#putting this in the tag in the meantime for anyone who might be curious as to why i havent really spoken about it
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Hi hello I wanna talk a bit about CD currently but Im not sure if its gonna be too long/negative so I'm gonna put my thoughts under a lid <3
So like. To start off it's really not a secret that I have a lot of trouble when it comes to crafting stories. This has been the case for many years, and will continue to be the case probably forever.
Challenger Deep felt like an exception to this at first, but since starting development on it my life took some turns that made it clear that CD suffers from the same and from different problems
To start with... I started using it as a vehicle for my grief at the start. Talas (especially) and Graves were both used as vehicles for my grief while I was going through stuff the past couple of years, and that inevitably bled through into The Everything.
It's not a bad thing to do this at all mind you (It helped me immensely) but it gave CD a strange foundation for me to build on that now I feel like I am at a major disconnect with, so I would like to build some more foundation around it, so to speak.
I would like to recraft the story (not rewrite it entirely because theres things i rly love, but theres others that I'd like to improve), and a lot of the lore (I feel like I closed my options a bit too much with some of it so I want to make it more expansive too. Part of why I wrote it the way it was was so I could invite friends to make stuff for CD but that did not go over well at all so I think I am going to not do that again). I just havent had the time to work on it properly, and since it's in this state where I feel like I need to "fix" it, I don't feel as passionate about it as last year so at the moment I'm letting it ride and waiting for when I'm excited to work on it again
I would like to add more characters as well and actually do justice writing-wise to the characters that are already in there too.
Also I won't lie, a big part of my investment in CD until recently was my oc ship, with Talas and Hades, and ever since I got into my current relationship I just havent thought much about them at all because I started pretty much actually living all of the shitposts and tropes I'd written and it started making me feel a bit strange to write/draw about that, so I need to fix that as well. See why I feel weird about it and what I can do to stop it and get back to those two
Additionally I've had a redesign of talas and hades' markings in my WIPs for months now. Hades is done, but on Talas' side Im not sure how to add in his bioluminescence pattern because something isnt working for me. I wanted him to be more visibly purble though with said markings. Everything else I really like, its just the glowy pattern (though watch me change the markings anyways bc im an indecesive beast)
Here's a snippet of them:
I wanted them both to have more natural fishy looking markings pretty much
So yeah, that's currently the state of things. I miss it a lot and i rly wanna work on it again proper, maybe now that I've acknowlegded it and made a post about it I will get a second wind like I've gotten before after getting The Gunk out of my chest.
If you read all that thank you I hope you have a swag day <3
#thunderclap#challenger deep#putting this in the tag in the meantime for anyone who might be curious as to why i havent really spoken about it#windyart
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I'm sorry but I had to write for this 🙈
❗❗Mild Warning for swearing❗❗
BE FOREWARNED: THERE MIGHT BE SUBTLE HINTS OF RAFAYEL x ZAYNE (PLATONIC OR OTHERWISE I'LL LET YOU, THE READER, DECIDE) AND IF THIS IS NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA I UNDERSTAND KINDLY KEEP SCROLLING AND DO NOT INTERACT Tags: Safe for Work (SFW), Love and Deepspace, Rafayel, Zayne, Xavier, ambiguous reader x lnds boys (it could be whoever the reader wishes), reader = mc, gender-neutral pronouns for reader, gender-neutral reader, possible ooc, Rafayel's canon fear of cats, Zayne's canon fondness of cats, cats' canon aversion to Zayne and affinity to Rafayel, crack, LNDS BOYS INTERACTING 🤩
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Rafayel entered the restaurant and looked around. Maltosio. Sweet, he thought to himself, snickering at his own joke. The place looked neat and spacious, not unlike Destiny Café's Silverbay branch - his favourite haunting spot He decided to wait for his bodyguard before placing his order. In the meantime, he explored the restaurant's confectionary display - the taro ice cream looked so cute, he had to try it! Oh, and the grilled salmon sounded delicious too! Where were they anyway?
Getting impatient (not that he was a patient person to start with), Rafayel texted his bodyguard to make it fast, and put away his phone with a frown (no, it was not a pout, no matter what anyone else said about it! He'd spit bubbles on the next person who claims that he pouts 😤). It was then that he noticed that there was another section to the restaurant- the VIP section, Rafayel assumed. Immensely impressed, he entered the automated sliding doors, not reading the sign printed clear as day on the doors.
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Zayne entered Maltosio with a faint smile. the last time was here, he shared a lovely lunch with his childhood friend. it was nice, and they promised to catch up at the same restaurant another day. He was excited. It definitely was not because of the cat he encountered last time. No. He was not there for the cats.
Good. That sounded more convincing than his past 27 attempts.
He was also looking forward to his friend's "surprise". unfortunately he couldn't pry more information about said surprise. Oh well. He was here, he'd find out soon enough. Zayne can wait a bit more.
...where were they anyway? Zayne hoped they were merely running late and not injured, and decided to send a text. There. now to wait... What was that door? Zayne did not remember seeing those colourful sliding doors last time. Such... bright decorations could not escape even a certain hypersomniac's attention (Zayne can't help but worry at times about Xavier's propensity to fall asleep at any given time, and the latter's ignorance to the possible risks of Hypersomnia. It was a good thing his friend brought the hunter to get proper medical attention).
curious, Zayne headed to the door, and his eyes brightened at the sign on the door. With a subtle kick in his step, he entered through the doors...
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You groan as you slump on the desk, finally free after two grueling hours of the most boring meeting you've attended in your life. You were certain your soul had left your body. Tara was mimicking your position on her own desk next to you, whining about how unnecessary and useless the last-minute meeting was! You were just listening and nodding along to her rant, completely exhausted to the point where you couldn't rant yourself. Your phone buzzed with a calendar notification, which you open with bleary eyes, only for life to return in them as you remember what day it was.
Today was Zayne's day off, and you had invited him to Maltosio after finding out about the new feature they added - A special cat cafe area in one of the rooms which used to be the in-house veterinary clinic of the previously pet store. You had almost burst in excitement as you practically demanded Zayne to meet you at Maltosio. You had almost given the kittens a jump scare then when Zayne had replied with a "I will be there".
The calendar notification kept blinking, showing you the time of the event: 14:00. You look at the time on the upper corner of your phone and pale. 15:10. Crap, you were supposed to meet Zayne around 2:45 PM at the latest! You say a quick goodbye to Tara and rush out to the bathroom, quickly changing out of your hunter uniform into a casual outfit. You had just finished freshening up when your phone buzzed with an incoming message. You opened it to see Zayne inquiring about your wherabouts. After sending a quick text, you were about to put away your phone when you see you've gotten a bunch of texts from Rafayel. You groaned, praying it was not another gallery exhibition you had to visit as his bodyguard or worse, a silly errand that the artist could've very well done on his own but asked just to get some attention. You could just ask to hang out like a normal person, you think to yourself as you roll your eyes. however, you blanch at the messages and wish that it was actually some silly requests rather than:
You(01:44:23):
whatever you say 🙄
You(01:59:56):
(link) look at this 👀
TOMORROW. MALTOSIO. 2:30 PM. BE THERE OR ELSE
annoying fishboi 🙄💜(05:39:01):
geez so demanding 😒
fine fine ill be there
jerk (affectionate)
annoying fishboi 🙄💜(15:09:38):
yo
wru
planning on letting me wait for another 800 years🤨
meanie
c'mere soonnnnnn
....fuck.
You had accidentally texted Rafayel to come to Maltosio!
You knew how much Rafayel feared hated cats, and as much as you enjoy teasing him about it, you wouldn't dare invite him to a cat cafe knowing his ailurophobia.
Crap crap crap you were the worst friend ever no the worst bodyguard ever you have to go save him ASAP before it's too late!
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Cats.
That was what the "Special Room" was.
It was a fucking Cat Café.
Inside a restaurant.
This couldn't possibly be sanitary. No. Anything involving those furry monsters could not be sanitary.
Are these humans fucking blind to how those bloodthirsty monsters tears into its prey while said prey is still alive?! Rafayel could hear the tortured screams of a thousand- nay, a million fishes as they were being torn up alive by cats!
He saw a customer pet a cat that was shamelessly sitting on her lap as she handfed - handfed, oh, the ancestors would cry blood at the sight! - some of her sugar cookies to the beast.
Yep, this was definitely not sanitary at all. New mission, he had to contact the food inspector. He had to do it, for the sake of Linkon!
But before he could take another step, a cat approached him. Rafayel froze, standing still as a statue. If he doesn't move the monster would not approach him.
The cat sniffed the air in front of it. Rafayel prayed he wasn't sweating.
The cat approached him slowly, followed by a dozen more.
Only the fact that he was in public, with people looking at him and recognizing him, deterred Rafayel from screaming bloody murder like a 21 year-old white woman in a horror movie. He could never let anyone, least of all strangers, know his weakness. He must stay strong. He must stand still, not moving a muscle.
A cat approached near his shoe and sniffed it, its nose almost touching the leather.
That's it. He was going to piss himself in three, two-
The sliding doors opened as a familiar person walked in.
"DR. ZAYNE!"
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Zayne was not expecting to meet one of his patients as he entered the Cat Café. He certainly was not expecting for his name to be shrieked out so loudly that everyone turned to look at him. he pinched his nose bridge in frustration.
...can this man ever be normal for once in his life?!
He knew of Rafayel, the famous artist, but had met him in person at Akso hospital about a month ago. Apparently the man had admitted himself in due to a sprained ankle. He was discharged later that day but had refused to leave, citing he was "too injured to even sit". he had then proceeded to give Yvonne a hard time by sneaking out late at night, demanding the doctors to knock before entering "his room" - shocking - and whining the entire time he was in the hospital. He had to eventually recommend an Evol-based treatment procedure to cure muscular inflammation - specifically, the one that was still in its early stages of research and needed willing test subjects - to Rafayel, which succeeded in making the purple-haired man behave at last. Post his discharge, the two men had run into each other occasionally, usually greeting each other with nods and simple pleasantries before parting ways. Something told Zayne today would not be the same case.
"Dr. Zayne- please, you have to help me immediately or I will die for real!"
Zayne winced at the shrillness of the other man's voice, but maintained his composure as he greeted him.
"Hello Rafayel. Pleasure to meet you."
"I wish I could say the same doctor but right now I am in mortal danger and I really need your help please please please help me..."
Zayne sighed as he walked towards Rafayel, tuning out his whines and focused on checking his vitals. "You seem pale, I can see your hands shaking..." He took Rafayel's pulse, "...arrhythmia and shortness of breath, excessive sweating..."
Hmm. He did look like on the verge of a panic attack.
Zayne blinked as Rafayel grabbed his shoulders all of a sudden. "Doctor, you've gotta help me, save me from those beasts, they are looking at me like I'm freshly caught salmon, they are gonna eat me!" He jerked his chin at the cats surrounding them, eyes filled with hatred and fear.
...Rafayel was an ailurophobe.
His symptoms made more sense to Zayne, and he started working on calming his patient - an impossible task, but he had to try lest he enters a panic attack.
"Rafayel, breathe with me, you're gonna be alright-"
just then, a brave little kitten, tired from staring at the two men from afar, approached Rafayel with a tiny adorable "mew~"
Zayne found himself turned around to face the cat as a six-foot tall man clung to his leg like a - well, a cat. He could feel Rafayel trembling like a leaf in a breeze - his own right leg was wobbling violently from the other man's tremors.
The kitten took a moment to sniff at Zayne's general direction, before turning back and sprinting away. The other cats followed suit, and they all ran away from Zayne before he could blink.
Just now they looked ready to pounce on Rafayel. but the moment he was held as a shield between the man and the cats, they dispersed like snowflakes in a breeze. Zayne felt a tear leave his eye, and he hastily wiped it.
Curse his Ice Evol sometimes!
Meanwhile Rafayel, who had peeked a bit to check if the cats were still there, squealed in joy and jumped up, immediately grabbing one of Zayne's hands in both of it, shaking them vigorously.
"Thank you thank you thank you so much! I don't know what I would've done had you not been here! Thank you so much Zayne, you are my savior!"
Zayne almost rolled his eyes at Rafayel's antics, but his expression softened at the other man's relieved face. He looked happy, a far cry from how moments ago he was this close to losing it, and was radiant. he let himself smile softly as he replied, "Glad I was of help."
This time, he meant it.
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You look from a distance as Rafayel hugged Zayne's leg.
You had almost broken the traffic rules in your haste to rescue Rafayel, only to be too late as you see the cats surrounding him. Before you could head over to him, you see Zayne entering the café. Rafayel had too, evident from his call for help. You watched the entire incident, with bated breath, ready to intervene. Turns out you didn't have to, Zayne's presence driving the cats away from Rafayel.
You smile to yourself as Zayne smiled at a still thanking Rafayel. Turns out your boss had found himself a new bodyguard.
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zayne, hurting in so many levels x x
#love and deepspace#lnds#lnds zayne#lnds rafayel#rafayel love and deepspace#zayne love and deepspace#lnds mc#mc love and deepspace#rafayel#zayne#lnds xavier#xavier love and deepspace#lnds rafayel x reader#lnds zayne x reader#lnds xavier x reader#rafayel x zayne#blink and you miss it#or you wouldn't miss it ig#drop whatever youre doing the boys are interacting#dont like dont interact
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Fyre’s Good Omens Human AUs
So in exciting/oh lord not again things, I’m working on yet another human AU. And, to absolutely no one’s shock, it’s another adaptation of one of my favourite films: Hot Fuzz :D
Since I’m having to do some pretty intensive poking and twisting and squeeshing to mould the two into something cohesive, I won’t starting posting it until It’s fully-written because I don’t trust myself not to get the plots muddled in the later chapters.
However, in the meantime, I thought I would put together a list of my big human AUs for anyone who might like that kind of thing :D It’s... more than I realised. Sometimes, someone should take my keyboard off me.
Going Overboard
Rating: PG13 Word count: 42,600
Summary: When Crowley is drafted in to do some electrical work on a rich toff’s yacht, he’s blamed for something he didn’t do and tossed overboard. With no way to catch the man or get paid for his work, when he hears that the same toff has apparently been found washed up off-shore, he sees it as a chance to chase the man for what he’s due. Only Aziraphale Fell has amnesia and - to Crowley’s shock - has been abandoned by his staff. Rich toff or not, Crowley decides to take care of him.
Inspiration: An AU of Overboard (minus the manipulative, misogynist and abusive behaviour)
Tags: Amnesia, care-taking, guardian/parent Crowley, class divide, genderfluid Crowley
A Bit of Crumpet
Rating: PG13 Word count: 32,400
Summary: With a handsome, successful fiance and a respectable home in Manhattan, Aziraphale Fell thought his life was more than adequate. He never expected to be jilted in a long-distance telephone call and so he sets out for England to find out exactly what's going on and gets a lot more than he bargained for.
Inspiration: An AU of French Kiss, absolutely my top rom-com ever. I will be taking no arguments
Tags: Cheating ex, former crook Crowley, accidentally in love, they have a Punderstanding, accidental bed-sharing, hurt/comfort, Tracy and Aziraphale are BFFs
The One That Got Away
Rating: PG13 Word count: 22,300
Summary: For Aziraphale, life ought to be simple. Abide by the rules of the shoal, protect their hidden realm from curious humans, patrol the eastern gates and take care of any threats. And when the time comes, join the battle against humanity. The trouble is that Aziraphale rather likes human things, which is quite a problem for a merman. A fatal one if the shoal leader ever finds out. But as long as he stays out of sight of the humans and the shoal never finds out, everything will be fine. Won’t it?
Inspiration: Mermay-inspired with a sprinkle of Little Mermaid, selkie lore, and general mer-related shenanigans.
Tags: Mer-Aziraphale, Marine Biologist Crowley, Treasure hunting, Undersea adventures
To The Stars
Rating: PG13 Word count: 32,400
Summary: In 1999, a television programme aired that would quickly become a cult classic. 20 years on, join the crew of the NSS Galaxy Quest as they embark on the most exciting adventure of their lives.
Inspiration: Galaxy Quest AU with many sidelong nods and winks to sci-fi television dramas and lolcats
Tags: Actors AU, Crowley is a mess, Aziraphale played Hamlet gdi
The Serpent Under It
Rating: PG13 (with a bonus side-story that is E-rated) Word count: 41,100
Summary: Some people are born great. Some have greatness thrust upon them. And some – at a few weeks old – are punted across the universe in an escape module to save them from their planet’s destruction. I never asked to be a supervillain. I just sort of ricocheted vaguely downwards.
Inspiration: MEGAMIND. BECAUSE MEGAMIND. I love it. I posted a picture in July 2019 of Crowley doing the “You may be a villain but you’re not a supervillain” bit when Hastur confronts him. “what’s the difference?” - Crowley “PRESENTATION!” and how could I not? It took me a year and a half to figure it out but when I did \o/
Tags: Crowley is an alien, Crowley is a supervillain, Aziraphale is human, Superhero AU, Crowley has a competence and strength kink, soft Crowley, BAMF Aziraphale
Raising Hell
Rating: E Word count: 29,300
Summary: After nearly a decade of their particular brand of friendship, classical actor Aziraphale Fell and comedian-turned-actor Crowley have only just reached a point where they have been cast to act together in the same television show. When it seems like the show won't get picked up, they take matters into their own hands.
Inspiration: Take The Omen and what GO did with it, throw it into blender and turn it into a sitcom/romcom. This fic is about the making of that sitromcom.
Tags: Actor AU, so much meta, honestly if you catch all the references I made both to GO and the actors’ careers you deserve a gold star, Friends to Lovers, Genderfluid Crowley, Classical actor Aziraphale, Workaholic Chaosbomb Crowley
Thieves of Mercy
Rating: E Word count: 64,200
Summary: The Serpent has a reputation in the art world. A master thief who can wriggle into the tightest spots and extract the most well-protected paintings from the richest people in the world. He’s never even come close to being caught. Except just now. For a crime he didn’t commit. In a museum where he was scoping out his next job. Crowley’s not one to be petty but he’s not about to let anyone frame him, even if the person in question seems to be nothing more than an innocent, wide-eyed art restorer who works in the museum...
