#pj is barking in approval

[hiwelcometothemonstersancturary]

Oh trust me, this whole thing will be HILARIOUS. Not even Prototype himself was expecting that reaction from Angel even with their coworker's knowledge that they can and WILL beat others up. Prototype is lucky Angel was using a grabpack and not one of these bad boys:

I know my version of Angel is just a tired lady trying their best to look after a family of +80 toys but sometimes even I forget the fact that they beat up Prototype before they convinced him to Not Go With The Suicide Plan(tm).

[cinnablu3]

Beautiful Stranger - Kitty Adventures Pt1

Masterlist

After finally settling down in her dorm, she walks with Mai and Momo to join Principal Yoshinobu's meeting as he had requested an appearance from everyone. Entering the room, she sees her classmates standing in silence before getting a word in, a voice chimed in. "Nice of you to finally join us Y/n, next time please arrive with everyone else, it's a hassle to wait for someone to arrange a meeting." Principal Yoshinobu said, now all eyes on her. The feeling of embarrassment creeps up on her cheeks ignoring it she nods. "My apologies Sir, excuse my tardiness I'll make sure to be with everyone next time." He nods, approving her apology as he clears his throat. "Now that everyone is finally here, we can start on why I requested you all. As we all know Sukuna vessel itadori Yuji is alive." Receiving nods from everyone, "I cannot allow him to breathe or exist any longer, I want him executed tomorrow. I'll make sure to rule it up as an accident but be successful." Everyone nods while Todo doesn't seem into instead he heads to the door. "Count me out, I don't want any involvement if anyone tries to bark up any orders at me expect death." He walks out as Principal Yoshinobu huffs. "Everyone is excused, I'm counting on you all." He finally makes his exit as he gets farther the tone of the room shifts.

She relaxed smiling and finally getting the chance to greet her classmates while they gave her an aloof look in return. While Miwa who gave her a small smile and a wave. Walking out to stretch her limbs yawning. "Boring nonsense don't you think?" She looks back, "I'm hungry, let's go for ramen?" While Momo and Mai shake their head causing her raise a brow. "You want ramen since it's cheap, I'm thinking sushi or fast food since you are inviting us to lunch." Mai grins while she groans in response. "I Thought you guys forgot." Momo smiles, "We aren't ones to pass up on free food, so let's go out for lunch."

Smiling at her phone before she can stand up, Mai throws an arm over her still asleep she tries to leave her grasp, and Mai starts trying to pull her finally she grabs her pillow slowly sliding down as the pillow takes her place. She grabs her phone and heads towards the bathroom. A few minutes later she walks out feeling refreshed, deciding to explore walking out the dorm leaving behind a sleeping Mai and Momo. Walking down the halls wearing her pj's humming a tune, "Meow." She looks around confused "Meow." Walking towards the window she looks up noticing a cat stuck in a tree, "I'll get you out let me just put my shoes...er my slippers should be fine.." she looks down at her feet before running her way outside heading to the tree. "Meow." Opening up her arms. "Jump down I'll catch you I swear." The cat is shaking as the cat looks down, "meow!" "JUMP!" She yells at the cat. "Kelp." Tensing up at the sudden voice before turning around and seeing Inumaki approaching her.

'I SHOULD'VE CHANGE!' Thinking to herself but shaking off the feeling of embarrassment She points at the cat up in the tree, "A cat stuck.. can you help me get the cat down.." "Salmon." Smiling at his responsibility before getting fidgety "I have a plan." Inumaki nods his head, "I was thinking um.. if I can get on top of your shoulders stand on them and I can reach for the cat..if that's fine with you.." Flustered that the words came out of her mouth. "Salmon." He replies, squatting down. "Are you sure it's fine that I can climb on top of you?" She was hesitant, "MEOW!" The cat answering for him, she decided to go through with it now putting her leg on each side of his shoulders, he stood up holding her thighs tight. "Please don't drop me." "Salmon." He stands up holding onto her tight.

Author Note: so part 2 of this chapter will be out later or tomorrow I had to break it up due to how long it was getting. Finally a long chap! :))

Taglist: @shutingstar @megumisdivinedogs @yapperalert @walllflowerrrsss @tomikixd @ind1col1te @lostsomewhereinthegarden @corvid007 @1ndee @lovley212

[ms-all-sunday]

pjs posting every single character what they wear to bed lets go

luffy - the exact same thing he wears everyday no changes. everybody wants to kill him for this and they eventually get him out of the sleep jeans post TS but it takes an unreasonable amount of time

zoro - very little or nothing at all. naked completely. (sensory issues) nami buys him a robe so they dont have to see him naked in the middle of the night and its a compromise.

nami - she has a LOT of pjs for every occasion and when she wears her own it radically depends on what the circumstances are. keyword there is when she wears her own. chronic stealer of clothes (in general) but also especially to sleep in because people arent usually wearing their own clothes anyway. the only clothes she hasnt stolen temporarily to sleep in is luffys sleep jeans and sanjis suits and frankys sleep-speedo. everything else is fair game. she will also do this directly from the laundry pile and will never admit that to anybody. (she thinks its gross and like depending on the item of clothing yeah it is. its never TOO gross though she has standards)

usopp - normal about it. he has his own pjs and when its hot he sleeps in only his underwear and uh because of sleeping arrangements yeah its hot a lot of the time.

sanji - objectively not normal about it. sleeps in his SUITS. hes convinced out of them easier than luffy is the sleep jeans but he needs fabric covering every part of his body at all times because he has sensory issues. (nami buys him pjs but they go shopping together he slowly gets more and more extra with his pj preferences over time but they always have to cover every inch of them unless in very specific circumstances.) hes also similar to nami in the sense that he'll wear other peoples shit to bed but he's less indiscriminate and more secretive about it.

chopper - he has a small pair of pjs for when he gets cold which isn't often and it's only pants as opposed to his shorts (which are made out of pj fabric anyways)

robin - VICTORIAN NIGHTGOWN. not all of them are white, some of them are other colours. black. purple. one of them is blue and its quite pretty. post TS she gets nightgown colours matching all her family/expands out of the historical nightgowns but still wears nightgowns. (she morbidly loves the red one she bought matching luffy because it makes her look like even more of a murdered ghost than before) it's also because of sensory issues similar to zoros and the opposite of sanjis but she just opts for loose fitting clothing instead of no clothing at all. the thriller bark outfit was actually pjs. robin loved being in wano similar to zoro because the clothes there fit her sensory issues better than most regions.

franky - the same swimsuit and it didnt last long. complaints were lodged (robin doesnt mind swimsuit material normally under the light of the sun and god but uh in the case of sleeping absolutely not. chopper complained too because he likes to curl up on frankys lap and he doesnt like the swimsuit material either) he took them in and adjusted. he now has normal fabric underwear that looks like a speedo. (hand crafted by himself)

he also made modifications to his front so he'd be a better texture/softness for cuddling at literally everybodys request. he was so very happy about this honestly even though he realized the challenge of remaining indestructible but still cuddle-able he was up for it if it meant his family wanted to hug him more. (he made these changes before ts but really considered them post ts and made even better modifications then. EVERYBODY approved.)

brook - he likes historical pjs like robin does but goes for masc and fem versions hes like similar amount of normal to usopp. BUT he does have to pad his pjs with some kind of fluffy material so they're a little thicker than they would be for a normal person (nobody likes sleeping with an overly boney skeleton. and he sows them in himself) and he doesnt have to worry about getting hot because he has no body heat. (this is also why he manages to layer so many clothing items on eachother despite it being generally pretty hot) he is a robe person but not by force like Zoro is and robin will take it (sometimes they share pjs and it's an agreed upon thing unlike their younger crewmates whom of which two of them are just immature thieves.)

[kurlyfrasier]

Terrified: Part 4

Raph x Reader

Synopsis: Raph saves you from ruffians one night in an alley after watching out for you for weeks without you knowing. Which leads you to getting to know the guys and becoming part of the family. But Raph keeps a distance and you don’t understand why. 

Word Count: 1708

Warnings: None

I woke up later than intended- much later, as in waking in the afternoon later- red-eyed and weary from the tears shed the night before. I had decided, once I had calmed down enough to think beyond losing the boys- most especially Raph- that tonight would be my last movie night. At least, for a while. I also planned on telling them they need not walk me home after work. Granted, I had no idea how I planned on convincing them that they weren’t needed. 

Maybe I could tell them I’m moving? Getting a new job?

I sighed, looking into the mirror. If tonight was going to be my last night seeing Ra- them, then I would make the most of it. I decided I would look my best, without looking desperate...hopefully. Sadly, this meant I did not get to start my new book since l only had about an hour until Mikey would be here to pick me up. Yet another reason to stop burdening the boys. Regretting the fact that I wouldn’t get to wear pajamas like I usually do on movie nights, I trudged to my closet.

A little over an hour later Mikey found me in the middle of brushing just a tad bit of make-up on; to cover up my red-rimmed eyes. 

“Whoa angelcakes,” he drawled once I stepped out of the bathroom, eyeing my long, fitted sweater dress- because it gets cold in the lair- and warm leggings with comfortable Chuck Taylors. 

See? Not desperate. Comfy.

“Raph is gonna lov-” He stopped himself short when I gave him a quizzical look. “I mean, you look hot, dudette. Got any plans tonight?” he wiggled, what one would call, his eyebrows, erupting a giggle out of me. 

“Only to hang out with my besties, that’s all,” I shrugged, grabbing my phone, hoping he wouldn’t comment about my not-so-usual outfit once we got to the lair. I really did not want it made more obvious than it already is.

“Sounds like the best plan, but are you sure you don’t wanna bring pj’s for after?”

“I’m sure, Mikey,” I smiled reassuringly up at him as he plucked me up out of the window and onto the roof. “These are just as comfortable as pajamas, promise.”

“Okay then, let’s go,” he helped me onto his shell. “Can’t wait to beat you in a new racing game I got,” he hopped from roof to roof, holding me tight. I couldn’t help but compare his smaller, bulky size to Raph. I don’t think I would have been able to hold on to his shell quite as well.

“You’re on, man. But don’t come crying to me when you lose.”

He barked out a laugh and we stayed silent until we got to the man-hole cover.

“Hey, angelcakes,” Mikey started sheepishly when we got to the bottom of the ladder, scratching the back of his neck. “I wanted to ask…”

“Yeah?” I gave him an encouraging smile.

“Did somethin’ spook you last night?” He blurted out.

“No,” I furrowed my brows, confused about where this is coming from. Unless…

“Raph said you were running for your life after you got off the subway. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”

“Oh,” I tried thinking of an excuse, averting my gaze. “I just didn’t want to be a burden, is all.”

Not a complete lie.

“A burden?” He looked shocked as I turned toward their home and started walking that way, hoping to hide my despondency. “You’re not a burden, angelcakes! Besides, before that night in the alley, Raph was already-”

I stopped in my tracks as Mikey sauntered ahead.

“I mean, we like making sure you're okay. We don’t want a repeat of that night we first met,” he continued rambling, but I wasn’t listening. I wanted to know what he was gonna say about Raph. After a few steps he realized I wasn’t next to him anymore. “Come on, Y/n. Don’t want ya to get lost.”

I nodded, unwilling to ask my question as we continued our trek to the lair. I took a deep, calming breath to brace myself before entering the living room area where I knew Splinter, the wonderful father that he is, would be prepping for homemade pizza. Donnie had made an old brick oven not long ago and built it directly underneath a grate above that they only opened when baking pizza so the smoke would have an escape. I found it ingenious because now they could have pizza whenever they wanted. Which was always. A small smile formed at the thought.

Not five steps in and Raph blocked my path, arms crossed as he assessed me for injuries. I stared straight into his chest, unable to meet his all-seeing gaze. He would know something was wrong the moment we made eye contact, he always did.

“Bro, she’s fiiiine,” Mikey sang, lightly punching Raph’s shoulder as he walked by. “I would never let anything happen to her. She is my precious sister, after all.”

