#mumbling to herself and stuff. thinking theres a voice in her head from time to time

[linkedin-corp]

ok so i SWEAR you once mentioned that once chimera vivian returns back to normal, she'd be a bit different (if i am misremember something, um, sorry!!) — if so, what might those changes be, physical, mental, or otherwise? :0

HIII I DID!! i didint touch on it much bcus when i talked about it, it was in a "talking about series of events" fashion, and since it doesnt bother the storyline much at all, not much was said about it. buttttt i can ramble about it now so thank you!

i did a small doodle in this post, that kinda shows what she would look like afterwards. basically she just keeps the feathers! thats pretty much it, visual wise. she also gets a bit of a power boost, but its pretty insignificant. shes able to warm herself up easier after, too. but again, pretty insignificant. honestly, not much changes about her physically, as all traces of gloomtail are pretty much nonexistent anymore!

mentally? oh man. its hard to describe how she feels after its all over! she definitely keeps that confused mirage about her for a long while yet, but after being told that everything is fine again, she mellows out quite easily.

of course, once she hears of what she did, it does sort of click for her a little bit. she probably remembers fragments of what gloomtail had told her in her head while they were merged together, but of course since he isnt around anymore after she returns to normal, it fades pretty easily (especially because during the recovery period for her, theres alot of uhm. lets just say. not fun moments). its a shame, and she does feel guilty about it, as it felt pretty important, but the comfort of knowing that things are alright again (and that she Isnt killing random people every other minute) outweighs the guilt of not remembering significantly

and i feel like for awhile after, theres a large period of time where she tries her best to help out with the community more than usual just because the thought of murdering random people for awhile made her wanna hurl. heights also scare the shit out of her after too. sad irony </3

[graciereyy]

The Siren And The Samurai Chapter: 1

Happens after events of last episode! POSSIBLE SPOILERS.

*warning! This will have alot of possibly triggering stuff just like the actual show so be advised.*

Mizu awoke from the yell of the boaters.

“WE’RE CLOSE! GO GET THEM!”

She moaned in complaint from the loss of comfort in her sleep. “Sir, we are close to London and getting closer by the second. Im sorry to wake you, but you need to be up here.”She deeply exhaled.

“Oh alright.” She gathered her things and went outside, the cool breeze made her calm. They were right, London was close-by. A rush of excitement filled her, she could just imagine killing those men already . “are you guys going to stay here? Because i need that irish fuck here, so i can go to him when i need him.” One of the boaters grinned.

“Yeah, we’re going to stay a while. We have quite some business to do here, you dont need to worry about a thing.” She hummed in confirmation then fixed her bangs. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“Business.” She looked behind her and sighed in relief. “Oh look we’re here.” She was happy to get off this damn boat after so long, it felt like she was stuck in a hole forever, but not anymore, more subtle excitement rushed into her body, She was so ready to leave and get off the water and go back on her way. “Hm, its still dark out..” she mumbled to herself. She turned back to the men “so can i just explore? I need some direction.”

“Hell yeah, have at it boy.” One of them said as the other ran to tie the boat to the port. “Just make sure your able to get back.”

“I will.” She mumbled. She took a deep breath then turned around to leave the boat for a while. When her foot touched the port she felt a release in herself. She slowly made her way into the smaller downtown part of the city, it wasn’t like japan at all and she wasn’t used everything being so different, especially when it came to clothes. The women wore these restrictive looking things on their torsos, elegant looking but also looked kind of uncomfortable; With long layered skirts.

While the men wore vests and ugly looking pants. She felt kind of judged just wearing her kimono, the townspeople probably never seen clothes like hers just like she hasn’t seen clothes like theirs but she didn’t really care about that, as long as she wasn’t being looked to as inferior unlike a certain almost bald samurai she was fine.

While she did think about him she didn’t really know how to feel about him. She doesn’t have the time to find out right now, not like he ever actually liked her anyway. She sighed as she made her way to what the townspeople call “The Plaza” its a circular part of town with a stage in the middle, the golden lanterns lit it up beautifully. it looked like the main place a festival would be, which piqued her interest only by a little. Well not until the guy on stage announced one of the singers.

“ Unfortunately theres someone going to be performing in the morning that isn’t very expected or wanted, tomorrow morning THE SIREN is going to perform..” most of the crowd booed while some didn’t even know how to react themselves. Mizu was one of them, she was so confused by it. Why were they called the siren and why weren’t they liked? She just decided to go back to the port.

When she was pretty close to port she saw a strange looking girl with long brown hair, even longer than her own with it getting lighter at the very ends, but also short; reminding her of a tiny mouse. But something else caught her eye about the girl, her clothes looked promiscuous compared to both hers and the the townspeople, her skirt was layered but shorter, a few inches above her knees. her corset had a floral pattern with transparent puffy sleeves. She noticed her staring and their eyes locked, her brown eyes just engraved into Mizus head.

She just ran away and back into the boat. She cleared her throat and deepened her voice “im going to check on, Abijah.” One of the boaters nodded in response. She made her way to the cell while tapping on the wood of the boat, trying to annoy him. Out came a sinister chuckle as she was noticed.

“Ah, little miss Mizu. Ive been waiting for you…” he cooed.

“Ah huh. Okay.”

He grabbed the metal of the cell and twirled his hair sarcastically, as he said “ I’ve been so very lonely down here by myself Mizu.. cant you let me out now?.” He cooed in the tone of an innocent girl.

“Yeah no, you can stay down here for now. You’re going to be here as long as i need you then im going to kill you.”

he growled quietly. “Just gonna use me like im a common whore? Okay fine have your own way then.”

[isayamasideblog]

Cottagecore au

Well here’s more cottage au! This is about their first time in the cottage <3 

I’d like to think that it took them a month before they actually did anything spicy... they started slow ofc, everything with them is slow burn slow

They probably started off with simple stuff like holding hands and they just lingered around each other more than usual during that first month

The first time was something they wanted to try because they were just so curious and sorta touch starved (war tends to leave intimacy out of your mind yk)

i imagine that Eren was the first to initiate, it was probably raining outside so they HAD to be huddled underneath a blanket in front of a fire, heads knocked against the other and Eren just happens to feel the way Mikasa’s body is pressed against his and he’s just having a hard time concentrating

He kinda mumbles something underneath his breath (he’s cursing himself for thinking naughty thoughts about her) and Mikasa lifts her head in curiousity like “Huh? What’s wrong Eren?”

Eren’s blushing here, he wants to say “nothing’s wrong,” but he doesn’t... instead he watches how a strand of hair falls in front of Mikasa’s face and he slowly brushes it behind her ear

They kinda stare at each other as they both move towards each other

Lips touch and they are immersed in the familiar feeling of kissing but this time theres something lingering... a little more urgency... a little more passion and they stop kissing as they look at each other and let their eyes speak for each other

Their eyes hold a yearning, a lusting, a yes to a question that doesn’t have to voiced outloud. 

They kiss again and let their hands wander. Eren lets his hands grip her waist and Mikasa finally gained the courage to run her hands under his shirt and it was just too much skin they were touching... yet they wanted more

Eren’s mouth moved to her neck and he started trailing kisses along it and Mikasa was so willing to give him access that he just kept going 

Slowly pieces of clothing are shed and slowly do they let their eyes take each other in, in their most vulnerable state 

Eren hovers over her taking in her naked body, but when his eyes meet her eyes and he realizes how expressive her eyes are, does he feel the tears forming at the base of his eyelids

He feels that they deserve happiness no matter how short it is and he just wants her, all of her. 

Mikasa gives him a nod, expressing her consent and Eren moves his hand to hover over her face and he gently grazes his knuckles over her scar  

Mikasa just mutters, “kiss me,” and ofc he does! 

Nerves have melted away as Eren begins to make love to Mikasa, he’s so scared btw, he’s so scared about hurting Mikasa and the entire time he keeps asking if he’s being too rough or going too fast 

But Mikasa keeps reassuring him that she’s good and that she’s enjoying herself (she’s an Ackerman come on!!) 

Eren makes sure to take his time with her, he wants to make her feel good and loved, but then he stops midway as he realizes that he made the right choice by running away from with her, and out of nowhere he tears up and smiles 

And Mikasa cups his face in her hand and she brings him closer for the softest EM kiss ever

These two’s first night together is spent using all the hours of the night to explore each other and to know one another carnally and figuring out their likes and dislikes 

The entire day they spend sleeping: Mikasa’s head on Eren’s chest as Eren wraps his arms around her frame and many days and nights like this became a common thing with these two 

[elsanna-shenanigans]

April Contest Submission #10: Green Like Flowers

Words: ca. 4,000 Setting: Modern AU Lemon: No CW: mild angst

The train whistled as it left the station. A piercing scream, cutting through the dewy darkness of early morning. Birds, startled awake from their nightly slumber, took to the sky. Fleeing like their wings were on fire, up and away from branches that were all but safe a few moments before. Their small black bodies quickly lost to a sky that had not yet been kissed by an unforgiving sun.

The engine chugged, rhythmically turning large, cold steel wheels. Pulling both itself and its posy of railcars along with it. Quickly picking up speed, outside one of the windows; a dog ran alongside the tracks. His tongue hanging outside his large muzzle, flopping with each bounding leap. He ran on a well-worn path, a frequent activity. The further the train went, the more he fell behind until Elsa could no longer see him. So too did the path fade. Giving way to leaf-covered ground and sparse trees. The click-clack of the train melted into nothing, like the ocean waves when one lives by the sea.

Elsa Settled into her seat but dared not to rest. Her mind racing fasting then the landscape outside the window. The train was still mostly empty, many seats were vacant. She glanced around, taking everything in without fear of looking creepy. The floor was carpet tiles, frayed on every edge but free of at least large debris. The seats, two on each side of the aisle, were a worn blue fabric. Each headrest was adorned with stark white doctor’s table paper. Fluorescent lightbulbs of varying shades of white and yellow had been illuminating the narrow walkways, now dimmed. Allowing the high-backed seats to cast long shadows.

A few rows back an older man sat slouched in his seat, his fedora, which had seen better days, was pulled down to cover his eyes. The ghost of a beard was painted across a jaw held tight by clenched teeth. Next to him, an older woman sat, knitting with the speed of a youth long past. She was counting to herself or perhaps singing. Her thin lips moving in unison with dancing needles. So the yarn was tugged and so too the corners of her mouth.

In another row a small child was fast asleep, curled into his’s mother’s side. The woman’s head tilted back, mouth agape. She wore what looked to be a brand new hoodie, a large sports logo plastered across the chest. It wasn’t a team Elsa recognized, the child shifted slightly, and they too wore a matching hoodie.

Elsa turned back so she was facing forward once more.  She glanced out the smudged windows to see the faintest hint of light, peeking over the horizon. And she took a moment to marvel at the fact she had to travel North, then West, then South, then West again just to reach the opposite coast. All the years of human advancements and there still wasn’t a train that simply went East to West. Instead, it zig-zagged across rivers, over the plains, and through mountains.

A movement to her left caused her to turn. A man about her age sat restlessly in his seat. Large headphones completely engulfed his ears. One hand clutching a phone, the other gesturing wildly through the air - pointer finger and thumb fully extended with the remaining fingers ever so slightly curved inward. His voice was barely above a whisper, Elsa had to strain to hear the words which were choppy, loose, but forever moving forward like a rushing stream over stones.

Just then the door between cars slid open, spilling the outside in. Chains rattled, wind blew, the click-clack of the track demanded attention. And standing there, a young ember, sparking as intense eyes surveyed the nearly empty train car before settling on Elsa and finally flicking to the seat next to her. The door closed as if in agreement and the woman floated over. Two copper veins of braids framed a speckled face. She smiled and sat down without asking.

“I’m Anna,” she said, it wasn’t a comment or an introduction, it was a commanding statement. She was Anna and whoever she was, Elsa had no choice but to deal with the sudden intrusion.

“Elsa.” She replied, trying to match the other’s tone.

This earned a nod from Anna, her head tipping back, chin raised for a brief moment before landing in neutral again. Silence settled like a heavy fog. Elsa was never good at small talk. Through the defining silence, she heard the ticking of knitting needles and soft rap lyrics start again. Nothing from the mother or child, this new woman’s entrance had not been enough to wake them from slumber.

“Where are you headed?” Anna asked, keeping her voice low.

“San Francisco,” Elsa replied, trying to ignore how much the woman’s eyes stabbed right through her.

“Oh what?!?” she paused to take a breath and bring her volume back down. “I’m going there too, maybe we can be train buddies!”

And suddenly the flames that protected the young woman from the outside world parted and Elsa saw, not a commanding bitch of a woman, but an innocence - a kindness that she hadn’t seen in a person in a long time.

“Buddies,” Elsa repeated slowly as if tasting the word for the first time.

This earned another smile from Anna, who had either not noticed Elsa’s lack of enthusiasm or chose to ignore it.

“Well it’s what like, 15 days to get from here,” she pointed beyond Elsa to the series of trees whipping past the window. “Aaaall the way over to there. So I think, it would be nice to have someone to talk to, have meals with, maybe exchange playlists…”

“I mean I don’t know,” she pulled her arms in like pulling a trenchcoat closed. She dared not to let the demons out nor let any new evil in. She hated meeting new people, hated that period of time when stupid questions are asked. Hated, even more, when the friendship was temporary, formed for convenience rather than growth. Why spend all that time putting cereal in a bowl piece by price only to find out theres no milk.

Elsa was not yet old in the traditional sense, but she had lived many lifetimes. Broken enough hearts and had enough hearts be broken, both from love and friendship, to waste even more hourglass sand on the freckled book in the seat next to hers.

“No offense but I don’t really know you.”

Anna laughed, a full-bellied laugh that had her eye squeezed shut and her head tipped back against the paper covering the headrest. Elsa felt her face start to numb and fought the urge to bounce her leg. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip and she turned her head to study the trees.

“We can be train buddies while we get to know each other. Like, we might as well anyway, seeing as we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other anyways.”

Elsa didn’t turn her head, “It is a long train.”  

“Yes and no, the length? Sure. But there’s the cargo cars, the sleeper cars, the dining cars, the private cars, and THEN there’s the passenger cars like this one. Sooo I think I’m gucci when I say; we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

“Gucci?” Elsa turned, pulled by the odd choice of word. She was met with yet another smile from her unwanted companion and she regretted turning at all.

“Yeah you know, ‘it’s gucci’ or ‘it’s all good’ same thing.” Anna shrugged but otherwise didn’t move, oblivious to Elsa’s inner turmoil and discomfort, instead, she used this as an opening. Like a racer who finally found a way to pass the leader.

“So, let’s just get all the weird basic stuff out of the way. I’m Anna like I said. I’m from Tennessee, born there, lived there, and went to school there. My favorite color is green. I don’t have any pets or siblings. My parents are divorced but they kinda get along. And I fly drones and do photos for realtors. In my spare time, I like watching movies and pretending to read.”

Behind them, the child resting against his mother stirred, his muffed words, likely exaggerated, were somehow loud enough to be heard over everything else. When his mother didn’t respond, he yawned louder till she awoke will a start. Immediately the child leapt up and took off running towards the door Anna came through. Elsa feared he would open it but he waited, bouncing on his heels till his mother, groggy with sleep and not yet aware of the world, shuffled over. Together they disappeared through the door.

“Aaaand you?” Anna asked. Elsa sighed, the reprieve caused by the commotion had ended and she found herself backed into a corner. She had to at least give some answer or she feared the girl would never leave.

“I’m Elsa, I am from the East Coast. I have a master’s degree. I enjoy the color blue.”

  A few beats passed, the train clicking along the tracks. The sun was higher now, its warm beams reaching out at greedy fingers, casting golden whispers within the other girl’s braids.

“Wait, that’s it?”

“Yes.”

“I told you so much more. Are you one of the people who can’t open up and I have to ask a bunch of questions to get them to talk?”

Elsa flinched, she was one of those people. But she didn’t like being called out so directly like that.

Anna smirked, catching the flinch. “I’ll make it less of an interrogation and more of an exchange, so it’s not so scary, alright?”

Elsa nodded, it was actually a good solution to this trap she was in, as much as it pained her to admit that.

“I’m moving to San Francisco or the outskirts at least. What about you?”

“More or less, the same.”

“I have a job lined up with a big real estate firm downtown, I start at the end of the month. And you?”

“At the end of the month, I will be starting my job as well.”

Anna sighed and shifted in her seat, readying a new approach like a hunter with a spear. “So why the train?”

Elsa felt her face redden and she mumbled a quick “I just felt like it.”

And in the spear went, embedded deep within. Its jagged backwards teeth holding it in place. It wasn’t a good answer. It was a very bad answer, one that said too much without saying much at all.

“Oh come on, that’s not an answer!” Anna waited a beat for Elsa to answer before pressing further. “So I’ll ask again, why the train? And this time, no mumbling,  I need you to say it… out loud.”

Elsa exhaled through her nose. And opened her mouth to speak before closing it again. She was at the crossroads of telling a stranger a lie or speaking the truth into existence for the first time. Giving a name to the shadow of guilt that hung over her, maybe it would let go and take with it this spear. Maybe still the light that so gently clung, in a smooth loving caress to Anna’s skin would, if only for a moment, grant her one kiss of its warmth. And so she chose the path, and took a deep breath, and pushed forward.

“I left my husband at the altar. I packed as much as I could into a few pieces of luggage, and hopped on the first train headed west.”

For once, since their meeting, Anna was quiet and Elsa suddenly felt the need to fill the silence.

“I left him my car and anything I didn’t pack, like the dog and my piano. I quit my pointless job as an actuarial analyst via email right before I boarded the train.”

Anna exhaled loudly and blinked purposely a few times before speaking, “You.. wow. Just left everything behind huh?”

“I wanted to get out of town quickly. I couldn’t breathe.” Elsa tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“So you chose probably the slowest mode of transportation to go across the entire country, just because you ‘felt like it’?”

“I figured it would be a fun adventure and give me time to think.”

Anna laughed, “You mean to brood?”

“I didn’t say that”

“Come on Elsa, you weren’t seriously going to mope and look dramatically out the window for 2 weeks were you?”