Inspiration: ...yes, I was rewatching Leverage for the umpteenth time, why do you ask? This is absolutely my Leverage meets GO story and - to me - is still one of the best GO stories I’ve written :)
Tags: Heist AU, competency kinks all over the place, catburglar Crowley, art forger Aziraphale, Shenanigans, eventual partners in crime, contains the single most stressful heist I have ever written and I have written time-travel heists 😅
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WIP Wednesday: Upcoming Group Think
As I mentioned in the tags of an earlier reblog, I’m working on the Thomas as Heir fic again. This is for two reasons: first being that I really do want to finish at least part one of this thing before I die of old age. Second being that the most recent similar fic has almost the exact same title as my working title, is part of a series with almost the exact same name as I was going to use, and has some details that are creeping much closer to what I have than anything I’ve seen before.
No, I’m not calling Fandom Copyright Infringement. I’ve not posted that info before, so there’s no way the other author could have copied me. Similarly, I was unaware of that project until it went up. This isn’t even a matter of great minds thinking alike, it’s more like two grade school kids being handed pictures of the sun to colour and reaching for the yellow crayon. Seriously, naming a story about a stolen kid after a Yeats poem is kind of a no brainer.
I do want to get this done before someone else accidentally writes the exact same story, though. I mean, there are only so many ways to do this thing. It’s bound to happen eventually.
(And no, I am not changing my titles. I’ve as much right to the yellow crayon as anyone else.)
Anyway, since I’m hitting the part of the narrative that was shot all to heck with my last brainstorming session and am basically back to the ‘throwing pasta at the wall and seeing what sticks’ stage, I will probably put a thing up in the next couple of days asking for thoughts and feedback, because that was kinda insanely helpful last time.
In the meantime - I WROTE EDITH’S POV AND I’M REALLY PROUD OF MYSELF FOR THAT!
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“I don’t understand.” Edith frowned into the mouthpiece of the telephone. “Is something wrong with the baby?”
“No, there’s nothing wrong there,” her mother’s voice assured her, “or with Mary. They’re both in perfect health.”
There was a small noise behind her and she turned to find Bertie crossing the room, an anxious look on his face. He must have heard her last question. “Well it’s a relief.” She gave her husband a reassuring smile and he visibly relaxed. “But what else is so important that you can’t just tell me over the telephone?”
“We’ve a mystery on our hands,” the older woman replied, her tone both serious and coaxing. “And it involves the whole family. It’s quite complicated, so we’d like to only go over the details once. Your Grandmother is seeing if Rosamund can come, and I’ve already asked the Mertons. They’re free all week.”
“Well we can’t come down tonight.” Edith frowned, mentally reviewing her calendar. “We’re having the archbishop over to dinner, but we might be available tomorrow. One moment, let me ask Bertie.” Lowering the mouthpiece she said, “It’s Mama. She wants to know if we can come down for a day or two this week.”
“As far as I know.” It was Bertie’s turn to frown. “I’m tied up in meetings with several of the farmers in the morning, but I don’t see why we couldn’t be down there by about tea time. We’ve no other commitments that I know of until Monday, at least nothing we can’t reschedule.”
With a nod, Edith turned her attention back to the telephone. “We could be there for dinner tomorrow night and make a Friday to Monday out of it.”
“Wonderful, thank you, Dear.” The relief in her mother’s voice was palpable.
“What if Aunt Rosamund can’t make it?”
“We’ll tell you anyway,” was the promise. “And you’ll get to see us all, so it won’t be a wasted trip.”
“It’s never a wasted trip when we’re visiting you,” Edith laughed, despite the strange, mysterious circumstances. “If nothing else, it will be good to see Mary, before the baby’s born.”
“Who knows? Maybe the baby will be born while you’re here.”
“That would certainly be convenient.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Dear. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.” The line went dead and Edith hung up. She felt utterly befuddled.
“What’s going on, Darling?” Bertie asked, his own expression as curious as she felt.
“I don’t know for certain,” she confessed. “Apparently there’s some sort of mystery going on and it’s all a big fuss. Mama didn’t want to tell me over the telephone.” She shook her head. “She was being very mysterious, which isn’t like Mama at all.”
“But the baby’s fine,” he confirmed, “and Mary?”
Edith sighed, unable to deny she was relieved that all was well in that quarter. Much as she and Mary had never gotten on, she wasn’t ready to bury a second sister. “She says so, yes, and she wouldn’t lie about that. Whatever it is, it’s something different.”
They looked at each other for a moment, then Bertie shrugged. “I suppose we’ll find out tomorrow, then, won’t we?”
“I suppose we will.”
#downton abbey#downton abbey fanfiction#alternate universe#wip wednesday#lady edith#lady grantham#bertie pelham#phone conversations#long lost heir fic
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Good for him | G.W.
Pairing: George Weasley x reader
requested, based on the song Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson
summary: Maintaining a relationship while going through grieving process becomes too exhausting for Y/N and George so they part ways. But what happens once they both take control of their lives back and meet again?
word count: 2.5k warnings: grief, mentions of death, insecurity, fluffy ending (hope i didn’t miss any warnings, in any case please let me know)
tags: @izzyyy-1 ; @hufflepuff5972 ; @pandaxnienke
You walked around the flat above the shop, and you thought about the day you helped George and Fred move in. Memories came flooding back to you, you had just graduated Hogwarts, you were all so full of life, looking bright into the future even as the war was tightening its grasp around you. But you couldn’t have expected it to take so much from you.
The door to the flat opened slowly with a creak and you saw a shell of a man walk in. You were standing in the middle of the small entry hall, clutching your bag filled with little things you had left at George’s over the years, things you would now take with you.
He came back after undoubtedly spending the whole afternoon at a pub.
You looked at him and you felt a lump in your throat as tears slowly clouded your vision. You looked at him and once again you wondered if what you were doing was right.
You loved George with all of your heart, loved him more than anything. He had changed your life in so many ways and left his mark on you. And you knew that nobody else could ever love you the same way he did. You were supposed to be each other’s forever, but grief had other plans for you.
After months, you were exhausted. You had tried and tried to help George up after he collapsed along with his brother but it got just too much. You had your own process to go through and you couldn’t do that while pouring all of yourself into a relationship that no longer physically existed. There is a boundary between trying your hardest for love to help someone get better and hitting a wall, trying to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped while losing yourself in the process. You hoped he would move on and find happiness with someone eventually. He was bound to find someone better, someone, to give him more than you could.
At first, he was angry. He felt betrayed. He resented you for leaving him when you were supposed to love him. Looking at him like that hurt you, it almost made you break and take it all back, but you couldn’t. Because love just wasn’t enough to keep you together.
So when his initial shock passed you parted your ways in mutual agreement.
As time went on you slowly got better and better. You focused on yourself, on your career and in time you felt something that resembled happiness. You felt almost at peace, but it was a start.
Almost a year has passed since your break up, and one late afternoon you got an owl and felt a pang in your heart upon reading the name.
You tried to avoid George in fear of losing all that progress that you’ve made in moving on. But you also felt that he didn’t deserve to just get ignored by you and you were curious about his intentions.
My Y/N,
I probably don’t have the right anymore to call you mine, but it feels wrong otherwise.
I missed you. I hope time has treated you well. I know it helped me heal. I know I’m not fully there yet, I still have a long way to go, but I’ve woken up enough to see how shit life is without you. I don’t expect you to just let me back into your life, but if you would, that would make me the happiest man in the world. I just wish to see you and talk to you.
Please don’t ignore this letter, I beg you. Even if you don’t want to see me ever again, please, don’t leave me hanging, I hate uncertainty. Please, before I let you go, tell me you’re alright.
Yours,
George
And so, with a shaky hand, you wrote back:
George,
You know well what we did was for the best. You should move on and find someone who will truly make you happy and give you all that you deserve. I can’t do that for you.
Y/N
You didn’t get another letter from him.
You tried to push George out of your mind again, always trying to find something to occupy yourself with. Until months later, an owl delivered a beautiful, formal-looking envelope to your windowsill. Hermione and Ron were getting married.
You’d been successfully avoiding all Weasley’s gatherings, even though Molly never failed to invite you. Christmas, Easter, all the birthdays. You knew she saw you as one of her own regardless if you were dating one of her children or not. But until now you didn’t want to take that risk.
However, a wedding was too important, and both Ron and Hermione proved great friends to you in the past. If they invited you, that meant they wanted you there. And part of moving on meant you couldn’t just avoid George forever.
You had apparated just outside the Burrow. You saw the wedding tent with some people already there, you scanned the crowd, subconsciously looking for him already. You fixed your dress and with your legs a bit shaky, you approached the entrance.
“Y/N! Hi- !” Ginny elongated, walking up to you with her arms spread wide and a huge smile on her face. “Hey, Gin,” you smiled dimly. “It’s so great to see you, it’s been so long..! I’m really glad you came,” she gave you a proper Weasley hug, one full of emotion, showing you how she really missed you. “I know it was probably not easy,” she added a bit quieter, giving you a knowing look. “But anyway, I’ll take that!” she gestured to the gift bag you were holding in your hand, “I’m on gift duty today, thank you-“
“Do I have a seat assigned?” you asked, looking at the rows of seats for guests. And that’s when you saw him, talking to someone by the wedding arch. His back turned to you, but you recognised him by his posture alone. He was wearing a dark navy three-piece suit. One could get really lost looking at this man.
“Yes, yes, Fleur will show you while I put this away. Fleur..!”
You avoided looking in his direction, afraid of catching eye contact. Waiting for the ceremony you thought to yourself you’ll have to meet him sooner or later, but you just didn’t want to be caught looking at him first. You have moved on. He has moved on.
You glided through the sea of guests with a glass of champagne in hand, some of them headed to the dance floor, some to their tables, just like you. You kept your eyes trained on where you were going, careful not to bump into someone but not looking anyone in the eye.
“Y/N,” called the voice that felt like home. You froze in spot, bracing yourself, then turned in the direction it came from.
“Hi,” he said with the tiniest smile and his eyes filled with uncertainty. He looked a bit better than the last time you saw him. His face seems to have aged a bit during this short time, his cheeks a bit hollow. But he didn’t look as tired, the dark circles under his eyes lightened up a bit. His face was clean-shaven and his hair cut. He looked very handsome.
“Hi, George,” you said the name out loud after so long.
His eyes moved down over your body and back up again, “You look beautiful,” he said sincerely. You shifted on your feet and tightened the grasp on your glass a bit, “Thank you, you look really smart.” He smiled a bit wider. There were a million things he wanted to say at that moment, but he didn’t know which one to lead with. Which one would prompt you to give him your attention and listen to the rest. “May-... may I have a dance..?” he asked quietly, barely audible in all the noise, music playing and people partying. You panicked slightly. You did not feel ready for that. “I… I was just going to sit down for a bit, talk to some other guests. Maybe later,” you blurted out the last part and regretted it almost instantly. There was a bit of a pause between you, George did his best to hide his slight disappointment. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, with a fraction of the glint in the eye that you knew well. With that, he turned around and walked away, just his head visible above the crowd.
Your heart fluttered a bit. This felt like old George.
You did your best to shake that feeling off, then noticed Molly next to one of the tables. You owed her at least a conversation.
Not for a moment has she made you feel guilty about not seeing her all this time. She engulfed you in the biggest hug, showing you just how happy she was to see you. Your spirit lifted instantly, and she hasn’t mentioned your break up and asked about your life, what you did in the meantime. Yet inevitably, the conversation somehow shifted to the topic of Fred’s passing.
“We’ve gotten better, we’re trying as best as we can. That’s what Freddie would’ve wanted,” she said with a wide smile and her eyes a bit watery. “Even Georgie’s getting better,” she nodded, looking at him in the crowd. “Sorry, dear, I promised myself I wouldn’t mention that with you…” she got a bit flustered. “It’s- it’s okay Molly,” you smiled as best as you could. “In this case, I do have to say – it is a shame, dear. You know you’re a Weasley to me but I’d always hoped I’d have you as my daughter.” She rubbed her hand on your shoulder comfortingly, “you were good for him, you know? Even Fred always said that…” You stayed silent, focusing all your might into stopping tears forming in your eyes. “My, I better leave before I make even more of a mess. Do have a nice time tonight, dear,” she gave you one last, warm smile and walked off. Leaving your mind in chaos.
“George..?” you tapped him on the shoulder gently, and even the feeling of his warmth on the tips of your fingers felt tingly. He turned to you right away with a smile that had you weak in the knees, then reached his hand out for you to take and gestured to the dance floor with his eyes.
His touch brought you comfort. He held you just like he always had, as if you picked up right where you left off, right before everything went wrong. George’s touch made you forget about everything around you, and as he led you in dance, you lost yourself. If only he’d lead you outside and into the sunset, without a word, you’d let him.
“You know, I was hoping… If you’d see me today, see how I finally got a hold of myself, pulled myself together, everything would change,” George confessed, his voice strained with emotion. The music slowed down and you were just swaying with it. You looked up at him and he continued. “I mean, why did we end things, Y/N?” he asked desperately.
You looked back down, not able to meet his eyes anymore. He went on before you could answer.
“I was a mess. I was in a dark, dark place, Y/N... I didn’t have enough grip to support you as I should’ve, so instead, I dragged you down with me.” George lifted his head high, looking up at the illuminated ceiling, trying to keep his tears from falling. He didn’t want to fall apart now. “I’m sorry. I know I told you that when we... when you left. But my perspective’s changed, I can see better now and I want to say that again – I'm really, really sorry.” “George, please...” you plead, all your thoughts and doubts from the past coming back to you. “I- I feel so bad... that I couldn’t help you,” you confessed, “it hurt me so much, but I wasn’t enough.” You tried to stifle the sobs, tears streaming down your face now.
George pulled you closer, pulling you flush against him and wrapping his arms tight around you. You tried to find comfort in him, your hands fisting his crisp, white shirt.
“It was not your fault, okay Y/N/N? There was nothing more you could’ve done for me,” he said, resting his cheek on top of your head. “...but it’s behind us now. And not for one moment have I stopped loving you,” he confessed.” “But why...?” you cried, “George, I’ve given you the chance. I let you go so you could move on,” you grasped the shirt tighter, “so you could find someone better... You deserve so much better.” “There is no one better! Give me another chance and I promise, I will spend the rest of my life proving to you how perfect you are for me if that’s what it takes..!” He exclaimed, pulling away a bit to take your face into his hands and look you in the eyes. “Just let me, please.”
All words escaped you the moment you looked into his eyes, holding such sincerity. So you just nodded and smiled weakly, feeling a huge weight lift off your shoulders.
George slowly brought his face closer to yours, leaning in he searched your eyes for any signs of uncertainty until the very last moment when your lips touched. His lips were slightly chapped but so welcoming. When you kissed him back, letting go of his shirt to slide your hands along the soft material to his chest, he brought one of his hands to your waist and used the other to deepen the kiss. The song playing was slowly coming to an end, the singer’s soft voice accompanied by delicate piano melody seemed to set a rhythm to your lips. When it ended, he held your lips together still for a moment, then pulled away.
The breath you took then was the first proper breath in years for you, you breathed George in and felt intoxicated. Your eyes darted between his loving gaze and dazzling smile.
“I love you,” he chuckled, caressing your cheeks with his thumbs. “I love you back,” you said breathily, wrapping your arms around his body and relaxing into him.
George kept his promise and did not falter in proving to you how perfect you are.
The summer sun was slowly setting, the light wind pleasantly warm. Your eyes were set on his face, eyes closed and a relaxed smile on his lips, as his head lay in your lap. One of your hands was gently stroking his soft hair, while the other he held in his, on his chest. The sunset left a pinkish-orange hue on everything, making it seem even more magical.
You could stay like this forever, you thought, but Molly stuck her head out the window, motioning for you to come inside for dinner. Right as you were about to nudge George, his stomach grumbled, making you chuckle.
“Ugh, when’s dinner gonna be ready…” he groaned sleepily, opening one of his eyes. “Just now, actually. Come on, love, get up.”
So the two of you got up, going inside, hand in hand. And you were each other’s forever.
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Object of Affection
For @gothamsworst because your entire penguin tag has put into me a great fire to write a sheepish significant other for him. Mind you, I haven’t written fanfiction since high school so forgive me if I get something wrong (I’m still getting into DC and my parents think it’s embarrassing because I had a lobo phase out of high school.)
Notes: confessions of love; sfw (some slight implications at the end but it cuts off because that’s not going on this blog here); aw, gee, he brought a bouquet of flowers; hey who ordered flirting because here’s some; several headcanons in one go let’s go people; I can write pretty words I just mostly refuse to in favor of making it all comics instead; idea of flirting is just walking up with a bouquet and going “marry me”; I don’t know what I’m doing I’ve never written this guy before.
EDIT: fixed some things.
Stuck between yearning for love and the fear of rejection was a difficult place to be. It was at least easier to know rejection than it was to have yearning for love going totally unanswered. Oh, what pain it was.
Oswald Cobblepot, that troublesome Penguin known about Gotham as one hell of a man to cross, was madly in love. Yes, an unfortunate feeling to have. But he couldn’t help it. Not this time, at least.
It was someone he’d seen around the lounge, lurking nearby where he’d watch the penguins. When he saw them around and was able to not make it awkward, he couldn’t help but stare at those eyes all green and deep like some dark thicket. And those venomous eyes did plenty of staring back: he could feel their gaze fixated on him whenever he was working at the lounge.
Really, though, what did he know about this crush that had taken his entire heart by a single blow? Well, he knew enough. His eyes about Gotham told him that they weren’t much of anything besides a total hermit: mostly stayed home at a ground-floor apartment in a low-rent yet slightly decent part of town (as decent as the city could be, anyway), and had everything that was needed for living delivered to their door. No car: only ever ventured out on a trike with a headlight on the front and a trunk on the back. He wasn’t even sure what they did for a living.
