailing off a bit.

Dean hummed, “do you mind if I do? Is there anything you do to help her wake up?” He asked softly as he stepped over to the cot. 

Sam pushed into the room. “You hadn’t realised we needed to talk? About my brother?” He asked, as he sat on a stool. “You hadn’t realised that whatever’s happened between the two of you, has made him threaten to quit?”

“I usually rub her back gently, she likes that.” Meg reassured.

“I hadn’t realized it was you.” Cas clarified, briefly wondering if aggression and lack of manner was a family trait or if Cas was just a magnet for assholes. He moved to sit on the bed. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect but Dean and I came to a mutual agreement that our courtship should end. I don’t understand.” He admitted, worried that Sam was going to try and force him back into the relationship ‘for the good of the kingdom’. Cas was emotionally and physically exhausted. He was tired of being /forced/ into everything as if he were supposed to sacrifice every single shred of dignity or hope or pride to bend to the will of the King. Well he refused! He would not be told what to do any longer! If it got him killed so be it! He was tired of playing this game! He would not be forced into submission just because Dean thought it was necessary. He deserved to be happy as well and would not be the equivalent to a slave. 

Dean smiled as he gently rubbed Emma’s back. He slowly picked her up, and held her close to his chest as he continued to rub her back. “Hey Princess Emma. Wake up for uncle Dean.” He cooed softly. 

“It doesn’t look very mutual.” Sam hummed. “My brother doesn’t come to me often but when he does I know it’s something serious. He told me that the two Omega that he’s been close to in his life, you and his mother, he hurt. He’s hurt badly. He’s saying that that is justification for him to resign from being our King. He’s extrapolating it out to meaning that he won’t be able to care for half the populous.” Sam explained.

Emma gave a hum at the touch before blinking her eyes open slowly. At the sound of her uncle’s voice however she pulled back into a large grin before wrapping her arms around the King. “DD!” She cried excitedly, using the man’s nickname. 

Cas pinched the bridge of his nose at the words, trying to calm himself. “That is not my fault.” He pointed out. “And just because it doesn’t look like it was mutual. It was. He’s not the only one hurting.” He pointed out. “He is the only Alpha I have ever loved or chosen to share a heat with. I understand that his feelings, his problems are important I want to help. I love him. But I will not allow my own to be ignored just because he has a title and I do not.” He offered calmly. “He hates my sense of humor. A large part of my personality that I cannot change. I can’t help that. He basically told me that if I can’t change /who I am/ then we can not be together.” He clarified. “So… we can’t be together.” Cas shrugged, though the pain and tears were obvious. “I don’t understand why he thinks that that makes him a bad King. Dean is one of the most caring people I have ever met. He wants to do good in this Kingdom and for some reason, he thinks I have to marry him for that to happen. The truth is, he doesn’t need me. He doesn’t need any Omega. He is a brave and courageous man. He will change the world if he would just let himself. He is the best man I’ve ever known which will make him a fantastic King.” Cas praised before shaking his head and giving a small sad laugh. “Of course he tells me I’m a know it all and need to remember my place.” He mumbled. “So, perhaps I should clarify. This is all my opinion. I don’t know anything about ruling a Kingdom so maybe I’m wrong…. According to him thats usually the case.” He mused before pausing. “And that was a joke to try and hide how much it hurts. He also says I hide behind humor too much.” 

“Emma.” Dean smiled happily, hugging her back. “Did you have a good sleep? Did you dream?” He asked softly. 

“In certain psychological circles, there’s a thing called a ‘trigger’. These triggers bring back awful, awful memories. For some a certain food is the trigger, for others it’s the mention of rape. For my brother it’s jokes. I’m sure you saw those scars on his ribs. That’s not just five jokes he’s made in his lifetime. Each scar represents twenty or even thirty times he made a joke and was beaten.” Sam explained. “You say that jokes are apart of who you are, but not having jokes is apart of Dean. Every time you tell a joke or tease or do something funny, you are triggering him. This goes for everyone. From you and your brother, to my daughter. But he tries to put up with it for love. Because he loves.” Sam explained. “He thinks that you should marry him, because you make him a better person, a better King. He knows that the two of you are compatible and will lift each other up to even more greatness. To use something that Dean loves; Dean is like the pastry of a pie, nice on its own, but you are like the filling, you make everything taste better. You make him better.” Sam shrugged. “If you want to mope around here, then be my guest, but I expect you to call me King next time we meet, for I can’t get Dean to stay being the King without you.” Sam explained.

“I think so…” Emma mumbled but didn’t give details. “Where have you been DD? You’ve been gone for so long! You never play with me anymore.” She pouted. 