Raph ignored him, grunting in approval with a curt nod before walking away. Allowing me to breathe again, not realizing I had held my breath in the first place.

~~~~~~~~~~

Raph was anxious to see you. He had been attempting to work it off all day, to no avail. Everytime he closed his eyes he saw you, standing in front of him, looking small, keeping your thoughts to yourself. 

He growled in frustration, clenching his hands into fists. If only he knew what had you so utterly shattered last night.

He needed to see you.

He needed to know you were safe.

Raph breathed out a sigh of relief when he heard you and Mikey coming, but stopped short when he saw what you were wearing. Vaguely, he wondered where you had come from to be looking so good. That red sweater stuck to your form as if it was painted on. It may have covered almost every inch of skin from your thighs up, but it hardly left room for the imagination. Thos leggings did the same.

Where were your baggy pj’s?

Robotically, he blocked your path to determine if you had been hurt. Really though, it was all a ruse. He just wanted to have a good look at you. He crossed his arms over his chest to keep himself from holding you close. The fact that you wouldn’t meet his gaze had his blood running cold. You always at least gave him a tentative glance and a smile. Next to him, Mikey said something about you being his precious sister, but all he could think was that you were his precious everything. He didn’t even feel his brother’s light punch as he walked by.

He grunted as if saying “that’ll do” and walked away, wishing he knew what was wrong. Wishing he could make it all better.

“I’m gonna go help Donnie with something before we play, okay Mikey?” You spoke barely above a whisper before heading to Donnie’s lab. 

The moment you were out of sight he rounded on Mikey. “So wha’ didya find out?” he growled in in his face.

“Nothin’, bro!” Mikey held his hands up in surrender, backing away. “She said something like not wanting to be a burden. I don’t know. She was kinda quiet though. I barely got her to smile.”

“But nothin’ ‘bout wha’ scared her?” he asked low, peeking around to make sure you hadn’t decided to come back.

“Nadda. Just said she didn’t wanna be a burden. I told her she’s not. That we like takin’ her home, but,” he paused when he noticed Raph shaking, stiff as a board. “Uh-oh…”

Raph stomped away toward Donnie’s lab, barely able to comprehend what Mikey was telling him. 

You? A burden?

Never.

He planned on shaking you to your senses until he heard what you were saying to Donnie.

“...gonna take some self-defense classes so you guys don’t have to walk me home anymore. What do you think?”

Raph leaned against the wall, going to a whole new level of low with eavesdropping. He decided it was worth it if he could figure out what was wrong.

“We could teach you,” Donnie offered offhandedly. “Besides, we like taking you home. We can actually have a conversation as we protect you.”

“Nah, you guys are busy as it is,” you paused. “Plus, I don’t want to bother you guys even more.”

“What are you talking about, Y/n?” Something clattered, a sign that you have Donnie’s full attention. “You’re no bother. Did something happen?”

“No, nothing happened,” you sighed before continuing quietly. “I just- I might be getting another job-”

“You’re a terrible liar, you know that, right?” Donnie chuckled in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Is this about last night? I heard you were running from something.”

“Ugh! I wanted to get home faster! That’s all,” you fumed, stomping a foot, demanding why the boys kept asking you about last night.

“We’re worried, Y/n,” Donnie stated calmly. “You spend a lot of time with us. That could make you a target. Especially if anyone figures out how much you mean to Ra- uh… us.”

“Fine,” you seethed. “I’ll stop hanging out with you guys, then. That way nobody will have to worry about my safety.”

Donnie’s call for you fell on deaf ears as Raph snuck into the darkened room across from the lab, your steps echoed down the hall. He sunk low in the shadows and held his head close to his knees, eyes shut tight in a sad attempt to keep the tears from flowing freely. He couldn’t breathe. His heart felt as though it were being shattered into a million pieces.

You were leaving? The thought ricocheted through his brain.

What had happened to bring this about? Everything was fine until last night.

Maybe someone got to you already? The thought had his blood boiling. Allowed him to breathe. He had a purpose; to find out what happened in the ten minutes you were on the subway. He was determined to keep you close. Keep you safe. No matter the cost. Even if he had to lock you in his room.

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

Part 5

[alison-anonymous]

second chances pt. 2 ♡ lou

Second Chances Part 2 ♡ Lou Imagine

♡♡♡

       This was crazy. No, scratch that. It was absolutely INSANE. It had been about three weeks since the sleepover with the girls and your sudden revelation that you did indeed have a crush on Lou (it was just a little one), and you hadn’t seen nor heard a thing from him. But, driven by the hope your friends had given you added with the constant encouragement and bewildering dreams of yours, you weren’t ready to give up just yet. Perhaps they had a point. Lou wasn’t the kind to just fall for someone, no, he turned down every offer he got and never gave out any either for that matter.

       So him having the hots for you? Well, that was a one in a million. You weren’t going to let that go to waste. 

       That’s why you were here, standing outside of the storage faculty building. Of course, Kitty and Mandy had accompanied you to Lou’s old mansion first, but once the robots sent you away telling you he no longer lived here, they went back to their homes as it was getting late. But you were determined. So, you went to the place where he worked hoping to find him there. What you weren’t expecting was everything that happened next...

♡♡♡

       You sucked in a deep breath for courage, patting down your hair, praying to the big world above that you didn’t have a huge blemish or smeared makeup on your face. You were standing in front of the supply closet, the one that you were told was where you could find Lou by Ugly Dog (who was passing by with the big mechanical dog that was supposedly Lou’s patrol officer). 

       Should I knock? You thought. I mean, it wasn’t a house. But you didn’t know if he was even in there or not. Shrugging to yourself, you decided to throw caution to the wind and twisted the button doorknob. The storage closet was pretty dingy, to be honest. The stitching in the shelves was uneven and the fabric walls had splotches of drained color. A strange smell seeped through your nostrils and sent your stomach churning even more than it already was from the butterflies. And butterflies only meant one thing - Lou was in close proximity.

       A fluorescent bulb flickered from the ceiling as you carefully treaded through the room, trying to peer through the shelves of buckets and mops for a certain doll with yellow hair. You were nearing the end of the room when you heard a clang to your right. Swiveling around in the direction, your shoes clacking against the floor, you turned to stare at Lou, holding a gardening hoe out in front of him as if it were a weapon, a terrified look on his face. You quickly let out a scream, holding your hands up before you in surrender.

       “It’s just me!” You cried out. He blinked his gorgeous blue eyes rapidly, dropping the tool with a clang and running over to you, grabbing one of your hands. 

       “I’m so sorry,” he apologized, planting a warm kiss on the back of your hand. The room suddenly went from room temperature to 110 degrees very quickly. “I thought you were a robber.”

       You let out a giggle, watching as he planted another kiss on your hand before lowering it to give you an apologetic smile. “It’s fine, really. You just scared me a little. Wait...” That was when you saw it. A little ways behind him, on the cold floor, laid a pillow and a bunch of dirty blankets, folded over on another in an attempt to make a makeshift bed. Lou’s eyes followed your gaze and once he realized where they had landed, he quickly stepped in front of it.

       “It’s not what it looks like,” he exclaimed. 

       “Oh really? Because it looks like you’ve been sleeping in the supply closet. Like everyone forgot that you’re still a doll too and deserve a place to live.” You retorted, snarling the last bit in disgust at your people. He sighed, scratching the back of his neck. 

       “Alright, so maybe it’s exactly what it looks like.” 

       “What happened, Lou?” You asked curiously, stepping by him to glance around the rest of the room. He was smart, choosing one of the only spots that wasn’t covered in water or strange chemicals. Still, it was no place to live.

       “...Once Moxy and Ox took over as Co-Leaders of Imperfectionville, they handed my mansion over to the robots and created a bunch of new homes for all the newcomers. The Perfections still got their old homes if they wanted them, but there were a bunch of new ones made to fit the growing population. After a while, I guess they just forgot about me. But I’m doing fine, you know?” He chuckled awkwardly. You stepped closer to him, making eye contact as blue met e/c. 

       Lightbulb. 

       “You’re coming with me,” You grinned in realization. He furrowed his brows in confusion. 

       “Wait, what?” 

       “Grab your stuff,” you whipped around and began picking up the pillows and folding up the blankets, making sure to leave behind the ones soaking up the strange, unnamed chemicals. “You’re crashing at my place.” 

       His eyes bugged out in shock, some of his yellow hair falling into his eyes. Taking a daring move, you stood back up, and slowly brushed the loose strands back, allowing your hand to linger atop his head. His eyes met yours once more, and the lack of distance between you two was suddenly very noticeable. But neither of you moved. A soft silence fell between you two as you just stood there, your breaths mingling with one another until he finally broke the silence.

       “I can’t ask you to do this for me, Y/n,” he sighed. You smirked at him. 

       “You didn’t. I’m kidnapping you,” he chuckled, making your grin broaden. It was nice to see him smile. “Besides, what would you do if anyone else offered their home to you?” 

        “Duh, I’d say yes.” 

        “So then why is it any different with me?” You asked in bewilderment, opening the door for the both of you as you two headed out into the night, guided by the street lights. 

        “I...”

        “Lou, just tell me.” He scratched the back of his neck again, a nervous tick he had been doing a lot more often around you. But you needed an answer. 

        “I respect you more than I could ever respect any of them.” He finally answered, his cheeks catching a tint of pink in them as you began to pass into the residential district. You couldn’t help but feel your cheeks warm too at the compliment. Lou never respected anyone, he was the top of the chain, the only one he had to respect was himself. So if he respected you? Wow... even being born couldn’t stand up to that privilege. 

        You giggled softly next to him, leaning back your head to take a gander at the night sky. The big, button moon and the glittering thread stars. It was gorgeous. 

        “Aren’t the stars beautiful?” You asked contently. Little did you know, Lou had been getting lost staring at you as you stared at the stars.

       “Yes, you are.” He said absentmindedly. 

       “Wait, what?” 

       “Nothing!”

       A few minutes later, you had made it to your house. You hadn’t done any renovations like the others had done, you left it the exact same as it had been when Lou walked you to it all those years ago. You didn’t see anything wrong with it. Opening the door for the two of you, you lead him into the main foyer where you turned on the lights. He glanced around the layout a little, but for the most part recognized it all as the design he had preapproved. All except the framed photo of a certain yellow-haired doll sitting next to the sofa. He watched with a smirk as you slyly put it down while pretending to set down your phone. 

       But hey, that just proved that you still had feelings for him too. 

       “You can have my bed, I’ll take the couch,” you said, already grabbing some extra blankets and pillows from the closet. 

       “No way, I’m taking the sofa. You’re taking your bed.”

       “No way, my house, my rules.” You smirked at him, turning around as he crept closer to you, his signature smirk stretching across his lips as well as he towered over you. 

       “Technically this is my house, so my rules trump yours.” 

       “Oh, but I thought you respected me now? So perhaps my word trumps yours.” He shook his head, chuckling slyly as he leaned in closer to you, causing your steady gain to falter momentarily from his closeness.

       “Perhaps a compromise is in order? We both take the bed?” The suggestion brought the already burning flame for him into a full on wood fire as your cheeks tinged crimson. But... you didn’t not want to do that, so...

       “I-I’d hate for either of us to be uncomfortable. The couch is rather... lumpy?” You cursed your stutter, but your approval was clear. He laughed, gently grabbing your hand and pulling you into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. 

♡♡♡

       You woke up the next morning with a warm arm wrapped around your waist. The sunlight streaked through your window, illuminating the room and the sea of covers you and Lou were underneath. No, nothing happened, it wasn’t like that. After changing into PJs and some more playful banter, you both fell asleep on opposite sides of the bed. But now...

       You carefully rolled over, making sure the warm arm didn’t fall off your body, to come face-to-face with a sleeping Lou. Your heart melted a little inside your stuffing filled chest. You had gotten used to seeing his stone cold expression as he barked out orders, or taught classes on how to avoid spills and stains. But now, as his eyes were shut, hair slightly out of place, mouth open softly as he breathed smoothly, and his arm resting securely around your waist, you had never seen him so... vulnerable. You couldn’t help but wish that this moment could last forever as you stared at him, your heart racing and the butterflies swarming so much you were afraid of being sick.

       That was when you realized... you were late. Again. “Oh shit,” you cried, rolling back over again, startling Lou awake. You were frantically trying to get out of bed when suddenly, the arm around your waist tightened. Freezing, you glanced behind you to see Lou’s eyes only halfway open, but his same malicious smirk planted on his lips.

       “Lou, I have to get to work,” You began, but was cut off near the end by him reeling you back into his chest. You squealed, laughter filling the air as he buried his face into your neck, letting out a low groan. 

       “Just five more minutes,” he pleaded. You giggled, attempting to wriggle around in his arms, but he was still a lot stronger than you. Finally, you gave in, turning around to stare him in the eyes.

       “I never knew you were one for sleeping in,” you teased. 

       “I’m not,” he replied into your hair. “But you bring out a better side of me.” About a half an hour later and some more flirting, the two of you finally left the house. He was telling you some more about the robot patrol officer and what he can and cannot do during his breaks while you locked up. Little did the two of you know that some passing dolls were giving you two stink eyes as they were making their way to work. 

       What was Lou doing leaving Y/n’s house? Were they... together? No way, she’d never do that. He tried to ruin everyone’s chances to make it to the big world. He should be dead, but she wouldn’t let anyone kill him. Bitter gossip began to spread as the two headed off to work. Little did you know that the rumors spread like wildfire. 

       As soon as you reached work, your boss pulled you aside. While half of you was excited, the other half was petrified. “You asked to see me, miss?” You asked nervously. 

       “Yes, what is this that I hear about you and Lou being in a relationship?” She asked, lowering her glasses, eyes hardening. You stood there for a moment, letting her question sink in. 

       “Umm, Miss, we aren’t in a relation-”

       “Then what was he doing leaving your house this morning?”

       “Ma’am, I don’t see what this has to do with-” 

       “Let me just tell you this, Miss L/n,” she leaned in closer, tapping her pencil against your shoulder. The sharp end. “If these rumors prove true, that means that you are having intimate relations with someone who tried to take away all of our happiness, our only chance of getting a child. Now, I don’t know about you, but I certainly wouldn’t want that person or anyone involved with that person working for my business. Do you understand me?” 

       You choked back your tears. “Crystal clear.”

♡♡♡

       Later that afternoon, you were having a get together with the Spy Girls and Mandy outside the shopping district. The five of you sat around a table near the old scanners, chatting it up about new gossip and how everyone’s lives had been going. But of course, your dejected and fearful attitude didn’t go unnoticed. 

       “Y/n, hun, what’s wrong? You look sick,” Kitty asked in concern. You looked up to see her kind, blue eyes staring back at you. 

        “...Lou spent the night at my place last night,” all of the girls gasped, wide grins on their faces. “BUT it’s not what you think. I went to see him and found out he’s been sleeping in the supply closet. I brought him back home with me and apparently someone saw us leaving the house together and word got around and... now everyone thinks we’re together. My boss threatened to fire me if I start dating him.” You whimpered, covering your face with your hands. Everyone gasped again. 

        “Oh my goodness, doll,” Tuesday cried. 

        “She has no right to fire you over who you choose to date,” Mandy cried. 

        “I know, but-” You began, but was soon interrupted by all the girls turning their attention to someone behind you. You furrowed your brows in confusion until Lydia spoke up.

        “Hey, Lou! What brings you here?” Your heart began to pound in your chest once more as you swiveled around in your seat to see Lou, grinning over at you. 

        “Hello ladies, I was just wondering if I could borrow Y/n for a moment?” He asked, polite and suave as ever. The girls all giggled, sending a myriad of winks and suggestive looks in your direction before practically shoving you into him. He caught you, of course, wrapping his arms securely around your waist. You laughed awkwardly, tucking your hair behind your ear and dragging him over to somewhere more private. 

        “Hey, Lou, what’s up?” You asked. “Are you in trouble?” A small red light began to turn on at the idea before he quickly shut it off, his eyes never straying from you. 

       “Oh, no, no, nothing like that. I was just wondering...” he slowly took your hands in his, his blue orbs trailing slowly up from your hands until resting on your eyes. A soft, true smile floated onto his lips, sending your stomach into sommersaults. “Would you, Y/n L/n, go out on a date with me?” 

       If your jaw had dropped any more, it would have touched the ground. A wide, ecstatic grin spread across your lips as you let out a squeal of happiness as you jumped up and down in pure joy. “Yes, oh my doll, yes!” You leapt up and wrapped your arms around him tightly. He gratefully returned the gesture, pressing you into his embrace as he closed his eyes. 

       Maybe everything would be okay. 

♡♡♡

To be continued... LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT A PART 3!!! 

♡a.a.

[niall-the-churchboy]

Hugs and Paws ~ One Direction

In which partners in crime and troublemaker 3/3 --aka: Zayn Malik-- get a dog from the shelter without management’s permission. This is set in the WWA tour, 2014.

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

“Y/n, this is serious shit”, Louis tells you. Zayn tightens his grip on your legs as he piggyback rides you, wrapping your arms around his neck you rest your chin on his head smushing down his hair. 

“I know. But if we want to pick the perfect dog I need to get the best view”, you defend. 

It’s about eight in the morning —I know, no one expected Zayn to wake up this early— but it’s a special mission the other three boys no nothing about, and... neither anyone else or management in that case. 

But what more can you expect if you put three troublemakers together? Something is destined to happen. 

“Try not to fall, would ya’?”, Zayn hoists you up again.

Is no secret to the world that the boys and you have always wanted a dog with you, however being in tour and under the control of boring-ass management, you were never allowed. You still are not allowed, but oh well, they do say you only live once. 

Your eyes examine and pass through all the dogs inside the cages, your heart swelling as you think you won’t be able to get all of them. Theres small dogs with tiny paws and white furs that rest lightly on their thin worn-out rags; tall and big dogs with attentive ears and sniffling noses; and even tiny puppies that wail for their mothers.

