#neither of them are ready to leave the nest

[untolduttering]

I’ve Got You

Summary: Reader, terrified of needles, injures themself badly enough to need stitches, and does what they can to avoid getting them. Sanji, however, would never let you suffer so.

Tags: Sanji x gn!reader, established relationship, angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, blood, medical needles, open wounds

Word count: 4.4k

I made one for Law ages ago, and thought it’d be fun to write a version for Sanji, (you all should thank @yourboyhack for encouraging me <3 <3 <3)

Several mistakes were made on your part. First, you had let yourself stray from the rest of the group. You weren’t one to get lost easily, and so when you wandered farther than everyone else, it didn’t raise any alarms. You yourself were confident, and there hadn’t been any clear threats. It was an uninhabited island like any other, the forest like any other. But that had been your second mistake. You underestimated the terrain. A cursory glance left you thinking you could venture out without any real equipment. It was a simple walk. But the air held that earthy scent that meant it had just rained, the earth loose beneath your feet. The third was just not taking anyone with you. A second set of eyes would have pointed out the drop, or at least have caught you when you slipped. Instead, you threw your arm out behind you, desperate to grab any sort of branch or root, or even the ledge, but you found purchase in neither.

The drop wasn’t that far. It was the sort of fall that would have merely been embarrassing, only leaving you disgruntled because of the mud in your clothes and your own stupidity, if it weren’t for the rock jutting out. You hit it on the way down, thigh catching and tearing along the jagged edge. The breath left your body as you hit the ground, and you laid there for a moment, completely still, to breathe deep and try to reorientate yourself. You dreaded the bright pain that was building in your leg, not wanting to know the extent of the damage. When you finally brought yourself to do it, a hiss slipped between your clenched teeth. It was difficult to know how deep the gash was with all the blood that had already welled up and began to drip, but you knew it was bad. Your stomach turned at the thought of what it’d take to heal it, your mind touching and recoiling away from the thought of stitches.

You hurried to stand, ready to prove that it was not that bad. Your legs shook as you stood, but less from pain and more from the shock. As you started your search for a way out, you found it difficult to put too much weight on your injured leg, but it was manageable. What kind of Straw Hat were you if you couldn’t? You were fine, you told yourself. You could suck it up and fix it.

The little gap in the earth you had fallen into wasn’t all that deep. You couldn’t even call it a ravine, really. The little hill up and out to leveled ground was close and short. It made it all the more easier on your part, but also more irritating. This, out of all things, was what had caught you unawares? It was not something you were going to be eager to explain.

You hobbled your way back. It took longer than your way in, but at least you knew the path there. You kept a hand pressed to your wound, an effort that wasn’t doing much but making your hand a sticky mess, but you didn’t have much else to do for it. In this one instance, you were relieved to find the ship empty when you made your way back. Carefully, you climbed the gangway and stopped on the deck, listening. There wasn’t a reaction from the crow’s nest, nor one from the upper decks, which meant that whoever must have stayed behind was busy in one of the rooms or below deck. It meant you had to tread carefully.

Usually, you would head straight for Sanji and let him tend to you. It was a ritual at this point. One of you got hurt and offered themselves to the other, relishing the admonitions to be more careful and the skin to skin contact. The trust and love required to allow the other to dirty their hands as they helped them in such a vulnerable state. But this time, you hesitated. You’d never been hurt like this before. And it wasn’t that you didn’t trust Sanji to help you this time. He was more than capable and would be more than willing. His soothing hands and sweet words were all you wanted at that moment.

It’s that you were afraid. The threat of a needle and thread loomed over you. You didn’t know if it was something that Sanji could do, but his skill wasn’t the worry. It was the needle going in and out, slicing through and dragging the thread through your skin, an intrusion that wouldn’t be removed for a while.

You trudged ahead to the bathroom. You could handle this. Sanji was busy anyway, wherever he was; it would have been rude to interrupt and ask him for help over something as simple as a cut. It wasn’t all that deep. Blood had made a fine layer on your leg, but that’s what blood did. Like most wounds, blood made it look worse than it actually was. There was a simple first aid kit that sat in the cupboard of the bathroom, and that was all you would need.

You moved as quietly as possible, as the bathroom was behind the kitchen and getting to it required walking atop it. You hoped that the gentle sounds of water lapping at the hull would mask the creaking of the wood beneath your footsteps. When you made it near the kitchen, you could hear the sounds of Sanji cooking, and cursed your luck that it had been him to stay behind. It made sense, as he would be making lunch for a voracious group of pirates that would be tired from their ventures. You hoped that you could be cleaned and fixed by the time you saw him again. It would make it easier to brush it all away. You kept your steps light as you continued, praying he would not notice. But Sanji had keen senses, and a radar that was attuned specially for you.

Dread became a terrible weight in your stomach at the sound of the voice calling out behind you. You’d reached the door of the library, and quickly shoved yourself behind it in case his head popped up.

“Y/n! Is that you, my love? Lunch is almost ready!” Sanji yelled.

“Yeah! I just need to go to the bathroom real quick. I’ll be right down.” You shut the door and scurried up to the bathroom before he could answer.

It made it more difficult now that he knew you were there. A timer had been set. If you took too long, he was going to come and check.

You stripped down to your underwear, your clothing a dirty mess and now a hindrance. You grabbed the first aid kit and a towel, and settled yourself on the tiled floor, facing the door you’d locked. The trek had left you exhausted and woozy. The task at hand was beginning to feel insurmountable and the sudden feeling of hopelessness washed over you. Sanji’s pampering had left you soft. You wanted his hands on you more than ever, for him to take the weight of responsibility and take complete care of you. But you just couldn’t let him.

First, you used the shower head to rinse all the blood and dirt off, biting hard into your lip as you flushed out the wound. You tried to dry the water off afterward, but it was difficult when the blood wouldn’t stop flowing. You pressed the towel down, waiting for a bit as the blood soaked into the fabric before trying again, but it simply was not working. You had to close it before trying to get any cleaner. Flipping open the kit, you rooted around for butterfly bandages. You were able to apply two before your skin was too slick for the bandages to stick. You grabbed the towel and tried to wipe away the blood with a clean patch, but it smeared it more than anything. Your head was starting to swim and the blood was getting everywhere, all across your thigh, leeching onto your other leg. All over your hands and under your nails. In some spots, it’d dried down and become sticky. The rest left you too slippery. One side of one of the bandages you placed popped up. Your eyes started to burn with frustration.

And then there was a knock at the door.

“Y/n? Is everything all right? You’ve been in there a while,” Sanji asked from the other side.

“I’m fine! Just getting cleaned up.” You hoped you sounded normal, that no strain peeked through.

“Cleaned up? Did something happen?”

“Oh, you know, just the usual grime from hiking.”

“Ah, do you need any help, my dear? I could scrub your back for you.” His voice took on a sultry, flirty tone.

“No!” You said it too fast, too aggressively, and tried to fix it immediately. “It’s just a quick one, no need for help.”

It was wrong. You knew it as you said it. Normally, you would have said yes, ready to take full advantage of an empty ship, or if not, you would have at least flirted back or teased him. But it was hard to think of the right thing to say at the moment.

“Oh.” The dejected tone of his voice sliced right through you, worse than the rock had. “Have I done something wrong?”

Of course he would ask. Of course he would think himself at fault. Why else would you reject someone you loved so dearly, craved so constantly? You didn’t know how much longer this would take. You could send him away, but he’d come right back if you didn’t leave soon after. And the clothes and the towels, what would you do with those? And the wound itself, just how the hell were you supposed to keep that hidden? It would hurt him to know that you didn’t come to him for help.

“No, no, of course not. I just…” You trailed off. The throb of your leg and the tangy scent of blood and the wetness of the floor was making it hard to think. The light was too bright and yet its sharpness didn’t make fixing your wound any easier. You kept moving in a helpless circle of wiping blood and trying to get the butterfly bandages to stick.

Maybe a little truth could help. “I got a little scrape and wanted to handle it myself. I’ll be out soon, I swear.”

“What? Are you alright?” The door handle jiggled. “Why didn’t you come to me?”

Fuck, why did you think that would help? You had just told yourself how it wouldn’t help to tell him. “You were busy. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Sanji knew, though. He always knew. You loved to distract him in the kitchen, doing anything to keep his attention on you. “Let me help you. I’m not busy now.”

He was never going to let up until he got a look at it himself, to at least assuage his own worries. You would want to do the same for him.

“I can’t—“ No, that wasn’t right. “It’s fine.”

“If it’s fine, then let me see it, baby.”

Shit. Shit shit shit. Say no, and it would confirm suspicion. Say yes, and you had to let him in. And you were in no state to find a better way around it. You snatched some gauze, pressing them to the wound, and started wrapping your leg. “Y-yeah. Just a second more.”

“Y/n,” his voice was serious, the closest to stern he could get with you, and dripping with concern. The door handle was jiggling again, now like he was doing something to it.

“Just a moment, I swear.” Lifting your leg to move the wrapping under it hurt and you harshly sucked in a breath, fingers shaking. A few tears snuck their way down your cheeks. Why, why, why was it so damn hard?

The door swung open and all you could do was feel the fear and shame that flooded your body. You were like a child caught doing something naughty, and your mind reeled with how you could defend yourself. The gasp that Sanji let out rang against the tile, and made even louder to your ears by your panic. You looked up, hair hanging in your face.

On Sanji’s end, only one eye poked through that curtain of hair, the rest of your face hidden. It was wide, red-rimmed, and filled with threat. You were a feral animal, back hunched and body tensed, ready to sink your teeth in. Blood was smeared across every available surface, and all over you. Mud still clung to your skin, bits on your shoulders, arms, and ankles where you hadn’t cared to clean yet. If it were anyone else that had stumbled upon you, they would have backed right out from fear. That look in your eye and the redness that surrounded you would have set off alarm bells, the scene making it seem like it was not your own blood you were coated in. And that you weren’t going to stop at one victim.

But it was Sanji, and it was you. You could be crouched over a corpse, soaked to the elbows in another’s blood, an organ pressed to the mess of your mouth, and he would still approach you. Cradle your face and wipe a thumb across your chin and ask if you needed anything else. And so he lept towards you.

“Oh gods, my baby—”

“Don’t!” It was a shrill, ugly noise. You lifted your hand, palm out and fingers spread wide to keep him at bay.

He froze, unable to disobey any command from you. But it pained him to do so, for you to ask that of him. “What happened?”

“I fell. It’s fine, though. It’s not bad. The blood just makes it look bad. But it’s not.” The words came out in a rush.

“Y/n, it looks very, very bad.”

“It’s not! It’s not. I don’t need anything more than bandages.”

Sanji swallowed and slowly crouched down. “Can I look?”

“N-no. Because it’s okay.”

He only looked at you, eyes squinted and eyebrows furrowed, his lips pressed together and the corners tugging down. He looked so worried, so scared. A pain twisted in your chest.

“I don’t need stitches,” you whispered, trying to reassure him.

And then he understood. He understood your sneakiness and your panic and your refusal. It wasn’t exactly him you were rejecting.

“Oh, oh baby,” he said as he reached towards you.

Unconsciously, you flinched away from those hands. The softness of his voice let you know that he knew the root of your fear, that your words had been an admission, which meant he would do what he could to make those stitches more bearable for you. But you didn’t. Need. Them.

“Stop it. I’ve got it,” you snapped.

Hurt flashed across his face, but he stopped reaching for you. Instead, he sat down and rested his elbows on his knees. Softly, he said, “It’ll go faster, smoother, if you let me help you.”

You bit down on your lip and hunched your shoulders. You knew he was right, but you didn’t want him to be. Tears started to well in your eyes again and it made your stomach burn brighter with anger and shame. “I don’t need your fucking help.”

“It’s okay to be afraid,” he continued. “We all do things while scared all the time. And I’ll hold you through this one the whole time. You know I’ve always got you.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, wanting to hand yourself over to him so, so badly. But you could see it so clearly, the needle breaking your skin and diving in. Dragging itself so painfully through and out, emerging red with your blood. And the thread that followed, prolonging the pain as it dragged through as well. And the dipping and tugging and pulling that followed, again and again. Your throat felt dangerously tight.

“I don’t want to,” you cried.

“I know. I know, I know, I know.” You felt the slightest brush of skin along the ankle of your uninjured leg, and when you didn’t flinch or pull away, he wrapped his fingers around, rubbing soothing circles. “But you have to. And you can do it. I know you can do it.”

You shook your head, back and forth, back and forth. You tried to tug your leg away but he held firm, and you hadn’t tried all that hard in the first place.

“My baby, my lover, my heart, please?”

His plea broke through it all. Fear could be so tiring. Exhaustion made it harder to fight, to keep your eyes open. Sanji’s words washed over you again and again, always a balm to the worst pains. You wanted him to whisk away all your problems, but this one you had to sit through. However, you’d be in your lover’s embrace, and couldn’t that mean that you could tough it out?

“I’m gonna go get Chopper, yeah?” he asked.

You didn’t answer, instead leaning back and letting your head fall to the side. You sluggishly shrugged one shoulder.

He pressed a kiss to your knee before leaving. In his absence, the fear slowly coiled its way back, the anticipation making it return. You pressed your palms to the tile and tried to push yourself up to run away, but your body was disobeying you. You just couldn’t get your legs beneath you, which meant there was no way they’d hold your weight. Your stomach flipped at the sound of footsteps and hooves clipping.

“Oh no! Oh, Y/n!” Chopper’s little voice exclaimed. You started to curl in on yourself, dragging your injured leg in and away, opening your mouth to snarl, but then Sanji was there, wrapping his arms around you. He pulled you close and you shoved your face into the crook of his neck, a move of pure want and instinct. You inhaled his scent and it left you feeling a little more steady.

He buried his nose in your hair and rubbed your arms as he said, “You’ve got this. You don’t have to look, just sit like this. It’s nice, right?”

“I’ll be able to numb the area, but it does mean I’ll have to inject it with a syringe. You won’t feel any pain from the stitches though!” Chopper explained.

It was nigh impossible to fight back now. Out of all people to snap and bite at, could you really make it Chopper? You would really feel like the villain then. “Okay,” you croaked.

“Okay. I’m gonna start now, first by cleaning up the wound.”

Your blood had gone tacky in the time it took to fetch Chopper, and so the gauze being peeled off your skin left you tensing your muscles. You gripped a handful of Sanji’s shirtfront, tugging it towards you.

“Breathe, my sweet, breathe,” he cooed as he petted your hair.

Both boys inhaled sharply at your fully revealed gash. You didn’t turn to look, quickly frankly sick of looking at the damn thing. Sanji’s hold on you tightened and you felt guilty at all the anxiety you were causing him.

You tried to be as still as possible as Chopper cleaned, but it was difficult not to twitch at every sting. There was a silence when he finished, only interrupted by the sounds of Chopper rifling through his supplies.

“Now for the numbing. Are you ready?” Chopper asked.

“Go ahead,” you said, trying to get your voice to cooperate, to sound steady. It wobbled anyway.

