#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.

[djmaliksmix]

Matilda ~ Harry Styles x reader

warnings: fluff, crying

a/n: hey lovesss! Ik I said I would be coming out with the 2nd part to “where the light enters” but I’m still trying to perfect it so give me some time but it will come I promise!

For this fic I wanted to write abt Harry and his song Matilda bc it’s my fav Harry song. I actually came up with an idea for a fic as I was listening to it LOL so I hope you enjoy! 🤍

Summary: Y/n and Harry have been best friends since he started his career in one direction and they’ve always had feelings for each other but it just has never been the right time. The band has went on their hiatus (but they still talk) and Harry has been in his solo career for a while now. He writes Matilda for the reader and she loves it. Then they hangout with the boys (Louis, Liam, Zayn, and Niall) to just catch up and Harry and y/n tell them about the song and what happened when Harry showed you.

The late afternoon sun filtered through the studio windows, casting long streaks of light across the floor. Harry sat at the mixing desk, headphones hanging around his neck and a pencil balanced between his fingers. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the equipment, and yet his mind was anything but quiet.

He’d rehearsed this moment in his head a hundred times—showing her the song, watching her reaction—but now that she was here, he felt a familiar nervousness creeping in.

The door creaked open, and there she was, her curly hair slightly frizzy from the wind outside and a coffee cup in her hand. She paused in the doorway, her gaze settling on him with a smile.

“You’ve been holed up in here all day, haven’t you?” she teased, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Harry smirked, spinning his chair to face her. “What can I say? A genius doesn’t take breaks.”

“Modest as always.” She rolled her eyes playfully She crossed the room to sit on his comfortable couch that he had in his studio. Her presence grounded him in a way nothing or no one else could.

They fell into an easy rhythm, talking about her day and the book she’d been reading, and Harry and how his studio hours have been going, but Harry could feel the weight of the song pressing on him. Finally, as her laughter trailed off, he cleared his throat.

“I, uh, actually have something I want to show you,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Oh? Is this the big secret project you’ve been working on?”

“Something like that.” He reached for a pair of headphones on the desk and handed them to her. “It’s called Matilda.”

She nodded. “Oh! Like my favorite movie!”

He smiled, “yes, we used to watch it all the time together when we were younger.

She laughed to herself, “yeah! I remember that!”

“I wrote it for you.” He said with the upmost intent in his tone. He smiled softly.

Frankly, he was nervous out his mind on how she would react to the entire song but he was even more nervous on how she would react when he told her he wrote it for her.

“Oh Harry! Really?!” She said smiling, genuinely happy that he would even think of her in the very tight scheduled work that he does.

He nodded. “I wanted to show it to you first though. Before I put it on the album so it wouldn’t be a surprise.” He said thoughtfully.

“That’s so sweet! Thank you Harry!” She said getting up to hug him. He always loved when they hugged.

Harry watched her carefully, his heart pounding as she slipped on the headphones. He could feel the weight of this moment pressing down on him—Matilda wasn’t just a song. It was a piece of her story, a mirror he hoped would reflect how much she deserved to let go of the pain she carried.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

She nodded, her fingers gripping the edges of the headphones like they might anchor her. “I think so.”

Harry pressed play.

The soft opening notes filled the space between them, and he leaned back, his chair creaking faintly. At first, her face was neutral, her head tilted slightly as she took in the melody. But as the lyrics began—“You were riding your bike to the sound of ‘It’s No Big Deal’...”—he saw the shift. Her lips parted slightly, and her brows knit together in recognition.

By the time the first chorus came around, she was leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. Harry watched as her fingers curled into the fabric of her jeans, her breathing slow but deliberate. The words were sinking in.

When the second verse began, her hand moved instinctively to cover her mouth. The tears started slowly, one sliding down her cheek, then another. She closed her eyes briefly, as if to steady herself, but it didn’t stop the flood.

Harry’s voice carried through the headphones, soft but resolute:

“You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know. Not invite your family, ‘cause they never showed you love.”

Her shoulders trembled slightly, the weight of the song pressing down on her. She pulled the headphones off for a moment, her eyes wide and glistening with tears.

“Harry…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “This is—”

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Take your time.” Harry said kindly.

She nodded, wiping her cheeks quickly, before slipping the headphones back on. Harry moved from his chair at the table to sit next to her on the couch. His heart in his throat as he watched her listen.

He held her hand in support.

And then came the part he had worked on the longest, the part he had poured his soul into.

“I don’t believe that time will change your mind…”

She froze, her breath hitching audibly.

His voice rose, raw and full of emotion, carrying the words with a conviction that made the room feel alive.

