#liam smiles through the pain as he always does

[kibby-reaper]

elbie is... a frail victorian child

- mod kibby

[dearhargrove]

Please pls pls write for Eddie Diaz🥺

Sleepover

Eddie Diaz x reader

summary You're on the way to pick up your son, Liam, but it's hard to get him to go home when he's begging to sleepover at his new friends house. Turns out you don't mind as much when you met said kid and his dad.

word count 995

tags fluff, reader simping over Eddie, kind of open ending

a/n I got this idea randomly so I hope you like this <3

part two

masterlist

“Liam!” You call out when you spot your eight year old son busy playing with another kid. Usually whenever he heard you he'd come running; with every year he turns older you expect his clinging to reduce but it never does. Not like you mind, he may be eight now but he's still your baby.

But today he just glances and waves before continuing to giggle and talk with his new friend.

You're surprised as he usually never stuck with one kid, most of the time he'd even stay by himself. It worried you, even when you figured he just preferred to be by himself and did it by choice and not because he was left out.

One of the teachers at the side shrugs with a smile after seeing Liam and his new friend.

You approach them and put a hand on Liams back before bending down and kissing the top of his head. “Hey, buddy. Did you make a new friend?”

He grins and nods eagerly, “Chris! We've been playing all day. He's my best friend!” You chuckle at the eager introduction and wave at Chris, who looked almost shy if not for the cute grin.

“Well in that case, it's nice to meet you, Chris.” He politely holds out his hand, “It's nice to meet you too, ma'am.” He says quietly and slowly. You melt on the spot and gently shake his hand.

Your son stands up quick enough to knock the top of his head into your chin, leaving you to grunt in pain as he excitedly bounces in his spot. “I have to sleepover at Chris' house!”

Your eyebrows raise as the two boys continue making plans about tonight. You don't want to be the killjoy but for one you had never met the other parents nor had they met you. Otherwise you would've easily agreed; you were just happy Liam had finally made a friend.

��Alright, boys, I'm afraid this won't work out… We don't even know if Chris parents are going to agree,” you say and pointedly look at your son who's about to pout (you couldn't resist him and you would not let him make you feel bad about making a reasonable decision).

“My dad will say yes. He always says yes.” Chris says seriously and pushes his glasses up with his index. You smile as both of them look at you with equally big, pleading eyes.

“I will say yes to what?”

You almost give yourself whiplash with how fast you turn around because whose voice is that sexy? You'd never heard anyone talking that attractive.

And surely when you look at him you basically faint. Brown hair that seemed to be a grown out buzz cut, brown eyes and white teeth with a grin that makes your heart actually stop for a second.

“Sleepover!” Liam yells and then turns shy when the man looks at him with a smile that should be illegal to look that good. “A sleepover? That sounds exciting.” He gets even more attractive in your eyes when he leans over and kisses Chris’ head in greeting. So he was great with kids too? Wow.

He then fixes his gaze on you and you do everything in your power not to fluster as he rakes his eyes over you and back up to look right into yours. “Hey, I'm Eddie. Chris is my son.” He extends his hand and you shake it before remembering to introduce yourself as well.

He smiles at you through it and if it wasn't for Liam gently clinging to your hand as he and Chris watch you and Eddie talk you'd have actually lost it.

“So these two want to have a sleepover?” The boys both yell in agreement and you laugh, shushing your son a bit. Eddie looks at you with a questioning look and you shrug your shoulders. He had something trustful about him and with the way he acted with both the kids he already checked a few boxes.

But still, this was your son and you wouldn't leave him overnight with - practically - a stranger.

“My dad is a firefighter, he will protect us.” Chris mentions and you look at Eddie in surprise. He chuckles a bit bashfully but nods, “I'm with the 118.” You hum in recognition, “I work at the dispatch center.” He looks surprised now and you chuckle as he comments, “That's a coincidence.”

After that conversation flows easy and after probably fifteen minutes is Liam who pulls your sleeve with an impatient pout. You coo and pick him up with ease, letting him wrap his arms around your neck as he sleepily rests against you.

“Chris is clingy too, I feel like I shouldn't be indulging him so much, but…” Eddie starts and you see him ruffling Chris’ hair with a fond look as the boy looks at his dad with pure adoration.

“It's hard to resist. Yeah, same here.” You hum and both of you laugh a bit.

The teacher takes note of both the kids being picked up and you start walking to the parking lot after getting the backpacks. Chris is on crutches you note and slow your steps for him to comfortably keep up.

“Sleepover?” Liam asks again after - you were quite sure - a nap. Eddie tilts his head and looks at you, giving you the chance to decide.

Wow. So far he's more than just a green flag.

“How about we do a few meet ups first?” You suggest and both boys groan but ultimately agree.

Eddie nods and after letting Chris into the car he turns back to you and holds out his phone with a small smile, “Just so we can, you know, organize their play dates.”

Your heart actually stops for a second before resuming twice as fast and you take his phone to put your contact in.

“I'll see you around.” You smile and wave, Eddie grinning too as he waves and gets in the car.

[danikamariewrites]

Also I thought of a Liam or Xaden idea but maybe one of them falling for a Healer?

Always Injured

Liam Mairi x reader

A/n: since we don’t fully know a lot of the medical stuff in FW I just kinda made some stuff up lol

Warnings: mentions of injuries, fluff

For the third time this week Xaden was escorting Liam to the infirmary. He rolled his eyes at the blondes wide grin. “You’ve never been so…reckless before. What’s going one?”

Liam shook his head, keeping his eyes on the swinging double doors as they got closer and closer. “Nothing. Challenges have been so tough, right?” Xaden gives him a quizzical look, not believing Liam is having a hard time getting through obstacle courses.

He shoulders open the door while supporting Liam, walking him over to the closest bed. Liam lays back looking around the room for you. His eyes find you listening to your teacher intently as he tends to a ill-looking scribe.

“Ok brother, you are free to go.” Xaden follows Liam’s line of sight. Xaden let’s out a long oh and sends Liam a shut eating grin. He knew there would be teasing later but he didn’t care.

“Get better soon.” Xaden says in a light teasing tone as he exits the infirmary.

-

You saw Xaden bring Liam in. You wanted to go right over to him but you knew your professor would chastise you for leaving a working-lesson. So you stayed with the sick scribe. She just needed cold medicine but learning all kind of symptoms is important.

Once you professor dismissed you to check on other patients you headed straight to Liam’s bed. You gave him a small smile as he held his left wrist out for you to take his pulse.

By now he knew the routine. Liam had been in here practically every other day. “Should you really be a rider? The amount of injuries you get I might as well tie pillows around you.” You joke with him.

Liam let’s out a small laugh as your hands kept checking different parts of his body. When you pressed on his side he winced.

Pulling up his shirt revealed a nasty bruise on his ribs. Grabbing a salve from a nearby cart you scoop out some paste, warming it between your fingers before spreading it on his skin.

“That should help with the pain.” You say quietly. Over Liam’s many trips/stays in the infirmary you grew to deeply care for him. He’s a sweet guy and was always interested in whatever you had to say.

“Thank you,” he groaned out pulling his shirt back down. “That one looks bad Liam. You need to be more careful. I’d hate to see you truly injured.” You say gravely, crossing your arms.

Liam reaches out to pull your hand into his. He gives it a light squeeze and give you a boyish grin. “Don’t worry about me sweets. I’ll be just fine.” You roll your eyes at him. “Yeah, well your visits say something different.”

You give his hand one last squeeze before turning to walk away. Liam holds on tighter, slightly pulling you back to the edge of the bed. “Wait, please don’t go yet?”

Plopping yourself on the edge of his bed you narrow your eyes at him. Giving him a knowing smirk like you just figured out his secret. “Not all your injuries have been real.” You say matter of factly.

Liam’s face turns crimson and he looks down avoiding your gaze. “Well, uhh not all of them. Maybe like a headache or two.” He mumbles.

“Any reason?” You tease, poking at his thigh. You desperately wanted to say he has a crush on you too. If he does you would much rather spend time with him outside of this room.

He looks up at you, suddenly shy like he’s speaking to you about a very awkward medical matter. “I keep coming back for you. You’re amazing and I didn’t know how to talk to you, but now I do and I want to get to know you more outside of here.”

You grasp Liam’s hand in yours, taking him by surprise. “I do too Li.” His eyes go wide with joy. “Meet me tonight? At the Bell Tower?” You nod enthusiastically.

He lets out a sigh of relief as you stand. “I have to check in other patients.” You say quietly. Liam nods giving you that boyish grin again. “I’ll see you tonight.”

[aventurine83]

The Tempest

William James Moriarty x Reader

"Then all afire with me: the king's son, Ferdinand, with hair up-staring, ーthen like reeds, not hair,ーwas the first man that leap'd; cried, 'Hell is empty, and all the devils are here.'" William leant back in his armchair, scarlet eye blinking beneath his beautiful blond eyelashes as he gazed into empty space. Over his other eye was a dark black eyepatch.

You simply hummed as you looked into the book you held, of Shakespeare's plays. You remembered only so many quotes from it. William had no need for a book, he could recite all 40 of Shakespeare's plays from memory. Him reciting thus to you helped you get through the book quickly and in a more joyous way. Hearing your husband speak was something that gave you much mirth, especially when you were both seated across each other in comfortable armchairs in front of the fireplace in the midst of a dreary winter in your small home at Brighton.

"I feel bad for Ariel." you commented. "Has to do his master's bidding."

William chuckled softly and dryly on hearing your words. "I doubt Ariel is completely blameless." he uttered as he propped one leg over the other. William had a most adorable and polite way of seating himself, it never failed to make you swoon and want to wrap him in a hug.

"Thats true." you replied, closing your book, yawning.

"Are you tired? We may stop here for today if that is your wish." William smiled, his scarlet gaze homing in on yours.

"That would be much appreciated." you smiled at him, noting the soft expression he held. William had always had a solemn, distant expression before, so seeing him thus softened brought a sort of happiness to your heart. "Sherlock didn't barge in tonight. Odd, considering he does so every single night taking every advantage of the fact he lives next door." you sighed.

William chuckled heartily. "I would have appreciated had Sherly shown himself. I do have a few things that I need to talk to him about." he hummed softly, his voice as soft and lovely as ever, decorated with his signature British accent.

"We should get to bed, Liam." you placed your hand on the man's arm, rubbing it gently. "You have an early day tomorrow."

"Indeed." William nodded gently, his scarlet eye reminiscient of either the beauty of sunsets or the glistening crimson of blood freshly smeared on the sharpened tip of a blade. "Were I but wretched, my love." he sighed, placing his hand on your cheek. "It pains me to see your attentions gone to work on so odious a man as myself, on such vulgar a connexion, as has hardly been since the notion of the propriety of society, and that of the worth of life, came into being." his tone was soft, his eyes sorrowful, such a broken man he was, yet so beautiful.

"William..." you could hardly place your words right, you had little idea of what to say, and you wished for him to finish his thought as well.

"For years have my actions led me, in desperation for a result, caused me to sin twice and twice again." William uttered, his expression hardening. "For years, have these palms been seeped through with a scarlet as irremovable as the stains of ink on a canvas pure white, untainted; marred with blotches so painfully obvious as would most likely repulse any whose misfortune beget them gaze upon it, and scruple through its length and width desperately so as to propagate the assemblage of a search of true purpose, true affability, even a sense of alacrity within but finding nothing."

You gently tugged at William's eyepatch, an action that caused him to flinch before he tried to relax ultimately under your observance. You removed it carefully, revealing a scar that marred his skin, and a discoloured eye that could see no longer. You gently kissed the scar, your hand resting on William's cheek. "There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple: If the ill spirit have so fair a house, good things will strive to dwell with't." you spoke softly. Lines from the Tempest, offered to Ferdinand by Miranda.