Your eyes catch a single brown dog with fallen ears and curly furr, he wiggles his tail at the sight of visitors and lifts a paw almost as if he was waving at you, his cage further into the alley as if he has been there for a while. 

“Zayn. Down”, you command and in less than a second both your feet are touching the floor. 

“What—?”, he can barely begin the question before you sprint towards the dog that has captivated your attention, your finger pointing at the canine. Louis follows quick behind, trusting your good instinct. 

“Come on, Zayn”, he calls while running. 

The dog barks as you approach him, lifting his paw until you kneel to the ground next to him, the cage making it impossible for you to approach him closely. You squeeze your hand tightly and barely pass it through one of the holes of the old cage. 

“Y/n, wait”, Zayn tries to warn you, “you shouldn’t touch him until you know he’s friendly.”

But you don't listen because you never do and because deep down you know this dog will cause you no harm. 

“It’s okay, he’s friendly”, Louis announces as he presses his hand against the cage, his eyes full of happiness as a smile draws on his face. 

The dog, happy to find himself gaining uncommon attention, starts to wiggle his tails quicker as he licks the back of your hand. This is enough to let you know that you want this dog, need this dog, and even if you feel sorry for the other you won't be able to grant a loving home, this dog deserves it just as much. 

You turn your head towards Louis who’s kneeling on the ground next to you, your eyes wishful, “This dog, we need this dog.” He smiles at you and nods his head.

“I’ll go look for the kennel manager’, Zayn announces ruffling your hair on his way.

--------

When you step into de tour bus, you’re surprise to find the wall clock marking nine-thirty, fortunately for you troublemakers, today is a free day. In other words: management is out of your hair.

“Morning!”, Liam greets you all with a cup of steaming coffee in his hand before his eyes land on the rich brown dog that follows behind Louis. “What the h—!?.”

“—Shh!”, you bring your hand to his lips before he can finish pronouncing the last word of the sentence. “...Liam, meet Chester.” You move to the side and motion towards the dog.

“Oh my god!”, he says happily keeling to the ground and calling for the dog as Louis let’s him loose. Liam begins petting the dog, eventually gaining full trust from the animal. “Chester you said?”, he asked.

“Yes.”

“No”, Louis argues, “his name is not Chester, it might be an option but me and Zayn are not entirely sure about it.”

“Oh come on! He looks so much like a Chester”, you try to reason with him but Louis just shakes his head.

Liam, still on the floor, is being licked all over the face as he asks carefree, “Management finally approved?”

Silence. 

He never gets a real answer but it's clear enough that its negative, the smile in his face falls and a frown starts to form on his face. You agree that this is a risky move, a really risky one, but what’s the worse that can happen?

“Guys...”, Liam’s tone changes to a deeper one, you know you’re about to get a lecture, “you do realise the mistake you just made right?”

You cross your arms at this, what is he talking about? Kneeling to the ground you bring the dog closer to you as if to protect him from any force that might separate him from you, a defiant look towards Liam. This is the right thing. 

“This is not a mistake.”

“Modest is never gonna let us keep it. Never.”, you try to complain to Liam’s comment but he continues before you can begin to form a sentence. “ And you know what that means? It means that this dog goes back to the shelter you took him from, only this time he has already experienced what love is and will only depress him further.”

Ouch. 

His words ring full of disappointment, to such extent it almost feels like his pointing at you with an accusatory finger. Guilt starts to rush through your body as you stare at the innocent sweet creature below you, looking at Louis and Zayn you try to find reassurance that what you did was the correct thing, but their looks resemble yours. The constant brush behind the dog’s ear stops and you find yourself not knowing what to do. 

“I--”

“--Woah. Is that a dog?!”, Niall walks in, his pj pants hanging low and his hair brushed messily to the sides, he runs to your side and approaches the animal. Both you and Liam share a concerned look. 

What are you going to do?

-----------

The six of you sit tiredly as you try to came up with ideas, the night sky shining outside the bus’ windows. Harry and Louis laying on the floor, their heads resting in pillows and their eyes closed. Niall, next to them, plays with Nando’s hair --you finally decided for a name-- as the dog rests. Liam, Zayn and you lay on the red couch, your head on Zayn’s lap where his fingers have an easy reach to your hair, and your legs resting on top on Liam’s. You sigh frustrated. 

“Guys, I feel so bad.”

Liam gives your leg a tight squeeze, “don’t. I was too harsh this morning.”

“No you weren’t”, you sit up straight trying to clear your thoughts, how does one get out of this mess? “You were completely right, and now we have a dog and Management is gonna flip out, and will have to say goodbye to Nando and I just--”

You hate crying, more if it means crying in front of your best friends, but you can't help it. What you did is terrible, you were impulsive and didn't think what the consequences might have been and now you have a dog in your hands and there seems to be no solution. 

Nando’s ears pop up as he hears you sob, you hide your face behind your hands, weird noises coming out of your lips that you can’t seem to contain. The boys freeze for a few seconds, their eyes wide open and nerves rushing in. They’ve seen you cry twice in their lives: Once when watching ‘Hatchiko’-- a sad movie of a dog that looses his owner and that even the sourest soul could not bail their eyes out; and the second time you were on your period, probably the most emotional you had ever been and the boys were being their usual selves, one thing led to another and suddenly you found yourself yelling at them to stay quiet before you broke down to tears. 

Surprisingly, Niall is the first to react, he stands up and pulls you into his arms, wrapping them around the small of your back and simply letting you cry. Then comes Zayn who kisses the top of your head and tries to reassure you everything will be okay. Before any of you can notice, you are all having a big group hug, Nando sniffling between your legs letting you all know that he is there too. 

Unfortunately, you did end up giving Nando away, it was sad but you were able to find him a home in one of the producers that promised you all that he would bring him every once in a while to play. And he did, aching fans hearts whenever an Instagram story of any of you playing with Nando popped up. 

And yes, Nando did keep the name Niall had proudly chosen. 

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

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[karrisbrown]

a shoulder to cry on fan fic

I shoved my way through the Gryffindors in the victory party to congratulate Ron for winning the Quidditch match against Slytherin. But then i saw him snogging with non other than daft dimbo Lavender Brown. He seemed happy about it too! I couldn't take the sight any longer, so i sprinted away thinking no one noticed.

As soon as i was out of the common room, I ran as far away as i could from it till i reached an empty spot in one of the towers. I slumped myself lazily on the floor, buried my face in both of my hands and began to sob, taking out all my rage and sadness on Ron who didn't seem to care.

A few moments later i could have sworn i heard approaching footfalls. My expectation was Harry had finally found me.

The sound of his voice made my stomach do a somersault.

" Granger?!" he sounded surprised, very surprised.

I looked up praying that it was just in my head, but no he was there his pale face looking confused.

"M-Malfoy?" I stuttered even more shocked than he was.

"What are you doing in here?" we chorused.

" I asked first!" I snapped.

" What's it to you?" he replied raising an eyebrow.

I just couldn't take it any more. I slounched back down, resumed my sobbing ignoring his presence.

Once again i heard his footsteps, but they were not fading away, they were getting closer and closer until they stopped. Then all of a sudden his arm was around my shoulder, his touch sending chills down my spine. I'd wanted this for so long but i knew i couldn't have it... I wanted to push him off so he would get subspicious and thought I liked him. I just couldn't, I needed someone to comfort me. I needed someone to be by my side, but Harry and Ginny don't even know where I am, and I doubt they're looking for me. Right now, right this moment I only have Draco by my side.

I didn't want to tell him why i was like this though, I just didn't trust him enough.

As if reading my mind, I heard his voice low, soft, and soothing in my ear.

"You don't have to tell me why your like this... All I know is you need a shoulder to cry on... so im offering my shoulder."

"Why?" I asked him.

He didn't reply, so I decided it was a personal matter.

I accepted his offer, and rested my head on his shoulder, crying silently.

I felt his other hand- the one that was resting on his leg- close around one of my own. I held it tight and we just sat there for what I knew must have been a few moments, but it seemed like a few hours or even the whole night, him slowly stroking my shoulder while i cried on his shoulder gripping his hand tight.

The sound of approaching footsteps made us both jump.

" I have to go!" he said getting up to his feet.

He stroked my shoulder one last time, before turning for the exit. I reached for his wrist.

"Draco wait!"

He turned around to face me.

"I... thank you." I moved my hand down his wrist to his hand and squeezed it before releasing it.

I didn't expect him to reach for it again, and keep hold of it.

" Granger I-

The sound of foot steps was close now , and he began to panic.

I cast a Disillusionment charm on him.

" They won't see you now, if you stay in the shadows and head out when they come in...!

I wipe a tear away with my sleeve, and turn away from him.

He walks in front of me only too aware that the footsteps were too close now, and crushed his lips to mine, tears of his own mingling with mine, and he held my wrist rubbing it with his thumb.

"Gra-Hermione, I love you... I have done ever since I saw you in that dress at the Yule Ball.I love you!"

One last: crush of lips, hand crush, watery smile, and a whispered " I love you Granger." before he slunked into the shadows in time to avoid Harry's gaze.

" Hermione are you okay?"

" Does it look like it Harry ?! Ronald Weasley is a dick!"

"Ah..." he smiled sadly.

Running footfalls could now be heard along with a sound of smacking lips.

In through the door came dimbo and Ron. At least she had the decency to step outside.

"Come on Won Won!"

" Hermione are you okay you look terrible..."

"Well noticed Won Won" I spat bitterly thinking i should keep up the 'crush' on Ron to keep Draco a secret. I muttered a spell that sent a dozen tiny yellow birds flying at him, pecking at his flesh, ripping his skin.

Harry gasped, Ron yelped, and i could swear i heard a low chuckle. I smiled.

Ron ran from the room yelling in pain, and Harry sat down beside me.

"Hermione... whats wrong?"

" WHATS WRONG?" I sobbed though no tears were falling this time. " WHATS WRONG? I THOUGHT YOU HAD A BIT MORE DECENCY THEN RON!"

"Her-" he started

" NO HARRY!GO!" I spat darkly.

He didn't move, so I aimed my wand at his face. " Dont think i won't Harry. I will... GO!!"

He left to chase after Ron, and I once again buried my head in my arms.

I felt an arm snake round my waist, and I was pulled into his chest.

"Granger, ignore the gits. Your entitled to anger and pain... everyone is."

" I don't understand..."

" What don't you understand?" he stroked my hand.

" You say you like me, but your always an idiot and cruel."

" I had to pretend I didn't. I hoped it would go away, but it didn't, and here I am..."

I giggled weakly. " Boy pulling girls pigtails syndrome..."

" What?"

" It's were a boy bullies the girl he likes, to get her attention... its a muggle thing."

I snuggled my head against his chest, and felt his arm tighten around me, and his lips against my hair.

"Yule Ball huh?" I teased

He guffawed " yeah i saw you and well....Yeah."

I scoffed. " You make it sound as if I looked nice!"

" You didn't look nice! You looked beautiful ,and i guess my... wake up call."

" Your parents?" i raised an eyebrow.

" I told mother and she approves" he breathed deliberately not mentioning his father.

A chiming rang through the castle, signalling curfew, and i sat up slowly.

"Hermione...?"

" Yes?" I looked up into his face, and he crushed my lips in his desperation ,and hunger. When he broke the kiss, he shoved something round my neck.

Looking down i saw a necklace. It was a snake charm with a small 'D' on a thin silver chain.

It was gorgeous!

" You like it?" he enquired, " I was going to give it to you anonymously..."

" I love it!"

From my hand, I withdrew a ring( a gemstone ring with rubies encrusted in it), and magicked up a chain. I slipped it round his neck.

" Thank you" he mumbled.

" Your welcome... it might even give you some brains!" I laughed shoving him.

I was ensnared i his grasp, his lips trailing my throat.

"Damn!" he groaned, and i raised my eyebrows. " Ive wanted this for a long time..."

He released me, and stood up yanking me to my feet.

" I'll walk you to Gryffindor tower..."

I elbowed him. " What if you get caught?"

" I can always pretend I'm being a dick."

" Okay then..." I giggled.

We left the astronomy tower, and headed off, my hand encased in his iron grasp. We walked silently for the duration of our walk, then when we got to the portrait hole his face met mine.

" REALLY?!" The Fat Lady barked.

Draco pulled away, shocked at the voice.

" It's okay... It's the Fat Lady." I turned to her. " Please don't tell anyone." I begged.

She nodded seriously " I won't if you come in now."

One last kiss, and squeeze of the hand. He wrapped his arms round me.

"I'll owl you in the morning."

I nodded smiling.

He released me, reluctantly, and walked away.

" Love you Hermione!"

"Love you too Draco!" And I did.

"humph... are you coming in or not?!" the Fat Lady demanded.

"YES! Tape worm!"

The portrait swung open to admit me entry, and I clambered upstairs to bed.

Changing, I thought about Draco.

I twiddled the chain round my neck.

I loved him.

I love Malfoy.

I crawled inbetween the sheets, and tucked the chain down my PJs.

Either everyone will know tomorrow, or they won't...

Only time will tell...

Closing my eyes, i drifted to sleep.

A/n I hope it was okay

please read and review

karris brown

p.s if more than ten people want to see more, i will... but i doubt people will read this so.....

[hopelessromanticspoonie]

As You Are

Title: Grilled Cheese

Co-authors: hopeless_romantic_spoonie, yespolkadotkitty

Summary: A reader insert series about a spoonie Stark Industries IT tech who finds a kindred spirit in Loki, God of Spoons, because it’s hard being different on the inside.

Rating: General Audiences

Also found on Ao3 here :)

Taglist: @just-the-hiddles, @yespolkadotkitty

“Is it a critical emergency or can it wait until tomorrow morning?” you asked distractedly, holding the phone to your ear with your shoulder while you perched on your stool in front of the stove, watching over your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches sizzling pleasantly.

“How long do you think an issue like this will take to wrap up?” Tony shot back another question, voice distorted slightly by the cell phone speaker wedged into your shoulder.

You flipped over the first sandwich, nodding silently to yourself in approval, and then flipped over the second. Your mouth quirked to the side and you shrugged your shoulders lightly, as if your boss could actually see you. No, the only one who could currently see you was the long and lean Asgardian draped across your couch.

“Hard to say. A few hours, maybe? But it’s…” your eyes drifted to the clock on the stove, “already eight o’clock. I’m not sure if I’d get anything done besides staring at the screen blankly at this point, Boss.”

“Fair enough, Spoons. Take your meds, get some sleep. We’ll touch base tomorrow,” he paused, and his tone shifted from kindness to concern, “Reindeer Games still there?”

“Mhm,” you hummed your assent, not wanting to think about the implications that held.

“He bothering you? Say the word, Dorothy,” he added referring to your home state, “I’ll have his ass out of there.”

“He’s fine.” It was, shockingly, true.

You hung up and slid the phone onto the counter beside the stove, directing your full attention to the sandwiches frying in front of you and maintaining your precarious balance on your cheap stool. It had only been five dollars at a local thrift shop, and with what you paid for rent for your tiny one-bedroom apartment in New York City, you preferred to save any money that you had. Medical bills ate at most of your expenses, and you never knew when a new one would arise.

“Why does that overgrown manchild Stark address you as cutlery?” Loki came up behind you, watching you tend to the sandwiches as he waited for your response.

You carefully leaned forward to turn off the burner to the ancient stove and pulled the pan off of the heat. “Grab a couple plates? They’re in there,” you pointed him in the right direction.

He didn’t object to your request, simply grabbed them for you and deposited them on the counter beside your phone. “I asked you a question, mortal,” he repeated, the barest hint of frustration peeking through his typical bored tones.

You rolled your eyes and slid a sandwich onto a plate, holding it out for him with a small smile. “You did, but I was focusing on not falling on my butt from this rickety stool and burning your precious sandwich. So impatient. Now, do you want your sandwich cut up?”

He looked so offended at the suggestion that it was comical, and your smile grew to crinkle around your eyes and nose. “I can handle Midgardian food perfectly well without your help.”

“Suit yourself. It tastes better cut into triangles. Not rectangles. If you cut it into rectangles then you’re a heathen and cannot be trusted,” you explained with mock seriousness, grabbing a knife from the silverware drawer and cutting your sandwich in half the correct way. You slid off of the stool and took your plate to the coffee table, settling down on top of your duvet nest beside Loki.

He had cut his sandwich the wrong way while you were getting situated, probably from one of his conjured daggers, and a mischievous twinkle glittered in his eyes as he bit into it while maintaining eye contact with you.

You shook your head in over-dramatic disappointment. “See? Heathen.”

Quick as lightning, he snagged the other half of your sandwich off of your plate and took a bite off of one of the corners. He feigned deep thought for a second before putting it back. “It seems your theory is correct.”

A laugh barked out of you, easy and free, and you nudged his arm with your shoulder. You were aiming for his shoulder, but Loki was tall. You decided to finally answer his question after you had eaten a few bites. You shook pills into your hand from your pill container, Sunday PM. “Well, we all know how he loves his nicknames, Rock of Ages, and I’m a spoonie. It’s just one that he’s stuck with more than the others.”

Loki, having eaten his sandwich much quicker than you, leaned back onto your couch, draping an arm behind where you were seated and appearing fully relaxed, excluding the crease of thought between his eyebrows. “What does it mean to be a ‘spoonie’?”

Unable to hold the position any longer, you clutched your plate carefully in one hand and slowly sat back into your pile of duvets and supportive pillows. Loki held his hand out for your plate without comment, and you handed it over so that you could use both hands to get comfortable before retrieving it from him. You were acutely aware of both the small amount of relief the supportive position held and the way his thumb rested against the nape of your neck, brushing your skin just enough to raise goosebumps.

“Well, as you’ve so nicely put it, I’m ‘substandard’. Here on Earth, it’s just called disabled, if they’re going to be nice about it. It’s why I take so many different meds. Anyway, there’s a theory called the ‘Spoon Theory’ that was used to explain how people who identify it have to go about their daily lives.”

You took a beat, gathering your thoughts and taking another bite of your sandwich, watching him as he listened to you. You had his full attention, and it was almost too intense to be the sole focus of his piercing gaze as he waited for you to continue. Clearing your throat, you plowed on, doing your best not to ramble too much, “Everything is harder for me, but you know that. It’s why you brought the books. You figured out that I was going to be exhausted and in more pain from going to that party. The way the spoon theory would phrase that is that I used up spoons from the next day to have more fun that night. It’s easier to explain if I have spoons handy, or something to draw with…”