“In other words, I know they won’t hurt you anymore as long as you can let them go…”

The multiple layers of ranges his voice went into on this one line was like an angel’s cry.

It was beautiful.

Her reaction was instantaneous. Her hand squeezed his. Her lips quivered, her eyes squeezed shut, and her body moved lightly with silent sobs.

That single line shattered her soul. It wasn’t just the words—it was the way Harry sang them, the way his voice climbed higher, breaking slightly with the force of his emotion. He wasn’t just singing; he was pleading with her, telling her with every note that she could be free of the pain she carried.

She pulled the headphones off again, setting them down carefully on the armrest of the couch before covering her face with her hands.

“Hey, hey,” Harry said softly, moving closer to her. He held her face in his hands. His green eyes piercing through her soul. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she shook her head, her voice trembling. “It’s like you took every part of me I’ve tried to hide, every part I thought no one could see, and you…you put it into words. Into music.”

Harry’s eyes glistened, but he smiled softly. “That’s because I see you. All of you. And I want you to know you don’t have to carry it anymore.”

Her breath hitched, and she leaned forward, resting her forehead on his neck. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I think I do,” he whispered.

The moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Then, as if by instinct, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his. Harry stilled for a heartbeat before kissing her back, his hand moving to cradle her cheek. The kiss was soft and unhurried, filled with all the emotions they hadn’t yet put into words.

When they pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed, and his thumb brushed away the tears that lingered.

“You’re not alone anymore,” Harry said, his voice steady but gentle. “Not with me.”

She gave a small, tearful laugh, her smile finally breaking through. “You’re too good at this, you know, making me vulnerable, breaking me open.”

He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “If it means you’ll finally believe how amazing you are, I’ll keep doing it.”

He got into a more comfortable position on the couch and she lay on his chest, hearing his heart beat. He ran his fingers through her curls. And she had her arms around his chest. Holding him tight, she wished that she could stay like this forever.

This is where she wanted to be.

Where she was always meant to be.

She didn’t feel lost anymore, she felt whole.

It was the most beautiful experience they both have had in life. Harry was forever grateful that she was the one he could show it to first.

And for her to have all the emotions with just them two in the room is a memory only they’ll have.

And she loved it.