At the very least Oswald knew he could find them lurking around the lounge. So, that’s exactly where he went.
Of course, such an event was not something to go into completely unprepared. He pulled out a nice suit, as usual, with all the fine accoutrements he was well-known for. An umbrella in one hand and a large bouquet of bloody red roses in the other. Even went out of the way to pick out cologne, albeit he preferred not to. He wanted to make the best impression he could.
It was just that odd hour before the post-work rush. Oswald hoped he’d not come in on a wrong night. Trying not to draw too much attention, he made a long sort of awkward path over to where they usually were.
There they were, right at that surprisingly bare table he got used to passing by. There was a pencil case pushed to one side, and it sat next to a tall glass of what he thought might be soda (of course, he wasn’t about to just try it: that would be a bit too much). They were hunched over something in front of them, and their hands moved quickly with a pencil and a brush.
“Excuse me, my dear,” started Oswald, with a soft tone so as to not scare this beloved mystery away, “but is this table taking guests?”
They jumped. Oswald feared he’d gone too fast. Oh, wonderful, now he’d scared them off!
They looked up and met his eyes. What was once a terrified look behind thick glasses quickly melted into something tender and rather curious. “Oh.” Their voice had an astoundingly flat affect, hinting at an origin out in midland farming country with the slight tint to it. They cleared their throat, and moved their bag to the other side. “S-sure thing, sir, sure. Wasn’t expecting anyone to be over here tonight. Normally people only ever come over to ask for free work from me.” Their voice was soft and quiet as they spoke: an absolutely adorable sound that hit just right in his ears. He could listen to it talk forever.
“Excellent.” Oswald sat down directly next to them, putting the umbrella to rest on the seat beside him.
Their face quickly changed colors. It went from a sickly pale in the lowlight to being absolutely taken over with blush. “R-right, s-sure. Please, forgive me for asking, but haven’t I seen you around here before?”
“Of course you would have seen me here before,” said Oswald, rolling his eyes slightly. “I own this lounge, after all.”
“Oh, I…” They stopped for a moment, and their mouth was slightly agape as they appeared to slowly mentally register the weight of the situation. Then their eyes shot wide open and they gave up a nervous smile with chattering teeth. “M-Mr. Cobblepot, sir. I-I-I didn’t think I was something you’d… well, y’know, actually come over to see?”
“Quite the contrary,” said Oswald, moving in closer and putting an arm around their shoulder. “You’ve captured my attention with how much you care about my darlings. I see you in here and I can’t help but wonder if you’re some kindred soul.” He gestured just slightly over at the centerpiece of the lounge, the namesake iceberg with a whole group of penguins he often spent hours watching on his days off.
They looked over to where he gestured, and then they nodded quickly. The nervousness quickly got itself out of that smile, and their entire posture melted into one of repose. “Your penguins, right. Right, the penguins! Of course! They’re so cute: little communal flipper birds that just waddle around and honk and preen all day.” They sighed and smiled, leaning forward and putting their head to rest in their hand. “What I wouldn’t give for a life so carefree.”
Oswald immediately had a few ideas come to mind. Oh, he could take care of that: he could just bring them into his life and get them out of that awful apartment, pamper them with anything and everything they could ever want. Ask them to move in with you. Ask them for a date. Ask them to share a drink. No, no, no, that’s all too fast! Play it slowly: perhaps they’ll melt into your arms if you go ahead just right.
“How often are you around here, hm?” Oswald looked over from behind his monocle at this mystery figure that had caught his attention and proceeded to hold it in a vice-like grip, taking a moment to look at what he was dealing with. Their figure was mostly obscured by big, bulky articles of clothing, but what could be made out was all thick and rolled together like some haphazard cake stacked up far too high for its own good. It was very easy to look at. “You seem to know enough about my precious little birds.” “Perhaps a bit too much” was a phrase he wanted to add, but he wasn’t about to murder this feeling.
“I don’t really drink alcohol. I only really come here to draw the iceberg and all the penguins,” said the mystery crush. “They’re so fun to smush together with their little shapes. Their little flippers are so cute. And their little feet are surprisingly complex once you get past all the flub and feathers.”
Oh, one of those artist types. Wait, artist type. Artist. Oh, this could be good: this could actually be really good for several different reasons! Not just the romantic pursuit reason, either: perhaps their passion for the arts would include, somewhere in there, a passion for him.
“I see.” Oswald reached for the pad of paper they were so vigilantly guarding and said, “I can’t help but have a look at someone’s work regarding my darlings.”
A sickly pale hand with chewed-down nails shot over and clamped in on Oswald’s wrist. “Just a second there, Mr. Cobblepot. You have to promise me something first.”
“Anything, my sweet, anything.”
“Don’t tell anyone what you see in this book. It’s a lot of… well, it’s… bad.”
“Oh, I will most certainly be the judge of that.” Oswald picked up the book, and then handed them the bouquet in return. “Here, something for you to hold in the meantime.”
Noting their shocked expression as they carefully took the bouquet in their arms, Oswald began to slowly browse through the contents of the book.
What they had said was indeed true: there were a lot of penguins in there. They were doing all sorts of things: preening their coats, honking, spread out on their stomachs staring at each other, ambling across the ice. They were all partway realistic, but there was some sort of fantastical flair to them. It was cute: just like them.
While flipping through the pages, though, he couldn’t help but notice other pieces. Things like the name of the lounge written out in poster type pieces with his penguins and their little iceberg on it. There was, undeniably, a unique work of a penguin in a suit like his. Curious, he turned the page.
And what he saw there surprised him greatly.
It was not only drawings of patrons with little notes about time scrawled around them that occupied the pages, but there were drawings of him as well. Little notes here and there about the things he’d wear, the way he’d talk, and the way he moved. Around one particular piece underlaid with purple markings was a portrait of him smiling: the note around this piece said “Handsome guy but who?” It was surrounded by little scribbled hearts.
Oswald, in his stroke of peacock vanity that got to him every now and again, turned his head slightly as he was gently urged by these things. “I see that you draw more than birds.”
The mystery crush looked over. They caught a look of what pages he’d come to and they grimaced before sighing and hiding their face in their hands. “Sorry about that. I-I draw people a lot, just to stay aware of how to do it.”
“It seems you’ve become quite taken with me in these intimate studies,” said Oswald, casting a rather tempered gaze and a matching grin over at the object of his affections as he handed back the book. “I must admit, I came here tonight thinking you wouldn’t reciprocate the feelings that brought me to you in the first place.”
“Oh, wow, feelings?” The mystery crush smiled and chuckled ever so softly, rubbing their hand along the back of their neck as they took the book and put it back on the table. “Goodness gracious, Mr. Cobblepot, I didn’t expect a gentlemanly type like yourself to be the romantic type.”
“Oh, but isn’t a gentleman always the romantic type?” Oswald, emboldened by such a soft response, couldn’t help but to pull them in closer. When they began to blush again, he grinned and pressed a gloved finger to their nose. “I can’t exactly help it. And please, just call me Oswald.” He then picked up one of their hands and pressed a single, fervent kiss to it.
“Ah, uh, I guess so,” said the mystery crush, “mister… oh, right, Oswald. Right, first name basis now.” Their face was getting hotter by the minute, and they began to stammer over all their words as they put the bouquet on the table. “I, uh… would, would you be offended if I asked you something kinda personal?”
Oswald could already picture several personal questions and perfect little answers to go along with them. He nodded and held their hands in his. “Oh, but of course, my dear: anything you ask for, you’ll get it from me.”
“Oh.” The mystery crush nodded, their glasses falling down their face in the meantime. When Oswald reached up and pushed them back to their previous position, they cleared their throat and quickly stammered out, “If you feel so strongly about me, would you mind if I moved in? I, uh… they hiked the rent on my place again and I have to find a new one before the end of the month. Don’t make enough.”
“Would I mind? Of course not, dearest bird, of course not. I have far too many places that need a colorful touch like yours. You can come with me tonight, if it pleases you, my dear.”
“You don’t have to be so heavy-handed with all the compliments.”
“Oh, but I believe you deserve every last one of them.”
“You’re far too kind.” The mystery crush sighed. “I hate to tell you this now, after all those compliments and affectionate talk, but I’m kind of a handful, I’m… look, I’m trans and if you’re not into a guy like me, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m- I’m sorry. We can just go away from this table and never speak about this again. It… it’ll be fine if we do that.”
“Oh, now you just listen to me.” Oswald put his hands to the mystery crush’s face and leaned it over so they were looking at him. “I don’t rightly care about whether you’re trans or not, and I’ll fund that for you so you can be happy. You’re just far too pretty of a kindred spirit to be left so alone in such a big city.”
“I…” The mystery crush looked baffled. They froze for a moment or two, and Oswald wondered if he had said too much. After a long silence, they sighed and smiled so big and soft that it couldn’t help but bring him to smile as well. “Wow. Thanks.”
“Oh, you’re ever so welcome, my dear.” Oswald pressed his face up to theirs and quickly asked, “May I?”
“May you… oh, right. Right! Yes, you may, Oswald. You most certainly may!”
With that, Oswald couldn’t help but press a kiss to their lips. Their lips were slightly chapped, and he couldn’t help but nuzzle his face just slightly against theirs in some affectionate attempt to bring intimacy to such a moment. This move, while unexpected at first, was quickly reciprocated as their hands took hold of his shoulders.
Oswald pulled away with a troublesome little grin spread across his lips, and the object of all those affections smiled like this sort of intimacy was brand new to them. “I can’t help but wonder what your name is.”
“Look, my name is…” They stopped for a moment, but then they smiled and just said, “Call me Lou for now. I can’t think of a name that belongs to me.”
“Then let’s find that out together.” Oswald took his umbrella up and moved to stand, offering his hand to Lou. “Come, I can have a crew bring your things to our home tomorrow. Tonight, we shall simply be enamored little lovebirds.”
Lou laughed. Their laugh sounded like the call of a bird, with its dragged-out syllables and its pitch. They snorted just slightly as they packed up their things. “You’re very honest, Oswald. I like that. I like that a lot.”
“What’s a little honesty between significant others?” Oswald smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
Lou put their bag back on their shoulders and put their hand in Oswald’s as they stood up. ��They weren’t much taller than him, and those assumptions he had made about their figure were correct. “It’s a lot. Let’s go.”
Oswald only put his arm around them as the two gently went hand-in-hand to where his driver waited.
“What are the plans for this evening, Oswald?”
“Oh, I do believe I have a few ideas beginning to come to be. Just you be patient, my sweet, I’ll tell you when we’re alone.”
#writing#gothamsworst#not going into the tags#too embarrassing and self-inserty for the tags#gave the guy a different name too#just so it's not too self-inserty#I don't like getting rude comments about self-inserting#my writing
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Fire, Fur & Mistletoe Chapter 2
Pairing- Dean x Lisa, Eventual Dean x Female Reader.
Word Count-6,102
Warning- Mentions of: loss of parents, death, car accidents, and fires, alcoholism. Fired from a job. Putting animals up for adoption, eviction. Possible swearing. Slight angst. Fluff,
Summary- A rewrite of the Nine Lives of Christmas, Hallmark movie. AU, Dean is a firefighter who doesn’t do commitment, the Holiday’s don’t mean much to him. Coming home after a shift he finds a dog in trouble. The reader is a veterinary student who works in a coffee shop trying to make it to graduation, until someone causes problems there for her. She isn’t interested in finding anyone other than her own dog until after she finishes school. Do their four legged friends have other plans?
A/N- This series is written for @spnchristmasbingo. The square filled for this chapter is Decorating. The first two chapters will stay closer to the movie than the rest will.
This has its own tag list and it is open. That way I am not tagging anyone who doesn’t want to be tagged in Christmas stories. This story is unbeta’d.
Header by the amazing @winchest09
Divider from freepngimg.com
Series Masterlist
The day after you were fired you dragged yourself to class determined to keep pushing toward your goal. No matter how upset you might have been. Charlie tried to distract you but it didn’t work. You spent the night trying to study for your upcoming finals.
Thursday, you went through the want ads and looked for any openings you would be qualified for. The hardest part was needing flexible hours for school. Then you prepared your resume and looked up other places in town who might have online applications you could fill out.
Friday, Charlie reminded you of the Sweet on You party you had agreed to go to. With everything happening you had completely forgotten, but told her you would meet her there when she didn’t back down. Walking up the driveway to the house where tonight’s party was, you could see all the happy people inside. You could see Charlie was laughing with a brown haired girl in the living room window. You didn’t fit in with this group tonight, you couldn’t pretend to be happy.
Taking out your cell phone you call Charlie’s phone to leave her a message. “Hey, I’m so sorry. I’m not going to be able to make it to the mixer. I hope you have fun. I’ll see you in class.”
Turning around you head back to your car to go home and spend the night on your couch with Dakota.
Dean took Miracle back home, Lisa complaining about the dog the whole time. He just tuned her out.
Wednesday he was back at the station for a 48hr shift. Things were a little slow, which was good in the sense that people weren’t in trouble and needing them, but it could also make for a long day. He was in the workout room with the guys when Bobby walked in with wrapping paper. It was for the toys that had been donated.
“No adoption huh?” He asked, seeing Miracle sitting next to Benny.
“Not yet, Lisa is still trying. He probably deserves a better owner than me.”
“Do you know having a dog can be good for your health?” Cas asked.
“No, but I think I do sleep better since he’s been around.”
“You know you are going to have to choose between her and the dog, right?” Cas wanted to know.
“I’ve got an idea, brother. How about you keep Miracle and give Lisa my number.” Benny suggested.
“I think Miracle would make a better girlfriend than Lisa. I’m not sure that will work when you and Andrea, finally get back together.” Sam threw out.
“Yeah, but who knows when that will be? I could have some fun in the meantime.”
“You’re awful.”
“Thanks, Shaggy.” Benny throwing out his nickname for Sam.
“Are we going to keep him around here when we’re working? Make him our firehouse Mascot?” Cas wanted to know.
“The other stations have Dalmatians, they might make fun of us for him.” Benny stated.
“Who cares, makes us unique. We don’t need to be like the others anyway.” Bobby told them before walking over to Dean. “So Winchester, what are you going to do? Keep the good old boy, or let a girl push him away. I told you, I don’t trust a girl who doesn’t like dogs.”
Dean spent the first night of the shift thinking about his options and what the guys had said. The next day at the firehouse he left Miracle at the station when he had a minute to run a quick errand, there was a stop he needed to make.
Walking into Braeden’s he looked around, but didn’t see Y/N anywhere. So he headed up to talk to the blonde running the register.
“Hi, I was in here a few days ago. I’m looking for the girl who was working with you, Y/N.”
“Y/N, she was such a great person. I miss seeing her. She no longer works here. She got fired.”
“What, why? What happened?”
“Your girlfriend, Lisa. Complained about Y/N to her dad. I don’t think Mr Bradean really wanted to fire her, she’s the best barista we had. She remembers people's orders and their favorites. She handles the difficult ones without a problem. The only one of us who can get the cranberry bars just right, and this time of year they are the most popular. His daughter is a beautiful, but horrible superficial nightmare of a person.”
“I get it.”
“She is trying to put herself through school. She really needed this job.”
“Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that. Do you have her number or home address, maybe?”
“Why, she doesn’t have enough problems, now you want to go burn down her house too?”
“What? No. I want to apologize.”
“Oh really?” Claire leans against the other counter folding her arms and glaring at Dean.
“I didn't know Lisa did that, I would have stopped her if I did. I’m so sorry. Please. I feel really awful this happened to her. Is there any information you can give me that would help me find her?”
“Her last name is Y/L/N, that’s all I am going to tell you about her.”
“Thank you.”
He leaves to head back to the station. There still isn’t much going on so he grabs his computer and uses some of the down time to sit in the common room and look up Y/N Y/L/N on social media accounts. Bobby is in the kitchen area behind working on some food. Cas, Benny and Sam are playing cards at the long dinner table.
“Any luck yet? Bobby asked.
“Nope, I can’t find her anywhere. None of these profiles on facebook,or linked in are her. I even searched twitter.”
“I can’t believe Lisa got her fired.” Cas just shook his head.
“That’s pretty cold, man. Maybe I don’t want her to have my number.”
“Not a problem Benny.”
“You know, you haven’t told us anything about this girl you are trying so hard to find.”
“She is wicked smart. I would bet she’s getting straight A’s.”
“Okay more important question here,” Benny interrupts. “What does she look like?”
Cas and Sam both throw chips at him for that comment.
“Hey, I’m curious, here?”
“She’s really pretty, but she’s the kinda girl that doesn’t know it.”
“That’s the best kind.” Bobby tells him.
“Is she nice?”
“Unbelievably so, she is super sweet. She loves animals, especially dogs.”
“Okay so let’s see if I got this, she’s wicked smart. Pretty but not full of herself, sweet with a heart of gold?”
“Yeah.” Dean looks around and everyone is looking at him. “What am I missing here?”
“Apparently a lot,” his brother tells him.
“She sounds like a special person.”
Dean shrugs, “Yeah, she is I guess.”
“I have an idea.” Sam turned to Dean. “Why don’t you ask your girlfriend to get it from her dad. Actually that is a conversation I would pay to watch you have with Lisa. ‘Lisa can you get me the address of the girl you had fired so I can go apologize to her, for you being the bitch you are. See I’m in love with her, but I haven’t figured that out for myself yet.’ “
“Are you done?” Dean asks his brother anything but amused.
“For now,” the younger Winchester joins in laughing with the others.
“Boy, you are a special kind of idjit. You lot, go finish that equipment inventory.”
“Sure thing Chief, just let me beat these guys real quick.” Looking up Benny sees Bobby’s face. “Or now is good.”
Bobby walks over to the table from the kitchen counter he was working at, “So, Y/N.”
“She doesn’t want to date until after she graduates and starts working. She is nothing like the kind of girl I go out with normally, anyways. She actually believes in true love and Marriage.”
“It’s really not that bad you know. Don’t tell Ellen I said that.”
Dean chuckles at that, knowing how much the grumpy man really does love his wife.