William's gaze immediately softened, his heart warm and full, recognizing the lines the moment they slipped past your mouth. He pulled you closer by the waist, a gentle, small smile tugging at his lips. "You render me speechless, you render me most powerless and above all, a fool to your whims." he kissed your lips gently. "Oh sweet, fair Miranda of mine." he brought you down onto his lap, kissing your neck. "My darling mistress."

[lol-jackles]

Walker series finale review

It’s only been a week since Cordell nearly died and Luna died in Cassie’s arms, so their people are hard at work being there for them.  Like the start of season 3, Cordell wants everything back to the way it was and overcompensates by being extra, but his family simply want him to be in the present with them, and then take one step at the time. 

Stella tells her dad that there is no version of life where he’s being gone is better, it will just be a different kind of pain.  She gives him the letters he wrote while he was undercover in case he doesn’t make it out alive.  She and August didn’t read the letters because it came from a different version of their father and they don’t need that now.  However, perhaps Cordell do, and figures it out from there.

Despite Cordell’s assurance to Geri that the Jackal case was an “exception of exceptions”, Geri wisely tells him that there’s always going to be “the next big case” and when it happens, she wants Cordell to go to her for support.  This makes me super happy that Geri doesn’t demand that he cuts back on his work or give up his job altogether but wants to be there for him when his job inevitably gets messy again.

Cassie has to reach back to the past to galvanize herself into thinking about a different future than the one she planned with Luna and goes to the lieutenant job interview.  Trey appears to give a stronger interview, but he’s only been a ranger a short time and the job goes to Cassie.  Of course it does because they changed Cassie’s personality from Cordell-lite in season 2&3 to James-lite in season 4, so she got the lieutenant job as the newly minted female version of Larry James, who was also Cordell’s previous partner.  Anybody remember when she and Cordell tamper with evidence just to satisfy their curiosity? (X) It was actually one of my favorite scenes.

The job promotion further propels Cassie to “leap forward” into a new future.  It also means Cassie will no longer be Cordell’s partner, which is for the best because emotionally she blames him for Luna’s death even when she's concerned about Cordell and asked Geri how he is doing. Two things can be true.  I predicted a while back (looking for the specific post) that Cordell and Trey would eventually become partners and now that it’s confirmed, we are robbed of that dynamic in season 5.

August graduation party is crowded and loud and its cathartic for the audience to see everybody happy and celebrating. We even see Cassie smiling at Cordell’s toast to his son, August Edward Walker, and the rest of the family.  Here I was expecting a Shakespearean middle name for August but it’s from Emily who was a Twilight fan.  Liam and Ben declared themselves team Jacob and just like that they’re moving in together.

The party grows raucous, and Bonham and Abilene hide out in their house.  Abilene apologizes to Bonham for abandoning him while she was launching her wedding venue business and assures him that she wants to oversee and “meddle”, not deal with the bride of the week.  Nope she’s leaving bride handling to the gay guy.  Bonham compromise by keeping the boat and uses it for her events as a tax write off.  Win win!

Cordell takes a leave of absence for the summer to take August, Stella, and Geri (and a secret ring box) on a much-needed vacation, which Cassie grants on the first day of the lieutenant job because “they both need this”. A time apart from each other and away from the daily reminders will do them both good.

While the finale is a 'happy ending', there are underlying sadness that's been there since the pilot episode, starting with Cordell, then Micki, and now Cassie. Each of them has lost romantic partners to death and Cordell said time doesn't heal everything. What is unspoken is work and more work will get them through the pain of grief.

As Bonham and Abeline enjoys a boat ride and Cordell and his children and Geri head out of town, an unexpected double cliffhanger happens: Liam gets recruited by the governor for a secret job and he’s whisked away by men in black in front of the impressed Ben; the Davidson lands is sub-leased by a hippie version of SPN Lucifer, due to his all-white outfit, who is none other than Dawson Leery, played of course by a grinning James Van Der Beek!

Final score: 9.7. Point 1 deduction for each arcs we won't see in season 5: Cordell and Trey's new partnership , Liam's new job from the governor, and new neighbor cult leader Dawson Leery

[fangirlmermaid]

I'll Protect You

Summary: Sean plays BloodWash but as the game gets more intense the more he starts to imagine if this happened to his pregnant wife. 

Listen there might be grammar errors but deal with it, thanks!

First, it started all lighthearted and fun Sean knew what the game was about, he knew Sara was pregnant. He knew that it was just a game, that the womb ripper wasn’t real, and that he was just overreacting but the back of his mind reminds him that there are some sick people out there. Sean knew that he was nothing like Liam, Sean always helps around the house even before (Y/N) was pregnant. Sean tried to keep his racing mind under wraps because he felt like it was a silly thing to worry about and didn’t want his viewers to know.           

Sean met (Y/N) back in 2015 through Mark who was a mutual friend, you knew Mark because you also are a YouTuber and your channel is popular which is called (What the fuck you want). You and Sean developed feelings after months of talking and you asked Sean out on a date. Of course, you guys kept it secret from your viewers till your first anniversary some of your viewers were happy but others were skeptical and were saying some rude things about the relationship or about you but you didn’t care they were cowards who were hiding behind a screen when they are saying dumb shit and they were most likely jealous of you since you were dating Sean and they weren’t. After five years of dating Sean asked you to marry him of course you said yes. After a year of being married, you guys were ready for the next step which is to have a baby. 

As Sara walks through the old laundromat place Sean kept imagining if this was (Y/N) who is eight months pregnant waddling helplessly as the womb ripper was trying to kill you and rip out their unborn daughter. Sean already made a vow to be the best husband and the best father he could be but after playing this game he’s made another vow to protect you and his child from harm even if it’s a shitty YouTube comment, and he even promised to make sure the laundry machines in the house are working but if they’re not them he’ll buy you new clothes so you’ll never have to go to a laundromat. 

Sean cheered when he shot the womb ripper and they died, Sean felt so relieved that the womb ripper was dead. Sean turned his attention back to the camera that focused on his face “The whole time I was imagining if (Y/N) was going through this” Sean finally admitted, he glanced back at the computer screen “Which is a terrifying situation in general, (Y/N) if you’re watching this I love you and I love our daughter but we are never going to a  laundromat!” Sean admitted twisting his wedding ring to soothe his anxiety, then he realized that there was an end credit to the game. 

After Sean finished filming he went to search the house for you because Bloodwash really fucked with his mind. Finally, Sean has found you sitting on the bed watching (Your favorite movie), Sean’s heart is filled with joy he loves you with all his heart and he will never let you forget it. He enters the bedroom “Hi sweetie!” Sean smiled as he walked towards the end of the bed “Hi my love” You smiled gazing at him, your eyes filled with so much love. Sean lays on his stomach in between (Y/N) legs, he lifted your shirt exposing your big round bump “Hi sweetheart it’s your dad” Sean smiled, and you felt your daughter spin which is something she always does when Sean talks to her, your daughter wasn’t even born yet but she already has Sean wrapped around her little fingers. Sean pressed a kiss next to (Y/N)’s belly button “I promise that I will do everything in my power to protect you and your mother! No womb ripper will stand a chance, I’ve been playing a lot of Halo so my aim is on point!” Sean assured his daughter, the baby punched your side making you groan in pain “I know but calm down little one!” Sean chuckled before placing another kiss on your stomach. 

You let out a yawn “Uh oh Mom’s tired” Sean whispered to the baby, you grabbed your chest “You would be too if you had a baby who likes to kick you at the crack ass of dawn every single night!” you whined, Sean gazed at you, he frowned at the bags that laid under your eyes. An idea came to Sean sure it was a crappy one but it was better than nothing “Alright listen! No child of mine will be keeping up my wife who is also your mother! She deserves to get some rest because she is working hard on keeping you alive and healthy, she even lets you use her body as a home which is so kind of her to do so please be kind and let her get some sleep!” Sean explained giving your daughter one final kiss before covering your baby bump with your shirt. 

You felt tears form in your eyes, this pregnancy has been horrible for you because you are always been in pain, your daughter likes to practice her karate moves on you, you have body insecurities, and little to no sleep but moments like these are worth the pain.  

Sean sat down next to you “I love you so much” you reminded him as tears ran down your cheek Sean cupped your cheeks he used his thumb to wipe your tears “I love you more!” Sean smiled pulling you into a long sweet kiss. You pouted when he pulled away “Let’s get some sleep” Sean mumbled you nodded your head, and Sean placed a kiss on your forehead.

Once the lights were turned off you could barely keep your eyes open you laid down with your back pressed against Sean’s chest, and the Irish man placed a kiss on the back of your shoulder. Your eyelids dropped “Goodnight (Y/N)” Sean mumbled behind your neck sending a shiver down your spine, “Night Sean” you mumbled, you felt Sean placing his hand on your stomach sending out a warning to any potential womb rippers to not mess with the McLoughlin family. 

Sean’s stern talking worked because you also got a good night’s rest.         

[steveshairychest]

Happy birthday, Liam @withacapitalp !! We've only been friends for a short while, but you're so fun to talk to and I hope you had the best birthday ever! Mwah! I hope you like your gift <3

---

Jonathan loves the spring.

The new signs of life blossoming all around him always brings a smile to his face. He has a photo album filled with photos of every spring since he got his camera. There's pictures of the tree in their backyard finally growing new leaves, a doe with a fawn trotting awkwardly behind her near castle Byers, green grass peaking out through the melting snow.

And Will, so many photos of Will. His birthday is in spring.

Every year, Jonathan takes a picture of Will sitting in the same spot on the couch with his birthday present in hand. He tells Will it's for the memories; so when he flicks through the photo album, he can see his little brother slowly growing up. Will's smiling in some, laughing in others. In one picture, he's just sitting there trying to smile, but he looks like he's in pain, like he's going to cry; that was his first birthday since he came home from the upside down. Jonathan always skips past that one when he's flicking through the album.

This year is different, though. They'd missed Will's birthday due to everything with Vecna, Jonathan's camera is packed away in moving boxes that are on a truck going from California to Hawkins, he broke up with Nancy, and now he's stuck sleeping on the couch in Hopper's dusty cabin.

He's having the worst spring ever.

There's a quiet psst from the mattress on the floor and a hand poking his side. Jonathan pretends to still be asleep.

"I know you're awake, man." Argyle whispers and jabs him again.

Jonathan rolls over and stares down at his friend, who is lying on his side with his head propped up on his hand. Jonathan honestly expected Argyle to leave the minute he dropped Jonathan and the boys off in Hawkins. He'd expected to see the pizza van driving off as fast as it could go but instead, the van is parked outside and Argyle is lying on the floor beside him, wearing mismatched pyjamas they'd found at a charity shop that wasn't wrecked in the 'earthquake'.

He's kind of relieved Argyle is here with him. He's never felt so... relaxed, so happy, in someone's presence before.

"What do you want? I'm sleeping."

Argyle snorts. "No, you're not. You're thinking so loud it's keeping me awake as well." Argyle scoots over to the edge of his mattress and pats the new space next to him. "Come down here. Let's have a sleepover."

"I don't – "

"Just get down here. I won't bite." Argyle lifts the blanket up and holds it open until Jonathan begrudgingly rolls from the couch to the mattress. "See? Wasn't that hard, was it." Argyle drops the blanket on top of Jonathan and makes a show of tucking him in. "Now, tell me what's on your mind."

He hasn't shared a bed with anyone for a long time. He feels stiff, awkward, a little flustered as well because Argyle is lying on his side facing Jonathan, his intense gaze makes him feel like he's overheating.

"I don't know. It’s nothing, really." He turns his head and looks at Argyle; the look on his face tells Jonathan that his friend isn't buying it. He sighs and stares up at the ceiling before whispering, "We missed Will's birthday."

"Shit, really? When was it?" Argyle sounds genuinely upset by the news.

"March 22nd. Normally, we'd wake him up with pancakes and he'd eat so many he'd make himself sick. Then mum would start singing happy birthday really off-key while bringing out the little bag of presents we both know she hides under her bed." Jonathan smiles sadly and picks at a loose string in the blanket. "I always take a picture of Will on his birthday. He hates it, always complains when I tell him to hold up his presents and smile. But when I get the pictures developed, he takes them off me excitedly to see how they turned out."