They stayed like that for a while, the song still playing softly in the background, its message now woven into the quiet, shared understanding between them.

~~~~~~~~~

A week later, Harry found himself standing outside Louis’ house, a bottle of wine in one hand and a small gift bag in the other. The boys had decided to get together, a rare occurrence now that their solo careers had taken them in different directions.

Y/n now officially Harry’s girlfriend,had been one of Harry’s best friend for years, and though she hadn’t joined the boys for many of their previous hangouts, she’d agreed to come this time. After all, Harry had invited her, and they both knew the boys would be pestering him about the song—and why he’d been so secretive about it.

He walked back down the sidewalk to open the car door for y/n. “Why thank you Mr. Styles.” She said playfully and smiled. He smiled softly, “Anything for you my love.”

He put the gift bag in the same hand as the wine and held her hand.

She could tell he was nervous, his palms were sweating and he was moving his hand a lot.

“Nervous?” she teased, nudging his arm.

“Not nervous,” Harry said, though his voice shakes slightly. “Just…prepared for the shit I’m about to get from my best mates.” Harry said, fake smiling.

“They’ll be nice,” she said with a grin. “Maybe.” He said under his breath.

The door swung open before they could knock, and Louis’s familiar grin greeted them. “Look who finally decided to show up! Come on, you guys, we’ve been waiting.”

Inside, the living room was a flurry of laughter and conversation. Niall was perched on the arm of the couch, already halfway through a bag of chips, while Zayn leaned back on the other end of the couch, propping his feet up on the ottoman. Liam was pouring drinks, his usual calm presence grounding the chaotic energy.

“Harry!” Niall called, waving him over. “Y/n!” Niall said bringing you in for a hug. “It’s been years! He said in the same kind voice you remember him having.

“Hey Niall!” You said hugging him back.

She walked to the kitchen to greet Liam. He smiled. “It’s great to see you again love.” He said putting down the drink he was pouring into a cup. You smiled at the warmth of his voice. “You too, Liam.” You whispered.

Liam always had a welcoming demeanor.

She walked back to the living room where Zayn and Niall were sitting.

Y/n sat on the cushion next to Zayn and Harry sat right next to her.

Zayn smiled, “hey y/n, it’s been too long. He side hugged her.

“Hey Zayn” you said smiling trying to match his mysterious tone and presence.

“Ahh, the lovely y/n finally graces us with her presence,” Louis chimed in, exaggeratedly clutching his chest. “I feel honored.”

“Please Louis, don’t make it sound like I’ve been living under a rock,” she replied with a sarcastic smile. “We’ve known each other for years. We just haven’t seen each other in so long.”

“Well, you were always with him,” Niall teased, gesturing toward Harry.

“Oh, that’s what it was,” she said, smirking at Harry. “You just didn’t want to share your best friend with the rest of them.”

Harry’s cheeks flushed, “I- I- well-“ he said stuttering. He wasn’t rly good at showing his emotions outwards, only to the one person privately.

Louis laughed and said, “Look at ole Harry getting flustered by his girl!”

Zayn, Liam, and Niall, smiled and looked at each other. They were really happy that Harry was happy and in a good place.

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin on his face. “You’re too funny.”

The guys launched into their usual banter, with Niall and Louis cracking sarcastic jokes at Harry’s expense, Zayn occasionally chiming in with minimal but pointed remarks, and Liam attempting to play the peacemaker. She slipped into the dynamic effortlessly, throwing in witty comebacks and keeping up with the lighthearted teasing.

But then, as the laughter died down, Louis turned to Harry with a knowing grin. “So, come on, mate. We’re dying to know—what’s up with this Matilda song? You’ve been all mysterious about it.”

Harry shot him a playful glare. “No one said you could know about it.”

“I think it’s a bit too late for that,” Niall quipped. “I heard you were all emotional in the studio. I bet it’s one of those ‘weepy ballads’.”

“Wouldn’t be the first,” Zayn added dryly from his chair, not looking up from his phone.

“Hey, there’s depth to a good cry,” y/n chimed in, glancing at Harry with a teasing smile. “Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve heard it.”

Harry sighed dramatically. “It’s not just a ballad.” His voice softened. “It’s…well, it’s for her.”

The room fell quiet. She met Harry’s gaze and smiled softly, her heart swelling at the way he cared for her.

Louis raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Go on then, tell us. What’s this ‘Matilda’ really about?”

She turned to the group, not missing a beat. “Harry wrote it because he knows what I’ve been through. It’s about… letting go of the people who hurt you, specially your family/people that should be supporting you, and choosing to be your own person.”

The guys exchanged looks, their expressions softening as they listened.

“I cried when I heard it,” she continued, glancing at Harry. “It was like he knew exactly what I needed to hear. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen in my life.”

There was a collective silence before Zayn said simply, “She’s not wrong, though. Harry is one of the most understanding people.”

Niall blinked. “Wait, hold up. Harry? Mr. ‘I Can’t Let My Feelings Show’ Styles?”

“Yeah,” she replied with a teasing grin. “Turns out he’s got layers.” She said sarcastically.

“Who would’ve guessed,” Louis muttered with a playful eye roll.

The moment of levity didn’t take away from the underlying warmth in the room, the connection between the group stronger than ever. Harry squeezed her hand, his gaze soft but full of affection, grateful that, with these people, they had a family—a family that saw them, truly saw them, for who they were.

“Well, there you have it,” Harry said, chuckling as he leaned back. “I guess I’m showing feelings now.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Liam added, raising his glass.

They all clinked glasses, a toast to old friends, new bonds, and the kind of love that made you feel like you could finally breathe.

This is your family.

[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.”

[reiyldx]

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."

[dreaminrainbows]

Hello lovies, i hope the holidays treated you well! Here are the fics that got me through December! Always leave kudos and comments!

swallowed in the sea by  28goldensfics/@28goldens | [63k]

It's 1948. It's been years since Louis Tomlinson was discharged from his time as a war doctor; all memories of that time haunt him. To get away, he moved to Orkney, a small town in Scotland on the shoreside. The storms became his crutch and solitude his comfort, watching the rain roll in and the waves lap on the sand. Everything was okay, every day was the same. Until there's a knock on his door in the middle of a thunderstorm.

Can't get you off my mind (I won't even try)  by starryhaze/@starryhaze28 | [51k]