“Just because things didn’t work out for your parents doesn’t mean it won’t for you. Look at Sam and Jess.”
“It’s not what I’m looking for Bobby.”
“Then why are you here spending your time searching for this very pretty and smart girl?”
“I just want to apologize.”
“Yeah, sure. Don’t you want a family one day? Someone you can share the Holidays and special moments with?”
“You and the guys are my family. You know this.”
“As close as you and your brother are, you still can’t snuggle up with me the other idjits on a cold night, after a rough shift.”
“Is that a firm no?”
Bobby just shakes his head at Dean's attempt at humor, and goes back to the kitchen.
When the shift ends Friday afternoon he takes Miracle home and tries to relax before getting some work around the house done. He goes back Saturday for a 24 hour shift.
“It looks like the two of us are going to be stuck together for a little while. You can stay until I finish here and sell the house. Then you are on your own. For now on we can come and go as we please. You aren’t responsible for me, I’m not responsible for you, That work for you? Just a couple of bachelor's living together. Good talk, let’s go watch the game.” Miracle follows Dean into the living room, curling up in his lap.
After the game Dean heads out to get some supplies he needs to work on the house. Lisa is in the kitchen with dinner when he arrives back home.
“What are you doing here Lisa? Weren’t you supposed to have a shoot today?”
“It was postponed so I came over to make you dinner, it took all day.”
“You made the food here?”
“Yeah so it would be nice and hot when you got out.”
“Uhuh. hey have you seen Miracle?
“No, figured it was with you.”
“He was here earlier”
“I’m sure it’s around somewhere. Go shower I’m sure you smell like smoke. I’ll put the food on the table.”
“My shift ended hours ago, Lisa. I already showered. I need to look for Miracle.”
“Miracle hey, come here dog.” she pretends to look for him. “Guess he’s not here, let’s eat.”
“He usually greets me when I come home, he must have gotten out. I need to go find him.”
“Why? It’s just a stupid dog, who cares? Now come eat this delicious dinner I made.” That puts Dean over the edge with her.
He turns back around in the doorway, “You just don’t get it do you? Did you really have that barista from your father’s coffee shop fired?”
“Yeah, she was completely awful to me. I can’t have that.”
“She was giving you facts about Miracles, She wasn’t doing anything to you. You can’t just have people fired when you don’t like what they say Lisa.”
“Sure I can. She doesn’t matter, the dog is finally gone. Everything is just how it’s supposed to be.” She tells him with a shrug.
“You know, I don’t think this is going to work.”
“What?”
“You and me.”
“Wait, are you seriously breaking up with me?”
“Yeah, yeah I guess I am.”
“I’m a model and you think you are going to break up with me?”
“You might need to get your hearing checked, yes I am.”
“You can’t do that, I'm the best thing to ever happen to you. You are going to regret this Dean Winchester. I won’t take you back when you come begging me to. I spent all day making this dinner for you. I got my hair done for you, these highlights were expensive.”
“No, you actually didn’t. That stove isn’t connected, I just bought it. I know it doesn’t work yet, and the take out bags are sticking out of the trash outside. Nice try though. I’m sure the hair was for you and no one else. I think you need to go, Lisa.”
She stomps out of the room in a huff, slamming the front door when she exits.
Dean went to look for Miracle but didn’t have any luck finding him. The backdoor wasn’t shut tight, Lisa must have done that when she took the trash out.
Saturday was spent with your list going to all the places you found that might be looking for help, and making stops with those who had ‘Now Hiring’ signs up. Passing some Christmas carolers in the town square you stop and listens for a moment. You do love this time of year. A couple of places took your resume, but others weren’t very keen to work around a school schedule.
The best you could do is just keep trying until something works in your favor.
Sunday, morning Donna was over bright and early to start your day together. She brought donuts and coffee with her. Chatting with you and petting Dakota as you got yourself ready to go. The first stop she had planned for the two of you were mani/pedi’s. It had been a long time since you felt that relaxed. For a little while in the chair you were able to forget about your troubles. When you were done there the two of you visited a few shops you were passing by.
From there you grabbed a light lunch and listened to the carolers and watched the other shoppers.
“I should head back home to study.”
“No, we had a deal. It’s time for your hair and makeup appointment. Then i’m taking you to get a new dress.”
“I don’t know.”
“Hey, I know you. I bet you already know everything you need for your exam. You are just overthinking it. Relax. Take some time to enjoy the Holiday season.”
“Fine.”
When your hair and nails were done she took you to a little boutique to look for a dress for the Mayor’s party. You tried on multiple options before she handed you a black long sleeve one stopped mid thigh.
“Come on out already, I want to see it.”
You pulled the curtain back and stepped out.
“Wow, look at you girl. Green eyes is going to flip when he sees you in this.”
“Oh no, I can’t afford this one.”
“I’m going to get it for you, I got a bonus. You deserve to be taken care of once in a while too.”
“It’s too much.”
“Y/N, when mom and dad died, you came home to take care of me. You put your whole life on hold, just for me. This dress is nothing compared to that. Please let me do this.”
You walked over to look in the mirror, Donna coming up beside you. “You look like mom.”
“I do?”
“Yeah, you do.”
Turning, you give your sister a big hug.
Leaving there you thought she was finally taking you home to study but you find her pulling into the fire station and you start to panic. “What, what are we doing here?
“Do you really think I’m just going to take you home looking like that? You are going to walk in there and make Green eyes faint. Plus I want to meet him, you said he was working today.”
Dang it. “No, no.”
“Come on, you can’t hide him forever.”
“I have to study for my final, I have to go home. Now. Let’s go.”
“If you don’t get out and walk your but in I am going to drag you in there. Do you really want that?” She was already unbuckling her seatbelt and going to open her door.
“Wait! I’ll go in. Okay I’ll go in.”
“He is going to be so surprised.”
“You have absolutely no idea how surprised. You know what?I should really go in alone.” Donna sits back in her seat raising her eyebrow at you.
“Why is that?”
“He’s going to see this outfit and want to grab me, and start kissing me. One thing can lead to another. It’ll be a little awkward with you there. That’s not the best circumstances to meet him, when he’s making out with your older sister. You can meet him at the Christmas party, promise.”
“Alright, fine. I want details, I’ll wait here.”
“Oh no, that’s okay.” Pretending to check the time. “He’s about to get off shift, he can take me home.”
“Okay, fine. Take care. Have fun.”
“Thank you, and thank you for today.”
You get out of her truck and slowly make your way up to the fire station, turning back to wave at your sister. When she finally pulls away and you can’t see her anymore you turn and start walking back to your condo. Great, you're in heels, this will be fun. You don’t get too far down the road when you hear a dog bark at you. Looking around you see a dog that looks like one you met earlier in the week. He comes over rubbing against your bare legs and you check his collar. Sure enough it says Miracle. Just great.
“Hey there buddy, what are you doing out here? Are you lost?”
Turning around and walking back to the station Miracle following along behind you. When you step inside there are three guys working on cleaning the truck.
“Hi, sorry to bother you, I’m looking for the owner of this dog,” You point to Miracle who is now sitting beside you.
“He’s mine!” two men call out at the same time, then turn and glare at each other. The third with longer hair just shakes his head at them.
“I think he belongs to someone named, Dean?”
“Yo, Jerk get out here.” The shaggy haired man yells out.
Dean comes walking out from inside a minute later, “Bitch, what do you…” He suddenly notices you, “Hey I’ve been looking for you two, how did you end up together?” Bobby comes out to join Sam, Cas and Benny. The four of them watching you and Dean.
“You’ve been looking for me?” That really surprises you.
“Yeah, I heard about your job. I’m really sorry It’s my fault.”
“That wasn’t your fault it was all your girlfriend.”
“She’s not my girlfriend anymore.”
“That’s good.” You seriously had no filter. Dean looked up at you a little shocked by your comment. “I’m mean, that’s too bad.”
“It’s alright, I knew she wasn’t the nicest, but I didn’t realize she could be that awful. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, at least you have Miracle back now. Have a good night.” With that you turned to walk out of the station.
Dean turns back around and the guys are all pointing and gesturing to you. “Hey, Y/N, I’m getting off work soon. Could I give you a ride home, or maybe buy you dinner?”
“Thank you for offering but you don’t have to. I'm fine walking.”
“Come on, let me buy you dinner. With everything that’s happened it’s the least I can do.”
“You really don’t..”
Three shouts of “it’s the least he can do.” Come from behind Dean.
“Okay, but only if I can take you to my favorite place.”
“Alright, do I need to run and change first?” He looks down at his uniform blue pants and shirt. If your favorite place is anything like Lisa's he is going to need dress pants a tie, the whole shebang.
You pretend to look him over, “No I think I can get you in just fine dressed like that, I know the owner pretty well. But what about Miracle?”
“He can hang out here, he’ll be fine with the guys around here.”
“Okay.”
Bobby comes up to get Miracle, “We like having him here.”
Dean takes you to the common area and you wait in there until he is finished with his shift. When you leave you give him directions to your favorite taco truck. Dean wasn’t expecting this at all.
“This is really your favorite place?”
“Yes, taking a bite out of one of his tacos is like a surprise party in your mouth. He’s open all night. So when I’m studying really late I come and grab something from here.”
Grabbing your food you go and sit at one of the nearby tables. Dean groans when he takes his first bite. “Oh you weren’t lying that is so good.”
“I know right?” You smile at him. A sudden chill hitting you. You tried to hide that you were cold because a big part of you really didn’t want the night to end. Dean saw it anyway.
“Are you cold?”
“I’m alright.” He shook his head at you.
“I’ll be right back. He returns with his yellow coat from his uniform draping it over your shoulders to keep you warm.
“Thank you.” The two of you get up from the table and walk around the nearby park looking at the light displays around you.
“When I was 19 my parents died in a car accident. I was away at college then. I came back home to raise my little sister. When she entered college I went back and started my undergrad back up. Now I’m trying to finish veterinary school.”
“What made you want to become a vet?”
“My parents were huge animal lovers. My sister and I grew up around animals and that love for them passed down to us. My mom was always taking in strays. When I was seven, walking home from school I found a baby bird in the middle of the road. The little guy was hurt when he fell out of his nest. I took him home and nursed him back to health with the help of my parents. I was there when he was finally able to take his first flight. That’s when I realized I wanted to be a vet and help animals when I grew up. What about you? Why did you want to become a firefighter?”
“When I was four our house caught on fire, I was carrying my little brother Sammy out of the house. The front door was engulfed in flames, I wasn’t sure how to get out. This firefighter crashed through the living room window and got us to safety.”
“Wow.”
“My mom was trapped, but they managed to get both of my parents out. They blamed each other for the fire and started fighting a lot. Until they eventually divorced. We lost my dad to the bottle a couple years ago. Mom to a car accident. The firefighters made me feel safe, and took care of me and my brother that night. I wanted to be able to do that for others one day.”
“That’s powerful.”
He just nodded.
“What were your parents like?”
“They were so in love, they met in high school and that was it."
"So you could say he jumped in front of her and stopped her in his tracks. She followed him to the highest peak?” He asks as he smiles at you.
It took you about thirty seconds to realize what he was saying, “You remembered the mountain lions.”
“Yeah, I did.”
The both of you sat there a few more minutes lost in your own thoughts before you reluctantly spoke up. “I’ve really enjoyed tonight. It’s been really nice, but I have a big final tomorrow morning. I should try and get a little more studying in.”
“Okay, no problem. I’ll take you home.”
Reluctantly you got up and followed Dean to his truck. You gave him the address to you
place, and he found it no problem. As a fireman he most likely knows his way around town very well. He walked you to the door when you arrived home.
“Thank you for dinner, it was nice of you.”
“No problem, Sweetheart. Thank you for accepting my apology.”
The two of you stood there looking at one another for a minute or so before you snapped out of it.
“Goodnight, Dean.”
“Goodnight, Y/N. Good luck on your final tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
The two of you so lost in thought you didn’t realize you were still wearing his coat until after he had already driven away.
Your dreams that night revolved around a pair of green eyes, with a boyish smile and a great laugh.
You were studying as you were getting ready Monday morning, trying to get any last bit of new information in that you could. All too quickly it was time to head out.
Sitting down next to Charlie you apologized to her for missing Friday again. She told you all about the girl she met there, Dorthey. She seemed to really click with this one. You were very happy for her. At least one of you could get what you wanted.
The two of you walked out of the Veterinary school building an hour and a half later. “Okay, that final was so much tougher that I thought it was going to be.”
“Charlie, I’m sure you did great.”
“At least that was our last one. Now Christmas break is finally here!” She broke into a little dance as she was saying this.
“I’m glad you are so excited about this,” you laughed watching her. Turning back around someone caught your eye.
“Hi.”
“Hey, how did the test go?”
You were a little flustered, did he come all this way just to ask about your test? “I think I did all right on it.”
“That’s great, glad to hear it. How about I take you out for coffee and we can celebrate?”
Charlie was looking back and forth between the two of you, when she finally got a good look at Dean’s face. “That’s Green eyes?” She exclaimed much loudly for your liking. Judging by Dean’s laugh and slight blush, he heard it too.
Reaching out you quickly smack her arm before turning back to Dean. “That’s so nice of you to offer, but dinner last night was enough.”
“Wait he took you to dinner last night?” Charlie wanted to know looking at Dean then you.
“Yes, please shut up.” You whispered to her
“Let him take you for coffee. She would love to go with you.” Charlie turned to Dean shaking her head yes.
Dean was amused by Charlie's antics. You on the other hand could hurt your friend. “Besides the coffee, I kinda need my coat back for work tonight.
“Oh, yeah. I’m so sorry about that, I didn’t realize I still had it on till after you left.”
“It’s alright, let me take you for coffee and we can grab it after.”
“Alright.”
Charlie pushed you toward Dean, “Have fun you two!”
Dean took you to a coffee shop you had never been to before. The two of you enjoying a nice conversation before being on your way. When you were walking back to your place you commented on the shop.
“I really liked that place. I’ve never been there before. Or even heard of them before.”
“You know what they say, firemen and police always know where to get the best coffee. There was one I really liked, only had it a few times. I’m pretty sure it was the barista there who made it so good.” Dean winking at you as he said it.
The front of your condo coming into view. The door was wide open. “Oh this is bad, so very bad.” You run up the steps toward the door.
“What’s going on?”
“She found Dakota.” Dean watches you run inside slowly following behind, but staying out of sight.
Your landlady is standing at the counter when you come rushing in. Hearing you she turns around.
“I just knew you were hiding something. I had a plumber come in and check out your sink. Do you know what he found?” She asked you while holding up an Effective Immediately Eviction notice.
“Where is she?”
“I shut her in the back bedroom.” You went right over to check on your girl.
When you come back she starts right back in on you. “This is a clear violation of the Angel Arms by laws. You have to be out by the end of the day.”
Good things get any worse for you right now? Where were you supposed to go?
Just then Dean comes walking in holding up his fireman identification and badge, “I assume you gave this tenant 48 hours notice before you had a service person enter the residence?”
“I, um I’m not sure.”
“How about the fire code? Are you all up to date on all of the apartment codes pertaining to apartment and condo buildings?”
She couldn’t even get a word out.
“What about all the bylaws with the state's statutes?”
“Well, I would think I…”
“I’ll be back next week and make sure you are in compliance with each and every state and city fire code. If you aren’t I’m afraid I’ll have to slap you with a 777, and close this place down.”
Her eyes widened at that and she quickly left the building. No doubt to start looking into all the codes and begin the tedious work of making sure each one was met.
You were watching Dean in awe, you couldn’t believe he would go to all this trouble for you.
“I’m sorry I won’t be able to stop the eviction, but I can make her miserable for awhile.”
“Dean, I don't know what to say. Thank you for doing that.”
“Talk later, let’s get packing.”
“What?”
“You have to be out today, let’s go.”
“You’re going to help me? Dean I don’t even know where I can go. My sister doesn’t have room for us. I couldn’t find a place to rent before this happened.”
“I have an idea. The house I’m renovating right now, it has an upstairs apartment. There is even an outside entrance so you could come and go as you needed.”
“Dean, I couldn’t do that and impose on you.”
“You aren’t. I’m inviting you to stay. You won’t even have to pay rent. So you can save for a new apartment. Plus I’m the reason you got fired.”
He really was giving you a tempting offer. “You said yourself you had nowhere else you knew of to go.”
“Are you okay with dogs?”
“Yes, actually they are a must. Plus you could help me out with Miracle.”
“I will pay you.”
“That’s okay, maybe you could just help me with the house some?”
“I can do that. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem Sweetheart. I’m going to go get us some boxes, while you start getting your stuff around.” When Dean got outside he called Sam.
“Hey, you doing anything right now?”
“No, just hanging out till the shift starts.”
“I have a friend who needs some help packing up her apartment real fast. Can you help?”
“Yeah, wait, her? Who’s the her? I thought Benny and Cas were your only friends?”
“Will you just stop talking and get over here? I texted you the address.”
You were shocked when Dean returned with not only boxes but one of the other firemen.
“Y/N, this is my little brother Sammy.”
“It’s Sam.”
“This is Y/N, Sammy said he could help us out for a bit.”
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. Dean told me what happened.”
In just a few hours the three of you had everything loaded up in the three vehicles. The apartment came furnished so everything but the bed stayed.
Getting to Dean’s place you get out and look at the house, it’s amazing.
Heading inside Dean shows you around. You are distracted by the wonderful details that surround it, and the great work Dean has done. You can’t believe he rebuilt the entire staircase. He is extremely talented.
The two dogs are introduced and seem to get along really well. You are kind of surprised, Dakota is usually more reserved around dogs she has never met before.
“I think they are going to get along just fine.” Dean tells you.
“Yeah, I guess us living together could work, I mean sleeping together. NO, I just, you know what I mean, staying under the same roof, not in the same room.” You aren’t sure your face could be any redder.
“Well, not sure I have a problem with the first two options either.”
You were wrong, your face could get redder.