“Well, when you put it like that, I guess not.”

“Meaning, yes Anna I was but you called me out on it and now I don’t know what to say. Right?”

Elsa made a face, she had known this woman for less than an hour and she was already so far in her head that Elsa might as well charge her rent. But saying her, what she now saw as reckless and impulsive plan, out loud was freeing.

She felt warmth on the back of her neck and turned back to the window to see the sunlight set fire to a field of corn. Brown wispy tops of long green stocks danced in waves, long endless rows bent and swayed. A lone tree in the middle of the field broke the pattern, the stalks that had come to worship at its feet paid the price for being in the shade. They were shorter and more sparse, yet the further from the tree, the more they grew. The further away from the city, the train went, the more Elsa felt like those corn stalks away from the tree.

  +++

The dining car was busier, packed full of life and people. All of whom were in various states of dress. Some sporting loose-fitting sweats, wiping sleep from their eyes. Others in formal business attire, already on their third cup of coffee and 7th morning briefing. The clicking of their keyboards and monotone voices of video calls faded into the conglomerate of sounds contained in the frankly small space.

“Can I get you ladies anything this morning?” a younger woman in uniform asked, she placed two small, single-page menus in front of Elsa and Anna, who each sat on opposite sides of a small booth.

“A coffee and some toast, please.” Elsa handed the menu back, she hadn’t bothered looking, it was a simple basic order that she never struggled to find anywhere she went.

“Umm,” Anna on the other hand was scanning the menu up and down, trying to decide. “Orange juice and a coffee and a bagel with butter instead of cream cheese. Please!” the woman smiled and took her menu, continuing down the row.

It wasn’t long before the food and drinks arrived. Elsa put one sugar in her coffee and sipped it slowly. Outside the large, clean, windows of the dining car, there were vast sprawling fields. It had been only a few days since Anna became her companion and nearly that entire time, the train had seemed to be continually chugging through the same boring field. So much for seeing the country.

Anna dumped several packets of sugar and a few creams into her coffee before taking a large swig and chasing the hot liquid with orange juice. She made a face and busied herself with her bagel.

This is how their mornings went, and it was a comfortable enough routine.

+++

“So listen,” Anna said. They were back in their seats in the passenger car. “The next stop is going to be a long one, apparently there’s a delay further up the tracks and they’re holding us at this next station for a few hours.”

“Yes, I know this. I heard the announcement too.” Elsa mused

“Yeah ok but listen, they said 4 plus hours right? So I googled things around there and I found this!” she handed Elsa her phone, on it was a photo of a waterfall with text below that mentioned a hiking trail.

“I don’t hike, plus I don’t think we have time anyway.” “We wouldn’t BUT! This,” she jabbed the phone screen. “Is a 10-minute walk from the station. See it’s part of a hiking trail but the station itself is a rest stop for the trail. So we’re going.”

There was that commanding presence coming out again. If the waterfall was so close to the station itself, Anna did have a point. So Elsa agreed.

An hour or so later they were stepping off the train onto a dusty brick platform. To call this a station was being generous. There was a small building, which contained two single restrooms, and one vending machine that looked like it hadn’t been serviced in years.

A soft hand grabbed Elsa’s forearm and she found herself being pulled away from the building and towards the beaten path to the waterfall.

+++

“You know, when I left home. No one checked on me. No one text or calls. Not even from my would-be husband.”

“Not text or even a Facebook message?”

“Nope.” Elsa left out a sigh. “I’m not surprised honestly. People say I’m difficult to get to know. At the wedding, the bride’s side was nearly empty. The few people over there just sat there because the groom’s side was full and they wanted a better view.”

Anna picked up a small pebble and tossed it into the stream, it made a soft plop sound before sinking below the surface. “Why did you guys want to get married then?”

“Well,” Elsa chewed on her lower lip for a moment before answering. “When you’re in business people expect things from you. It’s incredibly outdated and sexist too. But you’re expected to have a wife or a husband, expected to have children, expected to own a home, or at least rent somewhere nice. Have a good, clean car, new tech, nice clothes. All those things.”

She paused to copy Anna’s move with the pebble but missed the water completely, the small stone disappearing somewhere in the woods.

“We met at a company gathering and didn’t hate each other. Our drinks were the same, we watched the same evening news, had the same mild interest in the local sports team. It was enough to bolster a conversation. We started dating a few weeks later.”

“What about the wedding?”

Elsa laughed or at least made a sound that was like a laugh. “We had been dating for 2 years. And when I saying dating, I mean we were each other’s plus one to events, and we had dinner together at the nice restaurants. He was up for a promotion, asked if I wanted to get married and I agreed.”

“Wait what, he didn’t romantically propose?”

“No, we were never really intimate. A kiss here and there, maybe a night over to relieve stress. But if I’m honest, we spent most of our time apart and doing our own thing.”

Anna picked up a stick and picked at the bark, her brows pulled together and the ghost of a frown on her face.

“Did you love him?” she asked quietly

Elsa didn’t answer right away, choosing instead to turn her attention to the waterfall. Finally, after a few long minutes of silence, she answered. “No. No, I didn’t love him. And I would bet everything I own that he didn’t love me either.”

This time Anna sighed and scooted closer to Elsa. “You deserve to be loved, Elsa.”

“I’m not sure I even know what love is.”

Anna stood and walked in front of her field of view. Hands on her hips. “Sure you do!”

Elsa responded by standing and making a face.

“Elsa love isn’t a contract, it’s not a business proposal. It’s work and it’s hard but it also good and warm. Love is telling someone about your day and them listening and offering advice. Love is watching a movie together and laughing at the stupid parts. Love is holding someone while they’re sick and telling them dumb jokes to make them feel better. Love is a lot of things, but what love isn’t is convenient.”

“He was very convenient…”

“But was he love?”

“No.”

Anna reached out and took Elsa’s hand, giving it a light squeeze. “It’s okay, you know? You’re going to be okay. Fresh coast, fresh start.”

“Fresh coast, fresh start?” Elsa repeated, confused.

“Yeah, you’re moving to the West Coast, fresh coast, to start anew, fresh start.”

“Fresh coast, fresh start.” Elsa said again, “You know what, I like that.”

Anna beamed and that warm feeling prickled on the back of Elsa’s neck again.

+++

“So we have the colors all picked out, purple and green. And my dress is white but it’s ever so slightly green like it will catch the light, it’s so pretty.” Anna said. They were back in the dining car, having just finished dinner. About a week had passed since the waterfall adventure and train was rolling again. This time outside the window the fields were broken by large rocks and streams. Anna had her phone out, swiping through photos of her wedding prep.

“You sound excited,” Elsa commented, taking a sip of wine.

“Oh, I am! It’s going to be a lot of fun…” Anna looked up suddenly and stared right at Elsa. “You should come!”

“You don’t have to invite me.”

“Oh please, we’re like practically sisters at this point. Like I know what brand of tampon you used and I know that you snore when you sleep.”

“That’s… that’s a weird thing to know.”

“Elsa, everyone snores, pay attention, I’m forwarding you the rsvp so you can fill out what type of food you want.”

Elsa had to smile as she pulled out her phone to answer the email. “What a strange trip this has been. One day I’m running from my own wedding, and now I’m getting invited to a stranger’s.”

“Not a stranger, a friend,” Anna added, smiling warmly.

“A friend,” Elsa repeated, genuinely returning Annan’s smile.

“You know I was just sitting in the dining car, having a coffee and playing a pointless game on my phone. When I suddenly just felt this pull to leave. And I followed it blindly till I saw you. Then it’s like everything clicked. I think we were meant to find each other.”

Elsa was quiet for some time, considering this. Anna had swooped into her field of vision and hadn’t left since. And for once she didn’t mind the company. That warm feeling was back and with it, Elsa found herself agreeing. “I think we were meant to find each other too.”

+++

In the morning they would be arriving in San Francisco and would be going their separate ways. It was likely they wouldn’t see each other again. Sure, they had exchanged numbers - but in a city of 3 million people, it was easy to lose a single soul.

She didn’t want to lose Anna though. This blaze of a woman who dared to knock down Elsa’s walls with a bulldozer. She had never really had a close friend, and as Anna, asleep on her shoulder, stirred in response to a dream - Elsa couldn’t help but wonder if this is what it felt like to be loved.

Anna shifted, reaching out her hand, searching for something. Fingers moved with a purpose, slowly curling and uncurling until their ship reached the harbor. And she wrapped them around Elsa’s hand, holding firmly, as if she was once again reading Elsa’s mind and was too, afraid to let her go.

Elsa decided then and there, that this time would be different. This time she wouldn’t close the door on someone. She gave Anna’s hand a slight squeeze, causing Anna to nestle into the old woman’s neck.

Elsa turned to watch the lights from the city fade into the darkness of the desert. Her neck was warm and this time it traveled down and warmed her whole body. She ran a thumb over Anna’s hand and smiled.

[barnesandrogersfanfics]

Ocean Eyes - Part 2

It was an unusually hot day, so i pulled out Mason's kiddy pool and filled it for him to cool off in. I was sat on one of the sun loungers close by reading my book where i could still keep an eye on him.

"Mom?"

"Yeah babe?"

"Is auntie Hannah coming round soon with Lucas? Im bored"

"They should be here soon buddy" i smiled over at him.

"Okay.... im hungry"

"Fine.... i'll go get you something but you have to come out the water while i'm inside...."

"Oh mom i dont wanna get out...."

"Mace come on now...." i rolled my eyes putting my book down.

"Knock knock" i heard a very familiar voice call out from behind, i turned and stared wide eyed at none other than Scott Evans!!

"Scott.... what... what are you doing here?" I asked standing up and walking over to the back gate to let him in.

"Chris told me where you were, i had to come see you! I've missed you! You stopped replying to my messages and wouldn't take my calls...."

"Yeah i'm sorry Scott, that was a dick move" i nodded, I had been friends with the Evan's since we were kids.... best friends with Chris and Scott "i was dealing with some stuff.... guess i didn't handle it well"

"I can see that" he said looking over at Mason who was sat in the pool with his back to us as he crashed some toys around "he yours?"

"He is, thats Mason"

"Well you gonna introduce me properly??" He asked being his usual sassy self!

"Sure, come on over" i led the way over to where Mason was playing feeling my heart racing, i hadn't been this nervous in forever!

"Hey Mace? I want you to meet a friend of mine...."

Mason turned to face us and i heard Scott audibly gasp.

"This is my friend Scott"

"Hi" he said shyly looking Scott over.

"Hey bud, its nice to meet you...." Scott smiled at Mason before turning his attention to me with wide eyes as Mason carried on playing as if we wasn't there.

"Is there something you need to tell me Y/N?....."

I looked away from Scott keeping my eyes on my son, i shook my head in disbelief..... i did not expect to be having this conversation today!

"You know his a spitting image...."

"I know Scott! Im not blind" i snapped.

"But how?? I mean i know how! But...."

"Hey! Its just us...." i heard Hannah call from inside, she always let herself in.

"Hey.... oh shit"

"Hey Hannah, good to see you" Scott smiled with a little wave.

"Scott..... what a surprise..."

"Han, can you watch Mason while i go inside and talk to Scott?" I asked as i shifted nervously on the spot.

"Sure".

"Hi auntie Y/N!" Lucas said loudly as he ran past me heading to Mason.

"Hey buddy" i smiled at him as i led the way into the house with Scott following close behind.

"Okay so spill it" Scott said breaking the awkward silence between us as he pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table.

"What do you already know? What did Chris tell you about us?...." i asked avoiding eye contact with him.

"Well obviously i know the two of you used to hook up occasionally.... he said he just lost contact with you when you left town"

"Wow....." i scoffed shaking my head "is your brother still an asshole?"

"Why are you calling him an asshole? I thought you guys were friends??"

"We were. Then we were more.....or at least i thought so"

"You two were serious?"

"I guess not"

"He never said anything...."

"Before he made it 'big' with the whole Captain America thing we were serious"

"How serious?"

"Serious enough to get married....."

"Im sorry WHAT???!!"

"Yep"

"How did i not know about this??? when did this happen??" he stared at me with wide eyes and his mouth hanging open as he tried to process the information.

"You remember the weekend in Vegas for my birthday, before he started filming Winter Soldier?....that one night you got food poisoning and stayed in bed..."

"You got married in Vegas?! were you both drunk??"

"Nope, stone cold sober" i shrugged "god i loved him Scott.... he was telling me he loved me and talking about starting a family..... we walked past a chapel and he asked me to marry him. Promised we'd do it properly when we got home...."

"My god...... so what happened?"

"Chris wanted to wait until he finished filming to tell everyone.... or so he said. When he came home once he was done filming he told me we had made a mistake. His career was taking off and he wouldn't have time for a wife..... he was getting a lot of attention from women, he didn't want to be tied down with me did he?"

"Did he say that?!"

"He didn't have to, he was pictured with different women all the time" i shrugged.

"What an asshole!" Scott spat sounding pissed at his brother "how could he do that to you of all people??"

I shook my head as i thought back on the time i was heartbroken.... pining for my best friend... my husband, and he had so easily forgotten about me, i quickly wiped a stray tear away before Scott could see.

"I found out i was pregnant two weeks later. I tried calling him but he never answered or returned my messages..... so i made a choice. I decided to pack up and leave, start somewhere new where i could raise my baby. I received divorce papers shortly after which i signed and returned, i didnt want anything to do with him"

"You should have called me! I wouldve talked some sense into him!"

"He didn't want me Scott let alone a baby.... he made his choice and i made mine" i smiled looking out the window at my beautiful boy "i dont regret it for a second, Mason is my world. He's my perfect little boy.... even if he does look like a spitting image of his father. Thats the hardest part.... its the eyes.... he has his eyes".

Scott was suddenly beside me pulling me into his arms and holding me tight.

"Im so sorry sweetie"

"Its fine.... it was a long time ago.... when Chris showed up here yesterday i nearly had a heart attack!" I mumbled against Scotts chest.

"I bet.... why was he here?"

"Apparently we're still married! That jackass never filed the papers! But now he's seeing someone and its getting serious he wants the option of marrying her"

"You should tell him about Mason....."

"I can't Scott, he'd hate me.... what if he tried to take Mason from me?"

"He wouldn't do that, he might want a chance to get to know his son but he wouldn't hurt you like that....."

"Can you be sure? 100% sure that he wouldn't want to take Mason?? I've seen some of his interviews about wanting kids...."

"Don't you want Mason to know his father?"

"Of course! You dont think i wanted my son to have a dad? I tried to tell him Scott but he ghosted me!"

"Look i love my brother you know that, i know what he was like a few years back, he went through a phase of being an absolute douche bag..... but his different now"

"I'll think about it okay?"

"Okay..... i'll be there for you through it all i promise"

"Thank you Scotty, god I've missed you" i smiled giving him another hug "you staying for lunch? Mason's hungry"

"Id love to".

Scotts POV

Y/N stood at the front door waving me off with Mason, my NEPHEW! I still couldn't believe it.... Chris was a Father!!

I waved to them both as i pulled away and started my drive home. 20 minutes into my journey my cell started to ring, i looked down to see it was Chris calling.

"Hey"

"Hey, what you up to?"

"Just on my way home, i went to go see Y/N"

"Oh.... h..how was she?"

"Surprised to see me, but she was good"

"Good, thats good. What did she tell you?" He sounded worried, nervous even.

"I know everything...." i huffed out a breath "how could you be so fucking stupid Chris?? you married our best friend.... our oldest friend and then left her!"

"I was such an asshole back then.... i know, but i can't change that now can i?"

"No i guess not"

"It was so good seeing her yesterday man, made me realise how much I've missed her. I was hoping we could work things out, be friends at least but.... Scott she fucking hates me!"

"Can't say i blame her....."

"Im not that guy anymore Scott" he said sadly and i knew that, id seen the change in my brother over the years.

"Try and talk to her again, maybe she just needed to get over the shock of seeing you"

"You think she'd wanna see me?"

"I have no clue, but if you want to sort things out with her your going to have to make an effort with her. Let her see your not the same asshole that left her"

"Maybe i should just leave her alone, she's been fine without me...."

"Chris..... i wasn't going to say anything but theres something you should know...."

Everything taglist: @jesseswartzwelder @dumblani @barnesandrogersworld @patzammit @rynabarnesrogers-reading

Ocean eyes: @supraveng @michelehansel @melissaglenn5 (it wont tag you) @katiew1973 @denisemarieangelina

[offtopicoverload]

Whispers

Grateful whispers muttered in the dead of night, hushed and vulnerable.

replaying blades and i would die for Nia, so have a little ficlet

T Rating (i mean, theres the usual blades stuff of violence, but not any extra warnings)

Nia x MC (Cleo)

~5.6k words (i didnt edit most of this but at this point i dont care im sick of this)

-

“Alright, Priestess? Enjoying yourself?” Cleo asks with a grin, settling down beside the slowly dying fire while fiddling with her bowstring, gaze flickering between light eyes and the weapon in her hands.

Nia returns her smile, eyes briefly meeting amber and the orange light playing within them, “Yes, this pilgrimage has proved quite eventful so far.”

Cleo barks a laugh, eyes lifting to flicker amusedly at Nia, “That’s one way to put it.”

“It’s true,” Nia leans closer, her face lighting up in excitement, “I never expected to be face to face with an owlbear! It was so…” she trails off, lips contorted as she searches for a proper description.

“Big? Smelly? Stupid? Loud?” Cleo supplies, a small bemused smile on her lips.

“I suppose, though I was thinking more along the lines of ‘one of a kind.’”

“Owlbears aren’t one of a kind, Priestess.”

Red hair flies around Nia’s shoulders as she shakes her head, “The experience was one of a kind. This journey to the Temple is one of a kind.”

“That depends on if you plan to get attacked again, then it’s definitely not one of a kind,” Cleo leans backwards, her elbows propping her up as her gaze scans the eager Priestess before her.

“I assure you that I have no such plans.”

“Good, wouldn’t want you getting hurt.”

“No? Would that not give you another opportunity to showcase your abilities?”