“Can we do the thing again?” Harry asks and Louis cocks his head to the side questioningly. “What thing?” He asks softly as Harry puts his empty plate to the side to pull his legs to his chest. “The happy thoughts thing,” he mumbles, resting his chin on his legs. He’s scared Louis doesn’t even know what he means, and feels embarrassed that he brought it up in the first place. “Of course.” Louis nods with a soft smile, putting his own plate to the side and Harry breathes out a sigh of relief. ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Or the one where everything is just a little too much for Harry until he meets his new neighbour, Louis. An alpha with blue eyes and a soft smile, who always seems to know exactly what Harry needs.

My Heart Lies With You  by asphodelknox/ @iamasphodelknox | [31k]

“What did you hit me on the head for?” Louis said. He tried to frown, but it hurt too much. Plus it was hard to frown at someone taking care of him so tenderly. “I didn’t hit you on the head,” Harry said calmly, moving from Louis’s forehead to remove some bandages on his arm. “My friend Niall, the God of Death, hit you on the head.” “Well, why did Niall hit me on the head?” Louis asked. He noticed his lips hurt too, and felt a small gash on them. His arms were covered in scratches and cuts, and as he moved to sit up, he winced at a pain coming from his waist. “What the hell happened to me?” Harry sighed. “Niall… can get a bit… excited.” “Was he excited about hitting me on the head?” “No!” Harry said. “Niall just got away with himself.” “Does he do that often? Get away with himself, I mean?” Louis asked wryly. “Only when an idea gets stuck in his head that he can’t get out.” For being the God of Death, Niall has a habit of acting on ideas without thinking them through. It's probably why Harry ends up with an unexpected but entirely welcome visitor in his bed the day after a Mount Olympus party.

A Road To Something Better  by taggiecb/@taggiecb | [25k]

Louis Tomlinson, famous romance novelist, has just had the rug pulled out from under his feet when his boyfriend leaves him without notice. What's the most appropriate response to this? Move a thousand miles away and seclude himself in a tiny lake town, of course. But nothing is as he expects it to be in the very best way, especially not the handsome mayor of McAll, Idaho.

you're shooting stars from the barrel of your eyes  by devilinmybrain/ @thedevilinmybrain | [20k]

5 times Louis was gross hot and 1 time Harry was.

I Am the Blinking Light by dearmrsawyer/ @dearmrsawyer | [19k]

There is a legend of a lighthouse far out to sea. It can’t be found on any map, and those who do find it never return. They say a ghost haunts the lighthouse, and you can hear it calling out in loneliness on the ocean waves.

Reverse Psychology by heartbreakwthr | [17k]

“Every day I think I’m going to do it, and I just can’t. He’s too good looking. He’s too kind. He’s way out of my league. And at this point he probably thinks I’m the biggest jerk on the planet.” “I mean, probably,” Liam mumbles. Niall throws a pen at Liam’s face in Harry’s defense. - Or, the one where Louis Tomlinson is an elementary school teacher that has visited the hospital twice a week for the past two months, and is hopelessly out of Harry’s league; Harry Styles is a child psychologist who can’t bring muster up the courage to introduce himself to the biggest crush he’s ever had; and somehow they work together to create the best Christmas party the hospital’s ever seen.

Dancing Is Everyone's Style by WritingWithTheCatBella | [17k]

“My papa liked a boy with pretty blue eyes,” she starts, fiddling with the collar of his shirt, material making way for her soft fingers. “Uncle ZeZe said he is still in love with him,” she babbles, just as a man comes sprinting towards them, his expression a frantic kind with short brown curls bouncing wildly and his long coat flying behind him. The eyes are wide open, undeniably green in a shade no one would ever be able to describe, shining bright even in his current state of fear and oh- Harry. Harry Styles. Harry Fucking Styles.

my heart's against your chest, your lips pressed to my neck (i'm in love now) by DaddyAlphaLouisBabyOmegaHarry/ @bottomhaztoplou | [8k]

Five times Louis gives Harry a courting gift and one time Harry reciprocates.

When Everything’s Wrong (You Make it Right)  by SilverStuff50/@silverstuff50 | [7k]

Written for the Omega Harry Fest 2024 Prompt: There is something wrong with his nest. Harry’s rearranged it a thousand times tonight, even in his foggy state just on the edge of a drop. He’s always been able to take care of himself, able to perfect his nest so that it calms his omega down and keeps him away from that floaty feeling but right now fear is overtaking him as he gets closer and closer to the edge. The thing is, he knows what’s missing. But he can’t exactly go knock on his neighbour’s door and ask “Hey, I know you don’t know me but I’m about to drop and need that purple sweatshirt off of your back for my nest so I can stop it.” Or can he?

no faith left to lose by louieshalo/@louieshalo | [7k]

Louis shoves an album booklet — Harry’s album booklet — into Harry’s hands, folded open to a familiar page. “I need you to tell me that that goddamn song is not about me.” His voice cracks a little in his vehemence, and ice fills Harry’s veins as he glances down at the creased page. He doesn’t need to look closely to know what it is Louis is talking about — the title is printed plainly on the page, Second Chances, along with every incriminating lyric, line by line. It’s his most blatant offense off the entire album, probably; sickeningly indulgent and too obviously vulnerable to even defend himself against. The song is a surface-level dip into the fantasy world Harry toys with when the ache of loneliness gets to be too much in the middle of the night, the brief glimpse already toeing over the boundary he’d promised himself he’d set for his career. Most damning, though, is the tiny embossed dedication at the bottom of the page; “For who I’d be if I wasn’t afraid,” Louis recites, looking expectantly at Harry. “What the fuck does that mean? or, the one where they miss each other more than anything.

bite me by finelinegynandromorph/ @finelinegynandromorph | [6k]

harry’s just a single mum trying to enjoy his favorite holiday season. that is, until his hot new neighbor moves in completely alone with a newborn baby

Wonderland by orphan_account | [4k]

For the prompt: Harry the fairy takes up residence in Louis’ attic to hibernate through the cold months, but Louis ends up finding him whilst putting up the Christmas decorations. Queue grumpy Harry being woken up, but he can't go back to sleep once he's tried to hibernate, so he starts following Louis around, full of excitement and questions about his first Christmas.

Day Four: Gift by 28goldensfics/ @28goldens | [4k]

Christmas Countdown Day Four: Gift Harry and Louis are on a break. But, on December 23rd Harry finds a collection of gifts he set aside for Louis and decides to give them to him anyway.

You Don’t Have to Be Lonely Tonight by Neondiamond/ @neondiamond | [2k]

Louis is stuck working the Christmas day shift at the coffee shop. Harry is the sad stranger who comes in to spend the day there.

Do You See What I See  by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 | [2k]

Harry may or may not be rescuing stray animals as an excuse to see the very hot local veterinarian. Or an absurd pet fic inspired by She Is Beauty We Are World Class

we got all night (we're going nowhere) by larryftnoctrl/ @the-larry-way | [1k]

