#miss cage how do you like your eggs in the morning answer quickly

[yxnswife]

In love with a white girl

(ref + no glasses ver. under the cut)

[stayatiny]

Little Dolly Chapter 1 ~ Yandere Seonghwa

(Gif made by me)

Pairing(s) – Killer/Yandere Seonghwa x Virgin! Reader

Series warnings – Violence, mentions of murder, swearing, blood, smut and lose of virginity (later on), yandere behaviors, Stockholm syndrome. (seriously this is going to be darker than some of my other fics. If this makes you uncomfortable, please do not read.)

Chapter Warning(s) Mentions of murder, guns, someone getting shot, just the overall violence, let me know if I missed anything.

A/N - Hi everyone ^^ Im back at it again. I decided to make a little mini series still deciding on who and what to do the next series on. Enjoy.

Why did I wander home alone? I knew that this wasn’t a good idea. Now I’m here stuck in a cage in the basement of a killer. I’ll never do it again if I get out alive…

“Aw. Aren’t you a cute in that dress I picked out for you? I think I’ll just keep you,” he said, shutting the door of the cage. That was a couple of days ago…I think. The man was dressed nicely in a button up and slacks like a businessman and absolutely gorgeous. If he wasn’t a killer, I would swoon over him so fast. He opened the cage door and placed a sandwich and some water in front of me. Is this how I die? A poisoned BLT…what a way to go out. I looked at the man and then back at the plate of food.

“Why aren’t you eating?” I didn’t say anything. He leaned forward into the cage grabbing the plate. I whined as he pulled back. He took a bite of the sandwich and then put it back.

“When I ask you something I expect an answer,” he growled. I nodded and started to eat and drink the water he left me. His frown soon became a smile. He wasn’t going to kill me yet or he wouldn’t bother with wanting to feed me. Once he placed the plate back down, I snatched the plate up and started to scarf down the sandwich and water. I was so hungry almost starving. He had been giving me water but no food till today.

“Good girl,” he purred still sitting in front of the cage. He even leaned forward again and patted my head like I was a child. I finished eating and drinking the water. He took the plate placing it on a table. He leaned down and gently grabbed my arm.

“Come here. I don’t want you in this cage anymore.” The man leads me down the hall of the basement, away from the dungeon, to a small apartment like area. There was a mini fridge, a microwave, bed, and a bathroom off to the right of some stairs. I figured they led to the upper part of the house. I let out a small sigh being able to stretch my legs from being in a cage.

“You will be staying here from now on,” he said, holding my hands. I looked up at him. What was he talking about?

“What do you mean? I thought you were going to kill me,” I say. His smile is sinister.

“Aw darling. I’m not ever going to kill you…unless you make me.” I swallow hard. I didn’t want to end up like the other men and women that’s he’s killed.

“Why me?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking like an idiot. He frowned slightly then pulled me close to his chest. He was really warm but there again I blame the cold weather and damp basement dungeon for lack of warmth.

“I’ve been watching you for a while thinking that would just be another victim of mine, but you are too pretty, sweet, and so innocent. I have to protect you from the world. So I’ll be keeping you here with me,” he says, patting my head. My heart jumps into my throat. I need to get out of here…

“You don’t even know me,” I say trying to pull away from him. He grabbed my arms pulling me close to him once again.

“I don’t know a lot about you, but I know that I need you to stay here with me.” He sounded like he was almost begging me to stay here. I don’t think I have a choice. I’ll stay here until I can find a way out.

“What is your name,” I asked. I needed to play into this to stay alive. I couldn’t act so scared cause then he’ll know that he’ll have a hold over me. The man smiled.

“I’m Seonghwa, but you can call me Hwa if you want,” he said, smiling. I nodded and looked around the room. I was too afraid to walk away from him.

“I’m sure that you are tired. I want you to get cleaned up and head to sleep,” Hwa said, handing me some clothes. I nodded and did as he was told. Once I was done, he was gone and back upstairs. I laid down on the bed after turning off the lights.

Th next morning, I feel the bed dip down on my side. I open my eyes to see Seonghwa looking down at me. I jumped a little.

“Good morning little one,” he said petting my hair. He smiled. I sat up slowly.

“Come upstairs with me. I want to eat breakfast with you,” he said grabbing my hand. I follow willingly or else. I didn’t want to know what he would do to me.

“How did you sleep last night? I know that isn’t very comfortable but it’s all I have but it’ll do until I trust you enough to stay in a bed with me,” he said then opening the door. I wanted nothing more than to bolt out the front door, and I thought about it until I saw the gun sitting on the dining room table. I would definitely get killed if I ran. I didn’t answer him except for stare at the gun. Hwa grabbed then hugged me tight.

“Don’t worry about that. I won’t hurt you unless you make me use it,” he whispered, right into my neck. I shivered scrunching myself even closer to him, unintentionally. Hwa kissed my head then pulled me to the kitchen island. I looked through the window to see that we are outside the city literally in the middle of nowhere. My heart started to pound. Hwa put up the gun back in a lock box and put it up in the living room. He came back to the kitchen with a smile.

“Here I made some scrambled eggs and bacon for you. I didn’t know what you liked so I guess. Maybe later you can tell me what foods you like,” he said, smiling. His smile would have been comforting if this had been a different situation. I didn’t want to answer him, but the image of the gun flashed back into mind.

“It’s okay. I like bacon and scrambled eggs,” I say quietly but a little louder than a whisper. He frowned slightly.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me. Like I said I won’t hurt you unless you deserve it.” I nod then taking the plate from him. I started to eat while he sat next to me with his plate. Hwa also put some fresh fruit on my plate. I scarfed down the food again.

“Slow down sweetie,” he said, then kissing my head. I stared at him. He wiped my face from the little bit of egg that was on my lips. I went back to eating while he cleaned up. When I was done, he grabbed my plate and cleaned it. Once he was done, he escorted me back into the basement. He turned to leave when I started to whine.

“Sweetie, I have to get some work done. I’ll be back down at lunch time.”

“Please don’t leave me down here, Hwa,” I beg. He kissed my head. I took the chance. I punched him as hard as I could causing him to fall to the ground holding his face. I didn’t waste the time before running for the door. Once in the kitchen I slammed the basement door shut then putting a chair under the handle.

“Sweetie, let me out,” he said from behind the door. His voice unnaturally calm for someone who is locked into the basement. I ran to the front door even taking a pair of his shoes. I quickly slip them on still hearing Hwa banging on the door and slamming against it. I jerked the door open and ran out trying to get to the road. Hoping I meet someone who could help me. I reach the gate at the end of his driveway only for me to realize that I have up to get to the other side. I started to climb up when I feel a searing pain in the back of my thigh. I scream only for me to see Hwa standing a yard or two behind me with his gun. Fuck me…

“Baby, come back. I said I wouldn’t hurt you,” he said, sing song like. I jumped over the fence and ran. The adrenaline keeping me going and from feeling the pain in my leg. I cover the wound with a scrap of my dress to keep from Hwa following the blood trail. I hide behind a big oak tree away from the road I just ran down. Somebody help me…

[rosy-wooyoung]

[23:39]

Pairing: bf! Yunho x fem! reader x bf! Wooyoung Genre: poly relationship! au, domestic fluff Word count: 2k A/N: this was among the many scenarios I created to fall asleep because I’m in great need of attention. I don’t know if it’s any good but here it is.

Shutting off the lights of the bathroom, you closed the door behind you while rubbing the remaining streaks of your moisturiser on your cheeks. Grabbing your lip balm, you applied some before carelessly tossing the small tube on your desk. It rolled to your computer before bumping on your mouse, rolling backwards to finally fall on the floor.

You sighed and shrugged, too lazy to pick it up. Disconnecting your phone from its charging wire, you rolled to the side in your giant bed, tucking the soft material of the duvet right under your chin. The pulse of your heart calmed down a bit at the safe feeling of your bed, but it was still hammering in your chest, too fast to your liking. Not even the body scent of your boyfriends lingering in the sheets managed to soothe you.

The hours passed, and your heart still didn’t want to slow down. It’s been pounding irregularly since the beginning of the afternoon, not quite finding the reason for your heart’s sudden change of behaviour. From your spot in your bed, you could see in the darkness the tall buildings surrounding yours, dimmed light illuminating a few windows. You breathed deeper, pressing two fingers against your neck right under your jaw, closing your eyes in distress when nothing seemed to be able to calm you down. You lost yourself in the music you were listening to, trying to focus on something else, but it didn’t work.

Slowly opening your eyes as police cars furiously drove past your street a few floors under, blasting sirens, you took our an earbud when you noticed light shining under your bedroom door. You softly smiled as it was a sign that your partners finally got home. You quickly cast a glance at the clock on the wall, exhaling as the hands showed 2:57 in the morning.

Your droopy eyes fluttered and you laid back on your pillow, listening to all the movements in the apartment while caressing the fabric of the comforter. They were whispering and giggling, noticing a hint of exhaustion in their voice. A faint smile drew onto your face as you heard them getting closer, turning your back to the door, ready to sleep at any second.

It seemed like your boyfriends being back home brought reassurance to your heart, feeling it slow down in your chest. You let out a breath as you finally succeeded to get a grip on your heartbeat, mind suddenly feeling at ease. Stifling a yawn with the back of your hand, you smiled to yourself as you heard the bedroom door creak open, Yunho murmuring to Wooyoung to keep quiet. You felt the latter walked around the bed, the mattress dipping at his weight. He tugged on the comforter tucked under your chin and carefully grabbed your arm to wrap it against him. He cuddled closer to you, head resting against your chest after pressing a soft kiss on your collarbone. Happy to feel him against you, you pressed your palm at the back of his head, his breath fanning your skin.

You softly whined when Yunho was taking his sweet time to come to bed, Wooyoung snickering at your actions. His arms were weirdly wrapped around your tired figure, feeling him get progressively heavier as the minutes passed by.

Eventually, Yunho made sure to turn off all the lights and check if the front door was locked, before closing the bedroom door behind him. He silently pulled down the blinds, smiling to himself as he remembered why you never did so: you enjoyed observing the city and the skyscrapers at night, in the darkness of your shared bedroom. He loved it too, and so did Wooyoung, but they were too exhausted to do that tonight. Yunho knew you had tried waiting for them since you weren’t dead asleep despite dawn approaching, yet he couldn’t help but feel guilty and happy at your actions. Guilty for making you stay up the most entire night, waiting for them, and happy that you cared for them that you were willing to stay up and wait.

Wooyoung was already heavily asleep when Yunho came to join you two, your body warmth and the familiar laundry scent helping the youngest of them relax and doze off. The tall man looked over your shoulder to glance at your face, smiling as your lashes were slightly fluttering; a sign that you weren’t asleep yet. He delicately pressed a soft kiss on your cheek, making sure not to wake Wooyoung up. You smiled and so did he, again, gently pushing a few strands of hair away from your drowsy face.

He laid down behind you, your back pressed against his chest as his arm correctly pulled the duvet over his favourite pair. Yunho’s nose came and buried itself in your hair, the fresh fragrance of your shampoo readying him to go to sleep. You slowly turned your head to the side in the attempt of looking at him, meeting his big brown orbs in the dark. He kissed the corner of your lips before you went back to your original position, your hand searching for his arm to pull him closer.

“I missed you, we missed you today,” he mumbled in your ear and you beamed, his fingers finding yours and held your hand tightly. Your other arm was still wrapped around Wooyoung’s shoulders, who was completely unaware of your small conversation. You let your head fall back and rested against Yunho’s chest, who rested his chin on the top of your head. “I missed you two as well, a lot,” you muttered, squeezing your lover’s hand. Yunho heard in your voice that you were exhausted, so he hugged you tightly against him, legs tangling with yours as he whispered you to go to sleep. 

It’s a few hours later that you woke up in the comforting warmth of your boyfriends, still sandwiched between the two but in different positions.

Yunho was resting on his back, eyes closed as his right arm was falling off the bed. You, on the other side, had your face buried in his neck, your arm linked with his as it crossed his middle. It was your favourite position to sleep in, his height being perfect to comfortably sleep and feel reassured.

You could feel Wooyoung, whose arm was around your shoulder, resting against your chest. He yawned in his sleep, making you giggle as you slowly emerged from your slumber. When your eyes fluttered open, the sight of Yunho's rosy cheeks automatically putting a smile on your face, feeling the urge to kiss them.

All of this was cute and shit but getting out of this cuddle cage was something quite difficult. Wooyoung and Yunho were at the polar opposite when it came to sleep, one tending on the lighter side while the other could sleep through an earthquake. No matter how hard you tried to get out of bed without waking them up, one of them will at least feel you leave and wake up.

But this time, after fighting with Wooyoung’s limbs that kept on latching back with yours, you crawled at the edge of the bed and breathed, seeing Wooyoung getting closer to your other partner for some warmth. On your way to the kitchen, you noticed Yunho’s sweater resting against the top of the sofa, and you discreetly walked to grab and wear it. Feeling all giddy and cosy, you opened the kitchen blinds and admired the clear sky in front of you. You opened the window and grabbed a pan, feeling the chill air invading the kitchen. Despite being only February, the sun and warmth weren’t lacking, much to your delight.

Cracking 6 eggs in a pan, you were about to reach for the bacon in the fridge when two arms wrapped around your shoulders, slightly startling you. Letting out a surprised giggle, you pressed your hands against the bare skin of one of your lover’s arms and recognised the slender fingers you tightly held last night. Looking up up and beaming at the sight of your lover’s rosy cheeks, you felt the urge to kiss them. You turned around in his embrace and tiptoed to softly press your lips against the warm skin of his cheek, feeling his face stretch in a smile at the contact.

“Morning, beautiful,” he said, his voice feeling like home as it hit a few octaves lower than usual. You lifted a hand in his hair to tame his crazy bed hair, earning a soft giggle from him. “Morning, Yun,” you answered, fingers lingering against his bare torso, delighted to see him with his blue towel resting on his shoulder. “You look gorgeous in that,” he smirked, tugging on one sleeve, feeling satisfied that you wore his hoodie instead of Wooyoung’s. “I’m taking a quick shower, I still feel sticky from last night,” he said, and you nodded, going back to your eggs. “Is Woo awake?” you asked, and he hummed a negative answer. “No, not yet, but he should be soon,” he said as he walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

You let your other partner sleep a bit more, remembering how sleepy he was when he came home last night. Once breakfast was done, you walked past the bathroom at the same moment that Yunho opened the door, gesturing to him that you were going to wake Wooyoung up.

The young man was still curled up in the sheets, your pillow in between his arms. You cooed with a smile at the sight, slowly pulling up the blinds, the soft light warming up your bedroom. You rested on your knees next to Wooyoung and softly caressed his hair out of his eyes, whispering his name. “Woo, it’s 9 am. Wake up, love,” you said, and he scowled, whining as you tried to get your pillow out of his grip. You gave up, hand resting against his cheek as your thumb caressed his skin. His eyes fluttered open a few seconds later, his mouth forming a pout as he lazily sat up. You offered him a bright smile and he fell face first onto your shoulder, mind still heavy with sleep. “It’s too early,” he mumbled against the fabric of Yunho’s sweater, feeling him tug on it out of pure jealousy. “Come on, babe, I made breakfast,” you whispered as your hand went in his hair, gently patting it.

“Why are you wearing his sweater, though?” he questioned, and you shook your head, gently grabbing the hand that never stopped pulling on the fabric. “I’m wearing your t-shirt for sleep! And on top of that, it was the only thing I could find in the living room,” you argued, and he dramatically sighed, looking up.   “You don’t love me anymore,” he said, and you rolled your eyes, sighing. He could be so extra sometimes, but that’s one of the many reasons why you fell for him. “Of course I still love you, Woo, stop being dramatic,” you said, grabbing his face, squishing his cheeks between your hands before kissing his lips for a few seconds. When you pulled away, he sat up, a smile on his face.

“There, happy?” you said as you stood up, knees slightly hurting from your previous position. “Very,” he replied as he grasped your hand, walking together in the kitchen, where Yunho was busy heating the food back into the microwave. It wasn’t really necessary, but you all liked your food steaming, almost burning hot in the morning.

Having breakfast with the two of them was something quite rare, so you cherished every single second of it. It was something that you wished to do more often, like chilling together on their days off, but it was sadly impossible. They missed you as much as you missed them, but they found themselves lucky to have a loving, patient partner like you. It wasn't easy to find someone ready to put all of those efforts to maintain this relationship afloat, just like you were. You were too precious and important for them, nothing could make them give you up. No matter what, they’ll always love you, every day, they did their best to remind you.  

[deans-baby-momma]

Past Haunts- A Revisit

A/N: Let’s take a look inside the Winchester/Quentin household and see how everyone is getting along. Also look for the 2nd author’s note after this story. 

It's been six months today. Six months since my daughter and I were getting ready for work and school when a simple knock on the front door changed everything. Changed it all, for the better.

To be able to watch from the sidelines as Whitney got to finally know the man who was her father; to finally experience having a male figure in her life was indescribable. 

Those two were like two peas in a pod, though. Similar likes, the same dislikes, an identical warped sense of humor. Once Dean had gotten over- no, that isn't the right wording-since Dean had come to terms with Sam being locked in a cage in Hell, he had jumped right into being a parent, a daddy. And he was killing it!

I hadn't expected to find him in the kitchen every morning, cooking breakfast for us before sending us both off with a kiss and I definitely never dreamed of coming home to a clean house, mowed lawn and that pesky back porch light repaired but during the first whole week of loving with us,  Dean had picked up the slack. I was amazed and very grateful.

Dean and I have slept in the same bed every night since his return but have yet to put a label on what we are. Although, Whitney happily tells anyone and everyone that her parents are together, I'm just unsure. And yes, we've had sex but then again what woman in her right mind could look at him, cuddle up to him and NOT want to have sex with him?

He had gotten a job at a local garage after the first month of being 'home' and had quickly impressed the boss with his knowledge of older vehicles. It seemed as though the mechanics nowadays depended on the little computers installed in the newer models to alert them to whatever was wrong, so when older vehicles came across their rack, these young boys were stumped.

During the week after Thanksgiving, the city of Fairfax Indiana got its first snowfall. Everything looked so clean and fresh with the white blanket covering all the blemishes and eyesores around town. And that's the day we found out Dean Winchester doesn't like the cold.

"It's just-" Dean grumbled as he drank his coffee at the head of the table. "-so ridiculous. You have to wear extra layers, watch out for other idiots on the road. Watch where you step. And it's just so cold." He finishes his groaning with a full body shiver.

"Dad you sound like a whiny brat," Whitney banters as she eats her eggs and bacon. "It's wonderful! Everything looks so bright and shiny."

"I need sun and warmth, missy," Dean shoots back with a wink. He suddenly sits up straight and looks at me. "Babe, how many days of school until our little girl is on holiday?"

Whitney hmphs at being called a little girl, even though she knows Dean only does it to get a rise out of her. The smirk on his face tells me that is exactly the response he expected.

"Uh, nine. I think."

"Eight and a half," Whitney corrects me, standing up to take her plate to the sink. "And the half day is going to be mostly watching movies and not much else."

I look at Dean to see his mind whirling. I could tell he was trying to work something out in his head. I raise an eyebrow in question but only get a smile in response. I shake my head at his antics and stand up to go finish getting ready for work.

Christmas in Florida is distinctly opposite of Christmas in the North. For one, there is no snow for the lights to mirror. The lights are pretty but seem so dull without the reflection. And instead of coats and gloves and hats, people are in swimsuits and shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. A total 180 from what I'm used to in mid-December. I ponder the difference between the two as I lounge on the long beach chair beside Dean's as we watch Whitney frolic in the cool water.

Dean hasn't fully embraced the warmer temperatures as he is still in jeans and his usually two-shirt ensemble.  The only thing missing is the heavy work boots he usually dons; his feet are bare. The sunglasses on his face does little to hide the freckles that have made an appearance the darker his skin tans. I've laid in bed recently, counting the cute little misshapen dots. He is all smiles and happy. I love him so much!

When Dean had first suggested taking a trip down south for Christmas break I was astonished, Whitney was ecstatic. In her 13 year existence, this is the first full-fledged vacation we have ever taken so she was excited and enthusiastic about the chance to take a trip. And when she found out the destination, I didn't think she would survive the 17-hour trip without spending the whole time exploding with glee. Whitney and I spent my whole payday on a new wardrobe for the both of us, getting weird and bizarre looks from other shoppers as we tried to find t-shirts and shorts, bathing suits and sunscreen; during December in Indiana those items were few and far between. I also took a secret trip to the courthouse, getting the paperwork to officially make Whitney a Winchester. All it needs is information and signatures from both parents. I plan to surprise Dean with them Christmas morning.

So far, this vacation has been fantastic. We have spent time as a family doing little things, like walking along the beach at sunset searching for seashells, playing mini-golf, spending the day in our hotel room watching old movies and cartoons when the weather took a turn for the worse. It has been a dream come true, something I had never in a million years thought would ever happen. 

Spending time with him and our daughter in what I dubbed as the most magical place on Earth. So what if we're not at Disney World, to me this is the most fascinating time and place; a week spent with my daughter and her father, the love of my life. Life couldn't get any better than this.

I am shaken from my daydreams as I hear Dean growl and begin throwing fictitious daggers with his eyes in the direction of the pool. I turn my head to see a group of teenage boys all surrounding Whitney, who is all smiles at the attention. 

"Calm down honey," I cajole. "We knew this would eventually happen. We can't expect her to be a nun."

"Those boys are too old for her," he defends. "They see an innocent, young girl like her and there's only one thing on their mind." He goes to get up and I reach over to place my hand on his arm, stopping him.

"Give it a minute," I tell him. "I've taught Whitney to take care of herself."

As Dean and I sit there I keep our daughter in my peripheral, just in case one of us needs to step in. Suddenly, Whitney yells out "Jerk!" and slaps the boy who looks to be the protagonist of the crew. I smile as I watch her climb out of the pool and walk toward us. She sits at my feet and wraps her towel around her shoulders.

"You okay darlin'?" her dad asks, his eyes still trained on the gang of boys. They just don't know how many different ways Dean Winchester could murder them and make them all disappear.

"Y-yea," she answers but I can tell she's lying. "They just said some things that weren't nice."

Dean finally turned his eyes toward his daughter, the dangerous glint replaced by concern.  "Baby girl, I can go have a talk with them, if you-"

"No Dean!" she says, standing up. "I don't need my father taking up for me. I'm not a baby!" As Whitney storms out of the pool area, Dean looks at me, at a loss.

"What did I do?"

I stand up and wrap the sarong around my bikini-clad body. "Just let me go talk to her, okay?" I have an idea what is going on and I know having her dad there I'd never get Whitney to open up. I lean down and kiss him and head in the direction our daughter had stomped off.

In the room, Whitney has thrown herself across her bed and is crying into the pillow.

"Honey, what's wrong?" I ask gently because if my suspicions were true, anything could cause her to fly off the handle.

"I don't know," she whines. "I was feeling okay and then all of a sudden, it's like my energy zapped. So I was just floating in the pool, hoping the ache would go away and then those boys came up and started talking to me. And I liked it," she explains as she sits up on the bed. "But then Kyle said something about me being pure and innocent when I told them how old I was and I just lost it. And then I jumped down Dad's throat and he probably hates me now!" She begins crying again and I join her on the bed, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and she places her head on my shoulder.

 "Oh baby," I console. "I think it's becoming that time. You're getting ready to start your first period."

She jerks her head up and looks at me. "Really?"

"Yea, we need to go get you some pads and Midol. You're going to start bleeding anytime."

"God, did I just ruin our first vacation?"

"No!" I claim. "You didn't ruin vacation at all, baby. Now, let's get cleaned up and run down the street to the store."

"Moooom! I can't leave the room! What if it starts before we get back?" I chuckle at her wide-eyed expression.

"Okay, okay." I reach over and grab my phone texting Dean to come up to the room. I roll my eyes as I remember the discussion he and I had almost 2 years ago. Never in a million years did I think I would actually be asking this of him but I can't leave my baby.

The look on his face was comical as I whispered my request. He looked terrified and afflicted at the thought of having to buy feminine products. I take screenshots of exactly what he needs to buy and send him on his way, but not before he insists that I remember promising him he would never have to do this particular task.

The rest of the vacation goes off without a hitch. Whitney does begin her first period and requests to spend the rest of our time in Florida in the hotel room, only going out to eat. Dean and I trust her enough to leave her in the room while we go out, exploring not only the beach but the little town we are in. 

Christmas morning comes and Whitney wakes us up with squeals of delight at the massive amount of presents placed under the decorated fake palm tree in our room.

Dean and I sit on the sofa, drinking coffee and enjoying the look of awe on our daughter's face as she opens her presents. Once finished, she winks at her dad and goes to her bag where she pulls a box from inside. Handing it to him, Whitney steps back as Dean slides off to the floor, getting on one knee.

My hand slaps over my mouth as he clears his throat. I have no idea what he says because my inner voice is chanting 'Oh my god! This can't be happening!' Finally my ears take over and I hear him ask, "Becks, will you marry me?" I nod through the tears and watch as he slips the ring onto my finger. He climbs back onto the couch and wraps his arms around me, only moving one around Whitney when she dog-piles on top of us in excitement.

None of us know though, that when we return to Indiana  the past is going to come back to haunt us, in the form of Sam Winchester back from Hell.

A/N2: Another announcement! Another story! Remember how I promised a sequel to this story? A look into the years these two spent apart? Well I began it and then life happened (along with a stroke) so I just now am finishing it up. Look for Wounded Hearts to begin in March!!! I’m excited to share it with you. I will keep those of you that were on the PH taglist unless you tell me different. Love to you all. 

@vickiq9761 @81mysteriouslyme @travelingriversideblues-x @akshi8278 @keymology @hoboal87 @squirrelnotsam @spnbaby-67 @sandlee44 @natura1phenomenon @drakelover78 @lostinaseaoffictionalbliss @larajadeschmidt13 @tftumblin @blacktithe7 @lilulo-12 @adoptdontshoppets @cpag7 @markofdean79 @supraveng @deanwanddamons @mogaruke @death-unbecomes-you @vicariouslythruspn @atc74 @delightfullykrispypeach​ @sea040561​

[sunshinejins]

if i was dying on my knees (you’d be the one to rescue me)

chapter 2!  she’s here, she’s long, she’s very delayed, but she’s here.  you can also read this fic on ao3 under the username joylight if you want!  i’d almost suggest it as the formatting is probably a lot better lmao.

here’s the link to chapter 1

without further ado!