“Yeah, but that’s - that’d be awful,” Cleo averts her eyes, fumbling upright once more and turning back to her bow, staring at the wood intently as heat rises in her cheeks.

“I believe the same could be said for you, putting yourself in danger for us.”

“I mean, I guess, but I’m getting paid for it, while you’re, you know,” slender fingers rise to tug at white dreads anxiously, words tumbling out of Cleo’s mouth without care, “You.”

“That’s -” Nia chuckles nervously, a neon blushing painting her skin, “You’re too kind,” she mumbles beneath her breath.

“Just, um…” Cleo jumps to her feet, dusting herself off before grabbing her bow, “I’m gonna head to bed, Priestess. Uh, good night,” and turns on her heel, hurrying away from the campfire.  

Nia’s eyes follow her retreating form, skating along her figure, “Hey, Cleo?”

Cleo spins back around at the last second, only a step away from her tent, but with a smile on her face, “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Another grin, firelight illuminating exposed teeth before that bright smile slips into the shadow of the tent.

---

“Hey, Priestess,” Cleo stops beside Nia, leaning against the tree behind her, hands fisted together before her. The forest’s sounds are in the distance, echoes of an argument between Mal and Threep even nearer as Cleo’s honey eyes trace the shape of the trees. “Are you doing okay?” she asks softly after a long pause.

Nia gives a stiff nod, her gaze never straying from her hands as they lay knotted together in her lap, fingers fidgeting restlessly. Her shoulders are tense,  her brow is furrowed, and her jaw’s clenched as a million emotions flit through her mind.

“You sure?” Cleo prods, standing straight as her gaze inspects Nia carefully, “I’m, you know, here if you need anything. Promise.”

“It doesn’t really seem real,” the words come fast from Nia, hurried and tumbling over one another, like she’s worried if she doesn’t rush them, they’ll never make it out of her mouth. “That he’s gone, I mean. Just like that.”

Cleo nods in understanding, settling beside Nia on the grass, her legs folded before her as she picks at the foliage, “I know what you mean.”

“I’m sorry,” Nia blurts out, eyes wide and panicked as she takes in the sorrow on Cleo’s face, the waves of grief in her bright eyes and the mountains of loss weighing down her shoulders.

“Don’t be,” Cleo shrugs, shaking her head a beat later, “I should be saying that, I was meant to protect you.” She scowls down at her hands, tearing apart a piece of grass in frustration.

Nia’s palm rests on her forearm, squeezing comfortingly, “You couldn’t have possibly done more than you did. That was - We stumbled upon the Shadow Court.”

“Still,” Cleo shrugs her off, ripping a dead leaf into tiny remains, “They’re gone, and I’m the one with the weapon.”

“Only Scholar Vash is gone, Cleo, and there was no way to help him. We did all we could,” Nia reassures, finding Cleo’s forearm and squeezing again. “But we can get Kade back, and we will. Promise,” she squeezes again, pouring as much sincerity into the gesture as she can muster.

“Alright, Priestess,” Cleo manages a wavering smile, and this time she doesn’t pull away, doesn’t steal her arm back, just lets Nia’s hand rest there.

Nia nods, her thumb brushing along Cleo’s skin, “And - and thank you. For protecting me already, and everything else,” she whispers.

“Anytime.” Cleo’s hand finds hers, squeezing.

---

The ship tilts violently to one side, the interior of the hull sliding with it as a yelp sounds from above Cleo, quickly muffled a second later. She extracts herself from the bottom bunk, glancing around and finding the boys asleep throughout the space, and pokes her head up.

Nia’s back is to her as she grips the railing surrounding the bunk, the Priestess curled in on herself as Threep lays at the foot of the bunk, his tail tucked under his chin. “Nia?” she calls quietly.

The woman in question turns to face Cleo, Threep shifting slightly at the movement. Her hands are tucked beneath her head, eyes bright in the low visibility of night, shining and gleaming in the few stray rays of light, and blinking innocently.

“Are you okay?” Cleo asks as soft as she can, gaze even softer.

“Yes…”

“You sure? You seemed, uh, kinda startled.”

“The waves are startling,” she frowns, her features pinched as she props herself up on one elbow.

“Right, sorry,” Cleo fights a smile at the indignant glower staring back at her. “So you’re okay?”

“Yes.”

Cleo shrugs, muttering, “Okay,” as she sinks back to her bunk, laying back and staring blankly upwards. Her fingers tap against the back of her palm as her hands rest on her abdomen, knit together with fiddling thumbs.

“Hey, Cleo?” Nia’s voice hesitantly asks, curls falling past the edge of the upper bunk.

“Yeah?”

“I, um, I can’t sleep.”

Cleo smiles privately before flying upright again, pausing just before Nia’s face hanging over the edge of her bunk, “How can I help, Priestess?”

Nia darts backwards, cool air filling the space between them, so much cooler than it was for just a fraction of a moment, “Um, maybe with a distraction?”

Cleo beams, her teeth glinting bright, “On it.” She jumps, hopping the barrier surrounding the top bunk and landing beside Nia, hovering over the Priestess with a wicked smirk, hair creating a curtain to separate them from the rest of the world.

Nia squeaks, jolting backwards as a blush alights along her cheeks and ears, “Oh, Gods,” she murmurs under her breath. She covers her flushed face with her hands, fumbling to sit upright as Threep hisses at the disturbance of his sleep.

“We’ll be quiet,” Cleo whispers to him, sitting back on her heels with arms crossed over her chest as she glares at the nesper.

He glares right back from over his paws, hissing one last time in warning. Cleo hisses back.

“Alright, Priestess,” her frown drops away as she turns back to Nia, leaning forward with her palms spread on the bunk, “Let’s talk.”

“About - About what?” Nia’s hands lower, revealing still-stained, but moderately-less-so, cheeks.

“Hmm…” Cleo hums, low in the back of her throat, a deep, intoxicating sound like dark liquor. “Ooh,” her face lights up, eyes flying up to catch Nia staring at her, “What about the boys? What do you make of them?”

Nia clears her throat, sitting upright and attempting to ignore the blush on the back of her neck, “I think they’re quite all right.”

Another mischievous grin curves Cleo’s mouth, “That’s it? C’mon, Priestess, you’ve got to have more to say than that.”

“I assure you, I don’t,” Nia huffs, crossing her arms over her chest in protest.

“Not even about Tyril? And all his haughtiness? Or Mal and his ridiculous stories?”

“Well…”

Cleo crawls closer, turning until her back is resting beside Nia’s, “Ooh, the Priestess has something bad to say,” she elbows Nia in the ribs and wiggles her shoulders for effect.

“Not bad, per say…” Nia drawls, avoiding eye contact as the tips of her ears turn bright red and her hands fidget restlessly with the tips of her hair, legs crossing and uncrossing nervously.

“You don’t have to say anything, I’m just kidding,” Cleo’s teasing tone falls away as she puts some distance between them, gaze turning earnest in the dim cabin.

“I know, but -” Nia exhales with a tiny frown, “Tyril is so stiff, he’s like a statue!” she whispers loudly. “And Mal! He’s a thief and proud of it!” her eyes are wide, scandalized as she gapes at Cleo.

“Wait ‘til I tell you about mercenaries.”

Nia playfully slaps at her thigh with a scowl, until Cleo’s laughing and covering her mouth to avoid waking the others, her chuckles barely subdued as she leans against Nia for support.

“Do you mind?” Threep hisses once more, glaring up at the pair from his spot at the foot of the bed.

“I’m so sorry, Threep, my sincerest apologies,” Cleo turns mockingly serious in an instant, her hands clasped before her in a plea.

“Good,” Threep huffs, crawling into Nia’s lap and curling into a ball, his purrs resuming as Cleo scratches behind his ears.

“Such a simple kitty.”

His teeth gnash at her hand, “Never call me something so cruel again.”

“Got it, boss,” Cleo salutes him, her expression serious again as Threep sighs, dropping his head to his paws and burying his face in his fur. “You two are getting along, I see,” Nia hums, her palm skating along Threep’s back, a purr sounding in response.

“We’re the best of friends, right Threep?”

“Yes, indeed. Now can we go to sleep?”

Cleo nudges Nia in the side, her head cocked curiously, “Well? Think you can sleep now?”

There’s no expectation in her irises as she blinks, but Nia still dips her head to avoid Cleo’s gaze. She shakes her head, scratching Threep to give herself a distraction from the irritation she expects from Cleo.

“Alright, but we need something else to do, since you’re no good at gossip,” she slumps against the hull, thinking deeply as Nia blinks at her in surprise.

“Um, okay…” She mimics Cleo’s posture, sinking into the bunk and pulling Threep closer in her arms.

“Oh, I know! I could tell you a story! One of my favourites that Kade always told. Well, he’s probably better at it, but I can try?” Cleo offers, eyes glowing as she sits bolt upright, eager at the opportunity.

Nia smiles, whispering quietly, “I’d love to hear it, Cleo.”

Cleo sits beaming for a moment before coming to her senses and beginning her story. She speaks in hushed whispers, gesturing wildly as her smile grows wider at every giggle from Nia, “And then the troll just whacked the adventurer with his club! Just whack!” she mimics swinging a club in a wide, uneven arc. “And down the mountain the adventurer went, hitting his head a lot, too, I imagine,” she nods sagely, Nia stifling another giggle at her earnest expression.

“So the adventurer gave up?”

“Of course not, that’d be an awful story!” Cleo chastises. “He climbed the mountain again, but this time, he had a plan,” she carries on, detailing every step of the adventure and subsequent defeat of the troll.

“Thank you,” Nia whispers, the words barely there as she settles against the bunk, idly dragging her nails through Threep’s thick fur as she watches the tale further unfold before her.

Cleo pauses mid-sentence, her cheeks flushed from her vigorous storytelling, and turns to meet Nia’s eyes, “Anytime,” before falling back into the ridiculous tale with ease.

---

Cleo’s curled up in her bedroll, face pressing into it with eyes shut tight to block out the dying embers of the fire resting before her. Stars and swirling colours play behind her eyelids, a rainbow to watch as sleep evades her.

“Hey, Cleo?” Nia’s voice is gentle in the night, barely audible over the snores ripping through their camp.

“Yeah?”

“Are you awake?”

“Yeah.”

“... I can’t sleep,” Nia confesses, her cheeks heating as she stares at the stars glowing in the night sky.

Cleo rolls over to face her, bedroll pulled up to her chin as bright eyes peek out from it, “Me neither. Wanna… talk?” she proposes, eyebrows jutting upwards.

“Yes, please,” Nia sighs in relief, scooting closer and snuggling into her own bedroll.

“So… How about -”

“Do you think we have a chance?” Nia blurts out, cutting Cleo off abruptly, eyes piercing into amber.

“Like…” Cleo’s brows furrow as she runs through the question in her mind, before she shakes her head, clearing it of the fog, “What?”

“Do you think we have a chance to defeat the Shadow Court? Do you think we can do this? Or are we just making things worse? Has any of this been worth it since Scholar Vash died?” Nia’s words explode from her mouth, rushed and panicked and worried and mixed together.

Cleo rises onto her elbow, one hand escaping from her bedroll to gesture calmingly, “All right, I think you need to slow down and take a breath, okay?” she nods encouraginly.

“Okay.” Nia clamps her jaw shut to do as told, inhaling deeply and exhaling quickly a few times.

Cleo squirms closer, stopping directly beside the Priestess’ curled up form, “Nia, are you scared?” she whispers cautiously into the tiny space between them.

“Terrified.”

“Good, me too,” Cleo grins, relaxed and reassured as opposed to the mischief and excitement usually contained within it.

Nia gapes, mouth hanging open as she stutters for a response, “Really? You?!”

Cleo flaps her hand with a tiny frown, “Shh, shh, don’t wake up the snorers.”

“Right,” Nia nods, regaining herself, “Sorry. But… you’re scared?” she asks incredulously, her voice pitching high.

“Oh, yeah,” Cleo nods, her expression surprisingly serious, “Can I tell you a secret?”

Nia nods vehemently, hair stirring around her, “Yes, of course.”

Cleo sucks in a deep breath, “I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m a kid from a tiny village that met a pretty - That got caught up in all this Shadow Court stuff and is just trying to stay alive and get my brother back. I have no idea what I’m doing. Ever.”

“I don’t either, Cleo. I know I’m supposed to be good at this, being a Priestess and all, but this is very out of my depth,” Nia squeaks.

“I know, Priestess,” Cleo grins at the panicked expression on Nia’s face, “But do you feel better now? Talking about it?”

Nia pauses, eyes flitting around at nothing in particular, “Yes,” she nods resolutely, “Yes, I do.”

“Good. Now try to get more sleep before dawn.” Cleo rolls back over, her back to Nia as she wraps her bedroll tight around herself. She tunes back into the snores from across camp and the hoots and calls of birds, the purring of Threep a few feet away.

“Hey, Cleo?”

“Yeah?” she mumbles into her bedroll.

“Are you awake?”

“Yeah.”

“...I’m cold.”

“Uh,” Cleo’s eyes blink open before she glances over her shoulder, Nia’s gaze already trained on her, “Do you want me to restart the fire?”

“No, you’ll wake the others,” Nia whispers in concern.

Wiggling in her bedroll, Cleo faces the Priestess once more, “Do you want the extra blanket?”

Nia shakes her head with a small frown on her lips, “Imtura took it since her bedroll is too small.”

Cleo’s lips twist into a frown as she stares at the stars, searching for a solution. Her cheeks heat as soon as she finds it, and she stumbles over her words, “Do you, uh, want to, er -”

She sighs as her tongue betrays her, scooting over and tugging her bedroll open in invitation, “Just,” she waves her hands awkwardly, avoiding looking at the Priestess as her face remains flushed dark.

And Nia’s blushing just as hard as she squirms into Cleo’s bedroll, attempting to keep some distance between them and ultimately failing in the small space.

Cleo lays still, arms set at her sides as she faces upwards, refusing to meet Nia’s imploring gaze beside her, “They’re going to make fun of us in the morning,” she mumbles.

“They always do,” Nia shrugs, light eyes wandering over the rise and fall of Cleo’s profile curiously.

“Yeah, but we don’t have to give them a reason,” Cleo huffs, crossing her arms and subsequently stirring the bedroll.

Nia cocks her head, frowning deeply as her eyes swim, “Are you kicking me out?”

“What -” Cleo’s eyes fly to hers, “No! No, I’m -” she bites her tongue at the sight of a smile spreading over Nia’s lips, mischievous and self-satisfied all at the same time. “Gods, you’re just as bad,” Cleo whines, dragging a hand over her face.

“It’s funny when you’re flustered. You aren’t often,” Nia hums.

“Yeah, ‘cause - Look, just go to sleep,” Cleo cuts herself off, turning her back to the Priestess and her amused grin and burying her face in the warmth of the bedroll to the warmth of her cheeks.

Nia slides closer, arms folded against her chest as her forehead presses between Cleo’s shoulderblades. Her head shifts with Cleo’s inhales and exhales, a gentle, hypnotic rhythm to lull her to sleep as the breaths slow, weighed down by the startings of dozing off.

“Hey, Cleo?” she whispers, the words hot where they soak through Cleo’s shirt.

Cleo grumbles out a response, “Yeah?”

“Are you awake?”

“Yeah.”

“...Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Cleo sighs out, sinking further into the bedroll as Nia’s own breathing slows gradually, a drawn out tempo to match.

---

The woods are relatively still, sounds of life echoing in the distance, bouncing off the trees and playing in the breeze in a faint melody for Cleo’s entertainment. She’s on first watch tonight, carefully sharpening her blade just to keep her hands busy and humming quietly to herself, a song from the Riverbend tavern.

“Hey, Cleo?” Nia pads over to the tree Cleo’s sitting at with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, taking careful, quiet steps, wary of the sticks and leaves beneath her feet and glancing between her path and Cleo.

“Yeah?” Cleo moves her bow from one side of her, leaving space for the approaching Priestess.

She stops at the trunk of the tree, peering down at Cleo with a smile, “Mind if I join you?”

“‘Course not, the more the merrier. Er - Sometimes.”

Nia drops to the forest floor, legs curled beneath her and blanket held tight around her body, “Why only sometimes?” she murmurs, shivering slightly from the chill of night.

“Don’t want the Prince getting any ideas,” she sneers in the direction of Baldur’s tent, quickening the pace at which she sharpens her sword momentarily.

“Mmm,” Nia hums, shifting closer.

Cleo’s eyes land on her, taking in the shaking of her body, “Cold?”

“A little.”

“C’mere,” Cleo wraps an arm around her back, pulling her into her side and her body heat. Nia sighs, her head falling to Cleo’s shoulder and eyelashes fluttering shut in contentment.

“I still can’t believe we saw a unicorn,” Cleo says after a long moment.

“I know!” Nia perks up, her head flying up to meet Cleo’s eyes, excitement overflowing from them. “It was magical! This whole clearing is magical,” her gaze rakes over the clearing, landing on the shimmering water a ways away.

“Know what else I can’t believe?” Cleo nudges Nia with her hip to earn back her gaze.

“What?”

“That Baldur hasn’t been punched back.”

“Cleo!” Nia lightly slaps her side in a scolding, but only succeeding in sending Cleo into a laughing fit, “He’s - He’s a prince!” she chastises, whispering heatedly under her breath.

Cleo’s chuckles begin to subside as she forces out a retort, “Exactly, no one else is gonna do it, it’s gotta be one of us!”

“Shh,” Nia waves her hand to quiet Cleo, “What if he hears?” she hisses.

“I can take him,” Cleo nods resolutely, raising her free arm and flexing to the amusement of a now-giggling Nia. “Prince Jerkface’s got nothing on me. I killed a drakna queen!” she announces proudly, chest puffed out.

“I’d rather you not fight the crown prince,” Nia’s head falls back to Cleo’s shoulder when her giggles subside, snuggling further into Cleo’s side.

“Hmph. Fine,” Cleo grumbles, her palm skating up the length of Nia’s back absentmindedly.

“Cleo?”

“Hmm?”