Louis couldn’t believe his luck. Across the ocean from home, he’d found a fellow Brit, an attractive alpha who seemed to like alphas. And most importantly, he seemed to have a cheeky mouth that Louis would love to silence with his own mouth. Or his knot. He wasn’t picky.

(do you think it's easy) being of the jealous kind by larryftnoctrl/ @the-larry-way | [854]

Harry is mad and Louis isn't exactly sure why. (or Louis comes home smelling of another omega and Harry is near heat and jealous)

I wish you all a Happy New Year, hope it treats you good!

If you want to make a difference DO NOT forget to leave COMMENTS and KUDOS! You'll make someone's day or week or month!

[fangirlmermaid]

You Are The Only Exception!

Summary- Reader performs a brand new love song about Matt at a concert.

Pairing: Matt Sturniolo x fem!reader

Note: Thank you to everyone who voted for my poll! It was a tie so I will be posting the Chris Fanfic soon!

Warning: Small sexual tendencies, a very sassy and pissed-off manager

(as usual, there may be spelling or grammar mistakes)

(Sorry that it's long)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the intermission part of your show. This was usually the time you spent talking to the fans and getting the latest gossip about what was going on in their lives. Not this time. You were nowhere to be seen, making your boyfriend Matt confused but he just assumed that there was a problem you had to take care of.

Matt and his brothers sat in their box seats talking stupid shit when they heard a commotion from the audience below them. You weren’t in your red bodysuit, you were in this gown. Matt's eyes grew hearts, which caused Chris and Nick to wrinkle their noses in disgust at their brother's reaction. No matter what you wear Matt always looks at you like you are the most beautiful girl in the world but seeing you dressed in that outfit took it to a whole other level, Liam Neeson could be near, and his attention would still be on you.

You walked near the end of the runway where the microphone and stand stood.

“Boston, how are we feeling tonight?!” 

The crowd screamed you could feel the positive energy

“You guys seem like a cool crowd, I feel like I can be honest with you guys”   

The crowd cheered

“So as you know my parents got a divorce when I was younger. I had a Wii growing up it’s a whole Wiispiracy” you announced nonchalantly.

The crowd laughs at your joke.

“Seeing how love caused both of my parents to go through pain made me scared to fall in love” You continued. 

Even though you were playing cool Matt knew how deeply terrified you were when you guys started to date. Always looking over your shoulder, expecting Matt to break up with you if you made one small mistake. It was a rocky start in the beginning but now you guys have been going strong for a year. 

“Until I met a special someone. He dressed up as Batman for Halloween, I don’t want to talk about it” You murmured, thinking of Matt caused your cheeks to heat up. Especially when he was Batman!!!!

The crowd screamed

Matt looked a little flustered, but he couldn’t stop smiling no matter how hard he tried not to. 

“I know I said I would never write a love song… but I’m just a girl” you shyly said twirling your (H/C) hair.

The crowd roared so loud that Salem could hear it.

The brothers looked at each other shocked, In your whole career you never once wrote a love song, especially about any flings you were rumored to have had in the past. Matt’s heart swells. He jumps off his seat and starts to cheer louder than before. Both of his brothers are laughing at Matt's reaction. Though Nick and Chris acted like they were grossed out on the inside they were happy that Matt found someone who goes to great lengths to show and express how in love they are with Matt. 

Your guitarist was strumming a soft rhythm on her acoustic.     

When I was younger, I saw my daddy cry

And curse at the wind

You decided to write this song when Matt took you on a Mini-Golf date. It was the day after your third LA show. It was your free day before you had to be in Arizona. Matt cleared his whole schedule just to spend every second with you. Matt was showering you with compliments and affection on that day. You knew Matt was normally shy when it comes to PDA but not on that day, it got you giggling like a school girl.

That she would never let herself forget

And that was the day that I promised

I'd never sing of love if it does not exist 

You remember the exact moment when you saw yourself having a future with Matt. You guys had been dating for four months. You were hanging out in his room, lying on his bed while he lay on top of you, fast asleep, using your steady heartbeat as a lullaby. 

You saw how peaceful he looked, causing you to smile softly. You played with his hair delicately trying to not wake him up. The thought of waking up like this daily didn’t scare you like it did initially. 

But darling, you are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

Your dancers came out and started to slow dance with their assigned partners. When you decided to add this song to the Boston setlist (instead of randomly dropping it at 3 AM), you decided to shorten intermission but you told your dancers that they should still take that time to rest before the next performance. Instead, they said no and wanted to participate in that performance. 

And up until now I had sworn to myself

That I'm content with loneliness

Because none of it was ever worth the risk

As it was a brand new song you were the only one singing. You noticed some members of the audience were looking to either their partner,

friends or the special person with love in their eyes. You were glad your fans had found someone who made their lives happy. 

But you are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

Your eyes wandered over to the box seats where you saw the three goofballs. You pointed at your boyfriend who shyly smiled forming his hands into the shape of a heart (rare for him to do anything more than hand-holding in public). His brothers had to hold onto the back of his shirt as if he would fall.

When Matt comes to your show you forced yourself to NEVER look at him. You knew you would be distracted by his cuteness and would mess something up, so you always forced yourself to be busy once you were on stage.

I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up

Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream

You closed your eyes and grabbed the mic when you hit the high note. The crowd applauded and cheered.

“Sing it with me!” you invited. You threw your arms forward encouraging the crowd to sing along to the chorus.

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You are the only exception

You turned your back to the audience, gripping the mic in your hand. As the band kept playing you walked back to the main stage.

You stopped and looked over your shoulder bringing the mic back near your lips.

And I'm on my way to believing

Oh, and I'm on my way to believing

The music ended and you lowered your mic. The audience roared and applauded causing you to give a satisfied grin. Your eyes made their way back to the box seats, All three brothers were cheering you waved to Chris and Nick then blew a kiss to Matt just before the lights went out.   

Then you ran to change.

When the lights came back on, everyone turned their attention to Matt waving to him and thanking him. Matt didn’t want to steal your night, he pointed at the stage trying to turn the attention back to the stage.