When Julie wakes up the next morning, she feels slightly as though she’s broken out from the surface of a very warm but turbulent lake.  After her impromptu performance yesterday where oh my God she sang again, she had been dragged from the bar by her friends.  Guitar Player had chased after her for a moment, before supposedly clocking the look on Flynn’s face and backing off.  Her best friend had been quiet the whole drive back, and Allison, besides complimenting Julie calmly on her performance, had also remained silent.  Allison’s silence was normal; Flynn’s was not.  It was only when Allison rolled to a stop at Julie’s house, Flynn was supposed to sleep over, that Flynn broke the quiet.

“Actually, Allison, could you take me home?” Julie’s head whipped around so fast that she would have fallen if she was standing.

“You’re going home?”

“Yeah, I am.” Flynn’s tone was set and Allison simply pressed her lips together and pointedly looked out the window.  Julie shook her head.

“Why?”

“Well you clearly didn’t need me to sing again, so I’m assuming you don’t need me to sleepover either.” Julie’s mouth fell open in shock.

“Flynn, it’s not like that.  They needed me-”

“Oh so when three random hot guys you’ve never met need you, you find your voice, but when your best friend begs you for six months to sing again, you can’t do it?  I see how it is, Jules.” Julie couldn’t find any words to counter that, seeing as she hadn’t processed that she had sung again, so Flynn glared pointedly at the door.

“Could you please get out so Allison can take me home?”  Allison had shot Julie a sympathetic look but offered no advice, and Julie had managed to stumble from the car with her head still spinning in shock.  She had managed to get up to bed without her dad or Carlos giving her any issues, but before she could really process what had happened, the adrenaline drained from her body and she had fallen asleep.

Now, laying in bed, she allowed herself a moment to put together the pieces.

She had sang again for the first time in six months.

She had sang again for the first time in six months with three random strangers.

She had sang again for the first time in six months with three random strangers in front of an entire barful of people.

Flynn was incredibly mad that she had done the above things.

And she had a shift at the coffee shop in forty minutes and it took thirty to drive there.

As she pulled on her work uniform and tugged a comb through a few pieces of her hair, Julie tried to feel something other than shock.  Nothing came to mind.  Maybe if she had just sang again, she would have been able to process it.  But Flynn was mad at her too.  That alone scrambled her brains.

Her dad simply waved as he saw her tear from the house and into her car.  The radio blared for a moment and Julie hesitated.  All the times before when music had started playing, she’d been quick to turn it off.  Now, she hovered her finger over the off button on the radio for a second before letting it play.  Another baby step, even smaller than the one she’d accidentally taken last night, but important nevertheless.

She stumbled into work two minutes before she was supposed to clock in.  Allison was already there, expertly pulling shots of espresso and looking ultimately way too put together.  She offered Julie a calm smile.

“Hi, Jules.”

“Clock in.  Gotta.  Almost… late,” Julie’s heaving breaths.  Her normal parking space was filled and she ended up parking a good ten minute sprint away.  And Julie is not a sprinter.  She manages to swipe her card on time, locates her apron, and joins Allison at the espresso machine with her heart still pounding against her ribs.  Allison’s hands move quickly enough as she assembles a line of mobile ordered lattes, and Julie takes the second of reprieve from the lack of customers in the shop to catch her breath.

Allison tucks the drinks into a carrier, and finally turns to Julie with the same calculating look she had given last night right after Julie had said the guys needed her.

“So.”

“Soooo…” Julie runs her fingers over the touchscreen of the till.  Allison raises an eyebrow.

“You sang.”

“I did.”

“With total strangers.” “Yep.”

“I’m really quite fucking proud of you,” Julie’s eyes widen as Allison finally breaks eye contact and begins filling the whipped cream canister.  

“You’re proud of me?” Julie’s voice squeaks and Allison sends her a smirk.

“Obviously.  You finally let that killer voice out of its cage for the first time in months and you had fun.  And you’re okay.  That’s all that matters to me.”

“How did I do that though?” Julie asks, though she doubts Allison will have an answer.  She doesn’t even know.  What she does know is that when she hit the high note at the end of the song, it felt like her lungs had finally opened up again after a long time crushed under her grief and it had felt better than good.  It had felt amazing.  Allison sets the whipped cream down and shrugs.

“I’m not sure, Jules.  Maybe you were just ready.  Didn’t you say those guys needed help?”

“Yeah, I guess their rhythm guitarist bailed on them last minute,” Julie chews her lip, remembering the dejected looks on the faces of her impromptu band.  She hadn’t even gotten to ask them if she had butchered the song or not.

“Then it sounds to me like your mama bear instincts kicked in a bit.  That, and I’m pretty sure you were into the guitar player.” Julie’s head shoots up.

“What!  I don’t even know his name!  I was helping for purely unselfish reasons.”  Allison raises an eyebrow.

“You’re telling me that you didn’t even notice his biceps?  Or that smile?”  Julie would normally begrudgingly admit that yes, Guitar Player was ridiculously cute.  But her mind had wandered yet again to her best friend, and she felt the familiar tug of sadness at her chest.

“Flynn hasn’t texted me back.”  Allison’s teasing expression falls solemn and Julie almost wished that everything had been a giant dream. She missed her, and it had barely been 24 hours.  The last time they’d had a fight, Flynn had tried to egg her room.  Julie didn’t even want to know what would happen this time.

Allison hasn’t given any advice, which means Flynn ranted to her the whole drive home and she’s either being very respectful or is sparing Julie the specifics.  Either way, it makes her slump against the register and attempt to forget her issues as milk froths and keyboards clack around her.

Her shift passes in a blur, the post-lunch rush nearly overwhelming the small shop.  Allison leaves an hour before Julie, and as she does, she lays a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Just go see her.  I’m sure she won’t be as mad if you explain your thought process.” Julie desperately wants to scream that she didn’t have one, but Allison is already gone and there’s a stressed college student in front of her looking for six shots of espresso.  As she pulls the shots, she mulls over the previous night in her mind.

She knows inherently that the reason she was able to perform was because someone needed her.  Someone needed help.  That was different than people wanting her to sing so she could get back to normal.  She also knows she sang because it was a song which had nothing to do with her mother, whereas the songs she sang for class or the songs Flynn tried to get her to belt out at karaoke had all been songs her mother knew and loved.  It was a complicated mix of reasons, but Julie needed to sort them out before she went to Flynn.  Otherwise, the eggs were gonna come out again.

By the time she closed up the shop with hands still faintly smelling like espresso and sweet cream, Julie had basically given in to the fact that she was never going to figure out how to apologize to Flynn and that there was going to be an omelette frying on her windowsill for the next few days.  Then, as she was tucking the keys into her purse, she heard the tell-tale rumble of her best friend clearing her throat.  Julie’s head shot up and it was indeed Flynn, arms crossed, and bejewelled sneaker tapping a beat into the sidewalk.

“Flynn!”

“You’ve got two minutes to explain.  I’m about to be towed,” Flynn jerks her head towards her car which is, naturally, parked in a drop off zone for Uber drivers.  Julie nods quickly, trying to order all her thoughts from during her shift into orderly lines in her head.  She needs to mention the “someone needing her” thing, and the “song her mother never knew” thing too.  

All that comes tumbling out of her mouth is: “I’m sorry.” Flynn sighs.

“I know that, Jules.  But you still haven’t explained why you did it.  Why you sang with a bunch of random strangers!”

“I told you, they needed me!”

“Yes!  You said that!  But how is that any different from me needing you?”

“Because!” Julie runs her hands down her face in frustration as she tries to compose herself, “You needed me to sing because you needed me to feel better.  You needed me to go back to normal and grieve and whatever.  These guys just needed a fourth singer.  You should have seen them.  The guitar player was almost crying.” Flynn remains silent for a moment and Julie takes the silence as an excuse to guide her to a bench beside the coffee shop.  The silence continues to hang over them for a moment, and Julie is shocked when Flynn finally turns to her and there are tears rimming her eyes.

“Did you feel like I was forcing you to sing?  Did I push you?” Julie’s heart thaws.

“I mean, yes.  A bit.  And I completely understood why.  But I just couldn’t sing unless I was ready, and for a bit it felt like you didn’t understand that.”

“Of course I get that, Jules!  I’m sorry!” Flynn opens her arms for a hug and Julie tumbles into them without hesitation, inhaling the scent of vanilla that still clings to Flynn’s skin from her job at a bakery near the pier.

“I forgive you, don’t worry.  I just hope you can forgive me too.” “Obviously.  I know how you are with the “need to help everyone who needs it” thing.” Julie shoves her but her heart soars when Flynn tumbles into giggles.

“I still don’t really know how I did it,” Julie admits, tracing her toe on the concrete.  Flynn frowns slightly.

“Do you think it was a one time thing?”

“Maybe?” Julie winces a bit at the thought of taking a step back again.  Even though she knows healing isn’t linear, she’d really like to get over this specific part of grief a little faster.  She couldn’t ignore how good it felt to belt out the penultimate lyrics of a random band’s song either.  Flynn wraps an arm around her shoulders and squeezes.

“Whatever it was, I support you 100%.  And those guys were super cute!”

“You’re a lesbian, Flynn.”

“I still know eye candy when I see it.” Julie bursts out laughing.

“Okay, maybe they were cute!  But I’ll probably never see them again.”

She thinks.

The rest of the week goes by a lot easier knowing Flynn is no longer mad at her.  When she comes to work the next day and regales Allison with the tales of how her and Flynn patched things up, Julie pretends not to notice the private smirk that overtakes Allison’s face as she mentions how Flynn showed up at work.  Julie even manages an A+ on an essay the day after, and finally makes a venti half-caf skinny peppermint mocha with no screw ups at work.  She listens to music again normally, and joyfully hugs her dad when he notices.

Life’s pretty normal, until of course it’s not again.

Their coffee shop hosts open mic nights a lot, and when Julie started working she requested to be scheduled away from them.  When her weekly schedule comes out displaying a shift during the three hour long open mic and her heart rate doesn’t immediately rise, she’s pretty excited.  She even manages to shock Allison when her friend offers to switch shifts with her and Julie heartily declines.

“Look at you go,” Allison flicks her towel at Julie, “That open mic really did something to you, huh?”

“Yeah!” Julie smiles as she restocks the caramel sauce, “I actually feel like I can be around music again.”

“I still think it was Grinny McBiceps that did a number on you, not the music.” Julie tosses a bottle of sauce at Allison which she readily catches with a surprisingly loud laugh.

“I’m just saying, Julie-”

“So that’s your name!” Both girls freeze and turn to see none other than Grinny Mc- no! Guitar Player and his band all gathered at the counter with their jaws open.  Allison recovers first and arranges her face back into the cool expression she uses with customers.  Julie can’t exactly manage it, because even though she’s spent the last week denying how cute these boys are, the hint of abs poking through Guitar Player’s cutoff are scrambling her brain.

“So the girl Luke can’t shut up about now has a name,” Drum Player says dryly, shoving Guitar Pl- Luke in the shoulder to break him from the trance he’s apparently entered along with Julie.  Bass Player leans forward excitedly.

“We’ve been looking for you since the open mic!”

“You found me,” Julie’s voice feels dry.  Luke grins at her and she feels her stomach swoop as he does.

“Where did you end up?  We wanted to ask you if you wanted to jam with us again,” Luke says, leaning against the counter.  Julie’s brain whirrs as she processes this, and luckily Allison steps in.

“I had an emergency.  Had to take her out of there.”

“What sort of emergency?” Bass Player asks, leaning forward with a smirk and a wink.  Allison raises an eyebrow.

“Forgot to take my birth control.” Bass Player chokes on air and Drum Player bursts out laughing.  Luke doesn’t seem phased and turns back to Julie.

“So do you wanna?  Jam with us again?  We’re signing up for the open mic here.” Julie tries to shrug noncommittally.

“I dunno.  I’m pretty busy.” Luke deflates, but Drum Player steps in.

“No pressure, obviously.  Just if you end up wanting to play with us again, you can.  You completely elevated our sound.  I’m Alex, by the way.”

“Reggie,” Bass Player adds, though he still seems shaken by Allison’s words.

Julie smiles at them.  Luke seems to recover some of his energy at her smile and pulls out a piece of paper from God-knows-where and a pen and scribbles something on it.

“This is my number.  Seriously, call me at any time if you wanna play again.  We’re totally into it.  Even into having you in the band if you want.”

“Dude, stop being so intense the second you see a cute girl,” Reggie groans.  Both Luke and Julie blush and it’s at this point that Allison fully steps in.

“I appreciate the business transaction that just occurred, but this is a coffee shop and not a corporate mixer.  Can I get you anything to drink?”  The boys chorus their orders and Julie turns to make them as Allison fends off Reggie’s renewed advances with a sigh.  They leave the shop with a loud “goodbye” and Julie slumps against the counter when they leave.  Allison evaluates her with a steady gaze.

“Are you going to play with them again?”

“No clue.” Julie pushes her hands into her face and groans.  Allison pats her back.

“Think about it.  They seemed nice.”

“Even Reggie?” If Julie hadn’t been mistaken, a hint of flush appears on the apples of Allison’s cheeks.

“Even Reggie.  Now get up.  You’ve got another hour left of your shift and Caleb told me I’m too nice to you.”

“Still very weird to me that you call your dad, Caleb.”

“Adoptive father,” Allison corrects and turns away before Julie can prod more as usual.  She takes another second to compose herself and stow Luke’s number deeper in her pocket before turning to the stack of green tea lemonade she has to make and burying her nose in her work.

It’s later, when she’s sitting alone in her room massaging her sore feet and looking at the keyboard in her room, that Julie truly considers Luke’s offer.  It’s not that she doesn’t think playing music with them again will be fun; she does.  But there’s something holding her back, and she’s pretty sure it’s the four sheets of piano music laying on her keyboard.

It’s a huge step.  A massive, giant, life-changing step.  One her mother would want her to take.  Does she want to?  Julie pulls out her phone and texts Flynn, who’s in the middle of sending her opinions on episode six Outer Banks.

from: julie molina is a star

what would you say if i told you i was considering playing music with those ute guys again?  slash maybe joining their band?

from: double trouble

i would say your pacing deeply confuses me.

but i am proud.

and very supportive.

Julie smiles, and sets her phone to the side and stands.  Her keyboard sits in front of her, no longer mocking, but encouraging.  She lifts the sheets of paper and spreads them on the stand.  “Wake Up.”  Her mother’s last gift to her.  The last thing she needs to do before she can play music again, for real.

Julie’s pretty much fucking terrified.

But she still presses the keys.

Here's one thing I want you to know

You got someplace to go

Life's a test, yes, but you go toe-to-toe

You don't give up, no, you grow

[connorandersons-blog]

Kinktober day 5: Virginity, Kamcon

yooo! First Elijah/Connor for kinktober! This does imply Connor/Chloe/Elijah, and its also a royalty au. This one also got long so if you want, you can read it here on my A03!

------------------------------

Connor wasn't one to back down unless absolutely necessary. His mother taught him to keep his head high even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

So that's what he did now as the king of Cyferia circled him slowly. He had been expecting to be married off since he was old enough to understand that fact. He was the second oldest and no matter how much his siblings and twin argued and pleaded, he had to go. It would strengthen the bond with this kingdom if he became another spouse to the king. He already had quite a few, not that Connor was judging, but he would be his first husband.

He knew it was an honor but it still made his heart pound as he was circled. At least the king was attractive and Connor was bi, so it wasn't like it couldn't work out. He just wished he could have been married to someone he knew for longer than a day.

"You seem nervous, my prince." The king said softly. They were in what would be Connor's bedroom, which was far more lavish than he expected.

"I'm simply new to this, my king." He kept his head raised even as the king ran a hand over Connor's arm, lifting it and looking it over.

The king nodded and gently lifted Connor's hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. "I understand, but I will treat you with as much dignity, and respect as I can. You will never want for anything and you may go anywhere within reason. Your siblings may also visit and you may go and visit them. I would like to get to know you and possibly even love you."

Connor's eyes widened and felt his face flush warm. He'd heard stories to the king, that he was cold and no one ever saw him so any affection to any of his wives. Yet here he was promising Connor as much freedom as he could without making the king himself appear weak. How much of the rumors were false? How much did he not know about Elijah Kamski?

"I can see you're shocked, but I am not a cruel man. I simply make it appear as if I do not care for those around me to keep them safe." The king let Connor's arm go and stepped back. Connor understood if someone was close to you they could be used as leverage. "We are supposed to spend a night together to prove your loyalty to me, but as long as you swear to me then there is no need. I will never push you into something like that, something that is meant for love."

Connor sagged slightly, a wave of relief washing over him. He had never slept with anyone before, knowing he was meant to save himself for whoever he was married off to. "Thank you." He mumbled, eyes glancing down to the ground.

"Of course, though you may not sleep with anyone capable of giving birth. I'm sorry that I must put these restrictions up." Elijah-no, the king-moved back and leaned against the bedpost. "I will have to stay in here for some time to make it believable but please get comfortable."

Connor looked around the room then back to the king. He had moved over to the bookshelf and pulled down a heavy book before sitting at the desk and starting to read.

Connor's things had been put away by servants that he hadn't seen, but he was used to that. He knew he'd also get a personal servant soon to help him and he hoped to become friends.

Connor went to the bed first, pressing against and found it was even softer than the one he had back home. No, it wasn't home anymore, he had to think of this place as his home. He then moved to the bookshelf and ran his fingers over the spines. He was pleasantly surprised to see a few of his favorites already there and seemingly brand new.

The windows were large and he had a balcony, he could walk out and see the vast garden and large pond. He saw a girl with blonde hair and a few children running around and laughing. He smiled at the sight and watched them until the woman gathered them up and led them back inside.

He heard the king walk up, but he didn't move. "That's Chloe, my first and head wife. I believe you two will get along well. She's very kind and beautiful, she also plays the piano."

Connor nodded and looked over the rest of the garden. A beautiful cage, but perhaps not as restrictive as he thought it would be. "Will I meet her in the morning… my king." He adds after a second, mentally slapping himself.

"No titles are necessary, just Elijah or Kamski is fine. As for your question, yes if you are feeling up to it. We all have breakfast and dinner together but the rest of the time you're free to do as you wish. Though some days there will be activities and other things needed to be done, even then there is plenty of wiggle room."

Connor nodded and leaned against the railing, taking in a deep breath as the cool autumn breeze ruffled his hair. "Yes, I'd like that." He had no idea what he'd do with his time, but he'd look around the palace a bit, get a feel for the place. He didn't want to have to be led around for weeks if he could help it.

"Very well. What is your preferred breakfast? I will ask the staff to make it for you as a welcome. I want you to feel safe here, my prince." Elijah said, placing a gentle hand on Connor's shoulder.

He may be in a new place, but he did feel safe. Elijah was a far more kind and generous king than he had envisioned. "You do not need to call me prince, Connor works."

Elijah smiled just slightly and moved to lean against the railing too, his back to the gardens, unlike Connor. "I know, my prince. Now, what would you like for breakfast?"

Connor chuckled and shook his head. "There is no need, but if I must–tea, fresh fruits, eggs, and perhaps a pastry, for that whatever is most popular here." He had a sweet tooth that his mother very rarely let him indulge in, only on special occasions. His birthday was one of those times and he always looked forward to it.

Elijah nodded and seemed to think for a second. "A good choice, I'm sure the children will be excited about the pastries as well. Do not worry, they have their own breakfast separate, but we all have dinner together. You may visit them after breakfast and their study if you'd like. You do not have to care for any if you do not wish, I know children can be a handful."

Connor glanced over at him and caught a fond smile on his face. It made Connor's melt just slightly to see the king so loving to his many children. "Do you have a favorite?"

Elijah's eyes flickered over to him before chuckling. "I am supposed to say no, but that would be a lie and I'd rather not do that. Menaka, she's young and sweet, just like her mother."

Connor smiled to himself and let his mind wander. A king with so many wives and children but he seemed to care about each one. He seemed to care about Connor.

"We should probably move into the room so it appears we are doing what tradition mandates." He definitely wasn't against sleeping with the king, not after finding out how kind and respectful he was, but he wasn't going to do it. Not tonight at least.

The two pass the time almost silently unless Connor comes up with a question, and each one Elijah answers easily. When enough time has passed Elijah leaves for his own room and Connor undresses, curling up on the bed.

He's awoken by the sunlight streaming into the room and the sound of someone moving around. He lets himself stay there for a minute longer before slowly sitting up.

A woman with hair pulled into a braid moves around the room almost completely silently. She glances over when Connor sits up and grins at him. "Morning Princey. I was worried I'd have to wake you myself. Alright, let's get you a bath and into some clothes for breakfast. The king said you'd be joining this morning."

Connor stares at her for a second, a bit shocked at the informality, not that he hated it. It was simply shocking to see a servant to bold and open without Connor having to coax them out of their shells. "Yes, thank you, what's your name?"

"Northidianla, but just call me North. Apparently, mom got a bit excited with my name." She shrugs and tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"That's a wonderful name, you can call me Connor if you want, I don't mind." He swung his legs over the bed and slowly stood, stretching out his body. The trip to Elijah's kingdom had been long and he hadn't realized how much he missed sleeping in a nice warm bed.

"Thank fuck, nice to meet you, Connor. Glad you're not a stuck up prick at the king's brother. I swear I've come this close to punching him in his smug face." North moves over to Connor's private bathroom and checks over the steaming bath, pouring in a few salts.

Connor snorted and shook his head. "I know how that is, my twin–Sixetier–can drive me crazy. It might just be a sibling thing." Not that he didn't love his twin, he was close with all his siblings, but they didn't always get along.

North hummed and walked back over, all but dragging Connor to the bath. "You don't seem like the type, but need me to undress you?"

Connor quickly shook his head, pulling his shirt off and handing it to North who whistled softly. "Damn, king got a good one. Glad you're not a giant baby about changing too. I think you'll fit in well here."

Connor pulled off the rest of his clothes and sunk into the hot bath, the heat already easing his tense muscles. He gave a low hum and sunk deeper into the water, eyes fluttering closed.

North moved to the main room and checked it over, making the bed with quick practiced ease. Then she moved to the wardrobe and looked it over, scoffing at what little he brought. "We're gonna need to get you some new clothes. It gets cold as hell here in the winter. We can keep the style of your kingdom in it if you want." North pulled out an outfit she found fit and walked over, laying them down for Connor to change into once he was ready.

He didn't linger too long in the bath, wanting to not be late for his first breakfast here. He had arrived too late into the night to have had dinner so this would be his first meal in his new home. "That would be nice, but not absolutely necessary if it's too hard. I should probably start wearing the current fashion here."

He stood up and North handed him a towel, letting him dry off himself and pull on his own clothes. North looked him over, making sure everything was in place before giving him a nod of approval. "Alright, you're ready to go. One of the knights will show you to breakfast and I'll see you later!"

Connor nodded and gave her a slight bow. "Thank you, North. You have been absolutely wonderful."

North waved him off but gave a curtsey out of habit. "Yeah, whatever. Have fun at breakfast pretty boy."

With that, she ushered him out of the room and almost right into who he assumed was the knight meant to escort him. "Ah! Sorry." Connor mumbled, taking a step back.

The knight, a larger man with gray hair pulled back, gave a small nod. "No problem, your highness. You ok? North can be a bit much."

He heard a faint hey from behind the closed doors and chuckled. "She's wonderful, I'm fine, but thank you…"

"Sir Hank Anderson, your highness." The knight moved to the side and motioned for Connor to follow, which he gladly did.

"You may call me Connor, I don't need the titles. Is everyone at breakfast yet?" He really hoped he wouldn't be the last person there.

The knight chuckled and shook his head. "A few of the women always come in slightly late, don't worry. Chloe will definitely be there and want to say hello. We've all been pretty excited to meet you. We've heard plenty of your kingdom and you are the first man to be married."

Connor nodded and kept his posture perfect as always even if he wanted to run his hands along to the wall, just to see if it felt the same as his old home. "It was a bit shocking for me as well, but it's an honor to be here."

Sir Anderson glanced at him before smiling just slightly. "Well, you already got the North stamp of approval, so I think you're good to go. Alright, so we're here. If you need anything just shout."

Connor looked at the two large closed doors, taking a deep breath. He'd meet the wives and hopefully, they wouldn't hate him or see him as a threat. He just wanted to live as peacefully as possible.

"Hey, son, it's alright. The king won't let anything happen to you, and neither will I. You'll be sitting beside the king today then you'll sit wherever you want after. You got this." Sir Anderson patted him on the shoulder.

Connor let himself be comforted before giving a nod and the servants opened the doors. He walked in and looked at the long table. Elijah sat at the head, with the blonde woman who must be Chloe at his right side. At least fifty other women sat at the table and chatted amongst themselves, a few chairs missing their occupants. They all looked up when Connor came in, but his eyes stayed on the king.

He stood up, as did Chloe and they both walked over. Chloe did look like a very sweet woman and gave Connor a low curtsey. The king bowed his head and Connor was quick to return it but deeper.

"My prince, how did you sleep?" Elijah asked, reaching out to kiss Connor's knuckles again.

"Very well, thank you. And you?" He asked, glancing at both of them.

Chloe tilted her head before realization shined in her eyes. What she realized, Connor had no idea. "I slept wonderfully. Is the room to your satisfaction? We can change or add anything you'd like."

"Oh, it's absolutely marvelous, thank you. I must admit, the bed far exceeded the one I had back at my ho-uh." His eyes went wide slightly before Chloe quickly reached out, placing a soft, warm hand on his cheek.

"It's alright, that was your home. We can't judge you for that. Speak your mind, here." Chloe moved her hand back and linked her arm with the king's.

The king nodded quickly, smiling just slightly at the two. "It is true, you may speak freely here. Shall we sit? Breakfast will be served soon."

Connor nodded and followed the two, the king pulling out Connor's chair for him. Connor's eyes went wide at the gesture but sat down and silently watched as the other two sat.

The other woman gave him warm smiles, a few waved but most went back to the conversations they had before Connor interrupted. The women all were different, some clearly from different countries while others appeared to be natives. Some were slim while others were bigger, one was even in a wheelchair. Elijah didn't seem to have a type and didn't even appear to care for the outward beauty of the woman. He also knew at least two weren't of noble blood, just woman Elijah had fallen in love with.