Argyle hums and rolls onto his back as well. "Is Will upset we missed his birthday?"

Jonathan wishes Will was upset. He wishes his brother didn't just shrug his shoulders and say, "It's just a birthday." He wishes he could make Will see how important his birthday is.

It's a celebration of his life.

It's a reminder that he's still here, that they got him back.

"He said that there's more important things to worry about than his birthday." Jonathan whispers softly. He knows that there is some truth in those words, but he craves to have one normal thing happen this spring.

"Hm. He sure is a selfless little guy." Argyle yawns, which in turn causes Jonathan to yawn. Man, he really is exhausted. He rolls onto his side and closes his eyes, feeling a little better after talking to Argyle; it feels like the knot in his chest has been loosened, finally allowing him to breathe. "Night, Jonathan." Argyle whispers, his breath fanning Jonathan’s face.

"Night, Argyle." He says softly, thankful that the dark hides the flush in his cheeks.

--------

Jonathan wakes to the smell of pancakes and the sound of quiet chatter. He can hear the scrape of a spatula against a pan as someone flips a pancake.

"Will, slow down. You'll make yourself sick!" His mother's voice rings out around the small cabin. Will says something through a mouthful of pancakes that Jonathan can't quite understand from his spot in bed.

"Is Jon awake yet? I've made him a plate." That's Argyle.

Jonathan groans and stretches before slowly getting up and making his way to the small kitchen. Will and El sit at the table, a giant stack of maple syrup covered pancakes in front of both of them. "Morning." He says and drops a kiss to the top of both their heads.

Will laughs and scrunches up his face. "Your breath stinks."

Joyce passes him a cup of coffee and plants a kiss to his cheek. "Eat up before it gets even colder. Argyle's been swatting flies away from your plate all morning."

Jonathan can't stop the smile that pulls at his lips. He can't believe Argyle woke up early to make pancakes for them. Argyle beams at him from his spot in front of the stove and hands him a plate of pancakes. "Thought these might cheer you up a bit. Oh, and Will's agreed to let us throw him a party later."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did." El quips back, a teasing smile on her face as she leans forward and says, "You agreed the second mum said Mike can come over for dinner."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Will blushes bright red and stuffs another mouthful of pancake into his mouth.

Jonathan doesn't know why, but he feels like crying. He doesn't know if it's because Argyle actually listened to him and put in the effort to do something to make him and everyone else feel better, or if it's because El just called Joyce mum or because Will is smiling and eating pancakes on his late birthday morning.

Either way, he's just glad to have some sort of normalcy back into his life.

Argyle stands beside him, his hand resting on the small of Jonathan's back as he leans close to him and reaches for the maple syrup. "Don't tell Joyce, but I put a little something extra in our pancakes. If you get what I mean."

Jonathan meets Argyle's gaze, a little flustered by how close he is, and raises a brow. "It's 9 o'clock in the morning, dude."

"Suit yourself. Give me yours then." He goes to take Jonathan’s plate, but Jonathan holds it away and out of his reach.

"I didn't say I wasn't going to eat them."

Argyle smiles and dumps a generous amount of maple syrup on both of their plates. "Thank you for this." Jonathan says softly to Argyle.

He watches Joyce disappear into Hopper's room before coming back out with a little bag that's says 'happy birthday' in rainbow letters. Will groans and tries to hide his smile as their mum sings him happy birthday and places the present in front of him. "I called Mike a few months ago while we were still in California to ask for his help with your present. He said you'd like it." Joyce bites her lip nervously as Will pulls out a book.

"What is it?" Argyle asks loudly.

Will smiles so bright and full of joy, Jonathan wishes he had his camera so that he could have a picture of it forever. "It's the new dnd handbook! I've wanted this for ages! I love it, thank you!" He wraps Joyce up in a tight hug before letting go and bringing his chair around next to El so that they can look through the book together.

The room is full of happy chatter and full bellies and Jonathan is content to stay in this little bubble forever. He knows that this is only temporary, that there's still an evil waiting to be stopped, but for now he's happy to bump shoulders with Argyle and watch his little brother enjoy his late birthday.

Maybe this spring won't be so bad after all.

[fandomnsfw]

Changes  Epilogue - Scott McCall x Reader

Paring: Scott x Reader

Prompt: Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur 

Warning: Labor and stuff... 

And a BIG thank you to my Beta who did this even though she wasn’t feel well! @lets-imagine-fanfics

Last Chapter! I hope youuuu enjoy!!

Pictures for this ending!

*****

It’s been months since you and Scott had complete the bond. Working out how it worked had been a task but you’d finally managed, with the help of Deaton to find out all the perks and downsides. You were currently sat in the school cafeteria with the pack.

The perks of being true mate are, you can speak to each other through thoughts, however, it does require concentration. Another perk is you can channel Scott’s True Alpha power if you need to, though you had only done it once and that was because Liam and Jackson had been fighting and bitching while everyone was trying to train and you’d had just about enough.  

Your eyes had changed colour after the bonding, which you found strange. Once you’d ask Deaton, he’d explained that an Alpha’s mate also known as a Luna, should have similar eyes to omega's except the blue is a lot darker. However, as a true mate, the most submissive wolf of the two gains the ability to channel the stronger wolfs power there for mixing the eye colours together.  

So the result was pinky-purple eyes. Personally, you found it weird but Scott always went on to say that you had unique eyes and that they were beautiful. Derek actually agreed, apparently, he thought to have eyes like yours meant you were special and being special was never a bad thing.  

Your bond with the pack had grown through the past few months. The younger teens of the group now came to you for help or advice despite the fact that you are actually the newest wolf of the group.  

“Liam, get your ass of your brother before I decide you're not too god damn old for time out!” You snapped as you sat down with your glass of orange juice.  

“Sorry, mom!” Liam answered back cheekily, knowing it pissed you off.  

Melissa strolled into the room with a coffee and her work clothes on. She and Scott had recently been talking about moving into the Hale house permanently mainly because bills were too much and Scott wanted his mom not the work so much.

She sat next to you and held out her cup for you. You took it with a grateful smile but as the scent of the coffee hit your nose full force you began gagging. Melissa and Scott frowned as she followed you to the bathroom. She held back your hair as you threw up everything from this morning.

“Honey, are you okay?” She asked softly, stroking your face as you sat up with tears in your eyes.  

“This is the second time this week…” You muttered fearfully the only thought crossing your mind is that you caught some sort of fucked up werewolf disease.

“Y/N! BABY! YOU OKAY? I CAN FEEL YOUR PAIN AND SADNESS!” Scott screamed as he skidded down the hall before backtracking to see you sat there next to the toilet.

“Again?” He asked with concern lacing his voice.  

You shot him a nod as Melissa muttered to wait here before running downstairs. Scott bent down to hold you tightly against his chest as he muttered words of comfort. Melissa ran downstairs to see Chris and Derek were the only ones in sight.  

“You two!” She yelled as she pointed at them both. They looked up in shock before nodding and the same time.

“Go to the store and get loads of pregnancy tests!” She demanded with wide eyes.  

“Melissa don’t tell me yo-”

“Christopher Argent I went through menopause two years ago. Your sperm ain’t that magical.” Melissa sassed, cocking her hip to one side.

“So who?” Derek asked with amusement in his tone.  

“Chris doesn’t have super sperm but turns out my son might! GOOOOO I WANNA KNOW IF I’M GONNA BE A GRANDMA!” She yelled impatiently. Chris and Derek’s eyes widened as they took in what you said before they started scrambling about like getting that test was now their only goal in life.  

“Why is Der spazzing out like he switched places with me?” Stiles asked as he came into the room with Peter.  

“I think Y/N's pregnant.” Melissa puttered before telling them to keep it quiet.  

“OH MY GOD! YES!” Stiles screamed before glancing at Peter. He held out his fist and unexpectedly, Peter gave him a fist bump.

Five minutes later Chris and Derek ran in sweating and panting with two carrier bags. Melissa grabbed a plastic cup from the kitchen before making her way upstairs. She hid the tests in her room before taking the cup the bathroom.

“Sweetie, can you pee in this cup, please? I know it’s gross but I need to run a few tests and this is the easiest way.” You gave her a nod before she and Scott left leaving you to do what she asked. After you’d done she took the sample and walked to her room leaving you and Scott to worry.

Melissa dipped about 20 pregnancy tests in the sample before putting the lids on the end and waiting. She turned her back not wanting to watch but all the same wanting to watch every second. After she looked at her watch for what seemed to be the millionth time she finally deemed it time. She spun around and stared down processing what she was seeing.

There laid 20 pregnancy test and every single one was positive. Melissa tried to contain her excitement as she ran to yours and Scott’s bedroom you now shared. She was panting and had a giant smile on her face as she reached the door.  

“There is nothing wrong. You’re perfectly healthy just like a werewolf should be.” She said as she took a breath to calm down.  

“So why do I keep throwing up?” You asked with a frown.

“It’s nothing bad just you might wanna start eating a little more and coming to see me for check-ups.” Melissa gave you a small smile but her response made you worry even more. If nothing was wrong why would you need to go for check-ups? That’s when it clicked.  

Nothing wrong = This is good news

Eat more = Eating for two

Check-ups = Ultrasounds

“OH. MY. GOD. SCOTT MCCALL, YOU ARE DEAD!” You screamed as you launched at him with glowing pink eyes.  

“WHAT WHY!?” He screamed as he ran out the bedroom with you running after him.

“YOU AND YOUR DICK ARE DEAD!” You screamed as he ran downstairs in the living area where Peter, Derek, Stiles and Chris were sat.  

“WHAT THE HELL DID MY DICK DO!?” He squealed as you tried to hop over the couch to get to him but missed him by a hair.

“Y/N! Be careful!” Melissa scolded causing you to stop and realise, this wasn’t just your body anymore it was a shield that was protecting another life so you had to treat it differently.  

“Why am I being chased?!” Scott panted as he looked at his mom and mate.  

“I’m pregnant, dumbass.” You muttered a blush working its way to your face. Unlike how you imagined this moment to go later in life it was different. You didn’t have time to think about the usual stuff. Would Scott leave you? Would he make you abort? Does he even want kids? because as soon as you said it Scott picked you up with a giant smile.  

“Really?!” He asked as he stared into your wide eyes.

“Y-Yes at least that’s what I figured Melissa meant.” You glanced at her with wide eyes before she gave you a nod.

“Oh my god! I’m gonna be a Dad!” Scott chuckled his face lighting up like you’d never seen.  

“I thought it was the Moms who glowed during pregnancy, not the Dads?” You snorted before glancing at Melissa.

“No actually the Dads are glowing and the Moms always look like zombies. The back pain, the boob pain, the feet swelling, the throwing up, the eating of weird shit. You name it.” Melissa shot you a sinister grin and suddenly you felt the urge to kill your baby daddy.  

After 20 seconds you had Scott on the floor standing on his chest with one foot. When the front door opened you glanced over to see the Sheriff and shot him a sarcastic smile to let him know you were pissed.  

“Why is Scott being punished?” The Sheriff snorted as he stood and glanced down at Scott who sent him a wave.  

“I dunno should I tell him Scott? He is basically my Dad after all!” You growled as you applied for pressure to Scott’s chest earning a wince from him.

“Tell me what?” The Sheriff muttered with a glare quickly making it way to his face as he glanced at Scott.

“Papa if you’d be so kind as to hand me your gun first before I tell you that would be great.” You asked sweetly but he immediately passed his gun to you.  

“I’m pregnant.” Was all you said, before stepping away from Scott, with a smile on your face.

“I’m gonna be a grandad?” You gaped at the man who you classed as your father confused to why he wasn’t killing Scott.

“OH MY GOD! AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO IS HAVING A HARD TIME ACCEPTING THIS?!” You screamed before storming up the stairs, placing your ‘Dads’ gun on the table near the front door before you went.