“Lunch is sandwiches, if you’re still hungry after. If… it’s still there, actually. I’d thought you would come out sooner, so I left it in the kitchen with everyone else’s, and you know how Luffy is, that insatiable asshole. Hopefully the others keep it from him, but with him, it’s always a fight.” Sanji’s rambling caught you off guard, and in trying to pay attention to what he was saying, the needle went in and out without bothering you much. Your breath hitched a little at the fluid entering your muscle, but you were too distracted thinking about Luffy stealing your food to give it more thought. You didn’t really have an appetite at the moment, but it was your sandwich that Sanji made for you. And you each had a favorite, one specific to each of you, so Luffy knew better.

“He better not,” you huffed.

“If he did, I’ll kick his ass,” Sanji answered.

You let out a little huff of laughter at that.

“I’m still deciding what dinner is, though. Is there anything you’ve been craving?” he asked.

It was hard to think of what you’d want. “I don’t know. Maybe something with pasta?”

He hummed. “Red or white sauce? Or maybe something different?”

“Um, probably white. Or something more cheesy?”

“Ooo!” Chopper butted in with. “I want something more cheesy.”

The conversation went on just like that. Sanji’s hand roamed, kneading and rubbing at your arms, then your hips, then upper thighs, all in an endless circle. You could feel the stitches, the needle entering and exiting as Chopper worked, but you never felt any pain. It was an odd sensation, like it was more the idea of it than the reality. Sanji’s other hand never left your head, either cupping your cheek and pressing you to his chest, or running his fingers through your hair. Each time you turned your head, wanting to maybe steal a glance, he’d push you right back, knowing that letting you look could send you reeling all over again. His thumb would softly trace your jaw after he did, or his fingertips would ghost over your cheekbones. It was grounding, and safe, to be so engulfed by him.

“All done!” Chopper said after a while.

You pushed off of Sanji’s chest, swatting away the hand that protested it. Your gaze bounced off your thigh, only catching it in your sight for a second before grabbing Chopper and pulling him in for a hug.

“You’re the greatest doctor to have ever existed. Thank you, Chopper,” you told him.

He giggled and wiggled in your grasp. “Aww, you’re just saying that. You can’t flatter me.”

After you put him down, he reached for fresh gauze and bandaging to finish helping you, but Sanji butted in.

“I can do that later, Chopper. For now, they still need a bath.”

“Alright,” he answered. “I’ll be out on the ship then. Make sure to not submerge their wound, though!”

Sanji gave him a thumbs up. “Got it.”

After Chopper left, Sanji slipped out from behind you, slowly and gently as he could so he wouldn’t jostle you. He started up the bath and then turned back to you, kneeling between your legs, so that he could remove the rest of your underwear.

“Think you could lift your hips for me, sweetheart?” he asked.

You were stiff from sitting so long, and now the pain from the other bumps and bruises from your fall were making themselves known. It took you a second, but you were able to do as he asked.

“My poor, poor baby. I’ve got you, though. I’ll take good care of you,” he cooed.

When Sanji lifted you up, you couldn’t help the little whimper that came up and out of your throat. Immediately, he apologized and kissed all over your face as he lowered you into the bath. He started with your injured leg first, beginning with the mud caked to your foot and ankle and then worked his way up, removing the remaining crusts of blood. His fingers barely brushed your skin when he cleaned your injury the best he could, his eyebrows twitching and apology ready at every flinch and hiss. He massaged you as he scrubbed and rinsed, trying to remove the aches and hurts from your body. Every so often, he pressed kisses into your skin, long and loving. You were fully limp by the time he washed your hair, only emitting a satisfied sigh as his fingers worked through your locks. When he finished rinsing, you reached up and pulled his face to yours, and kissed him.

“Thank you, my love. You’re much too good to me,” you said.

He tutted. “I only give you what you deserve, and even I’m not fulfilling that properly; you deserve so much more. You are my everything.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, and that I pushed you away. I’m sorry that I snapped and swore at—”

He cut you off with a kiss, this one more urgent. “You have nothing to apologize for. Ever. I’m the one who should be sorry. I failed you.”

You sat up straighter. “What? How could you have failed me?”

“I should have been there for you, but I stayed behind. I should have made sure you weren’t alone, or been selfish enough to ask you to stay.” He ran his thumb over your cheekbone, his face full of regret.

“No, no. You’ve done more for me than you could ever imagine. You made me feel safe, you always make me feel safe. It was my own stupid mistake, not yours.”

Sanji’s mouth twitched upwards only a little, and you could tell he was still beating himself up, that no matter what you said, a small part of him would always blame himself. He would just never know how truly amazing he was.

You sighed and kissed him softly, on his mouth, his nose, his cheeks and then his mouth again. “Will you lay with me?”

“Of course.”

“For a long, long time?”

“Yes.”

“For however long I want you too?”

“There is not a single demand of yours that I would ever deny.”

You were being needy, taking more and more of Sanji than you should have. But it was impossible not to when he made you feel like heaven. You were ready to let him dress you and coddle you for a lot longer, and looked forward to a cuddle session that lasted hours.

With Sanji around, there wasn’t ever anything to worry about.

[ultravi0lence14]

Thinking Out Loud

castiel x fem!reader

1.7k | fluff

summary: when the winchesters leave you to go on a hunt, a certain angel comes and keeps you company.

you really didn’t know what to expect when you went on this case with sam and dean winchester.

the three of you had resided in some dingy motel, this certain hunt taking you three to the state of oklahoma. the case was a simple nest of vampires making their way through the residents, not something that you or the two men were unfamiliar with.

what you were confused by was the look on sam’s face when him and dean were getting ready to leave. you could pinpoint small shreds of sympathy in his eyes, but you couldn’t understand why he was looking at you like he was sorry about something.

that was until dean’s voice broke through the tense silence in the air. “i think you should sit this one out.”

your jaw dropped on its own, a look of shock spread across your face. you couldn’t understand why they were asking you to stay back, the three of you worked as a team. you’d be damned if you let yourself sit out like a child without any explanation.

eye’s narrowing at the older winchester, you stood as a buffer between the door and the brothers, almost challenging them to dare even leave without you. “what the hell are you talking about? I’m not staying back, are you crazy?”

it was sam who spoke up this time. shuffling his feet like a toddler and refusing to look you in the eyes. “you haven’t fully healed from the last case Y/N, and we both want to make sure that you are safe.” their reasoning was good, you would give them that; but they’d be stupid to think you’d give up without a fight. before you could even get a word in dean lifted his hand, halting you from furthering a very long and drawn out rant.

“we know you can handle yourself, sweetheart. we’re just making sure you’re at your full strength so you don’t get hurt.” the look in his eyes was pleading, and you knew that you couldn’t argue when he gave you that look.

with a defeated sigh and an understanding nod, you hugged them both and watched as the impala took a turn out of the parking lot, disappearing from your sight. you honestly couldn’t blame them. the gash on your shoulder was far from healed and you knew dean was still on edge from his trip to hell.

he had gotten back around two months ago, and you could easily see the pain in his eyes. he would never admit it to sam — or you for that matter — that something was weighing him down. If staying back was helping him feel more comfortable and safe, than so be it.

the silence in the room was quickly interrupted as a mere whoosh could be heard from behind you; nearly scaring you shitless if it wasn’t for your new knowledge on angles and their mode of transportation.

castiel. the angel who had ‘gripped dean tight and raised him from perdition’. you had formally met the man, though you hadn’t said more than three words to him; neither had you been alone with him for that matter.

he was standing by the door, looking like a child who just lost their mother in a store. you slightly smiled at him, staying where you were as you weren’t fully accustomed to the idea of angels and heaven yet.

the tension in the room could be cut with one of dean’s vampire machetes. you didn’t know what to do but just stand there and stare at him. castiel had his head turned like a lost puppy, a look of utter confusion written all over his face.

“you are in pain,” he muttered, slightly moving closer. You couldn’t move, too stunned as to how he knew you were injured. castiel didn’t seem to notice, as he inched closer to your body and brushed his hand upon your marred skin. “why didn’t you tell me you’re hurt?”

his question took you aback, not expecting him to ask you that, especially not with as much sorrow and concern that flowed through his voice. the angel seemed genuinely pained that you were hurting and didn’t tell him, and you couldn’t understand why.

you felt him gingerly touch your shoulder, softly pulling down the material of your shirt so he could inspect the long and nasty wound that had been inflicted by a werewolf. the gash ran from your shoulder blade to the middle of your spine, uncomfortably rubbing against your shirt and stinging like a bitch when you accidentally bumped into something.

catching eye contact with the angel, he seemed to be silently asking you something, giving you this somber look as he gently stroked the length of your cut. you didn’t need to ask what he meant. he wanted to heal you.

angelic grace and what God’s warriors were capable of doing was new to you. the boys hadn’t known castiel for long, and completely trusting him to heal your cut had you more worried than you probably should’ve been.

but the pain you were in was starting to become unbearable, and castiel didn’t seem like he was going to secretly liquify all your organs. with a slight nod, you agreed to let castiel rid you of your pain.

not knowing what to expect, you braced yourself for any sort of movement that he was going to do. what was not expected was for the angel to brush his hand from your shoulder, up the column of your neck, and onto your cheek, grasping your face with one hand while two of his fingers pressed onto your forehead.

the pain radiating throughout your body slowly ebbed into nothing, and the wide eyed look you were giving castiel seemed to only get wider. he just kept a stoic expression, his fingers gently pressed on your forehead until he knew you were fully healed.

you didn’t know how to react when the realization that all of your pain had subsided settled in. you were healed, and somehow the only thing running through your mind was that castiel was still gently holding your face in his palm.

saying you didn’t think the angel was cute would be a straight up lie. the handful of times you’ve encountered him before had a fluttery feeling in your gut and a faint blush on your cheeks. it was as if you were seventeen again, making a whole new path to class so you could bump into your crush for all of a minute.

obviously, you didn’t think much of it, chalking it up to be an infatuation that would simply go away. castiel was an angel of the lord after all, no way would he ever reciprocate any of your feelings.

“you are very beautiful.” he muttered the words so softly you almost didn’t hear him. if it wasn’t for the way he was slightly smoothing his hand over your cheek, you would’ve just chalked yourself up to being crazy.

castiel had this almost topical expression on his face, like he was studying your features to it’s smallest details. “i have never seen a creation from God quite as beautiful as you are.” again he had muttered this, as if he thought he was saying it in his head and not out loud.

“cas,” you breathed out, not knowing what to say or how to even think. “you probably don’t mean that.” years and years of shitty boyfriends and being garnered second choice had you doubting every word coming out of the angels mouth.

nothing could’ve prepared you for the look of utter despair across castiel’s face. he seemed genuinely pained that you didn’t believe the words he spoke. “i mean every word, Y/N. you are exceptional, possibly one of my father’s best creations. why can’t you believe me?” you wanted to pinch yourself. there was no way castiel was saying all of this and actually meant it.

your resolve was starting to falter, and you were really asking yourself if trusting in cas was all so bad. what you felt when he was around was something you hadn’t experienced before, and you couldn’t just deny yourself that.

you still had your fears, and with a wide eyed look, you lightly lent into castiel’s palm, breathing out your next couple of words. “i don’t know how to believe you.”

for the first time that night, instead of a concerned or confused stare, castiel smiled at you. a bright, beautiful smile.

“here.” he muttered, slightly inching his face towards yours until both your lips brushed. “i’ll show you.” without a second thought his lips smashed onto yours, his hands instantly going to both wrap around your waist and in your hair.

the kiss was searing, like something you had never experienced before. for being an angel unknowing on all things humanity, castiel could kiss. he was one hundred times better than any of the other guys you had been with, and you couldn’t stop yourself from wrapping your arms around his neck and getting closer to his body.

as the two of you broke away, you couldn’t help embracing him in a hug, head resting on his chest as the angels arms came up to rest on your back. you both just stood in the middle of this dingy motel room, tightly holding onto each other and just basking in the comfort of the moment.

with a slight sigh, castiel broke that silence by murmuring quietly beside your ear. “i will spend the rest of my existence professing how special you are, my love. for as long as you live you will have me.”

his words almost brought tears to your eyes, never once knowing someone who cared about you as castiel did in this moment.

“thank you.” the words stumbled from your lips in a jumbled manor, feeling the angel breathe in and out as he softly moved his hand up and down your back.

he didn’t need to say anything back, for his actions spoke louder than any words. and you knew cas was going to stick to his promise. the angel was going to do anything in his power to make sure you were secure and safe, and you wouldn’t ask for anything different.

[kiame-sama]

Harpy!Neige would be so cute and sweet towards Reader the Human, cooing, cuddling, lightly pecking/nuzzling her neck, trying to preen her hair, handing her soft materials for her to build a nest, etc (He may or may not try to regurgitate his food to give to Reader, as that’s a sigh of affection)

Mourning Doves will, apparently, mourn their deceased mate and show depression and anxiety over their loss (For Neige maybe he feels sad when he has to leave his new human friend for long periods of time, only to chirp and coo happily when he sees her again)

Meanwhile Vil’s feathers are ruffled and looks ready to attack Neige (Peacocks are very territorial) and poor Rook has to hold him back

- Neige is so sweet and gentle as he coos for this soft Human. He's so happy he got the chance to finally meet them after hearing all about them from Che'nya. The little wing flutters and way he can't seem to help but press close to this soft Human, unable to stop himself from reaching out to gently scratch and rub at the back of the warm Human's neck, trying to preen their fluffy fur-feathers (He's not quite sure why humans have such fur like feathers, but it is pretty like a lion's mane and he loves it). He isn't sure why he is acting this way, but he really likes this new Human quite a lot! Look at all these soft downy feathers he's brought for you! Maybe you can put them in a pillow or a blanket? Is it strange they're his feathers? He hopes not becuase he just loves the idea of the sweet Human using his feathers to stay warm or comfortable.

- Vil is foaming at the mouth and his feathers are all fluffed out. Rook has to use four legs and his arms and his silk to keep Vil from flying at Neige. Rook knows fighting at a school event is frowned upon (and he may or may not have extreme respect/admiration for Neige) so he needs to keep Vil back but Vil is ready to fight to the death over this. How damn well dare Neige get anywhere near Vil's precious Human?? What an absolute affront to Vil's entire existence to see such an ugly little feathered rat try so hard to win his Human over? It will be on sight next time and Rook may not be there to hold Vil back. The peacock Harpy is almost screaming and calling he is so angry, but Rook is damn good at keeping the Housewarden back that neither Neige nor the soft Human realize how upset Vil is.

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook/platonic!OT7

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 [Part 2: Wind]

Somehow, you don't want to go home yet.

Main tags/Warnings: Werewolf!Jungkook, Werewolf!Bangtan, strangers/enemies to lovers, romantic Jungkook x reader, Platonic bangtan x reader, eventual smut, mentions of past emotional/psychological manipulation, hurt and comfort, fluff!, some wariness from MCs side, a nightmare?

Length: 2.3k words

There is no taglist for this fic.

-> Masterlist

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The woods are dark. Deep. Endless, even.