“I promise you won’t know I’m even here. I’m looking for a new job, and I’ll look for a new place. Hopefully I can find something by next week.”
“No rush, it’s fine Sweetheart.”
The two guys help you unload the things in their vehicles before heading off to work.
Wandering around the house you notice the living room and all the white paint stripes. This must be the room Dean was saying he was having trouble finding the right color. You didn’t have anything else to do so you go to work.
When Dean came home from work the next night, some amazing smell greeted him. Y/N, must have grabbed takeout. He’s hoping she got enough to share. Looking around he finally found her on a ladder in the living room. He walked in looking around. He couldn’t believe it, the whole room was painted, and the color was perfect.
On top of the fireplace mantle he saw a few Christmas decorations out. Some reindeer, a big snowman in the middle. They weren't his so they must have come from your house. It helped to make the room feel a bit homier than it had before.
Turning around you finally notice Dean. “Oh hi,”
“Hey, I can’t believe you finished this room. The color is perfect.”
“I’m used to being busy, but I’m currently unemployed, and school is on break for a month. This is Pearl, it’s a layer of Egg shell over Egg crue. It’s the only way to get this color. It’s the least I could do for you rescuing Dakota and I.”
“Don’t worry about that. I do appreciate you doing all this.”
“No problem, I like to keep busy.” You get Dakota up to head to your apartment, you did tell him you would stay out of his way. “Oh, there is chicken and mashed potatoes in the fridge if you want any.”
“It smells amazing, where did you pick it up from?”
“I cooked.”
Here we go again, Dean thought.
“I saw the stove wasn’t hooked up, I hope you don’t mind I connected it.”
“Oh, no. Thanks.” That surprised Dean. Y/N really was different than all the other girls he dated.
As she walked out of the room he realized he didn’t want her to go, “My shift was kinda slow, do you want to stay and eat with us?”
“We already ate, but thanks. I’ll let you enjoy your downtime.”
“Oh okay.”
Walking back to the room you are talking with Dakota about why you left. “He really doesn't want us to join him. He was only being polite.” Dakota gives a little growl. “Don’t give me your attitude, missy.”
The next morning Dean is up looking around for Y/N, before he has to head out. He knows she’s up; he saw the coffee put all made for him. Not seeing her anywhere he assumes she is in her room and doesn't want to bother her.
He’s caught by surprises when he walks out the front door and sees her hanging up Christmas lights on the porch.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Morning, oh. I heard Christmas lights and decorations can add curb side value to a house. If you are going to sell when you’re finished. Having some lights out now, might get people to notice the house. Do you mind?”
“Not at all, great idea. Thank you.”
“No problem. You know, I have all that stuff from my apartment if you want to decorate the inside too.”
“I’m not much for decorations, but you can have at it.”
He walks down to his truck and asks without thinking. “I have to give a presentation to a group of fascinating people, would you like to come with me?”
“Sure, do I need to go change?”
“No, I think I can get you in with jeans and a sweater.”
“Alright, let me grab my phone.”
Hurrying back outside Dean locks the door behind you, “Let’s go Sweetheart.”
Thank you for reading!
Chapter 3
Tags- @winchest09 @waywardbeanie @whatareyousearchingfordean @flamencodiva @atc74 @deanwanddamons @jensengirl83 @abuavnee @lunarmoon8 @amyzombie1013 @akshi8278 @that-one-gay-girl @mandalou29 @igotmadskills
#Fire Fur & Mistletoe#dean winchester#dean x female!reader#dean x reader#christmas#spnchristmasbingo#supernatural#firefighter dean
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Wings of Broken White - Ch.9
Tag List: @marichatmay
[ Posted on A03 ] [ Chapter 1 ] [ Chapter 8 ] [ Chapter 10 ]
“I don’t want to be scared any more,” Mylène whispered gently to the curious gazes. Ivan, out of the Dragon costume, had one of his wings wrapped around her protectively.
Chloé, decked out in a formal suit and cape, scoffed, “It’s just a costume, Haprèle, pull yourself together!” Adrien, dressed in one of Chloe’s blue and white ballroom dresses, nudged her with his shoulder and gave her a deep frown, shaking his head. She scoffed again and looked away. “If it will make you feel better, just pretend you can still see Bruel behind that ridiculous costume. It will be less scary that way.” She then turned and walked away, her regal red caplet fluttering behind her.
Ivan sent a thankful look to Adrien for the interference, and he smiled back reassuringly. Mylène giggled a bit, looking perplexed but a bit better. “Did she just try to be nice?” Adrien only shrugged, his smile turning knowing, and the group laughed lightly.
They tried the scene again, and Mylène did better, but couldn’t make it through to the end of the stage-fight. Something about imagining Ivan getting stabbed with a sword, even if it was fake, really didn’t help the situation. No one could find her when she ran off again, and that was when the Akum came. She reappeared, but no longer herself.
Rather, she was nor a very real, very large version of the class’s fairytale Dragon. And just like how their costume didn’t actually breathe fire, neither did Mylène’s. Instead, it was very much a blast of glitter.
Marinette found herself to be the first one hit by it when she was trying to herd the class to safety. She didn’t realize anything had happened to her until the class was barricaded in a room together, sans the Akuma Dragon, and everyone was staring at her.
“Uh...What? Do I still have some glitter on me?”
Adrien had broken the silence with a suppressed giggle and a shake of his head. “No, uhm, I think the Akuma did something to your armor?”
She looked down, only to realize it wasn't cardboard and foam. It was heavy, and shiny, and- “Is that-? Oh no, Adrien, your fencing rapier! She turned it into- into a broadsword! M. D'Argencourt is going to have my head if he finds out I got it involved in an Akuma attack!”
He patted her on her armored and caped shoulder and shook his head with a fond smile. “Don’t worry about it. Ladybug and Chat Blanc will have it back in no time. In the meantime, I don’t hear the Akuma at the door any more. I wonder…”
The class moved to glance out the windows of the classroom, only to gasp in unison and see their school’s courtyard transformed in a wave of glitter-fire.
Markov, wielding his still-recording camera, let out a whistling sound. “Now that's what I would call a perfect set for a medieval movie. Do you think we can get Ladybug to not cast Miraculous Ladybug until we finish filming?”
The class broke out into an even mix of disbelieving groans and agreeing hums.
All that was left now was for the Heroes to figure out how to get out there and fix this.
Surprisingly, the civilian heroes managed to get out of the classroom rather easily. It became clear that the Akuma had very little interest in actually hurting anyone. It seemed to simply be making itself at home in their school-turned-castle. It made sense that a Dragon would find comfort in being in a medieval fantasy setting of its own making.
The real problem came when the class tried to leave the building itself. Akuma-Mylène, just like any other Akuma, had her mind set on a task and was hellbent to keep at it. So the entire class was captured and became the Princesses in her dizzyingly tall Tower. Anyone not already in costumes got put into extravagant gowns, makeup, and even jewelry when the group got caught by the glitter-fire. The costumed students got the same treatment as Marinette, their characters brought to life in more detail.
Marinette did a quick headcount of the class, then did it again when she noticed something was off. “Hey, has anyone seen Kim? He was with us when the Akuma caught us, wasn’t he?” Everyone looked around the tower chamber they had been locked in, only for confirmation of his disappearance to pass back to her. That is, until their ever-composed King looked up, screeched in terror, and smacked a few faces when her Swan wings spread out.
Everyone looked up to see a small dragon in the rafters, looking down at them with a wide smile and a wagging tail. It dawned on them, then, that Kim, who had kept the prop dragon head with him the whole time, had probably ended up turning into this adorable baby dragon when they were captured.
His wings spread and he jumped into a glide. Clearly, the wingless boy was enjoying a temporary change in wing-status.
After a few circles around, he landed on Marinette’s shoulder, making her stubble. Her Crane wings flared out to balance her, and she froze. She saw the eyes of the class on her and her breathing stopped in panic.
My wings aren't bound. The Akuma got rid of my bindings- They were hidden under the cape until now- Oh gods everyone can see them, they’re-
Her thoughts were halted as Adrien spoke up.
“Huh, I guess Mylène pictures Knights to have wings! She did get you twice with that glitter-breath thing she does, right?” Marinette sucked in a breath, realizing that he was giving her an out, whether he knew it or not. “Those wings weren't there the first time she got you. Maybe the more you’re hit, the more you're affected? In that case, we should really keep dragon-Kim away from Dragon-Mylène, he might just get bigger!”
Marinette swore she would have kissed him out of thanks for this if she hadn't been weighed down by Kim. Alix and Nino, the only ones besides Kim who knew that the wings were not Akuma-made, added themselves to the kiss-list by echoing Adrien’s words and adding their own reasonings for why someone without wings would suddenly have them.
While the attention was off of her, she tucked her wings back into the cape and straightened up, dragon-Kim content to curl around her shoulders like a monkey. She went to a window and peered out, seeing nothing but the skyline. Curious, she leaned out and looked down.
“Huh,” she pulled herself back inside and turned to her class. “Hey, I think we can escape.”
“Escape?” Alya joined her, looking curious. She glanced out the window as well, and her eyes went wide. “Oh…”
“Exactly!” Marinette grinned.
“Care to fill us in, please?” Nino looked between the best friends nervously.
Alya beamed, “Look outside; the Akuma isn’t watching us. No circling of the tower like a vulture. She expects us to stay put and play our role.”
Max hummed in thought as he joined them at the windows. “This appears to be true. Traditionally in Fairy Tales involving dragons, they are not confronted in the sky, but rather on the ground. Usually outside the gates or somewhere inside. Perhaps Mylène is waiting for Ladybug and Chat Blanc to come as the Heroes of the tale?”
Marinette nodded, glad her classmates were catching on. “Exactly! I saw her down at the base of the tower, and she wasn’t looking upward. We could rescue ourselves and fly out!”
An excited buzz went through the class at the prospect of being their own saviors.
“Yeah, about that,” Chloé spoke sharply, hands on her hips and looking a tad annoyed. “Some of you can’t actually fly, remember? That includes you, Dupain-Cheng. You and Lê Chiến may have wings, but you have zero experience with flying. And not to mention my dearest Adrien! And Sabrina, too, I suppose. That’s four people who can’t leave this tower. And last I checked, none of us winged students are grown enough to carry a whole other person.”
They had to admit, Chloé had a point, and a big one. They couldn't just leave a chunk of the class behind, stuck in the tower.
Ivan cleared his throat. “I could- I could carry Sabrina and Kim? I have practice flying while carrying things. Mostly gliding, but that’s all we need, right? Just enough to get us to the ground safely?”
“That sounds like a good plan!” Adrien smiled, interrupting Chloé as she was about to retort. “Don’t worry about me, though, I think it might actually be a good idea if I stayed. Dragon won’t be too happy if he finds out the original Princess isn’t in the tower where he belongs, right? Besides, I found a closet full of blankets and cushions. I was thinking I could build a pillow fort while I wait for the Heroes to defeat the Akuma.”
“As cute and brave as that sentient is, Adrien, what about Marinette?” Alya interjected protectively.
Marinette smiled reassuringly and set a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “I should probably stay, too. I’m the Knight, remember? A Knight always protects her Princess,” she winked at Adrien, who smiled back with a dusting of pink on his cheeks.
Chloé practically growled, displeased, but a look from Adrien had her huffing and turning away. “Fine! Stay if you want! At least your sacrifice will be noble or whatever.” And with that, the class’s King was hopping up onto the windowsill and diving into open air.
It took several rounds of reassurances and encouragement, but eventually, Marinette and Adrien were able to herd the rest of their class out the windows after Chloé. Nino was the last to go, and before he did, he gave Marinette a soft smile and a glance at Adrien who gave a wave before dashing for the closet.
“What is it, Nino?” She asked curiously.
“He protected your secret,” he stated plainly.
“Oh- Yeah, he did…” She looked at Adrien, too, watching as he pulled blankets out.
“The literal model son of a winged fashion designer. There’s a chance that, well… Marinette, I think he knows.” She tensed where she was, but said nothing to try and disprove her friend’s theory. He continued, “Don’t you think he would be able to recognize the use of wing-binders, considering his life? And the thing is...I’m worried about you. We all are, those of us who know, that is. Maybe just, start by sharing your wings with someone else. One person at a time, ya know? Adrien would be a good start. And who knows, it might get you out of this tower, too,” he added with a teasing tone. “I know you can hold a lot of weight on those wings of yours. Be a real Knight and consider giving him a Princess-carry, yeah?”
Marinette snorted and bumped him, causing him to stumble and laugh.
“Just sayin’, dudette! See ya!” And with that, he was out the window with the rest.
She considered his words as she walked over to Adrien where he had started building a pillow-and-blanket fort, just like he had said he would. He beamed from between two of the makeshift walls when he saw her.
“You’re really calm about still being stuck here, Adrien,” she noted softly.
“Are you kidding? This whole project has been the most fun since- well, in a while. Akuma or not, I like being here. Also, I just made a blanket fort. Blanket forts make everything better.” He grinned wide and went right back to building.
Marinette laughed and shook her head. “Fine, move over then. I’m going to help.”
Their fort was flimsy and fell over several times, but they both had to admit, it was a fun thing to do. It also revealed that the closet hid a trap door to a staircase leading downward.
“Who knew having fun would be the answer to our conundrum?” Marinette mused, amused.
“You sure do get caught up with a lot of Akumas that can have fun, huh?” Adrien jokes, causing her to chuckle and fluster at the realization.
“I mean, you're right, I guess. Nino, Nathaniel, Mylène- Everyone just wants to be happy. Makes me wonder what Hawkmoth is doing,” she trailed off, pondering on his own.
“Yeah, you’re right,” Adrien sat back, looking perplexed. “His power is so...big, but he does so little with it. I could swear he even stops himself from going too far. Why does he even attack Paris and ask for the Miraculous?”
“And what’s holding him back?” They were quiet for a little bit as their thoughts continued on silently, unknowing that they were both thinking along the same lines due to their masked partnership.
The blanket fort fell down on top of them, knocking them out of their thoughts and back into joint fits of giggles. Once they escaped their soft prison, they made their way to the window, looking out. they admired the view, but used it to remind themselves of their duties to do.
“Adrien?” He answered with a hum. “Thank you for speaking up, distracting everyone.”
He smiled gently and glanced at her. “When the wings came out? It was nothing. No one should be stared at like that if they don’t want to be.”
She wryly smiled back. “Thank you anyways. You’re a good friend and I, I trust you, a lot.”
His eyes went wide, “You do?”
She nodded, her smile growing in amusement. “Yeah, I do. Enough to tell you that I appreciate you keeping a secret you didn’t even know you just learned.”
“You mean-” he glanced at her Crane wings as they peaked out from behind her cape. She looked at them, too, noticing for the first time that they had a layer of armor on them as well. She smiled, stretching them out more.
“Yeah. Besides one person, I haven't told anyone about these in almost four years. I’m not exactly...proud of having wings. It’s hard to explain.”
“And you’re okay with me knowing?” He asked, his voice low in awe.
She smiled, a bit embarrassed, and nodded. “Yeah, I am.”
He beamed like she had just handed him the stars, and somehow, a twinkle in his eyes made it seem like she had already given him the sun and moon in the past, too. Just to get him to stop looking at her like that, she declared it was time to exit the Tower, and she scooped him up just the way Nino had suggested. After delivering him to safety, she ran off as fast as she possibly could. Not long later, Chat Blanc and Ladybug had Paris and Mylène back to normal.
#marichatmay2021#marinette dupain cheng#adrien agreste#chat blanc#ml wing au#wing-binding#willowbendt
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Into the Casino Ch12
The trip back home wasn't anything he hadn't been expecting. She was quiet for the most part with only gazing out the window and him patting her arm in reassurance and smiling in glee. He had made good progress today. Found out a whole bunch of stuff for his curious mind to disect like a frog in class and exploit it when the time was right. But for now, he preferred to get home and get some greatly deserved rest. And that they did. But Amalfia still couldn't shake the....strange feelings she that was still bouncing around her skull. Mostly around one particular issue....Who was Lou? Now that question could easily be answered with 'He's your boss of course.' or 'He's the guy courting you.'. Or another number of things. The casino's owner. The one who helped her. Mr. Lou- But she wasn't interested in that. She still got a strange feeling whenever she stared into those red eyes. They held something behind that smile. She tried asking Cyber about him....buuut
"Eh- I don't think it's my place to really say. Everyone's past down here is personal to them. Why don't you ask him yourself? Ain't he supposed to be the one you're dating or something?" And her answer told her if she asked anyone else they would give the same answer or refuse...Frankly she did ask once or twice more about the topic, but he expertly dodged it and changed the topic back to her and asked her questions on her likes and interests. Not that she didn't appreciate he seemed to want to know about her but she barely knew anything about him. And this wasn't about to be another one sided romance with a man she barely knew. She wasn't about to be put through that thing again. Not if she could help it. But that idea was pushed back for now because after a few days of her normal routine of waking up by Cyber and working on whatever list Lou gave her for the day, she was surprised when one day when Lou came up and announced they were again going to that side shop he knew and getting her a new dress for her. She blinked and asked why. He chuckled. "The ball of course.~ You don't think I would let a beautiful young lady like yourself go in just any dress, did you? Oh no, no. My dear. Nothing but the best for the woman I ...adore.~" So once again she was whisked off into the car, down to the Black Market, and taken into that little clothes shop. But this time he introduced her to the small ladies who ran the place and beckoned her to be taken to the back...Well she wasn't to be taken back there by herself with two absolute strangers and gripped onto him as one tried to reach out to take her. Making Lou raise a brow and get to play the hero as he gently assured her and brought her into the back room himself. After explaining exactly what they were looking for, in Lou's words: "I want something resembling the radiance and grace of a peacock. I trust you ladies to work your magic with what I pay you." She blinked up at his request and rose a brow. A peacock? He wasn't going to ask her what she wanted in the dress? She didn't have to ask when she was ushered by the women and was made to pose out as they took measurements of around her midsection and chest, height, and strangely enough her arms. All the while she nervously glanced back between them and Lou who always gave a smile and those strange red eyes. And funnily enough, as soon as they were done it was time to go back home. All of that which took the amount of one hour to happen. He had no interest in stopping anywhere else it seemed, wanting to hurry and get her back home. In their hurry she didn't even notice Cyber had tagged along until she was back in the car. ...He was that much in a hurry huh? But once and a while-...The question and worries would still bounce around and cause her to sometimes space out in thought. But other than that, she didn't think about it once...That was until she was gathering dirty laundry to clean and when she picked up the very same dress Cyber had her squeeze into before that 'date' and wouldn't you know it? A small pink piece of paper slide out and she almost missed it if the golden shiny words written on it hadn't shimmered in the light and caught her eye as it landed by her hooves. Making her pause and blink at it. She slowly bent down and picked it up, bringing it too her face to read the small print. And those eyes lit up. This was-...This is the card Rita had handed to her. And the words were still neatly printed and bold enough for her to read the address and name of the club she owned. And an their conversation came rushing back to her. "W-Well he knows Mr. Charles-"
"Oh! Trust me. Those two know each other very well. They have past connections through their second businesses...Still do."