"So, Connor, how has the palace treated you so far?" Elijah asked, leaning forward just slightly closer to Connor.

"Oh, wonderful. The staff is incredible and North is very… kind." If everyone in the palace was like this then there really was nothing to worry about. He'd need to send a few letters to his brothers soon, even to just let them know he arrived safely.

Chloe snorts but covers it up with a polite cough. "That's one way to describe her. Feisty, spunky, fearless, and stubborn also describe her. She came from my kingdom, along with my handmaid and myself."

Connor chuckled and felt shame until Elijah laughed along too, eyes shining. "That she is, but I'm glad. Everyone here has been so wonderful and open. My mother preferred her servants and help to be silent and efficient."

It was freeing being able to talk about her without fear of someone hearing, of his dislike getting back to her. Elijah frowned slightly and Connor shrunk back. Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything, did this show he could be disloyal? He never betrayed his mother and never would, but perhaps the king thought he would.

"Yes, I've met the woman. We are close in trades and have an alliance as you know. She was a kinder woman when I was a child, I'm sad to say the death of her husband and frozen, and hardened her heart."

Connor nodded and fiddled with the table cloth before heading his mother's scolding voice in his head. He put his hands back in his lap and sat up straight. "I'm sorry to have brought such a tense topic up on my first day, please forgive me." He gave a small nod to Chloe, Elijah, and the few around who had been listening.

Elijah waves him off easily. "As we said, speak your mind. You are family now and I will do everything to make my family happy and safe. If you wish it, you will never be around when your mother comes to visit. I had believed you were close with your brothers, but if not then the same arrangements will take place if they come."

Connor's mouth dropped open and he quickly closed it, knowing it was improper. But this was mind-blowing, having someone simply give him the chance to avoid his mother when others would force him to face her. "I am close with my brothers, but I will take that offer with my mother."

Elijah nodded and glanced at Chloe who nodded back. No doubt she'd be the one to make sure of it and keep Connor safely hidden away. "Very well, it is done."

Connor bit his lip, trying to keep the smile from breaking out across his face. Maybe this really could be home.

It turns out it was far more like a home than he ever had one. The children were all absolutely adorable and all of the wives were kind and generous. They gushed over Connor, mainly running their hands through his very curly hair.

He found himself helping with the children more than he expected and often had long conversations with Chloe, North, or Sir Anderson when given the chance.

Elijah visited him often and the two would take walks through the gardens at night and talked all through dinner. Connor had all but claimed the spot to the right of Elijah but none of the wives seemed to mind. One of them, a sprity thing had told him to get that good dick, which caused all the women around him to die of laughter. That in turn had them talking about Elijah and exactly how good that dick was.

Connor had blushed the whole time which made the wives figure out he's never had sex and Elijah did the same thing with him as he did with all of them. He let them choose to sleep with him or not.

The castle itself was beautiful, as was the kingdom and the forest close by. They were near enough to the water that they could take a vacation there once it warmed up. By now winter had fully set in and it snowed almost every day, but everyone seemed accustomed to it. He had gotten new clothes that had a mix of both kingdom's styles and Connor never felt more comfortable.

Sir Anderson, or as he insisted, Hank, had become almost fatherly to him. He had a child that had died young from sickness but now looked after all the knights and even Prince Gavin. It was a running joke with the wives that he was the dad of the castle, even scolded Elijah a few times.

He had kept in touch with all of his brothers, gushing about his new life and freedoms here. They had planned, with Elijah's approval, for the brothers to visit close to Yule when the palace held a feast. Connor was practically vibrating from excitement with each passing day, knowing he'd get to show them, his family, his home. He'd get to show them how absolutely happy he was.

When they finally arrived it was a whirlwind of activity and many of the wives had invited their own family if they didn't already live in the palace.

Elijah stayed closed in his room, but Chloe assured him this was normal. He preferred the quiet and was nervous around new people.

Connor had led his brothers to the hot spring and almost had a heart attack when he saw Elijah was already in it looking completely at peace.

Elijah glanced up when he heard them approach and smiled just slightly at Connor before glancing at the brothers. "You must be Sixetier, Markus, and Ninamir. It's an honor to finally meet you all, my prince has told me so much about you."

Ninamir raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Sixetier snickered and wiggled his eyebrows at Connor while Markus did the sensible thing and bowed. "The honor is ours, your majesty."

Elijah's eyes flickered over to Connor again who shrugged. He had tried to tell them the titles weren't necessary, but Markus was always one for respect. "I assume you'd like to come into the hot spring? I can leave if you want."

Elijah stood and Connor all but dove into the water, dropping the towel that had covered him to the ground, and placing his hands on Elijah's shoulders to keep him in place. "No! Please stay, unless you want to leave of course. But I'd be glad to have you here Eli-uh Elijah." The nickname had slipped before in private and Elijah had adored it but Connor had no idea how he'd feel in a more public setting.

Elijah stared at him for a second too long than necessary and Connor felt realization dawn on him. They were both very naked, standing very close to one another and not to mention Connor's brothers were standing right there. Fuck.

He scrambled back and ducked his head. "I'm sorry, that was inappropriate of me." He'd touched Elijah before, just fleeting small things. Nothing ever so intimate like this though. Never so close and personal. And naked.

Elijah reached out and gently took his hand, pulling him back closer. "It's alright, my prince. We are married after all and you know you may do and say as you please." He pressed a kiss to Connor's knuckles before dropping the hand but made no move to distance himself.

Connor decided he didn't want to move away either even as he glanced at his brothers. Sixetier was clearly trying to hold in his laughter while Ninamir looked bored and Markus almost looked proud. God, he was going to get so much shit for this later.

The others slowly got into the water and each let out content sighs at the warmth. It was far from the first time Connor had come here so he was more used to it, but he had to admit it was definitely one of his guilty pleasures.

He moved slightly so Elijah and he was side by side, their shoulders brushing against each other as they relaxed.

"Thank you for taking such good care of him," Markus nods to Connor. He can't help the flush but he hopes everyone assumed it was just from the heat of the water.

Elijah nods and stretches out, arm going behind Connor, his fingers just barely touching Connor's shoulder. The feeling still sends shivers down his spine and he can't help but lean closer to Elijah. He glances over and then starts caressing Connor's shoulder tenderly. "Of course, he's family now. As are you, so if you need anything, please let me know."

Markus nods his head in thanks, as do the other two brothers. It's a bit of an awkward silence but Connor could barely focus on anything other than Elijah and how close they are. It makes his heartbeat out of rhythm and his stomach twist and turns in the best way.

"So, what's it like having so many wives?"

"Six!" Connor scolds, glaring at his twin who just shrugs. Six never learned how to hold his tongue, but never got punished by mother for it, being her favorite and all.

Elijah snorts and looks to Connor, making their faces a bit too close for Connor's heart. He quickly looks away, back to his brothers who are all staring at them. "It's wonderful. They are all magnificent and kind women. I am incredibly glad to have Connor, he's more than I could ever want or imagine."

Connor ducked his head but leaned heavily on Elijah, feeling like he was warmer than the water around them. He had seen Elijah shirtless only once before but now he was pressed against his side and he was really glad his brothers were there to keep his problem down.

"Good, I would have no problem punching you in your face if Connor made any indication you treated him poorly," Ninamir said, completely straight-faced.

"Nine!" Connor glared but knew he'd do just that if need be, status be damned. He was their mother's second favorite and therefore could most likely get away with it too.

Elijah hummed slightly and tilted his head. "I'd expect nothing less, and I'd even welcome it. If I ever do anything like that, please do come visit and punch me."

"I will, as will they. But make no mistake, Connor will not hesitate to protect himself either." Connor let out a long sigh but didn't deny it. He would protect himself if need be, but he doubted he'd ever had to do that with Elijah.

"Good, like I said, I wouldn't have it any other way." Elijah slowly leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to Connor's temple. Connor's breath caught and he froze in place. They'd never kissed, only Elijah kissing his hand, but this was so different. Even Connor could see the adoration in Elijah's eyes whenever they talked or caught each other's gaze.

Yet he didn't hate it, quite the opposite actually. He wanted to get closer, to climb into Elijah's lap and see what it was really like to kiss him. But he quickly pushed that thought away, not able to meet any of his brother's eyes.

The rest of the time in the springs in calm and Connor almost falls asleep against Elijah multiple times. That is until Elijah helps him out, makes sure he's covered before picking him up bridal style and carrying him in.

Connor buries his face in Elijah's chest, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. When he's placed on a bed, he knows it isn't his. He looks around and his eyes widen. It isn't hard to know he's in Elijah's room, but it's still shocking. Why would Elijah bring him here? Why not to Connor's own room?

"Eli?" He whispers, the silence around them deafening.

"Shhh, it's ok. We aren't going to do anything you aren't ready for, but spend the night? I want to keep you close." Elijah hands over underwear and pulls on his own pair.

The bed and room, in general, is larger than Connor's, but not by much. Elijah had very little in the room, but it still felt very… Elijah.

He oddly felt more comfortable in this bed and room than his own, but it was a little awkward considering this was Elijah's. The king of the whole fucking kingdom. His husband who he never kissed. Oh god, what even was his life?

"Ok, yeah. Uh, what did you think of my brothers?" He really hoped he thought highly of them, knowing that they meant more to him than anything else.

Elijah moved around the room, going through his nightly routine probably, glancing towards Connor every now and then. "They seem like wonderful men, you have a good family. They are welcome here whenever they wish."

Connor beamed at him and sat up on the bed, crawling towards Elijah. He swung his legs off the bed's edge and leaned towards Elijah, reaching out and tapping his back.

Elijah turned and Connor reached out, pulling him down into a hug. His skin is so soft and he can practically feel the life under his hands. "Thank you, Eli." He mumbled softly, nuzzling into his neck.

Elijah seems to freeze for a second before fully embracing him. "Of course, my prince."

Connor sighed and moved back, but Elijah gently cupped his face. Connor's eyes widened and he glanced down at Elijah's lips then back up. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this, but he still craved it. He wanted to feel how soft his lips are, see how it would feel, and see how far it will go.

But Elijah leaned closer and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Relax, my prince."

Connor's eyes fluttered closed for a second and he took in a shuttering breath. How did Elijah know he wasn't ready? Connor felt strongly for him, perhaps not love, but he did care for him. More than he ever thought he'd be able to.

Elijah hums and moves to the side of the bed and Connor followed, laying down. The whole bed smelled like Elijah in the best way. He snuggled deep under the cover and watched as he got comfortable. Connor wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. Were they going to cuddle? He's never done that before but heard it was great.

Elijah turned to Connor and opened his arms. "You don't have to, but I'd like to. Just sleeping, though."

Connor instantly scooted over, resting his head on Elijah's chest, their arms wrapping around each other. Their legs tangled together and Connor understands why so many people sought this out.

He eventually breathed in time with Elijah, jerking slightly when he feels a hand softly carded through his hair. He melted immediately, letting out a soft sigh.

"Feel good?" Elijah mumbled, and Connor could only nod. He didn't want to move too much and make Eli stop. "Good. You deserve the world, my prince. Sleep now, I'll be here in the morning."

Connor nodded again and his breathing evened out.

This time he wasn't woken up by North, or any servant for that matter. He woke up in Elijah's arms and he knew he'd have to be dragged out of the bed.

He could hear Elijah's slow heartbeat and feel the slow even inhale and exhale of his lungs. He would have tried to get closer but he was pretty sure the next step would just be him laying on top of Elijah. That mental image had him chuckling softly, lifting his head to look at him.

The sun shines softly through the windows, spilling through the curtains like wine across a table. It dances across Elijah's skin and Connor's breath catches at the sight.

He slowly reached up and brushed away a few strands of hair away from Elijah's face, feeling how soft it was. He leaned over him and just looked, trying to take in how beautiful and regal Elijah could look even when sleeping and snoring softly.

"Good morning, my prince." The sudden sound of Elijah's voice had Connor yelped, moving back, but Elijah easily sat up and held him still. He chuckled softly and rubbed soft circles into Connor's waist. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Connor huffed and placed a hand over his pounding out, trying to calm down. "God, I haven't been that startled in forever."

Elijah pulls him back in closer, though it's more of a small tug with how enthusiastic Connor is to get closer. The snuggle while sitting up and Connor absentmindedly plays with Elijah's fingers.

"Have you done this with any of the others?" He wouldn't mind, Elijah was married to all of them after all. He just wanted to know if this was a normal occurrence.

Elijah thinks for a second before nodding. "Only with Chloe. If I spend the night with one of my wives then I go to them, but never like this. Never to just sleep together." The hand is back in his hair and Connor tries not to let out the sigh, but it's impossible.

He knew Elijah was closest to Chloe out of all the woman, first wife, and head one too. Connor adored the woman more than food and he understood why Elijah had married her. "She's wonderful," he mumbled.

"That she is. We should probably get to breakfast or we're going to be late." Elijah sighed and Connor groaned, pushing closer. Elijah chuckled but didn't make a move just yet. "I know, I know. A few more minutes then."

Connor grinned and let his eyes close. It was definitely longer than a few minutes when there's a soft knock at the door.

Elijah stared at the ceiling, mentally pleading for the person to go away, but when another knock sounded and gently wiggled to get out of Connor's hold. "I'm sorry, it could be important."

Connor pouted and Elijah leaned down and pressed another kiss to his forehead. Connor wasn't one to get embarrassed easily, but he still pulled the blankets up higher, trying to hide how little he was wearing.

Elijah opened the door and had a whispered conversation with someone before closing the door again. He stood there, head pressed against the door for a few seconds.

"Everything ok?" He knew the duties of a king, he knew that the news could lead to major repercussions for their kingdom.

Their. He really had found a new home in this kingdom, didn't he? He knew he'd fight for it if need be, stand up and defend not only Elijah but the people in it. He'd gotten to visit the towns nearby and the people were extraordinary. Each so unique and diverse, but so happy. It was a stark contrast to his original kingdom, but he knew once Markus took the throne that would change.

"Yes, I'm sorry for the interruption. It seems I am needed for a meeting and some surprise visitor has shown up but has kept their identity a secret." He could wear the tiredness and worry in Elijah's voice, and he ached to reach out to him.

But he wasn't sure that was his place. He knew Chloe would, but Connor wouldn't delude himself in thinking he was at that status. It was obvious to everyone how much he adored Chloe, but he also knew he had a rather big soft spot for Connor.

So he kept his hands to himself, letting the blanket fall and exposed his chest. "I see. We should both grab a breakfast though, I'm sure we've missed it by now." Elijah had been late for dinner or breakfast before but he never missed it completely. No doubt the woman would assume many things and have plenty of new gossip. Not that he hadn't enjoyed his fair share of gossip himself.

Elijah moved away from the door and to his wardrobe. "Yes, we should. Here, you can borrow my clothes. They'll be a bit short on you, but should do until you can get to your room."

Connor stretched and stood up, walking over to the wardrobe as well and looked inside. Connor wasn't surprised to see the vast amount of clothes, but that was expected of a king. What he hadn't expected was to find a few outfits of plain clothing, something slaves from his own kingdom would wear.

He decided not to ask, not yet at least. He took the outfit offered and easily pulled it on. As Elijah said, it was a bit short on him, but fit perfectly width wise. Elijah pulled on his own outfit and they took a second to look each other over, making sure everything was in place and as it should be.

Their stop by the kitchens was uneventful, but after that, they went their separate ways. Connor needed to go to his room, and Elijah had that meeting. He was still munching on an apple when he ran into her.

"Mom?" He asked, the apple dropping from his hand. The woman looked even colder now, eyes sharp and calculating. Perhaps it was time and distance that made him see how she truly was.

"That is Your Majesty, Queen Amanda Stern to you." She said in that same commanding voice. At least some things never changed.

He shrunk back and ducked into a low bow. Every lesson seemed to come back, and every time he was punished did too. "I apologize, your majesty, please forgive my careless mistake."

Amanda scoffs and seems to be scanning Connor. He's suddenly incredibly self-conscious about the short clothes and how disheveled he was, not having a bath or brushed his hair back. "You are forgiven. Now, are you trying to look like a fool, or is that the style of this kingdom."

His face burned and he couldn't do anything. His whole body trembled at the mere sight of her. "I had to borrow these clothes, your majesty. I spent the night with the king." Let her assume whatever she wanted.

She scowled and Connor didn't move from his bow. He knew he wouldn't be able to meet her eyes, not now. "I heard the king was a whore. I'm disappointed that you seem to be becoming one as well."

Anger boiled up and he snapped up, stepping forward and into her face. He could stand her insulting himself, he was used to it, grew up with it, but he would not stand for disrespect of his king. "You will not insult the king in his own home. He is an honorable man, far more honorable than you. He cares for his people and those I'm his castle. He's twice the king than you will ever be as queen."

He had expected it, but the sound of the slap rang through the hall as his cheek stung. The ring on her finger caught his lip and he hissed at the pain, no doubt it would leave a bruise. He could already feel the warmth from the blood on his lip. She always made sure to backhand him, like using the ring made it better. But he didn't flinch, he wouldn't flinch from her.

"You will not talk to me that way! You are my son and will show me respect!"

"You've never been my mother! Mothers don't hate their children when they make a small mistake. Mothers don't punish their children for being curious. And mothers never, ever beat their children so much that they flinch away when a hand is raised!"

With that he stomped past her, not waiting for her response. Once he was far enough he broke into a run, finding his room on autopilot and locking the door behind him. He sags against the door and tears at the clothes that are far too restrictive.

He gasps for breath, desperately trying to breathe over the lump in his throat that chokes him. He pulled the shirt off and sunk to the floor, eyes squeezing shut. The screaming sobs were only interrupted by his need to draw breath.

His hands trembled uncontrollably and he tried to brush away any blood but he knew he missed. Even if he opened his eyes the world would be blurry from the tears. The world turned into a blur, and so did all the sounds. The taste. The smell. Everything was just gone from his mind.

But this was long coming and felt oddly relieved having finally said what he held back all those years.

It took long minutes until he was able to take in shaky breaths, head light, and dizzy from lack of air. He clawed at his, no Elijah's, pants but made sure not to rip them. He didn't need to damage anything else.

God, he didn't even know she'd be here. She was most likely the surprise visitor that Elijah had mentioned, but it still shook him to the core.

He finally gathered himself and stood, whipping off the dirt and stepping out of the pants. He changed into something warm and comfortable before moving to the door again. He pressed his hand against it, an irrational fear that his mother would be behind that door. But that couldn't be, she wouldn't know where his bedroom was and there was no way she ran to follow him.

He unlocked it and pushed it open, looking around before stepping out. He needed to find Elijah, he had to find him. He'd keep him safe, and he'd keep his brother's safe as well.

He kept his head down as he moved through the palace towards where Elijah normally held meetings of any importance. Connor had been invited but he had declined before, now he wished he had suggested Connor joining. Then he could have avoided seeing his mother.

The guards at the doors stared at him a bit shocked, neither moving to open the doors. "Your highness, are you alright? Perhaps you should see the physician."

Connor quickly shook his head, he didn't want to go to her, he wanted Elijah. "Elijah, the king, please I have to see him."

The guards glanced at each other before nodding. "I will go get him." The guard on the left said and slipped into the room.

Connor wrapped his arms around himself and waited for what felt like hours but was only a minute.

The doors quickly opened again and he ducked his head. "Connor? Are you ok?"

He shook his head, reaching out and taking Elijah's hand. He didn't want to do this in front of the guards, so he pulled him down corridors until he found a quiet spot then finally tilted his head up.

Elijah tilted Connor's chin up to get a better look at his face and the evidence of the slap. A thumb delicately swipes away the streak of blood by Connor's mouth, saying nothing as he examined it. Connor knows he can tell he was crying. After a brief pause, Connor's heart skipped a nervous beat as Elijah looked him dead in the eyes. His voice is quiet and tense, his anger barely restrained.

“Who did this to you?”

Connor whimpered and the tears slowly came back. He should be stronger than this, he had gotten so much worse before, not that she ever left a permanent mark. No, she made sure there would never be a scar to prove what she'd done. "Amanda."

The word seemed to echo around the room and Elijah's eyes widened. He doesn't have time to react before he's being pulled into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry, my prince. I should have checked to see who the guest visitor was. I will make this right."

Connor nods and buried his face in Elijah's shoulder, his body trembling. He didn't want to leave. It felt as if when he was in Elijah's arms all his pain went away. If he could only stay in his arms forever, safe from the world's harmful people. Safe from his mother.

"I'm going to bring you to Chloe, then I am going to deal with Amanda, ok? After that, I'll come right back and we can do whatever you want, even if it's just this." Elijah mumbled, slowly stroking his back.

Connor held tighter, not ready to let go just yet. He wasn't ready to face the rest of the world or deal with the servants and guards staring at him. He knew they meant well, everyone did here, he knew they just wanted to protect him and help, but he didn't have the energy. He barely had the energy to even talk aloud.

Elijah held him until Connor pulled away. "My Prince, are you ok?"

Connor nodded and wiped at his face, trying to rid any evidence he had been crying. "Yes, I'm sorry about this. Can you walk me to Chloe? I don't really want to be alone."

"Of course, you won't ever have to be alone if you don't want to." Elijah placed a hand on the small of his back and started slowly leading to where Chloe most likely is.

They go to the parlor where Chloe likes to sit during any extra free time. Elijah knocked and waited for Chloe to answer the door. It was oddly charming knowing Elijah wouldn't go into the room without her permission.

She glanced at Elijah before her eyes landed on Connor and widened. "Shit!" Huh, that was the first time he heard Chloe curse. She reached out and gently cradled his face, brushing over his lip just like Elijah had done. "What the hell happened Elijah Kamski?" She snapped, glaring at him.

Elijah seemed to shrink back slightly and ducked his head in guilt. "His mother was the surprise visitor and I had no idea. He ran into her alone I'm assuming."

Connor nodded, before gently patting Chloe's hand. "It's not his fault, no one could have known. Um, but he's supposed to drop me off with you and then go deal with her." His voice was hoarse from all the crying but he still managed to get it out almost perfectly.

Chloe frowns but released his face, giving one last glare to Elijah before pulling him into the room and shutting the door. "Alright, I've got some stuff in here to clean that up a bit." She gently led him to a plush couch and sat him down before going to a cabinet.

She came back over and sapped something on a cloth before patting his lip. He hissed and pulled back at the sudden stinging sensation. "It's ok, I just have to clean it and you'll be good."

"Do you know what Elijah is going to do?" He asked before Chloe started cleaning his busted lip again. She was incredibly gentle but the hand holding him in place was firm.

She frowned and shook his head before pausing. "I'm not sure, but hopefully nothing stupid. I'm sure she'll never be allowed here again, but I have a feeling it's going to be more than that."

She pulled his chin down and he opened his mouth letting her clean the blood there too. It was a big cut, but it wasn't too bad. He's had far worse. "I don't want him to hurt her." It came out odd with not being able to close his mouth, but Chloe seemed to understand.

She pulled back and found an ointment, getting some on her fingers and gently applying it. "He won't hurt her physically, but… Connor, you need to understand. It's not my place to say but I've never seen him so angry before. He cares about you and will literally do anything. I know you two haven't done that, and I'm not suggesting you should. But he's told me he doesn't know if you feel the same way. If you don't that's fine, but it would be better to just tell him it won't ever happen than let him hope. He won't treat you any differently."

She let go of him and wiped her hands on her beautiful dress, packing up the supplies, and putting them back away.

Connor sat there completely still. He knew he could easily see that Elijah cared for him. To what point he couldn't say, it may even be love. But did Connor love him back? He knew he couldn't imagine being married off to anyone else. He wanted to stay here and he wanted to wake up with him every morning if he could.

When he was scared he ran to him, only thought of him. He was safe and warm and felt right. He felt like a home should. He felt….

He felt like love.

His breath caught and his eyes widened at the realization. He loved him. It shouldn't be so surprising, he was married to the man after all. But he loved him so much it hurt. "Oh shit."

Chloe chuckled and ungracefully–or as ungracefully as she could–fell onto the couch beside him, leaning into him. "There you go. Took you long enough."

Connor sighed and let himself lean into her just as much. God, Chloe was absolutely wonderful. He'd die for her if need be. "How did I not realize it?"

She shrugged and took his hand, her's far smaller than his own. "It took me a few months to figure it out too. I was a quadruplet, and my father and I were close but it was my duty to marry someone. I didn't want to fall in love, but he's just…" she trailed off and Connor smiled. "You understand."

Connor nodded and wiggled his fingers playfully. "Yeah, I do. Though I need you to know, I don't want to replace you." He leaned back so he can see her face, hoping she knew how honest he was being.

She looked up at him and smiled, eyes kinder than they ever had to be. "I know, but he can have both a head wife and husband, you know. He's good at making sure all of us are happy and get as much attention as we need."

He sighed, not realizing how much he needed to get her approval. He leaned back onto her and they sat there, her gently brushing his thumb over his hand.

"So, you too spent the night together, huh?" Chloe said, breaking the silence.

Connor groaned and used his free hand to cover his face. "We only slept! We, um, almost kissed but we didn't. It was really nice though."

She chuckled and gently pushed him a bit. "Yeah, he's strangely really comfortable to snuggle with, but so are you so don't fucking move. Oh, maybe we can all cuddle together at some point, that would be nice."

Connor hummed, nodding his head slightly. "Yeah, I'd like that. You're comfortable too, by the way. Though, that's one big ass dress." He poked at it but she quickly swatted his hand away.

"Yeah, I like wearing them. Though I often wear pants and a shirt when outside so it doesn't get in the way." He had noticed that and appreciated that she wasn't restricted to just dresses like women of standing were in his old kingdom.

"Oh, you definitely look good in both, but makes getting close a bit harder." He'd seen her riding horses in both types of outfits and was always impressed. He was impressed almost all the time with her, though.

She wiggled slightly and managed to get Connor's head in her lap and his legs hanging off the side of the couch. Ok, so the dress did make a good cushion too, he would say that. She gently carded a hand through his hair, humming softly. It wasn't a song he instantly recognized but it was very beautiful.

He was dozing off when he heard a soft knock at the door but Chloe kept her hand in his hair.

"Come in." She called out, glancing back at the door. Connor had a feeling he knew who it was but didn't get up yet. He doubted Chloe would even let him. "I hope you have good news. If not you may leave."