~~~~~~~~~~

Once the attention was off of him, Matt slipped away with the bouquets of your favorite flowers which is something he always does when he goes to your shows.

He flashed the security guards his backstage badge, once he was clear Matt walked towards your dressing room. 

Knock Knock

“Wanda, I’m just putting my shoes on!” You yelled behind the door 

Matt rolled his eyes “This kid” he muttered before knocking again. 

Matt heard a soft come in and opened the door. He noticed that you were busy lacing up your Doc Martens to look at him, Matt was still filled with glee that he was too afraid to sound like an idiot to speak, so he decided to drink in your beauty. 

 You turned around to see your boyfriend “Hi, baby” you smiled, and Matt shyly presented you with the bouquet. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach a feeling you never want to get sick of.

You noticed Matt hasn’t said a single word since he came in causing your Anxiety to hit you like a bullet train. A tornado of negative thoughts spun into your mind.

Did he hate the song?But he looked excited when he was out there, was it an act?

This would’ve been the biggest slap in the face if he broke up with you just after you sang your heart out for him. 

You placed the flowers down at your makeup station before grabbing his hands “Matt what’s wrong, is it the song? Did you not like it? I know I should’ve talked to you about it but I-”

Matt cupped your cheeks and kissed you passionately, he learned very quickly that the makeup team hated fixing your smudged makeup. He still gets scared by the death stare they gave him. 

However, after this performance, he didn’t care. He loved you so much that he wanted to scream it to the world (even know they were already aware of it).