He huffed in exasperation and held out one elegant hand. Spoons, presumably from your kitchen, flew into his outstretched hand. You only had four, living alone and all, but it would do to prove your point. You took them with a nod of gratitude before pressing on, “So, say I’m having a really terrible pain day and I wake up knowing that I’m not going to have the physical and mental strength to get much done that day. So, I have to decide what is important to ‘spend’ my spoons on and what isn’t.

“Getting out of bed already takes away one spoon.” You place one on his thigh. “Cooking usually is the one thing I can kind of let go, with food delivery and freezer meals, so I can forget that. But then it takes spoons to shower, get ready for the day, change out of my pjs, do any tidying up, etc. If I desperately needed to shower, for instance,” you dropped the rest of your spoons unceremoniously onto the duvet currently cocooning you, “then that’d be all that I really got done for the day. It’s just a way for those not in the disability community to understand how we have to look at life and prioritize what we do each day.”

He was silent for several minutes, frowning in thought.

You left him to it, finishing the rest of your cooling sandwich before leaving the plate in your lap. It wasn’t worth leaning forward and possibly falling on your face just to put it on the ramshackle coffee table.

“What do you do when you cannot finish all of your tasks for the day?” His expression was difficult to read, curiosity and frustration warring on his elegant features.

“Well, I do what I can. And I hope that whatever I can’t get done can either wait until tomorrow or isn’t important.”

He grabbed a book from the impressive stack that he renewed daily on your coffee table, resuming his previous position that anchored his thumb to the nape of your neck. The familiar touch made you shiver, but you couldn’t pinpoint the exact reasons why.

“That will not do. Your fragile mortal body is already delicate enough as it is without you taking proper care of it,” he stated, matter-of-fact, cracking open the book in his deft-fingered hands. “I will be of your assistance when necessary.”

You opened your mouth to say something, then shut it, unable to come up with the words to properly express your confusion at his insistence to help you out. You eventually eeked out: “Why?”

He glanced over as if you were a remedial child in need of education. “Because my time in what Stark generously calls a Tower does not require all my hours.”

God, he was a dick sometimes. “Why me,” you clarified.

A smile touched at his lips. “Because, as I told you at the gala, I know what it is like to appear as everyone on the outside, yet be different on the inside. We are kindred spirits, you and I.”

You snorted. “Sure. We’re practically soulmates. Apart from the whole destroying New York thing,” you deadpanned.

He arched a black-as-sin brow. “As you well know, mortal, I was not myself during that period.”

Your stomach lurched, and guilt ate at you a little, making the sandwich you just finished sit like lead. "I know." Over the last few months, you had learned that while Loki could be an arrogant asshole, a pedant and an egomaniac, he wasn't a destroyer of worlds. "Sorry."

He rolled a shoulder as if this was no big deal. "I have learned a thing or two about perception, Midgardian."

And then he picked up a battered copy of Hamlet and started to read to you as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe your life wasn't perfect. But cocooned in the duvet, your stomach full of grilled cheese, your feet propped on his solid thigh, listening to the cadence of his soothing British drawl, you thought: it's pretty darn close.

[k18flashfics]

How the Ex-Monk Gained A Brother Part 5

I posted a link to this story a couple of weeks ago on @koinekid. Now, here’s the old fashioned preview version for those who prefer reading directly on Tumblr.

Of you can read on FFN.

<><><>

Rights to Dragonball and related properties are held by their respective owners. No infringement is implied or intended.

How the Ex-Monk Gained a Brother

A Sequel to By Any Other

By Koinekid

Part Five

Lapis awoke to the aroma of brewing coffee and a weight pressing into his shoulder and pinning him to the couch. The weight soon roused herself and ran a hand through her messy blonde hair. "Krill?" she murmured sleepily.

"No such luck."

Lazuli straightened, and a blush colored her cheeks. "Oh, Lapis. What happened?"

"I guess we fell asleep in front of the TV." He nodded toward the set, where a show featuring children in brightly colored costumes had replaced whatever they were watching last night.

"Like old times?" she said.

He recalled the events of the previous night with a grin. He hadn't watched television in ages, but when his sister appeared at the living room door in her robe and PJs, pressing the power button on the remote seemed the most natural thing in the world.

When she flopped onto the couch beside him, he asked, "Do you think we did this as kids—vegging out in front of the TV?"

"Watching anime and game show? Probably."

"I feel like there should be snacks."

Her expression darkened. "Was dinner not good enough for you?"

He held his tongue, supposing he deserved the jab. Besides, he'd get her back later. "I'm not begging for food. I meant we probably snacked in front of the TV as kids."

"As if Papa would allow that. 'Lazuli, no snacks before dinner.'" She grinned evilly. "'Lazuli let your brother out of that headlock. He's crying.'"

He flicked her on the arm, and she flipped him off.

They stayed silent for a while as the TV droned on. Eventually, they would address the real reason for his visit, but for now, inane chatter was more comfortable—so comfortable that he panicked when she started to change the subject.

"So, Krillin and I—"

"Does the little hubby know you're dressing like a housewife already?"

"Is that supposed to be an insult?"

"I intended it as one, yes."

She huffed. "Jerk. The robe and pajamas were a gift. From my boyfriend. Besides, I refuse to wander around a house full of guys in my regular sleep clothes."

"Why, what do you normally—? Hold on, forget I asked."

She leaned in close. "Slinky. Black. Lace."

"Shut up!"

"From Victoria's Secret."

"Laz!" Inspiration struck. "If you say one more word, you don't get your gift."

That stopped her. "A gift?"

He nodded. "I read in one of your magazines that a houseguest is supposed to bring a gift."

"You read my magazines?"

He couldn't tell what pleased her more—the prospect of a gift or her brother admitting he had read CanCam. "An article or two might have caught my eye while I was ripping out pages for kindling."

She chuckled. "Of course."

"Careful. I can still return the gift."

She smiled sweetly. "Not if you want to leave this house alive."

"I give, I give." He reached into his pocket. "Hold out your arm."

Fastening the gold chain to her wrist brought back more memories. On almost every job they pulled, Lapis would pocket an extra bracelet when Lazuli wasn't looking. He started with cheap bangles before progressing to silver and gold adornments encrusted with diamonds. After the job, while their hearts still pounded and they were giddy with endorphins, he would cover her wrist with one hand, affix the bracelet with the other, and then came the big reveal.

No diamonds decorated this newest bracelet, but the delight in her eyes when he drew back his hand was the same. Knowing he could still elicit that expression made the whole trip worthwhile.

Lazuli's mouth twitched as she fought a grin. Once she regained control, she gave a queenly nod of approval. It was as close as the two of them ever got to a thank you.

The next morning, tugging gently on the bracelet as it hung on her wrist, he admired his good taste. "Not bad, eh?"

He hoped for a trace of the approval from the night before—an early morning hit to go with the coffee percolating in the kitchen. But Lazuli was frowning. Had the gold lost its luster in daylight?

"Lapis?"

"Yeah, sis?"

"The bracelet's great, but..." She let the word hang.

"But?"

"Is it stolen?"

Ah. "What if I said yes?"

"Then you have to return it." She fiddled with the clasp. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not—"

He covered her hand with his. "Relax, Laz. I know you're on the straight and narrow now, and—believe it or not—I respect that." They shared a smile before Lapis added, "At least enough not to make you an accessory."

Lazuli rolled her eyes. "Gee, thanks."

"Hey, you actually thanked me for something!"

"That was sarcasm."

"Not just now. Before, when you said you appreciated the gesture."

She shrugged. "A figure of speech, nothing more."

"You can't fool me, sis. The shrimp managed to drill some manners into your thick skull. Remind me to congratulate him."

"Screw you."

Lapis barked a laugh. "Guess you need a few more lessons, huh?"

She was still fuming on the couch, trying to devise a comeback, when they heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she snapped.

The door eased open, and the monk entered, carrying a serving tray. "Breakfast is nearly ready, and I thought you two might like some coffee while you wait."

Lazuli's irritated brow smoothed, and she rose to meet him. "Who's cooking?"

"Oolong. He tasted your leftover casserole and vowed to one-up you."

"He's welcome to try." She took the tray and set it on the coffee table. Then she held out her arm. "Do you like my bracelet? My brother bought it for me."

The monk examined the chain. "It's great. You have an eye for jewelry, Seventeen."

Lapis smirked. "Wonder where I could've picked that up."

The monk rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously. "Oh, yeah."

Lazuli glared at her brother before turning back to her boyfriend. "Where's your cup?" There were only two on the tray, alongside the coffee decanter and cream and sugar bowls. "Aren't you joining us?"

"I didn't want to interrupt your talk."

"We're finished. Grab your cup and come back."

"If you're sure." He glanced at Lapis, who answered with a shrug.

The monk departed, and Lazuli returned to the couch and motioned for her brother to slide over. Sitting in his place, she prepared coffees for both of them, then took the monk's cup and did the same—despite his protests—when he returned to sit beside her.

A sip of coffee, and she sighed in satisfaction. "There, now wait until you see what I have planned for us today."

Her eye gleamed, and on either side of her, Lapis and the monk shared uneasy glances.

To be continued

Thanks for reading; reviews are appreciated.

[grotesquegabby]

Great Aunt Tilde

part two to Auntie Tiger

this is where she meets, Lennie’s family.

Cause.....she met one grand niece she wants to meet the other children and Jelly

@clownsgobeepbeep

Another rocky start for her but shes positive

Tilde decided it was time to visit her nephew Lennies family. She so very much wanted to meet the wonderful being who was mated to him. Maybe she shouldn’t word it that way, he did mention he was married. Human terms it was then~. She also couldn’t wait to see the little ones.

Ooooooh it was so exciting!

She just couldn’t wait. Instead of just showing up out of the blue like she heard Cecilio had done. And like she did with Billy...she had scheduled it with Lennie. He said something about how Thyone really did a lot of damage and she was not liked... So Tilde took another precaution. She baked sugar cookies shaped like sea creatures.

Another tid bit Lennie had mentioned was the love of sea life in the household.

Tilde wasn’t donned in her clown attire, a platter of cookies in her hand. She rang the doorbell, and waited. She could hear voices inside and soon enough Lennie answered the door. He smiled upon seeing her, “Heya Aunt Tilde, come on in.” He opened the door more for her and Tilde made her way in, “It’s nice and cozy in your home.” Lennie chuckled, “Thank you” Suddenly the woman lifted up the platter she had in hand before she could be pounced upon by Mana. “Woah there yes it’s nice to meet you too Mana.” She said with a laugh while the little axolotl barked happily. Lennie was a bit surprised, “How’d you know his name? I never told you.” “Oh, well he shouted it while he was coming at me. And no Mana these cookies aren’t for you unless they say you can have one.” Tilde smiled down at the little alien as she gave it a few pats. Mana hopped off her tail wagging as he followed her where Lennie led her.

“Aunt Tilde, this is Ula and Davey.”

She smiled about to go to tears seeing the two of them, “They are so precious.” Ula seemed a little guarded and Tilde didn’t blame her. Davey seeing his sister do it followed suit but brought up two tiny baby fists. And Tilde had to hold back a laugh at that one. Lennie smiled happily seeing Jelly walk into the room, “And this is my wife Jelly.” His face said it all. Tilde smiled, he was absolutely in love with her. She could already tell Jelly was on the defense with her. But Tilde smiled, “It’s nice to finally meet you Jelly, I’m Lennie’s Aunt Tilde.”

“I assume than, you are related to....” Jelly had an eyebrow quirked and Tilde nodded with a sigh, “Yes, but I can assure you I don’t mean any of you any harm. I understand your suspicion though.” She smiled reassuringly but she could tell Jelly would still be on the defensive as sh expected. Lennie wasn’t lying when he said Thyone had done quite a bit wrong.

Lennie offered to take the platter from her before Mana who was eyeing it could jump her again. Tilde took a seat on the couch and Mana hopped up to join her. “Hey there buddy” She gave him a few pets. Ula visibly relaxed a little bit due to Mana’s friendliness with her. Jelly and Lennie sat opposite of Tilde on the loveseat. Ula and Davey sitting on the floor playing with Samhain and Kala near by. Kala due to Jellys weariness of the new woman, was also keeping an eye on her. She would not give in as soon as Mana.

It didn’t take long eventually Tilde and Lennie had started up a small conversation. When she had asked if she could hold Davey, Kala had jumped in the way defensively and barked. Tilde slowed her movements so as not to unnerve. Lennie sighed, but smiled apologetically to his aunt. “Kala, it’s alright.” Kala growled but Tilde stayed where she was and waited till Kala calmed down. Kala sat next to Davey tail wrapped around the grumpy looking baby who didn’t entirely understand the situation but he was angry about it because he could tell others were upset. So he too...Needed to be upset.

As cautious as Ula was she decided to talk to Tilde. “So...you can talk to Mana?” Tilde looked to Ula and smiled, “Of course, he’s quite an energetic one isn’t he.” Ula nodded petting him. Mana was excited, his tail wagging happily. He barked. “He really wants a cookie, but I told him its up to you.” replied Tilde. Ula looked at Mana who whimpered but stayed in place. Ula grabbed a cookie, “One cookie” Mana quickly but gently took it from Ula’s hand and gobbled it up happily. Loudly crunching upon it. Kala rolled her eyes and huffed watching his display of pretty much...table manners.

She did not approve.

Tilde smiled watching the scene. “So you can understand him, I can do that as well.” Jelly admitted a bit roughly. Tilde’s smile faltered but she quickly caught it, “That’s amazing Jelly, It’s nice to know someone else can.” She meant it when she said it, after all she wanted the family to like her. But she could tell it would take some time with Jelly. But she did not mind this, she would stay positive. After all the family had been through quite a lot due to outside forces. Jelly had her arms crossed, Kala by her feet, with Davey still near by. By this time he was just playing with some stuffed animals making them fight. She looked to Lennie who looked at her and smiled. He reached out and gave her hand a small squeeze to reassure her. He knew what she was thinking, he knew she was worried. He really did appreciate it. She gave him a hesitant smile back but her worry seemed to ease just a bit with him.

Eventually Davey was allowed to be in Tildes lap. Kala insisted on sitting next to her the entire time though to make sure. But the little baby in her lap didn’t even seem to notice as he made the stuffed animals in his hands bash into each other over and over again. Tilde smiled down at the little bundle of wrath, adorable. She chuckled, “Well I should get going, it was nice to finally meet all of you. I hope to see you more in the future.” She was about to hand Davey off to Lennie who was also next to her but Kala grabbed his pjs and carried him off. Which only served to make Lennie laugh and Tilde just grin. “Thanks for stopping by.” replied Lennie.

Tilde nodded and stood up, “wonderful meeting you Ula, Jelly.” She looked down to the little blue alien, “You as well Mana.” Mana barked happily in reply. Lennie led her to the door to see her off.

Once back he sat by Jelly and took hold of her hand again, content to sit quietly. Kala sitting while wrapped around Davey. Mana now munching on another cookie that Ula had let him have.

Things were peaceful, at last.

[loserholland]

𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞

𝟎𝟎𝟖 ➺ 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Pairing ➺  Ceo playboy!Ben Hardy x Reader

Warning ➺ none, I think

Word Count ➺ 1,681

Summary ➺ An arranged marriage between two polar opposites.

A/N ➺  A new series! So after watching BoRhap I instantly fell in love again with Ben Hardy who plays Roger Taylor! Message me or send me an ask if you’d like to be on the taglist!

I also want to thank you all for 1.6K!

Send me your thoughts, feelings, everything! It makes me day/night!

Also send me your theories! Love reading them! Also happy new year and two updates in a row whaa?!?! Also happy birthday to our baby boo Ben! And to @kthpurplemoon happy happy birthday! I hope you guys enjoy your first day of 2019!! 

✿ 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 ✿ - @hollandfieldblurbs , @beerbottlesandchainsaws

❁ 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ❁ - @financialinstability , @magicwithaknife , @xrumkugelx , @rogertaylorsblondhair, @hollyissuchahoe , @yourkindabrainy-ilikeit, @fsociety00da1, @lee-519 , @2ptonpt, @sherlokiantheatrenerd , @local-radical-bandit , @calumfornicationx , @softcillian, @kittysblog14 , @peach-barnes , @prettyoddbarnes  , @spideyyypeter, @adepressedstudentslife , @wowza-bowza , @stilesneedsprotection , @anamcg317 , @indescribxbl , @heinz-doofenshmirtz-official , @loveofmylifeben , @captainxmoony , @whateverbakesyourcake , @waving-thru-a-window  , @benhrdy , @beerbottlesandchainsaws , @frietjemeloen , @kirket03 , @emmieliabedelia , @sabbrriiinnaa , @justinemayi , @bummmblebeee  , @wolverinesbeer , @allieburakovsky  , @chocolatekisses8 , @i-the-fangirl, @secretsweetscollectionblog, @ksqueenie, @virtualsheepeat​

☞  Masterlist  ☜

Be careful with his heart, it’s more fragile than you think.

Those words echoed through her mind.

That was all (Y/N) could think about for the past hour. She began to cook dinner, setting up her ingredients on the island finding a pot and pan along with a cutting board. Her mind was racing, she finally knew the name of the girl who left Ben broken. 

Taytum

The last time she tried to start a conversation about his love life, they ended up in the same bed. Next day they ended up in London and well shared a heated kiss. Following they made out and was caught by Ben’s mother, she spent the day with Alexa which leads us back to present day. (Y/N) was unsure about where she stood with Ben, pretty sure he felt the same way as well.

They were in the gray area.

At least (Y/N) thought they were.

The place where people don't know if it is something or not something.

She wanted to know if they were taking things to the next level, as weird as it sounds. She wanted to know if they were official, after all that kissing. The chime of the elevator echoed through out the penthouse causing Frankie to bark “Hey Frankie! How was your day today hm?” Ben cooed as he took Frankie into his arms. “Love?” Ben called as he followed the smell of pasta into the kitchen.

(Y/N) placed the pasta onto a plate and topped it off with some fresh parsley, she turned on her heels to see Ben sitting on one of the bar stools “Hi.” (Y/N) said in a small voice as she placed Ben’s food in front of him.

“Hi, how was your day today?” Ben questioned as he hopped off the barstool to grab a bottle of wine from his mini wine fridge.

"It was great.. I love spending time with your mom, how was your day?” (Y/N) placed their forks onto their plates as she sat on the bar stool next to Ben’s.

He placed their filled wine glasses onto the island before returning to his seat “Boring, spent most of my day in meetings and signing papers.”

They ate in silence, there were some shared glances yet the air was filled with awkward silence. (Y/N) wanted to bring up the what Alexa had said, it was all she could think about ever since she stepped foot into Ben’s penthouse. She reached for the wine glass, allowing the liquor to pass her tastebuds and it slowly trickled down her throat. 

“Ben?” 

He hummed in response allowing (Y/N) to continue.

“Your mother.. she told me something today. I won’t pressure you into talking about it but-” (Y/N) closed her eyes for a moment unsure if she should continue her sentence or just say forget about it.