You stormed into Lydia’s room without knocking which resulted in a naked Aiden falling off the bed and a naked Lydia sighing. They both looked at you and kept their mouths closed before they began getting dress.  

“Honey, what happened?!” Lydia asked as she sat on the bed waving at you to come over. You glanced up at her from the door, tears streaming as you finally spoke up.

“I’m pregnant.” Aiden gasped whereas Lydia opened her arms and you ran into them.  

She held you as you cried never saying congrats or this is good news. She just held you and right now that is what you needed. Aiden moved to close the door before sitting back down and stroking your back.  

“I know its scary baby girl but listen to me when I say this.” She pulled you away and cupped your cheeks.  

“You will be a great mother.” That was the only thing you needed before you broke down completely.  

“You are not like your mother. You are kind and you’re fearless and above all else, you always protect your family. I know you’re scared and I know you want to run baby but right now I need you to think about your child. I know you’re 18 and haven’t even finished high school yet but I also know if anyone can do this…it’s you.” She whispered into your hair as you clung to the other girl. Suddenly Aiden shocked you into sitting up by speaking.

“This child will never go unloved or want for anything. We’re your family and we’re here to help you. No matter what Y/N.” You and Aiden always took the piss out of each other and teased one another but you had a bond that not many others could ever understand. He stared into your eyes, letting you know he was sincere and you gave him a small smile that screamed thank you.  

“I think you should go and talk to Scott.” Lydia stated as she looked at you with a smile. You gave her a nod before drying your eyes and making your way downstairs to find Scott.  

You found him sat in the living room with the other as his teeth worried as his bottom. He looked up before rushing over to you and hugging you so tightly. In that moment you knew you could do this because your family would never leave you and would always believe in you.  

….

“Lydia, I really don’t think we need a designer pram…” You muttered as you strolled through the shops with Derek, Lydia, Peter and Stiles.  

“Maybe, but it’s the first pack baby and if we need to we can put it in the attic for when another pack member has a baby.” Lydia argued as she glanced at Derek.  

“I hate to say it but I actually agree with Lydia.” Derek grunted as he glanced around the prams. You looked around and spotted a pure white pram that stood out to you. You strolled over to it but as you tried to check the price tag Peter grab your wrist and nodded to the Derek. Derek turned to the sales-person with a smile and handing over his card.  

“Peter! I wanna check the price first!” You snapped angrily but he just shook his head and began dragging you out the shop. The next shop was for clothes which you dread because you had yet to tell anyone but Scott, Melissa and your Dad the sex of the baby.  

“Right you’re gonna have to tell us the sex or this is gonna be difficult.” Lydia sighed as she glanced and the expensive multi-designer brand baby shop.

“Girl.” You muttered quietly but you knew she’d heard you when her and Stiles let out a scream before running off.

“This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell her. Now she’s gonna buy so many clothes that are desi-” You looked to your side to see Derek and Peter had disappeared and were now cooing at baby Gucci dresses.

“Seriously!” You huffed before walking over to Derek.

“Do you not think it’s weird for a teen mom to have baby Gucci and baby Chloé?” You muttered as you approached Peter and Derek who was picking up a baby Chloé pink winter coat.  

“Nope, not when she has Hales as uncles.” Peter sassed earning a glare from you.

“I like this Gucci pinafore dress with this white shirt.” Stiles grinned as he approached you with a tartan pinafore dress and a white long sleeved shirt that had a lacy collar.  

“That is so cute!” You squealed as Lydia approached you with wide eyes.

“Christian Louboutin started doing baby shoes!” Lydia gasped as she pointed towards the large shoe section. She knew if there was one brand you couldn’t deny it was Louboutin’s.  

After shopping for a while long your feet started hurting so you decided to get the rest of the stuff online. Derek, Peter and Stiles carried in all the bags containing designer clothes and shoes with proud smiles on their faces.  

Peter had seen a princess hanging canopy that could go above the cot and insisted his little niece needed it even though you tried to deny it Peter bought it anyway. You sat down on the couch where Melissa and Chris were sat, letting out a loud sigh.  

“Oh my god!” Erica screamed as she held up the Gucci floral dungarees and white curved collared shirt.  

“It’s a girl!” She screamed as she fumbled through all the clothes with Melissa and Allison.  

“Welcome back. How are my Queen and Princess doing today?” Scott cooed as he walked into the living area. You chuckled as you stroke your large stomach.  

“Uncle Peter and Uncle Derek spent lots of money on you today didn’t they Princess.” You giggled softly, earning a kick from your little girl.  

“I can see…” Scott sighed as he stared at all the designer bags.

“Hey, stop it.” You scolded as he frowned.  

“I just wish I could buy her all this stuff…” Scott muttered as he looked through the bags.  

“Baby, she doesn’t need Gucci clothes or Louboutin’s from you…She needs your love.” You chuckled softly as you leant down to leave a soft loving kiss on his lips. You pulled back with wide eyes and glanced at Derek.

“How much was this sofa?” You asked Derek with a worried frown.  

“A lot.” He grumbled with a confused frown.

“You could totally afford another one, right?” You chuckled with a blush on your face.

“I mean yeah if I ne-Why?” His eyes narrowed as he scanned over you until he saw the wet patch on the sofa.  

“Did your…” Derek’s eyes widened as he glanced at you in panic.  

“What’s that smell?” Scott asked with a frown as the other wolves sniffed at the air.

“DID YOUR WATER JUST BREAK!?” Derek screamed clearly freaking out.

“MELISSA!!!!” Chris screamed as he started running around and grabbing the birthing bag you’d pack less than a week ago.  

“What!?” Melissa yelled as she ran down the stairs.

“MY WATER JUST BROKE!?” You screamed, watching as her eyes widened.

Everyone was running around calling Deaton, making sure they didn’t forget anything as Scott sat there in shock, holding your hand. You threw your head back and let out a pained filled growl as you felt Scott’s hand breaking under your hold.

Not 10 minutes later, Deaton bust through the door, medical bag in hand and eyebrows raised in urgency. He instructed Scott to carry you to the bed, as he followed quickly. You wished you could go to a hospital but as Deaton had said a few months ago. You are likely to shift if you're in pain, so you couldn’t go to a hospital.

Suddenly Liam ran into the room with his dad following him. You stared at him like he’d gone crazy before Liam’s stepdad stared at you.  

“I’m gonna have questions after this but right now we need to get this baby out safely!” Liam’s dad screamed before turning to Melissa.

“I need hot water and towels.” He ordered quickly before rolling up his sleeves.  

“Scott, I need you to take a deep breath and focus. Deaton do you have the stuff I’d need to do this?” Liam’s dad asked as he nodded to Deaton medical bag.  

“I have gloves and few bits and pieces in case we need to cut. She has supernatural healing and the wolves can take her pain that’s all you’ll need. Epidural won’t work on her.” Deaton stated as he checked your vitals.  

“Got it. Scott and Liam that’s your job.” He instructed earning a serious nod from both boys.  

Melissa ran in with towel while Derek followed in with a large bowl of hot water. Liam’s dad lifted up a pair of scissors and began cutting off your jeans knowing that right now it was urgent. Melissa threw a blanket over your bottom half to cover your dignity before bending your legs up and giving you a smile.

“Scott McCall, this is all your fault!” You screamed as you felt another contraction happening.  

“She’s 9cms already!” Liam’s dad yelled as he glanced at Deaton with wide eyes.

“Her water only broke 25 minutes ago!” Melissa screamed as she dabbed the sweat off your forehead.  

“Well apparently, this baby doesn’t care!” Liam’s dad yelled back as he looked at Scott and Liam with a nod.  

“Derek I need you to take over a minute.” Scott groaned as he collapsed to the floor in pain.  

“What’s wrong with your son, Melissa?” Liam’s dad sighed as he looked at Scott.

“Unlike most men, Doc, he’s actually feeling her pain. It’s a werewolf thing.” Melissa snorted as she let Chris take her son out the way.  

“Derek Hale, this m-might be a bad time to ask and I-I’m not religious b-but I’d be happy if you’d be the godfather.” You stuttered softly as he and Liam took your pain.  

“I’d be honoured Y/N but first let’s get you through this okay?” He muttered gently as he stroked your hair.

“Okay, I need you to push! SCOTT, GET IN HERE!” Liam’s dad yelled with urgency.  

The pain was unreal, causing you to scream but Scott held in his scream of pain and chose to peck your temple. His hand running through your hair softly.

“Come on baby, you can do it.” He whispered, his breathing as heavy as yours.  

“You know you can cut off the pain channelling. You don’t need to feel this too…” You whispered as you got a second to breathe.  

“We’re in this together baby if you have to suffer to birth our baby girl, then so will I.” Scott stated with a dopey lopsided grin.  

“I love you.” You stated before Liam’s dad told you to push again. Suddenly everything else disappeared as you heard a scream. You look up to see the Doctor holding your baby with a smile.  

“Congratulations it’s a baby girl.” He stated before he turned to Melissa and asked her to cut the cord. Everyone crowded around the room and the bed, sniffling and cheering as they all welcomed the newest pack member.  

At that moment you knew there was nothing you’d change your life for.

Part 7 <-

[cantstoplovingjude]

To Steal You Away: Alfons Sylvatica Ch.2

This is from Ikemen Villains EN, Cybird owns everything.

Kate: "We don't have to hold hands, but... can I just hold onto your sleeve?"

(He's definitely going to tease me now...)

Alfons: "Of course. Whatever you wish."

I looked up at him, surprised by his kind response, but then saw a smile curving on his lips.

Alfons: "Did your heart skip a beat just now?"

Alfons: "You can grab me anywhere you like. Go on."

Kate: "This is fine. Thank you."

Alfons: "Are you sure? Such a reserved little robin. You should be more demanding sometimes, you know."

His reply was lighthearted and airy. However...

I noticed he was walking slower than usual.

(Is he matching his pace to mine?)

If he was indecent and dishonest and the stuff of nightmares, then I should keep my distance.

(So why does he make it so hard for me to do just that?)

I kept those feelings to myself as we began looking for any stolen items that might've been stashed away here.

Alfons: "This place is just packed with things. It looks like Elbie's room!"

(This is what Lord Elbert's room looks like...?)

I had to admit that this sort of light chitchat was the best way to stay calm in dark, scary places like this.

But I felt the fear creeping up on me again and blurted out the first thing that came to mind, as if to ward it off.

Kate: "Liam told me something the other day."

Kate: "He said you two often go out together late at night."

Kate: "What in the world are you two doing together?"

Alfons: "Do you what to know because Liam's involved? Or because of me?"

(There he goes again, teasing me.)

Kate: "I'm the Fairytale Keeper, so I thought I'd ought to know."

Alfons: "What a boring, trite answer. However, I'll indulge you just this once."

Alfons: "Due to his curse, Liam must satisfy his curiosity on a regular basis."

Alfons: "Which just so happens to align with my hedonistic views, as I love a good time."

Alfons: "So before we knew it, we both started looking for new thrills to satisfy our curiosity together."

Kate: "What exactly does that mean...?"

Alfons: "Well, we have a game where we jump from rooftop to rooftop while drunk. If you fall, you're out."

Alfons: "There's also a game called Chicken where we race horses to the edge of a cliff."

Kate: "That's definitely beyond what I'd imagined."

Alfons: "Oh, I'm pleased to hear that!"

Alfons: "There are other delightful things we get up to as well, but I shouldn't share those with others. Would you like to tag along next time?"

Kate: "Sorry, but I think I'll pass."

Alfons: "Ah, what a shame."

Alfons chuckled and picked up a dusty marble that lay at his face.

Kate: "Hm?"

It let off a dull glow as he held it in his hand.

Alfons: "Liam needs to forget about reality sometimes."

Alfons: "You're starting to pick up on that fact, aren't you?"

Kate: "Yes... I had a feeling."

Liam wasn't just satisfying his curiosity because of his curse.