Damn, if it was Elijah he was once again impressed. But he knew her opinion meant so much to Elijah and he also knew she was protective of him. Maybe she could tell he wasn't ready for any bad news today.

"I believe it is good news, but that is up to him. May we talk?" Elijah asked and Chloe nodded, pulling her hand away.

"Only if you want to." She whispered to him. He sat up and took her hand, pressing a kiss to it before letting go. "Would you like me to stay in here or give you some space?"

"Stay, please." That was all it took for her to nod. Nothing could make her move now, only Connor say-so.

Elijah glanced around, almost seeming unsure of where he can sit in this room. Which was oddly endearing. "May I?" He motioned to a small chair and Chloe nodded. He pulled it closer, the chairs scraping across the hardwood floors.

"Connor, I have some important news that may be a bit shocking," Elijah says, reaching out and taking his hand. "Are you prepared to hear it?"

Connor swallowed and nodded. He had to be strong enough for whatever news Elijah had for him. It was his duty as a prince and now as the husband to a king. "Tell me."

Elijah licked his lips and glanced down at their hands for a second. "Amanda has… decided to step down, and your brother, Markus will be taking over."

He stared at Elijah, his mind not fully processing what he had just said. His mother, the most strong-willed, stubborn woman he knew, would never ever step down. "How?" He whispered, brows furrowing.

"I don't think-" Elijah starts and Connor quickly cuts him off.

"No! No, I deserve to know, Elijah tell me what you did." He demands, snatching his hand back. Chloe frowns, glancing between the two.

Connor can see Elijah fighting with himself before he nods. "I told her that she will never lay a hand on you again and that she will step down as she doesn't deserve to be queen. I told her that if she not I would find a way to get to her, whether it was war or some other means."

Oh fuck. Elijah had plenty of things he could threaten her with, including pulling back on their trades which would leave her kingdom spiraling. But war? He knew Elijah's kingdom was powerful, powerful enough they very rarely got attacked.

"You made… you made her step down? She actually, there's no way. She'll try to control Makes." He ran his hands through his hair, leaning on his elbows. How had all of this happened? How had he fallen in love with a man that had the power to make Amanda step down?

He was so relieved, but the guilt was just as strong. He had caused this. If he had just taken the hit, if he had been the child Amanda wanted him to be, none of this would have happened. This was all his fault.

"I have doubt he will let that happen and neither will any of your other brothers. She won't have any power anymore, but she will still be safe and well taken care of." Elijah assured him, reaching out once again.

Instead of taking the hand, he launched himself off the couch and right into Elijah's lap, hugging him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you." He mumbled. He could feel that same knot in his throat but it seemed his body had run out of tears to shed.  

Elijah seemed shocked but then quickly hugged back, pulling him even closer. "Shhh, baby, it's ok. You're safe." A hand reached up and gently stroked through Connor's hair.

He melted into it, nuzzling into Elijah's neck. His scent is strong and warm, completely welcoming. His breathing was shaky, but then he started laughing softly. "Thank you! Oh my god, thank you."

He leaned back and took Elijah's face in his hands, thumb brushing over his bottom lip. He wanted to kiss him and so much more. He knew Elijah wanted the same thing and Connor was now shaking for a whole other reason.

"Would you like to stay?" Elijah's voice had Connor jumping and face flushing a deep red. Shit, right Chloe was still here.

Connor isn't opposed if he was honest. But he didn't open his mouth, still staring at Elijah with want clear in his eyes.

"No, but maybe another time. This is his first, take good care of him." Chloe said, standing up. She moved over and placed a kiss to Elijah's cheek and then to Connor's.

Connor smiled up at her, glad she understood the situation. He was slightly embarrassed that she knew this was his first. She gave him a small wink then left the room.

"Perhaps we should move to one of our rooms first? I'm not saying no, actually it's a very strong, yes, but this is your first am I correct?" Elijah asked, running a hand up and down Connor's back. "And I don't want to do this just because of your mother."

Connor scowled but pushed closer. "It will be my first, everything. The bedroom does sound good, and this is not about her. Yes, it helped a lot, but I want this and I want you. Elijah I… I love you." He stares him down and sees the shock and then pure love on his face.

Elijah leans up and gently brushed their lips against each other. Connor's eyes fluttered closed and he sinks into it, sighing out softly. It was soft and tentative as they rode out the moment of vulnerability without words. When Connor pulled back, he didn’t go far, resting his forehead against Elijah's.

Then Connor eagerly pressed forward, needing more. Connor moaned into Elijah's mouth, hand sliding up to tangle in his hair. Their lips moved messily but everything about that moment was perfect to them. Elijah broke the kiss to take a breath, before surging forward again to kiss Connor desperately. Connor was clumsy but learned quickly.

"Bedroom," Elijah growled out and picked Connor up. He let out a soft squeak and wrapped his legs and arms around him. He was a bit impressed that Elijah could easily hold him up, but not shocked as he had seen how strong he was in the hot springs. He had felt how toned his muscles were even if they weren't super obvious.

Elijah carried him to his bedroom and Connor was glad to be back. He loved his own room, but there was something about Elijah's that felt right.

Elijah gently set him down on the bed, a knee between Connor's thighs.

“Connor,” Elijah gasped, moaning when the other man's hand moved to rest on the bulge in his jeans.

“Is this okay?” Connor asked between sloppy kisses. He didn’t know what he was doing, he just wanted to make Elijah feel good.

Elijah hummed. “Yeah, so good.” When Connor's hand rubbed him through his pants, Elijah's hand went in Connor's hair, tugging slightly and making him moan.

Connor's face flushed at the noises he made, trying to duck his head. Elijah hummed and gently tilted his head back up. "You don't have to be shy, baby. I like your noises, wanted to hear them for so long."

Connor whined and his hands slid up, gently holding Elijah by his waist as he stared up at him. "I love you." He mumbled and Elijah smiled softly at him.

"I love you too. I'm going to take this slowly, ok? You're going to tell me when to stop or slow down and I swear I'll listen." Elijah gently pushed him down flat into the bed, hovering over him. "I'm glad to be your first, to give this to you."

Connor reached up and splayed his hands on Elijah's chest, feeling his racing heart under his hands. "I'm glad it's you too. I know you'll be so good to me."

He could tell Elijah was beyond excited, but he had a feeling it was also due to this all being new to Connor. Connor himself found it thrilling, having thought about how this would actually be for so long.

Elijah kissed him softly, smiling into it. "I'll do my best. I want you to feel good."

Connor sighed and tilted his head slightly when Elijah trailed hot kisses down his jaw and throat. It felt so good, better than he thought it would. His breath caught when Elijah sucked on the skin, then nipped it slightly. He could only breathe out after Elijah had licked it over and moved down.

Elijah's deft fingers worked on Connor's shirt, getting the first layer unbuttoned and pulled off before grabbing the undershirt and pulling that off as well.

Connor shivered and turned his head away. He knew he was a bit skinny, but he did have muscles. He wasn't ashamed of his body, but he felt like his whole body was on fire.

Warm hands smoothed over Connor, not missing any bit of soft skin. "So beautiful, you're so pretty, Connor."

Connor bit his lip, arching into the touch. "Elijah, please!" He whimpered, looking back to Elijah. To look on the man's face was pure awe and adoration, completely captivated by the sight below him.

"Hmm, it's ok baby, just be patient. Can I take off your pants?" Elijah asks and Connor nods instantly. His own pants were tight from his want. Elijah gently tugged them down and ran his hands up Connor's thighs. "You excited?"

Connor nodded again, hoping Elijah would touch him. Instead, he ducked down and gently placed kisses on the inside of his thigh. "Ah! Fuck, Eli please!" He wiggled slightly and Elijah brought his hands up to hold his legs open.

He trailed kisses up so close but never close enough. Connor has no doubt he'll have marks all over him come morning. He hoped to leave just as many on Elijah.

"My beautiful prince, what do you want?" Elijah asks, looking up at Connor.

His brain couldn't keep up with so much, so he mouthed words he didn't know he was trying to say. "You!" He finally managed to get out.

Elijah nodded and moved up again to kiss him, running a hand through Connor's hair as he did. Connor slid a hand down Elijah's neck to touch a thumb against his fluttering pulse, smiling into the kiss.

Connor retaliated by getting Elijah's belt open and his fly undone so he could palm unabashedly at Elijah's ass. He got his hands down the back of Elijah's pants, grinning at the stuttered exhale Elijah gave him.

They both moaned at the same time before having to pull back and laugh. Connor's hands went back up, to hold Elijah around his waist, eyes shining with happiness. Neither was sure why that had been so funny, but they couldn't stop laughing and Elijah kept pressing quick kisses all over Connor's face.

"Elijah!" He giggled, trying to duck his head but it only gets him more kisses and Elijah's hands to run up and down his sides making him squirm even more. "Oh god! Stop! Eli!" He squealed and thankfully the tickling stopped.

"I love you," Elijah said, smiling down at Connor who couldn't help but beam back.

"I love you too." He reached up and gently brushed away the hairs that had fallen out of Elijah's bun.

Elijah surged forward, crushing his lips to Connor's and pressing him back against the bed. Elijah tugs Connor's head back, using Connor's gasp to slip his tongue into his mouth. The kiss is wet and dirty and perfect, infinitely hotter than anything Connor had imagined.

He holds Elijah in place and starts slowly circling his hips against Elijah's, the drag of his cock through Elijah's underwear sending shocks of pleasure through Elijah's body. Connor's own hips tremble slightly but he keeps going, throwing his head back when he can only move his mouth to plead for more.

Elijah pulls back to get rid of the rest of the clothes, throwing them off to the side. They can deal with rumpled clothing later.

Elijah wraps a hand around Connor's cock, thick and wet at the tip.

“Fuck,” Connor gasps and shudders. “Elijah!”

“Fucking gorgeous,” Elijah praises, jerking Connor soft and slow just to feel him, not nearly enough friction to get him off. “Can’t wait to be in you.”

Connor frantically nodded, hips bucking up into Elijah's hand. "Yes! Please, please Eli, I want you now."

Elijah hummed and reached down between them, gathering some precome and using it to slick his finger up before very slowly sliding it in.

"Ah, shit!" Connor cursed, gritting his teeth. It hurt in an odd way, but he didn't mind. Apparently, Elijah was concerned enough that he froze.

"Is this ok? Maybe we can do it the other way first if that's better." Elijah offered, pressing a kiss to Connor's temple.

Connor took in a shaky break before shaking his head. He wanted it this way, and he knew at first it would be painful. "No, no it's ok. Keep going." He wiggled his hips just to show Elijah how willing and ready he was.

Elijah let out this little moan himself, letting his eyes flutter closed. “Do you have any idea how hard this is making me?” he muttered.

Connor bit his lip and looked down between them, mouth watering at the beautiful sight. "Fuck! Please, please hurry up!"

Elijah chuckled and continued to stretch him slowly, savory each little whine and whimper it got out of Connor.

Once Elijah thought he was stretched enough he slowly pulled his fingers out, running a hand on Connor's thigh soothingly.

“Is this okay?” He rubbed his length between Connor's ass cheeks.

“Y-yes,” sputtered Connor because the ridge of the head of Elijah's dick was rubbing against his asshole and it felt so good yet so unsatisfying at the same time. "Please, more!" He sounds like a broken record, but he couldn't care less, he wanted Elijah inside him already.

"Ok, let me know if you need to stop." Elijah leans down and kisses Connor to distract him from the pain of him slowly sliding in.

Fuck, it hurts. But damn if it doesn't send his mind reeling at what Elijah is doing to him, what Connor is letting him do. The smell of sweat and musk is utterly intoxicating, the low groans of his name rendering him half-delirious. He closes his eyes in embarrassment even as he spreads his legs wider, a wordless encouragement.

"Shh, baby. I've got you, it's ok. You look so beautiful, can I see those beautiful eyes of yours?" Elijah asks once he's completely in. They are both panting, gasping for air to fill their desperate lungs.

Connor whimpered and opened his eyes, they were slightly red from the held-back tears.

Elijah gently cups his face, brushing over the hot skin. "There we go. Tell me when you're ready for me to move, ok? Take all the time you need." He laced their hands together, Connor still gripping the sheets with his other.

Slowly the pain eased and is quickly replaced with lust and need. He wiggled his hips experimentally and let out a strangled moan. "Move, you can move now."

His shyness seems to melt away as Elijah started to rock his hips. He took it slow at first, each pull had Connor's toes curling and his back arching before he's pushed back down into the bed.

"Elijah!" He pleaded, trying to rock his hips in time. "Go faster, please I can take it." He could, he could take it all.

Elijah grunted and lifted Connor's hips up, making Connor wrap his legs around him as he slid out and slammed back in. The force of Elijah's hips jostles him, his cock leaking onto his stomach at the roughness.

"Yes!" He shouted, taking Elijah's hand again and biting his lip to try not to be so loud.

"There we go, come on baby, let you. It's ok, my prince." Elijah said, napping his hips forward again and again.

He has never wanted anything so fiercely before that moment. He clenches tight, muscles tightened down on the cock inside him, and he enjoys the stutter of Elijah's hips. The sticky warmth spread across his stomach and chest, a silent scream leaving his lips.

Elijah keeps going, his thrusts becoming irregular and shaky until Connor can feel he's going to come. "I love you, my king," Connor says, reaching up and gently holding Elijah's face, mind hazy but still somehow on fire from the overstimulation.

It's an odd feeling, but one he gladly welcomed. A few more pointed thrusts, wet and easy with release, and Elijah pulled his spent cock out. "So beautiful. I love you, baby."

Connor smiled and pulled Elijah down, snuggling close to him. He doesn't care about the drying mess on or in him. "I love you too."

"I'm glad I was your first, that I got to give you this. You felt so good, so perfect around me." Elijah mumbled, pressing lazy kisses over Connor's skin and lips.

Connor knows he's flushed not just from the sex, but from Elijah's words. He didn't feel dirty like so many maids giggled about. He felt oddly clean and loved, he felt so warm. Even when he shifted and felt some of the come leak out he didn't find himself dirty. "I love you so much. I've thought about this for so long, wondered what it would feel like. Knowing that I'm yours." He was, he was gladly Elijah's and he'd show it to everyone if he had to. Show them how much they loved each other.

"Mine, so beautiful and mine." Elijah grinned and Connor tilted his head up to press another slow kiss to Elijah's waiting lips.

He would definitely do this again, and maybe in the future, they'd even include Chloe, but for now, he laid here in Elijah's arms.

"I love you." He mumbled, eyes closing. He was far sleeper than he expected. But after crying and all the emotions his body and mind were both tired. He couldn't seem to stop saying it either, but thankfully neither did Elijah.

"I love you too."

[laurelsofhighever]

The Falcon and the Rose Ch. 66 - The Promise of Spring

Chapter Rating: Mature Chapter Warnings: Gore, Dismemberment Relationships: Alistair/Female Cousland Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Fereldan Civil War AU - No Blight, Romance, Angst, Action/Adventure, Eventual Smut, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Fereldan Culture and Customs, Cousland Feels, Canonical Character Death, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Read it on AO3

--

First day of Wintermarch, 9:32 Dragon, First Day

Dim, early morning light seeped through the curtains in Rosslyn’s room. Her windows faced east and north, over the sea, and for years her mornings had been spent hiding from the sun to catch a few more hours of sleep before the inevitable start to the castle’s day, but on this morning, the first peek of dawn did not bother her. She was already awake, if barely, warm under the covers and content. Alistair lay beside her, sharing her pillow, his legs tangled with hers, running gentle caresses along her arms and back with the tips of his fingers.

“I should go,” he told her, breaking into a yawn.

She nudged forwards, brushing a slow touch over his collarbone. “Just a little longer.”

“I’ll be missed,” he warned. “And then I won’t be ready in time. And neither will you.”

“You’ll be cold if you leave,” she pointed out, with a pout.

“I’ll just have to keep myself warm thinking of you.”

Still not quite awake enough to laugh properly, Rosslyn sighed, and leaned into the soft touch along the side of her face before wriggling closer to rest her forehead against his.

“You know, this wouldn’t be such a problem if you married me.”

Her smile widened. “Hush with your logic.”

The subject had become something of a joke between them, moments of levity strung out like beads on a necklace that started when she had airily asked if she could expect him to steal the last pastry at breakfast every morning of their lives. Since then, they had discussed so many things, from the inane to the serious, what colour they should use to monogram the egg-cups and whether it would be better to live in Denerim with the king, or in Highever where they could help Fergus rebuild.

She leaned into him now with a slow press of her lips against his, the gentle hitch of her leg over his waist, a quiet hum when his palm graced her thigh.

“Are you sure you’re not a little bit tempted to stay?” she asked, with her fingers carded in his hair.

“I know what this is,” he replied. His expression remained soft, but worry pulled at the corners of his eyes and she found herself wanting to hide away in the safety of his shoulder. “I won’t ask if you’re sure –”

“I am.”

“And I’ll be beside you for every step of today,” he promised. “And after that, it’ll be over.”

“But they’ll still be gone,” she mumbled. “Is it strange, that after all this time it still feels like a little part of me was hoping that… that they’d just spring back into being?”

Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Alistair shook his head. “When my mother died, they wouldn’t let me see her.”

She held herself closer; he talked so rarely about his childhood.

“For months I wouldn’t believe she was dead, I kept insisting that she was travelling no matter what anyone told me. I grew out of it eventually, I guess, but it’s hard, not getting closure like that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he answered. Their hands found each other and laced together. “I wish I could do more to stop you hurting – but I’m not staying!” he amended quickly, as one fine eyebrow arched.

“Worth a try,” she teased.

“You’re incorrigible.” He scooted across to kiss her. “And I have to go before your maid comes in and scolds me.”

She huffed good-naturedly against his mouth. “Fine. If you must.”

“My lady is so gracious.”

He brushed one last kiss over her lips and rolled over to wriggle out from under the covers, careful to avoid opening their space to any chill inrush of air. As he winced along the cold boards retrieving his clothes so haphazardly discarded the night before, she stretched under the blankets and watched him, and when he reached the door still shrugging his jerkin onto his shoulders, he glanced over at her and his smile might have melted the winter around them.

“I’ll see you soon,” he said.

“I love you.”

--

Three hours later, she stood on the headland outside the city on a flat spur of rock that lifted itself above the tide line, protected from the buffet of the wind by layers of leather and quilted samite, and a hood of thick fur that tickled her cheek with every gust. The sky over the sea had darkened with the burgeoning threat of a storm, an occasional flash of lightning behind the charcoal smudge of heavy rain, and it stirred a bitter tang of damp wood and rotting seaweed in the back of her throat.

The journey down from the castle had begun with the usual chaos of the season, the celebration for the turning point of the year that came with shouts and coloured streamers and a turfing out of old things, and with Alistair and Fergus at her side she had led Highever’s population to a cove rimmed with greyish sand and flat, smooth boulders poking out of the shingle in the low tide, topped with limpets and serpent-green seaweed. A single column of rock rose out of the surf among its smaller brethren, its uneven face stained with rust from the ancient iron rings riveted to it at half the height of a human, a landmark that had once been nothing more than one of many eroded sea stacks along the teyrnir’s coast, but which had been pressed into service generations ago for moments just such as these.

As a crowd gathered on the dunes around her to watch, guards in Laurel blue marched to the cage drawn behind their carriage and hauled Howe from the floor before dragging him to where she waited with the others. He was filthy. The people they had passed in the streets had thrown ash over him from the dead fires of the previous year, but the grey streaks over his skin did little to hide the way it sagged, the stains on the cloth and the lank hair, the sores at his wrists and ankles where the cuffs had cut too deep. The guards gripped him by the elbows as Rosslyn stepped forward to address the crowd, and it was only in part to make sure he didn’t try to escape.

“The year past has been hard on us all,” she called to the people, in a voice lacking the wobble it had carried that faint, faraway day on Harrowhill when she ordered the retreat. “We have lost, and we have mourned, but we have also survived to stand in defiance of those who would have trodden us into the mud.” Rapt silence met her words. “We have much to rebuild, but today is a day of celebration, a day of hope, and a day of justice for those who have done us wrong.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and drew the Rose’s Thorn form its sheath.

“Maker spit on you,” Howe snarled as she approached. “I deserved more.”

“I agree.”

One of the guards fisted his hand in Howe’s hair to keep his head still. He struggled nonetheless, but she paid him no mind as she drew the tip of her blade along the crest of each sallow cheek, deep enough for a line of blood to well and mix with the coating of ash, but not deep enough for true disfigurement.

“After today, you will be forgotten, your name never spoken, and your bones left to rot in the depths of the sea,” she told him in an undertone. “You had best hope the cold takes you before the sea drakes catch your scent.”

At that, what little defiance was left in his eyes drained away. He had been present to witness her father dispose of the Orlesian duke who had stolen the Cousland seat and treated the people like amusements, had seen first-hand the old punishment brought into new use, the ritual that was both catharsis and warning for those left standing on the shore. Perhaps Howe had thought she would lack the spleen to use it.

She let her gaze slide past him and turned back to the crowd. Her voice, raised from the stomach as Aldous had taught her, reverberated from the circling dunes so that it had an almost magical power. “Now, as for generations, we send the ashes of our past griefs into the sea, to be cleansed so that the world may be renewed.”

A small wave of her hand, and the guards shoved Howe along the causeway, beyond the stretch of the sand and the maze of boulders to the spire already being licked with the first waves of the incoming tide. One held him in place while the other passed chains through the central ring, then fastened the ends around each of his wrists. He would have enough slack to move, to pace if he wanted, but not so much that he would be able to keep his head above the water – if he kept his head at all. The people watched in silence as the guards returned to stand with the rest of the Cousland escort, and even the storm itself seemed to pause, as if waiting to see what happened next.

“What now?” Alistair asked in her ear. Officially, he had come as the king’s representative, to see justice done, but his presence at her back steadied her even if the method of execution wasn’t to his liking.

“We wait.”

The water rose slowly. It undulated in and away, creeping to cover the rocks until only little bobbing patches of seaweed marked their place and then they too disappeared, while crests of white foam lapped at first the shingle then the sand, then at Howe’s ankles where he stood chained to the spire. This was the point, the dread of the inexorable ending. Even from so far away, she could see the nervous darts of his head as his eyes scanned the water, his start as the first spines broke the surface. On his other side, a narrow draconic head smooth with grey-blue scales lifted from the waves with a plume of spray from its nostrils, its head turning this way and that to regard him with large, yellow eyes, before it slipped back under the next crest and disappeared. More shadows stirred under the water, each movement becoming another half-glimpsed fin or a lightning flash of scales, attracted by the smell of blood and Howe’s splashing as he backed against the stone.

The water reached halfway up his thigh when the first sea drake hauled itself onto the causeway. Even half-submerged, it was still huge, with a thick neck and powerful shoulders, a sloped back armoured with interlocking scales that narrowed and paled down its flanks. Webbed black spines ran in a ridge down its back to a broad, paddle-shaped tail, and up to a pair of vestigial horns that crested its head like a crown. Rosslyn had only been small when she had first seen one through her mother’s glass, sunning itself on the pebbled shore of a rocky islet, but even so many years later her awe of such a creature had not diminished. Howe kicked water at it and shouted as it stalked towards him on short, stately legs, and with the air of an affronted cat the spines flared along its back, its hiss a thing of primeval menace as it dived into the swell of an incoming wave. Before Howe could celebrate his triumph, however, another drake surfaced on his other side and made a feinting snap at his knees. He drove off that one, too, but others were already closing in.

“And we just watch?” Alistair asked, trying to keep his voice steady. “How long do we stay here?”

“Until it is finished,” Fergus answered.

“This is how things are done,” Rosslyn told him, her eyes fixed on the far, struggling point. “You were right that we can’t match the suffering he caused, but it isn’t about killing him.” Her expression softened into doubt, and she turned to him. “You don’t have to stay.”

The crash of a wave drowned out Howe’s yelled curse, but not the chorus of inhuman cries that followed it. Alistair’s jaw clenched at the sound, but he reached for her hand anyway.

“I promised I would,” he said.

She had told him what was planned, waited with held breath for him to make her choose between his righteousness and justice for her people, but he had merely nodded, and followed her lead, and now the last of her worry washed away in a sigh of relief. A scream behind her brought her gaze back to Howe. The water reached almost to his chest. For a moment she saw only a patch of darkness spreading like oil over the water, and then stillness, and streams of sinuous forms moving against the current. And then the water frothed pink. Howe shrieked. His arms jerked to try and get away, the chains sparking against the rock, until with one final shudder his body fell limp, and the only movement then came from the squabble of the sea drakes over their feast.

Through it all, Rosslyn watched stony-faced, forced herself not to look away. A single tear leaked from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek, but she ignored it. For a moment, the emotion stirring beneath her ribs went unrecognised, like a call in the darkness, until her breathing eased and she realised the slow spread of peace through her limbs. The encroaching storm and the rising water swallowed up the scene before her. It would take days for the bones to be picked clean, and somehow that was enough, final enough, that a weight she had not realised she had been carrying lifted from her shoulders, and when she turned her head to face Fergus, he met her gaze with the same tired look in his eyes. When they had stood together on the steps of Castle Cousland nearly a year before, her head had been full of the stories of battle, valiant triumphs and victories over fearful opponents, but few had mentioned what came after, the emptiness when there was nobody left to fight, and nobody waiting at home to welcome the hero’s return.

She had forgotten Alistair’s hand in hers until he squeezed it lightly to get her attention. People were already starting to leave. Watching them, the slow, steady amble back to hearth and home and family to light the fires for the coming year, she sagged and let her head fall on his shoulder, accepting the quiet flow of his strength with nothing more than a sigh. Her mind drifted back over the past few weeks, to their argument and the question he had asked her. They had spent so much time together since then, sharing meals and sneaking out of each other’s beds in the mornings, small moments that would have been unthinkable to the girl who had thundered out of the barbican gates in the middle of the night at the head of an army.

“It’s getting late,” Alistair murmured as the first drops of rain pattered the rock around them.

“It’s done,” she agreed. “We should go.”

The journey back to the castle passed in silence, and more silence met them beyond the barbican. Aside from the complement of volunteers filling the duty roster, most of the guard and the servants had taken the day to visit friends or relatives after the services in the chantry. As Rosslyn descended from the carriage, her thoughts drifted to Morrence, who had found her home a wreckage of the one she knew, and who had gone with Leliana to spend time with Gideon and his brothers.