There's no clear path to take, noises all around you echoing, only faint light making you see somewhat. Animals watch you with curious gazes, like you're something they've never seen before- and you feel like you're not yourself, even though the reflection of a puddle on the ground shows your face clear as day.

You're not wearing shoes. Bare feet standing on soft moss. In fact, you're not wearing anything, one look down offering you your bare body, though you feel neither shame nor the need to cover yourself. You're warm enough. You're alone, too.

There's a creature circling around you- a large wolf, dark brown fur almost black as it's body brushes against yours, rubbing it's side over your legs, as if to cover itself in your scent. It licks at your skin, and you reach out to touch it, golden eyes staring back.

It's tail wags. You can't help but laugh.

Suddenly, it's bones break however, blood pooling out of its mouth that forms a snarl, teeth showing in anger as it stands up into a human stance, back arched once it grows into a humanoid beastly version of itself. No longer does it offer you comfort, no longer do you feel safe.

Suddenly, you cover yourself, feeling vulnerable, naked, lusted for as the beasts eyes glare at you with hunger. Claws are sharp, paws looking more like hands as it reaches for you. You trip, fall, frozen on the ground as it crawls over you, jaws opening wide to Suddenly bite down right in your face-

"Hey- you're okay!" Jungkook's voice reassures, worried face the first thing you see as you wake up from your nightmare, breathing heavily. Your skin is sweaty, smelling strange, and you Suddenly feel embarrassed. "Come on, sit up for a moment yeah? So you don't fall again." He says, and it makes you a little uneasy.

Can he read dreams or something? Or have you been talking in your sleep?

Either way, you do as he says, sitting up, taking a deep breath. "Sorry." You alplogize, calming down. You have nightmares like this on a constant basis, though they typically never start as such a pleasant dream.

"Its okay." He reassures you kindly, a hand on your back. "Your clothes are freshly dried by the way. Do you.. want to stay for breakfast?" He asks you in an almost hopeful tone- and you nod after a moment, feeling oddly brave. You don't want to come off as rude, either- they've been very kind in offering you a place to stay for the night after all, the least you can do is stay for a little and properly thank them. "Oh, awesome! I'll tell Jin to put out an extra plate then!" He excitedly says, before he runs to the door- stopping for only a second. "Uh- your clothes are in the bathroom- you can just use my stuff to shower or something.. and uh, there's an unopened toothbrush under the sink in the drawer that you can have." He tells you with a smile, before he opens the door and leaves, closing it after him.

A wave of fresh air comes in from that. Brings in smells of the woods, faint rain, and a little coldness from the morning dew. What time is it even?

After getting ready, you walk outside- unsure where to go, so you just walk around a tiny bit, taking in the scenery around in the daylight. It's cozy- unique in that it feels like it's so disconnected from the buzzing city life. As if a place like this shouldn't exist in the state it's in.

Birds are eagerly moving around, collecting nesting material and chirping their morning talks to one another. A squirrel hops over the wooden roof of Jungkook's cabin, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. There's no artificial sound. No cars honking. No nothing.

"Over here!" Jungkook calls out from the largest house, waving you closer, door open behind him. The smell of something cooking hits you like a truck, causing your stomach to growl and mouth to water at the prospect of food. "Don't worry about them." He offers you kindly as he keeps the door open for you to walk through, your head nodding politely to everyone at the table inside the house.

"We typically take what we want from the main plates here- so just grab what you like to eat, yeah?" The tall man, Seokjin, offers you. "I hope you slept well." He says while everyone begins to grab something for their plates.

"Clearly not." A low voice comments. "She reeks of fear." The man says, putting food on his plate.

"Yoongi!" The leader of the pack scolds, Jungkook sighing.

"She just had a bad dream, nothing big." He explains, before he turns to you. "Sorry. We can just.. smell a lot of things a lot more than you. And Yoongi isn't very.. tactful to say the least." Jungkook apologizes.

"Its okay." You simply nod, quietly eating. It's a bit odd to have all those eyes on you, but you'll manage- simply listening to them banter around, before you finish up and pack up your things.

"Thank you for letting me stay." You tell Namjoon, who nods.

"No issue whatsoever. Please get home safe." He says, politely telling you goodbye before Jungkook walks you through the woods again.

You feel off. As if you're forgetting something- but you checked twice, you have everything you brought with you in the first place. "You can.. always visit, you know?" Jungkook offers, his hands in his pockets as he walks next to you. "Or we could, I don't know.. meet up next time you need some time away from the city. Or just grab something to eat in the city too!" He rants a bit nervously.

"...sure." You nod. "Why not?" You decide, almost talking to yourself mostly, while Jungkook beams a grin next to you.

"I-..." he starts, unsure, as you reach the start of the hicking track where you first met. "...you know you don't have to hide, right?" He asks, and you're not sure what he's talking about.

"What do you mean?" You wonder- but he shakes it off, simply smiling at you, golden eyes kind.

"Nothing. Please- uhm.. could you maybe text me if you got home well?" He asks, and you nod, exchanging phone numbers with him- before he awkwardly nods again, waving at you as he walks back. "I'll see you around." He says, and you smile back equally as uneasy, before you walk down the path a little.

And as you look back, jungkook is out of sight ready-

Though you're not sure why that upsets you so much.

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Back home, you text jungkook that you're alright and back, receiving multiple thumbs up emojis from him, before you open your bedroom drawer for your medication. You'll need to renew the prescription soon- you're running low these days.

Maybe because you didn't take them before your hike you got so sweaty during the night again. You tend to get hot flashes and headaches without you're prescribed pills- your mother having explained to you that you've got an overactive immune system that just attacks your entire body the moment you don't take those pills. And it makes sense. You do feel awful when you're not taking them.

Once more, you find another monthly letter from your mother on your table- unopened, because you just don't want to hear her made up stories on how she needs you. She doesnt- she only want to control you, because she fails at controlling herself. You don't want to live with her any longer, you want nothing to do with her in general- so you just throw it into the drawer in your bedroom, where all the other's lay.

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It's a few days later when you meet up with Jungkook again- the small convenience store quiet as you both eat your instant foods together.

"So, the guy goes 'I'm not gonna let a dog help me lift!' And breaks his wrist not even five minutes later!" Jungkook laughs, shaking his head. "Karma is a thing, I'm telling you." He chuckles, moving to take another bite of his food.

"Does that happen a lot?" You ask. "Like.. people judging you solely based on what you are?" You question, and he shrugs, before nodding.

"Yeah. It's normal." He simply admits. "And to be fair, there's enough real evidence of particularly alphas who just can't keep themselves in check- so I don't blame anybody for being cautious, you know?" He offers, licking his lips clean. "I mean, you weren't really fond of me and my pack either." He jokes.

"That's not true..." you argue softly. "You're.. really nice. I'm not scared of you or anything." You tell him, and he smiles, leaning his head on his palm.

"I'm glad." He offers. "Can I ask you something?" Jungkook questions, and you laugh.

"You just did." You joke, and he rolls his eyes. "But yeah, go ahead."

"Are you sleeping okay?" He asks, and you frown a bit in confusion. "You just.. look really tired." He worries a bit, and you shrug.

"Its a side effect of my meds." You tell him. "I've got.. some issues with my immune system, so I'm on constant medication- and they screw up my sleep." You offer.

"Oh." He answers. "What.. happens when you don't take them?" He wonders.

"I get a fever, usually." You explain, finishing your own food. "And I get dizzy, nauseous. Had to skip them as a teen once because I got my vaccines done- and man was I miserable! My mom had to tell everyone to not even enter my room because I was so bad!" You laugh. "I always got really whiny when I was sick. Always complained. Really annoyed my mom." You explain.

"What about now?" He asks, watching you with an odd sense of curiosity.

"I'm still whiny as hell!" You giggle. "But I just suck it up and get through it. It's just how it is." You shrug.

"Doesn't she visit you?" Jungkook continues. You shake your head.

"No." You answer. "After my dad died, and my mom got her new boyfriend, it just went downhill." You sigh. "Like, my dad would always go camping with me. He was a super outdoors kind of person, you know?" You remember. "But when he died, my mom started keeping me home all the time. I wasn't allowed to go out on my own or sleep over at friend's houses. I get it now that it was because I got sick so easily, but still. It was like she was holding me hostage sometimes." You admit with a distant gaze, before you shake your head in shame. "Oh god, I'm rambling, sorry!" You laugh.

"No, no, you're fine!" He reassures. "Is that why you're so wary of wolves now?" He asks, and you nod.

"She used to tell me all kinds of stories." You admit. "Like, actually disturbing stuff. How your bones abreast when you shift and such." You say, and Jungkook cringes.

"I mean.. shifting isn't very pretty, I admit that, but that's not something to tell a child, especially when it's a human one." He mumbles.

"Thats what I'm saying!" You agree. "Like, why would you tell that to a kid who won't ever understand that anyways??" You whine, before laughing.

You're both quiet for a little while, when you talk again. "Does it hurt?" You ask, and he looks at you for a second, unsure. "When you shift, I mean."

"It does." He nods. "Very much. And it's pretty exhausting." He laughs. "But it's only a few times a year, so its alright. I'm used to it by now- it's kind of like a cramp. When it happens, it's agony- but once it's done, you're good to go."

"Do you really.. like, sleep?" You wonder. "Your human side, I mean."

"No." He chuckles. "I'm still me, no matter what form I'm in." He tells you with a soft tone.

"..do you think I could pet you?" You ask. "Or would that be weird?" You tell him, and he laughs, tips of his ears red.

"Oh I'd absolutely let you!" He responds, golden eyes warm as they watch you.

And you can't help but feel like he's seeing a lot more than you do.

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There's a letter in your inbox today, official envelope making you curious as to what's inside.

The formal words are clearly meant to intimidate, though you check twice that it's directed at you by looking for your name on the form- and it's there, together with your date of birth, and other personal details. But this can't be right. This doesn't make sense.

Your phone vibrates on the kitchen counter, Jungkook's name telling you he's the one calling, probably to ask when you'll come over to watch a movie- but you ignore it, as you read over the words time and time again.

'Last notice regarding your IC-Evaluation test.'

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[mlmxreader]

Wood Carvings | Kili x gn!reader

『••✎••』

↳ ❝ Kili

15 "As long as I'm with you, I'm happy"

18 "You don't have to say anything" ❞

: ̗̀➛ You and Kili get to have some one on one time for once.

: ̗̀➛ N/A

↳ @arthurmorgansballsack

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

The fires burned low, creating a soft crackle that was more akin to a hum than anything else, hardly disturbing the vast woodland surrounding you; it was dark, with the skies an obsidian colour and the stars glittering with silver and steel, the lonely moon sat upon its throne with a slight frown.

The trees were tall and thick, bursting with such great life despite their leaves rotting on the ground below and creating homes for beetles and ants and spiders and woodlice; amongst the proud and steady branches, birds slept soundly as they nestled in their nests and snuggled in for the night.

The trees stood guard and watched proudly, just like the tales of old that had said that, once, there had been huge giants that looked like trees who protected forests and each of its species; those that protected tall and slender trees were tall and slender themselves, and those that protected towering and fat trees with thick roots were towering and fat with thick feet.

But those were just tales from an older time; there were no guardians of the forests and the woodlands anymore. The bushes were thick with life, as well, though; with their spiky arms, they were tipped with berries of black, red, blue and green.

Sweet berries that were protected by brave little spiders who were brown and black with stripes on their backs; the spiders seemed aware of who was friend, who was foe, and who was food as they scuttled away from the berries or closer to them depending on who reached for them.

Trolls didn't dare to go near there, and neither did orcs, for fear that the old stories from an older time were true; dwarves would be on edge, fearing that those giant trees would rise up again.

But in a far off land, there was home. It was so close, yet so far.

Almost able to be sniffed out like the smell of those sweet breads with the dried currents inside them that were always baked on a Sunday by the master of the house; she would grin as she put them down, humming songs of old as she went about baking those sweet breads.

They were a staple of the culture.

Just like the wooden spoons that hung up on the wall of the kitchen; they were carved with dragons and dogs and hearts and words in an old language. An ancient language.

Just like the horse's head skeleton that sat in the attic ready for the new year along with its brilliant white sheet and its plant decorations.

Just like the old songs in the old language that the children would sing when they took part of choir until they were older; most of them would continue singing well into their old age, just like the master of the house.

Home.

The smell of soup made with leeks and herbs dense in the air on cold nights, and the hustle and bustle of the mines throughout the day. It was difficult not to miss home when amongst the woodlands, but when you looked beside you at Kili, it didn't feel so bad.

You could still remember when Gandalf had sought out your employment. An miner by trade, you were more than used to long days in the darkness; a pickaxe in your hand, you could withstand any kind of weather and you had the strength needed for what he required.

He had a burglar, that much was true, but he also needed someone who would be able to help the brothers if they needed it. Somehow, Gandalf had learned about you; from your grandmother - the master of the house - he had learned that you had spent the best part of your life down the mines.

Covered in soot and coal, used to the roar of fires and the harsh weather that came with such a job; it was an important role back home, he knew that, and it had forged part of the identity of the people. But through the owner of the mines, Gandalf had also learned of your other skills; you spoke the old language just as well as you did the language of men.

That old language was said to soothe dragons to sleep, and to cool their tempers; he had heard stories about it. The old and ancient language that was as old as dragons themselves; spoken for thousands of years, it was soft on the tongue and quick in the throat.

Gandalf had heard that it was able to work on dragons of any kinds - from fire drakes to the one that he knew rested within your home. It slept in the mountains, a great red beast with thick armoured scales, much bigger than any other dragon, and much more agile and tough, too.

Along its back, it was covered in thick armoured spikes, with a spear-shaped tip on its tail and its tongue. Its claws could tear apart a mountain with ease, and its great red teeth could easily rip through any building in Middle Earth; with its four legs on the ground, it could extend its massive wings and cause devastating hurricanes and awful winds.

But it stayed asleep in the mountains, waiting.

Waiting for the call of its people to sing for its aid; only then would it stir.

The armour that had been worn by those within your lineage was made of that dragon's scales; it would shed them once every hundred years, and when mixed and forged with steal, the armour was unbreakable. Bright crimson in colour, with a large dragon engraved upon the breastplate.

The sword that your forefathers had passed down was made of the dragon's teeth; it would shed them along with its claws once every ten years, and the people would use them to make weapons. Arrows, bows, axes, maces, pickaxes, swords, daggers.

They were the sharpest in all of Middle Earth, and scarce to come by. Families were protective of their armour and their weapons, as they knew how valuable such a thing would be.

Gandalf hired you, knowing all of that, and although you weren't sure about leaving home at first, when you looked at Kili beside you, you knew that it was worth it.

He was leaning on your helmet as he laid on his side with his arm propped up on the dense scaled armour; he smiled when he looked at you.

His raven hair looked beautiful in the moonlight; dark spiced rum in a glass on a winter's evening, but twice as warm. His eyes seemed to sparkle with the silver steel of the stars, and his smile ripped all the homesickness away from you.