Nia’s cheek presses further into Cleo, “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Cleo’s head drops to Nia’s, a single red curl twisting around her finger.

---

The bedroom door open, slowly and loudly, the hinges’ creaks filling the room as red curls peer cautiously around the frame, “Hey, Cleo?” a hesitant voice calls into the room.

The woman in question shifts upright, glancing over her shoulder at the curious eyes staring at the back of her head, “Yeah?”

“You’re awake.”

Cleo smiles, “Yeah.”

Nia shuffles inside, closing the door behind her and cringing at the loud creaking. She stands awkwardly, shifting on her feet nervously before Cleo, “...I can’t sleep.”

“Do you want to hang out here?”

“Yeah.”

“Come here, then,” Cleo grins, scooting to make room on the edge of the bed beside her.

Nia crosses to her, dropping beside Cleo and folding her legs before her, picking at her gown as Cleo lays back, gazing up at the Priestess. “Well… she drawls after a long moment.

Light eyes flick up to meet her gaze, “Well what?”

“Well why are you up?”

“I can’t sleep.”

“Why can’t you sleep?” Cleo prods, circling a spot on Nia’s thigh with her index finger idly.

Nia only shrugs, turning back to pick at her gown to distract herself. Cleo sighs, sitting upright in front of Nia, cupping her jaw to draw her gaze, “What’s going on and how can I help?”

Red spreads across Nia’s skin, hot to the touch as she blushes furiously, but she refuses to look away from Cleo’s vibrant eyes. “I, um. The masquerade,” is all she manages, but it’s enough for Cleo’s palms to fall from her cheeks.

“Yeah,” she nods, “Going to a fancy party just to fight evil isn’t exactly the most calming thing to think about.”

“What if we fail? Or someone gets hurt? What happens if Kaya wins?” Nia rambles, her breath coming quicker as panic builds inside her chest, “What if - What if something happens and - and -”

“Hey,” Cleo stops her in her tracks, tone stern and eyes ablaze, “We’ve got this, okay?”

“But what if -”

Cleo gives her an exasperated look, silencing Nia for the second time. With a sigh, she offers her hand, palm upturned and fingers wiggling teasingly. A small smile illuminates Nia’s features as she slips her hand into Cleo’s, their fingers tangling together as Cleo’s thumb traces delicate knuckles. “We’ve got this,” she whispers, almost too quiet to hear.

“We’ve got this,” Nia repeats, squeezing the hand in hers for reassurance. “We’ve got this,” one last whisper as she pulls her knees to her chest, her head lolling against Cleo as she slows her ragged breathing.

“We’ve got anything they can throw at us. Promise.”

“Yeah. Yeah,” Nia murmurs reassurances to herself as Cleo’s thumb continues circling her skin, the presence grounding. “Cleo?”

“Hmm?” she hums, attention on their interlocked fingers as the plays with Nia’s.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime,” she whispers against Nia’s hair, pressing a kiss to her head while her eyes stay trained on their fidgeting hands.

---

The sheets are cold against Cleo’s skin, the warmth from earlier gone as she stirs, eyelashes gently fluttering open. It’s dark in the dead of night, moonlight noticeably absent as she shifts into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from her eyes when she reaches it.

A groan spills from her lips as she slumps forward, every muscle protesting to just go back to sleep, but she fights the urge, slipping out from the bed and crossing the room to the massive windows and the cracked door, star and city light mixing to guide her.

She steps onto the terrace, carefully closing the door shut behind her, just to find Nia standing beside the railing, her arms folded atop it. A breeze lifts her hair from her shoulders, sending it flying behind her, curls swirling in a sharp contrast to the harsh dark sprawled before them.

Whitetower stretches out against the horizon, vibrant rooftops and candlelit windows providing a splash of colour against the black above them, only the peppering of stars shining in the sky tonight.

Cleo joins Nia at the railing, taking in the sombre expression on her face as she stares out at the city, warm lights reflected in her bright eyes. Only their dimmer tonight, blank as the sky without its moon, “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“What are you doing out here?”

She sighs, fingers fidgeting with a strand of hair, “I couldn’t sleep again.”

Cleo nods, letting silence fill the space as she carefully curls her arm through Nia’s, their bodies drawing closer together as they lean against one another. “It’s nice out,” she hums, eyes trained on the lights of the night market in the distance.

“It’s beautiful,” Nia echoes, breathless at the sight before, a gorgeous painting come to life, “I missed this,” she exhales slowly, some tension dropping from her shoulders. Her eyes flick up to Cleo’s, “Not - not that I regret anything, or wish I never went and met you, or -”

Cleo silences her with a soft kiss, only lasting a second before her forehead is falling against Nia’s, “I know. I know,” she murmurs with a smile, eyes drinking in the blush painted on Nia’s cheeks.

“Okay,” Nia nods, ears still red as another spell of quiet fills the balcony, the pair simply leaning against one another as a rainbow of brilliance shines in their irises, swirling and coalescing into perfect little slivers of the beauty before them.

Nia rubs her arms, attempting to force heat into them to counteract the cold winds blowing through the sky.

“Are you cold?” Cleo instinctively starts repeating Nia’s motions, running her palms over the lengths of slender arms.

Nia smiles sheepishly, “Freezing.”

“Let me fix that, then,” Cleo chuckles under her breath as she steps behind Nia, slipping her arms around her cool body, palms on the back of Nia’s freezing ones. “Your hands are like ice,” she groans, pulling them towards Nia’s core in search of further heat.

“And yours are like fire,” Nia giggles, even more when Cleo ghosts feather-light kisses over her jaw, her neck, her shoulder, just to watch her squirm. “That tickles!” Nia protests, writhing in Cleo’s arms.

Cleo grins against her skin, “Yep,” before planting one final kiss to Nia’s cheek, her chin dropping to her shoulder to stare out into the dark horizon.

Nia sighs, sinking into the warmth of the body behind her, wrapped around her, supporting her like always. Like in the woods or on pirate ships or in crowded ballrooms, against Shadow Court members and terrifying creatures and their own team members, like always. “Thank you.”

A soft smile illuminates Cleo’s features even more than the city’s lights as she squeezes the woman in her arms, “Anytime. I kinda like keeping you warm.”

“I meant for everything, Cleo.”

“Oh,” she pauses at the intensity in Nia’s voice, the sincerity and earnesty overflowing from the sentence. “Well, it still stands. I’m always here. Promise,” and drops another kiss to Nia’s exposed shoulder and squeezing her tight again.

---

Darkness swirls, shadows engulf the space in rolling, trembling vengeful waves as shouts and clashes of steel echo through the vast atrium. Bodies lay littered in heaps, blood is thick in the air, and anger and hatred crowd the hall. So, so much hatred, enough to drown in it, to let it rip you apart from the inside out, to become buried in an avalanche of pure, unending hatred.

Cleo’s legs tremble beneath her, the weight of the world resting heavy on her shoulders as tears cascade down the length of her face, blurring her vision until nothing coherent remains. Her blood pounds in her ears, drowning out the sounds of a vicious battle around her as she grasps desperately at the hands held in hers, fingers interlocked in a silent, desperate plea. A plea for everything to be okay, for none of this to be real, for the black in Nia’s veins to be nothing but a bad dream.

Through tears, she watches, helpless as Nia retracts her hands, clutching at her head and bending at the waist, pain painted across her features in a grimace. Her entire being quivers, shaking in her skin, trembling as everything she is tries to rip her apart from the inside out. Cleo tightens her hold on the hilt of the blade resting in her hand as sobs tear through her vocal chords, ripping apart her throat as she pours every ounce of her being into the only words she can summon, the only words that feel at all close to enough: “Forgive me.”

The bright, glowing blade buries itself in Nia’s sternum, her features contorting as shadow and light battle within her, as her eyes and skin and veins and everything burn with the force of the Light as it attempts to vanquish the darkness within her. And all Cleo can do is watch, can let the lump in her throat sit and grow as a body collapses before her, limp and empty and lifeless, all because of her, because she has to be here, she just has to.

She has to be the one, she has to do this. She has to be, she has to, she always, always has to, to be the one. She has to, to see her fall, has to, to see the pain, has to, to hold her, has to, to lose herself, has to, has to, has to. She has to suffer for letting her go, has to face her broken promise, has to accept her failures, has to, has to, has to, has to, has to.

Cleo bolts upright, her chest heaving as sweat drenches her clothes, hair sticking to her damp brow. Her eyes take a moment to adjust to the dark, to the familiar bedroom surrounding her, to the moonlight glinting through the open window, to the presence beside her.

Her knees press to her chest as her shoulders tremble, hands slipping into her hair to grip dreads tight in an attempt to steady herself. She squeezes her eyes shut, blocking out the moonlight in favour of the pulsing flashes of darkness and shadow as she counts each breath, weighing each inhale and exhale carefully, methodically.

Her pulse gradually slows from the thundering beat it once was, now a dull throb in the back of her skull, a thrum in her veins, an ache in her chest. The echo of her terror is gone, but likely not for long - it always finds its way back, snakes its way inside of her heart and eats away at her, devouring her with her own guilt until she’s bursting at the seams. It may have been years ago, but the memories of that day, of that scene, of that overwhelming, all-consuming loss that had gripped her feel far too real in the dead of night.

Cleo slowly unfurls from her hunched position, stretching back out with a steadying exhale, the tension previously held within her muscles disappearing as she stares at the ceiling, at the shadows and figures formed by stray moonlight. The branches of the fruit trees outside shift in the gentle breeze and along the ceiling, that same breeze billowing the curtains and sending a constant, calming scent of sweet fruit floating through the air.

The body next to Cleo stirs ever-so-slightly, heat slipping closer to her and soaking through her skin, settling within her bones in a manner more comforting than any campfire, than any hot meal, than any blanket imaginable. Cleo rolls onto her side, carefully slinging an arm over the rise and fall of ribs, fingers tangling in the very tips of long, soft hair and playing with them, relishing the well-known sensation on her fingertips.

Her forehead presses against the one before her, soft exhales slowed by sleep ghosting along her lips as eyes flutter beneath closed lids, the gentlest of movements. Stray strands of red tickle high cheekbones, inhales raise exposed chests, dim light plays off sharp contours and soft curves.

“Hey, Nia?” Quiet permeates the room, settles along the furniture like a layer of dust, reaches the farthest corners like a familiar companion. A companion that’s become far more common in the time since that awful day, a day followed by ones with less and less nightmares, less and less haunting memories, less and less sleepless nights.

She sinks further into the sheets, relishing the softness of the fabric and the warmth of the body beside her, her senses drinking in all of Nia. From shadowed features to delicate breaths to floral scents emanating from messy red curls, it’s all so perfect, all so carefully crafted as moonlight dances along her skin, “Thank you.”

[gigilalaka]

The Deage Troll Au. Update and Chapter 1

So, this was supposed to tell you all that want to read my still in progress deage au, that chapter 1 was out on my ao3 account. Well its not. I can’t get access to it on my pc and I’ve tried a couple of other methods as well. Now I’m just waiting for they guys and girls that run ao3 to find whats wrong. However I want people to at least read the first chapter so here it is. We will see what happends in the coming days but for now enjoy!

*for thought

‘for speak

Chapter 1 “ Good days gone bad”

Poppy looks out of one of her windows that she got installed barely 3 weeks ago, its soft rain that gos pit patter on them tonight and normaly she would hum to the soft sound but she can’t find the strengt nor heart to do it. Her mind is filled with worry and guilt over the small body thats currently sleeping in a small borrowed bed that Smidge had been so kind to give her. * What am I do to now?* the words keeps runing around her head as she hears a small whimper coming from the bed. She truns around to look at them and walks over with soft steps and just stops at bedside, the little thing looks like they are not haveing the best of dreams. She could not blame them, she bet shes haveing them tonight as well once she finally finds sleep herself.

She slowly stroke the little things face, tears silent runing out of both closed eyes. One out of lost another out worry the next out of fear. A small boyish voice filled with sadness and longing asking for the one person thats never going to be able to anwser back ‘ grandma, where are you?’ It breaks her heart just hearing it.

‘Oh Branch, I’m so so sorry. I should’t have brought that stupid flower to the bunker, we should’t have.’ she says as she looks at her boyfriend, now in a body of a 6 year old, his skin grey as dark ash, hair black as coal and a fearfull frown onpond his little sleeping face. It still amazed her how bad everything had gotten just within 5 days, and it all started when he asked her a favor of just getting some stuff from the deep forest. How she just wish she’d could stop her past self from taking that damn flower or just give it to the herbalist before she and Hickory went to visit him. Maybe then neither of them wouldn’t feel so bad like they do now.

‘I’m so so sorry, sweetie. I’m so sorry’ she keeps saying, tears anew starts run out her eyes again, while her mind drifts back 5 days ago, where it all started.

‘So let me see if I get this right?’ Hickory begins while he helps his brother over a giant fallen log with a rope around him and Dickory, while said brother is cursing up and down and to the high heavens for gifting him with this damn body and how he wish he’d have moveing hair like the pops have. It would sure make this a lot faster! Poppy stops to look at the bounty hunter, the half open basked strapped on her and one on each bounty hunters backs moveing a little showing herbs, barks, flowers and berries, a small smile froming on her face when Hickory nearly let loose the rope thats currently the only thing thats keeping his brother from falling several feet down, again. The small yodleller looking at the other one with a glare. Dareing his little brother loose his grip again on the rope, or else theres going to be hell to pay.

‘Branch is missing or gone out of several herbs and a type of moss thats used for a variety of diffrent meds and skin tonics? And he ask you to get them for him while he fixses something down in the bunker thats gone badly out of whack?’ For the past 4 months, Hickory and Dickory has been residents of said bunker while they are here helping the pop trolls build up their villiage again. Its part of the deal they have with Delta on the amount of charity works they need to get done with the country trolls and for what they did Poppy and Branch. First they had to help fixing some the homes and buildings back in Lonesome Flats, before they were sent to what remaind of the Pop villiage to help fix things there as well. Though to be honest, untill more of the trees and plants recover some more, theres little they can fix. Many a troll are still living in the undergrund bunker the resident grump live and build up, till some of their home trees are ready to take them in again. Though said grump was getting a little antsy with all the other trolls hyper-go-lucky energy. And endless will to party hard and as loud as possible.

Both he and Dickory had been very supriesed and shocked on how one troll had build something this lagre by the age of 15, get it so well stocked and maintain all alone for well over a decade. It was not for nothing that the other pop trolls called him the most prepared troll of the Pop villiage. *Though to be honest, we should have figured that out with how he was so prepared for just about everything on the journey* Hickory thought while putting the rope in his basket, Dickory finally on safe ground. He’s very sure that if they meet another log like that again, his big bro is just gonna swallow his pride and ask the queen for a ride over instead. It was getting very tiring getting past these forsaken logs for the both of them.

‘Yep’ the queen say, the ‘p’ poping as she said it.’ The Ruby moss is the most improtent one along with the Silver Drop Rose. They are used for some very serious bruns tonics and blood loss meds that I think even the funk trolls have never seen. Branch said that even if we only get a few of each of them, it still be enough to treat several dozen patients, but it would really help him and the doctors to have a bundle or two of each instead. They only bloom for the brief period between these 2 weeks. The rainstrom season is coming soon and they are going to be washed away soon when the first storm hits. Oooh look some more Dede berries! Miss Flourens going to be so happy that we gotten some of them, they hard to find this time of the year. Now she wont have to worry so much about the flu season’ The berries looks nice where they are hanging from their bush, a rich maroon colour with what looks like a golden stripe going around the oval shaped fruit. Poppy takes out a few small clay jars to store them in from her basket. She notes that she’s running out of room to store things. She take out a book from the basket she’d taken with her in her hair, incase she found any other herbs she’s not sure about. One of the many useful gifts Branch have given her the past 2 years.

‘So why did you take us with you girly? You know how that boy of yours don’t like us very much’ Dickory asked, it was a bit of a understatment, Branch had been rageing mad at them when he found out the their lie. Had it not been for the fact that Poppy's other friends was holding him down, Dickory is very sure he and his bro would not be walking at all. Its a bit better now, but non of the yodeller brothers wants to overstep themself the frail peace they have right now. Though he still wounders what the less colour full troll meant with ‘ this is just like what happened almost 2 years ago!’. He did not like the sound of it, not at all.

‘Mostly to give you guys some breathing room really.’ Dickory gets back, the queen is still getting some of the last berries in the jar. Then give them to him for storage in his basket. ‘Also, I know for a fact that since your both bounty hunters you guys was the better choice to take on this little trip when it comes to protection. Which I know mister grumpy is not going argue against, beside I’d rather take you guy over the other one thats avaialble.’ * The less said about Creek the better off I am* Poppy thinks, not wanting to take that guru on this trip today, lately the purple troll was trying to get them alone very often and that scared her.

The three continue their journey, stoping every now and then for a breather or a brief lunch, when they come to a area that has the herbs they are looking for. Its not easy to get to them though. The roses blooms on a small cliff thats very close to a river that has some very sharp stones jutting out and the moss prefer to be on the ceilings in a cave that is home some nasty creeps and crawls that no sane troll would want crawling in their pants. However, when they took a break near a tree, they a get a glimps of a snow white petals that seems to shimer in the light behinde another tree and some bushes a little father ahead of them. Hickory and Dickory is not sure if it is safe to go there, but Poppy is insistent that they at least check it out.

They come onpond a small clearing with a pond near the middle of it, a single flower blooming from the north side of the pond. Its white as snow that shimer in the sun light, with what looks like golden, amethyst and royal coalbolt blue bands around the base of the pastals forming a lovely small pattern of rings together. Its shaped like a tulip, if a tulip had slightly longer pastals and curly torns that is. They can smell a faint hint of sweet yet lightly bitter smell coming for it.

‘Now what in blues hell is this? Poppy do you know what this flower is?’ Hickory ask as he looks at the plant. Its very nice to look at and would make a wounderfull gift to a loved one, but dose not go near it. Neither he nor Dickory knew if it was safe to go anywere near it. No doubt that something had to be wrong if only the flower was the only thing to bloom in that pond. He dose not get a anwser for a while, the queen busy with her herb book to see what they have stumblot onpond.