“-she told me about Taytum.. well she just brought up her name and what she did..”

(Y/N) turned her attention to Ben before her hand reached for his clenched fist “You don’t have to talk about it.. I-I um.. I just wanted to tell you what your mother had told me.” 

Ben pulled his hand away from (Y/N) as he got up from the seat “Excuse me.” he mumbled before exiting the kitchen, the sounds of his footsteps echoed till the sound of his bedroom door was slammed shut causing (Y/N) to flinch slightly. 

The gray area, that’s where they stood.

After (Y/N) had cleaned up the dishes she headed into her bedroom and took a long hot shower. Ben hasn’t left his room since, the penthouse was silence the only person to accompany her was Frankie whom was currently resting on her bed.

She ran her fingers through her wet hair as she reached for the shampoo opening the bottle to pour some of the strawberry scented liquid onto her hand. She began to apply the liquid to her scalp running her fingers through her hair till it was foamy before rinsing it out with hot water. There she stood with her head down allowing her thoughts to consume her again, after a few minutes she turned the shower off and reached for the towel she had left on the counter.

Once she was dressed in her PJ’s she grabbed her phone and headed out to the balcony. (Y/N) sat on one of the chairs dialing her mom’s number placing her phone on her ear waiting for her mom to pick up.

“(Y/N)! You missy did not call me when you landed in London!” (Y/N) chuckled lightly as she played with the hem of her pj shorts.

“Sorry Mom, I just lost track of time that’s all.. how was your day today?”

Anytime (Y/N) had a long day, she’d always call her mom to talk to her. She was always there for (Y/N) to just talk to.

“It was lovely, your father is working late though so by the time he comes home pretty sure I’ll be asleep. How was your day dear?” (Y/N) pulled the phone away from her ear to read it was 11:45 PM in London it was only 6 o’clock in New York.

“It was fun, I spent the day with Alexa actually.. we went out shopping.” Audrey sighed with glee “Oh! That’s lovely dear, where was Ben?” To say the least, Audrey and Andrew were rooting for Ben and (Y/N). They just wanted their daughter to be happy for once and to have someone who could be there to take her mind off of anything other than work.

“He had to attend a meeting..”

“Is he home now?”

Yeah, he was home. Locked away in his room.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure he’s asleep though which means I should go to bed too. I may return sooner or later mom, I’ll let you know by tomorrow.” 

“Alright dear, goodnight sleep tight love you.”

“Goodnight mom, love you too.”

With that (Y/N) ended the call, as she placed her phone onto her lap. She was unaware of the presence behind her, she was too focused on the beautiful view from Ben’s penthouse.

“Are you going to bed?” a voice said behind her as she let out a small squeal. (Y/N) head whipped around to see Ben shirtless with grey joggers hanging loosely on his waist.

“I-I-um, no actually.” Ben walked out and said on the other chair that was a few feet away from where she was, he leaned back and reached into his pocket of his joggers to take out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. 

“Smoking is bad for you yunno.” (Y/N) whispered earning a playful glare from Ben “Hm? Really never knew that.” he left the cigarette between his lips before letting out the smoke towards (Y/N) direction she waved off the smell before getting up.

“Okay, if you’re just gonna sit here and smoke that’s fine I’m going to bed.” before she re-entered the penthouse Ben let out a sigh taking his cigarette and burned it out on the railing. 

“Fine, fine. I was actually hoping we could talk.”

“Taytum Anderson, we dated for four years. I met her at- before I continue you promise not to add any side comments about where I met her?” Ben pointed his index finger at (Y/N) as she crossed her heart “Promise.”

“I met her at a club, and she was one of my one night stands. One of the best, so I gave her my number and well things went on from then. My parents never approved of her, they said she was after my money... but she was from Los Angeles and well her family disowned her. It was nearing our fifth year anniversary and at the same time.. I lost my father. I called her endlessly that day, I wanted her to be by my side yet I came home to find her in bed with another man. Ever since that night, I guess you could say I’ve never been the same.”

(Y/N) opened her mouth to say something yet nothing came out. She finally found her voice and whispered “I-I’m sorry Ben.” 

He simply shrugged taking out another cigarette to light, “So tell me about your bitch sister Presley.” She sighed, oh there was a lot to say about her.

“Presley Nicole, that was her name. She use to be the greatest sister ever, than I caught her with Ryan who I thought liked me yet he was just one of her puppets. I use to always live in her shadow but, after she nearly ruined our family name my parents began to see how much work I put into school and for the company.”

Ben tapped his cigarette against the railing allowing some of the ashes to fall “Well, if I ever meet that Ryan guy I’ll be sure to remind him how much of a dumbass he is.”

(Y/N) chuckled shaking her head lightly before glancing at Ben. She looked up at the sky to see a few stars shinny ever so slightly. 

“Where do we stand Ben?” (Y/N) asked quietly, he put out his cigarette before leaning up in his seat.

“Come again?”

“Where do we stand.. relationship wise? I mean we did kiss twice and I am here in London with you when I could be in New york.. so where does our relationship stand?”

She wanted out of the gray area, she wanted out of the place where she was unsure of where their relationship stood. All she wanted to hear was 5 words, 5 simple words and her answer would be yes.

“We’re in this gray area, we kiss, we talk, but we never came to a conclusion about what we are..” Ben ran his hand over his face before letting out a small sigh.

He got up from his chair and kneeled down in front of (Y/N) he took her hands into his and placed a small kiss to her knuckle.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

(Y/N) smiled pulling Ben into a quick kiss before pulling away to answer.

“Yes.”

[alpacannot]

Chapter 2

I can’t keep doing this. Something’s got to give, I thought as a leaned my elbows on the sink. Sweat ran down my neck, and I ran my fingers through my slightly damp hair. I swallowed, my throat too tight. Blake pawed at my legs.

“I know, I know. I’ll talk to someone—I promise.” She sneezed, and I took that as my cue to get ready. I looked at my self in the mirror, at the tension around my eyes. “Get your shit together,” I muttered at my reflection. After a few minutes of fumbling around my dark apartment, I finally found my keys. I grabbed Blake and Marlow’s leashes and slowly made my way down to the office.

“You okay?” The security officer’s voice pulled me back to reality.

“I’m sorry?”

“Just checking to see if you’re okay. You’ve been coming in pretty early, even for you.” I checked my watch: 4:15 a.m.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just can’t sleep.” I pushed on into the office, letting Blake and Marlow pull me forward. They forced their way under my desk, and I dropped their leads.

“Alex? Is something wrong?” The hulking Keeper rose from my chair, towering over me.

“Not with me.” He paused, waiting for me to say something. When I didn’t, he continued. “Look, Tris, PJ and I are worried about you. I’m sure others are, too. I know you’ve struggled with adjusting to everything, but you’ve been really out of it lately—coming to the office during the middle of the night, staying at work until everyone else has left, spacing out. If something’s wrong, if anything happened out there, you know you can tell me.” He locked eyes with me, and I immediately looked away. Tell him, I begged, but I knew I couldn’t. I laced and unlaced my fingers, hoping he would drop it. I wanted to tell someone about my nightmares, but every time I tried, the words wouldn’t come.

Alex reached towards me, smoothing the furrow between my brows. I wanted to protest, to tell him there was nothing to worry about, despite there be everything to worry about, but, as usual, I stayed silent. He sighed, backing away so I could get to my desk. He made his way towards the double doors, and I watched him walk away from me, just like I’d let everyone else.

“Alex. . .” He stopped, turning towards me. I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth. His shoulders drooped.

“See you later, Tris.” He kept walking, and soon he was out of sight. Idiot. Why didn’t you say something? I sunk into my chair, and Marlow laid his head on my knee. I mindlessly scratched his head, my thoughts running a million miles a minute. Guilt ate away at me—my skin itched with it. I waited, hoping the feeling would pass, but I couldn’t shake it.

“Well, I’m not going to just sit here feeling sorry for myself. Blake, Marlow, let’s go.” They bolted up, ready to explore. I snatched up their leashes and stormed down the hallway. The endless corridors were a maze nearly impossible to escape, but I managed to find Human Resources eventually. Brushing past the security guard, I marched into the office and up to the first manned desk I saw.

“Take me to my brother,” I demanded. The woman looked up from the stack of paperwork on her desk, peering over her glasses.

“And do you have the proper paperwork?” Her blank stare boiled my blood.

“Of course not—but why does it matter? I work here!” I was quickly approaching hysterics.

“I’m sorry, miss, but without approval from the Undertaker, I can’t let you see your brother.” She returned to her paperwork. I turned back towards the door, breaking out into an all-out sprint, headed anywhere and nowhere. Blake’s barks echoed through the empty hallways, and I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling over my cheeks. When I’d successfully lost myself, I slumped down the wall, a dark silhouette sprawled across the too-bright white walls and floor. I stayed there for hours, pain and grief and guilt gnawing a hole in my chest.

Marlow’s low growl drew my attention to the intruder, forcing me to look up. A small, slightly familiar man stood a few feet away, held back by Marlow and Blake. “Chris.” My voice was barely a whisper, raw from hours of crying. “I’m sorry you have to see this.” I wiped away the stale tears with my sleeve, and Blake came over to help me stand. Marlow continued standing guard, keeping Chris away. I picked up his leash, bringing him towards me.

“Do you need help?” he asked, tentatively reaching towards me. I shook my head.

“It’s fine. I’m on my way to work now.” Clinging to my dogs, I turned right and started making my way back.

“Um, Tris?” Chris’s voice rang through the empty space. I turned towards him. “Your office is that way,” he said, gesturing in the opposite direction. Grimacing, I turned around and walked back towards him.

“Let me at least walk you back.” He spoke gently, and I started feeling calmer.

“Okay.”

We walked in silence, and I was grateful that he didn’t try to fill the void with conversation, especially about the mess he found me in. I see why PJ likes you, I thought. I began to relax, letting the tension in my shoulders roll off my back.

“Thank you,” I muttered. He gave me a reassuring smile and continued leading me back to my office. PJ was sitting at my desk, his fingers drumming wildly on the arms of my chair. He stood up when he saw me, coming towards us.

“Oh, Chris, thank God you found her,” he cried, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you,” I managed.

“It’s okay—everything’s okay. You don’t need to apologize. I would have gone to look for you myself, but Chris has been here longer and knows these corridors better than I do.” He smiled warmly at Chris with a rare tenderness. “Thank you again. I know you’re busy.”

“I’m glad I could help.” He looked between PJ and me. “I know this isn’t the best time, but remember what we talked about yesterday. It needs to be taken care of today—the sooner the better.” PJ squeezed me protectively, his hands tensing slightly.

“I know. Their timing sure sucks though. This isn’t exactly the best time to shake things up.”

“I understand, but maybe it will help. There’s not much of a choice, but still, just think about it.” He waved goodbye and left the two of us alone at my desk—well, as alone as we could be in an office full of Reapers in the middle of their work. PJ turned towards me, his eyes full of concern.

“You sure you’re okay? Because we can talk about it if you want.” I felt my resolve start to crumble, and I collapsed into my chair. PJ knelt beside me.

“I tried to see my brother today. Obviously they wouldn’t let me in, although I’m not sure what good seeing him would do. What would I say? ‘Hey, sorry for getting you killed when we were kids—turns out it wasn’t an accident, and it was supposed to be me. But, hey, I work for them now!’ He’d be so upset. I know I would be if he was responsible for my premature death.” I absently pulled at a loose thread on my shirt.

“Tris, you know that’s not true—well, at least blaming yourself isn’t right. I’m certain Alistair wouldn’t be angry with you. You were both children. And he went straight to Heaven. You know he wouldn’t be there if he was still holding a grudge.”

“What about my parents? One dead child, the other vanished. They’re still in the same house, hoping that one day I’ll come home, unsure whether I’m dead or alive. How is that fair to them? How is any of this fair?” He let out a low sigh.

“I know this system isn’t ideal, but it’s better than it was before. It was chaos when humans found out about us and were allowed to live. Reapers everywhere were being hunted, like the Witch Trials before those even happened. And sometimes accidents happen, but we’re all human here. We make mistakes, and while those mistake hurt people, the Undertaker isn’t just going to take away everyone’s agency. It’s one of the reasons he made humanity in the first place. I’m certain he would have been fine just letting everyone stay as non-corporeal beings in Limbo, but he wanted to give us a chance at something greater, and with that comes a chance to get hurt. And while I know this might not make you feel better, it’s the way things work here, and none of us can do anything about it. That sucks, I know, but it’ll get better. It stops hurting eventually.”

“Does it? Did it ever stop hurting for you? Any of it?” His face fell. Silence stretched between us.

“No, it didn’t. And horrible things still happen here, but eventually you find things that help make it hurt less. And some days are worse than others. And I’m sorry—the hurt will never go away, but at least the times between those terrible days begin to last longer. Sometimes it’ll be months before another bad day comes along. And what matters is that you make the most of those times in between.”

“PJ, it’s been more than ten years. When am I going to start feeling better again?” He shook his head.

“I don’t know—I don’t have all the answers. It’s different for everyone. I fell hard before I was able to get back up again. You remember. I was a wreck, and then I started to get better. I opened up about it, went to see a therapist, and gave it time. Getting out of the Higher Path helped, too. Dealing with death out there every day, it takes it’s toll.”

“But I can’t get out, not now. I’ve already graduated and made my choice.” PJ twisted the end of his shirt.

“I can’t get you out of it, but what if I could make it better? Less deaths, but more time out there?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Extended assignments? Aren’t those for interns?”

“Well, sort of like an extended assignment, but less educational. Look, I can’t give you all the details—I’m low on information as well, but Chris dropped off your Summons with me yesterday, asking me to review it before giving it to you. It’s your choice to accept it or not, but it mildly affects the two of us. We’d be pulled off regular Reapings to work solely with you and your paperwork. If it’s what you want, we’re both happy to support you.”

My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what he was telling me. A way out? I’d do anything. “Alright. I’ll accept the Summons.”

[erikismybitch]

Daddy Leaves: 2/2 (Mini series)

Erik just wants you to come home .

You were supposed to be home last night . Erik checked , no plane crashes , no delays , no excuse. He sat down , stomach growling because he couldn’t eat . The anxiety was eating him alive . Were you ever coming back? He knew went too far this time .

Erik sat on the living room couch , it was new and the exact model you begged him for. He couldn’t wait to see the look on your face last night when you came home. He sat there all night , calling your phone . But your phone did what it had been doing for the past several days . It kept going straight to voicemail . He even called Brianna, still no answer . Erik picked up his iPhone yet again, but he didn’t waste his time with calling you . He stared at the screen. His home screen was the first ultrasound of the baby . He didn’t know the gender but he hoped it was a girl . He wanted another you walking around the house.

Erik found himself lost in his photo app, landing upon a photo of you sleeping . You had the ability to sleep almost anywhere and if Erik was around, he snapped a photo . This particular picture was taken during a road trip . Your head was slouched over your lap. Erik laughed out loud thinking about how he hit the break and your head flew back on to the seat . You cursed him out and yelled about how your life flashed before your eyes . He scrolled again and stopped on another photo of you sleeping . You were on the floor of the old apartment. It was empty and the last day before the big move .

“Just one last nap before we are an official family” you said, right before you dozed off.

The next thing he landed on was a video . It was the night the two of you found out you were pregnant. Erik was the one to record but he hadn’t watched it until then . He pressed play .

“Alright y’all today is the day. She said she been feeling sick and shit “ Erik held the phone up to your face , you pushed him away.

“You really about to record me peeing on the stick?”

You sat on the toilet about to take the test . It was early morning, you still had on your head scarf and Pj’s. Completely annoyed at the fact that Erik was right in front of you, watching excitedly .

“Just do it! I’ve seen you pee hella times” he yelled , then proceeded to point the camera near your vagina .

“Erik stop!” You pushed him again , laughing at his antics . You peed on the stick and sat it on the counter .

“You pregnant ? How you read this shit?” Erik asked eagerly , pointing the camera at the test.

“Dummy, we have to wait sixty seconds “

Erik walked off, but stayed on camera. He sat on the bed and began to speak .

“To my future daughter or son, I just want you to know that I trapped your momma. She gave me that ass and I had no choice” he laughed.

“Erik shut up!” You called out from the bathroom .

“I can’t wait to meet you and buy you all the shit I never had... cause daddy grew up poor as fuck-“

Suddenly the phone dropped, all that came into view was Erik’s legs walking away revealing the ceiling in the room. There were muffled sounds that he couldn’t make out . He remembered that you walked out of the bathroom smiling , holding the test in your hands . Instantly , he came on to you . Picking you up and placing you on the edge of the sink. The two of you had sex right there in the bathroom.

“Erik, fuck!” He heard you moan loud and clear from the video . He had no idea that he filmed all of that . He clicked out of the video and tossed his phone aside . A few moments later , his phone Alerted him of a new message .

Why haven’t you called me back, what’s up with you?

It was from Sienna, the last person he wanted to speak to . He had been dogging her since that unfaithful night .

Lose this number

He responded back . Erik tried his luck again, after those photos and video, he wanted you home more than ever. He called your phone and still no answer . He had no control over this situation and it was killing him. Filled with anger , he kicked the glass coffee table making it shatter across the living room.

-

“Where you find a nigga with blue eyes? I didn’t even know they made those” you and Brianna laughed hard at her ignorant comment. It caused Mustafa’s blue eyes to glare at the two of you from inside his house. You and Brianna were outside by the pool, basking in the sun. The two of you were really loud because he could hear through the huge glass windows. You looked back at him , he smiled lightly then continued to work at his computer .

Mustafa was a dream. Standing six four, muscular much like Erik, his complexion reminded you of midnight and those eyes were as blue as sapphires. He had gotten into legal trouble and was deported back to his birthplace in Jamaica. You were madly in love with him and undoubtably wanted to go with him. Mustafa refused to let you put your life on hold for him and forced you to stay . You knew deep in your heart that if he would have stayed in the states , Erik would be nonexistent. You told him about Erik and everything he had put you through . Mustafa offered to handle him but that wasn’t needed. The two of them were equally as crazy , bloodshed crazy. He asked you to come stay with him, for however long you needed to.