When I was having a hard time or was feeling sad, he always the first person to come to me.

He generously gave me his time to try to cheer me up.

I had a feeling the reason he was so good at doing so was because he empathized with people's pain and sadness.

So, there must have been a lot of suffering and sadness in his past.

Maybe he was keeping himself going through his dark and dreary everyday life by coloring it with curiosity.

That reminded me of what Alfons had said to me before.

It was the first time he'd used his ability to rewrite perception on me.

-Flashback-

Alfons: "Life is a tragedy. There are many painful realities that can't be changed even if we try."

Alfons: "So what's wrong with escaping into dreams?"

-Flashback Ends-

(Back then, I was so confused about what he was doing that I didn't think too deeply about what he meant.)

But those words had lingered uncomfortably inside my heart.

Alfons was a thrill-seeking hedonist who loved having a good time and enjoyed making people see illusions.

However, now he told me that he was aware Liam had something he wanted to forget, and that was why he went out with him at night.

(Maybe it's just convenient for me to think this way because it's what I want to believe.)

(But what if...)

(What if Alfons really is showing people illusions to help them escape from painful realities that plague them?)

Just then, I heard a noise from the back of the hallway and exchanged glances with Alfons.

Kate: "Is it the culprit?"

Alfons: "I suppose we shall find out. Get behind me, Miss Kate."

I turned and peeked over Alfons's shoulder, but saw someone very unexpected.

==========

Elderly Man: "...Who are you young'uns?"

An old man with white hair was settled deep in an armchair.

(Somehow I have a hard time believing that man's a thief and a murderer...)

It certainly looked like he was the owner of this house.

Alfons: "Our cat wandered in here, so we came after it. Terribly sorry to come in without permission."

Elderly Man: "Oh, I see... I thought you were another one of those fools barging in here again."

Alfons: "What do you mean?"

Elderly Man: "Well, some lads have been sneaking in here at night without my permission."

Elderly Man: "Just because I had a spare room, they thought they could take advantage of me and make themselves at home."

He lived here alone and seemed to be turning a blind eye to the criminals using this place without permission.

(But why are they leaving him alive?)

It was definitely risky to keep him around.

All he had to do was tell one person who'd call the police and that'd be the end of it.

They'd supposedly already killed before, so it wasn't because they were hesitant to kill...

Elderly Man: "Oh, I'm sorry. I was so absorbed in my guests I forgot about you."

(Huh? Is there someone else here?)

I looked around, but we were the only ones in the room.

And then, I realized he was speaking to a portrait of a woman on the wall.

Elderly Man: "Will you forgive me? Yes, I know. You've always liked guests."

I was confused, but then heard Alfons whisper into my ear.

Alfons: "Oh, I see. He's senile. That's why they kept him alive."

Alfons: "What should we do about him, Miss Kate?"

Kate: "What do you mean?"

Alfons: "If I use my ability, I might be able to bring him to his senses."

Alfons: "That way we can get his testimony and our mission will be easier."

I wasn't sure how the old man viewed what was happening here.

But I did know that he looked blissfully happy as he gazed at the painting.

Kate: "I..."

==========

We decided to seize the stolen items we recovered as evidence and move forward with the condemnation at a later time.

That way, we wouldn't cause any harm to the old man who lived in the house.

Alfons: "Why didn't you want to bring him out of his dreams back into reality?"

When he'd asked me before, I told him I wanted to leave the old man alone.

Kate: "He needs that dream in order to survive. So I don't think it's a bad thing."

Kate: "Even if the dream was just a convenience."

Kate: "Also..."

Kate: "I thought that's what you would do, if given the choice."

Alfons stared at me for a moment.

Then without warning-he pulled me toward him and hugged me against his chest.

The next thing I knew, I heard a gunshot ring out. A nearby potted plant in the garden exploded from the bullet.

(What's going on?!)

Man with Stubble: "You think you can just barge into our hideout, huh?!"

A man loomed before us, his eyes fixed on the stolen goods we'd confiscated.

(He's one of the culprits!)

Man with Stubble: "I can't let you outta here alive now. I'm gonna kill you!"

Alfons: "That's pretty rich, considering you're the one who trespassed into someone else's home."

Alfons swept behind the man in a flash and twisted his neck, rendering him unconscious in an instant.

Alfons: "Whoops, I forgot that we trespassed too. Oh, well."

Alfons: "Shall we confiscate him, too?"

==========

After we safely delivered the stolen items to Jude's warehouse, we walked through the city at night.

(Oh...)

Only then did I notice my hands were trembling slightly.

The sound of the gunshot brought back memories of the previous night.

(I hate this... I just want to forget about last night and get rid of all this fear inside me.)

(I don't want it to control me forever.)

I clenched my hands into fists to try to stop shaking, and then Alfons tapped me on the shoulder.

Alfons: "Miss Kate. Miss Kate...? Do you have more time to spare?"

Kate: "Huh? Oh, yes. I don't have any other plans for tonight."

Alfons: "That's a relief. How about staying with me a bit longer, then?"

Kate: "For what?"

Alfons: "Since Liam's away, this is the perfect opportunity to do all sorts of shameless and indecent things to you."

Alfons: "Now that our mission is done, we can extend our date. The excitement's only just begun."

End Ch.2

[anincompletelist]

rwrb fic recs round two! :D

HELLO! I was going to wait a bit longer before doing another rec, but I've read some phenomenal works lately and I wanted to share!

as always, if you feel inclined to share your own recs or even self-promote, please do! also, please remember to be kind and give back when possible by sharing fics, commenting, leaving kudos, or reaching out to the author to let them know that you enjoyed! happy early thanksgiving and all ;)

thank you again to these authors, as well as anyone who makes content for this lovely little corner of the internet. your work and art continues to get me through the persistently dark days, and I am eternally grateful to get to be privy to your talent and labors of love!

I hope you're all doing well, and happy reading! <3

in no particular order --

I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In | doeyedgirlyevil | E | 42k | WIP

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Alex and Henry have been living together for four months already, and they couldn't be happier.

It all crumbles down when one morning, Henry is rushed to the hospital.

+

get him alone | @congee4lunch | 103k | E

Alex looks at him, like Henry’s a speck of dirt on his pristine chinos. “Why would June send you to check up on me?” “Because I’m her best friend and you’re her brother?” “I always said she has bad taste.” “Well,” Henry smiles. It feels as placid on his face as it probably looks. “I would say the same thing, but family doesn’t account for one’s taste, unfortunately.”

(in which henry fox is june’s childhood best friend and alex claremont-diaz is june’s younger brother. as the years pass, they tolerate each other at best and are downright destructive at worst. until they begin falling into each other's beds.)

+

the beagle, the ghost, and the wardrobe | @dumbpeachjuice | 11k | M

Henry’s new flat comes with one unexpected feature: it’s already inhabited. But not by a human. By a ghost.

+

that's all for now! I want to do another one of these very soon once the halloween, huh fics have been revealed! until then! happy reading! :D

-- anincompletelist / sarah

[priincebutt]

Nico!!! hello dear here's my request for the heart kiss thing

💙 drunken kiss / tipsy - liam/pez plz

send me a kiss, get a snippet

Liam loves the post-rodeo high. There’s something about the adrenaline rush of bull riding, feeling like you’re unstoppable and on top of the fucking world, that just leaves him spinning out after all of the events are over. He knows he should be exhausted – bull riding is a physical sport that leaves him sore and hurting for days after he competes, but it’s still the day of, and the pain hasn’t set in yet. So instead of sleeping, like he should be doing, he’s at the damn bar, fingers wrapped around a bottle of Coors light, listening with a wince on his face as some girl in a floral dress attempts to sing Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats on the mic provided for karaoke.

It’s not well known, but at the end of the day on Fridays at the Denver National Stock Show, down in the underbelly of the arena by the corralled cattle and sleeping horses, a karaoke bar pops up for those in the know, or those lucky enough to stumble upon it when they’re trying to find the parking lot. There’s probably thirty people in street clothes present, and a handful of riders like himself, and everyone seems tipsy enough. Hell, Liam’s on his third beer, and while he’s not drunk he’s definitely feeling the effects. The warmth coursing through him is lush, and he sips at the cool beer as his eyes scan the crowd, looking for anyone he knows or some one interesting enough to strike up a conversation with.

His boredom is relieved when a man in a fringed pink leather jacket sets an empty glass down on the bar beside Liam, orders a whiskey neat, and turns, letting his gaze rove from Liam’s worn, dusty boots up to the cowboy hat that sits atop his head at a minor tilt. He’s not subtle in his looking, and his full lips part in an easy smile as he leans against the bar, folds his arms over his chest and nods approvingly.

“See something you like?” Liam drawls, his Texas accent thick thanks to the beer. He’s never been subtle in who he loves, and while being a gay bull rider hasn’t been easy by any means, it’s worth fighting for who he is. He can’t imagine hiding himself away.

The man’s grin only widens, and he accepts the whiskey and stops the bartender. “What’s your shooter of choice?” He asks Liam. One of Liam’s eyebrows go up, and he steps in a little closer, intrigued.

“Tequila with salt and a lime.”

“You heard the man,” his companion chuckles darkly. “Two tequilas, though I might regret this in the morning.”

The bartender delivers the shots, and they clink their glasses together before licking the salt rim, downing the shot, then sucking on the lime. Liam manages to get the liquor down without wincing, and his new friend does the same, his features smooth as he then sips his whiskey like this is all in a day’s work. “I’m Percy,” he extends a hand, his fringe swishing at the motion, and Liam grins and accepts, shaking his warm hand fondly and nodding. “Liam,” he offers as he sips his beer to chase down the fire of the tequila.

“I knew you were gay,” Percy says as his head tilts and he looks up at Liam, who has a good few inches on him even in his shiny black heeled cowboy boots.

One of Liam’s brows arch, and he keeps his features schooled into neutrality at the statement. “What gave me away?”

“Well, you were the only cowboy wearing a pink shirt,” Percy says with a shrug. “And I just… knew. Sometimes you just know things, and it’s always a sweet victory when you’re right. Because you’re extremely hot, and I’m very glad I’ve run into you down at this little bar.”

Liam’s feeling bold thanks to the tequila. The shot is like liquid courage through his veins, and he crowds into Percy’s space, unthinking about the very real possibility that this virtual stranger might want nothing more to do with him than to say he met a bull rider and be on his way. “Well good thing for me you’re also hot,” Liam says as he finishes his beer and sets the empty bottle back on the bar. Percy’s looking up at him through his lashes now, in a way that has Liam absolutely losing it because it’s been a while since he’s gotten lucky and he thinks tonight just might be the night for it. “Do you want to come back to my hotel?” He asks, voice husky, emboldened by the look Percy’s giving him and the liquor.

There is no answer �� Percy surges up on his toes and pulls him in by the collar. Their lips meet and Liam sighs into it, lets himself melt into this man he hardly knows, kisses him like there might not be a tomorrow. Percy is soft and pliant against him, and he tastes like smoky whiskey on a warm Texas night. He tastes like home, and Liam thinks he might go feral for it.

Liam pulls back, a lopsided grin on his lips, one hand at Percy’s waist and the other steadying them against the bar. “I take it that’s a yes?”

“Oh, that’s a fuck yes.”

[yourfavoritebookclub]

WINGLEADER: A Xaden Riorson POV Fanfiction

CHAPTER 13

Liam and I pull our gazes away from the sky, and I scan the crowd for Violet.

She’s standing in the middle of the field with a broad grin on her face. A moment later she disappears behind a wall of people as Rhiannon and Ridoc clamber over to her, enveloping her in tight hugs filled with bright, joyful celebration.

Despite the absolute shit show that was today, my lips twitch up into a fraction of a smile at the scene playing out before me.

Violet did something incredible today and she deserves to be celebrated and cared for.

Even if her existence is the cause of my ever growing state of anger and panic.