‘Thats very strange. Its not in the book.’ the pink troll say with a mumble. She looks at the two and ask ‘ are there any sticks or stones near bye that we can throw? We need to check that its not a pond lucker. Those things are rightout nasty to deal with and I rather like to keep my arms or legs intact.’ A shiver gos down her spine when she think what happened to the last party group that went out to gather stuff from the deepest part of the forest. From a 35 group to only 14 coming back, almost half of them missing limbs thanks only to dose things. Was it not for that 2 of them had realy good aim, more would have been lost.

‘I think a saw some over there by the river. Gimme a min’ Dickory say as he runs there to get some. When he comes back the three of them each choice a spot to hit, but noting happens. They to it a few more times, just to be sure but is just a normal pond. Relief settels in a bit, but they move slowly near the flower. Once they are near enough, Poppy takes a few minutes to look at it, than take out a pair of gloves, a sturdy looking glass jar and a small spade.

‘Don’t tell me your gonna take that flower with you?!’ Dickory almost shouts. ‘It can’t be safe if it is the only thing that living in this damn pond!’

‘I have to. This area is the closest to the villiage when it comes to get these types of herbs. The others can take weeks to go to and fro. Finding a plant that we know nothing about so close here, I have to take this to our herbalists to find out what it is. For all we know it might do more harm than good to this area’ Poppy anwser back, most of her focus on the plant, not knowing how true her words would become.

Once she got it in the jar, she looks at them and says ‘Its best we go now. We don’t need to be here any longer’ the hunters agree with both of them tur-

‘WAAAAAA’ a scream comes out of Branch traped yet again in another nightmare that he can’t wake up from, sending Poppy out of her thoughts and chair like a rocket crash and running to him. She hugs him while the trolling continue to scream his heart out, his fear clear as day, small fists hitting her chest every now and then. His not stoping and his sob aren’t getting better either.

*My poor poor Branch. Why do you have to suffer more of this?* rings in her head, well aware that her boyfriend haven’t had this kind of nightmare in a long time. It seems fate still wanted to give the troll some more grief. All she can do now is hold him tight, whisper sweet nothings and patt his back.

Slowly but surely Branch began to calm down, and slowly Poppy sings whatever her tried mind can come up with right now not careing if they fit with the song whats so ever.

Sweet baby mine don’t cry

The moons here to sing you a lullaby

And am here to sing with stars

Sweet baby mine don’t cry

We are all here to make you smile

She continues to sing as Branch slowly starts falling to a peacefull slumber, but Poppy know its not over yet. She lays him back to bed makeing sure not to wake him. Once she sure his going to sleep a bit more she drags herself to her own bed try to get some rest before Branch wakes with another scream.

[hollowempire]

Lost || Illinois x Reader

Request: Toni suggesting reader snuggles with Illy for the first times. perhaps also a smanch. + Lexi giving me an idea for some minor angst

Summary: Lots of crazy things can happen on adventures.

Word Count: 1,668

WARNING: Swearing, heights, near-death

Why had she agreed to follow Illinois into this cave?

Y/n asked herself this question as she allowed the man himself to lead her through the seemingly never-ending tunnel system that extended through out the entire mountain. When they realized they were lost, y/n made the mistake of trusting Illinois to get them out, thinking he knew what he was doing. He didn’t.

“Why don’t you just admit we’re lost?” y/n asked her associate, as Illinois liked to call it. They’d known each other for a while, a partnership that wasn’t even supposed to happen. Y/n followed him after that first adventure and now every single time they manage to get into some sort of trouble.

“Because we’re not lost.” he insisted. A stubborn man, y/n came to realize as their friendship grew. Illinois refused to call it a friendship, though. He couldn’t afford to like people and preferred to keep it at a professional level, which to him meant no friends allowed.

“Illinois.” y/n said sternly. She stopped in her place and crossed her arms. When Illinois noticed that he could no longer hear the crunch of dirt from y/n’s boots he stopped, sighed, and turned around.

“Yes?”

“Look, if you wanna roam cluelessly through this impossible maze of tunnels, fine, but first let’s please get some rest,” y/n said. “I’m exhausted.”

Illinois shrugged. He had to admit, he was a bit tired too. “Alright, but first let’s go find a safe place to sleep... or at least as safe as it can be.”

Y/n nodded gratefully and quickly caught up to Illinois, who was already walking again. They eventually found themselves in a dome shaped area, the ground fairly flat. It seemed pretty stable, the opening wasn’t big enough for any boulders to pass through, and it didn’t seem to have any traps. Safe enough.

As y/n set her stuff down and went to get their sleeping bags out, y/n realized something. There was only one.

“Uh, Illy?”

“We’re not friends, no nicknames,” he reminded. There was a tiny bit of annoyance in his voice. That amount was about to grow once he heard the news.

“Right, sorry,” y/n said, dropping her head and twiddling with her thumbs.

“What is it this time?”

“We appear to have lost a sleeping bag,” y/n said, holding up the one she actually had.

“Are you kidding me?” he asked. He set down his bag and stride over to where y/n sat in the cold ground. “I’m not sleeping on this,” he stated, tapping the ground with his foot.

“Well I’m not either,” y/n said. She stood up with the sleeping bag in her hands. She spread it out on the surface of the cave floor. It was fairly large. “We could share...”

Illinois made a disapproving face, but he also saw that there was enough room for both of them. And so he agreed.

Getting comfortable was hard. The two of them twisted in place and put their limbs everywhere, which of course annoyed the other despite the fact that they were both doing the same thing.

“Motherfucker I will end us both!” y/n threatened when Illinois accidentally smacked her the fourth time.

“Theres no need to swear,” he grumbled.

“Then stay still!”

After the 10th time of getting a face full of his arm, y/n wrapped her arms around his midsection. Her hold on him was tight enough so that he could move and he couldn’t get himself free.

“What are you doing?”

“You won’t stay still so I’ll make you,” she explained as she rested her cheek against his back.

Illinois decided to just go to sleep. There wasn’t any point in arguing and he actually was quite comfortable.

Illinois woke up a couple hours later to find that he was snuggled up in y/n’s arms, face pressed into her chest. He was one of his legs draped over her thigh and his arms encircled her waist.

“Y/n, wake up,” Illinois said loudly.

Y/n reacted too quickly, moving right away without seeming a little bit startled.

“How long have you been awake?” he asked in an accusing voice as he and y/n both got up.

“A while... you looked comfortable and didn’t want to wake you,” she admitted, refusing to meet his gaze. “Sorry,” she added quietly.

Illinois shook his head and rolled up the sleeping bag. Without a word the two were on their way again.

After about an hour of trying to find their way out, it seemed they were even more lost than before. All thanks to Illinois, who was sure he knew the way. They walked along the side of a ravine, neither of the two really paying much attention to their surroundings at this point. They were busy arguing instead.

“I know what I’m doing, kid, you just have to let me do this!” Illinois said. He powered on ahead, stepping over rocks and cracks in the path to avoid slipping and meeting his demise at the bottom of the ravine. No amount of water down there could save anyone who fell, especially considering they were likely to hit a bunch of jagged edges sticking out of the side.

“No, you don’t! All thanks to you, we’ve been wandering around this cave for hours and haven’t seen any familiar areas, just new places that aren’t helping us out!” y/n argued back, also stepping over rocks and cracks. Illinois had given her many tips on how.

“I do know what I’m doing!”

“No you don’t!”

“Yes I do!”

“No you d-”

It seems Illinois’s tips for staying safe when walking an unstable path didn’t account for ground that had the appearance of being fine but had actually softened over time. As y/n stepped over a patch of ground near the edge, it crumbled beneath her and caused her to slide down the new slope it had left.

“Fuck!” Y/n shouted. She grabbed onto the edge and managed to set her feet on some bits of rock sticking out to keep herself from falling any further.

“There’s no need to be dramati- y/n?” Illinois mistook her cry as frustration at him, but soon realized she had disappeared.

“Down here,” she replied, her voice frantic. Despite her best efforts she was still slipping, her fingers weren’t strong enough and there was nothing she could get a good grip on either way.

Illinois sped over to the edge and squatted down. He looked over the edge and met y/n’s fearful gaze.

“Careful, there’s no point in both of us dying,” y/n said, forcing a laugh.

“You’re not gonna die,” Illinois said surely. He extended his hand to her but she didn’t take it.

“Yes I am, I mena just look at me,” she said. “Besides, you said it yourself. Your partners don’t tend to last,”

“Take my hand,”

Y/n shook her head. “There’s no point,”

“Y/n, please,” Illinois demanded, grabbing hold of her wrists.

Again, she shook here head. She could feel her grip getting weaker and there was no way Illinois was strong enough to hold onto her wrists for long. “What you said when we first met, you were right...” she admitted, referring to all his talk about falling in love with him. “I love you, Illy,”

Something happened then in his mind. As y/n let go Illinois immediately grabbed hold of her hands and pulled her up, struggling to keep himself from toppling over the edge with her. He still managed it.

“You could’ve died, asshole!” y/n scolded as soon as she was back on solid ground. She had landed on top of Illinois and stood up right after impact. As he rose up she smacked his shoulder.

“What was that for?”

“You always talk about how we’re not friends, how all your partners end up dying, how I’m gonna end up the same way and it’s not gonna matter,” she shouted, hands on her hips as Illinois cowered against the wall. “What changed? Why were you so willing to risk your life to save me?”

For possibly the first time in his entire life, Illinois was quiet. He didn’t know what to say.

Y/n raised her eyebrows expectantly. “So?” she asked, taking a step towards him. There was nowhere for Illinois to go, he was already backed up against the wall and had to face y/n instead of ignoring the problem like he would prefer to do.

“Because I love you too,” he said. He said it confidently, remembering he still had a personality to keep up with and couldn’t let himself turn into a mumbling mess.

“Oh, good... now maybe if we can get out of here I’ll kiss you,”

Illinois smiled. “Well then let’s-”

“I’m leading the way,” y/n interrupted. She walked in front of him and he complained the whole way, but under y/n’s guidance they were out within the hour. She wondered how he had every managed to return home before he had her.

Now out in the open, y/n suddenly felt shy as she eyed Illinois. It was much easier to admit feelings when your life was in danger or you were angry. Y/n was neither of those things at the moment.

“Are you going to go through with what you said or was it a lie to get me to listen to you?” Illinois asked, startling y/n when she turned around to find him right behind her. They stood a few inches apart, close enough to feel his breath on her face.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Of course she wasn’t lying to him, but was he lying to her?

Y/n decided on a quick peck, and Illinois whined when she left for the car right after.

“You’ll get more after you take me out on a date!”

Until she was sure Illinois wasn’t playing her, she’d have to make him put a bit of effort into getting into an actual relationship. He is fully willing to chase her across the globe.

[missraven33]

The Ramblings of Miss Raven

Claires excitement was palpable, she had worked hard for this moment and her whole body was charged. Jumping in the car, she headed to the shop before her long awaited visitors arrived. She checked her reflection and smiled, everything was finally going to be okay.

Browsing the multiple bars of chocolate and sweet treats, her phone began to ring. His name popped up and she couldn't help but smile, a big wide goofy grin, like a 13 year old with the worlds biggest crush. "Hey you" she answered coolly, trying not to sound as excited as she felt. "Where are you?" Came the voice. "Don't worry, far from any prying ears, what's up? You don't usually ring, although it is a nice surprise.." she trailed, starting to worry. He never rang, never during the entire time they had known each other. "Theres been a change of plans, the lads will still be there to help, but..." the voice stopped, a deep sigh followed. "But what?!" Claire exclaimed, suddenly realising she was starting to panic. "But I won't be there, this is the last time we can talk....ever". Silence, no words could form, she felt her legs start to weaken. "I'm sorry" came the voice. She mentally slapped herself. "Sorry?! What the hell do you mean we can't ever speak again, after everything, you are just walking away, just like that?!" She heard a mumbling and then he spoke "She saw our messages and made me choose...I mean I had to, you understand right?" His voice sounding weak and pathetic. She felt sick, her heart pounding, all her plans shattering to pieces. She loved him, he loved her, how could this be happening. "I should have known" she said "I knew it, I knew you never meant the sweet stuff you said and you were only after one thing, just like everyone else, I'm just a piece of ass to you, that's all I'm worth, to him, to you. Fuck all of you". "Baby wait..." he called. "Don't you dare..." she snarled before hanging up. Claire held onto the shelf in front of her and took a few deep breaths, upon looking up she saw a woman looking at her. "Are you okay?" Came such a sweet voice. "Sorry, am I in the way" she mumbled thinking she needed to move. " I said are you okay?" Came this sweet voice again. She blinked and looked at this woman who was now standing much closer. She suddenly felt herself locked in the gaze of this kind woman before her, adrenaline suddenly rushing through her body, her fingertips sweating, butterflies in her stomach, her mouth was suddenly dry and she couldn't speak...

[peacheenie]

hl1/2 gordon scentric hc time

im rly feeling half life in this chillis tonight so....some....hc’s about everyones favourite free man, i have a lot so enjoy

-he’s actually mute and uses sign language but only about 50% of the time cuz people either don’t know what he’s saying or he can’t do it whilst holding like 20 different guns/weapons to protect himself so instead he makes big gestures a lot or writes down what hes trying to say (pretty much everyone at black mesa could understand him via sign language so he was very comfortable using it, during hl2 however he has to keep reminding himself not everyone is fluent and it frustrates him to no end)

-when he tries to speak it hurts and the most sound he can make is mumbles or little sqeaks so if theres ever a time he needs to alert someone to dangers reeeal quick he ends up hurting his throat a lot to try and make some kind of warning noise thats loud enough, he can hum tho and enjoys humming along to music as well as when he’s signing to try and convey some kind of emotion along with his facial features of which he emotes a LOT

-his hand writing looks like that of an actual dotors and its neat cursive but very hard to read so if he’s trying to write as a form of communication he just defaults to caps with big spaces inbetween and people (barney) tease him about it constantly (barney)

- hes incredibly short sighted without his glasses and ends up squinting a lot without them on and since he’s usualy default bitch facing he just looks very angry all the time when really he just cant see anything please dont be offended sir he didnt mean to upset you

-is actually very scared all the time abt like everything, hes literally just a scientist who just happened to be “the right man in the wrong place” and was just so determined to try and save those around him during the cascade that he pushed thorough his fears and anxiety to try and get the job done but he def has some form of ptsd after it all, barnicles specifically really freak him out because getting strangled and slowly lifted off of the ground into a row of razor sharp teeth is fucking TERRIFYING and he wouldnt wish it on anyone

-only reason he knows how to use guns is because barney would regularly take him down to the shooting range during their breaks and they’d see who could shoot straightest after a few drinks, barney would always win.

-after hl1 when he was put into stasis and he wakes up in hl2 hes lost like 20 years of his life and hates that fact terribly, all his friends have aged around him but hes still in his 20′s when he shouldnt be and he hates it so fucking much

-he also finds himself missing the feeling of the HEV suit terribly during the begining of his re-awakening in city 17, he’d grown so used to the feeling of it on him and keeping him safe that it makes him anxious without it and the cold air on his hands is also uncomfortable so he prefers wearing gloves all the time, when he finally gets the HEV suit back it feels like a weight has been lifted and he can finally stop worrying, the suits voice is also a comforting sound beccause its familiar and a sign that he’s not alone, same goes with the healing station and suit charging noises; they’re a comforting sound to hear and he enjoys humming along to the vrwwwrrrr vrrwwrrr vrwrrrrwr the machine makes when he plugs into the port

-he worries about overdosing on the healing stations a lot though; the morphone they give out is indefinite and once during the casade he’d passed out from taking to much and woken up to a zombie very slowly approaching him from down a corridoor but with how drowzy he was it was it was a horrible struggle to lift the gun and fire between dozing in and out

-he gets attached to people quickly since also during the cascade days he’d regularly meet people in danger who only had him to keep them safe so he tries his absolute hardest to make sure he can protect people even if that means he gets shot in the process, the suit usually protects him/heals him anyway so he’s used to it and if theres danger he almost default/automatically moves infront of people to make sure they’re okay without any concern for his own safety

-he also reeeally likes antlions and will pet them any chance he gets, he tried to do it when he first saw them and almost lost a hand so it makes him upset he has to kill them but when he finally gets the bug bite from the vorts? ohhhhohohoh he pets so many antlions, it again makes him sad he has to use them as like fodder for turrets and stuff but if an antlion comes back to him after taking down a turret or killing a combine he gives them extra pets and becomes a very proud papa

-since hes technically in his 30′s (and would be nearing his 40′s had he not been in stasis) he feels more of a big brother/fatherly bond toward Alyx since he’d also met her as a baby and finds any romantic involvement with her awkward, (so Elli’s comment on him “wanting grandkids” he ends up slapping the man on the arm with a frown to which Eli just laughs) this doesn’t help his attachment issue though so when they have to seperate to do things away from the other he worries for her safety even though she constantly assures him she can take care of herself and he KNOWS she can. he still really can’t help but worry though...

after hl2 ep2:

-when eli dies i dont like to think they all straight away go to mossman and instead get to spend some time mourning at the base, this gives gordon some time to finally sit down and relax for a little bit but he finds it incredibly hard to even take off the HEV suit at first because to him there was no passage of time between being put into stasis and waking up in city 17 all those years later; he’d closed his eyes, went into the portal and then the next second awakened in a completely unfamiliar place, in unfamiliar clothes with unfamiliar people (he definitely had a panic attack before geting off that very first train) and the thought of that happening again when he’s not prepared is terrifying.