You smiled back, swallowing thickly as you hummed.

"What are you thinking about?"

You shrugged, daring to turn your gaze back to the woodland around you. "Home."

"Do you miss it?" He asked quietly.

You nodded slowly, daring to laugh softly. "I miss it, sure, but... when I'm next to you, it don't feel so bad."

"I should hope not," Kili laughed quietly. "We've spent enough time together."

You rolled your eyes, playfully shoving him onto his back. "Shut up. You know what I mean."

It took everything in him not to laugh loudly as he stared up at you. "Tell me about it - your home."

"We're a proud people, like you lot," you started, "we've had our culture and traditions for thousands of years, maybe more. Our language is older than yours, and we're... we're an alright bunch, really. It's hard not to miss the coal mines and the sweet breads, though..."

Kili hummed. "You said about spoons not too long ago."

"Oh, the spoons," you grinned, nodding for a moment. "We carve our wooden spoons for those we love. Family, friends, lovers. Anyone we love more than life itself - we carve spoons for them."

"And me?" He asked, raising a brow. "Would you carve a spoon for me?"

"I'd carve you a thousand spoons," you whispered softly. "I love you beyond the point of creation."

He smiled, nearly grinning; a familiar warmth in his chest, one that always went with him whenever you smiled his way or laughed at his jokes. His hands shook slightly as he struggled to bite back his glee. "You would?"

"I would," you agreed. "I would carve you spoons with your name in my language, ones with bows and arrows. I'd carve ones with Dwarvish runes. Ones that have the same pattern as your braids. I'd carve you spoons with anything, if only I had the wood..."

"Give me a moment," he murmured, getting up and humming to himself.

You watched him wander away, assuming that he just wanted some of the ripe berries from the nearby bushes; you cringed when he almost kicked Thorin's foot, and again when he nearly kicked Bilbo in the head. You didn't think anything of it, staring out at the woodland as you waited.

Kili grinned to himself as he searched the trees for branches that had fallen off; gathering them in his arms as he beamed and wondered if you would ever teach him how to carve them, too, if he managed to get enough wood.

He picked the ones that were fit for the part - branches that weren't too long but not too short, ones that were fatter than they were thin - and cradled them in his arms as he gleefully gathered up whatever he could carry.

More than happy with himself as he brought them back to you eagerly and set them beside you where he had been laid.

"I got some wood," Kili told you with a beaming smile. "Do you think you could teach me how to carve them?"

"Do you have a knife?" You asked, and when he produced one that he had stolen from his brother earlier, you did you best not to laugh. "Alright, grab a branch. You know what a spoon looks like, don't you?"

"I do," he nodded, his hands shaking as he tried to control his excitement. "I'm going to carve yours with a tree... is that possible?"

"Anything is," you told him, guiding his hand slightly. "Go more gentle at the tip, you don't want the handle to be too thin. Remember, most of the carving is on the handle."

Kili nodded, meeting your eyes as he hummed. "I love you - you don't have to stay anything back, I know you do, too."

"I love you, too," you murmured. "You're... you're part of my home, and as long as I'm with you, I'm happy."

"I'm glad the wizard hired you."

"Me, too," you smiled, shaking your head. "Don't be afraid to carve the end of the spoon too thin - it's not meant to be used for eating."

[vodika-vibes]

Did You Know? - A Request from @wax-birds

Summary: You've been the Batch's medic since well before the Jedi Purge happens, and it just made sense to stick with them when they defected. Recently, Tech's been going out of his way to tell you random facts, and at first you were confused, but you're starting to understand what his game is.

Pairing: TBB Tech x F!Reader

Word Count: 1618

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: I hope this is close to what you wanted. I made up the planet, but I think the bird is an actual thing in the Star Wars verse...I didn't actually do any research, lol.

“Did you know,” You lift your gaze from your datapad to look at Tech, who’s standing awkwardly in the door to your area of the marauder, “the Morai birds mate for life and should their mate pass they remain in the nest waiting for them to return.”

“I…was not aware of that.” You say, “I also didn’t know that you were interested in the mating practices of birds.”

“Ah, well,” He nervously rubs the back of his neck, “I am interested in a wide range of topics.”

Amusement lifts your lips into a smile, “And your fixation for the week is birds?” You tease very gently.

“They are very brightly colored.” Tech offers, “And are native to the planet we are about to visit.” He hesitates, “And I remembered that you have a Morai tattoo.”

“Aww, Tech.” You clasp your hands under your chin, “You’re sweet, learning things about my favorite animals simply because they’re my favorite.”

“I…well, not solely for you. Omega had questions-”

“I DID NOT!” Omega shouts from the next room.

Tech ignores her with the long practice of an older brother, “And then I remembered your tattoo-”

Omega appears next to him, her face is scrunched up, “Stop lying! You looked that stuff up specifically-mmph!” Tech slaps his hand over Omega’s mouth, stopping her from talking.

“Thank you, Omega.”

Your gaze flickers from the annoyed preteen, to Tech, and then back again. “Well then, if neither of you are injured, I need to get back to work.”

Omega pulls Tech’s hand away from her mouth, “Tech just hit me!”

“I did no such thing.”

“I have bruises!”

“You do not.”

“I want you to arrest him!” Omega declares dramatically as she points at her brother.

“I’m a medic, Meg, not a cop.” You reply with a small grin, “You want someone to punish him for hitting you, go to Hunter.”

“Maybe I will!” Omega says loudly, before she rounds on her heel, “Hunter!”

“Why would you tell her that?” Tech asks with a sigh.

You wink at him, “Well, if you get hurt, it means that you get one on one attention, doesn’t that sound fun?”

Tech averts his eyes, but a small smile lifts the corner of his lips, “I suppose it does not sound…awful.” He finally says as he catches your gaze, for a moment, just a moment, there’s something hot and needy in his gaze, before it’s quickly banked, and he turns away from you. “I will leave you to your work. We will be landing on Mora in three days.”

You know your eyes weren’t playing tricks on you. You know what you saw. And you are very, very interested.

And so you flash a small smile, even as a plan starts forming in your mind, “I’ll be ready.”

Tech glances at you one more time, and then slips out of your workspace just as Hunter shouts for him, and you muffle your laugh. Sometimes, a lot of times, the men you travel with are so obviously brothers that it’s hilarious.

In fact, you’re pretty sure you heard Echo and Wrecker arguing over Wrecker stealing some of Echo’s snacks only a little bit ago.

Still, you wouldn’t trade this job for any other medical career in the galaxy.

After all, where else would an incredibly handsome man flirt with you using bird facts?

Three days later, the Marauder lands on Mora, and you, with your medical kit slung over your shoulder, and your camera in hand, couldn’t be more excited.

“Alright,” Hunter says, getting everyone’s attention. “It looks like we have five different places we need to visit.”

“It’ll be faster if we split up,” You offer reasonably, “Using the buddy system, of course.” You add once you see the look on Hunter’s face. “And naturally, I won’t be paired off with Omega, since we’re both harmless.”

“I have a crossbow,” Omega reminds you with a pout.

“Ah, right. My mistake.”

“So that means you’re the only one here who’s harmless.” Echo teases as he bumps you with his shoulder.

“Yeah, well…before all else, do no harm, etc, etc-” You reply with a grin, as you bump him right back.

“Anyway,” Hunter interrupts, “Splitting up and using the buddy system isn’t a terrible idea. I’ll go with Omega. Tech-”

“I do not mind going with the doctor,” He interrupts, “As I understand, one of these locations has medical equipment she needs to inspect.”

Hunter looks at him, disbelievingly. 

“It’s not a bad idea,” You offer cheerfully, “If anything is broken, I might not notice right away.”

Hunter turns his disbelieving gaze on you next, and you just beam at him. 

“Fine. Tech and the Doc are going together. Which leaves Echo and Wrecker.” Hunter says, “Any complaints? Good. Omega, come on.”

You grin as the other groups walk off in different directions, and then you turn your gaze on Tech, who’s watching you with a small smile on his lips, “Shall we?” You ask.

“It should not take that long to get the equipment that we need.” He agrees, as he turns in the direction of the shop, and then waits for you to fall into step next to him. 

“It shouldn’t,” You agree, “The longest part will really be you making sure that the equipment looks like it’s in working order.” 

He glances at you, “You really would not be able to determine if the gear was in working order?”

“Of course I’d be able to tell. I just wanted to spend time with you.” You reply with an unrepentant grin.

“O-oh.”

You cheerfully take his hand in yours and you lace your fingers with his, “Anyway, once we have the stuff delivered to the ship, we can look around on our own. I need a new jacket.”

Tech is staring at your joined hands, as if he’s not sure what to make of it, and then he slowly squeezes your hand, and is rewarded with a blinding grin. The moment he realizes that it’s intentional, some of the nervous tension drains from him. “Is there something wrong with your jacket?”

“Well…no. Not really.” You shrug, “It just doesn’t match.”

“...What does it not match?”

You sigh, “You and your brothers. My leather jacket is white! It needs to be darker so I actually look like I belong.”

“You do belong.” Tech says, “You are the most important member of the squad.”

“We both know that’s not true.” You say with a laugh.

“It is true,” Tech insists, “We would be lost several times over without you.”

“Aww, you’re sweet.”

“I am honest.” Tech replies, “You have saved all of our lives on many occasions. We owe you everything.” He pauses, “And I prefer it when you wear white. It makes it easier to see you on the battlefield.”

“That’s not necessarily a good thing.” You point out as the pair of you come to a stop in front of the shop that’s holding the medical equipment that you need to look at.

Tech doesn’t reply right away as he enters the shop, “I think you look nice in white.” He finally says and then he turns his attention towards the shopkeeper and offers the name on the order.

Inspecting the machines takes a lot longer than you would prefer. A lot longer than Tech would prefer too, based on the look on his face, but there’s no way around it. Cid would have your heads if any of the machines were damaged in any way.

But finally, finally, you’re able to confirm the delivery, and you slump against Tech, exhausted. “This is the worst job ever.” You whine.

Tech glances at you, “Well, we are done now.”

“Until Cid gives us another job.” You grumble, and then you lay your cheek against his shoulder, “We used to fight for the good of the Republic, this work is demeaning.”

“But Cid does pay us,” Tech reminds you quietly, “Which is what we need.”

You hum thoughtfully, “Yeah, I guess.”

You take his hand again, and then tug him away from the shop. “Where are we going?” Tech asks, though he doesn’t seem to have any problems with trailing after you.

You just grin at him, and tug him down an alley. “I wanted to go somewhere private.” You reply once you’re not surrounded by people.

“For what purpose?” Tech asks.

“For this one.” You stand on your toes and brush your lips against his, before you pull away, “I don’t know if maybe I’m misreading things-” You murmur, though you’re not able to finish your sentence, as he tugs you against him and crashes his lips against yours. 

One of his hands slides up into your hair, while the other tightly grips your hips, pulling you as close as he can. And when he breaks the kiss, his lips hovering just over yours, you can’t help but grin, “I take it I wasn’t misreading then?” You ask.

“I do not think you ever have.” Tech admits.

“Go me,” Your smile is soft and warm, “Hey, Tech?”

“Hm?”

“Did you know that I think about you all the time?” He blinks at you, startled, “And that I would be really, really happy if you loved me as much as I love you?”

“And here I thought that I was being obvious.” Tech murmurs, before he kisses you again and again, “Of course I feel the same way. Or else I would not be kissing you.”

You grin and lightly kiss him again.

“Did you know,” Tech says quietly, “That I think about you all of the time too?”

At that a bubbly laugh falls from your lips, “I do now.”

[ancha-aus]

RealAgeAU Drabble - Christmas Celebration

So. When I started typing this. The poll had said that Fluff was wanted with a small lead. The whole time while typing it it was even (seriously how did you do that?!) and as soon as i finish suddenly Lore won?

No. You guys are getting fluff now >:D

First Drabble (original prompt by @spotaus ) Prev Drabble Next Drabble

(also for those curious this ended up being 3700 words so strap in and get ready)

*----------------------*

Nightmare wakes up early. Very early.

He isn’t that surprised. Not really. How can he really be?

Nightmare takes a moment to check how he is captured this time. Seems like Killer is completely wrapped around him and Horror holding both him and Killer. Dust and Cross are on his other side.

Mmmh… A bit more complex.

Probably his own fault for sneaking out of bed and the nest as often as he does. Still. He isn’t about to be discouraged about it.

Some wiggling and scooting and a lot of patience later and he is next to the bed.

Hah. Nightmare pats himself down before walking towards the chair holding their clothes.

It is still a bit weird but also nice to be spending a few nights at Crop’s and Straw’s. The two brothers had invited all of them to spend Christmas with them. Christmas here being all about family and spending time with them.

Horror had obviously wanted to go but he hadn’t immediately said yes. Said they would talk about it first. Which Nightmare gets. Dust still has issues with seeing anyone who resembles his own brother.

But as soon as Horror had told them about the invite Dust must have also seen how badly Horror wanted to spend more time with his best friend. Meaning he had said it would only be fair to say yes and spend time with them.

Killer had quickly agreed and Cross had seemed curious about the whole holiday as well.

Which leads them to here.

Nightmare finishes putting on his extra socks and his bat hoody. He puts on a beanie over his skull. He still is sensitive to the cold and he had to promise all of them that he would make sure he was dressed warm if he exited to nest.

Now fully dressed he slowly sneaks downstairs. It is still dark out but he doesn’t mind too much. A glance at the clock confirms it is nearing the normal time that Horror and Cross get up. Thought with the longer nights and the cold neither are as quick to wake up unless they turn on their own alarms.

Nightmare gets downstairs and spots Straw and Crop both getting ready to go outside. Nightmare takes a seat on the stairs and tilts his skull at them “Where are you going?”

Both of them jump and turn quickly. Straw sighs but grins “Wowie. You are a very sneaky babybones.”

Nightmare shrugs as he waits for his answer.

Crop chuckles “We are going to check the animals. Make sure they made it through the night and got enough things to drink and eat for the day.” He looks considerate at Straw and Straw nods with a large grin and a begging look.

Crop laughs but looks at Nightmare “Want to come along? Or do you think your dads will kill me if you come with?”

Embarrassed and Nightmare shrugs “I mean… if we leave a note I think they will not panic?” he isn’t sure what to even call them at this point. Not after everything. He tries not to think about it too much.

Straw looks so excited “Do you want to come? You can pet Betty again. And maybe pet some of the chickens?” as Straw speaks Crop is looking through the jackets and snowboots to find Nightmare’s set.

Nightmare ends up nodding and walking over. Straw quickly goes to grab some paper and a pen to leave the note as Crop hands over the outdoor wear. He dresses himself and waves off the help offered by Crop. It is just… he is fine dressing himself… mostly… He just lets the gang do it and help him because it makes it faster and they are.. well them!

Tying his shoes takes longer but works alright in the end. Even if the loops are a little… loose looking and not as tied when Cross does it for him.

Even so he pulls his hood up tightly over his beanie covered skull and gets ready for the cold.