“You’re back!” Amell cried from the top of the stairs, her voice nearly blown away by the wind. “Lord Fergus needs his treatment.”

“Can it wait?” Fergus asked. “I want to walk in the gardens.”

“Your Lordship, the weather –”

“Dearest little sister, how about we take a turn together?” he interrupted.

Something in his tone reminded Rosslyn of their mother when she was determined to get her way, but she had inherited the Seawolf’s steel, too. “Are you warm enough?”

“What, under the four blankets you’ve already piled on top of my five layers?”

“I feared you wouldn’t be able to walk if I added any more,” she told him with a wry quirk of her brow.

“I’m fine,” he huffed. “You fuss worse than Nan ever did.”

Alistair delicately cleared his throat. “I’ll be in the library.”

She squeezed his fingers, mourning that she had to let them go. “I’ll see you soon.”

For an instant, his gaze lingered on her mouth, but with their company he let her go unkissed, and they parted, he up the keep steps into the warmth of the castle, and she after her brother, who was already halfway to the door in the curtain wall that led down to the uppermost terrace of the gardens. The stairs in the pass were free of ice, but the narrow corridor channelled the wind into a freezing knife that cut at any flesh not safely hidden under winter layers. The gravel paths beyond wandered as they always had between beds now devoid of their summer verdancy, as if no horrors had befallen the castle at all, with only the ragged line of the clipped rosemary hedges betraying the months of neglect.

Fergus’ cane tapped a steady rhythm along the path, keeping time with the pace of Rosslyn’s thoughts as she fidgeted with the silence. She let him lead her, distracting herself with the work that would need to be done, and hoping the sky would leave off opening long enough for her brother to say whatever was clearly on his mind.

“That was a good speech you gave today,” he said eventually, poking at a weed that had sprung up between the stones. “Are you going to take your own advice?”

“What do you mean?”

“Moving forward,” he answered. “Building a life.”

He turned off the formal walk to a path that clung to the base of the keep wall, and her step faltered. She knew where they were going.

“The war isn’t over yet.” She picked a stray bit of leaf from her glove. “There are still things to do.”

He stopped, turned. “You have a man who loves you – a good man, who’s worthy of you, as far as I can tell. Putting that off helps no one.”

“Putting what off, exactly?”

For the space of a breath, he held the challenge in her gaze, battling her will to be obstinate in the face of his prying, until he grumbled something unintelligible and lifted his eyes skyward. Whether he was cursing her or the weather was difficult to tell.

“You’ve become quite grouchy in your old age,” she remarked as they continued along the path.

An elegant glasshouse waited at the end of it, set against the northern wall of the keep and best placed for the sun and the views as the terraced levels of the garden gave way to sheer basalt cliffs. Many of the glass panes between the wrought-iron frames had broken, and dead leaves piled inside the door, but with nothing to burn or to break, the interior had been left mostly untouched. The servants must have kept the plants watered for there to still be so much greenery, but Rosslyn doubted many of Howe’s soldiers had ventured far enough into the gardens to even discover Oriana’s solar, the gift she had found waiting for her when she stepped off that final ship from Antiva.

Of course Fergus would want to spend time in this place, on this day. He was already wandering through the space, his hands brushing the leaves of the orange trees his wife had planted as the rain finally unleashed itself upon them. It clattered on the glass like a volley of ballista bolts, globs of gritty sleet that turned into a water race towards the gutter and spilled over the broken bits in the roof. He ignored the roar as the front passed over them and settled into a steadier drone against their shelter, busy instead with an overturned chair that he dusted off with the tail end of one of his blankets.

“He asked you, didn’t he?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not talking about this with you. I had enough of you all prying into my personal life years before I ever met Alistair, and it’s not going to change now. It’s between me and him. And I can’t believe you would be so hypocritical! You nearly ran away to Antiva when Mother mentioned –” Her mouth snapped shut, but too late to avoid the grief pinching at the corners of her brother’s eyes.

“Don’t deny yourself happiness out of pity for me,” he cautioned. “I lost everything except you, don’t – don’t add to that. You deserve the same joy I had. There’s –” He blinked and looked up at the rain. “There’s nothing like it, and we Couslands don’t do well when denied our passions. We mope, and you’re awful when you mope.”

Unsure of how to reply, she turned away from him and out to the raging sea. It was all well for her brother to sit and hand out advice like one of Canavan’s battle lectures but he had had nothing to lose in pursuit of Oriana; he would still have been himself. She wanted the future she saw with Alistair, that image of them curled up together in the library with the sunlight streaming through the window, but in the darkness when the nightmares woke her and only the sound of his breathing kept her panic at bay, the fear of losing him – of the husk she might become without him – became a visceral, living thing that threatened to engulf her whole. She couldn’t take the step, couldn’t make it real.

She deflected for something simpler. “What about you?”

“I’ll do my duty, as Father would have wanted,” he answered, stabbing his cane through a leaf. “And if that prince of yours ever forgets how good he has it, I’ll have to step in and remind him. Forcefully. With a sword.”

At that, she smiled. “You’re so annoying.”

“It makes up for all the years you tagged along after me, trying to keep up,” he shot back, and even stuck out his tongue.

“We used to drive Nan mad.”

“It’s a shame she worked out our scheme for stealing biscuits from the kitchen.” He sighed. “Go on in and see His Highness, before he comes out looking and thinking you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole or something. I – I want to stay here for a while.”

Alone, he didn’t say.

“And your healing session?” she asked.

“I’ll manage without it.”

The dutiful part of her worried, wanted to argue, but she remembered Deerswall, and the solitude she had looked for in the grove away from the eyes of all looking to her to lead. So she nodded, and drew her weather layers more tightly around her shoulders for the walk back to the keep.

“Don’t stay out too long,” she said, and stepped out into the rain.

[lovebug5151]

A reunion between family

So, not sure if this is completely what you wanted, but I tried my best. 

This is the Secret Santa gift for @a-little-dreamer-s-world 

@secret-sanders-sized

Well here we go. If something isn't working correctly, or if you cant read something, then @ me and ill try to fix it.

-------------------------------

Virgil groaned as he woke up in his cabin. It was a normal morning, with light streaming through his window, Remus screaming in his ear, the birds chirping, - He sighed as he sat up and grabbed Remus. Virgil pinched the back of his sleep shirt to pick him up and set him on his palm. 

“About time you woke up!” Remus chirped. “I’ve been up since the sun rose.” 

“Are you that excited about visiting town today?” Virgil laughed quietly, making Remus bounce up and down slightly. 

“YES!” Remus crowed “I need to find new stuff! New art supplies! New-“

Virgil frowned and interrupted. “Are you going to paint my kitchen again Remus? While I do love you being here, if you paint my kitchen with scenes of bloody, gorey murder again I will throw you out.”

He laughed. “Naw. I won’t do it again- At least not to your kitchen.” 

Virgil sighed and shook his head. “Whatever. I’m going to cook breakfast. Try not to break something please.” 

Remus shrugged. “I won’t break something on purpose. That’s for sure. That cast on my leg didn’t let me do anything! I couldn’t even chase that Goose outside!”

Virgil snorted in laughter before standing up. He set Remus on the shelf beside the bed before going towards the kitchen. 

Virgil's cabin was a quaint thing. It was only three rooms, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a joined kitchen and living room. He didn’t even have much in the way of keepsakes, mostly just books and things to help him if he had an anxiety attack. It was just like any other cabin out there, except that everything was giant, and that there were shelves everywhere and holes in the walls. That was so Remus could get around without Virgil carrying him. 

Virgil was just finishing cooking some bacon and eggs when Remus popped out of a hole beside the table. 

“Breakfast ready?” He had calmed down a bit and was yawning. 

“Yep. Just let it cool a bit and let me split some up for you.”

He broke of a small piece of bacon and cut some of the eggs apart before putting it on a small plate. Or it was small for him. For Remus it was still the size of a small table. 

“Thanks bud!” Remus yelled before he literally shoved the eggs into his mouth. 

Virgil watched in slight disgust as he barely chewed his mouthful before grabbing more. 

Once they were done eating breakfast and getting ready for the day, they were getting ready to go to town and we’re checking down what they had and needed. 

“Vee, you have your headphones?” Remus yelled. 

“Yep. You have your jacket? Shoes?” 

“Yep!”

“Okay. I have the list of what we need. Let’s go.” 

Virgil picked up Remus and put him in the pocket of his jacket, before walking out. 

They walked through the woods for a while before they heard the town up ahead. Virgil slowed, almost cowed by the sound from up ahead, but Remus suddenly yelling curses at something drew his attention away. 

He was yelling at a tree. Of course he was. “Asshole, wait you don’t have an asshole I’ll-“ 

“Remus.” Virgil said in a slightly scolding tone. “there are going to be children nearby. Please don’t.”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll try to wait till we're on our way back.”

Virgil rolled his eyes with humor. 

They went into town, and Remus quieted down. Even he knew better than to yell at other giants. A lot of them weren’t as fond of humans as Virgil was. They walked into the store, and Virgil walked around with a cart, grabbing what he and Remus needed. With Remus of course asking every second for different things that they didn’t need. Usually he was jesting, however today one of his requests was cut off as he gasped. Virgil looked down quickly atb him, making sure he hadn’t hurt himself. He had a hand over his mouth and was looking at a few cages. Virgil winced as he saw that there were humans in there. Apparently the shopkeeper decided to start selling Human pets.

“Do you want to leave Remus?” Virgil asked quietly, aware Remus was shocked and probably scared.

His answer only made Virgil more worried. 

“N-No. I need to look closer.” Virgil was worried but walked closer. Another giant saw him, and scowled at Remus in his pocket. 

“Did you steal him?” they asked brashly. 

“No.” Virgil responded. “I have had him for a while. I came in to look at other humans to see if any would be a good friend for mine.” He must be a salesperson for the humans.

Remus winced at how Virgil was speaking, but knew he had to speak that way in front of other giants. His eyes tracked back to that one other human, curled up in the corner of his cage, hands over his ears.

Virgil stood a little straighter and said “Now do you want a sale on a human or not.” 

The salesperson scowled before sighing. “Sorry ive had a couple teenagers try to steal them. Which one do you want?” 

Virgil looked down at Remus and said “To keep my humans from fighting, I believe ill let mine choose.”

The salesperson nodded and Virgil took Remus out of his pocket. “Point to the human you want me to buy.” Virgil muttered quietly. Remus pretended to look over them before pointing at the one he had been staring at earlier. 

Virgil nodded and said “I want that one please.”

Remus retreated to the pocket as Virgil and the Salesperson figured out a price. Pretty soon, the human was being put in a box - with lots of kicking and screaming - Virgil had payed for all the food they needed, and they were on their way home.

On the way home Virgil quietly asked Remus why he had wanted him to buy a human. Remus answered quietly “I know him Vee. I couldn’t just leave him there. Hes, he's my-” He couldn't seem to continue. Virgil nodded and they continued home.

Once they got to the cabin, Virgil put the food in the kitchen, put Remus on the table, then put the box on the table too. 

Virgil opened the box, and reached in, prompting a scream from the human inside. Virgil scowled as he managed to snag the shirt of the human. “I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm just getting you out of this box.”

As he lifted the human out of the box, he noticed that it- he looked like remus. He saw the resemblance and it clicked in his head. That's why he was so out of sorts. This must be family.

He plopped the human gently onto his palm. The human was frozen, looking up at Virgil. “What's your name dude?” Virgil asked him. 

“W-Why do you care?” The human was trying to be brave, but was visibly terrified. 

Virgil frowned and the human froze before saying “I-Im Roman. N-Now, What are you going t-to do with me y-you giant fiend!”

Virgil chuckled at the audacity of this hu- of Roman. This was making the brother theory much more filled out. 

“I bought you because my human asked me to. Now. Do you want to see him or stay in my hand all day?”

Roman winced but took a moment to think about his options. Virgil saw him look around the room and his eyes widen at all the shelves and holes in the walls. He hesitantly looked at Virgil and said “You- You treat humans well?”

Virgil nodded as he started bringing his hand slowly to the table. “I would like to think I do, Roman.”

Roman hopped off the hand and Virgil looked behind him. “I believe you already know each other.”

Roman stiffened as he turned around because, why would they know each other-

His thought stopped mid sentence as he registered the man standing before him, with his green eyes and mischievous smirk. “R-Remus?” He asked not believing his eyes. 

“Hiya bro! How- how was your trip to our home?” Remus tried to stay upbeat but it was obvious he was worried. They stood still for a moment before Roman lunged at Remus, and Remus caught him in a big hug. “I didn't think I would see you again.” Roman muttered crying. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too Ro Ro.” Remus smiled at him. 

Remus pulled away a little and said “Vee? Will you get a tissue? Also get some more blankets beside my bed?”

Roman froze at the thought that Remus actually just asked this giant to do something but was surprised when the giant laughed. “Sure Remus. Have fun reuniting. Try to explain to him how stuff works please, I don't want him flinching every time I move. It makes me feel bad.” He got up and stretched before saying “And then I need a nap.”

He left the room. “THANKS VEE VEE!” Remus hollered after the giant.

“Vee Vee?” Roman said questioningly.

“Yeah. His real names Virgil but I call him Vee.” Remus replied. “Now C’mon! Lemme show you around!”

-------------

It wasn't until that christmas that Roman ever really got over his fear of Virgil, but that christmas was warm, and found Roman and Remus curled up in a Hollow in the wall as Virgil drank some hot cocoa. As Virgil curled up on the couch, he thought to himself how much happier Remus was now, and what a great family they were together. Virgil fell asleep on the couch to the whistling of snow outside, but inside was warm, happy, and full of familial love.

[fireblaze5555]

Fire Away: Chapter 12 (end)

Chapter 12: I’ll Cry to My Grave...Fire Away

Also on A03: Fire Away: Chapter 12

Frank came awake in a panic, his eyes snapping open but he managed to keep his body still. He was still tucked closely to Karen’s back, her hand clutching his to her chest while she snored just the tiniest bit. Neither of them had moved through the night which was a good indication of how exhausted they were. Slowly, Frank let his muscles relax, the dream he had been in fading to the background. He allowed himself a few more minutes before flexing his fingers slowly to release them from her grip and moved gingerly off the cot. Frank froze with one foot on the floor when he heard a quiet protesting noise from Karen, her eyes didn’t open but she tried to grasp at the empty space behind her before he shoulder protested the movement.

“Hey,” he moved quickly to the side of the cot, grabbing her hand and tucking it back up to her chest, stroking a thumb across her knuckles as he did, “I just need to make a couple calls, you can go back to sleep.”

A tired blue eye cracked and looked at him blearily before another sound of protest escaped her. His lips tilted up in a smile, god she was adorable when she wasn’t being reckless and stubborn. Looking over his shoulder at the closest clock he turned back to her.

“It’s 5:30am.”

The next sound she made was one of disgust as she firmly closed her eyes and nestled back into the covers. He laid a tender kiss to her temple and stood, quiet snores resuming before he had made it to the other end of the room.

Picking up his phone, Frank dialed from memory.

“ G’morning sleeping beauty.” David’s exhausted voice was quiet on the other end of the line.

“Get some rest David. I’m up for the day and can take it from here.” There was an affirming grunt from the other end of the line and rustling like the call was about to disconnect but Frank spoke up before he realized what he was doing.

“David?” There was a pause on the other end of the line and he wondered if maybe the other man had already hung up but then there was a loud yawn in his ear. Shaking his head, Frank glanced over his shoulder to where Karen was sleeping peacefully and then turned back to the security monitors he stood in front of.

“Hey, uh..” He was never good at this stuff. “Thank you. I know I’ve been an asshole but I know how hard you worked to help me find and protect her and I….just...thanks.” He finished lamely.

There was thoughtful silence on the other end of the line and just when Frank was certain that David wasn’t going to say anything, he spoke up.

“ You’re welcome. You can make it up to me by coming around more….and bringing her with you, yeah?”

He shouldn’t be surprised at the request but it still blindsides him just a bit, “Uh, yeah. I’ll try.” That didn’t seem like enough. “Yeah, we’ll be in touch.”

“ See that you are or I’ll find you. ” Then the line goes dead.

It was said in such a way that Frank wasn’t entirely sure if it was a joke or a threat. Probably a mix of both.

The next call was to Curtis. Frank was confident in his stitching skills on himself because he didn’t care about another scar or if it healed perfectly but he wanted to make sure Karen’s injury would heal as best as it possibly could. That would require a professional so he gave his friend the abridged version of the previous night and set a time to meet later that afternoon to look her over.

The final call was to Rikers penitentiary.

Frank grabbed one of the many burner phones he possessed, setting his more permanent phone to the side and moved further into the abandoned warehouse, away from Karen. He dialed and waited, requested Wilson Fisk when prompted. His trigger finger tapped against the phone as he paced the dim and dusty room, hoping he wouldn’t have to have David patch him though some other way. But just as he suspected, Fisk had control of the place and didn’t have to go through the usual channels to receive calls. The phone service was his to control so the call went through without the usual vetting.

“ Yes? ” Frank recognized the voice immediately just in that single syllable. The arrogance filling the word set his teeth on edge.

“You should have left her alone.” His own voice was low, the remnants of rage making the words burn.

“ Mr. Castle. I am surprised you reached out so soon. My wife informed me of your visit to her last night with Ms. Page. Something I have to admit, I am none too pleased about.” A simmering anger laced the words. “ I’ll admit, I did not anticipate you having an association with Miss Page.”

“That right? You don’t like some dangerous asshole around someone you care about? Not as fun when the tables are turned, huh?” Frank’s voice was harsh and taunting.

“ Karen Page took someone I care about from me. She’s a murderer, Mr. Castle. Isn’t it your job to kill criminals, not protect them?”

Frank’s vision went red quickly but he took a couple of deep breaths through his nose until his focus was back. When he could trust himself to speak again without shouting, his voice was deadly calm, deep and intense with promise. “You don’t say her fucking name. Ever again. You’re really gonna sit there and call her a murderer like you’ve never killed anyone? All high and mighty in your gilded cage. Karen killed that shitbag friend of yours because he didn’t give her a choice. If he were still alive, I would kill him for fun. Drag it out for every hour of pain and torment you have put her through.”

He paused for a moment, measuring his next words. He was more than just the Punisher at this moment, more than Frank Castle. He was a man who had lost everything, including himself. Now though, he had a beautiful unstoppable woman putting his pieces back together. He wasn’t the same man as before but he was slowly starting to see glimpses of him in this new man he was becoming.

“You’ll leave Karen Page alone. That includes her friends. If she loses another minute of sleep because of you, I will make you suffer. You so much as breathe her name and I’ll know. Keep in mind that I’ve found your wife before, I can do it again.” There is a choking noise on the other end of the line, a sure sign that Frank had hit the nerve he was aiming for.

Frank wouldn’t kill Vanessa, as far he knew she hadn’t committed any major crimes. Though if she crossed that line or threatened Karen again, he wouldn’t have a choice because he won’t tolerate any more threats to Karen from a Fisk.

“ What exactly is your involvement with Ms. Page?” Fisk’s voice was filled with barely contained rage.

“That is none of your fucking business. All you need to know is that if she gets hurt and I even suspect it has anything to do with you, I will destroy everything you love. I can show you what it is like to truly lose everything. Are we clear?” There was finality in his tone.

A shuddering breath came through the line before Fisk spoke, “ Yes, we are clear, Mr. Castle. I’m sure we will be seeing each other, once I’m free again.”

“I look fuckin’ forward to it.” He disconnects the line and proceeds to shatter the phone on the ground.

Frank flexed his hands and continued to take deep breaths. Every fiber of his being was screaming to end Fisk, remove the threat completely. If he was still breathing, he was still a danger to Karen. The other man being in prison really did make things more difficult though. Besides, he and Karen had already hashed out that particular issue. Though, if it ended the way it did last time, he may be willing to have the discussion again.

There would be a day of reckoning. It was only a matter of time before Wilson Fisk was released from prison because of some bullshit loophole or another. Then he could finally put that piece of shit in the ground for good.

As much as he didn’t like it, he would leave Fisk alone. For now.

-----

Karen woke to a twinge in her shoulder and the smell of fresh coffee. She sat up with a quiet groan and peered around the small living space, eyes settling on Frank at the small card table that served as a place to eat and plan. His eyes came up from the paper he was reading to settle on her, skimming down her body before stilling at her shoulder.

“‘Morning, Ma’am. It’s 0700, we are going to make a morning person out of you yet.” His voice was raspy and deep and it sent a shiver down her spine. It didn’t help that he also was just in a pair of dark pants, shirt slung over his shoulder, damp from his workout and the resulting shower, no doubt. It wasn’t fair to be that sexy first thing in the morning. Frank stood from the table, striding over to where she sat, disheveled and trying not to be visibly turned on.

“How’s your shoulder feeling?” Before she could answer, he was pulling back the gauze to inspect the wound for signs of infection.

Karen grunted, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and yawning. “It feels okay, a little twingy but not killing me.”

He gave a grunt of his own, putting the bandage back in place. “On the way back to your apartment we are going to swing by Curt’s place so he can look it over and make sure I didn’t screw it up.”

She gave him an incredulous look, standing to follow him when he turned back to the table. “Well that’s really encouraging Frank, I wasn’t concerned before but I am a little now.” She gave him a teasing smile as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “Who’s Curt?”

For a second he looked startled, like he was surprised she didn’t know who Curt was but then shook his head quickly, “Yeah, sorry, I guess you haven’t met him. He’s a marine buddy of mine, we served together. Best medic around and probably one of the best people too.”

“Okay, I look forward to meeting him then. Make sure you didn’t give me a lame arm or something.” She gave another teasing smile before settling in next to him and sipping her coffee.

After a small breakfast of eggs and toast, easy conversation filling the calm silence, they made little fanfare of packing up the safehouse and loading into the van. Karen tried not to let anxiety creep into her mind at the thought of things going back to normal. With most things, she was looking forward to it but she worried that once she was back to her life and Frank was back to his, this tentative thing they were doing would vanish. She couldn’t let that happen.

Rather than dwell on that particular brand of panic, Karen mused on how it felt to not be on the run for the first time in nearly a month. She felt lighter, like she could draw in a full breath again. Though, she still didn’t entirely trust that there wouldn’t be someone waiting around the next corner for her. Judging by the way Frank was frequently checking the mirrors and eyeing any remotely suspicious vehicles, he didn’t entirely trust the situation either. In the drive across town, no one emerged from the dark corners of the city to threaten her though, so she took it as a good sign.

The burner phone Karen had been using pinged as they eased up to a curb outside of a quaint apartment building somewhere in Brooklyn. She smiled at his lengthy text from Foggy, how relieved he was that this was over, how much he couldn’t wait to have her back in the office and at Josie’s bar, smoking him at pool. His last question though had her covering her mouth with one hand, somewhere between mortified and amused.

“ Also, what the hell did you all do to Matt? He has been in mood today and will not tell me what has him so cranky. He might have deserved whatever it was but if you could apologize or something, for my sake, I would greatly appreciate it!”

Frank caught her movement and leaned slightly to glimpse at the screen, “Nelson get back to ya?”

Karen nodded before snapping the phone closed and raising an eyebrow at him. “According to Foggy, Matt is in a foul mood today. I suppose I am going to owe him an apology.”

Frank scoffed, “Fuck ‘im. I mean, unless you are sorry about what happened last night.” His voice dropped an octave, cocky around the edges but she heard a hint of doubt in there as well.

Well, she really couldn’t be surprised that was his response. With a roll of her eyes, Karen tucked the phone into her bag.

“I’m not sorry about what happened but we probably could have been more considerate of his super-hearing. He already isn’t happy with the fact that we...uh....stayed in contact, I’m sure that was just salt in the wound.”

There wasn’t a response so Karen turned to see Frank with an unreadable look on his face, watching her carefully.

She let a little exasperation bleed into her voice, “If you so much as hint that I’m better off with him, I swear I might have to hurt you. Aren’t you supposed to be introducing me to Curtis or something?”

Without waiting for an answer she swung out of the van and waited for him to follow, coming around the front of the vehicle, wrapping a loose arm around her waist and tugging her in the right direction. He stayed quiet but she saw the tense line in his shoulder relax. One day he was going to understand that Matt had not been a love interest for her for a very long time.

They didn’t say anything as they made their way up the steps, Frank’s hand laying gently on her lower back, Karen trying to ignore the warm feeling the simple action sent coursing through her. She was starting to think she would never get used to Frank’s hands on her.

They came to a stop outside of a door and Frank lifted a hand to knock but hesitated. She watched him for a second and when he didn’t move further, rested a gentle hand on his bicep, concern drawing her brows together.

“Are you okay? Is something wrong?”

Her question shook him out of his reverie and with a shake of his head, Frank finished the motion, wrapping his knuckles lightly on the door.

“I’m fine. It’s just... the thought just occurred to me that you ‘n Curt together could be bad news for me.” He glanced at her, his lips giving a wry twist and before she could ask him what he meant, the door was pulled open.

Karen wasn’t sure what she was expecting to see but the man in front of them with a slow smile and kind eyes was not it. He was dressed in a t-shirt and clean dark jeans and regarded them both easily. Finally his eyes settled back on Frank.

“You know Frank, sometime you’re gonna have to call me just cause you wanna hear my sweet voice and not because you need something patched up.” The words were joking but there was a bit of steel in them as well.

Frank gave a little shake of his head before saying matter of factly, “I don’t have much to talk about Curt, you know that.”

Curtis’ face split into a sudden wide smile.

“Well, maybe you will now.” In an instant he turned that blinding smile to Karen with a quick wink which had her smiling at him in return, a light blush creeping up her neck.

“Ah, Christ. ”

Karen’s smile grew when she heard Frank’s muttered distress. He was right, her and Curtis together probably was going to be trouble for him. She was really looking forward to it.

“You must be Karen Page.” Curtis extended out a large warm hand for her to shake.

She took the proffered hand, smile never leaving her face, “That’s right. I wish I could say I’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Hoyle.”

They shared a knowing look before he released her hand and ushered them in, “Call me Curt, please. Frank’s told me a lot about you, I mean, in the way Frank does. Lots of denial, muttering how you’re ‘too good’ for him and LOTS of hang dog expressions.”