You both pulled away breathing heavily “I loved the song, beautiful” Matt assured causing a smile to fall on your lips. You brought him into a chaste kiss “I just wanted the world to know how much I love you!” You admitted, Matt brushed some hair behind your ear “Baby, that was the sweetest thing anyone has done for me” Matt assured, Your eyes grew hearts “Well you are the only exception” you chuckled.

Matt gave a light laugh before wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you in close. You wrapped your arms around his neck “And you’re mine” Matt sealed that promise with another kiss.

Matt’s lips trailed down to the sensitive part of your neck, you tilted your head to give him more access. A soft moan escaped your lips as you gripped the back of his hair. 

The door swung open causing the two of you to break away from each other. You both were facing a pissed of Wanda “You got to be kidding me” your manager scoffed, you glanced at your boyfriend both of your faces were red as a tomato as if you were two teenagers caught in your bedroom by your mom. 

Wanda pulled out her walkie talkie “Can we get makeup in (Y/N) dressing room?” Wanda sighed, Matt placed a gentle kiss on your knuckles. The makeup team groaned when they saw Matt, “Okay fix her makeup, and cover up that hickey!” Wanda ordered pulling Matt out of the room. 

Wanda dragged Matt back to the backstage entrance “The only reason why you're not dead is because you are (Y/N)’s boyfriend. But I promise, if I catch you back here before the show is over I’m going to be your worst nightmare, got it?” Wanda threatened her eyes full of rage, Matt nodded, his eyes full of fear. Wanda pointed at the two security guards “And if you two jackasses let him back here before the show is over imma fuck your day up, understand?!” Wanda threatened striking fear into the two enormous security guards. 

Wanda walked back to your dressing room muttering how men always ruin everything. 

Matt walked back to his seat shaking, part of him hoping that they were able to cover up that hickey but another part of him hoping they don’t so the entire stadium knows that he loved you and the song…but mostly you.

[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

[serickswrites]

Make Me Your Villain XXV

Master list here (includes chapter links, summary, and character bios)

Warnings: referenced character death, threat of death, physical violence, broken bones

Nova’s plan went off without a hitch. Which meant she was now prowling through a smoke-filled Sluagh calling out to Jude. She just needed him to take the bait.

Henry had made sure that the explosion went off nowhere near where they were, so as to draw Jude away from them so Nova could strike quickly. It still didn’t make walking through the smoke-filled twilight any more comforting.

“Where are you, sweets?” Jude’s voice came suddenly through the smoke.

“Just waiting for you,” Nova whispered into her comms. Henry had duplicated the signal onto numerous comms throughout Sluagh so he could redirect the sound of her voice and lure Jude to exactly where she wanted him. She also instructed Henry to start broadcasting over the speakers in town once Jude started to truly incriminate himself and confess to his crimes. She was going to annihilate him.

“I’m going to enjoy sucking out your life force. I bet you taste good. All the good powers do, you know.”

Nova shuddered. Just the thought of the different flavors made her nauseous. “Oh?”

“And once I have your powers, I will live forever. All of this will have been worth it. Every death. Every second. Just so I can live, and rule, forever.”

“I won’t let you do that. I will stop you!” Nova couldn’t help herself. She could hear Jude’s footsteps getting closer. Slowly she darted away from where she was hiding. Getting further away from Jude.

“He won’t decay you know. Liam. I’ve frozen time around his body, put him in suspended animation, or dis-animation, if you will. He will stay just the way he is forever. I will live forever and he will be dead on that flag pole forever. I will keep him there as a reminder to never defy me. As a reminder of what happens to those who do. And,” he chuckled darkly, “I want to see his lifeless eyes every single day for the remainder of time to remind me of my triumph. And how I will always emerge triumphant.”

“He was trying to keep people safe. I won’t let everything he did go in vain! I will stop you!” She gave a loud, theatrical sniffle.

“Oh sweets, how precious you are. You won’t stop me. You can’t. If Liam couldn’t stop me, you have no hope.” He chuckled again, his voice closer.

“Does it pain you to know that I enjoyed it? All of it?” His voice was growing closer and closer. “I wanted all the power. I wanted to be invincible. So I had to drain all that I could. And then, of course, I had to convince the idiots of this town that I was just the hero they needed. So killing them was easy. Hearing their pleas for mercy, howls of pain, that was fun. All the while convincing them I was keeping them safe. That I was their protector. That was all delightful.”

“You’re a monster!” Nova didn’t have to work hard to sound outraged.