Crop opens the door and Nightmare shivers a bit as the cold air penetrates through his jacket a bit. Not as bad as before but that is because of all the extra layers he is wearing.

Straw suddenly looks a bit unsure “You okay? Maybe this isn’t a good idea after all…” he shoots Crop a nervous look.

Crop looks at him “You still want to come?”

Nightmare huffs and nods trying to appear certain and determined. It is only after Crop starts to smile and Straw coos slightly that Nightmare remembers he is still wearing his frog beanie and his bat hoody. Sure there is a jacket over that but it is still not the most serious look.

He carefully walks through the snow and pauses to test a few steps. His spine had been starting to feel a bit better but he best not irate it by falling over and hurting himself.

It is a slow journey but they get to the chicken coop and Crop unlocks the little latch to let them into the area. Straw quickly grabs the stored food and easily jumps over the little fence to join their side.

Crop grins and opens the coop and must see the confusion on Nightmare’s face. Crop chuckles “They aren’t the biggest fans of the cold.”

Nightmare huffs and nods in slight agreement. He gets that. He isn’t either.

Crop chuckles but continues “But. It is good for them to get some fresh air and move around a bit. It is why I like opening the hatch at least for the morning feeding.”

Straw joins his side by crouching down and opening the bag with seeds and some wheats “We can throw this out a bit for them. Encourage them to come outside before filling up the reserves inside the coop.” Straw grabs a hand and shows how he spreads it around.

Nightmare looks at his own mitten covered hand but grabs a tiny hand before spreading it out around the coop.

Some soft clucks and some chickens slowly waddle out. Looking very suspicious of the snow but clearly wanting the food. They slowly get nearer.

Straw grins and holds some food out for the chickens in his hands. Letting the chickens get closer and once they are close slowly letting it fall to the ground. The chicken starts to eat and Straw pets it. Straw grins at him “See? Easy does it. The girls are all very nice!”

Nightmare frowns but slowly grabs a small hand himself as he holds it out. One of the birds looks at the food he is offering and slowly walks over. Giving soft clucks along the way. Nightmare drops the food when she is close. The chicken pauses before starting to peck away at it. Nightmare inches a few tiny steps closer and pets the chicken. He obviously can’t feel the feathers through his gloves but the idea is nice.

Huh. He… just realised this is actually the first time he is near the animals on his own two legs. The first time he stayed here he remained inside the whole time. His back still too weak to even sit alone for a long time much less stand on his own. The only times he was near any of the animals it was when Dust held him and only near Betty once or twice.

So much had changed.

Crop pops out of the coop and dusts himself off “That is their feeds being filled again. Lets go to Betty next.”

Nightmare frowns as he looks at the coop “Don’t they need to be inside first?”

Straw nods “When we lock it certainly! But they need a moment for themselves outside and will soon realise there is also food inside. Then they will go back in themselves!”

Crop nods and gently nudges some of the chickens away from the fence as he unlocks the hatch again “Ready for the barn?”

Nightmare nods and walks towards the small gate after making sure his gloves are empty of any chicken food.

They leave the little chicken area and move towards the barn.

The inside of the barn is warmer and Nightmare watches as both Crop and Straw remove their scarfs and their gloves. Nightmare keeps his on, thank you very much, it is still cold even if it is a bit less cold.

Crop leads the way and they find the cow relaxing in one of the pen things inside the barn.

Crop pets the cow “Hey there girl. How are you today?” Betty moos and pushes into the affection.

Nightmare is a bit unsure… the cow looks so much… bigger now… He kinda gets why Cross is afraid of them now… it is big and strong and can probably easily break one of his bones… probably more bones at once… he isn’t the strongest of sturdiest anymore and-

“You remember Nightmare right?” Crop sounds gentle as he speaks to Betty. The cow flaps one of her ears and looks around a bit. Spotting Nightmare hiding partly behind the wooden wall of the pen. Oh no.

Crop looks over and smiles “Ready to pet her again?”

Nightmare feels a bit more unsure and shrugs “I dunno…” how to get out of this?

Straw gives him a gentle nudge forwards “It will be nice!”

Nightmare isn’t so sure but slowly walks closer. Animals either love or hate him. There is no in between… Sure Betty seemed okay before but that was with Dust near and Dust you don’t mess with.

Still he slowly gets closer and reaches an arm and hand out. it shakes slightly.

Crop speaks softly “Hey… no need to be nervous… she is very nice and gentle and there is no real wrong way of petting her.”

Hah! Sure. Nervous!

His mitten covered hand reaches the cow’s head and he slowly gives it a pet. One. Two. Three. He pulls his hand back and takes a few steps back. There. He did it. Full marks.

Crop frowns at him while straw grins “see? All good! And look! She still remembers you and liked your petting!” he nudges him again.

Crop gives his brother a smile “I think that is enough. I think I best get him back inside before the wind picks up or it starts snowing. You mind finishing up?”

Straw frowns but looks outside at the dark clouds in the sky “That is for the best. Snow is probably about to happen very soon.”

Crop thanks his brother and he and Nightmare start to leave the barn. Crop frowns at him “Why didn’t you say you didn’t want to pet her?”

Damnit. Not the best at acting still. Nightmare shrugs “it wasn’t big of a deal…” it is more of a mumble than anything. How does he explain that at first he had liked the idea but then seeing the cow from ground level and having to look up at it made him nervous?

They exit the barn and are two steps further when they hear the shout “Nightmare!”.

Crop and him look up to see Cross sprinting at them. He gets to their side and picks Nightmare up as he shoots the barn a nervous look before focussing on him “Are you okay? cold? Hurt? sore? Tired?” he checks his temperature and relaxes “you good… you are fine…”.

Crop smiles as he crosses his arms “We know what to watch out for.”

Cross looks away embarrassed but doesn’t let Nightmare go out of his hug “I know! I mean we know that. It is just… I woke up and well… he wasn’t there… and I saw the note and I just…” he keeps holding him close.

Crop nods “Fair enough. We were just on our way back. But if you could take him back I can stop by the chickens to check if they are in the coop again.”

Cross is already a few steps towards the house before Crop finishes speaking “Yes. I got Nightmare you good luck with your chores!” and he quickly goes back to the house.

Nightmare frowns up at Cross. Weird… Cross normally didn’t even want to walk into the direction of the barn as he knew Betty was there… yet he came running for him…

Nightmare feels warm and safe and confused as he just leans more into Cross’s hold. Sure he knew they were safe but… this is different… it feels more. He only really started to notice it lately just how… how at home it feels. To be with them. Near them.

They get back inside and Nightmare spots Horror immediately. Horror frowns at them and Cross looks away shyly “I euh… got him already and-”

Horror just shakes his skull and looks pointedly at Cross “The note said both Crop and Straw were with him.” he gives him a long look “No reason to run out without a jacket.”

Nightmare blinks and turns only to now notice that Cross isn’t wearing anything over his pjs. Nightmare blinks and looks disapproving at Cross “You could get sick.”

Cross looks slightly panicked between them “I just! I panicked!” and Nightmare feels Cross pull him even closer.

Horror sighs but looks unsurprised. He takes a few steps over and Nightmare feels Horror take him from Cross. Horror easily holds him with one arm before pushing Cross towards the bathroom “Go warm up. I will get you clothes after I got Nightmare out of his outdoor clothes.”

Cross looks ready to object but after taking a look to at Horror and him he relaxes and easily agrees. He disappears into the bathroom.

Nightmare frowns as Horror and him sit down and Horror helps him easily out of his jacket and snowboots. Nightmare looks at the bathroom door before looking back at Horror “Why did he run out? Was the note not okay?” he thought with a note it would be fine. A note was normally all any of the guys needed to leave for each other.

Horror snorts a she shakes his skull “The note was very clear. I think it was just the fact it wasn’t any of us with you that made him nervous.” Horror makes sure his beanie is on right before putting the stuff for outside back by the front door “which is something Cross himself has to work on. Trusting others outside of our tight circle.”

Nightmare nods. It isn’t that surprising. After all the betrayal Cross has had to deal with.

Horror does shoot Nightmare a knowing look “But I think it was very brave of him. He ran towards the barn right?” Nightmare nods and Horror grins “very brave seeing as he considers that Betty’s territory.”

Nightmare feels that same warm and safe feeling again as he crosses his arms. Almost as if he is trying to hide the feeling as he mutters “I thought the same…”

Horror rubs his skull and Nightmare feels himself relax “Don’t worry about it okay? he is fine.” Then more thoughtful “Well… unless I get him clean clothes. Give me a moment.” And he disappears upstairs.

Nightmare still feels warm and cozy and safe and… well…

Loved.

--

Nightmare sits on the counter as he watches Horror, Straw and Crop work on dinner together. It is a whole thing and they had been at work since just after lunch. Straw is working on this giant turkey while Crop works on the side dishes. Horror is in charge of the desert and Nightmare just watches them work together.

It is nice. Even if he isn’t allowed to help.

Cross, Killer and Dust are moving stuff around in the living room. Setting up the table and games or something.

Straw checks the turkey again before nodding and moving towards the counter to work on this mutter mixture he had been dripping over the bird every so often “I still can’t believe none of you have ever celebrated Christmas!”

Yeah that is another thing that Nightmare just doesn’t know what it is exactly.

Horror snorts as he works on the frosting “Told you. Most of us only celebrated Gyftmas underground. And that was all about presents more than anything.”

Nightmare swings his legs as he gives his own answer “My universe just… didn’t have it.” hard to have  winter holiday without winter “just had harvest celebrations and stuff like that.” And the only one who ever got gifts was Dream anyway. So a party? To focus on celebrating family? It sounds real nice.

Straw looks deeply troubled by this “A child never having had the chance to experience the joy of Christmas? Ah. The multiverse is a rough and cruel place and fate is beyond unfair.”

Horror snorts and nods “Very true.”

Crop frowns “We aren’t big on presents with Christmas in this universe… if we had known…”

Horror shakes his skull “No worries. None of us celebrated it in a long time and it has… rough memories for all of us. This is nice. A new tradition.” Horror looks at what he made and holds a tiny spoon up to Nightmare “What do you think? Tasty enough?”

Nightmare gives Horror an unimpressed look “Everything you make is tasty.” But he isn’t going to pass up a chance for an early taste and happily tastes it. As expected. Delicious. He hums happily and nods “Very tasty.”

Horror chuckles and puts the frosting in the fridge before moving on to the next part of the cake.

Nightmare is eventually removed from the kitchen to wait with the others in the warm fireplace lit living room. Something about making sure he is safe as the kitchen is about to be hectic. Which is just nice words for him having to stay out of the way.

Killer pokes his cheek and grins “such a grumpy baby.”

Nightmare pouts and crosses his arms “I could have helped…” somehow…

Killer grins “Of course. Just not in the chaos and hectic energy of preparing a bit feast. The timing is everything and can get stressful.”

Nightmare gets it but still…

Killer grins “If it makes you feel any better. Us three were banned from the very beginning. You were at least allowed to stay in the kitchen with them for most of the prep.”

Cross looks insulted but Dust just shakes his skull at him.

Killer grins “What? We all know it is the truth.” And he winks at Nightmare.

Huh… that does make him feel a bit better.

A bit later the three cooks bring out the food and they sit at the table.

You would think that seven at the table would get complex but they manage. Nightmare is pretty sure they made the seating arrangement with Dust’s situation in mind.

Seeing as Horror is sitting between Dust and Straw. Making it almost impossible for Dust to see the other Papyrus. And with Straw speaking in another accent the voice is not familiar enough to trigger him.

Killer sits at the table head, next to Dust. And Nightmare sits on his other side with Cross on his own other side. Crop sits across from his brother next to Cross. The other head end of the table is against the wall.

It is nice. Straw proudly cuts his turkey as Horror easily moves the dishes around the table to whoever has an interest.

It is all delicious and smells so nice. Everyone is relaxed and laughing and just enjoying themselves.

Everyone it so happy.

After the main course Cross helps with putting the food away as Horror puts the last few finishing touches to his cake which he brings out. It is vanilla with delicious banana frosting with tiny chocolates. It is so good and everyone agrees.

Nightmare is honestly feeling sleepy already by the time it is time to play some games and relax by the fireplace. Nightmare is on the same team as Dust and leans heavily against him as they start a game of catan.

Nightmare feels himself fall asleep before everyone even had their first turn.

He just hears them talk as he dozes against Dust’s side. He feels himself be moved and he makes sure to make his displeasure known. Dust just mumbles a soft reassurance to him that he can stay asleep. He leans against the other and hears Dust’s soulbeat against the side of his skull.

It is calm and soft and Nightmare feels his whole being relax more and more. His own soul slowing and calming down as well.

The feeling is familiar at this point. He gets it a lot when he is being held by any of them. But it is so much clearer and so much stronger when he feels sleepy.

Like another hug. Relaxing him more and more and pulling him towards sleep.

He isn’t sure how long he stays just like that. In Dust’s lap and arms. Happily half asleep as he listens to the others. Sometimes sleeping fully for short periods of time.

Nightmare is pulled from his sleep as Dust gets up. He blinks open his sockets and looks around confused, why are they moving?

Dust nuzzles his skull and mutters softly against his skull “we are just going to bed.”

Nightmare hums and pushes closer to Dust again. Following the soft reassurance send to him form the adult soul so close. Calling out to his very being that it is okay to sleep and rest.

He notices that someone is helping him into his pjs and helps him brush his teeth. Nightmare can still hear movement downstairs as the others no doubt clean up everything.

Nightmare is laid down in bed and he immediately pushes his skull deeper into the pillow.

A soft chuckle “Comfy tiny boss?”

Oh. Killer is with him now?

Nightmare just hums. A weight joins him and a blanket is pulled over him. Two arms pull him close and another adult soul is near. Different then Dust’s. Much louder. So it really is Killer. The message remains the same though. It is safe. I got you. You can rest.

Just… He knows that is the message.

Killer hums and whispers to him “That is it baby. Just sleep.”

Nightmare pushes closer to the other and willingly succumbs to sleep. *----------------------*

First Drabble Prev Drabble Next Drabble

[clangenrising]

Month 15 - Newleaf

Mystique went into labor around sunhigh. Russetfrond was out on border patrol when it happened and the moment he got back, Barleybee came to let him know. 

“Thank you,” he said, gratitude quickly overwhelmed with nerves. 

“Of course,” she smiled sympathetically. “She’s still in the elders’ den. Sagetooth and my dad are with her.” 

“Alright,” he nodded. They stood there for an awkward moment, neither sure what to do, before Barleybee dipped her head and left him to his business. His mind was completely empty and going faster than a frightened rabbit at the same time. After either a few moments or several minutes, he wasn’t sure, Russetfrond gathered himself together and went to sit outside the elders’ den. 

He resisted the urge to pace or to barge into the den to ask how things were going. He’d seen too many anxious parents-to-be get their ears chewed off by Sagetooth when they intruded on a kitting in progress. Instead, he sat still and tried to focus on his breathing, on emptying all worry from his mind. Today was important, the birth of his eldest kits. He wasn’t going to squander it worrying. He was going to focus on his new family, on the beginning of a new chapter in his ultimate legacy. 