-when he does finally take off the suit (after a lot of helping and reasuring from alyx, kleiner and barney a LOT from barney; theyre very good friends (;) he takes to wearing very comfy and heavy clothes such as jumpers, ponchos etc as well as a bullet proof vest because it makes him feel safe, the HEV suit gloves he retires entirely cuz theyre gross, definitely covered in his own blood and have been through hell so instead he has a bunch of different pairs he cycles through depending on how he feels that people around the base give him after learning about his fondness towards them

-he secretly carries a gun around with him even when they’re not in any danger becaus it’s another added layer of security and becaus he literally can’t trust things to not go bad EVER; now though nothing will go wrong again on his watch because he’ll be ready for it!! this really doesn’t help with his nerves though since he’s constantly looking for something to go wrong

scene specific hc’s:

-i always think abt that one specific sene in the train that gets derailed where alyx is trapped by a stalker and gordon has to pull it away with his gravity gun and i always imagine him franticly pulling it away with so much alarm on his face and such panic, when shes free though and has to stop to catch her breath gordon would give her a hug and make sure she’s okay cuz it must have been terrifying to have that thing screaming inches from ur face, gordon just instantly  goes into protect mode

-another scene that always comes to mind is when you first encounter an advisor and it makes that horrid loud noise where alyx is holding her head; i imagine gordon almost dropping the gravity gun in a panic to try and cover his ears because he doesn’t handle loud noises too well and it freaks him out so much alyx has to help him get out of the room since he kind of locks up on hearing it

-same goes when you get trapped by an advisor in a barn and almost become food for it; gordon is absolutely terrified at getting so up and close without being able to move that when it finally does drop him he starts hyperventilating and alyx has to protect him from the oncoming combine for a little while before he can catch his breath

-last scenes but some of my favorites are the ENTIRE sections of gordon being up close with breen, 

first being the teleporter malfunctioning and when gordons heavy breathing i imagine hes trying super hard not to start freaking out/hyperventilating and when breens doing his “i want that twink obliterated” spiel and then looks up and says his name, gordon almost looses it and internally is like AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

second is when youre trapped in that like...metal contraption thing the stalkers are carried in and brought to breens officce and that entire section where breen is talking directly TO YOU i just adore it becausee gordon would have been looking away awkwardly unable to actually respond and furrowing his eyebrows at the nerve breen has upon thinking you would ever agree to any such terms and would definitely also spit in breens face as a response just like alyx did since he can’t use words

okay that is all, if you read all of these you’re amazing and i love u and also gordon hes an amazing “character” because i can insert as many of my own quirks into him as i please because valve literally never gave him a personallity :^)

[butgilinsky]

reality // bh

warning; pure fluff

summary; y/n, a writer, stresses herself to the point of tears throughout the night when she tries to reach a deadline 

she sat behind all of the people and cameras, alongside his publicist and his agent. they both assured her that the interview wouldn’t be out of the ordinary, and that he’d be finished in no time. 

she had the best time she could, laughing along with his publicist when he’d do something stupid, and laughing at his publicist when she would worry about him slipping up. 

there was a time in the interview process where he almost let something slip until he made eye contact with his publicist who sent him straight daggers, scaring him slightly. 

“i don’t think i’m supposed to talk about that, given the look i’m getting right now.” joe let out a slight laugh, thankful that he wasn’t the one getting the death stare from across the room. 

the process went on, one interviewer leaving the room while another would enter and ask almost all of the same questions as the last. 

she found a chair towards the back of the room, leaning her head on the wall beside her as she felt herself doze off slightly. 

she was woken up from her slight nap when her phone buzzed in her pocket. she mumbled a soft ‘shit’ when she saw her editor calling, excusing herself before answering the call. 

“hello?” she was hoping this was not a bad phone call, and she wouldn’t have to change her plans for the day. 

“y/n, i need another chapter, and i need it soon. we have to get the ball rolling on this project and i know that if you write a few more opening chapters, you’ll kick into high gear as usual. the book doesn’t have a date right now, so you have some time, but i need you to jumpstart the process and try to get your creative juices flowing.” she rolled her eyes at his cheesy statements that were an effort to urge her but calm her simultaneously.

she finished their conversation, assuring him that she would get him another chapter by the end of the week, and it was already wednesday. 

she walked back into the room when the call had ended, and approached ben’s publicist. 

“hey, i have to go home. my editor needs me to do some stuff today and i can’t really postpone it.” the girl across from her shot her a sympathetic look, knowing that the young girl did not want to go home to do work. 

“i’ll let him know.” the girl nodded and thanked her before glancing at her boyfriend one last time before exiting the room. 

when she got home she locked herself in her office and started to get as much inspiration as possible, writing at lightning speed but having to start over and rewrite a few times. she used the backspace button almost as much as every other key on the keyboard in front of her. 

a few hours later and she had loud music playing, trying to strike something within her. her hair had moved from a very straight, composed look to a messy bun atop of her head. her contacts had been replaced with thin silver frames and her outfit had changed from a nice pair of jeans and a cute blouse to one of ben’s old band t shirts and a pair of black ankle socks. 

she turned the music down a few notches when an idea popped into her head and she started typing quickly, only for the door to her office to be thrown open. 

she looked up at her boyfriend who was running a hang through his hair as his worried expression flipped to a relieved one. 

“hi love.” he said softly, smiling at the sight of her shirt. 

“hi.” she smiled at him before typing again. her eyes flicked up to his every once in a while, especially when he moved to sit across the desk from her. 

“what’s going on?” he asked, worrying slightly when he realized she wasn’t in the same mood that she was at the start of the day. he knew how much she hated changing planes at the last minute.

she mumbled something before shaking her head quickly, something she did to rid her of too many thoughts. 

“too loud.” she mumbled, slightly tugging at her hair. 

“maybe you should take a break love. you’ve been at it for almost ten hours.” he looked at the clock on her desk, knowing damn well that she’s been in this room since she got home, apart from her changing her clothes and making cups of coffee. 

“how do you know i’ve been at it the entire time i’ve been home?” she challenged, knowing he was right but finding some hope behind the statement. 

“love.” he looked at her with raised eyebrows, making her laugh softly. “i’ve known you for five years. i know you’ve only left this room to piss and make more coffee.” he looked at the cup on her desk, trying to gage how much she had left. “how many of these have you had?” she shrugged softly, trying to do quick math in her head. 

“dunno, like a pot and a half.” she shrugged her shoulders, seeing him not react much since she’s gone through much more than that in one night before. 

“not bad, but you should probably slow down since you’re due for a headache in about-” he looked down at his phone and tried to work out all the attributes in his head. “thirty two minutes.” he smiled up at the girl who rolled her eyes. 

“i’ve had one for about an hour now, but nice try jones.” she squinted softly as she reread a few lines before her current point. 

“how about i bring you some aspirin, you can write for the rest of the hour and then we can go upstairs and get ready for bed.” he prayed that the girl would say yes and go to bed with him, slightly hoping that her tiredness was equivalent to his. 

and against her better judgement, she does agree. she takes the two white pills that he brings back to her and writes for the remainder of the hour, not being able to write for one extra minute as theres a knock at the door at the last minute of the hour. 

she went upstairs with him and allowed herself to try to relax as she took a shower with her beloved boyfriend, muttering a few ‘thank you’s when he began to rub knots out of her shoulders as the hot water ran over her face. 

she climbed into bed, feeling exhausted as ever and getting comfortable within seconds. the boy beside her did his best to stay up long enough to make sure she fell asleep, but ultimately failed. she slept for about two hours before waking up and not being able to fall back asleep. the thoughts in her head becoming too loud for her to sleep, which created a need to turn the thoughts into a story. 

she crawled out of bed, successfully not waking ben up as she snuck out and hurried downstairs. she made another pot of coffee and finished about five full pages, and a cup of coffee before ben wandered into the office. 

he was rubbing his eyes and letting out a heavy sigh at the sight of his girlfriend back in her office chair, eyes glued to her computer screen. 

“you’re going to go blind staring at that thing for so long.” he plopped himself down on the couch that she had set up for when she needed a new seating arrangement. 

“i’m already halfway there, might as well go out with a bang.” she shrugged softly as she watched the boy she loved try to shift his weight around the slightly uncomfortable couch. 

“you’re not going to sleep well on that thing.” she remarked, making him grunt softly. 

“i’m not going to sleep well up there without you either so, lesser of two evils i suppose.” he tried to fall back asleep, but ultimately failed and sat up straight in frustration. 

“why’d you become a writer?” he asked his favorite question to ask in this scenario. when her thoughts just got too loud and he needed to hear her voice as much as she needed to focus on something other than a deadline for more than ten seconds. 

she cracked a smile at the question, seeing another step develop in their nighttime routine. 

“my dad always called my a daydreamer. said i spent too much time imagining things when there was a whole world in front of me where i could’ve made something happen if i wanted it bad enough. and although there were things i wanted, there was no want stronger than to just sit outside somewhere by myself and make up a whole life for myself in my head. i used to think that my life was so shitty because i had thought of such better ones in my head. i started writing my thoughts down when they got too loud to stay in my head. they’d overpower everything around them and push themselves to the front of my mind until i let them out in some way. i started writing little spiels about things that came to life in my mind, and eventually making new realities was my job.” she knew he knew the speech. she had given it to him many times, and he had been there through a part of it.

“you’re absolutely breathtaking.” she smiled at the comment, feeling herself blush and goosebumps rising on her legs and arms as she watched the boy across the room. 

she sighed to herself and shut her computer off, leaving the cup of coffee on the desk as she walked over to ben and straddled his lap, wrapping herself around his torso. she dug her face into his neck and felt herself relax as everything just spilled out of her. 

unwarranted tears started to spill and her stomach caved in as she choked out a soft sob. ben leaned back on the couch, running his hands up the back of her shirt to rub small shaped onto her skin. 

he started to hum softly, knowing that it was better to let her let it out rather than try to soothe her or try to stop something that she needed to release. 

he hummed a few different songs that he could think of before he felt her episode come to an end as she sniffled one last time and pulled back from his neck to rub her nose with her shirt. 

“hi angel.” he smiled as he ran his thumbs underneath her eyes, trying his best to wipe the wetness away from her skin. 

“can we go to bed?” he laughed softly when she smiled at him, pressing his lips to her forehead and nodding. 

“of course we can, love.” he pressed his lips to hers before securing his grip on the bottom of her thighs and standing up from the couch. 

she clung to ben as he shut every light off and closed every door before walking up the stairs and into their bedroom. he laid the girl on the bed before excusing himself shortly and returning with two glasses of water and another pair of aspirin with a soft smile. 

he set a glass of water and the aspirin next to her, knowing that she’d take them when she needed them, which was right now. all that releasing of her emotions resulted in a slight headache. 

she thanked him over and over again for various things, which he deemed unnecessary. “i’d do anything to see you smile for one single second. i love you with everything in me, and i thank you for allowing me to witness you in all of your forms.” she felt her heart melt at the endearing words from her boyfriend that she didn’t think she’d ever get used to. 

she knew that when she fell asleep, that her life was indeed not shitty, and no matter how many false realities her fingers created with a keyboard, not a single one of them would trump the reality she had with ben. 

[chamibii]

Jagged little Claws

Momo didnt feel like going out that night at all, but she allowed Ochako to convince her. She was still dealing with heartache from her break up with Todoroki and these days all she wanted to do was stay in bed and cry. She had "already been doing that for days" Ochako reminded her in their brief conversation.

"I know Ocha, but I just don't feel like going out. What if he's there?"

Ochako sighed dramatically and clicked her tongue. "Momo! Who cares if he's there? When was the last time you did something fun huh? Aren't you tired of laying in bed all damn day?"

Momo sat surrounded by a pink comforter and several large pillows. "I'm not.."

"And don't say you aren't in bed Mo, cuz I know you are!"

Momo laughed softly and relented. "Gods you just dont give up do you?"

"Is that a yes?"

"Where are we going?"

Ochako squeaked, "Is that a yes?"

"Yes. Yes!! Geez." Momo had to pull the phone away from her ear because her best friend was squealing loudly.

"Okay! I'll be there to pick you up at 8! Be ready. And please dress nicely."

---

Momo had to admit that she was slightly excited to be out. She hadn't really left her room, let her alone her house, since Todoroki broke up with her.

She felt Ochako squeeze her hand reassuringly and she smiled at her friend. She and Ochako had grown closer over the years and today, she was exceptionally grateful for her friendship.

Until...

"I could just kill you." Momo hissed as they stood outside The Fire Pit, Todoroki's family owned night club.

"Okay but listen, he's not even going to be here! You know he absolutely hated working here. Plus, theres a bad ass new band that's playing tonight and I just know you're gonna love them!"

Momo turned to leave, but felt Ochako's hand on her elbow. "Trust me Momo, I wouldn't bring you here if I knew he was going to be here."

Momo turned to stare at her friend. She noticed for the first time this evening that she had carefully and painstakingly done her makeup. Bright red circles were appearing on Ochako's cheeks and Momo narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"Tell me."

"Tell you what?" Ochako stammered.

"Who is he?"

Ochako shuffled a sneaker across the concrete and huffed. "Fine! If you must know, his name is Midoriya Izuku, but his stage name is Deku and he invited me. He's a drummer in the band. We've been messaging each other for weeks and I really want to see him so please, please, just come inside for me?"

Momo rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. "Fine! But if I see Todoroki, I'm leaving."

Ochako hugged Momo tightly placed several quick kisses on her cheek. "Thank you, thank you!"

The bouncer waved Momo and Ochako through the line. Momo scanned the room quickly and breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that Ochako was right; Todoroki wasn't here. Ochako tugged on her hand and Momo allowed herself to be pulled to near the front of the stage.

Ochako leaned over and shouted near Momo's ear, "I'm going to go get us drinks. Save me a spot, yeah?"

Momo nodded and watched her tiny friend disappear into the crowd.

Feedback from the microphone drew her attention back to the stage and she noticed a red, spikey haired shirtless man holding a bass guitar tapping on the microphone. " 'Sup Fire Pit. My name is Kirishima and we're the Claws. You guys ready to get shit started?"

The crowd responded excitedly and Momo was surprised at the response. She hadn't heard of this band before, but they seemed well known. She felt Ochako back at her side and took the drink that her friend pressed into her hand.

"I said, are you guys ready to get shit started?!"

Ochako yelled out a loud "woo" and threw her free hand in the air. Momo laughed, enjoying seeing her small reserved friend open up.

The lights dimmed and a steady thrum of the bass started up. Soon, the drums came in and Momo spied Ochako jumping up and down to the beat. The music wasn't bad. Momo tapped her foot to the rhythm.

The crowd really went crazy when an electric guitar came in and a crystal clear voice sang out,

"As time passes

The feelings fade

But the scars you left

Still remain.

Don't know what I did

To deserve this pain

But fuck your excuses

Just the same"

The lights flooded the stage and the lead singer continued to sing. She came close to the microphone and sang about love and loss. She jumped around the stage, not once missing a note. She wore black combat boots, ripped mesh leggings, and dark denim shorts. Her top was black and had three long rips going across the chest to reveal a blood red bra. She wore heavy black eyeliner and bright red lipstick. Her dark purple hair was cut short in a buzz cut, with the top long, hanging over her left eye.

Momo felt glued to the floor. The sound slowly faded, as did every person in the room. Momo could only concentrate on the singer. The way her eyes lit up when she interacted with her bandmates and how she strummed her guitar with passion. Momo felt her heart racing in her chest as she stared up at the beautiful woman.

"Thank you Fire Pit! I'm Jirou, and we're Claw! We'll be back shortly!"

Momo whispered her name softly like a prayer. Jirou.

"What'd ya think Momo? Momo?"

She felt Ochako nudge her gently and shook her head. "Uh, I really liked their song. They're good."

Ochako was staring up at her friend with a puzzled expression. "Are you feeling okay Momo? You didn't see Todoroki did you?" Ochako looked wildly around the club.

"No. No, I'm just, I'm fine."

"Okay, I think Deku just text me." Ochako pulled out her phone and shrieked. "He wants us to come back stage! Let's go!"

Before Momo could protest, Ochako was dragging her backstage. Momo felt her heart rise into her throat and swallowed nervously. She hadn't felt this way in a while and to be honest, she was slightly uncomfortable.

"Ochako! You came!" A green haired man yelled, jarring Momo out of her thoughts.

Ochako looked up at Momo for reassurance and Momo nodded slightly, signaling for her friend to go.

Ochako ran up to Deku and hugged him. Momo heard them exchanging pleasantries and hung back awkwardly.

"Hi!" The same crystal clear voice said cheerfully.

Momo instantly blushed and looked at Jirou. "Hello, your music is really nice."

"Thanks! I'm glad you like it. How do you know Deku?"

"My friend Ochako is talking to him."

"Oh! That's Ochako! She's really cute!"

Momo nodded nervously. She was getting ready to introduce herself when the red haired man, Kirishima, came up behind Jirou and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Jirou giggled softly and leaned her head back on his shoulder. Momo watched as Kirishima placed quick kisses on Jirou's forehead and nose.

Oh. She should have known.

"Excuse me," Momo mumbled as she stepped past Jirou to find Ochako.

Ochako and Deku were speaking in hushed tones. A stage manager came up to Deku and tapped his watch. "Get situated. You're back on in 2."

Deku quickly kissed Ochako's cheek and Momo smiled as her she saw the blush settle in on her friends cheeks.

"Oi, love birds! Break that shit up and get back on stage." The stage manager yelled at Kirishima and Jirou.

"Bakugou, you know it's not like that! We're just.."

"Shitty Hair, I dont give a fuck what you two are doing. Just get your ass on stage and get it there quickly."

Momo attempted to move out of the angry stage managers way, but he crashed into her. "Move princess" he growled at her.

Momo side stepped the stage manager and watched as Jirou squeezed Kirishima's hand before stepping out on stage.

Momo and Ochako watched the rest of the show behind the stage. Momo tried to push away her feelings of loneliness and just enjoy the show. By the end of the set, her spirits were lifted and she was searching for the band's Sound Cloud.

Momo stood outside in the cold waiting for Ochako to say goodbye to Deku when Jirou joined her.

"Momo, right?"

Momo was surprised that Jirou knew her name.

"Yeah, Ochako told Deku about you. I really hope tonight lifted your spirits. Break ups are the absolute worst."

Momo blushed, embarrassed by her friend spreading the news about her break-up. "Yeah, I dated Todoroki for..."

Jirou cut her off. "You dated Todoroki? How in the hell did he swing that?"

Momo felt her flush deepen and quickly looked at the ground.