Cas set his jaw at that. “I love Dean… and I want to make him a better person. I know about the scars.” He sighed. “Don’t you see though… Thats why we can’t work. The reaction is engrained in him, its part of who he is I would never ask him to change a fundamental part of his personality if he didn’t want to. My sense of humor is a part of me, its fundamental. My very existance triggers him and causes him pain. I can’t be blamed for existing, shouldn’t feel guilty for it. I don’t blame Dean. I’m not angry with him or hate him. No one should force him to change just as no one should force me. I want to help, I do… but Dean’s issues… they aren’t my own, I cannot be blamed for them, and as much as I would like to help,  I only make them worse when I am around. And I certainly will /not/ be with him just so that remains King. That is a horrible reason to base a relationship on, much less a marriage.” 

“I’ve been busy, Princess. But soon DD will have more time to play.” Dean smiled softly. “Is Princess Emma hungry?” He asked softly. 

“Aide Novak, do you think relationships are born perfect? Everyone has to change for the ones they love. Dean will have to change for you, you have to change for him. I’ve changed for my wife, she’s changed for me. Every relationship is about compromise. Nothing is born as beautiful as a flower in full bloom, not even the flower. You must work to make your relationship bloom, just like the flower.” Sam explained. “Some days, me and my wife, we don’t speak at all, we’re too angry or upset at each other, but that doesn’t mean we break up. We spend some time apart to relax and to think, before reconciling, and compromising. It can be over little things, such as Emma’s name, or larger things, such as how much time I spend with her and Emma. We compromise and adapt. I’ve told the same thing to my brother. But now you must choose whether you want to comprise and adapt for the person you love or let him slip through your fingers.” Sam explained.

“No.” Emma shook her head, curls bouncing. “Will you do one of the puzzles Daddy made for me?” She asked excitedly.

“/I/ need to compromise?” He scoffed. “I’d say I compromised and changed when I gave up my title as Knight Commander. I compromised when I sent Gabriel to the kitchens instead of having him by my side. I compromised when he threated to /kill/ my brother. I compromised when I agreed to play the role of his partner for the good of the Kingdom. I /compromised/ when I chose to forgive him for the literal Hell he has put me through! I will /not/ compromise my life away because that is not a compromise at all.” He clarified simply. “What has he compromised? Hm? /allowing/ me into his bed? Not killing me or my brother? Well… forgive me if I’m not groveling with gratitude. Don’t talk to me about compromise when you only have one side of the story. And before you threaten me like he does; I’ll save you the time and throw myself in dungeon.” He pointed out as he pushed to his feet. 

“What puzzles does daddy make, sweetheart?” Dean asked softly. 

“What has he compromised? He’s told you his weaknesses, that it took, until I was fifteen to hear. He’s trying to stop being triggered at jokes. He’s happily around you when even if you didn’t realise it, it’s a form of unimaginable pain. He’s given you a whole street, with as many Aides as you need to make a haven. He has given you Eve and Celeste to help you, who are both /Royal/ helpers, when you are not a Royal. He didn’t have to give you his body in your heat. He’s compromised his safety and his health, what more could you possible ask from a man?” Sam asked. “As for going to the dungeons, you’re not going anywhere near there, unless you’re going to speak with my brother.”

“I’ll show you!” She chirped excitedly before climbing down and pulling him towards the small table on the other side of the room. 

“As I have told him mine. It he were trying then why did he tell me that it wouldn’t work and broke it off? Being happy is /not/ a compromise; and I never asked for a street. It is /his/ dream to make a safe haven, not mine! I was happy as Knight Commander! That was /my/ dream. /I/ achieved it. He’s the one that ripped it apart. He can have the street, the aides all of it. As for my heat, I was content to go through it alone I wouldn’t even have had a heat if he didn’t force me into it. What could I ask? What could I ask? How about not forcing me every single fucking step of the way? If he love me, /me/, not this sick twisted idea of me he has in his head then he wouldn’t be expecting me to change EVERYTHING about myself. I sacrificed my dream, my title, my family, my identity, my pride, my respect, my trust, my happiness and my body for him and you and him still expect me to give more. He sacrificed his pride… forgive me if I don’t see that as even. I will not be bled dry so that he can pretend to be happy while I remain miserable; so don’t bother asking again. You want me to speak with your brother, fine. I’ll tell him the same thing I’ve told you; I can’t give any more. I’m sure that will go over well with him.” 

Dean smiled as he followed Emma to the table. He knelt on the floor beside the chair and helped Emma onto it. “You show me, princess. Let’s see if I can do the puzzle you make me.”

“He sacrificed his mental health for you. He sacrificed his work for you. He asked you to stop hurting his mental health, and you said no. Do you want him to go back to when mum died? He wouldn’t eat, he wouldn’t sleep, he wouldn’t do anything, because he had been forced to believe her death was his fault. He’s going that way now. He’s believing that he’s doing everything wrong. He’s already starting to stop work. Then he’ll stop bathing. Then sleeping, then eating. It happened before. He almost died, and he’s going to do it again. Now I’m not going to ask you to help or put it right. I’m just explaining the consequences of your actions. Now you can go to the dungeons if you wish, but it’s of your own free will. Just tell me, what should I say to Dean? That you love him but don’t care for his health? Tell me what I should say when I face him again, with my daughter by his side.” Sam asked.

[In mutual agreement this RP has ended. Sorry guys <3]