“Jesus, c’mon Curt.” Frank sounded pained.

Karen tried to hide her smile but only partially succeeded. Curt seemed to take pity on him though, guiding Karen to a seat at his dining room table before pulling Frank into a half hug.

“I’m glad everything went well. This is the best I’ve seen you look in awhile, showing up at my door.” That knowing look came over Curt’s face again as he looked Frank over.

“Well, it’s not me you’re putting back together this time.” Frank gestured to where Karen sat as she gingerly pulled off her jacket in anticipation of her examination. “Took a bullet to her trapezoid, deep graze. Bled a lot but I was able to get stitches in it. Wanted to make sure I didn’t fuck anything up so I thought maybe you could take a look at it.”

Without prompting, Karen tugged down the overly large t-shirt she wore so that it slid over her shoulder and her bandage was visible. Curt watched Frank for a moment, confusion clear on his features and in his voice when he spoke.

“You’ve probably done just as many sutures as I have at this point. You were nearly as good as me back when we were in the corps.”

Frank looked uneasy, the tips of his ears turning pink. “Yeah, well, ‘nearly’ as good isn’t ‘as good’ is it? I just wanted to be sure that she wasn’t gonna scar too bad or lose any mobility because of it.” If Karen knew any better, he almost sounded embarrassed.

Curt continued to stare at Frank in a way that told Karen he could read Frank like a book. For a moment he didn’t say anything, just turned and gave Karen a sweet smile before gently peeling back the bandage and inspecting the damage. He poked a few spots around the wound, asking about her discomfort, had the wound felt hot, what was her pain level now and so on until he finally nodded to himself and dug around in his own medical bag for fresh salve and gauze.

“Looks perfectly fine to me, you did a good job.” He said over his shoulder to Frank and then turned back to Karen, “As long as it stays clean and there is no infection I think you will be as good as new in a few weeks, Miss Page.”

“Just Karen, please. And thank you so much for taking a look at it, the way he was talking I was afraid I might lose my arm at the shoulder or something.” She gave a small laugh as she watched him work at changing her bandages.

Leaning in, Curt began to stage whisper, making sure Frank heard everything he had to say. “That is because our friend back there has a tendency to be a wallowing asshole. So, he thinks because he did the work and it’s on you of all people that it isn’t good enough.” There was a long suffering sigh behind Curt that made him smile at Karen and give her a conspiring wink.

Whispering loudly herself, Karen glanced at Frank as she answered, “I think you and I are going to get along just fine, Curt.”

His smile was blinding as he lifted her shirt back into place. “I think you are right, Karen. Between the two of us, we might actually get him straightened out.”

Frank’s voice jumped in, low and agitated but with no real heat behind the words, “You all know I’m still here, right? You gonna just keep talkin’ shit?”

Washing his hands quickly in the sink, Curt turned and leaned against the counter as he dried his hands with a dishtowel. “Listen, man, you ghost us all the time so we are just bonding a little bit. Besides, it’s nice to meet someone else who can deal with your grumpy ass.”

Karen looked back and forth between them with amusement but there was also a small ache in her chest as she watched the friends talk. It was a glimpse into Frank’s ‘before’ and a realization that she wasn’t the only one missing Frank while he was on his crusade.

Frank looked the slightest bit ashamed, “I didn’t mean to ghost you, just didn’t want you to get mixed up in my bullshit.”

Curt gave a quiet scoff, “Are you gonna stop being a flakey son of a bitch, then?”

Frank shifted from foot to foot, trying not to look uncomfortable and failing, “I’m gonna try.”

Curt shook his head and looked back to Karen, “That doesn’t sound good enough to me, does that sound good enough to you Karen?”

“You know, it really doesn’t.” What sting may have been in her words was negated by the small, warm smile on her lips as she watched Frank. She would never force him into anything but holding him accountable from time to time wouldn’t hurt him either. He saw her look and gave a small smile in return.

“Alright, alright. I think that is about as much as I can take of the two of you together for now. I need to get Karen back to her place so she can get settled back in.” Frank pulled Curt in for another quick hug before helping Karen to her feet and ushering her towards the door. “I really appreciate you looking her over, Curt, I owe ya one.”

Curt watched his friend with amusement as he was very obviously making his way to the door to escape further ribbing from Karen and himself. “You do owe me one. So next time you call me it better not be because someone is bleedin’.”

Frank made a non-committal noise and said over his shoulder, “Anything for you, Curt,” before the door was closing behind him.

Karen bit back a smile the whole way back down to the van, only succumbing to it once they were situated in the vehicle and Frank glanced at her nervously.

“I like Curt. You should give me his number so we can keep in touch.” Her smile turned mischievous.

A huff escaped Frank but he was smiling back, “Christ, I’d never have peace again. Besides, you don’t need me to get his number, you’ll use your P.I. skills and have it before I could get it to you anyway.”

She hummed in agreement but watched his face go serious, concern pinching at the corners of his eyes and his bottom lip disappearing between his teeth. Karen felt her stomach drop. Here it comes. The ‘I’m not good for you, I’m too dangerous’ speech again.

He surprised her though or at least thought better of picking that fight again right now and reached over the console to rest a gentle hand on her thigh. “Are you ready to go back to your apartment? If you don’t feel comfortable going back yet...my apartment isn’t exactly the Ritz but you are welcome to stay there for a bit.” His voice was warm and rough, sending a chill down her spine while simultaneously warming her.

Karen took a moment to think about her response, chewing thoughtfully at her lip and stroking his knuckles with an errant thumb while she thought. On one hand, she was desperate to be somewhere familiar, surrounded by her things, a tangible sense of normalcy. The other hand though, had images of someone waiting for her there, to finish off what was started a month ago.

Then there was the image of Frank’s back, walking away to continue his war once she was home and secure.

“Uh....I think my apartment. I can at least see if anyone has been in there. I’m sure the leftovers in my fridge are looking pretty gross at this point too.” She gave a strained laugh and hoped he didn’t pick up on her anxiety. Of course he did, because they don’t miss things with each other. Frank narrowed his eyes at her briefly before giving her thigh a light squeeze and turning to the front to start the van. In a matter of minutes they were headed in the direction of her apartment and Karen felt herself getting more anxious every block they got closer.

Trying to focus on her breathing, Karen drew in long slow breaths through her nose and then let them out just as slowly. She really didn’t want Frank to see her worry, she especially didn’t want to have to explain that she was more worried about seeing him leave once they got there than she was someone waiting there to kill her.

It felt a bit surreal pulling up to her apartment building. Life, it seemed, had carried on like usual. Mrs. Garcia was watering her windowsill of flowers, Mr. Giertz was probably on his second round of speed walking around the block, he gave Karen a jovial wave as he walked by her. How strange it was to see that nothing had changed when her life had been in such turmoil.

Frank stepped up beside Karen with her things slung over his shoulder and waited for her to make the first move. So, with a steadying breath, she made her way to the front door and up the stairs until she was staring at her apartment with the keys hanging limply in her fingers. She kept telling her fingers to move, slide the key in lock and open the door but they refused to obey her. Stop being so dramatic and open the goddamn door. Karen berated herself but still couldn’t seem to move her hand.

For a moment, Frank waited quietly, watching her carefully before he set her things by the door and tenderly took the keys from her numb fingers. Gently, he nudged her to the side, unlocked the door and then pulled the .45 from his waistband.

“Wait here, I’ll make sure everything is clear.” His voice was soft, as soft as Frank’s voice could be at least, and he moved through the door without a sound.

Seeing him disappear into her apartment snapped Karen out of her stupor, like hell she was going to leave him to fight her battles if there is someone there. She moved her stuff from the hallway to just inside the door and crept down the hallway with her own firearm in hand. However, just as she was rounding the corner, Frank was exiting the bedroom, tucking the gun back into the holster at his waist.

He grunted when he saw Karen at the end of the hallway but cracked a proud smile when he saw her armed.

“I thought I told you to wait.” There was a hint of reprimand but mostly resignation in his voice.

“Yeah, well, since when have I ever really listened?” She teased, smiling when he made an affirming sound in the back of his throat.

Slowly she took her eyes off of him and let them trail around her apartment. Aside from being a bit dusty, everything was just as she left it. Her laptop case was haphazardly thrown against the coffee table, the mug she had used for her morning coffee on that crazy day was still on the counter right by the sink and her phone was right where she left it on the kitchen island, broken sim card and all.

Sighing, Karen kicked off her shoes and padded over to the island, grabbing the phone to turn it in her hands. “I guess I’m going to need to get a new SIM card at some point. This isn’t much good to me if I can’t harass people with phone calls.”

Out of the corner of her eye Karen saw Frank jolt a little bit before he moved into the hallway, bringing the bags back with him. He was digging through the side pockets of one when he started to speak. “I almost forgot, David sent this to the safehouse when we were on the way back. I had mentioned that you broke your SIM card before you left. If I had to guess this is probably encrypted.” Finally he produced a small plastic case and handed it to her over the island before leaning down on his elbows.

Karen’s eyes widened in shock when she took the small case and popped it open to reveal a brand new SIM card that was compatible with her phone. Without much thought she slid it into place and pressed the power button on her phone which, miraculously, still had a little battery left.

She was warmed by the gesture and her voice held a bit of wonder when she said, “That was really thoughtful of him. I really am going to owe him one after everything he has done.”

She made a small distressed noise when a flurry of pings and alert noises exploded from her phone, a month’s worth of texts, emails, phone notifications and updates hitting all at once before the phone promptly ran out of battery and died.

“Well, alright then. To the charger.” Karen stepped into her bedroom, reaching for the charge cord on her nightstand, plugging her phone in and leaving it there. She glanced over the room much like she did her living room and kitchen and just the sight of her bed made her achy and tired. Without much thought, Karen shucked off her coat, dropping it to the floor before laying down on top of her comforter, a pleasured sigh echoing through the room.

“Tired?” Frank’s voice startled her eyes open, which she hadn’t realized she closed. He was leaning against the door jamb with his hands tucked in his pockets while he slowly regarded her.

Karen rather liked the look of him in her bedroom.

“Mhm. I felt pretty awake until I looked at my bed and then suddenly I felt the need for a nap. Care to join me?” She gave him an impish smile.

“I should go through the stuff and see about conquering that beast in your fridge you were so worried about.” He kept his voice low but she could sense the slight anxiety lacing his words. He wasn’t sure if he was welcome here, in Karen’s most personal space.

“It wasn’t really a question, Castle. Are you really going to leave a poor injured girl like myself to nap all alone?” She gave a grand sweeping gesture of the room but stopped with a wince when it tweaked her stitches, giving him a stern look when he huffed a laugh, she didn’t miss the slight relief that softened the corners of his eyes before he spoke.

“No, I don’t suppose I can leave you to your own devices for too long without some catastrophe. Let me just make sure everything is secure, I’ll be back in five.” WIth that, he disappeared from view and she could vaguely hear him moving around her apartment, shuffling things here and there and the sound of a window rattling before he was back, sans combat boots and jacket.

It didn’t take long for Frank to settle in behind her, tossing a throw over the both of them and tucking Karen to his chest. If she thought she had been tired before, tucked against Frank’s warmth, in her own bed, surrounded by his scent, she was utterly exhausted now and she drifted off before she knew it was happening.

When Karen woke later, it was to a clamoring in her kitchen and the smell of Thai food. She was disoriented at first, slowly processing that she was in her bedroom and not a small warehouse or condo in the mountains. Then came the disappointment, feeling the empty space at her back where a warm body had been not too long ago. However, the rumbling growl of her stomach negated that disappointment. Pushing herself up with her good arm, Karen sat up and glanced at the clock, 5 o’clock, she had slept longer than intended. Forcing herself to her feet, she teetered into the kitchen to see Frank distributing various different dishes from the Thai place around the corner onto separate plates. He glanced up when he heard her.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked so I got a few different things, if you’re hungry.” His voice was soft, almost hesitant.

He had  killed dozens of people without batting an eye but he was unsure of whether he should have ordered her food for her and raided her cabinets. The man was an anomaly.

“I’m starving and as long as you didn’t get everything at level five spice, I’ll probably like it.” She said around a yawn before taking a seat in front of one of the plates. Frank set a fork on her plate before reaching for his own and for a moment they ate in silence. It was something she really appreciated about Frank, he didn’t feel the need to fill the silence. It felt surprisingly natural eating dinner with him in her apartment, like they had done it hundred times.

Eventually, after they both got second helpings, Frank spoke up. “So what’s your game plan now that you are back and the situation is dealt with?”

Karen hummed around a mouthful of Pad Thai while she thought. Setting down her fork after she finished that bite, she rested her chin in her palm, leaning on the island.

“I think first thing is going to be going through all of the missed messages on my phone and informing everyone that I am not, in fact, dead. Then, seeing what kind of disarray Matt and Foggy left my desk in. I’ve probably missed a hundred deadlines, meetings and informant sessions, so sorting through all that should be fun. But, I think above all...I’m going to take a really long, really hot bath in my own bathroom.” She finished with an exaggerated sigh.  

The corner of Frank’s mouth quirked up as he finished the last of his plate. Then they were watching each other carefully, both sensing the impending conversation.

“What are your plans, Frank?” She asked, her voice quiet.

His eyes held hers for a moment, indecipherable. She glances down at his hand when his trigger finger begins to tap a rhythm on her counter but she looks back up when he starts to speak.

“I ‘spose I’ll start digging into the next mission. There’s an up and coming drug ring I’ve been watching that needs to be exterminated.” He must have seen the leery expression on her face because he fixed her with a stare. “This is what it would be, being with me, you know? I’m not ready to give up the fight, there’s too much shit in this city I gotta clean up. You gotta know that being together wouldn’t be easy, Karen. The work I do, it would  put you in danger. There would probably be nights where you’re awake, wondering if I’m still alive. I can’t give you everything you deserve…”

Karen had heard enough, she was so sick of this same tired argument, so, standing abruptly she rounded the kitchen island to stand face to face with him and told him as much.

“Are we really going to do this again Frank? I don’t know how many different ways I can tell you that I want you. All of you. The kind parts, the dangerous parts and the infuriating parts.” She was so frustrated, tired of being scared of him disappearing, tired of repeating herself over and over. She was talking faster and faster, her voice more and more agitated. “I am not going to keep doing this with you. I…”

Karen trailed off as she took in his demeanor, hip resting against the island, arms crossed over his chest and while there was no smile on his lips, his eyes crinkled at the corners, telling her he was trying not to let her see he was amused.

Raising an eyebrow at her, Frank asked calmly, voice full of gravel, “Are you finished?”

Her eyebrows drew together and she wanted to continue her tirade but this is usually the part where he fired back at her with more reasons why he was no good, so she was perplexed by his calm. She gave a stiff nod.

Frank nodded in return as he stepped into her space, wrapping strong arms loosely around her waist. “What I was going to say was....I can’t give you everything you deserve...but I’ll give you everything I can. What’s left of me, it belongs to you.” His eyes were sincere, dark brown and bottomless, full of uncertainty she knew he would always carry with him but just as full of promise.

Unbidden, a few tears fell over her lashes and trailed down her cheeks so Karen swiped at them before swatting at his arm lightly. “You think you could have stopped me before I completely unloaded on you and looked like a tool?”

His answer chuckle was deep in his chest and she felt it through her palm where it rested over his heart. “I like to hear you when you are on a roll like that. Like to hear your conviction.” He kissed a slow line from the base of her neck up to her jaw before he gave her a drugging kiss, slow and intentional.

Karen was trying to process still, she had been prepared to hash it out with him again, plead her case one more time but now she didn’t need to. He had agreed to give them a shot, he wasn’t leaving, never to return and she was overwhelmed and not sure what to do with the knowledge. Until his teeth grazed just under her ear and his strong hands slid tantalizingly over her ribs. She knew what she wanted to do.

She wanted to celebrate.

So, pulling away just enough to grab his belt, Karen pulled Frank through her bedroom door and pushed it closed with a decisive click.

---

In the end, they settled into a rhythm. Frank stayed with Karen most nights unless a job he finished was hotter than he thought. Then he would camp out in a safe house until things blew over. He only forgot to call and tell her once, he wouldn't make that mistake again if he could help it. Karen still investigated dangerous situations but would listen when Frank expressed concern. There were times he insisted on accompanying her if she HAD to get the information.

Frank did most of the cooking and Karen was getting really good at determining when something needed stitches and how to administer them. She knew when she could handle the first aid and when to call Curt. They were both learning when to let things lie and when to press. Both had jagged edges but were learning how to put those pieces together and make a full life.

Karen believed that, even before she knew Frank, before tragedy redefined his life, Frank loved passionately with everything he had. That he had always been incredibly protective of the people he loved, if even a touch on the overprotective side. Never letting the kids too far out of his sight, a gentle hand on Maria’s lower back as they crossed a street, making sure he walked closest to the road during walks, investigating any out of the ordinary bumps in the house during the night. But now, after losing everything, Frank was determined to make sure she was safe at all costs. Karen is fiercely independent so it chafes every once in a while when he panics when she doesn’t answer her phone, when he gently maneuvers her through a construction zone or the time he mean mugged a poor kid for wolf whistling at her so hard she was sure the teenager had a heart attack. But the chafing only lasts a second when she remembers how much he has lost, that he still hasn’t forgiven himself for not protecting his family. Her pride can deal if it means he feels secure, doing everything he can to protect her. Frank knows how capable she is, he knows she doesn’t need someone to hail her cab or stand guard while she does a particularly tough interview but he does it anyway. Besides, after so long of only having herself to rely on, it was nice to be cared for so thoroughly.

Frank knew that Karen would never be satisfied with anything less than the truth and came to accept that she would chase that truth wherever it led, much to his horror on many occasions. He caught glimpses, every now and then, of the Karen from before. Her granite exterior would crack from time to time and he would see the wounded woman she hid from the world and it only made him love her more fiercely. She felt love, sadness and anger with her full being, her heart on her sleeve, always. She was devoted and loyal, everything she had she gave him, no questions asked and he would be lying if he said it didn’t terrify him. However, with one look, a small laugh or a gentle caress, Karen would remind him it was worth it. Sure, she was infuriating sometimes, headstrong and reckless. On more than one occasion, Frank felt like he may pull his hair out, going in circles with her always looking for trouble. They’d fight but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the way she pushed back, calling him on his bullshit. He was a naturally combative person, so having a woman who could hold her own against him was a perfect fit. Besides, they always made up in the best of ways, tangled sheets, breathing heavily, little nips and bruises, words of adoration. He really did like making up from their fights.

It wasn’t perfect. Frank still had his demons, his need for the mission. Nightmares would keep him up at night, sometimes about his family, sometimes about Karen. Karen still had her past traumas to deal with and still ran headlong into trouble, little regard for her own safety. They argue, she doesn't always agree with how Frank handles things, he can't make Karen stop running into the dark places of the city, but they were making it work. Together.

[toomanystoriessolittletime]

Nirvana 4/7

Summary: John had no idea what to do. Burying his wife  after only 5 years of knowing, loving her almost broke him. But he  wasn’t allowed to break. Not when he had Mia, their 4 year old daughter,  to take care of. But what happens when John got robbed of his car in  the middle of the night by no other then Iosef Tarasov, who also killed  his daughters dog? Stuck between a raging feeling of revenge and the  overwhelming urge to protect his daughter, John tries to make a  decision.

Warnings: none really

A/N: It was only a matter of time before Santino showed up...

Masterlist

Taglist:

@ladyreapermc / @meetmeinthematinee / @hisdeadwife / @fanficsrusz / @theolsdalova / @ficsnroses​ / @a-really-bi-girl​

“Daddy.” John heard a whisper next to him.

“Hm?” He asked low.

“Can we go to the playground?” Mia asked. John hadn't even opened his eyes yet. Slowly he opened one eye, looking in his daughter's excited face.

“What about you sleep a little bit more and then we go to the playground?” John suggested, looking at the clock on his nightstand. 6:23 am.

“But I don't want to sleep more...” Mia pouted. John sighed. It had been the first night Mia had been sleeping in her own bed since Helen died. And surprisingly she hadn't been crying. John and Mia had been back from New York for 4 days now.

“Where is she?” John asked as soon as he stepped inside of the Continental Hotel.

“She's upstairs with Marcus, Jonathan.” Winston informed him. John breathed in deep, closing his eyes.

“Can you take care of that for me?” John pointed outside.

“Already on it, Sir.” Charon answered instead. Thankful John nodded at him, before he made his way towards the elevator, followed by Winston and his dog.

“I didn't take you for a dog person.” John joked.

“I didn't take you for a father.” Winston shot back, making John chuckle.

“You might wanna change, before you go in there.” Winston suggested. John looked down at his bloodied knuckles.

“You might be right.”

“I thought Daddy was gonna wait for us here?” John heard Mia ask, as he walked into the room in fresh clothes.

“He's gonna be here any minute, Sweetheart.” Marcus whispered. John quickly walked to them and saw Marcus whispering something to Mia, before her head snapped in his direction. Climbing of Marcus lap she ran towards John, who picked her up and closely hugged her.

“There was a really really mean man outside today.” Mia said, making John swallow.

“Uncle Marcus and Mister Charon made him go away.” Mia continued.

“They did.” John said lowly, nodding towards Marcus who was ready to leave anyway. Slowly John carried his daughter from the living room to the big master bedroom that was overlooking the skyline of New York. Comforting he rubbed Mia's back, as he sat down on the bed.

“I thought you were gone too, Daddy.” Mia whispered against his neck. John's heart broke into a thousand pieces as he heard these words.

“I am never going to leave you alone, Munchkin. Never.” John had promised, as he kissed the top of the head of his daughter.

John closed his eye again, pretending to sleep, as he felt Mia crawling closer to him. He felt her little fingers poke his side above the covers.

“Daaaadddyyyy.....” She whispered again. John tried very hard to not smile. Mia was now crawling on top of him. He felt her weight on his chest, as she propped her head up on her elbows. Opening one eye again, he slowly got his arms from under the covers.

“Please Daddy.” Mia pouted. All she wanted was to go on the slide down the street. Why was her Daddy not getting out of bed? Finally opening both of his eyes John looked at his daughter, that seemed to look more like her mother everyday. Sighing he blinked a couple of times, before one of his arm caged her in, as his other hand began to tickle her side. Shrieking and giggling she tried to get off her father, but John wasn't having any of that. When he saw her crying because she was laughing so hard he finally let go of her. There was nothing better in this world, than hearing the laughter of his child these days. Mia immediately hid under the covers, pulling them over her head.

“Munchkin?” John asked, now a little concerned.

“Mia?” He gently pulled the covers from her, revealing her blushed face.

“Can we go to the playground, now?” She asked out of breath. John laughed, as he got out of bed, to get dressed and take his daughter to the playground. Before 7 am.

The next days continued like that. Well not exactly like that. John was supposed to take Mia to the kindergarden starting monday again, and he dreaded the thought of it. He knew it was good for her to see her friends again. But what would he do in the meantime? There were a couple of things he still needed to take care of. And he also wanted to get back to his book binding. In the last weeks there had been a couple of books he had put on hold and was due to finish.

“Daddy?” Mia called out on the following Sunday.

“Yeah?” John called back from the kitchen. Daisy came excitedly running towards him, followed from Mia.

“Can we eat pizza today?” Mia asked. John smiled.

“I thought you wanted to eat Chicken Fingers?”

“Hmmmm....” Mia tilted her head to the side, as if she was thinking very hard. John bit his tongue.

“Can we have both?” Mia asked after a while.

“What about Chicken Fingers today, and Pizza tomorrow after ballet?” John asked.

“Uh. Yes.” Mia nodded excited.

“Wanna help me make them?”

“Uhmmmm..... No.” Mia giggled and ran away. John shook his head chuckling as he put the flour and spices together. In the last years he became quiet the cook. Thanks to the internet. And his wife of course.

When they met he wasn't even able to boil an egg. He quickly got a hold of it, even participating in some courses together with Helen. Sadly he smiled as he put the chicken through the flour. It had now been almost 4 weeks since she died. He still put out two cups when he made himself a coffee in the morning. He had talked to Helen's sister Lauren the other day.

She had lost her first husband in a car accident. She told him about the good and the bad days. It took her forever to move on and find love again. Not that John could even bare the thought of replacing Helen. No. He would live his life for his daughter.

“I'm so sorry Mr. Wick. I can't believe what you've been through the last weeks.” Miss Bradley said, as John brought Mia to her ballet practice.

“Thank you.” He said quietly.

“You might if I stay? I knew Helen always did...”

“Absolutely. Just sit down in the back.” Miss Bradley smiled before she turned around and gathered the kids. John smiled at Mia who was waving at him in her little pink tutu. How on earth could someone be that adorable? Turning around he sat down on the only empty seat at the back of the room between two women as he watched the practice.

“They are adorable, aren't they?” He heard the woman to his left ask after a while. He turned his head to look at her and nodded.

“I am so sorry for your loss. We all are. Helen was a good friend.”

“Thank you. We are still trying to get used to her not being here.” John said.

“If you need any help, please don't hesitate. We're all stay at home mom's. Just reach out to us. We're happy to help.” The women on his right said. John turned his head to look at her.

“With anything. Just call.” She smiled a little, before she handed him a piece of paper with her number. Confused he took the piece of paper. The woman whose name apparently was Julianne nodded at him, before he could see her clearly straightening her back to push her chest forward, which gave him an unexpectedly clear view of her cleavage. Nodding at her, he smiled awkwardly little, before he let his gaze wander through the room. All the woman were starring at him. Internally sighing he ignored them and watched his daughter doing a pirouette. That was what he was here for.

They were finished with making their pizza later when they got home, which gave John just enough time to bathe his daughter. Which she absolutely hated.

“But I don't want to...” She whined as John helped her pull her shirt off.

“Only clean little Ladies are allowed to have pizza, munchkin.”

“Then I don't want pizza.” Mia crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“You don't want to have pizza? Not even with all the cheese you put on it by yourself? You want to make Daddy eat it all by himself?” John asked.

“I forgot about the cheese.” Mia sighed, making John chuckle.

“Let's shower quickly. Then Pizza. And then we watch a movie.” John suggested.

“Can we watch the movie, while we eat pizza?”

“That we can do, Munchkin.” John agreed.

It was close to 11 pm when someone rang the doorbell. Thankfully John was sitting in the basement, in the middle of restoring a book, and had the bell set to silent. He looked at the monitor hanging next to the door and saw the face of Santino D'Antonio looking up at him.