"I mean he's not a bad looking dude, he's just.."

"Awkward."

"Yes!" Jirou laughed. "Anyways Momo, thanks for coming out. I hope you feel better soon. Hey! If you ever wanna hang out and talk about heartache, find me on Instagram. I'm always down for a little guy bashing." Jirou winked and took off towards the van. "See ya Momo!"

How in the world was she going to find her on Instagram?

Ochako came up next to Momo and intertwined their fingers. "You know you can find her through Deku's page if you want to.." she let her sentence trail off.

"Maybe."

Ochako smiled up at her friend as they left the club hand in hand.

---

That night, Momo found Jirou's page almost instantly from searching on Deku's page. She scrolled through the photos and saw several of her and Kirishima holding hands and doing cute couple stuff. She accidentally liked a picture of the two of them kissing and started panicking. She was deep into Jirou's instagram by at least 38 weeks.

"Shit. Shit. Shit!" She put her phone down and attempted to soothe herself with the thoughts of Jirou not noticing due to her crazy follower count. She felt her phone buzz on the pillow and saw that she had a direct message from..

JaggedlilJirou: Accidental like huh? lol

MomoCreates: Ugh.. weird? I'm sorry.

JaggedlilJirou: Shit happens. I'm glad you found me! Sorry to hear about you and Todoroki.

MomoCreates: Its.. I was going to say it's okay, but it sucks. I'll be fine eventually.

JaggedlilJirou: I hope so. G2G, Kirishima and the boys need me. TTYL?

MomoCreates: TTYL

Momo placed her phone on the night stand and settle down into her covers. It did still hurt. She was in love with Todoroki and had been since high school. They were together for 3 years before he ended things: "Its not working. Good luck."

No cause, no response to texts, emails or phone calls. Despite the feelings she had tonight, Momo's heart was still shattered. She curled up into a ball and allowed the hot tears to flow freely and lull her to sleep.

---

This was inspired by fan artwork ((that I can no longer seem to find)) of Momo falling in love with a singing Jirou. If you can find the picture, please let me know! I would love to let the artist know I'm inspired by their work.

[vinylackles]

family history

word count: 3,000

requested by: anonymous

summary: when two random kids find the bunker and come asking for help, Dean’s ready to kick them to the curb until he learns their last name... Winchester

to avoid having lots of abbreviations for names, I’m gonna go ahead and name the kids!! Kai is 15 and Charlie is 5! Also sorry about switching POVs so much, I just wanted to tell different aspects of the story!

all my works || request imagines here

It was quiet in the bunker besides the hum of the air conditioning and the sound of Dean’s pen scratching notes into his journal. Sam was out on a supply run - your stash of summoning ingredients was running dangerously low, which left you and Dean in the library for the afternoon. In between hunts you often enjoyed peaceful days like this, reading through the newspapers looking for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. 

That was interrupted harshly by two rather loud knocks on the door. You and Dean exchanged a look across the table. Sam had a key, and you weren’t expecting any visitors. You both stood up, pulling your guns from your back waistbands and heading for the door. 

KAI’S POV:

“Now remember, it’s 20 years ago. Aka, they have no idea who we are. So don’t say anything to them, okay?” He warned his younger sister. 

“I just want mommy and daddy back,” Charlie crossed her arms, half in annoyance and half to cover her shiver. 

“Okay, but just don’t say anything. They’re here, Dad always talked about this place. He took me once before you were born,” Kai said. As if on cue, the door opened slowly and out stepped Dean. He looked much younger than the Dean that he knew, but it was the same man alright. 

And behind him, no doubt with another gun was his mother, Y/N. She was looking at him in confusion.

“Hi. Um, were lost and we need a little bit of help. Could we come in?” Kai put on his best innocent face, but he knew his dad, and he knew he wasn’t going to let anybody into the bunker, no matter what.

“Sorry, no can do, but if you’ll just let me get my car I can take you kids to the nearest police station and get you some help.”

“Oh. It’s just that we came all the way from Poughkeepsie, we dropped everything and ran and I was hoping that you could help us.” Kai gave the code-word a shot, just to see if it would ring a bell. Before he could move there was a gun pointed directly at him.

“How the hell do you know what that means? Who are you?” Dean demanded.

“Ease up,” Y/N’s voice came from behind him.

“You use it with Uncle Sammy sometimes when you go hunting. It’s a secret code,” Charlie chimed in from beside Kai, proud of herself for remembering the word. Kai groaned, thinking that she blew the whole thing.

“Uncle Sammy?” Y/N asked, stepping forward. She was still staring at Kai as if he was the most peculiar thing that she’d ever seen. 

“Yeah, Daddy’s brother Sam.”

“What’s your name sweetheart?” Y/N bent down, looking at the girl very closely. She had the same color hair as her mother, and many of the same features too. 

“Charlie. Charlie Jo Winchester.” She said proudly. 

Y/N froze, and it took her a few moments to compose herself before she stood back up and looked at Kai.

“And your name?”

“Kai. Well, technically I’m Samuel Kai Winchester, but I go by Kai. Having two Sam’s would have been confusing I guess.” He scratched the back of his head a bit, obviously uncomfortable with the whole situation.

“Nice try. Who sent you here? Who told you about this place?” Dean wasn’t letting up, though he had lowered his gun a bit.

“You did. I’m your son. You know it’s possible, you went back twice in time to help Grandma Mary,” Kai said.

Dean’s gun dropped down fully now, and Kai breathed a sigh of relief.

“C’mon, lets get you guys inside, it’s cold.” Y/N murmured, taking Charlie’s hand and leading them into the bunker.

READER’S POV:

“What’s your favorite cartoon?” You asked, still unsure of how to handle the whole situation.

“Scooby-Doo is cool! Daddy watches that one with me sometimes,” Charlie beamed up at her from underneath her blanket. You found an episode for her and clicked it on. She was curled up in a ball in Dean’s “man-cave” recliner, totally content.

“You can leave her there, she’s actually pretty low maintenance,” Kai reassured you. He still looked nervous, probably because of the death stare that Dean was still giving him. 

“So... you’re my kid?” Dean finally broke his silence, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

“Well, technically I’m both of your all’s kid, but yes.”

“Prove it. Where was I born?”

“Lawrence, Kansas.”

“What car do I drive?”

“67′ Chevy Impala. Black. And you call it baby all the time, which I still find super weird, by the way,” Kai said, quirking an eyebrow. 

“Dean, he’s telling the truth. How else would he have even found us here, this place is totally off the map. What happened? How did you end up in our year?” You interrupted before Dean could ask anything else. 

“I think it was some spell. My parents... well, you guys I guess... had to go out to help Uncle Sam on a hunt. Charlie was messing around in stuff she wasn’t supposed to, and my best guess is she got into one of the curse boxes downstairs. Next thing I knew we were here, and I begged for some money for a bus ticket to get as close as we could to the bunker. We walked the rest of the way. I figured if there was any chance of finding you guys, it’d be here,” Kai explained. 

“You were smart to come, if there’s anywhere that would have an answer it’s probably the library. We’ll start looking, Dean call Sam to get him back here to help. We’ll figure it out,” you reassured him, patting his shoulder. When he looked up at you, it was like you were looking right into Dean’s eyes. You could see pieces of yourself in his features too - not as much as his sister, but your DNA was definitely there. You couldn’t help but trust him. 

“Thank you. I know this has got to be really weird for you all,” Kai said.

“How many years back are you anyways?” Dean asked.

“20. You all look a lot younger, that’s for sure,” he smiled.

“Alright, easy kid,” Dean rolled his eyes, turning and heading for the library. Kai turned the opposite way, walking over to find his sister fast asleep in her chair. 

“Is there somewhere closer to the library I can lay her down? We traveled for two days, she’s exhausted.”

“You can put her in Dean and I’s room.” 

Kai scooped her up, carrying her very carefully down the hall and tucking her into bed. You could see how much he cared for her in just those few moments, and it warmed your heart. You had an odd sensation within you to care for these children, even though they technically weren’t yours... yet?

You left her to sleep, leading Kai to the library instead of dwelling on the oddity of the whole situation. Dean was finishing his call with Sam, phone wedged between his ear and his shoulder as he pulled books off the shelf that he thought would be useful. 

“Well, I hope you like reading.” Dean gave a half-hearted smile, dropping the books on the long table. 

“Lore I can deal with. English class, not so much,” Kai chuckled, picking a book out of the stack and sitting down in one of the chairs.

“You read lore?” Dean’s expression changed ever-so slightly, and if you didn’t know him so well you probably wouldn’t have caught it. But you did know him, and you knew that little slip was because the one question he hadn’t asked yet was seemingly answered - Kai was a hunter, just like his father. The one thing Dean never wanted for his kids.

“In my free time sometimes. The journals are more interesting than the books though. You brought all the important ones from the bunker to the house,” Kai shrugged, leaning back and propping his feet up on the table - just like Dean did when he read. 

“So, what’re we all hunting these days?” You asked, trying to lighten the mood a bit as you picked a book as well.

“Last one you two were on was a wraith in Nevada I think.”

“Where were you and Charlie?” You couldn’t help but ask. He didn’t seem uncomfortable any more, so you didn’t mind to push the envelope a bit.

“Oh, we were home. I don’t hunt. You two don’t hunt much either unless it’s within a few states or Uncle Sam needs help. I just read about all your all’s cases incase something were to happen. I used to not care as much, but Charlie doesn’t know how to shoot yet so I starting reading up a bit more once she was born.” 

“I never thought we would hunt if we had kids,” Dean mumbled. You were surprised at his honesty.

“You didn’t, for a long time actually. Not until I was about 8, and then I found your journal cause I’m a nosy little shit. You had to explain it to me then, everything, and I wanted you out hunting monsters because if you weren’t hunting them, I figured they were hunting us. Seemed to be enough for you all. You stopped again when Mom was pregnant with Charlie, and you only got back into it last year,” he explained.

“Well, I’m sorry you have to deal with all this,” Dean said. You kept your mouth shut.

“Don’t be sorry. I think it’s badass. So does Charlie,” Kai offered a smile, sighing a bit as he opened the book and began to read. 

Dean watched him for a moment, smiling at the young man in front of him. He could see a lot of himself, not just in his features, but in the way he carried himself. It gave him an odd sense of pride. 

The next three hours were spent sifting through book pages, to no avail. It was hard to look for a solution when you didn’t even know what the problem was. 

“Kai, let’s go check the archives, theres a bunch of hunter’s journals down there,” you suggested. He stretched back in his chair before getting up to follow you down the hall.

DEAN’S POV:

It was odd, seeing essentially a younger version of himself walk down the hallway after his girlfriend. He shook his head, trying to focus on the book in front of him. It probably wasn’t going to have anything - hell he wasn’t even sure that the book was on the right thing. Where was his nerd brother when he needed him? 

He believed Kai. He really did - he knew how frustrating it was to be back in time talking to his own mother and trying to convince her of who he was. But he still wasn’t sure how exactly he was going to help the kid.  

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of small footsteps coming down the bunker hallway. With her hair in a disarray and one hand rubbing her eye, Charlie came down the hallway rather slowly, obviously disoriented. 

“Daddy?” Her voice was small, and it wasn’t until he heard the tremble in it that he realized she was crying.

Something squeezed at Dean’s heart - he couldn’t explain it. This wasn’t his kid, not really. But he was still her Dad. She didn’t know any better, and he could see in her eyes that all she needed was him right now. 

“Hey sweetheart,” Dean stood up, coming to meet her. He was about to crouch down to her when her arms went up in the air, reaching for him. Of course, he obliged, lifting her up into his arms.

She rested her head on his shoulder, her soft hair tickling at his neck. Her tiny arm was wrapped around his neck, little fingers playing with the collar of his shirt. She was a spitting image of Y/N, the most precious little girl he’d ever seen.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, rubbing a hand along her back. 

“Bad dweam,” she said, hugging Dean a bit tighter. 

“Tell me what happened,” he encouraged, going over and sitting down in one of the chairs.

“There was a bad monster in my room, and I woke up and didn’t know where I was.” She hugged him a little tighter, and he wrapped his arm around her protectively.

“You’re safe now, it’s okay,” he soothed her as best he could, but her little body was still tense. 

“Daddy, are you mad at me?” She asked quietly.

He took her underneath her arms, leaning her back so he could look at her. Taking his thumbs, he wiped the tears from her cheeks. She looked up at him with bright green eyes that matched his perfectly.

“Now why would I be mad at you?” 

“I found a box in the basement, and I took it to show Kai, but I opened it and then we were in a field all of a sudden. I didn’t mean to!” Her bottom lip quivered as she spoke. Dean could remember the few times that Sam had admitted to doing something wrong when he was this age, and how mad he had gotten. He took it as a bit of a second chance.

“You didn’t do it on purpose?” He asked.

She shook her head back and forth quickly.

“Then I’m not mad. Can you tell me what the box looked like?” 

“It was purple, with gold stuff I think,” she said, rubbing at her eyes again.

“Okay, that’s good! That’s really good. Are you still tired?” Dean asked.

She shook her head again, yawning in the middle of it.

“Uh-huh, sure you’re not,” Dean chuckled, standing back up with her in his arms. She laid her head back down and he began to pace, lulling her back to sleep. She stirred for a bit, but she got heavier against him as she finally gave in a went back to sleep. 

As if on cue, Sam came through the door.

“Shhh!!” Dean cautioned, reaching up to cover Charlie’s ear as he came down the stairs. Sam’s eyes grew wide as he dropped the summoning ingredients off on the table. 

“Is that.. her?” He asked.

“No, it’s some random girl I found in the basement, yes it’s her,” Dean rolled his eyes, continuing to bounce her a bit. 

“She looks exactly like Y/N...” Sam seemed a bit mesmerized, looking at her as if she was a doll as she slept on his brother’s shoulder.

“Got my eyes though,” Dean smiled a bit at the thought.

“So that’s my niece..... that’s so weird man.”

“Congrats Uncle Sammy,” Dean teased. “She did tell me how she got her and her brother sent back to our time though. Said she opened some purple box with gold writing that we had in the house. Ring any bells?” 

“Oh shit, we have that curse box here!”

“Language,” Dean warned, earning an eye roll from his brother.

“If it sent them 20 years back, we could do a reversal spell on the box and open it again and it should send them 20 years ahead again.”

“Should? I’m gonna need a little more than that Sam, these are my future kids were talking about here.”

“Yeah, yeah I know. I’ll make some calls. You wanna find the box?”  

“Little occupied,” Dean murmured quietly, nodding towards Charlie.

“Right, I’ll go find Y/N and Kai,” he said, heading down the hallway and out of sight.

After a few presumed phone calls and another hour, Sam, Y/N and Kai returned from the archives with the box and a few spell ingredients. 

“Triple checked, it’ll send them back to their year. Kai, you ready?” Sam asked. The young boy nodded, walking over to Dean and his sister.

“I can take her. Don’t want her to get left behind, that’s for sure. You’d kill me,” he chuckled. Dean passed the little girl off to her brother, surprised at how sad it made him.

“Bye guys. I guess we’ll be seeing you very soon,” Y/N smiled, though she seemed unsure of what to say.

“Thanks for helping us, and for believing me,” Kai said, moving in front of the box.

“Anytime kid. You take care of your sister, okay?” Dean said, patting him on the back. He nodded, looking towards Sam.

“Alright, well unless we all wanna get blasted to the future we should probably go to the other room. Safe travels,” Sam said, leading the way down the hall. Dean gave one last look at Kai and Charlie before ducking into the room and closing the door. The three of them stood there, hearing Kai’s muffled incantation followed by an odd whizzing sound.

Y/N opened the first door, and sure enough the pair were gone.

20 YEARS LATER

Kai landed hard on his feet, the jolt waking Charlie up. He dared to peek an eye open, relaxing completely as he recognized the living room of his house. 

“We made it home! Thanks bubba!” Charlie cheered, hugging her brother again. 

“Anytime. Just, no more pretty boxes okay?” He chuckled, hugging her back. He was so relieved he barely even heard the thudding of the footsteps down the hall until they were in the room. 

Dean and Y/N came stumbling in, their eyes wide in panic.

“Oh thank god!” Y/N exclaimed, running over and pulling both of them into a hug. Dean was next, wrapping his arms around all of them the best he could, so thankful to have his kids back in his arms.

“Where were you all?” Dean asked.

“Well, it’s kind of a long story....”

[voidselfshipp]

Under The Sunflowers Shade

Cw: none.

Ok to rb.

Summary: I saw all the tinkerbell movies, my childhood crushes came back, so I wrote this. My first gay crush was Rosetta.

Jerico sighed, getting out of bed painfully slowly, dreading the start of a New day.

Her wings Stretch out as she throws her body back, she checks the time on her clock, and drags herself out of bed.

She flutters to her bathroom and after a shower she gets down to the kitchen, where she makes breakfast.

--ah, there it is-- she said grabbing the batch of Berried Rosetta neatly folded for her.

She smiled, looking forward to seeing her amazing girlfriend today, after breakfast she flew trough tinkers nook into the workshopp.

She was a tinker fairy, and there was a certain cuota she had to fill for the half of the day. She quietly greeted clank and bubbles and went to her station.

As she worked however, a pair of hands covered her eyes, and she heard that bell Chime like voice call behind her-- who am I?

--tinkerbell? -- Inquired jericó taking tinks hands and pulling her in for a hug.

--yeah it was me!!-- answered tinkerbell kissing her girlfriend briefly-- its teapots today huh?-- she asked sitting on the table.

-- yeup, twenty of these things, but I started the bases last night so it might take less time

-- what did I tell you about all nighters?-- asked tink concerned.

--i know-- mumbles jeri finishing one teapot-- well, one down...nineteen to go...

Tinkerbell kisses the top of her girlfriends head and smiles-- well, I better leave now, you have a lot of work before you, but if you need anything, just call me ! Bye!

Jerico saw tink go, and she kept working.

After some hours of working, assembling teapots all morning long, she checked the clock and almost bolted away, she was going to be late for her lunch with Rosetta.

She flies quickly with a picnic basket in hand, just getting to sunflower meadow as Rosetta was.