... ..... ......?!
Charles KNEW Lou. And he knew enough it seemed about him to have an actual past and enough to hate him....He could answer all your questions, a small voice whispered to her and her eyes widened. She could find out exactly what he was like. What he did. WHo he was. Her body lighting up at the excitement of it all....Before it all came crashing down. She wasn't sure how Lou would feel about her leaving let alone going to one of his rivals and talking with a man who clearly made it clear they hated each other even if Lou's smile hid it very well. He would definately be against the idea if he didn't tell her no first....And that's when the idea came to her. She quickly tucked the card into her dress pocket and grabbed the laundry. She had a certain set of Rules to check. ***************************************************************************************************** The familiar clanking footsteps of Cyber's feet came down the hallway. Another day of waking up Fuzzy and getting her groggy self ready to go do whatever Lou decided to haul her around to do. He was certainly enjoying taking his time with this whole take over plan. He was acting most days as if there wasn't any plan and looking through schedules and taking care of the fools betting souls and watching the flow of new ones steadily come to him. It what made him the powerhouse he was...but if this whole scheme of using her magic worked...he just might become one of the new overlords. She saw the lust for power he always had when he made contracts or one a particularly hefty pile of souls to add to his ever growing power and collection. But it always increased by a large amount when he spoke of the many things he wanted to do with her magic once he figured out how to extract it from her. But she still thought the party was a stupid idea. Too many people could see her for what she really was and it could turn into a real problem. She has TRIED to explain it too him- "I don't think this is a good idea, Boss. What if someone sees her? The horn is a pretty dead give away." "Cyber, you underestimate me. 'Sides, no one really feels any energy off her correct?" "Well...no. She radiates about as much energy as the janitor. But those outbursts though, big crowds and curious demons has a high possibility of causing a trigger to that magic, and to be honest...That one thing I might not fully be able to save you from." "Oh, trust me. I rarely ever make mistakes. And I have thought long and hard about this choice. If someone does find out or Rita blabbers her mouth, then we'll get 'curious' people who might want to take a peak and id the decide they want my dear pet for themselves, then it could cause quite the problem. Especially if someone on a higher level of magic and power catches wind of her." His red eyes narrowed slightly as if the thought made him slightly angered. "I already put too much time and effort into this already to have any set backs, and the very last thing I need is her dead or falling into someone else's hands.....Keeping her a secret is key, but now that word must've already gone around by the few times we went out ...and Rita- It'd be wiser to let others see she's 'weak'. Let them think I'm only humoring another woman for amusement like Rita already thinks. Hiding her now would only cause suspicion." Dang it! She hated when he had good points. But right now she had to wake someone up. So it was quite a surprise to her when she opened the door to shake her awake and she wasn't laying on the bed. Which looked made like no one slept in it at all. And the room was empty as well...Cyber blinked...Where was- "Cyber!" She whirled around to find said unicorn all groomed and dressed, holding a peice of paper, and smiling. "Sorry if I wasted your time, but I decided to get up early today to get my list done." She lightly shook the paper. Cyber still paused studying her but relaxed with a smile. "Finally getting used to the work schedule, huh?" "Oh yeah! Im hoping to finish everything Lou wanted me to do by noon. I wanted to ask him something important, but I think I can only do it i-if everything's finished before then." "Oh..And how do you figure that?" "Im in charge of his schedules. He's supposed to be meeting with an important client from the black market today about trading good with him." She rose a brow and hummed. "Well, if that's the case, then I guess I better head back. He'll be needing me on the floor if you're already up." Amalfia nodded. "That's what he told me. He's waiting for you by the lounge, and don't worry about breakfast. I made sure the cook made you and him something." Her brow rose further as she hummed again and made her way past her. Oh she was up to something. It was clearly obvious and she wasn't trying to hide it. So that begs the question. What was it? ..Lou was pretty interested too when he was informed, but he merely chuckled and told her they would wait for noon and see what she intended on planning on asking him. In the meantime, the busy floor easily took up their time as Lou did the usually laugh and greeting. Encouraging some poor bloak to bet more than needed or speaking with a curious few people who looked interesting to him. Every once and a while they would catch sight of her quickly running past with something in her hands or going somewhere on the upper floors, but that was about it. LOu raising an amused brow everytime she did go past. Time pasted. And guess who finally showed up to talk with him. The dirty man was definately from the scummier side of the city but Lou still smiled, shook his hand, and offered to escort him to his office where he usually conducted business...the one with carniverous plants and a heavy duty door in case things went south or if he wanted to do 'extra' persuasion. And on the way up, there wasn't any signs of Fuzzy anywhere. Guess she was busy doing something. So they opened the office door, gestured for the man to enter, he did, and was about to go in themselves- "LOU!! W-Wait!!" He paused and looked up amused when a white blur came jogging down the hallway towards them both. He watched with a smile as she stopped and leaned over with a wheeze. Trying to catch her breath from darting all the way down from where ever she came from. "I-I...*sigh* f-finished e-everything." "Marvelous. This must've been your fastest time yet. Now you can have the rest of the day off yo relax." He opened the door more and was about to enter when a rather rough tug was received on his arm and he was actually turned around by the desperate looking unicorn and ..paused in shock for a brief moment. "W-Wait! I-..I n-need to ask you something.'' "Darling, Im always happy to answer your questions, but as you can see-" He gestured to the inside of his office. "I have a very important meeting t-" "I want you to let me go out somewhere on my break." She snapped interrupting him. Which was a..minor shock to him. She had never done something like that before during her stay...how long has it been now? Almost a full year. Time seemed to slip by when you were planning and had her do the same things everyday. Her face was determined and her hands were still wrapped around his arm in a tight grip-...He blinked and quickly recovered. Cyber having an almost confused look. "Now why in all hell would you want to do a thing like that? Demons out there would use you like a rag doll til you were nothing but broken pieces on the sidewalk-" "According to your employee policy,which I happened to have read the whole thing last night-" She interrupted him again making him pause. "- employees are permitted to leave to other places on t-their break but to be back before their break ends and as long as they report to you or your floor manager first, and since I have the rest of the day that means I just have to get back before nighttime. Which according to your own policy is eight thirty for most day staff including me." ....He opened his mouth- "I want to go out and I-..." She inhaled. "I w-want to visit Rita's." Silence. Cyber blinked, caught off guard by what just came out of her mouth and one look to Lou, told her he was definitely not prepared for something as bold as that. As he just paused and stared down to her with a blank expression...before that smile came back and he gave a huff of dry laughter. "Now why on earth would you even want to go to a place like that? A pure being such as yourself would be eaten alive there-" "She invited me." Technically that wasn't a lie. Rita did invite her to drop by sometime for a chat even if it was never a personally invitation. Lou how ever gave slight narrowed eyes with that smile at the now suspicious situation. But paused again when he felt something on his hand and one dart to it gave him an answer as she intertwined their fingers with one hand, small rose ring glimmering on it, and her face turned into one of pleading. "P-Please. ...D-Do it as a favor for me. A-And I promise I'll make it up to you later." .....Red eyes blinked back to her. Those purple eyes giving an honest look...and something jolted in him."....I" "HEY!!" They all turned to the impatient looking man waiting for him. "Are we conducting business or are you playing cutsie with the dame?" "Oh..Of course! This won't be but a moment!" He slowly turned back to her with a forced smile. Cyber could tell right away he was holding back the urge to just say no for sake of not being rude to her and ruin any progress he had made....But this was RITA they were talking about and Charles was there....Those two could easily ruin everything. But for some reason....This gal was dead set on going and by the sudden surprise and bold display they just witnessed, she wasn't about to take no easily....He could've just easily let Cyber take her but...his eyes side glanced back to the man. This guy claimed to have angelic weapons. Usually most if not all were instantly bought off the market usually by higher and the strongest demons to increase their own strength and to help prevent these things from being used on themselves. He had a chance to gain quite a few if this gentleman did hae some like he claimed and if this deal went right...Which means he NEEDED Cyber's backup......Which meant his brain had to bust into over drive and form a plan quickly....And this one involved the only other capable person he could trust at this moment. With a sharp inhale between clenched fangs, he turned back to her with a smile. "Very well....but on the condition. You don't go alone. Cyber and I are in a very important meeting so Disease will be accompanying you there and back...I would like you to stay close to him. If you agree, then you may go." She stared at him, before sighing and giving a smile with a nod of the head. "Y-Yes. Yes! Of course!" He hummed and turned to Cyber. "Get him immediately. Now." She didn't have to be told twice as she literally ran off without saying another word and he sighed- The further closing of her hand around him made him look back to her smiling face..and pause again. "T-Thank you. I-I know how you must feel about this, but I have to do it....I-It'd be rude to not show up." "...Yes. Not showing up when expected can be rude." They stayed like that for a few seconds, tensely waiting and while they were she slowly released her grip from his hand. He slowly flexed his squeezed fingers out, looking to them for just a moment, before putting his arms behind him back just in time to see Cyber rushing around the corner with a confused Disease in tow. He blinked as she pushed him forward and they stopped right in front of them. "Uh...You wanted me?" He sighed. "Yes. My darling here-" He nodded to her. "-wishes to visit..R-Rita." Disease blinked confused. "Myself and Cyber can't be spared and Midnight would probably...not do as good of a job as your could." He hated admitting this but Disease smirked up at his compliment anyways. "I need you to take her there and back. Do you understand what Im saying?" The snake man gave a salute and smile. "No problemo, Bosssss. Ssshould be there and back in no time!" Amalfia beemed and sighed in releif- "Hey! Are we doing business or not!?" She jumped and quickly began walking away from the door. "Ok. Thank you, Lou. Ill be back. Bye." She mumbled quickly as she scurried off. Disease was quick to make a move after her, but gagged and gave a tiny yelp when Lou grabbed the hood part of his hoodie and turned him around to face the bright red eyes that narrowed at him. "Listen good. Watch her every move carefully, and do NOT leave her alone with Rita or any of those workers." A grimace can over his features. "I don't need her findout out any information that could scare her off. Im counting on those abilities of yours, Disease. Do NOT let me down." Disease merely gave a thumbs up before wriggling out of his hold and dashing off in the direction she left. With a sigh he stood back straight up and rubbed his face. This wasn't what he wanted to get into right now, and one look to Cyber told him she was mentally saying the same thing he was. 'I don't like this'. But he didn't have time to think on it right now. With a forced smile he turned back to the scruffy looking man. "Now. Where were we?"
All characters except for Amalifa belongs to @palettepainter
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Babysitting
Square Filled: Morgan Stark Pairing: None Tags: Babysitting, Baking, Fluff, Dress Up, Summary: Pepper and Tony need to go to a meeting, Loki is the only person they can call upon to babysit Morgan. Word Count: 2784 Written/Created for @lokibingo
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He hadn’t been either Pepper or Tony’s first choice, but given the fact that the other avengers were either already tied up on assignments, unreachable or unsuitable to babysit that left the pair with two options.
Thor, the god who was lounging about eating junk food and watching comedies after spending the morning training. Or Loki. Pepper choose Loki, at least he managed to wear pants that weren’t covered in some sort of dip and crumbs.
Morgan Stark looked up at Loki bemused, she might only be young, but she could clearly see this was way out of Loki’s comfort zone. Nobody left their offspring with him, occasionally he had saved children as he was now a hero and avenger. But nobody said “here you go Loki,” and then proceeded to go off to some sort of business meeting.
“Why do your parents not simply hire a professional to look after you?” Loki asked the young girl who shrugged. How was she supposed to know?
“I’m bored,” she announced like that was Loki’s problem, the god blinked at her, “You’re supposed to look afta me.”
Loki having no experience when it came to Midgardian childcare differed to the child he was looking after, “So how do you suppose we remedy that?” he asked her, as smart as she was she found Loki’s mannerisms weird, he picked up on her confusion, “What do you usually do?” he corrected.
The young girl grinned, he had no idea! She could say anything, and he would probably do it, that’s what happened with the last babysitter and then there had been an explosion, “Daddy lets me play science with Dum-E!”
As amusing as it was to be lied to by a five-year-old Loki feared the percussions of letting Dum-E out of the labs, “Did your parents not inform you that I am the god of lies?”
“My dad says you have a stick up your butt and pretty eyes!” Morgan just blurted out as children tended to do. Loki saved that little piece of information for later, “So you always lie?” The girl asked.
“No, I am the god of lies, it is my sphere of influence, as thunder and lightning is my brothers,” Loki explained as simply as he could.
“Okay!” Morgan smiled taking hold of Loki’s hand which surprised the god, apparently she was a very tactile child, “Lets eat chocolate cake!”
“We do not have a chocolate-”
“-Lets make one!” Morgan tugged on his arm, but she could not move him like other people, “You’re strong,” she pointed out as though he were not aware of that fact. She tugged again, and he followed, not sure if this would be a good idea.
FRIDAY was the first to point out that this was in fact a terrible idea, but Loki silence the AI’s concerns as he searched Morgan’s tablet for the perfect chocolate recipe. The extreme chocolate cake recipe seemed promising, though Loki detected an eye roll from the surrounding AI.
Loki’s first problem was the fact that the recipe called for cup as a measurement, “Who uses cups for measurement?” he asked the girl who had asked to be dressed in a lab coat (one Loki himself crafted with a simple spell) and goggles, because safety! “That is not accurate, all cups are different sizes!”
The AI of course provided the answers, Loki wrote down her conversions, “It sounds like an overly complicated way to measure ingredients, why not simply use weight as a measurement?” Loki demanded to know.
“Because it’s easier?” Morgan asked.
“Quicker certainly but not easier,” Loki groused after measuring out every ingredient they would need, he needed to keep Morgan from sticking her fingers in the sugar and licking it.
“So we must first pre-heat the oven,” Loki read out loud and walked over to said oven.
“NOOO!” Morgan squealed pulling on his black and green cacti print apron, she shoved a pair of gloves into his hands, “You need ta wear gloves, the oven is hot!”
“The outside of the oven is not hot,” Loki protested, but Morgan stood her ground, stubborn like her mother she refused to move until Loki put on the gloves. Rather inconvenient, but he did not want to cause her to have a meltdown. “Happy?” he asked her showing her his gloved hands.
“Yep!” She nodded and proceeded to get out of his way, that was the oven taken care of. He discarded the gloves and handed Morgan a pan to grease while he greased the other.
As Loki placed the ingredients into a bowl Morgan stirred, she was overly careful making sure to keep everything inside the bowl. It helped that Loki discretely used his magic to actually keep everything inside the bowl while the child stirred haphazardly.
It was like watching a miniature Stark working in a lab, her tongue stuck out as she concentrated her brows furrowed and her attention was all but consumed by mixing ingredients. She didn’t even notice Thor come into the kitchen to grab food and leave, miffed that she had not even noticed him. She had one job, and she was going to do it to the best of her ability.
“I think that is enough,” Loki assured her, pulling away the bowl he stirred in the bowling water making sure everything as it should be. Well he used magic to stir the bowl, much to Morgan’s fascination.
“How do you do that?” she asked him.
“Magic,” Loki said creating a small ball of green light and tossing it into the air where it exploded, of course a Stark would applaud an explosion!
“Soooo, could you like turn the chocolate a different colour with magic?” Morgan asked her tone suggested mischief, her intentions suggested mischief but for the life of him Loki could not understand what was so mischievous about changing the colour of chocolate.
Chocolate on Midgard (the only place in the nine realms that produced the stuff) came in various colours already, so why should this request illicit mischief in the girl? Was he starting to lose his grasp on the basics of mischief? Surely not?
“And why would we want to do that?” Loki asked her curiosity weighing heavy on him.
Morgan beamed, “Mommy says that when things are weird colours people don’t like to eat them. So if we make our chocolate cake a weird colour nobody else will eat it!”
A child’s logic, but surprisingly it made a lot of sense.
Natasha had once bought black ice cream (enough for everyone) and nobody had eaten it save Natasha. It had been an overly hot summers day, everyone craved ice cream but that ice cream had not appealed to anyone.
“What colour do you suggest?” He asked.
“All the colours,” Morgan whispered heavily excited by the prospect.
“Well that would be impossible, there are colours that even a gods eye could not detect given the limited biological-” Morgan scrunched up her face she was lost.
“Like a mantis shrimp? They got more eyes but can’t see as many colours!” Morgan said Loki did not know what a mantis shrimp was, could one eat one? He did like shrimp. “What next?” she asked.
“Now we must make the frosting,” Loki read carefully, while the cakes cooked in the ovens.
Staring at the frosting Loki wondered whether he could actually change the colour using magic, Morgan sidled up to him curious to see if he could actually do what he claimed.
“What colour would you like?” he asked her.
She thought about it then obviously said, “Red and gold!” because of course she did.
It took an obscene amount of work and concentration to shift the colour, while he worked he failed to notice Morgan sticking stickers to his back. His entire back was covered in various brightly coloured animal stickers by the time he managed to shift the colours of the frosting.