“I know you're home John.” He heard him through the speaker. Sighing John got up from his seat and walked upstairs. He breathed in deep, before he opened the door.

“John.” Santino said in greeting, a small smile on his face. John looked the Italian in front of him from head to toe.

“Santino.” He said lowly.

“Aren't you going to invite me in?”

“I'd rather not.”

“But there's business we have to...”

“We don't have any business together. I'm out.” John interrupted him, making Santino sigh.

“See this is where you are wrong. It was you who killed Viggo, wasn't it?” John breathed in deep. Slightly he stepped aside to let Santino in, stepping in front of his guards with a glare, before he closed the door in front of them.

“You have a beautiful home.” Santino said as he walked further inside the house.

“Thanks.” John said gesturing towards the dining table.

“I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are going through. After giving up so much for her.” Santino said, looking at a picture of him and Helen hanging on the wall.

“I didn't give up anything for her. Nobody is supposed to live like this.” John said. They sat in silence for a while, just looking at each other.

“I need you to do a job for me.” Santino said after a while.

“No. I'm out.” “With you killing the first of the little lambs from Viggo, you were back. Even if you don't think so, this is how it works.” John sighed, as Santino slid the marker over the table.

“Don't make me do this.” John said quietly.

“I'm not making you do this. You did this by yourself, John.” Santino said. John clenched his jaw as he looked up at him.

“I need you to kill Gianna.” Santino explained.

“Your sister?” John asked.

“She's the last thing that stands between me and my seat at the high table.”

“So you want me to kill your own sister?”

“Yes.” Santino simply said. John was about to tell him to go fuck himself, when he heard a whimper from upstairs. Santino looked up in the direction the stairs led.

“Ah. Yes. I heard about you having a daughter. Please. Go to her. I will be waiting right here for you.” Santino smiled. John swallowed and got up from his seat, before he turned around and took the stairs.

Mia was fully sobbing in her bed when he opened the door.

“Hey munchkin.” John said softly, getting into her bed, putting her arms around her. Her tiny hands came around his neck, as she breathed harshly.

“What's going on? Did you have a nightmare?” John asked. He could feel her shake his head.

“What was it then?”

“I... miss Mommy....” She sobbed quietly.

“Oh Munchkin. I miss her too.” John said soothing.

“Why did she have to go?” Mia asked. Yes why? That was a question John had been asking himself, ever since Helen got sick. And he didn't have an answer to that.

“I don't know. But you know what? She can hear and see us. Wherever we are. You just can't see her.”

“Really?” Mia asked and yawned. She had stopped crying.

“Yeah. When you miss her very much, just tell her.”

“I miss you Mommy.” Mia said after a while.

“I miss you too, Love.” John said, as he closed his eyes, kissing the top of his daughters head. Carefully he looked down, to find her asleep in his arms. All he wanted to do is sleep with her here, but there was an Italian Mob Boss downstairs, who needed an answer from him. John knew there was no way of getting out of this. He had to kill Gianna. And Santino would probably contract him afterwards like the little shit he was. He needed a plan. A plan that secured him being alive at the end of all of this.

He saw Santino standing at the window in his living room, that overlooked the lake.

“I need a week to sort out some things.” John began, catching his attention.

“I figured. And you get it.”

“After that the marker is fulfilled an I never want to see you again.” John clarified.

“You won't.” Santino promised.

“I guess I don't have to say that should come any harm to my daughter...” John said, letting the sentence end, as he looked at Santino.

“Even I wouldn't be so stupid as to threaten your child. Or any child. What do you think I am? Heartless?” Santino smirked. Yes. That was exactly what John thought.

“I give you two weeks. Then you have to be in rome. Sort your stuff out till then.” John nodded at Santino.

“Don't do anything stupid, Jonathan.” Santino said, as he walked by John towards the door.

“Same goes to you.” John followed him. That made Santino laugh.

“I wouldn't dare.” He smirked before he nodded at him and closed the door behind him. John didn't know how long he stood there, watching after him. He was fucked.

[moodyvalentinestories]

A Holly Jolly Christ-Mess. Part 9. | Rachel x Hunt

09: Don’t Go Bacon My Heart

“I love you and you love me, and that's the way it's got to be. I loved you from the start 'cause Christmas ain't the time for breaking each other's heart.” – Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight) (Ramones)

Summary: Rachel wakes up to a bunch of messages from her boyfriend. Shit’s cute. They have breakfast together. Not in bed, unfortunately.

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Rachel Fields

Words: ~ 900 words

Notes: Plot? What’s a plot? Pffft, this is fan fiction. We do random cute/sexy stuff out of nowhere. Also, I don’t want you all to get too sad... yet.

❥ Moodyvalentine’s Masterlist ❥ Christmas Series Masterlist

Rachel slept in her own bed that night, and it surprised her how much she hated it. If there had ever been a time that she absolutely needed Thomas next to her, it was tonight. But, alas, he was another name on the long list of people she’d pissed off that day. So she lay in her bed alone, tossing and turning until she finally fell into a fitful slumber in the early morning hours.

The next day, she woke up to a few missed calls and a couple of text messages.

02:03 AM I’m sorry. I hope you enjoy your time with your family. – T.

02:11 AM Can we talk? I shouldn’t have hung up on you. – T.

02:24 AM Rachel?

02:32 AM Please don’t ignore me. – T.

03:08 AM I’ve emailed you the details of your flight. See you soon.  – Love, T.

She groaned, knowing full well she’d been awake when he’d sent those messages but hadn’t bothered to look at her phone. After quickly checking the time – not early enough for him to still be asleep, luckily – she called him.

It rang a couple of times, and Rachel knew he’d let it ring on purpose, before he finally picked up. “Rachel?”

She let out a sigh of relief when she realised he didn’t sound irritated but rather happy she’d called. “Thomas. Oh God, I didn’t mean to ignore you. I didn’t see your messages, and I swear I would have answered if I had because I’m not mad at you, and I—”

“Breathe,” Thomas said, and she heard the distinct sound of him suppressing a chuckle. Oh, thank goodness, they were okay. They were okay. “Are you breathing?”

Rachel nodded, then realised he couldn’t see her. “Yes. Let’s try this again. I’m sorry I didn’t see your texts. And I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you before making plans with my family. I should have asked first.”

“You don’t need my permission to spend time with them.” He paused for a moment. “Do you want to come over before your first lecture? I know you dreaded talking to your brother, and I should have been there for you after.” Another pause before he added, almost too quietly, “And I hated not having you here last night.”

She was out of bed within seconds of this admission. “I’ll be right there.”

And she was, less than twenty minutes later. He opened the door in nothing but the sweatpants he wore to bed, his mouth falling open in surprise. “That was… fast.”

“Would you rather have waited longer?” she asked as she stepped into the house. “I can take my time, do my hair and all that, next time if you’d prefer that.”

“Never,” he said, closing the door behind her before gently pushing her against it, caging her body with his. He smiled at her, relieved that she had come, then let his lips meet hers. Softly, ever so softly, he kissed her as he raised one hand to her cheek and let the other fall to her waist. God, he loved this woman with all his heart.

After a long while that, somehow, still wasn’t enough, she pulled back. “Is that bacon I smell?”

Thomas chuckled, shaking his head. “Forgive me, I forgot where your priorities lie. Would you care for some breakfast?”

“Mhh… yes, in a moment,” she said and got on her tiptoes to kiss him again. A grin spread across her face when she pulled away. “Now, that’s where my priorities lie. I’m not saying no to breakfast, though.”

He took her by the hand and led her into his kitchen, where she immediately sat down in her rightful place on the island counter opposite the stove and watched him get to work. Thomas smiled to himself as he added two more eggs and a few more strips of bacon to the pan – he’d long given up trying to keep her off the work surfaces, and had, in fact, found that there were benefits to her elevated position.

“If I’d known you’d be here so soon, I would have made waffles,” he said as he turned to her, moving to stand between her legs. After hearing her talk about the oh-so-heavenly waffles she’d discovered at a coffee shop near campus, he’d made her some for breakfast one day, and he still remembered the delighted look on her face when she’d told him she never wanted to eat anything else ever again.

Rachel chuckled, wrapping her legs around his waist to pull him closer. “I think bacon and eggs will do.” She let her hands wander over his exposed chest. “Besides, I’m much more interested in the cook. Looks very delicious.”

He shivered under her feather-light touch as her fingers kept dancing over his skin, lower and lower until they reached the hem of his pants. He let out a soft sigh. “Rachel…”

“Hmm?” She looked up at him through her lashes, fluttering them innocently. Her hands moved back up, and then higher, until she was holding his face in her hands. “Something wrong?”

Her name fell from his lips again, though as more of warning and less of a plea this time. She, naturally, chose to ignore it, and pulled his face to hers to kiss him tenderly. His own hands found their way around her as he deepened the kiss, pressing against her as he pulled her closer.

Soon enough, their moans and groans filled the kitchen, drowning out the violent sizzling sound of their breakfast as it burnt to a crisp in its pan.

Tags: @lilyofchoices @trappedinfandoms @flyawayboo @alleksa16 @silversparrow02 @hopelessromantic1352 @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @oneemofungirl​

Feel free to let me know if you’d ever like to be added to/removed from my taglist!

[deans-baby-momma]

Past Haunts-Winchesters Take Daytona

SURPRISE!!!! I had this since I finished Past Haunts but I kept it a secret so that I could post it as a Christmas gift to all my loyal readers. Hope you enjoy this little look into the life of Dean, Rebecca and Whitney!!!

It's been six months today. Six months since my daughter and I were getting ready for work and school when a simple knock on the front door changed everything. Changed it all, for the better.

To be able to watch from the sidelines as Whitney got to finally know the man who was her father; to finally experience having a male figure in her life was indescribable. 

Those two were like two peas in a pod, though. Similar likes, the same dislikes, an identical warped sense of humor. Once Dean had gotten over- no, that isn't the right wording-since Dean had come to terms with Sam being locked in a cage in Hell, he had jumped right into being a parent, a daddy. And he was killing it!

I hadn't expected to find him in the kitchen every morning, cooking breakfast for us before sending us both off with a kiss and I definitely never dreamed of coming home to a clean house, mowed lawn and that pesky back porch light repaired but during the first whole week of loving with us,  Dean had picked up the slack. I was amazed and very grateful.

Dean and I have slept in the same bed every night since his return but have yet to put a label on what we are. Although, Whitney happily tells anyone and everyone that her parents are together, I'm just unsure. And yes, we've had sex but then again what woman in her right mind could look at him, cuddle up to him and NOT want to have sex with him?

He had gotten a job at a local garage after the first month of being 'home' and had quickly impressed the boss with his knowledge of older vehicles. It seemed as though the mechanics now a days depended on the little computers installed in the newer models to alert them to whatever was wrong, so when older vehicles came across their rack, these young boys were stumped.

During the week after Thanksgiving, the city of Fairfax Indiana got its first snowfall. Everything looked so clean and fresh with the white blanket covering all the blemishes and eyesores around town. And that's the day we found out Dean Winchester doesn't like the cold.

"It's just-" Dean grumbled as he drank his coffee at the head of the table. "-so ridiculous. You have to wear extra layers, watch out for other idiots on the road. Watch where you step. And it's just so cold." He finishes his groaning with a full body shiver.

"Dad you sound like a whiny brat," Whitney banters as she eats her eggs and bacon. "It's wonderful! Everything looks so bright and shiny."

"I need sun and warmth missy," Dean shoots back with a wink. He suddenly sits up straight and looks at me. "Babe, how many days of school until our little girl is on holiday?"

Whitney humphs at being called a little girl, even though she knows Dean only does it to get a rise out of her. The smirk on his face tells me that is exactly the response he expected.

"Uh, nine. I think."

"Eight and a half," Whitney corrects me, standing up to take her plate to the sink. "And the half day is going to be mostly watching movies and not much else."

I look at Dean to see his mind whirling. I could tell he was trying to work something out in his head. I raise an eyebrow in question but only get a smile in response. I shake my head at his antics and stand up to go finish getting ready for work.

Christmas in Florida is distinctly opposite of Christmas in the North. For one, there is no snow for the lights to mirror. The lights are pretty but seem so dull without the reflection. And instead of coats and gloves and hats, people are in swimsuits and shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. A total 180 from what I'm used to in mid-December. I ponder the difference between the two as I lounge on the long beach chair beside Dean's as we watch Whitney frolic in the cool water.

Dean hasn't fully embraced the warmer temperatures as he is still in jeans and his usually two-shirt ensemble.  The only thing missing is the heavy work boots he usually dons; his feet are bare. The sunglasses on his face does little to hide the freckles that have made an appearance the darker his skin tans. I've laid in bed recently, counting the cute little misshapen dots. He is all smiles and happy. I love him so much!

When Dean had first suggested taking a trip down south for Christmas break I was astonished, Whitney was ecstatic. In her 13 year existence, this is the first full-fledged vacation we have ever taken so she was excited and enthusiastic about the chance to take a trip. And when she found out the destination, I didn't think she would survive the 17-hour trip without spending the whole time exploding with glee. Whitney and I spent my whole payday on a new wardrobe for the both of us, getting weird and bizarre looks from other shoppers as we tried to find t-shirts and shorts, bathing suits and sunscreen; during December in Indiana those items were few and far between. I also took a secret trip to the courthouse, getting the paperwork to officially make Whitney a Winchester. All it need is information and signatures from both parents. I plan to surprise Dean with them Christmas morning.

So far, this vacation has been fantastic. We have spent time as a family doing little things, like walking along the beach at sunset searching for seashells, playing mini-golf, spending the day in our hotel room watching old movies and cartoons when the weather took a turn for the worse. It has been a dream come true, something I had never in a million years thought would ever happen. 

Spending time with him and our daughter in what I dubbed as the most magical place on Earth. So what if we're not at Disney World, to me this is the most fascinating time and place; a week spent with my daughter and her father, the love of my life. Life couldn't get any better than this.

I am shaken from my daydreams as I hear Dean growl and begin throwing fictitious daggers with his eyes in the direction of the pool. I turn my head to see a group of teenage boys all surrounding Whitney, who is all smiles at the attention. 

"Calm down honey," I cajole. "We knew this would eventually happen. We can't expect her to be a nun."

"Those boys are too old for her," he defends. "They see an innocent, young girl like her and there's only one thing on their mind." He goes to get up and I reach over to place my hand on his arm, stopping him.

"Give it a minute," I tell him. "I've taught Whitney to take care of herself."

As Dean and I sit there I keep our daughter in my peripheral, just in case one of us needs to step in. Suddenly, Whitney yells out "Jerk!" and slaps the boy who looks to be the protagonist of the crew. I smile as I watch her climb out of the pool and walk toward us. She sits at my feet and wraps her towel around her shoulders.

"You okay darlin'?" her dad asks, his eyes still trained on the gang of boys. They just don't know how many different ways Dean Winchester could murder them and make them all disappear.

"Y-yea," she answers but I can tell she's lying. "They just said some things that weren't nice."

Dean finally turned his eyes toward his daughter, the dangerous glint replaced by concern.  "Baby girl, I can go have a talk with them, if you-"

"No Dean!" she says, standing up. "I don't need my father taking up for me. I'm not a baby!" As Whitney storms out of the pool area, Dean looks at me, at a loss.

"What did I do?"

I stand up and wrap the sarong around my bikini-clad body. "Just let me go talk to her, okay?" I have an idea what is going on and I know having her dad there I'd never get Whitney to open up. I lean down and kiss him and head in the direction our daughter had stomped off.

In the room, Whitney has thrown herself across her bed and is crying into the pillow.

"Honey, what's wrong?" I ask gently because if my suspicions were true, anything could cause her to fly off the handle.

"I don't know," she whines. "I was feeling okay and then all of a sudden, it's like my energy zapped. So I was just floating in the pool, hoping the ache would go away and then those boys came up and started talking to me. And I liked it," she explains as she sits up on the bed. "But then Kyle said something about me being pure and innocent when I told them how old I was and I just lost it. And then I jumped down Dad's throat and he probably hates me now!" She began crying again and I join her on the bed, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and she places her head on my shoulder.

 "Oh baby," I console. "I think it's becoming that time. You're getting ready to start your first period."

She jerks her head up and looks at me. "Really?"

"Yea, we need to go get you some pads and Midol. You're going to start bleeding anytime."

"God, did I just ruin our first vacation?"

"No!" I claim. "You didn't ruin vacation at all, baby. Now, let's get cleaned up and run down the street to the store."

"Moooom! I can't leave the room! What if it starts before we get back?" I chuckle at her wide-eyed expression.

"Okay, okay." I reach over and grab my phone texting Dean to come up to the room. I roll my eyes as I remember the discussion he and I had almost 2 years ago. Never in a million years did I think I would actually be asking this of him but I can't leave my baby.

The look on his face was comical as I whispered my request. He looked terrified and afflicted at the thought of having to buy feminine products. I take screenshots of exactly what he needs to buy and send him on his way, but not before he insists that I remember promising him he would never have to do this particular task.

The rest of the vacation goes off without a hitch. Whitney does begin her first period and requests to spend the rest of our time in Florida in the hotel room, only going out to eat. Dean and I trust her enough to leave her in the room while we go out, exploring not only the beach but the little town we are in. Christmas morning comes and Whitney wakes us up with squeals of delight at the massive amount of presents placed under the decorated fake palm tree in our room.

Dean and I sit on the sofa, drinking coffee and enjoying the look of awe on our daughter's face as she opens her presents. Once finished, she winks at her dad and goes to her bag where she pulls a box from inside. Handing it to him, Whitney steps back as Dean slides off to the floor, getting on one knee.

My hand slaps over my mouth as he clears his throat. I have no idea what he says because my inner voice is chanting 'Oh my god! This can't be happening!' Finally my ears take over and I hear him ask, "Becks, will you marry me?" I nod through the tears and watch as he slips the ring onto my finger. He climbs back onto the couch and wraps his arms around me, only moving one around Whitney when she dog piles on top of us in excitement.

None of us know though, that when we return to Indiana  the past is going to come back to haunt us, in the form of Sam Winchester back from Hell.

Well, there ya go guys! A look into the life of the Winchesters. Hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse. As always, likes and comments are appreciated! And don’t forget to check out my new fic, Rebel Without A Cause, coming January 8th. Love to you all and Merry Christmas!!

@vickiq9761 @flamencodiva @mysteriouslyme @travelingriversideblues-x @akshi8278 @keymology @hoboal87 @squirrelnotsam @spnbaby-67 @natura1phenomenon @drakelover78 @lostinaseaoffictionalbliss @larajadeschmidt13 @tftumblin @blacktithe7​ @lilulo-12​ @adoptdontshoppets​ @cpag7​ @austipoppa​

[cutiepiepotatoes]

Freya’s herbs

Ivarxreader

Disclaim: I don’t own any character. I placed a few references to other shows in it haha and it’s been a while since I wrote anything so I kinda got carried away (1900 words), also English isn’t my main language so please excuse me for possible grammar errors. Enjoy anyway and feedbacks are always welcomed!

Part 2

@feistybaby

Summary: Reader and Ivar are married, don’t know each other well, don’t want to know each other,  the seer gives them some herbs to eat

After three weeks being here, you had already enough of it. All the dirty smells, the cold, the odd looks the people keep giving you, the Ragnarsons’ smirks and of course Ivar’s behavior. That was the worse: acting like a child, yet being cruel and scary, ignoring you during the day, staring at you during all the feast in the great hall at night. The slaves were scared of him and keep you company, following his orders, but they were also scared of you, knowing your reputation.

Being the daughter of a great warrior, who became king of a foreign kingdom, you knew how to fight, how to kill and how to read. Speaking different languages helped you during raids, but it was also your worst flaw at one precise moment, at least it seems like that to you: when in England serving in your father’s army, you all met The Great Army, and decided to join forces to win. What was unexpected was that the Christian surrendered and during the negotiations for their lives, you stood out by understanding perfectly and answering them as if you were one of them. Surprised, Ivar decided you might be useful for other raids and asked your hand to your father, who eagerly accepted seeing you were far from finding a better suitor, being always in raid. Plus, he knew you didn’t want to get married, you wanted to remain a free shieldmaiden.

Now, you were treated like a princess who doesn’t know anything. Mostly because it apparently amused your dear husband. Walking around, you saw Ivar at the docks and immediately started to glare at him from afar. Which he reciprocated instantly. You looked like two idiots, glaring at each other, strangling the other in your head, at five feet apart. You approached, smiling at his brothers, and giving him your best fake smile: 

“Hello.”

“You piss me off so much!”

“Ivar, I literally just said hello.”

“And yet here I am, boiling with rage!” he growled at you, making you laughed at how ridiculous he was.

You were about to respond when the seer came, “May I speak with you, my King?”

“Well of course, mostly because it would to give me an opportunity to get away from this demon.” Your husband spitted at you, and you laughed even harder, making him even more pissed.

“Now the Gods want you and your wife to come”

“What?” you both said, suddenly completely serious with a dangerous voice. Ubbe just rolled his eyes, while Hvitserk slowly tried to leave, your tones reminding everyone how deadly you could both be if annoyed. The seer, who must have predicted your reactions, only walked back to his house knowing you would follow, which you did while growling and muttering protestations but refusing to go against the Gods’ desire. You didn’t wait for Ivar to take his crutches, you were even walking faster to get away from him a little. “Look like you want to murder everyone, shoulders down and chin up” used to say your mother for how to walk, and that is exactly what you were doing, on your own, alone, not next to Ivar. However, when you entered the seer’s house, something hit you: loneliness. You always walked alone, except on the battlefield, but even now you were walking alone on purpose to avoid your supposed husband. This statement saddened you, until you heard the oh-so-nice voice of Ivar:

“You’re in the way, woman.”

Except this time, instead of answering him with a witty comment, you just looked at him behind your shoulder and moved out the way. Your move made Ivar frowned and wondered what has gotten into you, and he realized he was almost, emphasis on almost, waiting your sarcasm. However, he showed nothing and kept walking.

“Sit down here please, and next to each other” the seer requested. You did as you were told, both still a bit weird from what just happened. “The Gods gave me a mission, and to pursue it I need both of you to eat these herbs tonight before sleep. You will have a dream which should help the Gods, mostly Freya, guide your couple through the journey of life. Do you know why the Gods decided to interfere?”

“Good question, wrong people, seer” you quickly answered. This made Ivar smiled a little, you were returning to your old self and it was somehow reassuring, yet he didn’t know why.

“You two have some things in common…”

“Breathing.” You said, but not as disgusted as you would have say it before. Ivar rolled his eyes but nodded, agreeing with you for once and noticing your change of tone.

“Yesterday, my royal couple, you had a fight.”

“So what? We fight all the time!”

“And that is what annoys the Gods, my King. They have plans for you two that aren’t realized because of your constant fighting. Yesterday I heard your fight and you said, I quote : “Ivar I swear I will squeeze your kneecaps if you keep glaring at me!” “then I will invert your rib cage Y/N!”. That was only two sentences of the long fight you had.”

You and Ivar looked at each other, slowly understanding how horrible you were to the other, but too proud to even think about changing. For once, the looks you had weren’t full of anger, they were almost respecful.

“Let the Gods guide you, let Freya do her magic on you this night.”

“Well, we won’t go against the Gods so give us the Freya’s herbs, seer.”

The rest of day was odd after your visit with the seer, Ivar was quiet, not yelling at his brothers or his men, he was just…quiet, going through his plans and ideas in pure silence. Ubbe was getting very worried, Hvitserk tried to act as normal as possible near him, until you entered the great hall, and oddly sat next to Ivar by choice. This made everyone ill at ease and even scared for some, as it was so unnatural. You were both silent, not going at each other throats but not talking nicely either, not talking at all actually.

The evening flew quickly, because no one stayed long after eating. The atmosphere was too heavy and they didn’t know why. You looked at Ivar, who only nodded before going to the bedroom. Once under the furs, you took the herbs and put some in Ivar’s hand.

“So are you ready, wife?” his question surprised you, he never called you wife before. But now wasn’t the time to think about it.

“Yes, on three. One, two…and three” and you both ate the herbs. Waiting for something to happen, none of you moved, but after some time you got really tired and fell asleep without even remembering it.

You woke up, and headed straight down the stairs in the kitchen. Ivar was here, making eggs. You bend down to kiss him lovingly.

“Good morning darling, did you sleep well? We have a long day ahead of us.”

“Yes honey, what about you? You moved quite a lot in your sleep this night you know. Is everything alright?”

“I did? Well yeah I don’t remember having a nightmare or else. I didn’t hurt your legs, did I Ivar?”

“No don’t worry. Go wake up the little monster, I’ll finish making breakfast for my girls” said Ivar, smiling while gently pushing your butt towards the exit from his wheelchair.

You entered the room, and approached the bed slowly, before gently stroking the little girl’s hair, kissing her head and whispering sweet words to wake her up nicely.

“Hi momma” she said in her little raspy voice. “Hi babe, sleep well?” “Yes but I’m hungry mom”. You chuckled, took her in your arms to go downstairs.

During breakfast, you look at Ivar with a knowing look, smirks forming on both of your faces.

“So sweetheart, your mom and I have a surprise for you: we’re going to spend the day at Disney today!”

“Really?!! YEAHHHHH” she ran into your arms yelling happily. “With the twins too?”

“No honey, the twins will spend the day at grandma Aslaug’s house. It’s only you and us today love. Sounds great?”

“Sounds awesome mom! Can I wear my princess dress?”

“Sure, go get ready princess!”

While she ran as fast as her little feet could take her, Ivar looked at her smiling, showing his white teeth. He was so peaceful, so calm, genuinely smiling, his eyes closed a little from how big his smile was. He was just so beautiful when he showed how happy he was. You didn’t even notice you were starring at him until he looked at you quizzingly, amused.

“What is it? Do I have pancake on my face?”

“No, no. You’re just…perfect for me. I love you, Ivar”

Ivar grabbed your face and crashed his lips on yours, looking at you with so much love in the eyes you thought you really saw hearts in it. “I love you too Y/N.”

Gasping, panting, sweating, Ivar grabbed your arm as you sat up, both of you trying to calm down and ease your breath. You looked back at Ivar, he seemed as confused as you, even more maybe.

“What was that?! Where is the Disney?”