The garden fairy hugged her girlfriend tightly-- oh sugar you look tired! How Many teapots did fairy Mary had you assemble?

--twenty, I dont think I want to see a teapot ever again...

-- tell me about it hun-- Rosetta clasps her hands togheter-- well, you must me starvin! Shall we?

She nodds and both hide under the shade of a sunflower, and set up their picnic.

--Hows work coming along for you?-- asked jerico eating from her sandwich.

-- oh its been alright, growin' flowers, making sure all of them Bloom, the usual stuff

Jer nodded and kept eating her food-- wanna come home for the night? We could have dinner togheter, you can stay for the night, since I have tomorrow free

Rosetta smiled-- thats a wonderfull idea buttercup! I have tomorrow off too! I could stay over and spend the whole day with you!

Jeri took her girlfriends hand in hers-- theres nothing ID like more than that...!

They said their goodbyes after their lunchbreak was over, and went back to work.

That day both left early, and as jerico just finished tidying up her house, Rosetta arrived.

She greeted her, taking off her coat and hanging it on the coat rag as the garden fairy looked around.

-- cozy--pointed out Rosetta-- well, shall we get to cooking?

-- Yes ma'am

they both cooked dinner (between subtle flirting and not so subtle flirting), And some hours later the food was ready.

Both were pretty good at cooking, and togheter the food was one to remember.

Jerico took rosettas hand, smiling softly with eternal love in her eyes-- you , you look beautiful tonight, darling

The garden fairy looks at her girlfriend and with her soft and delicate gaze she smiled warmly-- and you look stunning honey

After dinner they went to sleep, the light that filtered through the three skylights in the roof provided enough light to see eachother.

Rosetta tucked herself against jeris chest, and smiled.

The Next morning, the garden fairy woke up as her partner traces down her features with his hand, she smiles, her eyes fluttering Open, awaken from a deep sleep, she puts her hand against his and smiles.

--Morning handsome...- she muttered.

-- morning beautiful-- he answered, pressing her closer against his chest-- breakfast?

-- you read my mind, but lets stay like this a bit longer...this this is fine

-- aight, and Rosetta?

--Yes?

-- I love you

-- me too

[alwynswift13]

Alright

“Oh for the love of….” Taylor mumbled to herself as she dug through her bathroom cabinet on her hands and knees. There it was. Taylor snatched the small blue box up from the bottom corner of the cabinet where it had been shoved under a seriously startling amount of hair products bottles. Taylor mentally noted that she probably needed to got though the entire bathroom soon so she could get rid of some stuff, she probably didn’t need four bottles of the same hair spray. Shaking her head slightly Taylor stood up, straightening her skirt, as she flipped the box over and set it down on the counter. She skimmed over the directions, hands shaking slightly, as she picked the box back up.

Three minutes later Taylor was sitting on her bed, the timer on her phone on, two minutes to go. Her leg was shaking as she pumped it up and down, trying to stay calm, telling herself that she was probably just overreacting. She had been under a lot of stress lately, that was probably all it was, stress can do crazy things to a persons body she reminded herself silently as she stared at the numbers ticking away on her phone.

“Babe…” a voice suddenly echoed from downstairs as the sound of the door shutting reverberated. “Shit” Taylor whispered, standing up quickly, he wasn't supposed to be home for at least another hour. “Uh yeah, I’m up here,” she shouted back down while clumsily shoving the box into the side table, taking note of the bold word pregnant, staring back at her, her breathe hitched as she slammed the drawer shut. She could hear his footsteps echoing on the stairs as he made his way to her. “Hey love, I finished up early today” he announced, grinning at her as he stood in the door frame looking at her excitedly. “Well I can see that” replied Taylor as she made her way to the bathroom to wash her hands, “why didn’t you call or text?” She asked, a slight edge to her voice.

Joe’s grin faltered as he followed her into the bathroom, studying her, confused at her reaction to his arrival. He had thought she would be excited to see him, she didn’t need to be ecstatic, but she was acting very anxious as she roughly dried her hands on the towel next to the sink. “Well, I thought I would surprise you, I thought maybe we could have a nice dinner or something…” he trailed off as she raised her eyebrows at him, “yeah, because there’re so many places we can go” she replied sarcastically as she made her way back into the bedroom, picking up her phone as she went, automatically chiding herself for the way she was behaving. She knew she was being a moody bitch when Joe was only trying to do something sweet.

She took a deep breathe, turning to face him, a sheepish smile on her face. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, it just” she paused for a moment, “can be a lot you know” she finished with a whisper. Her mind began racing, it already was a lot to handle, how on earth could she possibly add a baby to the mix. They both had crazy lives separately, but together it was almost unmanageable at times. Oh god how had this happened, this was not supposed to happen, especially not like this, her eyes began to well up as she thought back to that night.

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

“Joe stop it!” She giggled, running around to the other side of the island, “ah no, I swear” she exclaimed, almost doubling over with laughter as more white powder went flying into her hair. “Oh Miss Swift, you asked for it” taunted Joe lunging around the island, wrapping his arms around her waist, tickling her and she crumbled to the ground in a fit of laughter, screeching gleefully as Joe wrestled her to the floor, a huge grin on his face as a deep laugh escaped his lips. He pinned her hands above her head as she squirmed, laughing hysterically all while trying to catch her breathe. She was sure that she looked ridiculous as well, but she couldn’t help but grin at Joe’s white hair which was covered with a nice coating of flour. “You have something… right here!” Exclaimed Taylor as she threw her last handful of flour at him, giggling as he gasped and laughed as the flour coated his face.

His grip went back to her arms as she squirmed playfully under his grasp as he laughed and shook his head at her. “Taylor” he exclaimed, laughing so hard that he was leaning into her so closely, that she could probably kiss him if she wanted to, and boy did she want to. Who knew flinging flour at each other in the kitchen like small children could be such a turn on thought Taylor with a smirk.

They both made eye contact, giggling softly as Joe brushed a piece of her hair behind her ear as he took a deep breathe, collecting himself again. He bent down to place a short kiss on her lips, getting ready to stand back up, but Taylor gabbed his forearm before he could, “And where do you think you’re going mister” whispered Taylor as she leaned forward to kiss him softly, a smile on her lips. “Mmhm” mumbled Joe as he deepened the kiss, “no where now” he whispered as she sat up to her knees, straddling him on the kitchen floor, flour on every surface. “Good” she murmured seductively, “me too” she whispered in his ear as she began to kiss his neck. His hands immediately went to her ass, pulling her into him, as he kissed her neck, feeling her arch her back slightly with the contact. Before either of them knew it, their clothes were in a pile on the kitchen floor and Taylors back was pressed against the cool tile of the floor, arching slightly as Joe pushed her hands above her head, making love to her.

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

Taylor flinched at the sound of Joe’s voice bringing her back to reality. “What?” She asked, jerking her head to face him. “I said,” he began slowly, “ is everything alright, you seem anxious” he asked directly, not breaking eye contact with her as she stood facing him, looking like a deer in headlights. “Nope, its all good” replied Taylor brusquely as she abruptly turned and walked quickly out of the room, stifling tears and she made her way down the stairs into the kitchen, the scene of the crime she thought sarcastically to herself. She leaned against the counter, palms flush with the cool granite, taking deep breathes, trying very hard not to cry.

Joe quietly made his way down stairs after her, knowing full well everything was not okay. He walked into the kitchen, stopping in his tracks when he saw Taylor sobbing with her head laying on her arms on the counter. “Oh love,” he whispered softly as stood behind her, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. “Shhh, don't cry” he murmured into her ear, “we’ll fix it, I promise, whatever it is love.” “You ca- ca-can’t fix this” sobbed Taylor, “I… we.. I… can’t” she kept sobbing, gripping his forearms as her body shook. Joe absolutely hated seeing her like this. “Come on love, what is it?” He asked her again stroking her back. Taylor just shook her head as she stood up, taking his hand in hers and walking upstairs.

He followed her, very confused about what was happening as she took him back to the bedroom where they just were. She yanked open the side table drawer and thrust a blue box into his hands, promptly bursting into tears again as she sat down on the bed, cradling her head in her hands. “It was that night, in the kitchen,” she sobbed as Joe opened the box, staring at her wide eyed, now he looked like a deer in headlights. “ I knew we shouldn’t..” She sobbed as Joe stared at the test in front of him. The word pregnant staring back at him.

“Oh” he whispered, still in shock, “Oh” Taylor echoed back at him, “great response Joe” she said huskily, wiping tears from her eyes. “Exactly what I wanted to hear” she snapped at him, still crying , un able to control it any more. “Taylor, I…” said Joe quietly, sitting down next to her as she leaned away from him. “You know thats not what I meant, I’m just shocked, thats all” he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into him. She fought him at first, but after  a second she gave in, resting her cheek against his chest, her tears leaving a mark on his grey shirt. She hiccuped as he rubbed small circles on her back, “It’s scary love” he began, resting his cheek on top of her head, “ theres so much that goes into having a baby, a child,” he said, “but you know what, I know you can do it, that we can do it. I watch you in amazement every day, and I'm convinced that there is nothing you can’t do. You are one of the most generous, thoughtful, and caring people I know. And in my opinion, those are the best qualities for a mother to have” he finished softly, kissing her on the top of her head as she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, slowly looking ups at him. “Is this something you really want” she asked him, searching his face for a reaction. He stared intensely back at her, “Yes, one hundred percent.” He replied. “I want you, and whatever a life with you looks like” he said, wiping the tears from under her eyes as he spoke gently.

She smiled slightly, whispering into his chest, “I’m scared” she said, shaking slightly at the admittance of her own feelings. “Me to” replied Joe, “but I would be more concerned if we weren’t” he replied softly, tracing circles on her back, comforting her. She sat back slightly, wiping her eyes as she held his gaze. “So we’re doing this” she whispered, her breathe catching slightly, “a baby, its just…” she trailed off with a hiccup. “Yeah” replied Joe slowly, “its… a lot, like you said earlier, but when has that stopped us before” he replied with a small grin. “I’m one hundred percent in, in this relationship, being a father, whatever you need from me, you’ll alway get” said Joe seriously, “I can promise you that.” He said, taking her hand as he spoke. “Do you trust me?” He asked, “always” replied Taylor, her brow furrowed slightly as she thought about it. The totality of the situation, a baby, she Taylor Alison Swift was going to be a mom. It scared her so badly she wanted to cry, but there was also a hint of excitement there. She loved Joe, she would trust him with anything, somehow it seemed like maybe this wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen. “Ok….” She said slowly, “we are having a baby” she finished with a slight smile, “a baby” replied Joe, smiling back at her as he pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you” he whispered in her ear, feeling her relax into him as he pulled her closer, leaning back so that they were both laying on the bed, snuggled together. “And our baby too” he finished, kissing her softly. And that was when she knew everything would be alright.

[blinder-s]

Nemesis / Part Three

Y’ALL SHES BACK! thank u for reading kiddos i rly appreciate it!!

words: 1,392

warnings: swearing

gif creds to the owner :-)

masterlist 

Nemesis: Spiderman x OC

part one / two

“So I met Spiderman last night,” Violet said casually as she joined MJ opposite the cafeteria table. Ned and Peter were busy at the other end talking about Liz and Peter’s stupid crush on her. 

MJ’s attention suddenly perked, and she immediately peered up from the book she had her nose buried in, “yeah?”

“Yeah, I was just free-running. And I fell off a building and his, like,” she mimicked the hand movement Spiderman did with his web shooters on the YouTube videos she had seen. 

“Web shooters, yeah,” MJ commented.

“Those,” Violet nodded, “well, he like, caught me with his web. And I, like,” she tried desperately to piece together the events of last night to MJ, but they were a bit blurry in her mind, “I flung back up onto the roof of the building. And he knew my name was Violet.”

“That’s a bit weird.” Her friend shrugged, turning the page in her book. Somehow MJ could talk and read at the same time. It was a talent Violet envied, since she rarely had the attention span to read a book.

“Yeah.” She agreed, her voice quietening as she eavesdropped into Ned and Peter’s conversation about Liz’s apparent new t-shirt. It was incredibly sad, and Violet couldn't help but snigger at the two tragic boys who were awestruck by the senior girl. 

“We should probably stop staring before it gets creepy.” Peter said, still obviously staring at the dark haired girl.

“Too late,” MJ popped her head up again, “you guys are losers.” 

Violet laughed as the two of them exchanged unpleasant words, until Michelle couldn’t be bothered to continue and returned to her book.

“Hey, um, MJ?” Violet asked uncertainly. Her friend hummed in response, flicking over the page, “so, um. Last night I kind of had an epiphany.” Again, MJ hummed her eyes not moving, “like quite a big one.”

“Go on then.” Her eyes still scanned over the words of the book.

“I can move stuff with my mind.”

“Cool.” MJ nodded, not paying attention at all. Violet rolled her eyes at how her best friend could pick and choose when to be interested in what she had to say. And right now was a time that she needed to be interested. 

“And see things happen before they do.”

MJ mumbled a, “sure,” under her breath, before picking up her cup of coffee and taking a sip.

“And I was actually abandoned outside my house as a baby.” 

Michelle nearly spat out her drink as she processed what her friend just confided in her, “what?” She gasped.

“Finally you’re paying attention,” Violet muttered, before looking at MJ opposite her dead in the eye, “I was abandoned by my real parents when I was, like, three months old.”

Last night, as soon as Violet’s mother came home from work, she accosted her and demanded answers. To be fair, she didn’t look anything like her mother or Jennie- they both had white blonde hair and blue eyes. But she never took it to heart, since her ‘father’ left them and she never knew what he looked like. Hence, she just assumed she looked more like him.

“Mom found me on the doorstep with a necklace and letter,” Violet repeated the words she heard from her mom the previous evening, “and, like, they didn’t know where I came from. So, I’m not even related to my parents or Jennie or whatever.” 

“Damn.” MJ put her book down, “this is some Jerry Springer kinda shit.”

“And the letter said my name was Nemesis.” Violet coughed, looking at MJ with doubtful eyes. MJ sniggered slightly, covering her mouth with her hand, “I know. Dumb, right?” 

Her friend just shrugged, “Nemesis was a Greek Goddess, though.” She pondered, “she beat the crap out of that Narcissus guy. I think she’s probably one of the coolest, excluding Artemis of course.” 

“How do you know so much?”

“Academic Decathlon. I mean, Peter could probably give you her entire family tree.” MJ laughed, pointing at the nerdy boy nearby. He turned his head towards the girls with a questioning look. 

“The family history of who?” Peter asked, nudging Ned. Something felt unusual towards Peter today, not that Violet could notice any physical differences about him. 

“No-one.” Violet stuttered, worried he’d get the wrong idea. She didn’t want everyone hearing this stuff, “come on, Michelle.” She dragged her best friend out of the lunch hall and towards their school library. She didn’t stop dragging MJ, despite all of her protests, until they reached the Greek mythology section of the history department. There wasn’t much, but it would have to do.

“For fucks sake, Violet!” Michelle rubbed her arm, which had been pulled and pushed in several, different directions within the last three minutes, “what are we doing here?”

“Looking for an article, or something, about Nemesis. Obviously,” she muttered, flicking through books and magazines that had been shoved in the shelves.

“Oh, theres something up here about Greek Goddesses!” MJ grinned, pulling the chair closer to the bookcase.

“Don’t do that, you’ll fall off.” Violet said nonchalantly, still scanning the pages of a book about Zeus’s wives. Michelle just rolled her eyes, ignoring the comment and standing up on the chair to retrieve the book. 

And, as if on cue, MJ fell off the chair. Quite spectacularly.

“Okay, how did you know I was going to fall off?” She asked suspiciously. She picked herself up off of the floor, and moved the chair back to the table. Violet shrugged her shoulders dismissively, and pointed to the book on the floor.

“What does it say then?” She asked, picking it up and placing it on the table next to them. 

The two of them searched the book for anything about Nemesis. It wasn’t until the last chapter, on daughters of Zeus, that they found something.

“The Goddess of revenge and divine retribution,” Violet read aloud, “she was the messenger of justice, who brought about punishment to the happy but undeserving and proud.” 

“Cool,” Michelle noted, before pointing to the next paragraph, “she was the one who brought about souls transferring from a first body to the next. I think the Greek had a special word for it,” she pondered, getting out her phone and searching for a split second, “metempsychosis.”

“You what?”

“Metempsychosis. The transmigration of the soul,” she read from the Wikipedia page, “birth is not the creation of a new soul, but the awakening of it in a new body.”

They continued to research the Greek Gods and Goddesses until the bell rung, which snapped them back to the reality of school. And the reality that physics was next.

“I can move things too.” Violet said quietly as they sat own next to each other.

“Go on then.” MJ challenged her, not believing any of this stuff. It went against the laws of science, therefore she couldn’t fathom how on Earth it was possible, “move Mrs Owens’ coat.” 

So she did.

“Bullshit. It was the wind,” MJ rolled her eyes, before Violet deadpanned her. “Fine, fine. Move that book on the corner of Flash’s desk.” 

The book fell to the ground.

“He knocked it!” She exclaimed, though Flash had clearly not been anywhere near the book and was much more involved with trying to ruin Peter’s life further. Michelle was kind of scared that her best friend could move stuff with her brain, since it didn’t obey anything she had learnt and definitely wasn’t something she expected in her wildest dreams

Sure, the Scarlet Witch could move stuff. But she was the Scarlet Witch. Violet was just Violet Furnham.

“I’ll make Flash fall off his chair again if you want.”

Michelle turned to her with wide eyes, “that was you yesterday?” Violet nodded, “go on then. I hate that kid.” 

Violet hummed in response, before moving her eyes towards Flash, who was leaning on his chair and talking shit to Peter on the row behind him. Violet sighed, trying to make the chair fall backwards. 

“Ha! I knew you couldn't do it!” MJ revelled, thanking whichever Greek God was looking down on  her for science pulling through.

But, the second MJ finished her sentence, Flash toppled over on his chair, falling off dramatically. Violet just turned to her friend, her eyebrow raised.

“What the fuck.”