One bowl contained gold frosting that resembled gold leaf and the red of the iron-man armour.
It was time to take the pans out of the oven, Morgan was stood there holding up the oven gloves expectantly. She had that look her mother used when she used to corral people into doing whatever she wanted.
It worked, Loki slipped the gloves on to take out the pans, leaving them on the side to cool he returned to Morgan. “It says to wait twenty minutes,” She pointed out, since a comment on the recipe called for an additional ten minutes, it was to be a moist cake it needed the additional time otherwise it would fall apart when removing it from the pan.
“That’s sooo long,” Morgan complained.
“Well what would you like to do in the meantime?” he asked her.
The girl thought about it, what could she do in twenty minutes? She studied Loki then broke out into a grin, “Makeovers!” she said. He didn’t understand until she broke out the large plastic box of cosmetics.
“No,” He warned her.
“Please,” her lower lip wobbled which for reasons he could not explain broke down his defences.
Morgan Stark might be a budding genius when it came to the sciences, but she was not good at makeup, which came as no surprise given her young age. She used chalk to colour his hair, used powders to colour his face and all he could think as she tried to paint his nails (black because it would match his tunic) was what they would say in Asgard if they could see him now.
That was until Morgan smiled at him, “You’re not so bad Loki!” she said in that overly friendly tone that mirrored her father.
“You thought I was bad?” He asked her, she blinked up at him confused, before returning to her rather messy painting job.
“Grumpy,” She said, “You frown a lot,” she continued accidentally brushing black nail polish over his finger.
“I’m a frowny sort of person,” he said.
“Yep,” She nodded, “Ta-Da!” she said, not the best paint job but it was reasonably okay for a little girl.
“Not bad,” he complimented using magic to dry his fingers before removing the excess polish.
“Mine now!” She said holding up purple sparkly nail polish for him to use, yes he could imagine the ridicule he would face if this were Asgard. But this was not Asgard, she smiled as he painted her nails, drying them with magic she beamed at him, “Thank you!”
“You are welcome,” Loki patted her on top of the head, this for some reason greatly pleased the girl who was very used too much better forms of praise, affections and platitudes, “Now to decorate our cake.”
“Yes!” Morgan giggled.
It had all gone so well, it started off with the pair of them watching a video on how to ice a cake and make it look halfway decent. Both Morgan and Loki looked at their own cake and then back at the video, then back at their attempts at icing.
“What matters is how it tastes,” Loki said.
Morgan however said, “It looks like runny poo!” and how did she know that and what was he supposed to say to that?
“Nonsense,” Loki said cutting a slice for himself and the girl, the cake did taste good but the longer he looked at the cake the more he could see what Morgan meant. It was rather off-putting.
“Now what?” Morgan asked with cake smeared all across her mouth and face.
“You’ll have to wash your face,” he said she ran away, “ Really! ?”
To his surprise Morgan was quite a slippery child, she managed to use their sizes to her advantage. The biggest surprise came when the kid slid along the floor between his legs and out into the garden. What had gotten into her? She was usually so calm and well-behaved.
He chased her out into the garden, where using his shapeshifting abilities he managed to catch her and drag her back inside. Now she was covered in grass, mud and chocolate.
“What has gotten into you child?” He asked her.
FRIDAY was the one to answer, “You have fed a child inordinate amount of sugar, she is currently experiencing a sugar high.”
“Why are you humans so complicated?” Loki hissed as he held the squirming girl at arms length. “Now you will need to bathe yourself and change your clothes.”
“Nuh uh!” Morgan violently shook her head, “Dad says you don’t need to bath until you smell, I don’t smell!”
“Your dad also says it’s okay to eat two day old pizza, it is not,” Loki pointed out.
“I saw you eat two day old pizza as well!” Morgan said.
“Don’t lie,” she wasn’t, but he wouldn’t have her defaming him. The little girl however giggled at him, children in Asgard would never laugh at him like this.
“More cake?” she asked.
“No bath and change of clothes,” Loki argued.
Morgan stuck her tongue out at him and was surprised when he mirrored her expression, the pair of them childishly stuck in a series of stupid expressions and taunts. He would not loose to a child!
*****
Pepper returned worried, FRIDAY had assured her that everything was fine and Loki was managing surprisingly well. But Pepper tended to worry whenever she had to spend too much time away from her daughter.
Tony had just a smidgeon more faith in Loki, mostly he was exhausted and eager to go home and curl up with his family. It was less that he had faith in Loki and more that he trusted FRIDAY to alert them should the worst come to the worst.
“…So then Thor ran into the hall, a goat under one arm, the second chasing him and said ‘I found the key!’ his goats had eaten it!” Loki finished her story causing Morgan to fall backwards giggling.
Well that was a story Tony wanted to hear! The bigger question tough was why was Loki (as a woman) wearing Elsa’s dress complete with sparkly ice bits? Why was Morgan dressed up in a miniature suit that resembled one of Tony’s and was that a fake goatee?
“Do we want to know?” Tony asked them.
“Yes, but we’re not gonna tell ya!” Morgan giggled running over to her parents and hugging them.
“Did you have fun?” Pepper asked hoisting the young girl up into her arms.
“Yep!” Morgan smiled, “We made you a cake, then we ate it, we made pasta! Loki can cook did ya know?”
“No,” Both Tony and Pepper said utterly surprised.
“We painted our nails, mine are purple, Loki’s are black,” Morgan showed her mother her nails, then her dad.
“Very pretty,” Tony grinned, Morgan nodded, of course they were! Pepper handed Morgan over to her father, who balanced her on his hip, soon she would be too big for this. He savoured every moment he could get.
“Then we played games, we ate more food and Thor even played with us,” Morgan continued without missing a beat.
“And where is Thor now?” Pepper asked a little worried but more amused by everything she was seeing or not seeing. Shockingly the entire compound was clean, tidy, nothing seemed out of place. It was hardly like this especially when the avengers were home.
“He’s tied up outside, he’s a grumpy storm cloud and I had to save princess Loki, DUH!” Morgan explained joyfully.
“Duh,” Loki reiterated while rising to her feet, “Morgan is a fine hero,”
“I saved a princess!” Morgan nodded quite seriously.
“Sooo… we should untie Thor?” Pepper asked wondering how they had managed to tie up Thor.
“He’ll break free eventually no need to worry,” Loki waved off without a care, completely trusting either Bucky’s goats to recognize the god and chew through the ropes or for Thor to get bored and break through the enchantment.
“Well… thank you, Loki,” Pepper smiled at him grateful that he had done such a fantastic job, at least if Morgan was to believed as she continued to praise the god to her father, “If we’d known you’d be such a great babysitter I’d have asked sooner.”
“I’ve had centuries of practice,” Loki smiled.
Morgan hopped out of her fathers arms and ran over to the god tossing her arms around his waist she squeezed him into a hug, “Thank you, Loki!” she grinned at him, much to the surprise of her parents. The pair had never really interacted before so seeing this was good, it was nice, it reassured their parental worries.
“Yes, you are most welcome,” he said patting her head, “It was a pleasure,” and to his surprise he had meant it.
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To belong with (7/8)
Whole series on tumblr (to belong series tag) or AO3
---
Tim started trashing in his sleep just a few hours after going to bed, awakening Damian with a hit to his face. He kept muttering unintelligible words, but while Damian could not decipher their meaning, he could guess that it was related to the time Tim was away.
He had to hold Tim for five minutes before the Omega calmed down, lost in his nightmares. When Tim finally came to his senses, he did not speak a word. The Omega sank further against Damian, taking all the comfort he could get. Tim had seemed fine since his return. He had calmed down as soon as he had recognized Damian. After that, he had acted as he used too. Mostly, anyway. Tim hadn't asked to go back on patrol. He had not even questioned Damian about the Gotham's current night activities. In fact, Tim hadn't mentioned this part of their life at all, acted as if he was a simple civilian. Those had been obvious hints that should have alerted Damian sooner. Tim had always been one of the most dedicated to the mission.
He may have no idea what had happened to him while he was captive, but he should have deduced that it was no good. And Damian had ignored that so he could play house with Tim.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Damian murmured in his ear, still hugging him.
Tim didn't respond right away. He started tapping softly on Damian's wrist with the tip of his fingers. "I don't know. I don't know where I was. Who had taken me or why. I was alone for weeks. Alone in the dark. Nobody came to see me or to interrogate me."
"You weren't with the others?"
"What others?" Tim asked, confused.
"People started popping off as the same as you did. People presumed to be dead from the attack that took you."
"I never saw anyone else. I had nothing to clutch to while I was there. Nothing to analyze, nothing to work on, all I could do was wait. I never felt that powerless."
"We'll figure out, and they will pay for touching you," Damian promised, determined to avenge his Omega.
Damian had held Tim for over an hour before it became clear that neither of them had any chance of going back to sleep. Thus, he had offered the Omega to go downstairs to spar for a bit. The equipment had got an upgrade since Tim had last been into the room, but he hadn't remodeled the room, so it should still be familiar to him.
Damian dug out some of Tim's old training gear. He ignored the look that earned him. Damian knew pretty well how it looked like: who kept all of someone's stuff, and not just one item of sentimental value after they died? The whole family had already criticized him for clinging to Tim's belongings years after he had died. The Omega was free to judge him too. He had stopped to care a long time ago. He had his own way of coping, and nobody would change that.
"I guess it's a good thing your sentimental," Damian snorted a that, nobody had put it that way thus far, "Sometimes I feel lost when I realize that the world has changed without me to a point where I not always sure I'm really home. I mean, I can still recognize the world, but it could be a mind trick for all I know. Having my stuff makes it easier, anchors me."
They started slowly, not fighting right away, leaving Damian enough time to assess Tim's physical conditions. He didn't have enough details about his captivity to know if he had been malnourished or if he had been able to exercise. Muscle memory would allow Tim to get back pretty quickly, but Damian wasn't sure that his strength was still the same, nor his stamina. Furthermore, Damian had grown a lot during the past six years. It was weird to say, but he was now only one year younger than Tim. After presenting as an Alpha, he had grown fast, outgrowing Dick in a year, and was catching up to his father as the days passed. Not only was Damian taller but also a lot stronger and more experienced than before. Before, he knew how much strength he could put behind his punch to train but not arm. Now he wasn't sure, but he didn't want to restrain himself too much lest that Tim noticed. He wasn't sure the Omega would appreciate the precaution. He had proven himself many times in the past, questioning his abilities would be a terrible insult. Plus, none of them knew how to take it easy after an injury, Tim wouldn't accept to restrain himself. They hadn't had the best example, growing up. So, Damian was a little at loss.
Tim gave the first hit, sensing the Alpha hesitation. He didn't hold back, certain that Damian could take it. The strike did not even connect. Damian intercepted it with ease, faster than Tim had first imagined. The Alpha may have put on a lot of weight, but he was still quick and agile, it seemed. All the Robins had had training, but Damian had been groomed from birth. He was the one with the most techniques and potential when it came to fighting. Damian didn't have to rely on preparation, as Tim did. It had been quite impressive to witness when Damian had first entered their life, and something told Tim that it was nothing compared to what he could do now. He was quite curious to see it all. Tim threw a few more punch at Damian, taking the opportunity to assess the other's movement. Analyzing was what he was best at. Tim was used to facing opponents that were stronger than him, better than him. Smarter was another matter. He would find a way to beat Damian, even if he took hours.
It's only after two hours of pulling punches and dodging that Tim managed to knock Damian off his feet. He had pretended to be more tired by their sparring session than he truly was for the past ten minutes, leading to Damian lowering his guard and giving Tim an edge. That approach wouldn't have worked in a real fight, but he didn't care. He was damp with sweat, and his attacks were becoming sloppy. He wouldn't have lasted another hour. So, he let himself regain some strength for a minute and got his victory. Damian had given him lessons about fighting dirty when he was they had fought soon after meeting each other. So, the Alpha shouldn't hold it against him.
"Well done, Timothy." Damian's words were reluctant, but he seemed proud of Tim at the same time. Probably didn't like landing on his ass.
"Thanks, D," Tim smiled brightly at him, and Damian had no other choice than to return it, mollified by Tim's expression.
***
They spent the rest of the day at home. Damian had promised himself to contact his father today, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He knew there was a risk of Bruce or Dick showing up unannounced if he ignored them for too long, especially after declaring that he would be looking for Tim. Not that he had been wrong, but they didn't know that. Yet.
In the meantime, Damian was just enjoying Tim's company while they cooked together, or watch shit tv shows.
"You don't have to skip patrol because of me, you know?"
Tim had noticed that Damian had never left at night. The Alpha still maintained his nest downstairs, so he obviously hadn't given up on that part of their life. Watching tv with Damian was nice, but he didn't want to hold him back if he wanted to go out.
Damian sighed. "I don't want to leave you alone, not because I think you cannot take care of yourself. But I'm afraid that if you disappear from my sight for more than a minute, you will disappear forever." Damian honesty was heartbreaking. Tim could understand his fear, he had the same.
"I could come with you. You don't seem to be working on any major cases."
Damian looked away before answering. He wasn't sure the Omega was quite ready to go back, but Tim being able or not to patrol was not the problem.
"I haven't announced your return to the rest of the family," Damian confessed, looking guilty.
"What? Why?" Tim almost yelled.
"They refused to believe you could be alive! I search for you for hours, alone. I know it might be childish, but I wanted to keep it from them. I'm sorry," Damian apologized. It had been selfish of him. Tim deserved to be with them if that what he wanted. He had no right to take that decision from him. "I can call them now if you would like."
"No. We'll go. Now." Tim announced.
"Now? I don't think they will be home."
"Alfred will," Tim interrupted him, settling the matter.
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werewolf!nctdream (1)
in which nct dream are werewolves
Mark Lee:
the alpha in him shows even through his human form. he is an independent human but he strives as a leader wolf. he is this carefree and friendly persona as a human but sometimes, his alpha persona soaks through to his human self and he makes sure people know he’s an alpha. yet he’s not very aggressive. he’s calm and collected. the reason why no one’s ever suspected him to be a werewolf despite his aura as an alpha is because he has great self-control. and you didn’t think you’d ever find out either, even as his close friend. but you’ve seen him turn one time he was over-stressed. it almost gave you a heart-attack but thanks to how calm he was even when caught, you managed to stay calm as well. and after that revelation, you two got even closer than before. “I hate it when people don’t treat me with enough respect….but you can totally ruffle my hair and pat my back and call me fluffy, it feels good coming from you”
Huang Renjun:
a lone wolf in both forms. no one ever notices him much because he stays very lowkey, straying away from any unwanted attention mainly because he doesn’t want to deal with the drama of being found out. he doesn’t trust anyone enough to tell them either, not even you, the class president. but one time during a field trip, he was about to turn and he knew you were the only person he could trust with his secret at that moment. so when he suddenly barges into your tent, seconds before turning into a wolf in front of your own eyes, words were stuck in your throat. you didn’t know what to make of it but you knew he was seeking your help, so you hide him from the rest of the camp throughout the whole day. from then on, you became the person he always hung around for he put his trust in you. “I can’t believe I trusted you enough and barged in like that….still, I’m thankful you also trusted me enough to not call the hunters on me. So I’ll forever trust you with my secret”
Lee Jeno:
his great strength is really something else and he isn’t even trying to hide it, expecting people wouldn’t question how on earth he could kick a ball from one end of the field to the other without much effort. but with great strength came weak self-control. you found that out when you were walking home late at night. some men cornered you and pulled you by your wrist. he was there to witness it and was furious anyone dared to touch you. in the blink of an eye, he was hovering over the men in his wolf form. you were so surprised and terrified, you ran straight home. he approaches you the next morning, you think he came to threaten so without waiting, you say you’ll keep your mouth shut and not tell anyone he’s a werewolf. but that’s not what he came to you for, he couldn’t care less if you told anyone, “y/n are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Did they do anything to you? God, I was so worried and… I’m so sorry for scaring you…”
Lee Donghyuck:
is very proud to be a werewolf and uses his abilities to his advantage. lowkey even wants to brag to people about being a werewolf but he knows people won’t accept that and that he might be in danger by doing so, so he carefully chooses who to reveal it to, one of those people being you. he tells you quite early on and you didn’t believe him at first, but he literally turns right in front of your eyes just to prove it to you. you’d avoid him the next few days, still trembling but he rubs it in your face even more, eventually, at one point, you come to terms with it and accepted the random 4am visits from him in his wolf form, chewing on your soft toys and messing up your sheets. Sometimes, he asks you to comb his fur because he loves the feeling. “why did you lock all the windows yesterday night? I told you I’d come by for nightly tummy rubs!!!”