The time dragged by at an unbearable crawl. Every so often a cat stopped by to congratulate him or ask him how things were going. He remained as polite as possible but kept things short. He didn’t want any distractions. 

Eventually, an hour or so later, Sagetooth stepped outside, blood on her paws, and glanced over at him. “Are you ready?” 

“Is any father ever ready?” he asked, almost hoping she would say yes.

“I wouldn’t know,” she shrugged. A quiet moment passed as Sagetooth let her gaze drift across the camp. When it finally settled on him again, she said, “Congratulations on two healthy boys. Be warned though: the kittypet is in a mood.” 

“I’m sure I can handle it,” he said, a fond smile spreading across his face. “Thank you, Sagetooth. I mean it.” 

“Of course, kit,” she softened slightly. “Go meet your sons.” Russetfrond nodded and slipped past her into the den, letting his tail brush against her leg as he did. Inside, Mystique was laying in her nest, her head flat on the ground like a mopy kitten while she talked softly with Oddstripe. 

“-bring you some chamomile later,” Oddstripe was saying. “It’s gonna be alright, sweetheart. Don’t hesitate to call me if you start feeling any worse.” 

“...‘Kay,” Mystique sighed moodily, eyes flickering over Russetfrond. He tried not to scowl. 

Oddstripe bumped foreheads with Mystique and then picked up the birthwaste and stood to leave. Spotting Russetfrond he frowned slightly, if sympathetically, and slipped out of the den past him. Russetfrond shifted his weight, looked at Mystique, and she sighed and rolled her eyes over to the far wall. 

Russetfrond stepped closer, focusing on the two gently squirming bodies nestled up against her belly. They were so tiny. Russetfrond realized suddenly that he’d never seen kittens this… new. The kits - his boys - were a little wet yellow lump and a little wet blue lump mewling pathetically as they wriggled closer to Mystique. It was strange, the surge of emotion that he felt upon seeing them. He’d never felt so intensely protective before, it was a bit startling. 

“Hello, there, little ones,” he said awkwardly, crouching down beside them. “I’m your father.” Mystique huffed and shifted her position a little bit, still not looking at him. He couldn’t stop himself from scowling at her but tried to soften his expression again with a sigh. 

“You haven’t named them yet, have you?” he asked, a note of irritation sneaking in to his voice despite his best efforts. 

“No,” Mystique said as if he were the dumbest cat alive. “Why would I name them?” 

That caused his hackles to rise. “Because they’re your children, mouse-brain,” he scoffed.

Mystique’s tail lashed and she flopped her head sideways to glare at him. “No, I feel like you made it pretty clear they were your children.” 

“Look,” Russetfrond took a deep breath to try and anchor himself, “I didn’t come in here to fight with you, let’s just… forget it, alright?” 

“Easy for you to say,” Mystique grumbled, looking away again. Russetfrond dug his claws into the earth and did his very best not to say anything at all. After a few, slow breaths, he refocused on the kittens. They would need names, of course. He had unfortunately forgotten to think about names before now. 

“I’ll call them…” He hesitated before going with the first thoughts that came to mind, “Bluekit and Yellowkit.”

“Wow,” Mystique laughed and he could hear the eye roll in her voice, “so original.” 

“If you think they’re bad names then why don’t you try to do better,” he snapped, tail bristling. 

“I don’t give a shit what you call them,” growled Mystique. “The moment Sagetooth lets me, I'm going home and I’ll never see them or you ever again!” 

“Well, that’s fine by me,” Russetfrond huffed. “I wouldn’t want you influencing them anyway.” 

“Oh, yeah,” Mystique laughed harshly, “better to have a bunch of murderers raise them. That’s SO much better!” 

Russetfrond bristled. “Your brother was the murderer. He attacked Goldenstar out of spite, I was just defending my Clan.” 

“Well clearly it wasn’t that bad ‘cause she’s fine,” Mystique snarled. Tears were starting to form in her eyes and drip down the bridge of her nose. “You think you’re so special but you’re never gonna convince me that it’s good that you killed him! I hate you! I hate you and your stupid kits and this stupid den!”

“Don’t talk about them like that,” he growled lowly. 

“You’re lucky I don’t throw them in the river!” hissed Mystique.

Russetfrond bristled and arched his back. “You harm one hair on their pelts and I’ll make sure you never see your precious twolegs again! Is that what you want?” 

“I want to go home!” she cried at the top of her lungs and the kittens squealed in displeasure. “I want my brother back!” 

“Well too bad!” he shouted back at her. “You can’t always have what you want, you spoiled little brat!” 

“I hate you!” Mystique screamed, eyes shut tight with the effort of it. “I hate you! I hate you! I-”

“What is going on in here!?” Sagetooth’s voice cut through their argument, quick and sharp, leaving Russetfrond standing in a puddle of guilt. The healer’s eyes flicked between the both of them, looking for a culprit. Russetfrond couldn’t hold her gaze and dropped his eyes to the floor shamefully. Mystique breathed harshly through her nose and looked away again. 

“Out,” Sagetooth ordered Russetfrond. 

He couldn’t think of anything to say. With an affirmative grunt, he stepped outside. Fogpaw and Slatepaw were staring with wide eyes from the fresh-kill pile. Pantherhaze, Ospreymask, Barleybee, and Lakekit had all emerged to see what was going on. Shame covered Russetfrond like a winter coat. Unable to bear their stares, he strode briskly into the healers’ den and tucked himself away out of sight. 

There was a long moment of quiet guilt - why had he done that? What was wrong with him? - and then he heard Sagetooth snapping at the assembled cats, “Where did he go?” 

“Your den,” offered Slatepaw obediently. 

“Thank you,” said Sagetooth just as harshly as she had inquired after him and he braced himself. Sagetooth came stomping in, tail lashing back and forth, and spotted him immediately. He expected her to start laying into him but instead, she sighed and trundled over to sit next to him. 

“I tried to warn you,” she grumbled. 

“I know,” he said. “I’m sorry.” 

“It’s not entirely your fault,” Sagetooth shook her head. “Mystique is reacting poorly to the pregnancy.” 

“Clearly,” he huffed. 

“No, I mean physically,” Sagetooth said. “Kitting takes a toll on a cat and sometimes it can make them miserable for seemingly no reason. They call it a Kitten Crash.” 

“Oh,” he frowned in surprise. 

“So,” Sagetooth continued, her own voice strained with frustration for a moment, “as much as her particular form of crashing drives me mad, we need to be gentle with her.” It was clear Sagetooth was going to have as much trouble with that as he was. “She can’t exactly help it. And if her symptoms worsen, it could be very bad.” 

“Bad how?” asked Russetfrond carefully.

“Well, she could stop eating,” Sagetooth sighed. “Or refuse to nurse. Worst case scenario she tries to hurt herself or the kits.” 

“What?” fear spiked through his body like a jolt of electricity. “Shouldn’t we get them away from her?”

“No,” Sagetooth shook her head again. “She’s the only one who can feed them at the moment and that’s not a guarantee, it’s just a worst case scenario. That’s why we need to be gentle with her. The less stressed she is, the less likely it is that she’ll do something foolish.” 

Russetfrond swallowed, throat tight, and sat with that information for a bit. The idea of leaving a dangerous cat alone with his kits, a cat who hated him so much, made every inch of his pelt crawl like it was full of ants. She had already threatened to throw them in the river, a threat that was suddenly a lot more serious than he had first thought. 

“You’re sure it will be alright?” he asked eventually. 

“If it gets to a point where it’s dangerous, we’ll do something about it,” Sagetooth said. “She should probably still have a guard at all times so they can monitor her for any bad behavior.” Russetfrond nodded and started thinking of the best cats to do that. 

“The important thing,” Sagetooth continued, “is to keep her happy. Oddstripe and I will do our best on the herbs side of things but you should probably stay out of the den, at least for a while.” 

Russetfrond sighed and nodded. “Alright. That won’t affect the kits negatively?” 

“I don’t think so,” Sagetooth said. “Not anymore than a normal foundling would be affected.” Russetfrond hummed in discomfort. It wasn’t ideal, that was for sure, but what else could he do? He didn’t want to accidentally provoke Mystique into harming the kittens.

��Did you name them?” asked Sagetooth.

“Oh, yeah,” he said, shaking his thoughts away. “Yellowkit and Bluekit, respectively.” 

Sagetooth huffed a little laugh. “Well, I can’t say they’re not fitting.” Russetfrond smiled a little. “Congratulations, by the way,” continued Sagetooth. “You’re going to be an excellent father.” 

“I can only hope so,” he said. 

“StarClan will guide you,” she said. “Trust your heart. It will be okay, kit.”

UPDATES:

- Mystique gives birth to a litter of two kittens. Russetfrond names them Bluekit and Yellowkit.

[fancyfeathers]

William’s and Sherlock’s darlings

The Games We Play of Dust and Ash (Yandere Moriarty the Patriot Masterlist)

(A/N- this one was painful to write, I cried while writing this)

Spoilers for the Moriarty the Patriot timeskip

When Sherlock and William disappear, their darlings are left alone, because Mycroft’s darling is married off to him and she was the reporter’s best friend, and Albert is arrested and his darling has left to go see the world with her dead parent’s fortune, meanwhile Louis’ darling is still stuck with him as his life changes, which leaves William’s darling alone again…

William told her that he would never abandon her…

And now he was gone…

He kidnapped her, manipulated her, gaslit her, but he cared for her, she thinks.

Honestly she doesn’t know what to think as she now stands in an empty house, all alone, abandoned like she had been all her life. But then there is a knock at the front door and her steps echo through the empty halls as she goes to get it, and all she feels is emptiness from this empty nest. She opens the door to see an all too familiar face and a welcome one at that, the reporter, Sherlock’s darling. Both of them look at the other and they just look like they have seen hell. William’s darling has always seen this woman as a strong and independent woman but…

“…Miss Hudson said that Sherlock left me some stuff in case he… I…I can’t do this alone.”

“…Neither can I.”

Now it feels like William’s darling is looking at a mirror when looking at her friend. The two go to Baker Street together to pick of the box of the things Sherlock left his darling, it’s mostly letters he wrote to her but never sent, all the things he couldn’t make himself say, a few of her newspapers articles, some money, and a ring. The two go back to the old Moriarty estate together and just sit down together in silence which is broken by Sherlock’s darling…

“I don’t have a job anymore since I worked for Milverton’s paper and I doubt any news companies here would want to hire me since my main source is dead, I have some family in the states I was going to stay with until I am ready to start writing again-“

“Can I please come with you?”

A smile comes across the reporter’s face at her question.

“I was hoping you would.”

The two say goodbyes to whoever they can and have left and a week later they are on a boat across the ocean. It is on the voyage over when Sherlock’s darling is walking through the halls of the ship when she hears music, she follows it to one of the ship’s lounges to see William’s darling playing and singing. Her friend sits down on the bench next to her and listens…

“Where did you learn?”

“Albert’s wife taught me how to play and then at the opera house I used to listen in on the singers’ vocal lessons.”

“Well you certainly have a gift, good enough to play at the St. Regis in New York.”

“Thank you… I read some of your articles as well, you also have quite the hand.”

“Thank you.”

Starting a new life can be scary but at least they have each other.

Life in New York is not so bad, the two women stay with the grandparents of Sherlock’s darling in their home in upper Manhattan, a kind retired couple who takes care of the two women after such a terrifying and life changing incident. Her grandfather clears out his old and unused study for his grandchild to use so she can begin writing her new column. And then her grandmother begins to teach William’s darling about the types of music here in New York that is far different than the music she heard be played at the opera house, the two play piano that can be heard from where her grandfather works in his garden and down the hall where the reporter clicks away at her typewriter.

Soon two years had passed, the two managed to get their own apartment in lower manhattan, Sherlock’s darling had been taking small writing jobs here and there but had recently secured a job as a journalist for the New York Times, a crime journalist like she was before. Meanwhile William’s darling after years of hiding herself away and now works as a singer at a high end hotel like the reporter told her to do. The two had found themselves grow into a routine, make and have breakfast together, William’s darling will clean up the apartment and work and write some of her music while Sherlock’s darling heads out to work, then the reporter will come back in the afternoon for a late lunch, then William’s darling will leave to the hotel while the reporter finishes her work at home for the day, and then she will join her friend at the hotel after her performance and the two will have dinner there due to her friend’s role as staff at the hotel. Life was peaceful and now neither of them were alone, they had each other.

Some days were harder than others, one of them knowing they left people behind in London, the darlings of Louis and Mycroft, not telling Albert’s darling where they were so she would not feel the need to find them ever since they would take care of themselves. Sometimes the two would sit on top of the roof of their apartment building after hanging up the laundry and just wonder if they made the right choice and if they miss the mastermind and detective, William’s darling is far more prone to this and will just take her notebook up and write, doesn’t matter what, music, poetry, letters to him for her to keep, just something to get it all off her chest.

Meanwhile working for the Pinkerton agency in Brooklyn, Sherlock gets a job, there is going to be a large transaction with one of the heads of the biggest crime family in New York at a high end hotel in Manhattan, so he brings along William since has more insight how unground organizations function. They deal with the threat at the hotel silently as the owner requested as to not scare the guests and staff…

Meanwhile William’s darling and Sherlock’s darling are having a glass of wine in one of the empty event rooms at the hotel after her shift, sitting on the piano bench of the grand piano in the mostly empty room. Sherlock’s darling mentions that she left her journal open on the couch at home and told her she read one of the songs and asks her.

“Do you miss William?”

“…sometimes… I-I know he was a devil on earth… but I can’t help but think that even devils were once angels- sorry I probably sound crazy-“

“I would never tell you that you are crazy… would you mind playing one of your songs for me?”

“Sure but only if you sing with me, and don’t say you don’t know the lyrics when you snooped.”

Sherlock and William are walking down a hall in the hotel, about to leave when they both hear a piano playing from one of the rooms ahead. They shrug it off as some staff or a guest playing for fun, then William hears a voice, her voice…

“Balancing the scales

All my job entails

Making sure that they're prepared to see the world.”

He thinks he is just hearing something for a second and tries to tell himself it is nothing, but her voice… it has to be…

Sherlock definitely picks up on this and silently nods and William approaches the closed door where he hears the music and the voice…

“And all I feel is emptiness

From this emptying nest

William are you there

I was unaware

How difficult it'd be without you there

I was unprepared”

It is her, it has to be.

Then there is another voice joining in…

“Balancing the scales, balancing the scales

I did the best I could but still I have failed

Still I have failed

Balancing the scales

Want them to see the world but I'll always care”

Now William looks at the detective so see the same expression William wore on his own face.

As the piano fades away the door handle turns and the ladies turn their heads expecting it to be another of the hotel staff but instead…

William expected something when his darling saw him after years of thinking he was dead, but not the look of fear in her eyes after saying his name so sweetly in a song. She looks terrified, like she just saw a ghost and in some ways she did.