Brianna was floored , to say the least . She had been spoiled and hypnotized by his wealthy that she extended her stay too. You on the other hand already knew Mustafas lifestyle. It was nothing to you , you’d much rather be at home in your small house... with Erik.

“Mustafa always seems so serious, does he talk much?” Brianna noticed . She had been in his home for several days and she could count how many times he had spoken to her . You chucked lightly.

“He’s a very private person, but he does talk”

“When?”

“When you go to sleep , he and I talk”

Brianna stayed silent for a while . She watched Mustafa get up and disappear someplace inside of the house . She then looked back at you , smirking .

“Have you guys had sex?” She asked.

“I’m pregnant. That’s so nasty Brianna “

“Is that a yes or a no?” Her eyes lit up with hope.

“Absolutely not!” You shot, looking her dead in the eyes. You were all for disrespecting Erik, but not in that way.

“Chill , chill I’m just kidding” Brianna took a sip of the ice cold Ting soda that rested in her hand.

The baby moved ,and you cringed . That was a feeling you thought you’d never get use to . You tried to console it by rubbing your belly , the baby stopped . Ever since you arrived on this island the baby had been active . You definitely felt less stressed. In the past, each time Mustafa brought you back home with him, they were the most exhilarating moments of your life . Maybe the baby was happy here too.

“I got a question” Brianna said, you could tell by her tone that the question would be dumb.

“Yes Bri” you let out a small laugh , preparing yourself .

“Who fucks better?”

“Bri, seriously?”

She looked to you with a straight face , she was definitely serious . “Spill it”

You looked to the house , making sure that Mustafa was nowhere in view . You began to whisper . “Mustafa had way more stamina than Erik, we used to have sex until I tapped out. But he didn’t know my body the way Erik does. The first time we had sex, he made me cum so many times” you trailed off into deep thought, remembering just how good the first time with Erik felt .

“So it’s safe to say Erik is the better lover?” Brianna concluded.

“I love Erik... like, so much” you could feel the water building in your eyes, just that quick. This was the first time you felt sad this entire trip, and the first time you talked about Erik . It was crazy how those small memories could spark up huge emotions .

“Why don’t you turn on your phone and call him, he’s been trying to reach you through me” Brianna held up her phone and scrolled through her call list . Erik’s number was there many times . “I’m on your side , but maybe it’s time to talk”

Your phone was inside the house so you used hers . You walked to the opposite side of the pool for privacy before you called . Erik answered right away .

“Brianna, please let me t-“

“It’s me” you stopped him from speaking . His tone went from frantic to calm in an instant .

“Babe?” He spoke, his voice was so full of hope as if he couldn’t believe it was you . It almost broke you.

“Yes?”

“I- I got that grey couch that you wanted . I bought groceries yesterday too”

“That’s good Erik” you approved greatly for his progress but it wasn’t enough . Where was the begging, where was the apology? “Erik that’s not enough for me, I need you out when I get back” you didn’t mean it but maybe it would trigger the response you needed .

Erik’s bark pierced through the speaker . He needed to make it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere . “Me, leave the house I bought, Fuck that”

“That’s the problem, you’re always talking about the shit you buy when you’re the one who wanted me to stop working!” You fumed.

“Who got you acting like this? You’ve been gone for over two weeks, you need to come home”

“I don’t need to do anything. I don’t need you , me or the baby” The mention of the baby struck a cord deep inside of Erik . It hurt . Even with the disrespect, he loved his child and wanted to be a good father . He had to hurt you back .

“ You been with your ex since you’ve been there ? “

“Doesn’t matter who I’m with . It doesn’t feel good to have questions unanswered right ?” You teased . He was getting a taste of his own medicine .

“Let me find out , don’t make me hurt you”

“Hurt me!?” You cried “Haven’t you hurt me enough?”

Erik stayed silent , listening to you cry from the other end of the phone . The guilt was building up inside of him. “I love you. Come home, you pregnant and I want to take care of you ” he was much calmer now.

“Erik, all I ever wanted you to do was come home. I’m gonna’ be like you now, I’ll come home when I feel like it” you continued to sob. “Your baby will be a Jamaican citizen “

You ended the call before you could hear his response. Erik needed that balance. The weight that kept him grounded . All the meanwhile, you weren’t there . Erik worked hard for you to show you how much he loved you . He wanted to give you a baby to show you how much you meant to him . He knew he had made a huge mistake . He called back , but this time he was on a different note. You answered but remained silent on the line. Erik took a deep breath. “Come on baby” . The way he said it , as if he was down on his last whim. Your lip trembled as you held in the silent cries.

“Please Just come home, I’m so sorry”

—

Mustafa sat on your bed, well his bed and watched you pack . He was sad, he hoped you and Erik wouldn’t solve things and you would stay . Brianna left three days ago, leaving the two of you to reminisce on those unfiltered memories .

“You know you can stay . I always have a place for you here” he reached out and rubbed your palm, it stopped you from putting things in your suitcase. “Just like you did for me back in the day”

“You used to hide out at my place , I can’t hide out here”

“Why not?”

“Cause I love him, I love Erik” you admitted . Mustafa rolled his eyes and rested his head on the headboard. He scanned you closely . Even with the baby in your belly, it didn’t make him like you any less . To him you were just as beautiful and if you stayed he would treat the baby as if it was his own . His heart was still filled with regret from long ago. Telling you not to come to Jamaica with him was his biggest mistake. He couldn’t fault Erik for taking up his absence.

“Thank you for letting me stay, again”

Mustafa turned his head, he knew the goodbye was coming soon. “De taxi ah out front . Mi cyant see yuh leave, might stop di plane”

You smiled at his accent peaking through. He had been speaking proper English the entire trip, he grew tired of Brianna asking him “What did you say?” Over and over . He felt more comfortable now, knowing you understood him.

“We don’t need you stopping the plane “ you joked, making the final zip of your suitcase . Like the true gentleman he was, Mustafa carried your bags out to the taxi as you waddled behind him. You kissed his cheek, he took it a step further and kissed you on the lips.

“Take care of yourself , and the baby that should have been mine” he hugged you tight and let go. You got inside of the cab and headed to the airport, never did you look back at the life you could have had. Only forward .

-

Erik and Mini were in the hotel elevator, heading to the room to meet you . Tonight Erik had a special dinner planned, he had just come from the lobby after checking on the reservation.

“Last night when you were dancing with mommy this guy asked me if mommy was my girl . He called mommy my girl. I don’t like that word anymore, it doesn’t feel right” Erik ranted to the three year old .

“You can call her mommy like me. She calls you daddy sometimes” Mini said, he prayed that Mini only heard you call him daddy outside of the bedroom.

“Nah, I want to marry mommy . I got her this big ring” Erik pulled the Tiffany blue box out of his pocket . “See?” He opened it exposing the haloed Tiffany Soleste ring. Months ago he had taken Brianna ring shopping with him and she insisted that this ring was the one. Right then he placed his down payment.

“Daddy, this is like a princess ring” she beamed excitedly, as if it was for her .

“No baby, you are a princess and mommy is a queen “ he corrected. He placed the ring back in his coat pocket .

“You’re the king daddy, we just need a prince”

“Daddy is working on that.” Erik laughed and the elevator reached their floor . The two of them walked hand in hand down the hall to the room . You were there, in one of the bathrooms getting ready for dinner . Erik found you and stood behind, watching you pin your hair up .

“It’s so humid out here, I can’t even wear my hair down like I wanted to”

“I’m sure it will look nice , however you do it”

You turned around quickly, unable to stare at him through the mirror any longer . You needed to see his actual face . Your eye browns turned in , full of curiosity. “What are you up to?” Erik had been extra nice this trip, taking any chance to compliment you. “And where is my daughter? She’s been too quiet” You scanned the room from the bathroom door view, you didn’t see her . .

“I don’t know, she was right behind me when I walked in” Erik laughed, he was sure Mini was fine .

Mini was in the front of the suite. Mischievously searching through her dads jacket for the beautiful ring. Her little chubby fingers grabbed ahold of the box and she pulled it out .

“Mini what are you-“ You froze as you watched Mini open the box and the diamond ring was exposed . “Where did you get that!” Your tone caused Mini to think you were upset, quickly she brought the ring to you .

“Fuck!” Erik panicked , as he walked beside you.

“Daddy wants to make you a queen... tell her daddy“ after seeing Erik’s reaction, her little voice shook as she spoke . You didn’t mean to scare her either so you softened up.

“It’s okay, honey” you ran your fingers through her coils, trying your best to soothe her . But your eyes never left the beautiful diamond ring . Your heart raced because you were terrified . The ring was perfect. You dreamed about this magical moment since you were little , but it was actually happening.

“You were supposed to let daddy do it tonight at dinner” Erik tried his best to stay calm , everything he had planned for was ruined . You still stayed silent in the midst of everything .

“Pretend do a do over “ Mini wrapped her body around your leg , you laughed at her choice of words . She gave the ring to Erik and he got on one knee. Mini was about to speak again but you held your hand to her lips and covered her mouth . She had already ruined enough for the evening. The hand that covered her mouth shook anxiously. You looked to Erik with glossy eyes . His face never left yours . He wasn’t afraid , he wasnt nervous . In fact, Erik had never been more sure about anything in his entire life . He grabbed on to your left hand and placed the ring on your finger.

“Just marry me , I want to marry you”

[centeris2]

The day after taking Scott into Jorvik City, Rebecca takes him to meet friends. Proper socialization of your vampire is key to their mental health.

Scott woke up to an incredible feeling of bliss, realizing Rebecca was still there in his arms. At some point in the night he had rolled onto his back and Rebecca had followed, her head on his chest.

This, this was perfect.

Just him and Rebecca, snuggled together under blankets in her stable, hidden from the world. He was surprised how warm and heavy the blankets were, it felt like he was totally wrapped in them, and he didn’t remember them being this heavy last night. In fact, it felt like there was a heater next to him.

A snorting made him look to his side, a seal blinking at him.

“AH!” he didn’t mean to yelp but there was a seal. In the tack room. Where- how?

The seal barked at the cry and Rebecca jerked awake, sitting up and looking at Scott.

“Oh, good morning, Kells!” Rebecca said with a smile, petting the now whimpering seal next to Scott. The light brown seal with a black heart mark on its head cried, lumbering over Scott to get closer to Rebecca.

“Oh honey! No! You’re getting too big for that!” Rebecca tried to push the seal off Scott, who had gasped and had no idea what to do about a seal over his stomach.

“Come on sweetie,” Rebecca said as she stood and stepped over Scott, “you and the others should go hunting.”

The seal, Kells, whined and followed Rebecca out of the tack room, leaving Scott gasping for breath and very confused.

He scrambled up and poked his head out of the tack room, bewildered by the amount of activity in the barn. There wasn’t just one seal, there were maybe seven or eight, barking and yapping and jumping up as Rebecca walked through them.

“Honestly, you guys don’t need me to get out,” Rebecca laughed but opened the main door, the seals flopping their way out into the sun.

Heavy purring and fur made Scott glanced down, a bright orange cat rubbing against him and practically vibrating from how hard it was purring. He stiffled a cry when something landed on his head, a fox looking at him before hopping down to the floor and scampering away.

“I thought you were a horse girl,” Scott muttered, looking up and seeing squirrels running along the rafters and out an open window.

“Oh, I am!” Rebecca grinned before she ran over to him and threw her arms around him, giving him a tight hug.

“Good morning!” she chirped, purring a bit herself when Scott hugged her back.

“Mornin,” he murmured to her. There, now it was just him and her and oh dear.

Midnightwarrior snorted and nudged Rebecca before turning and trotting away.

“Let me get my boots on! Geez!” Rebecca called after her horse before she slipped on socks and boots she had in the tack room.

“You’re in pjs,” Scott pointed out as she headed toward the door.

“Yeah, so? You may want to put on a shirt,” she grinned at him, the fox from before jumping and climbing up to her shoulders.

“Good morning, Sly!” she cooed to the fox, giving it a scratch, “where are the others?”

The red fox jumped down and raced down the hallway.

Scott grabbed his clothes and got dressed before heading out, seeing Rebecca waiting for him at an open side door.

“Told you I’m a horse girl,” she teased when he stopped and looked at all the horses.

“Damn…” Scott muttered, a bit afraid to go out into the yard as there were so many horses, all of them nickering and sniffing Midnightwarrior and Rebecca in greeting.

“Most of them I’m just training for the summer,” Rebecca reassured him before she held out her hand to guide him through the mass of horses. He took her hand, happy to have her to anchor him as horses investigated him.

“You said you did western riding, do you have a horse?” she asked, providing a distraction from several very large horses sniffing him and studying him.

“Uh yeah, I mean no. I leased a horse when I rode I mean,” he explained.

“You don’t ride anymore?”

“My, uh, riding privileges have been revoked until the bridge is done,” Scott scowled. The last bit was a partial lie, the revoked privileges and building the bridge were both punishments. But he hoped he would get to ride again once the bridge was complete.

“Oh, um, how? Like, were you forbidden or?” she wondered how it worked. Surely if he wanted to ride he could work out a deal with Natalie at New Hillcrest stables.

“Junior and Father control the money, no money no leasing,” he explained, bitterness evident in his voice.

“Ah, and I’m sure they prefer to keep you dependent on them for money,” Rebecca guessed. Junior seemed to be the controlling type like that, and keeping Scott busy with tasks around Butter Hill prevented him from getting his own income.

“Yeah, the, uh, ‘payment’ I get for my work around the mansion let’s me do a few things, but is not enough to lease a horse again,” he didn’t like using the word allowance, that seemed like a childish thing, but that’s what it felt like. If Junior and his Father were feeling gracious and like Scott had earned money then Scott finally had some fun money. Some was stashed away, a vague dream that just maybe he’d be able to get away if he could get enough together. But mostly it went to distractions. Anything that would make him think of something other than his family.

“I see. Well, I won’t charge you!” she suggested with a wink and a nudge.

“I’m not accepting a horse,” he rejected the offer, making Rebecca snort.

“Right, because I can exercise all these horses by myself. You’d be helping me out,” she pointed out. That was a valid point.

“Besides, I think I know the perfect horse. Shoo! Go wander!” she turned her attention to the horses still milling around and sent them away. Scott sighed in relief, glad to have his personal space again.

“Where is Dawn?” she asked Midnightwarrior. Why was she asking her horse? But the dark horse snorted and trotted away.

“I guess he won’t help,” Scott muttered, eyebrow raised.

“He’s going to get her,” Rebecca smiled.

“You can talk to horses? You really are a witch,” Scott teased, feeling a smile tugging at his mouth.

“I just understand them, and they understand me. But at the rate I am going I probably will be more of a witch than a druid,” she grinned and remembered something. “Oh, we’ll have to check the post box, our books should be here.”

“Those’ll keep me busy,” he admitted, thinking of the pile he would be receiving.

“Now, for Dawn, it’s important to know some things. You’ll need to stay calm with her, and she does much better with positive reinforcement. Try not to shout or hit, and definitely do not use a whip. Be best if you didn’t carry one at all,” Rebecca advised.

“Why?”

“She will probably buck you off and bite you. I don’t know the details but she I think she went through trauma of some sort, she gets very anxious if she thinks you are angry with her,” she explained.

“And you think she’ll be a good fit for me?” Scott asked, a bit bewildered.

“I think she’ll be able to help you quite a bit,” Rebecca grinned.

“Her help me?” he was even more confused now.

“She’s a horse that has been through trauma who is desperate to please and receive affection and approval. I think you’ll both be able to work through some issues together,” Rebecca was glad when the look of understanding crossed his face and he scowled and looked away.

“Doubt it,” he muttered. How would a horse do that?

“At the very least she’s good at western, she’s very quick on her hooves and excellent at changing direction on a moment’s notice. I wouldn’t be surprised if she made a good cutting horse, but I haven’t seen any competitions on Jorvik to test that theory,” Rebecca added.

Midnightwarrior snorted, returning with a palomino mare a little shorter than him. Scott stared at the mare, his heart clenching a bit. He didn’t like it, but there was something about how the mare held herself, how she looked around, fear and caution just under the surface. It reminded him of himself.

“Thank you! Alright Dawn, that’s a good sweetie,” Rebecca let go of Scott to walk toward the mare, Dawn prancing up and nudging Rebecca.

“This is Scott,” she looked at Scott, Dawn’s ears and eyes following and looking at Scott.

“Come say hello,” Rebecca beckoned, hand out to Scott. He tried to stay calm, tried to not be threatening at all. He stepped forward and took Rebecca’s hand, and she guided his hand to Dawn’s muzzle.

The mare took a deep breath, smelling Scott’s hand, and withdrew a bit. Rebecca let go of Scott’s hand.

“She looks like you,” Scott muttered, unsure what to do now.

“You think? I always pictured myself as a cremello. The blue eyes and all,” Rebecca said, watching Dawn as she slowly approached Scott, studying him as she eased closer. Scott stood still. Normally he’d just go for the horse, loop a rope around them and tack them up. But this was Rebecca’s horse, and he felt like he needed permission from Rebecca before he could touch Dawn.

“Good,” Rebecca murmured, Dawn blowing on Scott’s face.

“Blow back, say hello,” she suggested.

“What?” he glanced at her.

“Blow on her nose so she can get your smell,” she explained a bit more, Scott not understanding.

But he did it anyway, blowing through his mouth at Dawn’s nose. The mare’s nostrils flared, inhaling his breath. The mare snorted, shook her head, and then lowered her head and pressed it against his chest.

“She likes you, you can touch her now,” Rebecca informed him, smiling.

“I know,” Scott wasn’t sure why he said that, but he felt a bit of pride. This horse had come to him, and now he was able to touch the velvety nose and stroke her face. He hadn’t forced the horse to do anything. It was an oddly satisfying feelings.

“Come on,” Rebecca called, heading back into the barn, Midnightwarrior following. Scott stepped away from Dawn, wondering what to do, and Dawn followed. He was surprised to find how closely she followed, her head resting over his shoulder as she followed him into the barn. He didn’t remember ever seeing something like this in real life, maybe in movies with the perfect match of horse and rider, but that was just movie magic.

“Horse tack is here, go ahead and pick whatever western tack you want for her, it should all fit her pretty well,” Rebecca instructed before she went to her closet to get dressed for the day.

Dawn watched Scott as he picked out tack. He wondered how Rebecca had managed to get all the equipment, or how she managed to keep it organized.

Rebecca returned, dressed and carrying packages, as Scott was tacking up Dawn.