Liam claps me on the shoulder and lets out an exasperated chuckle, “This is going to be very interesting, I take it. I’ll see you soon, brother.” I mumble a goodbye and then he’s walking away, hands in his pockets and head held high. 

Just as Violet deserves that joy, so does my brother, with his quiet confidence and caring heart. I smile at his back.

He’s turning into a leader. 

The kind that people will go to war for.

A leader worthy of the title.

One day we’ll lead together.

I turn my attention back to Violet just as Dain marches toward the group, worry lining his face.

He reaches for Violet’s shoulders and I watch as he crushes her against his chest.

Her body goes rigid at his touch for just a moment before she melts into his arms.

She twines her arms around him and they hold each other in silence, wrapped up in a world where no one else exists. There’s relief in her every breath; an undeniable sense of safety in his presence. 

Something bitter coats my tongue. Something acidic, and burning, and nauseating is rising within me at the sight of them standing in their false security. Pretending that he can offer her any kind of protection.

He pulls away to observe the meager remainder of his squad. Four out of nine is better than none, but I wonder if there would be more if he’d spent the last few months training them for survival instead of attempting to smuggle Violet to the Scribe’s Quadrant against her will. Dain grabs Violet’s hand and she turns, her gaze sweeping across the field, assessing something.

As if I’d called out her name, Violet’s eyes land on mine. A shudder runs through me at the weight in her gaze, the strength in those eyes that wasn’t there a few months ago. 

There’s a small sense of satisfaction at the way her eyes seem to always find mine, like she knows when I’m around, like she can feel me the way I can her.

With a tug, Dain pulls her gaze away from me and ushers her to the edge of the field, in the shadows beyond the glow of the mage lights.

That quickly, Dain has put them both in danger. A danger he should be anticipating. He’s getting sloppy. His desperate desire to keep Violet safe is causing problems. He’s fumbling, growing weak.

I slip through the crowd, everyone too wrapped up in their own conversation to notice my movements. I step into a pocket of shadow at the edge of the crowd and reach behind me with both hands, grasping the open air. In one fluid movement, I pull my arms out to the sides and back in front of me, encasing myself in shadow. 

I make my way over to where Dain stands with Violet, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly.

With a flick of my fingers, tendrils of shadow glide past me to curl in the spaces where they stand. 

My ears to listen.

“–Jack ran away, and then it was just Tynan and I, and he…Dain, he was going to kill me. My body was failing, and there was nothing I could do,” Violet says, her voice ragged. 

Rage slams into me and as the events of the day come rushing forward. As I remember her fear and pain, and her Gods damned bravery.

“Right before Tairn landed behind me, I saw Xaden move. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him take a step forward, like he was going to help,” Violet whispers, disbelief in her voice.

That makes two of us.

“Xaden was there,” Dain breathes, his tone cold. She nods, “Yes. But he left after Tairn showed up.” 

My footsteps are silent as I reach the pair, standing off to the side, still cloaked in shadow.

“Xaden was there when you defended Andarna, and then Tairn just…showed up?” He asks dimly. I can hear his rusty gears turning from here.

“Yes. That's what I just said.” She narrows her eyes at him in question.

“Don’t you see what happened? What Xaden’s done?” Dain’s voice has an edge of panic. His hands tightens over Violet’s thin shoulders, and I feel that ever-present rage flair in response. 

“Please, do tell me what it is you think I’ve done.” Boredom laces my words, and I step out of a pocket in the shadows, meeting their surprised stares.

Dain recovers quickly, removing his hands from Violet and putting himself between us. “You manipulated Threshing.”

Violet’s eyes go wide with shock. “Dain, that’s..” 

Impossible? Unrealistic? Completely and utterly idiotic? 

Yes, Violet, I agree. 

Not only am I now completely tied to Violet, but I’m also required to interact with her asinine little bodyguard.

“Is that an official accusation?” 

“Did you step in?” Dain demands.

“Did I what?” I ask, my brow shooting up in disbelief. “Did I see her outnumbered and already wounded?” I can feel that rage simmering underneath my skin rising closer and closer to the surfacec. 

Fuck Dain, fuck those pricks in the clearing, and fuck this whole godsdamn day. “Did I think her bravery was as admirable as it was fucking reckless?” 

My eyes land on Violet’s, and she doesn’t blanch from the anger that’s leaching out of my body, stealing the air from around us.

“And I would do it again.” She lifts her chin, eyes full of defiance. 

Of course she would. This mix of anger and fear and care and irritation all directed at the woman before me has my rage reaching a boiling point.

“Well-the-fuck-aware,” I roar at her. Our eyes are still locked on each other, and I can feel the shock that moves through both of us at my outburst. Something crackles in the space between us, something electric and fierce in its nature.

I pull my gaze away from hers before I can get lost in it.

“Did I see her fight off three bigger cadets?” I glare at Dain. “Because the answer to all of those is yes. But you’re asking the wrong question, Aetos. What you should be asking is if Sgaeyl saw it, too.” 

Dain’s throat bobs and he breaks his stare. Good. It’s exhausting being the smartest person in the room at all times, but this is particularly exhausting because Dain is clearly living in a state of utter delusion and has been since Violet got here.

“His mate told him,” Violet whispers next to me.

I turn to her, Dain’s existence disappearing as we look at each other. “She’s never been a fan of bullies. But don’t mistake it as an act of kindness toward you. She’s fond of the little dragon.” I pause, grimacing. “Unfortunately, Tairn chose you all on his own.”

“Fuck,” Dain says under his breath.

“My thoughts exactly.” I shake my head in irritation. “Sorrengail is the last person on the Continent I’d ever want to be chained to me. I didn’t do this.” 

It’s not a lie. Being chained to her means all the work I’ve done to erase her from my thoughts is melting. As if she was even gone in the first place. It was getting better at the very least. 

She makes things complicated where Brennan is concerned. She poses a risk to Athebyne and, therefore, my people, no matter what my suspicions are about where her allegiance lies. I don’t even want to touch the physical aspect of all of this. The heat that flows between us, even in anger and irritation. The way my stomach drops when her eyes are on me.

From the corner of my eye, I can see the way Violet has stiffened, and the subtle flash of hurt that crosses her expression gives me pause. Guilt snakes its way into my chest. 

And confusion. I am so utterly confused.

I refocus on the conversation before me, taking a step toward Dain so that he has to crane his neck a bit to look me in the eye. “And even if I had, would you really level that accusation knowing it would have been what saved the woman you call your best friend?” The woman I think he might love. Or as close as he can come to it.

Violet is still ramrod straight, stuck in the middle of a power struggle between Aetos and I.

“There are…rules.”

“And out of curiosity, would you have, let’s say, bent those rules to save your precious little Violet in that field?” I study his face, looking for the answer, knowing it anyway. Yet, I’m still hoping for Violet’s sake that his answer will be different.

A muscle spasms in Dain’s jaw as he stands in front of me, dead silent.

“That’s unfair to ask him,” Violet scolds as she moves to stand at Dain’s side. A tentative line in the sand.

But I want to hear him say it. I want to hear the words land for what they are. His hideous truth. “I'm ordering you to answer, squad leader.” 

The beat of immense wings begins sounding in the distance.

His throat bobs and he shuts his eyes, a mockery of shame. “No. I wouldn’t have.”

I scoff, utterly disgusted at the disrespect and the disloyalty that he displays again and again.

Dain turns to Violet, “It would have killed me to watch something happen to you, Vi, but the rules–” 

“It’s all right,” she responds a little too slowly, cutting him off.

It’s not alright, not at all. “The dragons are returning; get back to formation, squad leader.” I order, nodding my head to the line of higher-ups reforming at the edge of the dais. 

Violet doesn’t take her eyes off of Dain as he walks away, and without a backward glance, the prick disappears into the crowd.

The second he’s out of sight, she whirls on me, “Why would you do that to him?” She pauses and shakes her head. “Forget it,” she mutters, face and body dipping in utter defeat. 

She turns on her heel and tries to walk away from me, rage and something else–hurt? – echoing in every footfall.

In two strides, I’m by her side, walking in unison. “Because you put too much faith in him, and knowing who to trust is the only thing that will keep you alive – keep us alive – not only in the quadrant but after graduation.”

The crowd is moving quickly, making room for dragons as they land, rushing toward their own. “There is no us,” she bites back.

A rider comes barreling toward us, and I haul her by her elbow out of his path. Our bodies are touching, and I realize we haven’t been this close since that night in the courtyard. I murmur in her ear, “Oh, I think you’ll find that’s no longer the case. Tairn’s bonds are so powerful, both to mate and rider, because he’s so powerful. Losing his last rider nearly killed him, which, in turn, nearly killed Sgaeyl. Mated pairs’ lives are–”

“Interdependent, I know that.”

“Each time a dragon chooses a rider, that bond is stronger than the last, which means that if you die, Violence, it sets off a chain of events that potentially ends with me dying, too.” 

I’m raging again. Everything is compounding on each other: Violet’s attack, the fear that came with it, fighting every urge and instinct and desire for a woman who is not forever tied to me, Dain’s lack of care. It’s becoming too much.

“And now that Tairn is in play, the other cadets know he’s willing to bond.” Malek help me, this is going to be an absolute headache. 

I blow out a sigh and turn away from Violet, needing a moment to compose myself before her eyes that see too much. 

A sigh escapes my lips and I turn from Violet, needing a moment to compose myself, to look away from her eyes that see too much.

“That’s why Tairn told me to stay with you,” she whispers. “Because of the unbonded.”

We both glance to the outer rim of the field where the forty-one unbonded riders stand, all eyes trained on us.

Including Oren Seifret, whose bruised face is contorted in a sneer of rage.

“The unbonded are going to try to kill you in hopes they’ll get Tairn to bond them.” 

Garrick appears between a pocket of riders and strides towards me, his face grim. 

I shake my head, and he looks from me to Violet,  realizing who stands beside me, and walks in the other direction across the field. 

“Tairn is one of the strongest dragons on the Continent, and the vast power he channels is about to be yours. In the next few months, the unbonded will try to kill a newly paired rider while the bond is weak, while they still have a chance of that dragon changing its mind and picking them so they’re not set back a full year. And for Tairn? They’ll do just about anything.” 

I can’t contain the dramatic sigh that comes out of me. I’m exhausted. I spend more days than not tired. I’m so tired, and there is no reprieve, no break from the path in front of me.

“And Tairn thinks you’ll play bodyguard.” Violet snorts in false amusement. “Little does he know just how much you dislike me.”

“He knows exactly how much I value my own life,” I snap, turning to face her. My eyes catch on the silver strands of hair that have come undone, and I can’t help the way my gaze travels down her body, my simmering anger turning into a heat of another kind. 

She’s eerily unperturbed, if not flat out dismissive of the threat on her life. “You’re freakishly calm for someone who just heard she’s about to be hunted.”

Violet shrugs, unfazed. “It’s a typical Wednesday for me, and honestly, being hunted by forty-one people is a lot less intimidating than constantly watching dark corners for you.” 

There’s a part of me that, through the anger, wants to strip her bare before me. 

I want to worship Violet’s body in the dark. To use my mouth to please her, run my tongue along every curve, and caress her with every shadow I have within me. I want to be the one to make her moan, to make her cum.

“Walk away before you do something regrettable, Dark One.” Sgaeyl’s voice shatters the tumble of thoughts rolling through my head.

As if compelled, I turn away from Violet and walk towards Sgaeyl without another word. 

It takes every ounce of willpower to put one foot in front of the other until I’ve made it to my dragon’s side.

Tucking myself into the crook of Sgaey’ls wing, I run my fingers through my hair, and pull in several ragged breaths as I struggle to regain control of my mind and body.

A hush falls over the crowd as General Melgren moves toward the front of the dais. Codagh, his brute of a dragon, is standing close by, monitoring the crowd with black beady eyes. 