Jude chuckled again. He turned the corner and came face to face with Nova. He stared down at her, his mud colored eyes full of glee. “What can I say, sweets, I’m a soul sucker. Liam’s efforts to save you, all of you, were wasted. It was always futile. I was always going to win. And while I couldn’t take his power, I could hurt him. I could turn the world against him. I could get them to hunt him. And, when I was ready, I could kill him. And I have. I have so completely and thoroughly won.” He took a step towards her. “And now that I have you, I’m going to drain you. I’m going to take every last drop of your power, every last kernel of your life. And then I will truly be unstoppable.”

Nova smirked at him. If only he knew how she had so thoroughly and completely beaten him. She tapped her comms on her shoulder, emphasizing the blinking light.

Jude paled. “Where’s this going to?”

“Everywhere,” Nova said with a feral smile.

Before Jude could reply, Henry leapt from the shadows latching onto Jude’s arm, stopping him grabbing Nova. “What are you doing? Unhand me! Oh, it’s you,” Jude said, baring his teeth at Henry. “I’m going to enjoy ripping you apart. I never did forget what you stole from me.”

Henry grabbed at the needle he had jammed in his pocket. There was no guarantee that this would work, but it was worth a shot. He pulled the needle out. “And I’m going to enjoy burying you alive.”

He tried to stab Jude in the arm with the needle but Jude was faster. He grabbed Henry’s wrist and pulled. Henry howled with pain as the bone snapped, but he never released his grip on the needle.

Nova, taking advantage of Jude’s distraction, latched onto Jude’s other hand. She could see what she needed to do, the hurt she needed to heal. “Liam was right, you know,” she said as she began to glow. “I can heal this soul wound. I can heal all of you, Jude. And then you’ll be just a civilian. No powers. No ability to harm others except with your own hand.”

Jude’s already pale face paled further. “You don’t have to do this!” He tried to pull his hand free, but Nova held tight. “I…I’ll do anything. Anything!”

Nova cocked her head. “Anything?”

“Yes, anything! What do you want? Money? Freedom? A treaty? Say it and I’ll give it to you.”

“I want my husband back you piece of shit,” Nova said as her light engulfed her and Jude.

Tags: @dutifullykrispyland@jesssmolfur@parad0xical2@st0rmm@keeper-of-all-the-random-things

@pigeonwhumps@gala1981@allylovessweets@whumpitywhumpwhump @giggly-evil-puppy

@cravesunconditionallove @mousepaw @jumpywhumpywriter @ay5ksal @celestialsoyeon

@hufflepuffwritingstuff2 @anightmarishwhump @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @knightinbatteredarmor @pedro-pedro-pedro-pedro-pe

@whump-me-harder

[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 <-

[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.

[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

There he stood. Frozen. In the presence of a man who Henry was willing to swear before Queen and country, under pain of death, was the single most beautiful person on the face of the planet, and possibly several galaxies beyond. A man who possessed the kind of magnetic pull that could persuade Henry to believe in a Catholic God. A man Henry needed to get at least 800 kilometres away from before he caused an international scandal in a tea room at Kensington Palace. - Henry has a new equerry. And he's too hot for Henry's fragile, gay heart to handle. (AKA the Alex as Henry's equerry AU that I'm sure someone asked for)

+

Mr. Party Hardy | @inexplicablymine | T+ | 7k

Delicate isn’t the kind of word that would describe Alex Claremont-Díaz, not in this world or any other. He is fiery passion and loud excited exhaltations on whatever subject has currently caught his fancy. He is explosive lacrosse plays, the effusive energy he’s told he radiates. Nobody has ever treated him like he is something delicate, soft. Someone who needs a “Caution: Handle with Care” sign. He didn’t realize he needed that kind of care so badly. But Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor does that and then some.  A look into what college parties look like for Mr. Party Hardy B.H. (before Henry) and A.H. (after Henry)

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the clementine thing | anonymous | 6k | T+

And, really, it doesn’t matter whether or not Alex explains it to Liam and the rest of his friends. They’ve never really discussed it between themselves through the years. Slowly, Alex had gone from asking Would you please peel this for me? to Please? to silently extending the citrus without any comment at all, just a soft smile. It’s one of the things that make them Alex-and-Henry; the silent conversations and the contentment in each other’s company. Now, as Alex starts to flourish through his position on the lacrosse team, his slew of AP classes, and his role in student government, getting him to slow down at all is a feat. The only way that Henry can do it, guaranteed, is by one of those innocuous little fruits. There’s nothing Alex can’t do—surely, he could peel a fucking orange if he felt so inclined—but Henry delights in being able to do this for him. (Five times Henry shares a clementine with Alex, and one time Alex returns the favor)

+

they're gonna watch me disappear into the sun | @raysletters | 18k | M

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.

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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.)

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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

[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

[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.”

[abigailkendallwrites]

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.

[howdiditendlor]

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!