“I already grabbed my book, so these are all yours,” she informed him, smirking as he winced at the stack of books. Had they sent more books? The pile looked even bigger today.

“Are you sure?” he asked, hoping maybe they had sent her extra books.

“I checked, these are yours. Feel free to grab a saddle bag for these,” she said, putting the books on the counter in the tack room.

Once he got the saddle bag crammed with books he mounted up, seeing Rebecca finishing Midnightwarrior and mounting as well.

“So, drop those off in your tool shed, and then go for a run?” she asked.

“Sure!”

Rebecca’s stomach growled.

“Um, get some food, drop off the books, then go for a run?” she amended and he nodded.

Scott was amazed that Dawn and Midnight just stood by happily nickering to each other while Rebecca and Scott got breakfast at a cafe by the harbor. Scott was also amazed that they got free food, the owner reassuring Rebecca that it was on the house.

“Why does everyone like you?” Scott muttered when the owner, Catherine, left them with their food.

“Because I smile,” she said with a big smirk, “also I help people out.”

“I think you have a need to be liked by everyone,” Scott observed and Rebecca shrugged.

“I was worse when I was younger, if you can believe that.”

“I can’t,” he admitted, taking a bite of his sandwich. Oh delicious food, it had been too long.

“Everyone likes me, so seems like a good deal to me,” she shrugged.

“And the people who just take advantage of it?” Scott said between bites of food.

“Eh, they’re jerks, but it doesn’t bother me much, I know I did a good thing even if I don’t get thanked for it,” she explained. “I know, I’m so weird,” she added in a teasing voice when he looked at her funny.

“That’s one word for it,” he muttered, finishing his sandwich.

They thanked Catherine for the food and headed south to Butter Hill, Rebecca noticing that Scott was gradually growing tenser as they approached.

“We’re on horses, we can run away if someone yells at you,” Rebecca pointed out, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah,” he muttered, his mood not improved.

To Scott’s relief Junior wasn’t prowling around looking for him, and he was able to stash the books, and grab some cash just in case.

“Right then,” Rebecca headed toward The Great Thunder, much to Scott’s panic.

“We can’t jump that!”

“Yes we can!” Rebecca grinned, “just trust Dawn, she’s done it before!” she called before Midnightwarrior ran and carried her over the chasm.

Just trust a horse he just met. Right. Trust. Trust wasn’t something he did.

“Should we come back?” Rebecca called, waiting on the other side.

Scott looked down at the palomino mare, she seemed totally calm, ears on Rebecca before flicking back to Scott.

“Okay… just… go to Rebecca,” he tried to not feel the fear and nerves, he didn’t want to get Dawn killed. Or himself. Why did he think of Dawn first? He blinked and shook his head before he looked ahead at Rebecca. Just go to Rebecca. That was easy.

Dawn took a few steps back, Scott trying not to panic because he didn’t tell her to do that, was she scared? Was she backing away? But then Dawn tensed, shifting back into her haunches, and Scott held tight just before she leapt forward. All he had to do was hold on, surprised by the sudden speed and wind blowing in his face before it all stopped in a thud, Dawn standing on the other side tossing her head.

“Told you,” Rebecca smiled, amused by his blush and hand on his hat, shoving it back into place.

They rode through New Hillcrest at a much more relaxed pace, Scott suspected she was letting Scott recover and stop shaking from the jump but he said nothing. Mostly he was busy looking around, a slight scowl on his face as he saw the looks in his direction. There was less disgust and hatred though, it was more confusion seeing Rebecca, cheery and smiling, with Scott. Rebecca waved and called hello to a few people and they waved back, smiling but clearly confused by Scott.

“Your good name won’t last long,” Scott muttered to her as they climbed up the bridge to South Hoof.

“I have been seen with worse than a Buttergood,” Rebecca grinned and added, “maybe your bad name won’t last much longer.”

“Doubt that,” he grumbled. The Buttergoods had earned their reputation over generations of being generally nasty to everyone.

“Hello Singing Yew!” she called and waved to the giant tree on South Hoof as they rode by, and Scott was sure he imagined the tree creaking in response.

“Maybe you are a druid, talking to trees,” Scott teased.

“Nah, the druids don’t like me at all!” she laughed, Midnightwarrior slowing down so she could remove her gloves and long sleeved jacket and stash them in the saddlebag.

“No one here to ask,” she explained, taking up the reins once more and leading the way.

“So where are you taking me today?” Scott asked.

“Just here I think, maybe to the western courses around Jorvik. I want you to meet someone,” she explained as she led him down a slope toward a little house and garden.

“Hello! Where is Justin?” she asked the old man who glared at them.

“No how are you doing? No manners, bah, this is why I don’t like people…” the old man grumbled.

“Would you rather I stay here and talk to you?” she asked with a smirk, the old man grimacing at the thought.

“He’s with the ponies,” he answered in a huff, not wanting to talk unless it was complaining about the lack of manners in humans.

“Thank you!” she said with a bright smile and waved goodbye before heading back up the slope. Scott tipped his hat toward the old man, not sure why he did it, and followed Rebecca.

“The ponies?” Scott asked when Rebecca stopped at the top of the slope.

“The wild Welsh ponies,” Rebecca explained, standing up in her saddle to try to see where the herd was.

“I guess we’ll find him if we run around long enough,” she said with a shrug when she didn’t see the herd. Scott didn’t offer any protest and followed, the group traveling at an easy lope.

“So, this Justin, he a friend?” Scott asked, wondering who Rebecca wanted him to meet. More specifically, he wondered what Justin knew about Rebecca, as she was not hiding her arms or hands.

“Yup! He was the first person I met in Jorvik, and he’s a bit involved in the magic stuff. Plus, I think you two will get along well, and you definitely need friends,” she explained, a bit teasing.

“What am I, your charity project?” he huffed, wondering just what her goals were with him.

“I won’t be here all the time,” she said more seriously, and it made Scott nervous.

“Ah! Justin!” she hollered, waving her hands to get the attention of the pony herd moving in the distance. A palomino with a person, Scott assumed Justin, broke off from the herd and headed toward them.

“Hey Rebecca! And…?” Justin glanced from her bare arms to Scott to Rebecca, confused.

“Hi Justin! This is Scott, he needs friends!”

“I do not,” Scott scowled, not liking how Rebecca was leading off.

“Pleasure to meet you, Scott! Don’t mind Rebecca, she collects lonely people,” Justin teased and Rebecca shrugged, not disagreeing.

“I guess lonely people just gravitate toward me,” she said, flicking her hair and grinning.

“Nice to meet you,” Scott said, tipping his hat to Justin and not sure where to go from there.

“Well, I figured you two are lonely so you guys should be friends! And you have a lot in common, both of you believe in magic, you have nasty relatives, you both like horses, you two will get along! You two have fun, I’m going to visit the ponies!” Rebecca said in a rush before she took off, leaving the two young men together.

“Is she always like that?” Scott asked, accepting his fate that he was to try to make friends with Justin.

“She’s…” Justin paused, a sad and guilty look crossing his face, “she’s trying. So, magic? What do you know?”

“Ah, not much? I know she’s got something with the druids, and it’s like she can talk to animals. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a witch,” Scott tried to joke, noticing Justin’s face grew dark at the mention of the druids. Seemed they were a sore spot for a lot of people.

“Alright, just wondering,” Justin said with a shrug, trying to gauge how much he could talk about with Scott.

“She must trust you,” Scott continued, “showing her hands and all around you.”

“Yeah… we’ve been through a lot together,” Just said, his guilty expression back.

“Uh… so, what did you mean by she’s trying?” Scott asked, trying to learn more. Rebecca was a safe topic, it was something they both could talk about.

“She was pretty shy when she first came to Moorland. And now… well, she doesn’t like letting people see her. She tries to hide what she is feeling and tries to come off as happy and upbeat all the time.”

Scott didn’t say anything for a moment, watching her in the distance. The herd of ponies had surrounded her, she was probably having a great time saying hello to all the ponies.

“I got that feeling from her, she doesn’t do a good job of hiding it,” Scott admitted.

“Oh?”

“She was rather… volatile yesterday. She bounced between smiling and cracking jokes to being so… bitter. She always tried to brush it off though,” Scott explained and Justin nodded.

“Yesterday must have been a bad day for her, or she feels safe around you and let her guard down a bit,” Justin suggested with a shrug.

“Her… her scars,” Scott stopped himself, not sure if he should ask. Justin might not even know, and it really should be Rebecca who told him, right?

“Did she tell you?” Justin asked quietly, looking away.

“Something about… torture?” Scott didn’t like saying the word, he didn’t like remembering her fear and her sobs.

“Yeah,” Justin muttered, looking down at his own hands, “my… my grandfather. He didn’t like that she helped the druids.”

“Grandfather? And I thought my family was bad…” Scott muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t know what else to say.

“It’s just my grandfather! Everyone else is nice!” Justin declared, trying to defend his family, “Well, maybe…”

“Maybe?”

“I… I worry about what I may have inherited from him,” Justin admitted.

“I know, I think about that a lot too,” Scott confessed. It was surprisingly easy to open up to Justin.

“Oh?” Justin asked, curious.

“Buttergoods are rancid, have been for generations,” Scott said bitterly, “I don’t know why that’d change with me.”

“Oh! I thought you looked a bit familiar,” Justin said, studying Scott closer now. The Silverglades and the Buttergoods were both prominent families, and while Justin wasn’t too involved in the Silverglade part he did have a vague idea of who the big families were. He remembered seeing Valdemar Buttergood when he was younger, and he remembered being a bit afraid. Valdemar Buttergood had a sort of vacant expression, made worse by his facial structure. Strong and prominent bones jutted out of pale skin, and where there weren’t bones there were drastic hollows, making Valdemar look like a victim of starvation. The man just looked hollow, and Justin as a young boy had feared that Valdemar Buttergood was going to suck out his soul with his piercing glare.

Thankfully, Scott didn’t look nearly as terrifying, but the pale skin and strong bone structure was definitely that of a Buttergood’s. It was the classic dark and brooding type of handsome.

“Thanks,” Scott said with an eye roll.

“I mean! Not in a bad way? You don’t look, well you do look like your father, but like… I thought you dad looked like some Nosferatu with too much shading and contouring. But you don’t look like that! You do, but not scary?” Justin tried to explain, getting flustered and turning red as he tried to explain without insulting Scott.

Scott, to the surprise of both of them, laughed.

“Rebecca called me a vampire too, though she said Dracula,” Scott told Justin, making Justin chuckle.

“Yeah, Dracula normally looks pretty good,” Justin agreed.

“Well I’m glad I meet your approval,” Scott said, adding a rough edge to his voice to make it husky. He was surprised, and amused, when Justin smirked and glanced away with a bright blush.

Rebecca, meanwhile, was giving all the ponies their scratches, reaching those hard to reach areas that the horses couldn’t get to themselves. She glanced over at the pair of young men and palominos, glad that it looked like they were getting along. Their horses were happily grazing at least, and if the horses were relaxed then the boys must have been relaxed as well.

“Think we should go get them?” Rebecca asked Midnightwarrior, the warmblood grazing and swishing his tail.

Rebecca returned to them while they were talking about western riding, both of them lamenting that there were not more around Jorvik.

“I see you two are getting along,” Rebecca said with a satisfied grin.

“Ehh, he’s alright,” Scott said with a shrug, Justin snorting a laugh.

“I was thinking about taking Scott to some of the western courses, did you want to come?” Rebecca asked Justin. She knew he might want to stay on South Hoof, away from the crowds.

“Yeah sure! Just, uh…” Justin wasn’t sure how to ask for protection but Rebecca patted her saddle bag.

“No worries, and if the Bobcat girls swarm you I’ll distract them!” Rebecca teased, making Justin blush.

“Bobcat girls?” Scott asked, curious.

“The Moorland riding club is The Bobcats, I don’t know if there are only girls in it because it is exclusive or if no guys have tried to get in,” Rebecca explained, wondering the last part out loud. Aside from Justin there weren’t really any young guys around Moorland.

“Oooh,” Scott said with a smirk, looking at Rebecca.

“Do you like teenagers? Because they’re like, all in high school,” Rebecca said flatly.

“Oh,” Scott wrinkled his nose, his teasing gone.

“Yeah that’s what I thought,” Rebecca grinned, pleased that he was trying to make jokes and tease.

“I mean some of them are nice,” Justin pointed out as they rode down to the ferry.

“Of course! I’m just saying it’s not a good place to try to pick up a date.”

“Oh, well, yeah, true,” Justin agreed to that.

“You’ll probably only have to deal with the nice ones, Scott, the real queen bee will no doubt be trying to get Justin’s attention,” Rebecca reassured Scott, grinning at Justin’s whine of protest.

“But…” Justin pouted.

“Loretta helped Alex and I get you, you can at least thank her for that,” Rebecca pointed out, “and then maybe have a real talk with her.”

“I… uh…” Justin blushed, looking away and not speaking coherently.

��Got a crush?” Scott smirked.

“I am the crush,” Justin grumbled, not pleased with the situation.

“Heh, sounds terrible,” Scott said unsympathetically.

“I didn’t even know she liked me!” Justin cried, his welsh pony snorting and tossing her head.

“How?” Scott asked, confused.

“She never actually told me! She barely talked to me! How was I supposed to know!” Justin complained.

“Loretta did the call ‘dibs but don’t actually inform him that they’re dating’ thing, so everyone just thinks they are dating because Loretta says so,” Rebecca explained.

“I thought she was just being nice!” Justin continued to wail.

“Also Justin is oblivious,” Rebecca added with a grin.

“I! Okay, yeah, looking back it is pretty obvious, but!” Justin didn’t say anything after that.

“But?” Rebecca teased, trying to get him to continue.

“I don’t know,” Justin muttered.

“Scott, do your scariest vampire glare impression and protect Justin!” Rebecca looked at Scott with a pleading look.

“Naw, he’s on his own,” Scott said with a snort.

“Dude!” Justin whined, “please!”

“I could use a good laugh,” Scott joked, resisting.

“You won’t be laughing for long…” Justin muttered, making Scott tense up. Was that a threat?

“Oh?” Scott said, tight, bracing himself for a shouting match.

“There are over a dozen girls regularly around Moorland, and only two guys close to their age, including me. You do the math,” Justin smirked, Scott’s face going a bit grey but relaxing.

“Oh…” Scott looked over at Rebecca, pleading to not be left alone.

“Hey, not my fault you’re the ideal Tall, Dark, and Handsome,” Rebecca said with a shrug.

“I mean…” Scott peacocked a bit, flexing and showing off his muscles through his flannel shirt, “I don’t mind if you think so…”

“Oh, I do,” Justin said, laughing at Scott’s confused expression, Justin leaning over and giving Scott a pat on the back.

“Ahh, Moorland, so simple, so peaceful,” Rebecca muttered as they passed by Jasper’s farm, Moorland coming into view. She had put back on her long sleeves and gloves on the ferry to not attract attention in the crowds around Fort Pinta.

“Try being here when there is a school dance coming up,” Justin chuckled.

Rebecca noticed Conrad looking pointedly at her from his forge as they passed by.

“I’ll be right there. Justin, want to introduce Scott to Josh?” Rebecca suggested, getting them to go on ahead as she turned in and dismounted, close to Conrad. That look he was giving her made it seem very important, and possibly secret.

“You need to be careful who you associate with,” Conrad muttered to her.

“What? I know the Buttergoods have a bad rep, but-”

“I don’t mean the boy, I mean that store you went to yesterday,” Conrad explained, Rebecca going a bit pale.

“I didn’t realize the animals reported to you,” Rebecca said, crossing her arms.

“Oh no, the squirrels didn’t squeal on you. Noach came to me trying to barter with some very interesting crystals.”

“Barter? For what?” Rebecca asked, curious by how dark his expression got.

“Dangerous things. Things only the druids should have. You need to stay away from the Cranepoulos family. And, for Aideen’s sake! Don’t give away such valuable things! If those crystals fall into the wrong hands!”

“Dark Core already has access to Pandoria,” Rebecca pointed out, Conrad’s face turning white, then red.

“PAN-” he screamed before he caught himself, “you gave the uninitiated Pandoric crystals!?” he hissed in a much quieter tone.

“I’m sure other people have ways to get-”

“No! No they don’t! The druids and Dark Core are the only ones with access to Pandoria!”

“But Evergray has been with the witches in the north for decades, I’m sure-”

“Ugh, Aideen help me! If the witches can get there...” Conrad groaned, Rebecca growing stiff and scowling.

“At any rate it’s already been done, I can’t just go take it back from them,” Rebecca pointed out.

“What did you get from them?” Conrad asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Huh, let me see, what would I get from a bookshop I wonder,” Rebecca snapped.

“What book?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes!”

“Why, do they have cursed books that are going to trap my soul or something?”

Conrad paused and thought for a moment, “actually they might.”

“Oh, well, I already opened it and read the first page and I still have my soul,” Rebecca reassured him.

“Just… there are dangerous people, with dangerous beliefs, you don’t know enough yet to know the difference,” Conrad said, his tone turning more gentle and concerned.

“Yeah, if only there was someone who could teach me, or maybe an entire group of people who would educate me in magic and Aideen. If only,” Rebecca said sarcastically before saying, “when the druids start actually teaching me, I’ll stop looking elsewhere to learn.”

“The druids have their reasons,” Conrad said, grabbing Rebecca’s arm to keep her from leaving before he said her piece.

“So do I,” she snarled, snatching off her glove and showing the scars to Conrad, “Maybe I wouldn’t have had to kill people if they had actually trusted me enough to teach me!”

“You have to trust the druids!” Conrad hissed.

“They have given me no reason to, now let go before I lose control,” Rebecca warned.

“Rebecca-” he jerked back and grasped his hand, pain shooting through his hand as a red burn formed on his palm.

“Oops,” Rebecca said, not apologetic at all that she had just shocked him. But, knowing her quarrel was with the druids and not Conrad, she dug into her saddle bag and pulled out the purple flask.

“Now do you understand?” she asked, opening the flask and dropping a few drops of Aideen’s Tears on his hand, the redness and pain vanishing. “I barely have any control over it, I’m scared of getting angry, I can feel the energy building when I get anxious and stressed. The druids won’t teach me, but others will.” With that Rebecca got back up on Midnightwarrior and went the rest of the way to meet up with the others. Conrad stared at his hand where she had burned him, now completely healed. She was right, she needed training. Conrad decided he would speak to the druids before she became a threat.

The boys, meanwhile, were almost having a better time.

Loretta had spotted Justin the moment he came into view and had made a point of looking aloof, waiting for him to come to her. Other Bobcat girls were appreciating Scott, as Loretta couldn’t punish them for gawking at someone she hadn’t claimed.

Scott didn’t know what to do with his face, should he be grumpy? Angry? Scary? Should he be smiling? He just knew he felt out of place. These weren’t girls he could swoon and fuck, nor did he want to. He preferred women who were, well, women. Not teenagers.

“Hey Justin,” Julie purred, “who’s the friend?” she looked at Scott and winked, but Tan had already moved up directly to Scott, making Justin and Scott stop their horses.

“I’m Tan,” she introduced herself, casting Julie a back off glare. Tan was higher in the Bobcat pecking order.

“Uh, this is Scott,” Justin introduced, Scott saying nothing but tipping his cowboy hat. He didn’t know what he would sound like if he tried to speak.