Sherlock on the other hand expected his darling’s reaction, like the look of pure rage in her eyes when she saw him alive. Their last few meeting before he disappeared were not on the greatest term as their friendship had a falling out due to Sherlock’s feels towards her and his overprotectiveness. Then not to mention by killing Milverton, she lost her job in London

In a blink of an eye and without a second thought, Sherlock’s darling grabbed her friend’s wrist and walked right out of the other doors to the room into another hallway.

It takes a second for William to process that he is crying. He abandoned her when he told her that he would never do such a thing. God what had he done?

The next day, neither woman goes to work, not even bothering to notify anyone that they would not be showing up today, they would find an excuse later. William’s darling sits on the rooftop, looking over the city as Sherlock’s darling hangs their laundry up on the line…

“Do you think you’ll go back to him now that you have the option?”

The question from her friend catches William’s darling off guard…

“I… I don’t know…”

“You do not have to, dear.”

That voice catches both women off guard, and they both look behind them at the rooftop entrance to see William standing there with his darling’s journal in hand, she must have left it at the piano.

“I only came to return this… and tell you I am sorry for abandoning you, I hurt you and I can never repair your trust in me, but I will… I will always be here if you need me.”

He sets the journal down on the bench she is sitting down and before William can turn to leave, she grabs his sleeve and he looks down at her with confusion but before he can say anything else she leaps up and wraps her arms around him, tucking her chin over his shoulder as she always had done…

“I forgive you.”

Meanwhile Sherlock’s darling is overcome with emotions that she cannot place as she looks at the two. She squeezes her eyes shut and a hand comes to rest on her shoulder. She does not have to look up to know who it was.

“I do not forgive you.”

“I wasn’t asking you to and I wasn’t apologizing, love.”

[neteyammeowmeow]

I don't think I've ever brought up Morro and Lloyd's bond which is actually really funny because if this was 2020, I'd write a whole paragraph about them. I still will anyways. (In the situation that if Morro were to ever return back to the living)

At first, they both avoided each other as if they were going to contract the plague. It became more of a competition eventually: Who will leave the room the fastest when the other walks in? Who's going to make up the best excuse? Lloyd doesn't want to talk to the guy that possessed him, threw him into the water, put him through the worst month ever. Morro doesn't want to talk to the guy that took his ambition, that he believed doesn't even deserve that title, that he died for nothing, and he doesn't even understand. Why should he?

It was easy during the first few months, not acknowledging the other at all. But then avoidance became difficult, how could he ignore the guy he hates so much, if he knows they're both not going anywhere from the house (monastery)? Tell him to leave? Where else should he stay? And then guilt starts to gnaw, maybe there are unspoken things that they should speak of, maybe they were brought together for, not a chance of redemption- but understanding.

That's how Lloyd finds himself fidgeting with a cracked chunk of the Monastery's stairs- until it cracks, and it became a pebble, and he's sitting beside the guy he did not imagine ever able to. It's really awkward, they want to leave, never speak again, but they just can't. Neither of them knows why.

"It sucks." Lloyd says, he was so quiet.

"`What?" Morro responds, his voice sounds like a snake about to bite, always does.

"Being the Green Ninja. It's not- it's not as great as you imagined."

"Obviously," Lloyd almost winced at how Morro spat those words. "It's you, because it's you. You didn't train for it, your uncle just unrolled a scroll and shoved your face on it."

"..." He looked at Morro, his fists were clenched, his face seemed calm but they both knew he was trying to hold back a punch. Lloyd almost wondered if Morro could've thrown him off the stairs, if he could. But- "You're right."

"What?" Neither of them expected that. But Lloyd found himself a revelation. Morro stared, waiting for him to answer, Lloyd thinks, That's the first time he's ever looked at me.

"You're right, I don't deserve it," Lloyd shrugged carelessly. "I don't deserve it as much as you, Morro. You were promised a destiny and you tried to live up to that expectation, you were ready to face the world but-" It was pointless in the end. The sentence hung in the air unspoken.

Morro looked at him but said nothing, and for the first time, there was no spite in his eyes. Nothing, just a blank stare.

"I think... I think if you were the Green Ninja, things could have been better." Lloyd said, he looked beyond, his gaze wandered elsewhere, he seemed distant. "At least you wanted it, right? I didn't have a choice, I don't think I did. My uncle just unrolled a scroll and shoved my face on it. I just wanted to be a boy, I wanted to cause trouble, I wanted to steal candy. But he told me that when I grow up, I had to beat up a bad guy- my dad- I thought I had to kill him and I- I was a kid."

Morro spoke nothing still.

"I thought I had time to spare, I thought maybe I could still be a kid, I could live with training and annoying. But I grew up, I didn't ask for that either, I never got to be who I wanted, and I still don't know what I want. I wasn't ready, but you were. Even if you don't agree, Morro, but you know what you were going to be."

They were once young birds, pushed off the nest by the parent. One, prepared to soar its wings, far too excited to realize the ground was before its eyes, the other so terrified it was able to soar as it needed to.

"I hate you." Morro's words were a whisper, but they held no disdain at all.

"I know."

"I really, fucking hate you."

"I know."

Yet, there was a gentle breeze that drifted past them anyways. It was so gentle, it felt like the softest hug. They sat in silence, adrift, there was nothing left to say.

Morro was the first to stand from either of them, he left without a glance to spare, he left without a smile, or a word. The breeze trailed after him, whether he knew or not, he did not care.

But nonetheless, Lloyd remained unphased, neither of them looked back. He did not feel upset, nor did he feel happiness, he felt relief. He smiled.

He wondered, if in another place, another time, maybe the bird who yearned to fly took its wings, maybe it caught its unprepared companion, maybe they soared together, soared like freedom.

[thorin-baby-bear]

Glowy Stars

A Lost Boys Agere fic :))

Tags: Little!Reader, Flip!Paul, x reader

CW: Paul gets a little panicked, but he gets lots of hugs and reassurance afterwards!

A/N: I've had this idea like forever, and I finally finished it! Also, Reader takes a bit of a backseat to Paul in this one, which is not at all how I meant it to be but is how it ended up lol! I hope you enjoy :)

“Alright, baby bat bedtime!”

You stared down from where you floated, hand pressed to the ceiling. Paul looked up with his hands on his hip and a shuffle in his feet. You tilted your head to the side before looking back to the ceiling and the Very Important Job you were working on that was almost finished. Just a few more stars, maybe some moons, and you couldn’t forget about all of those comets still in your pockets!

“Kid,” Paul called again, trying to sound more firm and failing, “c’mon down, I need to get you tucked in before the others get home.” You huffed and shook your head before sticking another sun on the ceiling.

“Don’ wanna.” You called. Paul frowned and looked around for backup before remembering it was just you and him. With a frustrated sigh, he kicked off of the floor and flew up towards the ceiling. You glanced at him as he came to a stop next to you.

Paul opened his mouth to say something, but you turned back to your project, floating slowly away and leaving a little trail of stars. The older vampire groaned and rubbed his eyes. If it had been earlier in the night, this would’ve been cute. He would’ve had the time to chase after you, maybe steal a few stars along the way, it would have been fun! But it was late, and he didn’t have time, and the others would be back soon and they would see he didn’t have you all ready for bed and they’d think he couldn’t watch you and-

So maybe he was also a little regressed. Not little little, like you were, but kind of middle, like he was 13 again. It was just enough that it was noticeable, and just enough that it was making everything else a little bit too overwhelming. As he watched you float and giggle happily and thought about what the others would think when they got back, his eyes began to water. He shook his head roughly. He was a big kid, a grown up even, he shouldn’t be crying over this! But the tears still came, and he found himself pulling his knees into a tight ball and shoving his face between them.

For a while, he felt angry at himself for crying, he told himself that it was stupid. But eventually he just felt sad and scared. He tried not to sniffle too loudly so he wouldn’t alert you, and he thought he was doing a good job too until-

“Paulie?” A little voice came from his side. He popped his head up to look at your big, questioning eyes. Neither of you said anything for a long, sniffly moment. Then, ever so slowly, you reached up and placed a little glow in the dark star on his forehead. “’s okay, it keeps you safe.” You murmured, wrapping yourself around one of his arms.

Paul reached up and touched the star gently, carefully, before giving you a watery smile. “Thanks,” He mumbled as he bumped his head to yours. You nodded and smiled wide before starting to float away again. This time, however, you kept hold of his hand as you went.

“Help?” You asked, reaching your free hand into your pocket and offering Paul some sticky stars and planets.

Paul hesitated. You both really should be going to bed soon but…

“Aw what the heck.” He smiled, reaching out and taking the stickies. “Where do you want ‘em?”

When the others got back you and Paul were still up, giggling and shouting and sticking little glow in the dark stars and planets and comets all over the cave. David put his hands on his hips and shook his head as Marco giggled at the two of you. “Alright you two, bed time.”

You grumbled, but then he fixed you with his Stern Look and bedtime didn’t seem so awful anymore. You floated down, still holding Paul’s hand, and began to trudge towards the nest.

“Hey Paul, can I talk to you for a minute?” David called. You looked at Paul and he hesitated before nodding and letting go of your hand. You nodded and continued on your way. Paul took a deep breath and turned, watching as David started walking towards him. Behind him, Marco was still giggling and Dwayne had started to put out the lights in the cave with a fond shake of his head.

Paul looked down and shuffled his feet as David stopped in front of him. “So, bedtime, hmm?” Paul cringed a little bit and nodded.

“Uh huh, bedtime.” He mumbled.

David raised an eyebrow. This was not very Paul like behavior.

“You know, you can’t always just give in when they-”

“Yeah I know, alright? Just tell me I can’t watch them again and lets be done.” Paul tried not to sniffle too much, but the tears were already threatening to come back. David’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“I- what?” He asked.

Paul shook his head as the tears started to flow. “I did a bad job. I didn’t get them to bed.” He wiped his nose roughly. “So you’re not gonna let me babysit anymore.”

David sighed and shook his head. He bent down, making eye contact with the taller vampire and trying to understand what was going on. His eyes were puffy and a bit baggy, and they darted around the room the way they always did when he was…

Ah. It was starting to make sense.

The elder vampire grabbed Paul’s shoulder and pulled him into a gentle hug. “Of course you can watch them again.” He murmured. “Honestly, I kind of expected you two to still be awake. You’re not exactly known for your rule following, are you?” Paul huffed a bit and shook his head against David’s coat.

“Besides,” David chuckled, “look at how nice you two made the cave!” Paul looked up right as Dwayne put out the last flame and gasped. All across the ceiling, stars, suns, comets and planets twinkled brightly. They almost looked real, if you squinted just right. Paul found himself grinning ear to ear at the beautiful sky he had helped you make. Marco whistled and floated towards the two, Dwayne close behind.

“Hey, that’s pretty nice!” He grinned. “The best the cave’s looked in years, I think.” Dwayne nodded and put a gentle hand on Paul’s shoulders.

“Good job.” He whispered, looking over David’s shoulder as a grumpy huff came from the nest room. “And you to, y/n.” David glanced back and sighed as you stared at him innocently.

“Okay. Bed time, for real this time.” He said, keeping an arm around Paul and leading them all back towards the nest. You grinned and grabbed hold of Paul’s hand. He smiled down at you before leaning down sneakily.

“Hey, you got any more of those things?” Your smile widened as you pulled more glow in the dark stickers. Paul giggled and swung your joined hands back and forth.

“It looks awful dark in here, don’t you think?”

[sansypansy]

"He'll always choose me over you."

Dick was prepared for the right hook Bruce delivered. He wasn't, however, prepared for the sheer force put into the punch.

"Shit, Bruce." He spat out the metallic taste on his tongue. "I thought you said this was just a spar."

"It is a spar."

"Then why does it feel like you're just using me as a punching bag?"

The two alphas circled each other slowly on the mat. Dick had lost track of how much time had passed since they'd begun. All he knew was the way Bruce was acting made Dick's hackles rise and triggered his furious instincts.

"You're overthinking it," Bruce countered. "You're just a bit out of shape. Try harder."

He lunged with another punch ready, but this time Dick blocked him and locked them in position to snarl in Bruce's face.

"You forget I'm a master at dealing with your bullshit."

Dick slammed his knee into Bruce's gut then delivered a hit to the chest with his elbow. He finished off with a backflip kick and landed gracefully a good distance away from the older alpha.

"This about Damian asking me to share his heats, isn't it?"

Bruce growled. Jackpot.

Dick huffed ironically, lips forming a condescending smirk.

"God, you're such a manchild. It's not my fault I treated him so good the first time. Sounds like a skill issue."

It was a taunt. Dick knew why Damian came to him - they had a special emotional bond. Dami trusted him.

And one day, Dick hoped it would become more.

Bruce didn't have that with Damian, and Dick knew the man was jealous. He was Damian's Batman first, and Bruce couldn't take that away from them.

He wouldn't let him.

Dick was ready to block the right hook this time.

"He's my Pack Omega," Bruce grunted in his Batman voice. "You're attempting to take a position that should not be yours."

"Yeah well that doesn't make you his alpha either!" Dick growled, flashing his fangs. "The Pack Omega made his choice and not even you can contest it."

The spar turned into a full blown fight as Bruce grew more aggressive with his punches and Dick pulled all the stops to taunt and push back as much as possible. This was personal, now.

"Even if you win, it still won't change anything," Dick spat. "Damian will always choose me, not you."

"If I win, you will stop playing mates with my omega."

"He's not yours! He's mine!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Both alphas froze mid-fight as their heads snapped toward the direction of the shout. Damian stood on the cave's railing, scent reeking of fury and indignation.

"Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves." He scoffed. "I am not a prize for you to act like immature children who do not want to share their toys! I am a person with my own feelings, you foolish alphas!"

"Dami, that's not--" Dick fumbled, but was promptly cut off.

"Save it, Grayson. I had expected better from you, especially when I chose you to help me through my heats. But it seems to me that my judgement was poorly placed."

Damian glared at the Pack Alpha with the same intensity.

"Neither of you are stepping foot in my nest this cycle."

Bruce and Dick exploded in protests, but Damian merely dismissed them with a growl.

"I have other alphas to give that privilege. I'm sure Drake or Todd wouldn't be too opposed. They've been sniffing after me for a while now."

He turned on his heels, tossing them a cold glance.

"I hope this will be an enlightening moment for you both."

With that, the Pack Omega strutted away, leaving behind two sulking and fuming alphas.

But the lesson wasn't learned, because they would blame each other for this terrible outcome for many days.

[smallestapplin]

*steeples fingers*

My beautiful, lovely noodle.

Omega Submas x Omega Reader?

Can be polyamory or not. Your choice for NSFW or SFW.

(Also here’s your reminder that you’re amazing! 🥰)

~Spark💥

IM THRIVING FOR THIS! Went smut, heat cycles, just as an excuse to world build a little. (Also I adore you, and will maim for you. My sweet darlin spark-)

🔞Cw : afab reader, shared between the two, heats🔞

-

-

-

Ingo and Emmet think being mated to another omega was the best decision they have ever made, you understood them in ways most could not, understood their struggles, and what they meant by ‘yes nest, but it’s not right.’