“Codagh has relayed that the dragons have spoken regarding the Sorrengail girl. While tradition has shown us that there is one rider for every dragon, there has never been a case of two dragons selecting the same rider, and therefore there is no dragon law against it,” he declares. “While we riders may not feel as though this is… equitable, dragons make their own laws.” His voice drips with disdain. “Both Tairn and…” He looks over his shoulder, and his aide rushes forward to whisper in his ear. “Andarna have chosen Violet Sorrengail, and so their choice stands.”

The crowd murmurs softly until General Sorrengail steps forward for the closing commencement. “First-years,” she pauses, scanning the field full of new riders and their bonded dragons, “you have made it past the Gauntlet, and now stand here ready to begin training as Navarre’s most elite fighters. Protectors of the Continent.” 

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and I swing my gaze over to Violet. She’s staring at me intently, questions and curiosities running through her eyes. I study her for a heartbeat and then raise my pointer finger. Lest she forget what she now is in this Quadrant. Not a warrior, not a protector. 

Right now she is target number one.

“Welcome to a family that knows no boundaries, no limits, and no end. Riders, step forward.” It’s silent on the field as the first-years take their five steps toward their new positions. I spot Liam in the crowd and a smile blooms on my face at the sight of his joyful, triumphant face.

“Dragons, it is our honor as always,” General Sorrengail finishes with a small bow. “Now we celebrate!”

Moments pass, and there’s a collective noise that spreads across the flight field as rider after rider is branded by their dragon. 

My own tattoo spreads across the whole expanse of my scarred back. I know Sgaeyl did it on purpose, to hide as many of the scars as she could behind the great blue dragon twining its way up my back. Fucking softie.

 Garrick turns to me, concern flickering in his eyes.

I hold up a hand, “I’m not talking about this right now. Everything’s fine. I’ll brief everyone later on what’s to happen next with Sorrengail.” 

I cross my arms and my gaze returns to Violet. My breath catches and my whole body stiffens at the sight of Dain standing behind her, his steady hands slowly unlacing her corset to peer at her relic.

Dain steps to the side and Sgaeyl gives me a glimpse of what Tairn, and Dain, are now seeing. 

A silhouette of a black dragon stretches across the uppermost part of her back, the wingtips reaching her shoulders. Smack in the middle is the silhouette of a shimmering golden dragon, its wings outstretched as if in flight; a mirror to the black dragon it is encased by. Protected by.

It takes my breath away. The picture of the woman in front of me, her two dragons by her side. 

Two. 

The one she protected and the one who protected her. 

A fitting match.

Dain laces up her corset and I have to bite down as wave after wave of jealousy ripples through me at the touch of his skin against hers.

He cups both sides of her face, and I wonder what he’s viewing in that touch, if he’d be vile enough to root through her memories without her consent.

They murmur quietly to each other, and I keep the shadows tethered to me. I don’t think I want to know what he’s whispering to her right now

Nausea slams into me as he brushes his thumb over her cheek, eyes fixed on hers. And something crumples in my chest as he leans down and kisses Violet right there in the middle of the damn flight field.

[howdiditend17]

THEO APPRECIATION WEEK

day 4 — lyrics/quotes

first to arrive, last to leave, what’s misery without company, it’s hard to laugh when it’s hard to breathe, it’s white outside but red underneath

— snow angel, reneé rapp

a little awkward, considering i’ve been doing lyrics every day. but . . . this song. oooh, this song. go listen to it if you haven’t. i heard it for the first time a few weeks ago and it changed the trajectory of my life. so of course i had to apply it to theo.

i’m getting suuuch season 6 (especially 6b) theo vibes from this song. i actually just rewatched 6x12 last night so i know what i’m talking about here. like let’s start with our edit.

i’ll make it through the winter if it kills me <— i don’t actually know what season it is here but i’m assuming not winter if it’s almost back-to-school season. but he does wear clothes meant for the cold, so my texan ass can’t relate. but the season doesn’t matter. look at it like “i’ll make it through THIS if it kills me” and THIS is being homeless, having no one in his life, trying to be good but being treated like shit, etc etc etc

i can make it faster if i hurry <— this one, in my mind, is just him grinning and bearing it. not turning to anyone for help. if he just grits his teeth and suffers through this, maybe it’ll hurry.

i’ll angel in the snow until i’m worthy <— this breaks me. this with him considering calling scott, his truck parked on the train tracks. is he worthy? is he worthy of help? is he worthy of calling scott and telling him what happened? obviously we think so, but he clearly doesn’t since he never made that call.

and then:

smiles hide what secrets keep

can’t tell a lie if you never speak

look in the mirror, she looks like me

but half alive and twice as weak

i can imagine theo feeling like this post-hell. looking in the mirror and not recognizing himself.

but if it kills me i tried

if it kills me, i tried so hard

just . . . everything he does in 6b. every time he helps. every time he saves liam’s life. when he took gabe’s pain. he’s *trying*

the seasons change, addictions strange

i loved back then what i hate today

i wish i went a different way

but if i went back, i would do the same

i can’t even . . . i can’t even be coherent about this part. especially the last two verses here. he wishes he’d done things differently. maybe he wouldn’t be in this situation if he had. but he knows, knows he’d do the same. after all, what choice had he had?

ANYWAY, i hope, as always, you enjoyed my long ramble about THEE theo raeken. my inbox is always open if anyone wants to chat about him and either agree or disagree with my interpretations!

[sunnyie-eve]

39 | Make Up

Series: Indispensable | Teen Wolf

Paring: (Stiles Stilinski x OFC Martin)

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: making up, hinted hooking up

| MASTERLIST |

"This is rebuilding season people. Jackson's gone, Lahey's gone," Coach starts but Isaac walks in.

"No, I'm still here Coach." He walks over to his locker.

"Great, umm, Greenberg, the one guy I actually wanted gone, was held back, again. Get your asses on the field!" He yells at the players and Scott goes up to coach while everyone goes outside.

Outside Isaac was confused to see Julia out on the field, "The stands are over there." He laughs joining her side.

"I know. I'm trying out for the team as well. Remember in the past I said I was on the team because I talked to coach and he remembered when I hit Stiles? He said he wants to see if I still got what it takes."

First thing up was doing laps and was Julia was in the top five to finish while Stiles was one of the lasts, "Who came in first?" Stiles pants so Isaac and Julia nod their heads at Liam doing push ups. "Is he even human? What is he a Were-Cheetah? Does that even exist? Is that even a real thing?" He tries catching his breath.

"I think he's just that good." Scott says looking at Liam.

"I'm gonna puke take me somewhere." Stiles says so Scott and Isaac help him go sit down. Isaac and Scott end up walking away for a bit to get water while Julia and Stiles sat alone, "I'm sorry. I've been acting like an asshole." He speaks up.

Julia smiles a bit, "At least you know."

"Everything you said was right. We have to be there for each other to get through the memories. I know I didn't hurt you but I still feel responsible no matter what you say. And I feel like you can help me overcome that at some point. I'm done pushing you away." He looks her in the eyes.

"I forgive you, Stiles."

"I just want my best friend back as well." They both smile and embrace each other.

"I'm not letting you forget how you acted though." She laughs as the other two come back.

When they continue to tryout, Stiles was struggling to pick up a ball with his stick getting laughed at by players. He aims for the goal but makes it in the goalies net before walking over to Scott, Isaac, and Julia.

"Takes a special kind of talent to do that." Isaac laughs at him.

While Liam was killing it at making every shot, Stiles and Scoot were failing miserably, "I thought you got better when you became supernatural?" Julia asks him. Scott explains he's not using his enhanced werewolf agility because it would be cheating so Stiles says human Scott is sucking. "Human Scott always sucked. Just use a little werewolf power." She tells him.

"Dude, get your head in the game if you still want to be captain or that freshman will." Isaac tells him.

Coach has Scott and Stiles cover goal with the long sticks for two on ones which means they had to stop players from advancing toward the goal, "They want Scott to get close enough to see if Liam has a scent." Isaac lets Julia know as they watch.

"Seriously? I'm sure he's just talented."

Both boys get into a rhythm, successfully blocking all comers and coach was proud of them, "Those two are like sons to me." He tells another player.

"I thought he couldn't stand Stiles at time?" Isaac looks at Julia but she shrugs her shoulders.

When it's Liam's turn, he manages to get past both of them with a bob and twist move, "That was luck." Everyone turns around to see Malia stand up.

"Oh no. Don't get involved." Julia tries to get her to sit down.

She screams for a do over but coach tells her there's no do overs in practice. So she then shouts 10 bucks on Scott and Stiles and he instantly got interested saying he'll take that action and orders Liam to go again.

"Malia!" Julia whisper yells at her making her shrug her shoulders.

On his second run, Scott goes under Liam and flips him over. He laid out on the field in obvious pain but struggles to get to his feet insisting that he is okay. "Oh no!" Julia runs over to with coach following yelling at the two not to touch him.

Liam try's to say he's okay but he obviously isn't. "I think we better get him to the nurse." Stiles says helping Scott hold him up.

"How about the hospital instead?" Julia tells them so Scott says good idea leaving the field before everyone else has to run laps.

Later in the day, Isaac was over at Julia's and they were studying, well, Julia was mainly helping Isaac so he could pass the class, "You know, I'm regretting not leaving because I have to pass classes still." He groans flipping pages around.

"Again, I didn't make you stay." She smiles at him.

"I saw Stiles and you make up."

"Yeah, I told him it's not going to get better if we don't work on it together. We can't just ignore it." She sits up so he does the same.

"Great, now when y'all get close again you're gonna ditch me." He jokes.

"Well Malia is still around so we aren't going to be as close. Plus I like having you around. It's different than how that summer was. I like this time around better." She gets up going to her desk.

"Because this time around we actually talk and hangout like normal people do instead of just making out for fun." He laughs looking over at her.

Julia turns around in her chair to face him, "Can I ask why Stiles thought earlier today we were hooking up?" She gives him a look.

"I had to mess with him okay." He starts to laugh, "Listen, I overheard him and Scott talking about when Malia sneaks' in and he hates being the little spoon after things. So I decided to hop in saying there is nothing wrong with being the little spoon. I enjoy your cuddles. It's like having a baby kola on my back. But after certain things I'm always the big spoon."

"That would do it..."

"I'm mean the second part is the lie but not the first half because we have cuddled when I stayed over in the past to help you after surgery." He points out.

"I don't think you needed the second part to bug him. In the past when I would stay over, he was mainly the little spoon and he called me a baby kola on his back." She laughs thinking back.

"You okay?" He sees the look on her face.

"Not entirely but at least we made up. That's all I care about." She gets up to go sit back on her bed with the book she took from the desk.

"Good, now where were we... Econ because I have to pass." He grabs his book as Julia watches him just stare at the page, "I don't-," She cuts him off pulling him in for a kiss.

"Shut up and just kiss me. I know you have been dying to do so for months." She laughs at him so he tosses the book aside pulling her onto his lap.

He smiled softly as he gently ran his fingers through her hair, "What gave it away?" He leans out of the kiss.

"How you look at me with those eyes in a certain way. It's not the kind you think either. It's more of a soft look and they light up a bit."

Isaac pulls her back in for a kiss in response, slipping his hands under her shirt, caressing her soft skin, "And you're okay with this suddenly?" He asks in the kiss.

Julia groans pulling back from the kiss removing her shirt then grabbing his, ripping it open taking him by shock, "Yes, and you're ruining the mood." She shoves him to lay back on her bed, "So shut up unless you're gonna tell me what you want me to do or tell me what you're gonna do to me. So what is it?"

Isaac can't help but get a big grin across his face, "Why don't you tell me what you want me to do to you?" His hands run up her thighs.

At the same time over at Stiles house, he and Malia were also studying. Malia didn't really want to study because she hated it and preferred to make out with Stiles instead, "I told you I'd help you study." He stops her.

"Ugh," She groans opening the book back up.

"What's with all the highlighters?" He asks her.