“I can show you around if you want!” Tan offered, not being subtle at all. She was going to make it clear that she called dibs before anyone else got any ideas.

“Thanks Tan! I got it covered!” Justin saved Scott from trying to get out of it, directing his pony around the girls, Dawn following without Scott needing to tell her.

Scott, meanwhile, had picked out who he guessed was Loretta. He thought it was Loretta because she was peacocking worse than he did, looking aloof while puffing out her chest and popping her hip to the side, her lips pushed out and parted just a bit, and trying desperately to not look directly at Justin. He cast a glance back at her when Justin went past, heading over to a wagon instead. As he suspected, she looked thoroughly insulted and shocked.

“You’re just going to ignore her?” Scott leaned over and whispered to Justin.

“I’ll get you to Josh first, then I’ll talk to her,” Justin promised. At least if Scott was with Josh he would only be slightly swarmed by Bobcats.

“Heya Justin! Been a while!” Josh perked up when he recognized Justin before casting a curious glance at Scott.

“This is Scott, a friend of mine. He, well, you can probably guess,” Justin trailed off and smirked at Scott.

“A western fan, ehh? Happy to meet you! I’m Josh!” he introduced himself and reached up, shaking Scott’s hand. It was warm and friendly, not a vice grip to show who was in charge.

“You have a beautiful horse!” Josh complimented, patting Dawn and then looking at her closer, recognizing her.

“Rebecca loaned her to me,” Scott explained, a lightbulb going off in Josh’s head and he smiled and nodded.

“She’s a darling, and so are you, Dawn!” Josh said, giving the mare an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Dawn raised her head and rubbed her nose on Josh, giving him a horse kiss in return.

“So, Josh, can you show him the course? Talk some western for a bit?” Justin asked Josh, Josh grinning and raising his fist. Justin returned the fist bump and nodded to Scott before he and his pony backtracked to Loretta.

“So, Sco-”

“What a beautiful horse!” another Bobcat girl cooed, Tan distracted by Loretta.

“Yeah, she is,” Scott said, patting Dawn’s neck, not liking how the Bobcat girl crept closer, leaning against him. Before she could say anything else Scott looked back at Josh with a, “you were saying?”

“Yeah! Scott! Do you have any experience western? We only have a pole bending course set up here unfortunately,” Josh said apologetically, clearly wanting more.

“Some, but not enough,” Scott said with a grin. Christ what had Rebecca done to him? Just a few days ago his default expression was a scowl, now here he was smiling at people he had just met.

“Good answer!” Josh said with a laugh.

“Although Rebecca gave you a cheat horse,” Josh continued with a more teasing voice, and Scott heard an audible gasp from the Bobcat girl who was creeping onto his leg.

“How so?”

“Dawn could do this course on her own,” Josh explained, Scott snorting.

“Right,” Scott rolled his eyes, surprised when Josh gestured to the ground.

“Wanna bet?” Josh smirked, piquing Scott’s interest and making him dismount.

“I’m Emilie,” the girl finally introduced, sticking close to Scott’s side and trying to get his attention.

“Scott,” he replied out of politeness, watching Josh secure Dawn’s reins so she couldn’t trip and tightened the stirrups so they wouldn’t flap and scare her.

“Well Josh, how do we make her go without someone on her?” Scott asked with a smirk.

“Just step back,” Josh said and picked off his cowboy hat, holding it over the start line. Dawn looked back at Scott, but positioned herself at the starting line, keeping Josh’s hat in her line of sight. Scott saw her lean back, crouching on her haunches again.

“GO!” Josh shouted, waving the hat, Dawn jumping forward and kicking up a spray of dirt. But Josh was right, Dawn sprinted to the end, spun, wove through the poles and blasted back to the finish line.

“Well. Damn. Glad I didn’t bet money,” Scott muttered, Dawn swishing her tail and prancing, nudging him. Josh laughed and clapped his hand on Scott’s shoulder, pulling him into a side hug.

“I wouldn’t do that to ya!” Josh promised, Scott a bit frozen after the friendly contact. From a man. Did guys really do that when they were friends? The concept of a man touching him and it not being aggressive in some way just stunned him. Dawn nudged him, breaking him from his thoughts. Scott adjusted the stirrups and reins so he could ride again, and got back up on Dawn.

“Ready for your own run?” Josh asked, holding a stopwatch and grinning.

“Oh, hello Justin,” Loretta tried to remain as aloof as possible when Justin rode up to her. Tan smirked and made herself scarce, but not so scarce that she couldn’t hear everything.

“I wanted to thank you for what you did by helping Rebecca and Alex,” Loretta managed to not cringe at the mention of the other two girls, instead smirking and flipping her hair.

“Well, I did it for you, not them,” Loretta smiled at him, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Either way, thank you,” Justin reiterated.

“So, are you back for good?” Loretta drawled, a sweet smile on her face.

“No, I have more to do,” Justin said, making her smile fade.

“Why? When will you come back to me?” Loretta asked, edging closer to him.

“Loretta,” Justin took a deep breath, bracing himself.

“Yes?” she asked, hopeful, leaning closer.

“I don’t know where you got the idea that we were together, but we’re not.”

Loretta laughed, she didn’t know what else to do, surely he was joking.

“Oh Justin! Puh-leeze! It’s obvious you’re into me!” Loretta said, laughing and smiling at him.

Justin shook his head and muttered, “No, I just thought you were being nice to me and we were friends.”

“Oh really? That’s all…?” she drawled, batting her eyes at him, lips wet and parted slightly.

“Yeah, just friends,” Justin said again, guilty and sad as he saw the pain in her eyes.

“What did Rebecca do to you?” she whispered, angry now.

“Rebecca? What does she-?”

“Oh you know what I’m talking about! That tramp shows up and everything gets weird! Everything was fine until she showed up! What did she do?!” Loretta demanded in an furious hiss.

“She didn’t do anything to me! If anything she made me a better person!” Justin snapped back, keeping quiet.

“She changed you! I want it to go back to how it was with us!” Loretta begged, trying to grab Justin’s hand.

“There is no us! There never was! Look, Loretta, I hate to hurt your feelings-”

“Then don’t! Why are you doing this!?” she interrupted but he kept going.

“But I’m not interested in you, never was. You’re going to grow up to be a wonderful woman if you give yourself the chance, and you’ll find someone.”

“What is that supposed to mean!? I’m already wonderful! I found you!”

“No, you’re a petulant child who thinks you can call dibs on a person and make everyone else do your work while you sit high and mighty thinking yourself important because you bully people into obeying you,” Justin snapped, Loretta staring at him, her face going pale.

“Thank you for your help, have a good day,” Justin said, returning to Josh and Scott.

“How’d it go?” Scott asked, seeing Justin’s sour expression.

“It went. I think she got the point,” Justin muttered, looking away. He was glad he wouldn’t be around Moorland much.

Rebecca did not miss the death glare from Loretta, or some of the other Bobcat girls who had heard the conversation. She just sighed and moved on, catching up with the boys.

“Did you talk to Loretta?” Rebecca asked dryly.

“Yeah? How could-” Justin glanced and saw the ugly looks directed at Rebecca, “ooooh. Maybe we should leave.”

“Oh no, what are they going to do, kill me?” Rebecca asked sarcastically. After everything she had been through some grumpy girls not liking her was not something she even worried about.

“So! Josh! How you liking Scott?” Rebecca changed the conversation, looking at Josh who was clearly pleased to meet another Western enthusiast.

“I have a new best friend!” he crowed, Scott blinking and blushing.

“Yay!” Rebecca cheered, clapping her hands.

“I’m gonna…” Scott nodded toward the pole bending course, Dawn throwing her head to go again.

“Good luck!” Rebecca called, and Josh started them again.

“What happened?” Justin whispered to Rebecca.

“Huh?”

“What did Conrad want?”

“Oh, the druids found out I went to a bookshop yesterday owned by not druids. They didn’t like that I paid in crystals, and don’t like the people who own the shop.”

“So you’re in trouble again,” Justin sighed.

“Yup. I wouldn’t feel the need to find information elsewhere if they actually taught me, but noooo. I’m too dangerous even to be taught or something,” Rebecca said bitterly, not hiding her scowl and Scott looked at her with concern.

“I’ll catch you up later,” she let him know before she looked at Josh.

“Mind if I have a run?” she asked, smiling and thanking Josh before taking off around the course.

“Bad day for her?” Scott asked Justin.

“Bad day in Moorland,” Justin muttered.

“We don’t have to stay in Moorland,” Scott pointed out.

“How about it?” Justin asked, Rebecca sliding back to them after completing the pole bending course.

“What?”

“Scott has met Josh, we can continue on to Marley’s barrel race,” Justin explained.

“Scott can stay here!” Emilie protested, speaking up and moving toward Scott.

“I’ll go,” Scott said, earning Rebecca another glare.

“Emilie, how old are you?” Rebecca asked suddenly, Emilie puffing out her chest and smirking.

“17,” she said proudly. Rebecca looked at Scott with a raised eyebrow.

“25,” Scott said.

“What?” Emilie said, confused.

“I’m 25. You are way too young to be flirting with me,” Scott said, gave Dawn a squeeze, and trotted away.

“Oh and you’re not?!” Emile snapped at Rebecca.

“Honey, I’m 24,” Rebecca sighed and rolled her eyes, following Scott. Justin snickered but waved Josh goodbye and followed as well.

“So does that make you a cougar?” Justin teased Rebecca.

“Absolutely. You are my little cub,” Rebecca joked back. Scott glanced back with a raised eyebrow.

“Geez this sounds weird, doesn’t it?” Rebecca grinned, blushing a bit.

“Yeah, a bit,” Scott smirked, slowing a bit so the three of them could ride in a line together.

“Ah, you haven’t told him?” Justin asked Rebecca.

“Dude, I don’t know what’s happening with us!” Rebecca snorted in response.

“What’s happening?” Scott glanced between them, confused.

“Nothing, maybe, I don’t know. I wanted to be friends with you but someone,” she gave a pointed look at Justin, “seems to want to rush into something faster.”

“Whoa, I wouldn’t say rush!” Justin protested.

“Explain, please,” Scott sighed, annoyed.

“Okay so, don’t take this the wrong way, and I don’t mean to make it seem like I’m coming onto you. But I guess you get to learn about my sexuality,” Rebecca said, blushing, “or not really my sexuality. It’s only complicated if you want all the details.”

“You’re not making sense,” Scott told her, confused now.

“I’m polyamorous. I’m asexual, I don’t experience sexual attraction, but I do experience romantic attraction. I experience it for multiple people at once, and like the idea of being with multiple people at once in just one big happy relationship pile,” Rebecca explained, giving him an embarrassed and worried smile. She didn’t know how he would react.

“Wait, you don’t experience sexual attraction? But then…?” Scott trailed off, wondering about the previous night.

“I like sex, specifically with people I am comfortable with and care about. But I’m not sexually attracted to anyone. I don’t look at a person and want to fuck them. Sex is more of a… it’s just another thing I can do with people I like, like going to the movies and having dinner, or hugging or kissing. It’s just another way of showing affection for me,” she tried to explain.

“That… makes no sense,” Scott muttered, trying to understand. Sex was part of human biology, how could she just … not be into it? Except she was?

“Okay. Umm. Think of basic human desires, thirst, hunger, sleep. You can look at a glass of water and go ‘damn I really want to drink that’ or the same with food. I don’t have that when it comes to sex, I don’t look at a person and have an urge to have sex with them. Or, for a kind of weird metaphor let’s go with hunger. Sometimes you’re just hungry, you don’t care what it is you just want food. That’s kind of like sex drive, you want to have sex you just don’t really care who it is with you. But sometimes you a carving a particular type of food, like maybe you are really hungering for some pizza. That’s like having a sexual attraction, your hunger attraction is pizza, maybe your sexual attraction is for redheads. And then that can get specific of you want a specific pizza from a specific store, that’s like you want to have sex with a specific redhead you know. Is this making any sense?”

“So… you get, uh, hungry, but you never crave anything in particular?” Scott tried to understand the food metaphor.

“Yeah! I don’t ‘hunger’ for a type or specific person, if that makes sense,” she was glad he seemed to get it.

“I think?” Scott muttered.

“I needed some explaining too,” Justin offered, smiling at Scott.

“It doesn’t matter of course,” Rebecca added, “it only matters if you want to, you know, be in an actual relationship.”

“Why would it matter?” Scott asked.

“Well a healthy poly relationship only works if everyone is informed, consents, and is happy. So the others would have to approve of you,” she explained.

“What, would I be dating everyone?” Scott asked.

“No, but if one of the people I am dating isn’t happy and doesn’t consent to you and I dating then if I enter into a relationship with you it would be unhealthy, if not cheating,” Rebecca tried to make it clear.

“I, personally, consent and approve,” Justin voted with a raised hand.

“You? Justin?” Scott muttered.

“Hi! I’m one of Rebecca’s boyfriends!” Justin said with a grin.

“Are you like, the top boyfriend?” Scott asked, not sure how he felt about all this new information. These past two days were a rollercoaster of emotions for him.

“Oh, am I?” Justin teased, looking at Rebecca with puppy eyes.

“You know there isn’t a rank system, it’s all equal,” Rebecca pointed out.

“Her top is Midnightwarrior,” Justin said much more seriously.

“She does love her horse,” Scott teased, amused.

“Damn straight Midnight is my favorite. I’d pick him over all of you any day!” she declared, Midnight tossing his head and snorting.

“Knew it,” Justin snorted.

“What was it you said, you love him like you love your own soul?” Scott teased, Rebecca blushing and trying not to look at Justin.

“Your own soul, you say?” Justin muttered, glancing between the stallion and woman.

“See something?” Rebecca asked, joking, but Scott noticed how tense her back got.

“Well we all know you’ve got a magical bond with Midnightwarrior,” Justin said with a shrug, evidently not seeing anything new. He didn’t have control of his magic, and Rebecca was relieved by that.

“Oh! Should we stop by Connie?” Justin asked with a smirk.

[hey-there-buddy-pal]

How would UT Sans, and UF, SF skelebros react to waking up and realizing their entire life with the resets was a dream and they see a person in his bed, up on the surface. They awake and when the guys question them, they give him a funny look and says that they're married?

I had some trouble understanding this ask, and if this isn’t what you wanted then please do send another ask and I’ll fix it. For now I’m making the person waking up in the bed their s/o (you). And it takes place after a single pacifist route. No Flowey or Chara or anything. I kinda made it so that their memories of a life before the reset dream comes back to them. Also, I headcanon that the skellies who remembers the resets are the Sans equivalents. So no UF!Pap or SF!Sans

UT!Sans: -When he wakes up, he’s so confused. This isn’t his room, and judging by the sun shining through the window blinds this isn’t even the underground. Which should be impossible. He died, again. He should’ve woken up in another timeline where everything is just going to repeat itself again. Where Tori will die, and Undyne and… Papyrus.

He doesn’t even notice you until he feels you shift next to him as you wake up. He recognizes you, but he has no idea what you’re doing in the same bed together. Reaching a hand out, he’s carefully tapping on your shoulder until he’s sure that you’re awake. He’s still in a mild state of panic from the situation, but he’s trying to keep calm. And he’s starting with the obvious question, ‘’Who are you?’’

The look you’re giving him is both amused and worried. You tell him that you’re married, and then you ask him if he’s okay. You’re not sure if he’s setting you up for another joke, but this is a little early in the morning even for him.

He lays back down and just stares up at the ceiling. He’s trying to comprehend what’s happening. How he could just wake up from his own life. It doesn’t make any sense.

Unless…

Unless that wasn’t his life? And he’s been stuck in some sort of weird lucid dream that slowly made him forget the real world. That can’t be happening. But when he tries to remember his life from before the dream, it’s all hazy and so hard to grip.

He quietly tells you that he can’t remember you. And before you have any time to react he tells you about the dream. Normally he wouldn’t trust someone that he didn’t know, especially not in a situation like this one. But he feels like he can trust you, and he needs answers and clarity in what is happening.

In the end neither of you knows what to do. How do you resume life after something like that. Eventually you decide to wait a few days and see if he gets any better. If not, you’re making him to go Alphys to try and find out what’s happened to him.

He might not remember you, but you still love him.

UF!Sans: -When he wakes up, the first thing he notices is that this doesn’t feel like waking up from a regular reset. There’s non of that faint pain on his ribcage, and he’s not as tired as he usually is. Also, the thing that woke him is the sun shining through the curtains. This causes him to snap his eyes open fully, and he’s scanning the room with suspicion.

This isn’t his room. And there’s someone in his bed. This is when he finally starts getting the what the fuck feeling, and he’s up and out of the bed in record time. He’s not sure what he should do. He doesn’t know who you are which means that you’re a threat, but you certainly doesn’t look like one. You’re actually kind of familiar. And he finds the way you cuddle into the pillows very cute.

But the unfamiliarity with the situation is making him nervous, and he handles that with aggression. So when he sees that you’re finally waking up, he barks out a ‘’Who the fuck are you?’’

You turn to look at him, and your expression is a mixture between confusion, worry and something else that he can’t place. You yawn, and tell him that you’re married.

His sockets go completely blank, and he teleports out of there before you can even call out his name. He ends up on a busy street who knows where, and he’s just staring into space. This can’t be happening, this has to be a dream of some sort. Or maybe he traded lives with some poor bastard, and now they’re stuck in his old life.

Wow, talk about getting the bad end of a deal. At least now he’s out of the resets, and he’s on the surface. And apparently married to you.

It’s going to take him a while to process what’s happening, but he can live with this, as soon as he finds Papyrus and makes sure he’s safe. This isn’t the worst that’s happened to him.

SF!Papyrus: He wakes up tangled in someone else’s limbs, and he can barely tell his own body from theirs. The resets are still fresh in his mind, and he’s so confused. Why is he on the surface? Why isn’t he back in his room? And why the hell is he cuddling with a human. He could really do with a smoke right now, or two. Or something, heavier, anything to calm him down because he can feel himself start shaking. That apparently woke you up, as your eyes slowly glide open and your gaze catches his.

He has to ask you, but that might be a little awkward when he’s literally big spooning you in a double bed. He’d like to know the story behind how he ended up like this, at least he’s wearing PJ’s.

He clears his throat and carefully asks where he is and who you are. Your face scrunches up in confusion, and you look more than worried. Still, you answer his question and tells him that you’re married and he’s currently in your shared bedroom on a rare day off.

Okay so he didn’t expect that. And he’s not sure what to do now. What do you tell the person you’re married to when you can’t remember even meeting them before? You seem to notice that something’s wrong, and you start to carefully question him. He tells you about the dream and the resets. How he can’t remember anything from before, he didn’t even know that it had all been a dream. You’re pretty heartbroken once you realizes that he can’t remember you, but you’re taking it well. Asking if he wants to get some breakfast and go see his brother, since he remembers him from underground. During the next few days, he can’t help but look at you when you’re not aware of it. He already trusts you, he married you and his brother seems to approve of you. But the more time he spends with you, the more he starts to understand why he married you. And he falls in love with you at the same time as his memories of you slowly surfaces again.