They adore you.

You make their days better, and they are happy to do so in return. However, there is something most don’t mention when omegas enter a courtship together.

The heats.

Of course, with all three of you being fully grown omegas, you were very aware of heats, and how yours felt versus theirs. But it was like a change happened when they bit into your scent gland, and you theirs.

But when your heat started, it triggered theirs, causing the entire house to reek of in-heat omegas. But neither of you cares, only focusing on soothing the unbearable arousal overtaking you.

Ingo tried so hard to stay calm and to be the voice of reason. He’d go out of his way to run a bath, make dinner, and get snacks and drinks.

But his cock is fighting against his pants, his eyes keep filling up with tears with just how turned on he is, it’s just too much! And he hasn’t even gotten to fuck you yet!

Just listening to you cry, and beg for your mates has him gripping the kitchen counter.

‘N-need it! Fuck me, fuck m!- ah!- more! M’gonna break!’

Ingo doesn’t know how he’s managed this long, but he had to since Emmet snapped at just the smell of your heat.

It triggered the younger twins’ heat too, leaving him sobbing against your neck as he fucks you relentlessly.

The headboard slams against the wall, much like the slamming your needy hole is taking.

Ingo knew his turn would be soon, but he just needed to make sure everything was prepared and ready before then. But the question is, will he make it?

‘Take it! Take it! Mmfuck- darrliiing!!’

Ingo is surprised at the level of rage he feels, hearing Emmet when it should be him making you feel good, making you cum.

He’s quick to finish up meal prep, finishing it just as your squeal echoes throughout the house. Fuck, you always sound so pretty when you cum! Ingo can’t help but rub his cock through his pants, trying to ease the tension.

But that means it’s his turn! The older twin has never moved so fast, rushing to the bedroom before Emmet can get another turn with you.

The younger twin nearly growls as his brother comes barreling through the door. He doesn’t care if he looks like a mess, he wants more of you!

“Learn to share our mate.”

Before Emmet can retaliate, you whine so prettily, shaking your ass from your downward position.

“P-please, want my mates! Fuck me, mark my pussy!”

You sob as Emmet is yanked away from you, leaving you to fall to your side on the bed. Ingo towers over you, cooing at you so sweetly, and nuzzling against your neck.

“Foods prepped, now go.” The older twin growls out to his brother.

Emmet simply groans dramatically and takes his leave. Letting you and Ingo finally be alone.

The stoic man can’t describe how much he wants you.

All his instincts screaming at him to submit to you, which seems you were thinking of as well. He yelps as you flip him onto his back, and tear his pants, leaving his throbbing cock bare.

“Ingooo, please! Fuck I need it- need you!”

“Yes yes use me! M’yours! Only for you!”

His eyes roll back, and his mouth hangs out with a loud cry. Your ass smacks wetly against his thighs. You grip his shoulders with a cock drunk smile, while you feverishly fuck yourself on his dick.

Two omegas in mindless heats, pawing at each other and babbling unintelligible nonsense, drunk off each other, drowning in each other's scents.

No one told you three just how desperate and shameless it could get, but fuck if you aren’t addicted.

[becauseplot]

(Alright I know everyone’s got their own lore reasons as to what their qsmp characters are up to while the qsmp Brazil meetup is happening but I have this stupid crack silly fluffy headcanon(??) alternative rattling around in my brain that brings me much joy. So.)

It starts with Roier and Cellbit.

Like most others on the Island, the past couple weeks have been tough for them both. With Cellbit spending most of his time in his office at the Ordo and Roier out working tirelessly (ceaselessly) on Bobby's city, neither of them are home very much, and neither of them are sleeping very much either. When the do make it back to the castle to sleep, the other has either already left or leaves before the other can wake up beside them. Two ships passing in the night. It's awful on several levels, not just physical.

Cellbit broaches the subject first because he knows Roier won’t---neither of them can keep going like this. It's just not sustainable. They're both exhausted. It's becoming increasingly clear that the situation on the Island with the missing eggs isn't going to be improving anytime soon. (If at all; he doesn't say that, though.) Cellbit's brain needs a break, Roier's heart needs a break. They need to regroup. So Cellbit suggests that they sleep.

It's not unheard of for someone on the Island to just conk out for a few days; it's pretty commonplace, actually. (Cellbit teases Roier that he's a pro at oversleeping, and Roier calls him an asshole in three different languages.) They get everything prepared to spend a long weekend asleep, then Cellbit goes to Forever and Pac, Roier goes to Jaiden, and they explain why they're going to be MIA for a bit.

Forever, Pac, and Jaiden totally get it. In fact, they understand all too well. With everything that's been going on, being passed the fuck out for a few days doesn't sound too bad, actually...

One way or another, Roier and Cellbit end up extending an invitation to their friends, saying that there's plenty of room at the castle if they want. They could make a little get-together out of it. And all three accept. So now Forever, Pac, and Jaiden are staying over too.

But of course, Forever, Pac, and Jaiden have to tell their friends where they'll be, so Forever talks to Baghera and Bad, and Pac talks to Mike and the rest of the morning crew, and Jaiden talks to Slime and Foolish and Mouse and anyone she bumps into, really, and Cellbit and Roier see the global chat messages of other tired people on the Island bringing it up in conversation with each other, and they decide, well fuck it, and they make an announcement:

Long depression nap sleepover at the castle this weekend, everyone is invited, bring your own blankets :D

Not everyone goes, of course. Etoiles doesn't feel he can afford to nap when the codes are still prowling about, Tubbo is getting ready to set some big plans in motion, Bad is...doing whatever it is that Bad does nowadays. People have matters to attend to.

But a good chunk of the island decides it's time for a collective fuck-this-I'm-goin'-back-to-bed break. They all show up at the castle at or around the agreed upon time, bringing food to share and drinks to pass around. It's a surprisingly good time, all things considered, casual but still playful and chaotic as all gatherings on the Island tend to be.

After some shenanigans getting the furniture moved out of the way, the guests get themselves set up in the foyer and main hall downstairs, having brought whatever they need for their respective sleeping arrangements: the avians bring blankets and personal belongings for their nests; Foolish drags a massive mattress out of his inventory to accommodate his full, un-shape-shifted height; Fit has a strange, sagging semi-hammock contraption that allows him to sleep without setting his spawnpoint. Cellbit and Roier think of their bed upstairs, shrug, and get themselves situated down on the floor in the hall with everyone else with a spare mattress they find.

Everyone gets cozy. Some people (coughFelpscough) peace-out immediately. Others stay up and chat and tell stories and gossip and giggle and shush each other like little kids at...well, like little kids at a sleepover. It's fun. But one by one, those people drift off as well, and eventually, it's just Roier and Cellbit who are left awake.

As they lay there in the darkness on the twin-sized mattress they pulled out of storage, they stare up at the vaulted ceiling high above their heads, and they listen to them breathing. All of their friends breathing---sleeping, shifting, sighing. Murmuring things, names, in their sleep, dreaming dreams. Good dreams, they hope. They could all do with something good right about now. Just a little something.

Roier whispers this was a nice idea. Cellbit hums in agreement. He closes his eyes and turns and curls around his husband and drags the blanket up to their chins. Roier pulls him in, and they slot together like two puzzle pieces, not a hair's width between them. Cellbit gives Roier a soft kiss. He feels his husband smile against his lips.

Maybe things can get better. Maybe.

They sleep.

[hannibals-favourite-meal]

Can I ask for a sam wilson prompt with I want a family, and can it have smut and fluff please?

.⋆｡Build Our Nest｡⋆.

Sam Wilson x plus size reader

After spending the day caring for Cass and AJ, you and Sam realise that you want kids of your own.

Warnings: smut, unprotected sex, breeding kink, fluff

WC: 670

Minors DNI

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

3000 Follower Celebration

The Louisiana sun had been incredibly hot that day but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of your boyfriend’s nephews. They ran and played for a solid 12 hours before collapsing into their beds, too tired to even change into their pyjamas.

You smiled down at them as you tucked them in, ensuring that both were dead to the world. You gave each of them a kiss on their heads before cautiously walking out of their room, leaving the door open just an inch.

“They sleep like the dead, you don’t have to be so cautious.” A deep voice startled you. You squeaked in shock, only just managing to slam your hand over your mouth before you made any more noise. Sam stood at the end of the hall, laughing at you

“You asshole!” You hissed, “I’m trying to get into their good books!” With a light step, you traversed the short hallway, intent on slipping past your boyfriend but  evidently, he wasn’t going to let that slide. Sam grabbed your wide hips with his right hand and tugged you back into his strong chest.

You fought his hold for a moment but as his woodsy cologne washed over you, you slumped against him. “Buttercup, they like you more than they like me. I think you’re good.” He chuckled as he pressed a loving kiss to your hair and gave your side a firm squeeze. “Now, let’s get you home. I’ve been neglected all day and I think I deserve some lovin now.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yeah yeah, only if you open a bottle of wine.” 

“Whatever you want, buttercup.” He pecked your temple and guided you down the stairs with a chuckle.

With all the windows in your small home thrown open, a pleasant sea breeze fluttered over you and your boyfriend as you sat on your couch. Two empty wine glasses sat on the coffee table, their transparent surfaces stained red and yet neither of you made a move to go clean them.

Your lips were locked together in a kiss that had started off as one of your typical pecks but quickly heated to a full on make out as Sam grabbed the back of your head, keeping your lips against his. Something had gotten into your boyfriend and you weren’t complaining.

“Sam.” You moaned as his kisses travelled from your mouth to your jaw then travelled down to your neck, where he began to bite and nip at the delicate skin. “What’s gotten into you?” 

“Just hoping I can get into you.” He murmured against your pulse while not-so-subtly pushing you back to lay down.

“Sam.” You said more firmly. He sighed.

“I want a family with you. You’re just so good with the boys and I kept thinking about how you would be with our kids.” His voice didn’t waver, he knew what he wanted and he wanted it now.

“Then take your pants off Captain, we’ve got some babies to make.” 

The next thing you knew, you were on your back, stripped down to nothing as Sam hovered over you, his big hands gripping your plush thighs. He pulled them over his hips, spreading your legs open for him. Your tongues tangled together as Sam tilted your lower body upwards, positioning the head of his bare cock at your entrance.

“Fuck!” He groaned into your ear. Your mouth dropped open in a silent scream, your nails digging into his back as your ankles locked over his ass. “Buttercup you gotta relax, you’re too tight.”

“Feels too good. Need you to get me pregnant.” Sam’s hips bucked at your words, forcing his thick cock even deeper into you. You could feel him throbbing almost violently, as if he was about to cum. 

“You’re in for it now. There’s no way you aren’t going to have my baby after tonight.” He growled, pulling his hips back and slam forward again. “Get ready buttercup, I’m not going to go easy on you.”

“Bring it on.”

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[jungle-angel]

Of Tricks and Treats (Rhett Abbott x Reader)

Summary: You and Rhett are trying to get your store ready for Halloween, but your little ghouls can't keep their hands off the baked goods

The whole store smelled of fall, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, honey, freshly cut wood, pumpkins, apples and leaves. It was a place that you and Rhett were happy to finally own, pulling in the extra funds to feed your ever growing family while at the same time, becoming your happy place.

Rhett had just finished jarring the last little bit of honey you had gotten from the beehives during the summer, placing them on the little whitewashed table with all the rest. Summer had been a blast with the tourist boom giving you a huge boost, but now that fall was here, you both knew that the store would do just as well as it had during the summer.

He poked his head into the little kitchen to find you making all the Halloween treats that would attract everyone in town. He couldn't get enough of them and neither could the kids, little spider's nest cupcakes, cookies that were shaped like pumpkins, bats and Day of the Dead skulls with their bright colors, Rice Krispy treats that looked like little mummies, skeleton cakes and little brownies that had green zombie hands poking out of it.

"Smells good in here darlin," he purred, leaning in to kiss your cheek. "What's cookin?"

"Bat cookies," you told him. "I finished the Oreo spider nest cupcakes a few minutes ago."

Rhett couldn't resist the tantalizing smell of the cookies that had just come out of the oven. "I'll be back," he said, giving you one more kiss on the cheek that made you scrunch up and giggle.

"Don't you go sneaking any of these," you warned him. "Your mom's making dinner."

Rhett chuckled as he went back to work in the main area of the store, unpacking the dyed wool that you and Rhett had gotten from the sheep that roamed your property. The heavy scent of pumpkins and apples had made him a little drowsy, his stomach gurgling from not having eaten lunch. Even the incense that was in the jars on the shelves had made his head a little spacey.

"Rhett?"

"Hmm?"

He was surprised to find you standing close by with the cookie plate missing at least four of the cookies you had baked. "Any idea where the cookies went?"

"What?"

"There were twenty on the plate and I've only counted sixteen," you told him.

"I didn't take any, I swear."

"Rhett....."

"Darlin I promise you I did not take the cookies."

"Well if you didn't, then who did?"

Rhett shrugged and shook his head.

You went back to the kitchen and left your husband to his own devices, but when you returned, two of the cupcakes were missing off the plate along with some of the Rice Krispy treats.

"Alright," you sighed. "Either we've got house elves or something's amiss here."

"Darlin, again, I did NOT take anything off the plate," Rhett insisted.

"Really?" you asked him. "Because I assumed by the way you were looking at the zombie brownies....."

"Sweetheart," he said. "I still swear on my Grandpa's good name that I did NOT sneak any of the baked goods."

The clatter of a cookie being taken off a plate reached both your ears when you saw Amy in her little knit hat and black and white checked flannel sneaking two more bat cookies off the plate and giggling.

"Shit!" you hissed.

"HAH!" Rhett exclaimed. "I TOLD YA'LL IT WASN'T ME!"

You both charged after Amy to the storage room and found not only her, but Hannah and the twins hiding amidst their little box fort with their stash of cookies, candies, cakes and mini tartlets they had all stolen off the shelves.

"Oh my God," you groaned.

"I told ya," Rhett laughed. "I done told ya darlin!"

As soon as the baking was done for the evening and the store had been closed up, you and Rhett loaded up the four little ghouls and headed back for home. The ride had been a noisy one with the kids being louder than usual due to the sudden sugar rush they had acquired at the store.

"Oh my word," Cecelia groaned when she saw the frosting all over the kids faces. "Rhett, what the hell did they eat?"

"Most of our inventory, Ma," he chuckled.

"Damnit, and I had made a mac n cheese bake for dinner," she swore.

"Well, turn'em loose in the yard Cece, maybe they'll burn it all off and get hungry," Royal told her as he unloaded Tanner from his carseat.

You didn't mind your mother and father-in-law taking them off your hands for a while, turning the kids loose in the yard to run off their sugar high before dinner.

"What?" Rhett asked when he saw you laughing.

"Just so you know, you're putting them to bed tonight," you laughed.

Rhett groaned in frustration. "Brush their teeth and give them their baths too?"

"Yep," you said as he drew you in.

Rhett ran his hands through his hair and sighed. He loved all of you to death, but he just hoped that the kids would crash and sleep deeply until the next morning.