"Green is for the things I understand. Yellow is for I'm working on it. And red means I have no clue. I'm mostly using red." She tells him, "Julia gave me the idea because when she was helping me I saw her doing the same. Unlike her I just don't use blue." She adds causing Stiles to think back to Julia explaining to him. "So what's the secret? Why is math impossible for me and easy for you guys?"

"Because we usually use Lydia's notes or Julia's." He tells her.

"Then someone needs to give me notes on Lydia's notes because I don't understand any of this. I should've stuck to Julia as my tutor." She shows him the notes and they weren't math notes.

Back at Julia's place a later on she got a text from Scott saying to get to his house. Isaac said he wasn't going home just yet so he could get something to eat. When she got to Scott's, him and Stiles just got there too, "So what's going on?" She asks him.

"Liam." Stiles tells her, "So where is he?" He asks Scott now.

"Upstairs."

"Doing what?" Julia asks making Scott look at us.

"Laying down."

They all get to his room and he goes into the bathroom and opens the shower curtain to show Liam wrapped in tape. Stiles was disappointed in Scott while Julia was shocked. Stiles closes the curtain before dragging Julia out of the bathroom so they could all talk. Scott talks about how he panicked after biting him so he kidnapped him and brought him here.

"What do we do?" Scott asks the two.

"Yes, Stiles, you normally come up the plans but they don't always work so can we think this one through a bit?" She asks but he ignores her.

Scott and Stiles get a chair to put Liam in. Then stiles tells him about not screaming or the tape stays on or off, "Take the damn tape off the kids mouth! You know when I was kidnapped, yeah, I have experience in that. I never had tape over my mouth." Julia tells the two so Stiles rips the tape off.

As the guys talk to Liam, Julia leans against the wall shaking her head at them. Liam begins to cry making the guy's get worried, but Julia could tell it was a strategy so they will get him out.

"This could have gone so much smoother..." She crosses her arms making sure to stand out of the way.

The moment he's free Liam jumps up, grabbing the chair and whacks Scott with it. He fall to the ground then he punches Stiles making him fall as he runs out into the hall, "Julia..." They both groan as she just stands there.

Both boys rush out the the room in pain, "GET HIM!" They both rush into him as Julia steps out to watch them all rolling down the stairs and end up in a cluster at the bottom.

At the same time Isaac shows up to see  the two idiots try to grab each other as Liam gets up and run out of the house passing, "What was all of that?" He asks confused.

"Stiles plan sucked too." Julia says slowly walking down the stairs.

"You really didn't help." Stiles looks back at her.

"I'm the person who gets kidnapped... I don't do the kidnapping unlike you two. Oh, nor am I dumb like the two of you. See you three at school, I love you idiots." I walk past them, "They can catch up up." She tells Isaac shut the door behind her.

[alj4890]

Right, At Last

(Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nicky (Nichole) Beaumont) in a Choices The Royal Romance* While We're Young AU drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: your lover going to walk away, but you grab them and pull them back in for a kiss before they go.

@krsnlove @hopelessromantic1352 @lodberg @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot

A/N Thanks @twinkleallnight for requesting these two for this prompt. I think you were right. This definitely seems like something they would do 😉 For this short drabble I think I'll pick it up after the masquerade ball when Nicky wore the red dress.

Masterlist

The Cordonian Royal Palace, 4 a.m., guest chambers...

"We should have gone to my room." Nicky teased, stretching once more.

"Mine was closer." Jackson pressed another kiss to her lips. "I wasn't able to hold back long enough to make it five more doors down."

Her laughter was silenced by the heat of his next kiss.

"Jax." She moaned as his mouth moved down her neck. "I have to go."

"No, you don't." He argued.

"Yes, I do." She smiled softly when he lifted his head to frown at her.

"Nicky," he grumbled, "after everything that's happened, I think we're allowed to be caught, as you like to say, en déshabillé by servants and our families."

Honestly, he thought that everyone would be in more shock to find them in their separate rooms than together after how he'd reacted when he saw her at the ball earlier. He hadn't bothered to hide just how much in love he was with her.

"Jax!" She giggled over his deep, gravelly voice using such a term. "You might have no qualms being caught in such a way, but I would like to keep that small shadow of a doubt over just what we get up to when alone."

He groaned while fighting back a smile. He couldn't really be frustrated with her over something like this, not after all she'd done tonight to show just how much he meant to her. His gaze drifted over to the red dress that would end up being his favorite thing she'd ever worn. Jackson had been miserable for so long after their breakup, that this night of them truly being back together was one he didn't want to see come to an end.

Nicky eased out of his arms, pressing another lingering kiss to his lips.

His attention snapped back to her curvy form moving in the dim lights to get dressed. He relaxed back against the pillows to watch her. Everything she did made a warmth spread throughout his body.

There really is no one else who can make me feel like she does, he thought.

He'd certainly tried hard enough to find someone once Nicky left him. He was at first desperate to find a woman who could help him numb the pain in his heart. Then he simply searched for someone he could care for nearly as much as he did Nicky. Once that failed too, he finally settled for anyone who could make him feel anything. Each date was met with bitter disappointment.

Jackson felt at peace again. Everything in his life was right once more. His broken heart was finally back in working order. And the way he felt right now...

Nicky presented her back to him.

"Would you zip me up ple--"

Her breath caught when he slid his hands within the opening of her dress. His lips dotted kisses along the expanse of her back. Each one seemed more tender than the previous kiss.

"I really have to go." She mumbled halfheartedly.

He rested his forehead against her warm skin and tightened his arms around her. He didn't know if he would ever be ready to see her go again after what had happened once they made it through his bedroom door, even if it was to merely return to her own room to await the moment they could be together in a few hours.

Though there had always been a deeper passion when making love before things ended between them, now there was something more to it. Perhaps it was because they both truly understood what they had in the other. After going through months of being apart, all they missed and had once taken for granted was at last appreciated. Tonight, they savored every single moment of the other in their arms.

Jackson forced himself to sit up and zip her dress for her.

She smiled at him for doing so.

"I'll see you in a little while, Lord Jackson."

He got up, pulled his boxers back on, and walked her to the door.

"Good night, or good morning." She teased.

"Get some sleep, Lady Nichole." He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "I intend on monopolizing all your time today."

"You do?" Her smile grew bigger at the thought.

"And I intend to keep you to myself all night again too." He whispered.

"Then I should definitely get a nap." She opened the door and slipped out into the empty hallway.

Jackson still had her hand in his and yanked her back for one last kiss.

Nicky looped her arms around his waist, deepening the kiss.

They were both breathless once they pulled apart.

"I love you, Nicky." He whispered.

"I love you too, Jax." She eased away once more.

He watched her hurry barefooted down the hallway, pause at her door to blow him a kiss, then disappear within her room.

With what he suspected was a foolish grin on his face; Jackson returned to his bed, clutched the bed pillows that smelled like her, and fell into a peaceful sleep. His dreams that followed were the best he'd had in months. They were all of Nicky and the life he knew they would soon have together.

[whumpinggrounds]

Watch Your Step

Masterpost

CW: foot whump, male whumpee, female whumper, little whumper, big whumpee, long-term captivity, creepy whumper, possessive whumper, forced relationship but no noncon/nsfw

He’s retrieving wood from the side of the house when it happens. That’s something he’s trusted to do now – the cuff removed, leaving a sickly pale band of skin beneath. It’s paler than the rest of him, but not by much. He’s been inside, kept from even the pale winter sun, for a long time.

Now he roams the yard, a poor facsimile of a free man. Delilah stands and watches him on the porch as he collects wood and hauls it in, but that doesn’t mean she’s afraid he’ll run away. More likely, she just doesn’t want to take her eyes off him.

These days, Liam does a good job pretending the same. He wears a lovesick smile like it’s his default expression, and he makes sure his eyes follow Delilah around the room. It’s not hard when she’s the biggest threat in every room he’s in, but she sure doesn’t see it that way. Liam is better at taking her hand, now, better at pressing chaste kisses to her knuckles. When her too-bright eyes make him want to shiver, all he has to do is remember the cold promise of his almost-grave, and suddenly he’s ready to do whatever she asks of him. Funny, how that works.

Stepping onto the cold grass of the front yard, Liam notes how it’s getting warmer every day. Soon, he won’t care that he’s not wearing shoes. There are more birds in the trees, and the sunlight streaming through the stick-bare branches actually has some weight to it. Maybe one of these days it’ll be warm enough that he can run for real. Maybe…

“My love?”

His head snaps up, and he fixes his widest, brightest smile at the waif waiting on the porch. “Sorry, darling. I was just thinking about spring.”

An angelic smile lights Delilah’s elfin face. “My favorite season.”

Liam knows that’s not true. Her favorite season is winter, frozen and unforgiving. He keeps his face blank, offering her a placid smile, and then turns toward the side of the house, where cords of wood that he’s chopped wait in patient stacks. He selects a few sticks, stacking them on his arms, and then turns back toward the porch. Arms piled high, he can’t see what’s below him, but that’s never been a problem before, and he’s walked this path three days a week for months. He takes sure, confident steps back to the porch, and then –

Searing pain, straight through the bottom of his foot. Liam howls, bending in half and letting the wood tumble to the ground in front of him. He collapses against the side of the house, taking weight off the foot, off the hot spike driven through the arch of his left foot.

“Oh, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

Delilah’s voice is high and tense with alarm. It pierces Liam’s fog of confusion and pain, reminds him that it’s not just his foot at stake here. It’s his life. He needs to tread carefully – he thinks the words and then curses himself at the bitter irony.

“I-I’m so sorry, princess. I don’t mean to alarm you, I…I must’ve stepped on something…my foot...”

“Oh!”

She rushes down the stairs in a flurry of billowing fabric, arms outstretched. She throws herself at his midsection, makes him catch her in his unsteady arms. She’s always more concerned about optics than impact, and she nearly knocks him off his one foot with the force of her embrace. If Liam has to put his other foot on the ground, has to put weight on whatever it is in his foot...he may not be able to control his mouth.

Lucky for him, Delilah draws back. “Let me see.”

Leaning heavily on the whitewashed wall of the cabin, Liam turns the bottom of his foot up to face both of them, dreading what he’ll find. The sight makes him want to retch. There’s a bent nail, embedded halfway into the arch of his foot. There’s bright blood gushing from the wound, and it looks all the more macabre against his sun-deprived skin.

“Oh!”

Delilah’s fingers trace the area around the wound, and Liam fights not to flinch. She brushes over the nail, ever so gently. “Does it hurt terribly?”

He takes a deep, measured breath. “Yes, princess. It does.”

Her eyes go dreamy. “I’ll have to tend you.” There she goes. “Oh, Adam.”

Okay. It’s Beauty and the Beast then – again. It’s one of her particular favorites, probably because Belle, besides being mentally stable, is pretty much exactly like her. “No, Belle.” Liam tries to imagine what a fairytale prince would do. “I couldn’t ask that of you.”

Is he imagining it or is there a self-satisfied gleam in Delilah’s eye? “Beloved, you don’t have a choice. Let me help you.”

Liam has a moment, one wild, unprepared moment, before she’s kneeling and pinching the nail between her fingers. “Belle-!”

She draws the nail out of him, in one slick pull. As it tugs at the ragged edges of Liam’s wound, he shouts, just barely managing to clap a hand over his mouth to muffle the sound.

“What’s that, dear?”

Delilah’s face is too innocent. She’s testing him. Anger wells up in Liam’s chest, especially when he sees her twirling the nail between her fingers. His foot still stings, and there’s an inches-deep hole in it, dripping blood. There’s nothing he wants more than to curse and complain and tell Delilah where she can shove that bloody nail.

Instead, he takes a deep breath, and forces the words she wants to hear, no matter how bitter they taste. “Thank you, love.”

 @stab-the-son-of-a, @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump, @lonesome–hunter, @diyalogues, @deluxewhump, @hearse-song, @pumpkin-spice-whump, @whumpy-writings, @warm-my-whumpee-heart and @brutal-nemesis​!

@whumptober, @whumptober-archive