You gasped, a dark look sitting on your face and you slowly answered him in a low, deep voice:

“Ivar, husband, is that really the only thing you remember from that freaking dream?! Are you serious?! We had three kids, our daughter was marvelous, you mother was alive, we were in love and you asked about this Disney? Really?!” This silent him, your angry look probably helped too.

“I… our daughter was indeed marvelous.”

Your heart was aching, you missed her so much, you wanted to hold her again, to kiss her head again. But it was only a dream, you didn’t even recognize anything of the décor around you. Your daughter, this girl, didn’t exist for real.

“Yes, she was, but… she wasn’t real, Ivar. We don’t have a daughter, we don’t have twins, and…we aren’t in love with each other.” A few tears were rolling down your cheeks, and you saw Ivar trying to prevent his from falling too.

“This dream, the love in it just felt so good, so real. I want that, Y/N. And…I want it with you. I know we aren’t getting along well for now, but with time and efforts, we will and maybe we will even… fall in love, and-and have children.” Seeing you were too shocked to answer yet, your jaw hanging a bit and your eyes wide open, he continued “I think if the Gods wanted us to see this maybe it’s because it’s what we should have…a family, with…love. What do you think, wife?”

“I-I…I think you’re right. Let’s try. Let’s become friends first and we will see. Deal, warrior?”

Grabbing the hand you extended towards him, Ivar pulled you back under the furs, close to him, a small but hopeful smile on both of your lips.

“Deal, shieldmaiden.”

[deztinywarriors]

The Linked Charms - Episode 29 (Multi Liverpool players)

[valkirsif]

Unthinkable CH 21/???

Tom Hiddleston x Reader

Word 3200

Warning Nothing

The phone that vibrated woke her up,

"Hello," she said again in the dream world,

"Good morning my queen, it's almost 2 pm and I'm at the door, I ring the bell or ..."

"Like ... what ..." replied, jumping off the bed, "I'm coming ..." attacking and shaking Rice,

"Poppy, what the hell is going on?" He asked, "Is the house on fire ?!",

"Tom .. has arrived .." replied as she put on dressing gown out of the room, ran up the stairs now awake, the room was empty and silent were still all sleeping luckily, she wanted everything for if at least a moment before having to share it with the family, opened the door and threw herself in his arms, ignoring the suitcases and the flowers was holding in his hands,

"Welcome home" mewled kissing him ancored like a koala,

"Day, now I understand Rice when we arrived, I confirm that this is the best welcome in the world" dropped his bags to put a hand on her ass and support, "I almost expected the pajamas with penguins" he laughed, "But this put I like it a lot more" leaned against the wall kissing her neck, Y/N squeaked happily

"Sorry doves but the room is upstairs" Rice laughed making out, they did not realize how equivocal the position was,

"Hey man," Tom said, hugging him,

"Have you had a good trip?" asked, helping him with luggage, "If you want a minimum of privacy tonight you'd better stay in the annex" laughed at Y/N

"From Paris it is a moment to arrive, Darling we have the flight to London tomorrow in the day" said holding her close to his side, "And these are for you" kissed her putting the flowers in her hands,

"You're spoiling me too much, I could get used to this treatment," kissed him as he headed for the kitchen, "I make coffee, I still have not got my dose" laughed dragging it with her, Rice followed them laughing the woman put flowers in a vase and switched on the coffee machine before opening the fridge and starting to prepare breakfast,

"Something is missing ..." Rice said playing with the fridge panel, "..may we have some music?"

"No, please, I would like to enjoy my man in peace first ..." Y/N answered waving upstairs,

"Poppy, you can not hope that they will sleep much longer, you made a hellish noise when you came down" he laughed mashing her hair, the woman nodded she knew that that moment of peace would come between shouts and surprise soon and she was nervous, Tom came up to her

"Darling take a big breath is just your family," he whispered calmly, "If you say I'm a fan I can always draw my incredible charm and charm them" laughed maliciously stroking the imaginary mustache, the woman burst out laughing,

"Mister Hiddleston you play dirty," she mewled kissing him,

"Never said I would not cheat," whispered in her ear,

"Now sit down before you burn the toast, you terribly distracted me" laughed giving him a pat on the back and returning to the stove, a delicious smell of pancakes and toast spread around the house with the aroma of coffee, stretched the ears hearing the first movements from the upper floor, Y/N looked at Rice anxiously,

"I block them in the room to set the table, you take a deep breath I warn you when everyone is at the table" he said before leaving the kitchen,

"Day give me a hand here ..." heard Rice's voice giving orders, someone was complaining that he wanted coffee,

"Hey, who are those suitcases?" the curious tone of Roby silenced the group, "... are his? ..", ".. arrived?", "..Where have you hidden? ..", the ferment up,

"It has arrived, now you are all quiet and sit down .. Y/N is already nervous without all of it being shit" Rice had raised her voice laughing, in the kitchen the woman had finished preparing breakfast and was putting it on the tray, Tom at her side was making coffee cups, if he was nervous would not see it,

"Ready?" Rice asked, reaching them in the kitchen and taking the dishes, Y/N took a deep breath and nodded, Tom took her face in his hands smiled and kissed her, the three went to the room.

"Day guys," she said cheerfully, "I hope you are hungry, I made the baskets of eggs" laughed putting the tray in the middle of the table,

"According to you what woke us up", "The perfume came up to the room", "Yay the breakfast of the holidays!" the enthusiastic chorus died as soon as the group noticed and recognized the newly arrived guest, they remained staring at Tom placing the coffee on the table and moving the chair to Y/N before sitting next to her,

"Pleasure and excuse the intrusion so early" the man said

no one spoke or moved a muscle, Y/N remembered that feeling of hysterical cries in the head, they were still processing and being just awake did not help,

"Breakfast gets cold ..." Rice said breaking the silence and taking the eggs, as if he had broken a spell the others also began to use,

"Gian will give me the bread please" Y/N asked extending her plate, "Gian?",

"How?!" he replied astonished,

"Give me bread," she laughed, did not expect such a silent breakfast, everyone stared at Tom and his movements, it seemed more beautiful than usual despite wearing a simple blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans, Simo jerked when saw him move a lock from her face to kiss, the woman blushed felt like a caged animal was a new and strange feeling,

"I'm going to get the jam," said standing up followed by Tom,

"Darling are you okay?" asked, hugging her smiling, "You're tender when you blush," whispered,

"Sorry Thomas I did not expect such a thing, I was ready to scream or otherwise a different reaction from being silently set," she replied. uneasy and did not think it could happen with his family, "will it always be like that when we're in public?" asked, looking up at him,

"The first few times I'm afraid of," he answered staring, "The zoo animal effect will fade quickly just do not think too much" laughed sweetly, "And then the excuse of the jam I liked .." he took the hips and approached , ".. I do not want any public for what I'm about to do ..." he squeezed her against the fridge and kissing as casually as possible, Y/N stopped thinking about her family at the moment by clinging to his hips, sinking hands in his hair,

"My King" squeaked excitedly, did not care if you stared at that point just wanted to close somewhere and tear his clothes off him,

"My Queen, you have to do me a favor," he said, stroking her face,

"Anything ..." Y/N answered, regaining control,

"Would you dress up after breakfast? Do it for my health, see you go home so it kills me I would not resist until tonight" he said bursting into laughter, the woman nodded, took the jam and cake and went back to the room where the situation had not changed much.

The woman cut the cake and served it to her still silent family, she was about to sit down when Tom grabbed her by the hips and put on his lap,

"Hey!" she laughed putting an arm around his shoulders and kissing him,

"May I have a piece of cake please?" he asked, staring at her with puppy eyes, Roby laughed, softening the atmosphere and handing the tray with the cake to Tom,

"Thank you ..." he said, taking two slices and looking at the questioning Y/N,

"Excuse me in haste I have not done the presentations .. he is Roby .." the woman answered doing the presentations, she pointed to everyone saying the name, finished the round Tom showed his best smile bewitching them, Y/N laughed knew all too well 'effect of that smile, breakfast ended between half sentences and looks,

"I'll go right back to put something on me while you clear," said the woman getting up, "Can I trust you to leave you alone with Thomas?" asked half-heartedly, looking at them,

"Quiet Poppy, I'll defend him in case," Rice laughed, the woman went up to her room, took a random t-shirt and shorts and got dressed as quickly as possible, did not want to leave it alone more than necessary, stopped at the top of the stairs, room came laughter and rumors seemed that everything ran smoothly, went down and reached the group that had moved on the couch, Tom was on the chair the rest of the family hung from his lips, the man raised his head when heard her reach out stretched his hand and took the woman pulling towards him, Y/N was comfortable on his knees relaxed and ready, now that they were all comfortable waiting for questions, Tom held her hand,

"You're beautiful Darling," whispered, the woman smiled and kissed him, she could not get enough, would have done nothing but kiss him if she could,

"How did it happen that you fell in love with her ...", Simo was the first "... I mean, I understand why Poppy has lost mind for you..", Y/N shook the hand of Tom, it was a question from him similar, the man smiled staring at her before answering,

"Honestly, it's irresistible, it's sweet, protective, it tries to make everyone feel good about it, it worries about little things..." he started, "...but I think it was the sun inside that bewitched me, you know it better than me I do not have to tell you that it's special" concluded kissing her hand, the woman was excited she still did not see herself as he saw her,

"We could tell you stories to get you hair white..." Niko said grinning,

".. dark and spicy stories .." Marco continued,

"We all have a past," Tom laughed, "I know Rice well enough not to scare me," smiling, "He told me about some tequila adventures ..." smiled at the woman,

"You have no idea how you went into fire at that moment "Y/N whispered to him,

"So you gave yourself to beach games without us?!" Phil said falsely angry,

"Only once, Tom insisted and it was not nice to disappoint a guest" Rice laughed, Gian was the only one still serious while staring at them, Y/N joined him by putting his side and caressing him,

"Gian speaks, I know you, spit the toad" she said softly, the man squeezed it to himself,

"Are you sure of what you're doing and what you're feeling for him?" he asked, "I do not have to remember how we found you when we arrived ..." stopped looking at Tom did not know whether to continue or not. be sure you're not letting you influence," concluded,

"Gian look at me, I'm fine, I'm just fine, I love him and I just want to be with him, what happened is water passed .." she said tightening to his friend, "..and absurd and incredible as he is in love of me, just think about how I was"

"Poppy you know that you're my favorite, I worry about you" he smiled ruffling her hair, "I apologize to Tom but entrusting it to someone who almost annihilated creates problems," said to the man, "I do not doubt the your good faith but I will take the time to trust"

"I can not change what happened, I had no idea how she was, she's good at hiding what feels or maybe I do not know her enough to figure it out but I have all the time, I can assure you that I love her and will never hurt again" Tom was extremely serious at that moment, he spoke looking at Gian but his words were for the whole group, there were many looks, they knew each other so well that they did not need to express themselves, as Marco always spoke for everyone,

"In this case, welcome to the family!" said standing up to shake his hand, Tom stood up smiling,

"It's a real pleasure, I know how important it is for her," said, responding to the greeting,

"Yes, yes, we are all happy and happy" began sarcastic Jack, "Let's talk a moment of practical things, Poppy will have told you about the wedding"

"It was the first thing told me yesterday," he smiled,

"Well, she's one of the bridesmaids so she can not miss it," he continued. "Now that you're part of the family, do you think you're coming?" Tom looked at Y/N who was still smiling beside Gian,

"Thanks for the invitation but I do not think it's the case" he smiled, "Not so much for work but because I do not want to ruin the ceremony, it's really hard to move without being noticed, it would become a paparazzi circus and it's not fair to you"

"When Poppy told us that she was your new girlfriend, we did not believe her and we made a lot of jokes about my sister and the other girls," said Franc, "After seeing the fans, all in all, of Rice, maybe you're right it could be a problem" he looked at Y/N," What do you think?” asked,

"I think I'd like to have my man next to me that day," he said seriously, "but Thomas is right it would be a delusion," concluded saddened by the idea, she began to understand what it meant to be with him.

They spent the afternoon and part of the evening talking, the group had millions of questions and Tom answered without affable problems as usual,

"I'm starting to get hungry, how about preparing something?" Simo said going into the kitchen,

"It's almost 9 o'clock I think it's a great idea" replied Roby, the group split Y/N followed by Tom reached the others in the kitchen where they opened the fridge and decided the menu,

"I make a phone call, I'll be right there," Tom whispered, going to the garden,

"Live is much better than in pictures, it's great to take your breath away" said Roby approaching the woman,

"Yeah, but it's not his best gift," she replied with a laugh, "He's an exceptional man, he's cleverly sympathetic, he has an extraordinary empathy ..."

"He's rich, I've got to tell you, you really did it," came Simo sly,

"Simo, the money has nothing to do with it, it's not because of what I fell in love with him," said dry Y/N, "I know you value some nonsense but I do not",

"If you say so ..." the woman wanted to kick him was about to reply when Tom hugged her,

"My brother sends you his regards, Elsa can not wait to meet you" said kissing her head, "We have arranged for dinner on Monday if it's ok with you",

"Of course, so I'll get to know him a little better" she laughed, that 'us' turned to his house liked, saw Roby do stupid faces with Simo turned around throwing his apron laughing, "You two are unspeakable",

"I bring the dishes to Rice so I'll let you cook in peace," he said, taking the dishes, Roby put the apron on her back,

"Did I miss something, did my brother say goodbye to you? But do not you have two sisters?!" he asked curiously,

"He spoke of Hemsworth, they consider themselves brothers of different mothers, I find it a very tender thing " Y/N laughed, "You should see them together, when I was on set it seemed to be home with you were absurd ", Roby and Simo looked at each other curiously,

"Dai tells" they said in chorus,

"There's not much to say," she replied, "It was an adventure, I spread Evans and I have to admit that it gave me satisfaction",

"How how?! You beat Evans?" they asked, amazed,

"He challenged me and I had to do it" laughed recalling that day, "He took me around the woods, we played with the play, it was a funny night" she told about breakfast and how Chris H. had arrived and the had pecked in panties while cooking,

"Because you were half naked ..." asked Simo curiously, ".. you and the Captain.." he gave her a push,

"Simo always go there, there was nothing between me and Chris is just a friend, a good friend" concluded the speech laughing,

"I had been in you I would have thrown," he said with a sigh, "It must be a great ride",

"You're always the usual idiot" she laughed, "When you finished making movies on my head on me and Chris throw me the pan?", she put the cheese muffins in the oven and lowered the fire under the sauce before returning to the room, the rest of the group had finished preparing the table and was chatting while drinking martinis, Phil passed her a glass,

"Your favorite Poppy," he said, wiping the flour from her nose,

"Thanks sweet, for dinner it takes half an hour I just baked and the sauce is boiling," she announced, sitting close to Tom,

"Chris has been looking for you, he says that all day writes you he was about to take a plane and come and see how you are" laughed kissing her, Y/N nodded, she and Chris had felt the day before, nevertheless took the phone to tell him she was fine,

"Hey Sassy boy, I heard that you were looking for me," said when he heard, "How are you my love? Did the return with Rdj go well? "

"Silly I gave you for lost, I'm fine I have a few days of vacation so I relax at home" he answered cheerfully, "The trip was fun..you know Rdj .."

"I can know why all this urgency" laughed the woman imagining the answer,

"I wanted to know how things were going and how your family reacted, I worry about you, you know," he said softly,

"You are my favorite honey jar Sassy, ​​here everything is fine, the guys still do not understand the news, but it seems that they are taking it well"

"When are we seeing you Silly? I miss my girlfriend "

"You know I have no idea? I'm just leaving for London tomorrow" laughed looking at Tom," And I miss you too, see you soon" greeted him affectionately, the others looked at her fascinated,

"But were you on the phone with Evans?" Marco asked, "Do you have the Captain America number?",

"We are friends it's normal that has his number" she laughed, "And in case you did not notice it, you also met him at the party at the Castello..the Brucaliffo I went away with," they looked at each other in amazement but did not reply. kitchen heard the trill of the timer, Y/N went to check the dinner and threw the pasta,

"Poppy there is an excellent fragrance, I'm hungry" Rice hugged her, the woman leaned against his friend smiling to himself, she felt incredibly good her life was about to change radically but did not worry,

"Now that I'm all relaxed, even I came hungry, I was so nervous," confessed, drained the pasta and seasoned it, "Tell me it's ready I'll follow you with dinner" laughed removing the muffins from the oven and putting them on the trolley next to pasta, took the serving cutlery and followed Rice.

[letmeletmetrashyourlove]

Don’t

Summary: Reader confesses her love, only to be shot down.      

Author’s Note: Oh, Billy... You always seem to get your ass kicked out at some point.    

IMAGINE REQUESTS OPEN                 HEADCANON REQUESTS OPEN

Feedback always appreciated! Positive or negative! I always want my work to improve!

          “Mornin’” Billy grumbled as I shifted my position on his chest. The sunlight was pouring through the curtains and right into my face. I squeezed my eyes shut and nuzzled into his neck.

He reached over me to grab his smokes, lighting one and placing it between his lips. His chest swelled as he took a puff.  

          “What time is it?” I grumbled, sitting up to face him.

He glanced over to the clock,

          “8:40.” He answered, letting out a snicker as he looked at me.

          “What?”

          “Nice hair.” He laughed, ruffling the tangled mess that perched on my head.

          “Oh, you’re one to talk.” I quipped, swiping his cigarette and taking a drag. I settled back on his shoulder, savoring the tranquility of the morning.

It was a rarity for the two of us to spend the night in bed together. Sure, some nights he would stay here, but my old man would have his head on a stake if he even looked in the direction of my bedroom. But since my parents were out of town, we took advantage.

          “So. What are our plans for today?” He sought, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

          “Domestic shit.” I rebutted, “Laundry… Cleaning… Grocery shopping. You don’t have to stay all day if you don’t want to.”

          “And miss having you to myself the whole day? Not a chance.” He retorted, stealing his cigarette back, “Let’s play house for the day, doll.”  

          “Oh… So you’re actually going to help me clean the house.” I cackled.

          “Why is that so funny?”

          “You strike me as somebody who likes things done for you.”

He rolled his eyes, stamping his cigarette out in the ashtray on the nightstand. He removed himself out from under me, making me whimper.

          “Where you goin’?” I investigated as he tugged on a pair of sweatpants.

          “To make you breakfast.” He responded.

          “Oh. So now you’re trying to prove yourself?” I teased.

          “What? Can a guy not just do something nice for a babe like you? There has to be some ulterior motive?”

          “Mhmm,” I affirmed, rolling over and planting my feet on the cold hardwood floor.

He rolled his eyes, flinging his shirt at me as he left the room. I threw the white tee over my head and slipped on a pair of socks before accompanying him in the kitchen. He stood at the counter, scrambling a few eggs. I came up behind him, enclosing my arms around his midriff and resting my head on his back.

I realized I was smitten the first day I met Billy. Sure, in the same way that every other girl was. Those tight jeans accentuated all the right places. But then that damn smirk. Every time he did it, everybody swooned. Didn’t matter who it was. He did it to everybody. But the way he did it to me was different. With the others, it was like he was putting it on. It was for show, to get something he wanted. But when it did it for me, it was natural. He just couldn’t help but smirk. I could see it tugging at his lips when he was trying to put on a stone face.  

                            Oh shit… I think I’m in love with this guy… shit.

          “Mmmm.” I hummed, throwing my fork down on the table and leaning back in my chair, “You spoil me.”

          “That’s my job, isn’t it?” He retorted, leaning over to kiss me as he collected my plate.

Both of our lips tasted of maple syrup. For as big of an ass as this guy could be, he was a damn good cook. And now he was cleaning up the kitchen? Jeez. I shuffled over to the kitchen, hopping up on the counter beside the sink. He rinsed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher before moving over to meet me.

He stood between my knees, planting his palms on either side of me on the counter. I propped my hands on his chest as he leaned in to kiss me. He smirked against my lips when I let out a slight squeak.  My hand wandered up to his neck as we pulled apart. He relaxed his forehead on mine,

          “I think I’m falling in love with you, Billy Hargrove.” I purred, looking into his eyes.

He drew away, his cheeky grin dropping.

          “Well, don’t.” He reacted, propelling himself off the counter and turning away from me.

He grabbed a hand towel, mopping the water off the counter. As if he hadn’t just shattered my heart.

          “Wh-” I began, struggling not to let the tears show in my eyes, “What are you talking about?”  

          “That’s… it’s…  It’s just not for me.” He replied.  

          “Not for you?”  

          “Love… It’s just… I can’t do it.”  

          “Then why the hell are you here? Just to fuck with me?”  I interrogated as I slid off the counter.

          “No. Look, I care about you. I just… I don’t… I don’t love you.”  He murmured.

I turned my back on him, resting my hands on the counter and taking a deep, shaking breath.

          “Just go.”  

          “Y/N… Come on. It doesn’t have to be like this?”

          “Oh, doesn’t it? You’re here, stringing me along. Making me breakfast, staying the night, cleaning the kitchen? Playing house? Was I not supposed to develop feelings? Was I just supposed to be something for you to stick your dick in?”  I rambled, now letting the tears spill.

He had nothing to add as he stared at me, his face staying a blank slate.

          “Please, go.” I whimpered.

He stared at me a moment longer before trudging up the stairs to my bedroom to get his clothes. I took the nearest object, a glass, and hurled it at the wall.

I was more irate at myself than at him. How could I be shortsighted enough to fall in love with a notorious player like Billy Hargrove? He offered one last glance over his shoulder as he stepped out the door.

I let out a frustrated scream as I bent down to pick up the pieces of glass off the floor. I cursed as a shard sliced my finger open.

          “Fuck,” I blurted, snatching a towel to stem the bleeding.

I had to show up at school the next day. I couldn’t let a crippled heart stop me from being me. An education is more important than some stupid boy. I found myself falling into my old routine, taking the long way around the building so I could walk past Billy’s locker. Before I could catch myself, I observed him from across the hall. He had a girl pinned against her locker, his hips flush with hers.

          “Billy!” I hollered at him from down the corridor. He recoiled from the girl when he heard me, his grin dropping.

I held up my middle finger as I stormed out the double doors. I wiped the tears from my cheeks as I sprinted to my car. I shoved my books into the passenger seat and banged my head against the steering wheel.  

A knock on my window caught my attention. There he was, with the audacity to follow me after what he had just done.

I once again presented him my middle finger, cramming the keys into the ignition.

          “Hey, come on!” He urged, trying to pull the door open. Thankfully, it was locked.

He still clung to the handle as I peeled out of the parking lot, speeding off down the road. Once I was a few blocks away, I eased off the gas. Anger and disappointment flowed through me.

I was wrenched from my thoughts when there was a jolt from my right side, accompanied by the sound of glass exploding. My head flew sideways, hitting my window.

My ears rang as smoke filled my lungs. I let out a cough, an agonizing pain exploding through my chest. Somebody was frantically shouting in the distance. My blurry vision didn’t offer much information as to what had transpired. All I knew was that I laid on the pavement and something was burning. The sirens that were approaching sounded like they were underwater. I blinked rapidly, working to return to awareness.

          “Y/N!?” Somebody yelled, flying into my view.

The figure was dressed in blue, but that was all I could tell. My eyes would focus, but then quickly drift off once again, not granting me the ability to identify anything around me.

          “Y/N!? Can you hear me!?” The voice cried as someone grabbed my face.

          “What the hell happened!?” They bellowed, addressing yet another voice, perhaps the one I heard earlier.

          “I- I- I- I ran the stop sign…. I didn’t even see her!” The person shouted.

          “This is your fault!?” The other voice interrogated, the figure stomping away from me.

The crack of skin against skin filled my ears, one voice cried out in pain.

          “Hey, man. Come on! It was an accident!”

Another smack,

Crimson and white lights appeared in my view. Even more voiced clambered around me.  

          “Ma’am, can you hear me?”  

My attempt to respond resulted in a strangled choke.

          “Is she going to be okay!?”

          “Sir, I need you to step back. What is your relation to the victim?”

          “I- uh… Boyfriend.”  He sputtered, “Complicated.”

Billy. Had he been trying to follow me home? He wasn’t the one that hit me, was he?

The sound of glass popping under boots was followed by a board being slid under my back. I let out another mangled cough, the pain once again shooting through my chest.  

          “I’ll meet you at the hospital, Y/N!” Billy shouted as I was hauled away and deposited in an ambulance.

          “Can’t…. Breathe…” I managed.

My blouse was being sliced open, the EMT placing something cold on my rib cage.

          “Sounds like a collapsed lung.” They muttered to the other medic, “14 gauge.”  

The next sensation was a stab through my chest. I let out a wail, still powerless to supply my lungs with air.

My panicked breathing slowed as the pressure was somehow lifted from my chest, allowing me to inhale properly. As I breathed, I felt myself slip out of consciousness.

          “Ow!” I exclaimed as I drew in a sharp breath. Every muscle in my body throbbed,

          “She’s up!” A female voice alerted.

A familiar mullet-headed boy scurried into the room, skidding to a stop beside the bed.

          “What the hell happened?” I demanded, glancing down at my body.

I had a cast on one hand and an IV in the other. A thick bandage was wrapped around my breasts and down my ribs. Not to mention the various bandages that littered my skin.

          “Some asshole t-boned your car… You flipped over… Twice.” He whispered, petting my blood-caked hair.  

          “Dick…” I groaned, shifting slightly, “Fuck! Son of a bitch!”  

My muscles screamed, all of them struggling to accomplish the simple task of shifting my weight to my lower back.  

          “Is he okay?”

          "Who?" Billy inquired.

          "The asshole."

          “He was until your boyfriend got ahold of him. He’s in the room next door…” The nurse informed.

          “Billy.” I scolded.

          “Jesus Christ… When I saw you on the road bleeding… I just… lost my shit. Dammit, I can’t lose you, okay? I love you.”

          “Did you say that to the girl at your locker, too?”

          “I’m so sorry… I… I kept telling myself that I couldn’t be with somebody… Not after what happened with my parents. But I do love you.”

          “You’re an asshole.” I coughed, glaring at him. I couldn’t find it in myself to be angry anymore. Or maybe that was an effect of the pain meds.

He gingerly kissed the back of my hand,

          “You scared the shit out of me.” He exhaled, resting his hands on my bed.

          “Yeah, well. You deserved it. And I love you too, you prick.”

He grinned at me as he pressed a kiss over the bandage wrapped around my forehead.