Na Jaemin:
he hides his werewolf self very well. but one thing he can’t seem to take control over are his random heats. he’d be absent from school one a month and people’d think he’s just really prone to fevers. but when you come over to his house one day to give him his schoolwork, you walk straight in on a whole fluffy wolf, sleeping on the bed, breathing heavily and the room is too stuffy and hot. not knowing where jaemin is, you decided to wait and in the meantime, get some cool water for what you thought was his pet. the wolf kept whining and you sit there, running your hand through his fur in an attempt to ease his condition. somehow, you fell asleep and woke up an hour later, only this time instead of the wolf lied jaemin, with flushed skin covered in sweat, panting and whining every other minute. you knew then that he is the wolf and ignore your shock just to help him through his fever. “It’s embarrassing to be seen in such a state….but if you ever feel cold on a winter night, feel free to come by and cuddle me, I’m a fluffy heat pack. I like it, you like it, it’s a win-win”
Zhong Chenle:
soooo fragile! he was adopted into your family ever since he lost his pack. so he’d treat you in the same way he used to treat his pack. runs so fast during tag, expecting you to catch up. screams so loud expecting you to do that too as it is contagious for him. eats a lot and gives you a lot of food too, thinking you eat just as much. but later on, he realizes you’re not like him and truthfully, it makes him very sad and hurt. he’d go on, not interacting with you for some time but you always do your best to assure him you don’t mind this difference. so he becomes close to you again, mindful to treat you with more care. and he’s quite insecure of himself being a werewolf. but you always tell him you’ll be by his side no matter what and that you see him as everyone else, if not more dearly. “I can’t believe you still howled through the night with me even though I must have looked like an idiot…you’re amazing”
Park Jisung:
wolf form or human form, he’s always so curious and playful. being so young as he is, he has this great enjoyment in exploring new things, so he’d always be this happy-go-lucky person. It reflects the same when he’s turned, he’s a total little puppy, running a lot, jumping a lot, tumbling a lot. your families are very close. growing up, you just thought you were playing with this little puppy and a little boy at the same time, but eventually found out they were both one. so it is very natural for you to be around him now, still in his playful nature in both forms. sometimes he’d be so hyped he’d make you get on his back or to chase his tail with him. “y/n! is that a rabbit? Oh my god! let’s go let’s go let’s go! We gotta catch it!!!!”
author’s note thank you for sending in the request and I hope it was to your liking~
#nct#nct dream#nct scenarios#nct imagines#nct au#nct reactions#mark lee#mark#huang renjun#renjun#lee jeno#jeno#lee donghyuck#donghyuck#haechan#na jaemin#jaemin#zhong chenle#chenle#park jisung#jisung#kpop scenarios#fluff
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bigger than the sound
fallen hero fanfiction chargestep and intrigue ~3k words [ao3]
title taken from [Cheated Hearts by Yeah Yeah Yeahs]
–––
“Thanks for coming with me,” Ortega whispers from the corner of her mouth.
“Of course, thanks for inviting me.” A smile flits across Jane’s face as she studies the mess of an abstract portrait hanging on the wall in front of them. “Hopefully no super villains crash this party.”
Ortega laughs, uneasy, as she rubs the back of her neck. “Anyone that does is going to regret it.”
Jane arches an eyebrow as you try to keep her from smiling. In the aftermath of the Gala fiasco, security has tripled in order to keep the city’s elite feeling safe. The Mayor’s Guardian force was milling around here somewhere, ready to jump into duty in a split second. For the Rangers, beside Ortega, Jane has seen Herald milling around somewhere and it wouldn’t surprise you if either Argent, or Steel, or both had been bullied into attending.
The Mayor needed to prove to her benefactors she was worth keeping in office. The Rangers needed to prove they were worth keeping in Los Diablos.
Taking them all head-on as Banshee would be a pointless suicide.
Lucky for you then, Ortega still owed Jane a second date.
No explosives this time. No dramatic fights. No terrible mistakes with people screaming and blood everywhere and emergency rooms filling up. Going to do this right. Going to do this quiet. The bastards won’t realize the damage until it’s too late.
“Charge! How’re you holding up?”
Jane and Ortega turn together to find Herald walking towards them. It’s a little strange seeming him in a tuxedo again. All crisp angles and sharp features. He raises an arm to wave and you think Jane spies a glimpse of blue sleeve from a Ranger skinsuit underneath. Well, that confirms what you suspected from the Gala. Wonderbread really is ready to throw-down at a moment’s notice.
Is Ortega? She’s in a suit this time instead of a dress. Easier to fight in?
Ortega waves back at Herald with a smile. “Haven’t throttled anyone yet, how about you?”
Herald takes Ortega’s hand and pulls her into a quick hug. “Oh, this is old hat to me. I just focus on the art, and see how many fancy hors d’oeuvres I can sneak before anyone notices.” Ortega laughs and Jane politely covers her mouth to hide the smile. He shifts his gaze down to Jane and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Sides–?” He flinches and shakes his head. “Wait, no?”
Jane keeps her face blank. Sidestep? Sidestep who? Never heard of the bitch.
There is a tense silence and then Ortega breaks it with a forced laugh. “Sorry, this is my friend Jane I was telling you about.” She gestures towards you and then from you to Herald. “And Jane, this is Herald, but you probably already knew that.” More forced laughter.
“Sorry,” Herald rubs at his knee, “you just reminded me of someone.” He shoots Ortega a curious look.
Was it too late now to go back and dye Jane’s hair? You idiot. You stupid vain idiot. All the more reason to keep your two lives separated. Why did you have to go and get Jane involved with Ortega? Moron. Fool. Buffoon.
Jane keeps her face a careful blank. “It’s… nice to meet you too, Mr. …?”
Herald smiles, awkward. “Just Herald is fine. Nice to meet you, Jane.” He doesn’t offer a hand to shake.
When Ortega and Herald descend into small talk Jane breaths a small sigh of relief and politely detaches herself from the conversation. A few tense moments, but it had at least bought you some needed freedom from Ortega. Time to get to work then.
“Excuse me, folks, I’m just gonna duck into the restroom real quick.”
Ortega nods, “You know where it is?”
“I’ll figure it out. I’ll see you at the shrimp bar, sweetie.” Jane winks at Ortega, a smirk spreading across her face at the slight color on the hero’s face. Still got her.
Your sense of direction as Jane isn’t as strong as Ariadne’s but enough time spent studying floor plans makes up for it. Weave through the crowd, past the buffet table. The further from the food and the booze Jane gets the less people in ritzy outfights milling around being offensively rich.
There, next to the restrooms, a side entrance for the gallery. A very bored looking cop stands next to the door, watching the guests.
Mustering up all the elitist disdain she can muster, Jane approaches the door and gives the cop a dismissive glance. “I’m taking a smoke break.” The man frowns but otherwise doesn’t stop Jane as she steps through the door, pretending to fish through her purse. Perfect.
Outside, the street gives a clear view to the Hero Museum just down the block. Once again closed for renovation and repair. The dumb bastards. Maybe you’ll trash the next grand opening too. Keep it up until they get the idea.
It doesn’t take long to spot her. The woman pacing back and forth down the sidewalk, staring anxiously at her phone, purse hanging loose in the crook of her arm. Jane whispers to get her attention and when that doesn’t work progressively raises her voice. “Hey! Ochoa!”
She looks up, sags in relief and hurries over to Jane, her movements stiff and awkward in the tight black and gold floral dress. “Finally! I was about to call the whole thing off.”
“Do you want your dirt or not?” Jane hisses.
“Please, Jane.” Mia Ochoa’s frowns, “I’m an investigative journalist, not a tabloid columnist.”
“Sure, whatever.” Jane glances up and down the street. She keeps a hand in her purse, fingering the gadget from Dr. Mortum that should be disrupting the video cameras. How long did the charge last for again? Five minutes? “Sit tight, I need to get the pig out of the way first.”
“You’re not going to–?”
Jane snorts, “I’m not going to hurt anybody. I’m not stupid.” She tilts her head, thinking. “Well. I’m probably not going to hurt anybody.” She shakes her head and holds up a hand. “Whatever, wait here. This’ll only take a second.”
“Ugh,” Jane contorts her face into a visage of barely contained fury as she steps back inside. “I can’t believe some people.”
The cop sighs, “There a problem, Ma’am?”
A short bark of a laugh. “Problem?” Jane glowers down the hallway. “Yeah, there’s a fucking problem.”
“There’s no need for that kind of language, Miss Smith.”
Jane snarls, “Tell that to the asshole who can’t keep his hands to himself.”
That gets the cop’s attention. “Again, is there something I can help you with, Ma’am.”
Jane holds her breath. You’re about to do something really shitty. Oh well. Sorry Kieth, it’s for the greater good. “Yeah, alright.” Jane sighs, avoiding the cop’s gaze. “someone ought to teach that damn waiter at the cocktail bar some manners. I’m not the only woman either he’s harassed tonight. The ass.”
The man’s eyes narrow. “I’ll see someone talks to him.” He puts a hand up to the walkie-talkie strapped to his breast pocket. Presses the button. Jane holds her breath. “Hey, Sam? I got a woman here reporting a problem with one of the help.”
The cop frowns as no one answers.
“Sam? You there?” No response. “Kim? José?”
Jane crosses her arms, and taps her foot. “I thought you said you’d take care of it.”
He shakes his head, “Something’s wrong with my damn walkie.” He taps it one more time and shakes his head. “Goddamn this garbage keeps busting. Sorry miss, I’ll have to find my superior.” He shoots Jane a glance, eyeing her up and down. “In the meantime, use some common sense.”
Jane huffs, as the cop walks off, grumbling about equipment.
Honestly, you half expected that not to work. Thank you, Dr. Mortum.
A quick glance around to check for any other eyes and you step back to hold the door open. “Alright Ochoa, you’re in.”
“Finally.” The reporter quickly steps inside and you let the door close. “I can’t believe I’m really doing this.”
Jane frowns as she digs through her purse again. “Yeah, well, if you want the real meat you gotta go where they don’t want you to be.”
“Oh believe me, I know.”
“Ah, here we go.” Jane pulls out a small laminated pin, holds it up for Ochoa’s inspection. “Your own name pin. It’s like you were supposed to be her all along.”
“Oh!” The woman takes it from Jane’s hand with a look of surprise. “You thought of everything.”
“Don’t jinx it.”
As the two of you walk down the hallway to rejoin the main event Ochoa pins the name tag to her chest and smoothes out her dress. “Alright, well, thanks for getting me in. I can take it from here.”
“Just don’t forget our deal. You owe now.”
The smile fades from Ochoa’s face. “Of course.”
Jane scans the room as the two of you step in. There’s Ortega and Herald still talking in the far corner, and then there’s… “Actually,” a tight smile crosses Jane’s face, “how do you feel about in introduction to the Mayor’s right-hand man?”
Ochoa’s eyes light up, “I’d love it.” She frowns, “But do you think he’ll talk?”
“I think you might be surprised.” Jane grabs Ochoa’s hand, pulling her through the crowd. There we go. Jane raises her free hand in greeting, “Professor Vanderpoel, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
The balding clerk turns with startled surprise towards Jane, as the other two men in his group stop talking, watching the two approaching women with mild interest. “I’m sorry… do I know you?”
Jane laughs, a bright smile on her face. “Don’t tell me you forgot me already? Tell me you at least remember the linden trees?”
A cascade of color rockets up the man’s face. “That– that was a very different time in my life.”
One of Vanderpoel’s companions laughs and elbows him in the side. “You never told me you used to teach!”
Vanderpoel flinches, “I haven’t for eight years.”
Jane nods, knowingly. “Such a shame what happened! Still I’m so happy to see you’ve bounced back without any problems.”
“Well…”
“Anyway,” Jane cuts him off without mercy, “I was just catching up with my good friend Mia over here,” Jane tugs Mia forward by the arm. “When I saw you over here.”
One of Vanderpoel’s friends tilts his head, “Mia…? You look familiar.”
Ochoa’s smile is strained. “I’m a reporter for LD Confidential.”
Jane laughs, “Don’t worry, she’s not working today.”
Vanderpoel’s two friends laugh with Jane, but Vanderpoel himself has a thoughtful look in his eye. Encouraging. Banshee’s bridge-side chat with the man had been sinking in after all.
The man on the right claps Vanderpoel on the back. “You know some lovely ladies man, I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on us!” A strange look crosses across Vanderpoel’s face and the three men make room for the two of you to join their conversation. You can’t stop the smirk on Jane’s face. You’ve got them.
S u c k e r s.
Not every bomb needs to be literal.
A few more minutes of smalltalk to help work Ochoa into the conversation and then Jane politely excuses herself from the group. She’s got a date to rejoin after all.
Ortega perks up as Jane crosses the room, a glass of wine in each hand. She doesn’t wait to ask before offering Jane one of them. “I was beginning to think you might have ditched me.”
Jane smiles, laughs, as she takes the wine glass. “Sorry, sorry, I saw some people I knew and got distracted.”
“Oh?” Ortega’s focus zeros in on Jane, “Anyone I’d know?”
“Oh, I doubt it.” Jane shakes her head and waves a hand to dismiss the idea. “Just some old college friends. “ She glances about the room, “Herald still around?”
Ortega laughs, “He’s around somewhere. Why?”
“No reason. Just wondering.” Jane sips from her glass. “You have a lot of attractive friends.”
Wait, fuck what? Why did you say that? What the fuck? What happened to that masterclass of infiltration?
Ortega blinks, surprised, then laughs. “I hadn’t pegged you for being into men too.”
Jane glowers up at her. “So what?”
“Hey, it’s fine. I’m bi too.” Ortega smiles, pats Jane on the shoulder, then lets her hand run down the arm.
“You are?” Jane winces, “Ugh, what am I saying, of course you are. Sorry, I’ve apparently lost my mind tonight.”
“I suppose my love life is pretty well documented at this point.” There’s a bitter tinge to Ortega’s voice that catches you by surprise.
“I’m surprised we haven’t shown up in a tabloid yet,” Jane admits.
“The press don’t follow me around like they used to.”
“Miss it any?”
“God no.” Ortega smiles widely, and then the smile quickly fades. “Sometimes I wonder how many relationships it cost me.”
Huh. “Was it that bad?”
“You got out for dinner with one guy and suddenly they’re your boyfriend. After awhile I just kind of embraced it. Especially once I became Marshal. At least I could take some ownership over it that way, you know?”
“I’m… sorry, that sounds pretty rough actually.”
“It’s in the past now.”
Silence threatens to stretch out between you two. Jane coughs, “So… when did you figure out you liked women, then?”
Ortega rubs her neck, “When I figured it out…? Hrm.”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“No, I’m just… it feels like so long ago, now.” Ortega sighs. “I guess… there was this vigilante…”
Jane holds her breath. No– It couldn’t be, could it? “A vigilante?”
“Well, I had just joined the Rangers properly.” Oh. “This vigilante, Axel. She was this speed boost that worked in the south end of the city. She was Latina too, and we just… kind of hit it off.”
“Wow,” Jane says. You try to wrack you memory for anything about an ‘Axel.’ It’s not ringing a bell. “What ended up happening?”
“It wasn’t easy trying to keep it out of the press. Eventually it got to be too much and we just kind of… mutually broke it off. She retired not long after. Or moved, maybe?” Ortega crosses her arms, thinking. “That’s it, she moved down further south. I haven’t heard from her since.”
“She didn’t want to go public?”
Ortega sighs. “This was like the early aughts. Things were starting to change but…”
Jane frowns. “There would have been consequences.”
“Yeah. I think…” Ortega stares at the floor between the two of you, lost in memory or maybe regret. “I think maybe I had been too pushy. I was under a lot of pressure at the time. The new face of the Rangers. They told me I needed a relationship to look ‘normal.’”
“Human.”
“Yeah,” Ortega laughs, bitter. “That too, I guess. Not that it was an excuse mind.”
“Would a relationship with a woman really of worked for that though?”
“Well, we’ll never know now. I wanted to try but…”
“But?”
“I don’t think I gave her the space to really process what coming out would mean. We just fought about it. A lot.”
Jane rocks back and forth on her heels, avoids looking at Ortega. “That’s rough, I’m sorry.” Ortega never shared this with you – with Ariadne. You’re not sure what that means. How to feel about it.
“Well, hey,” Ortega looks up, catches Jane’s eye. “I learned from it. Eventually.” She smiles, and Jane smiles back. “Well, I told you my story, what’s yours?”
Jane blinks, bites her lip. “Oh! Uh. Hrm.”
“Sore subject for you too?”
“Uh… not exactly…” Jane laughs while panic runs through your head. “Like… when I figured out I liked guys…?”
“I was thinking more women? Society kind of expects the male interest.”
Jane forces a laugh. “I guess that’s true. I’ve never actually dated a guy though.”
Ortega shrugs, “Doesn’t make you any less bi. Nothing wrong with that.”
“Is it still bi if you don’t want to date guys though?” Jane frowns, looking away. Floor, artwork, the crowd. Anywhere else.
“Oh. Hrm,” Ortega pauses, “I guess that’s up to you? I’m not the sexuality police.” She laughs and Jane finds herself joining in.
“Oh good. I’m safe then. I mean… guys can be… attractive, I guess.” Jane shrugs helplessly, “But… I don’t know. I guess I’m kind of afraid of them?”
“Jane…?” There’s a note of concern in Ortega’s voice, and Jane cringes. This conversation is getting too real.
“This isn’t really the place to talk about it.”
“Okay. I get that. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Jane sighs. That is absolutely not a subject you want Ortega to chew on. You need something to distract her. “ As far as women go, well..” You need to think of a story quickly. “There was this… girl I worked with in – in… college.”
“You know,” There’s an impish grin on Ortega’s face, “they say you should never date a co-worker.”
Jane scowls, “Oh believe me, no dating was involved.”
Ortega puts a hand over her mouth. “Oh no! You just pined from afar?”
“Uh… more like, right next to her. For five years.”
“Ouch. She never caught on?”
The pained expression on Jane’s face matches the one in your heart. “I… have no idea?” Jane sighs and downs the rest of her wine glass in one go. “Honestly, I didn’t really… realize what it was I was feeling until years later. And then it was too late.” She shrugs and looks away. Can’t believe this conversation is happening. Have you lost your goddamn mind?
Ortega is shaking her head, equal parts amused and pitying. “I never would have pegged you for the shy type.”
“Hey!” Jane crosses her arms, “not shy enough to keep from kissing you.”
Ortega laughs again, “I’ve noticed.”
“I learned from my mistakes too,” Jane lies.
#fallen hero#fallen hero: rebirth#fallen hero fanfic#fanfiction#wlw fanfic#fhr/Ariadne#mc#ortega#the puppet#herald#mia ochoa#vanderpoel
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Took My Soul, Wiped It Clean
Summary: Killian generally loves Storybrooke and its close-knit feeling, is happy to be raising his family here, but those close ties also often mean that everyone is sticking their nose into everyone else’s business. Can’t a man keep any bloody thing to himself? Rated T for language. ~5.5K. Also on AO3. A sequel to “If I Could See Your Face Once More”.
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A/N: I’m back, with more of my 5B divergence! And fluffy this time. I’d recommend reading “If I Could See Your Face Once More” before this, but I suppose it could stand alone as a fluffy thing. Title taken from the same Kodaline song as the first, “All I Want”. Super thanks to my super beta, @snidgetsafan.
I do add in a non-canon character in this installment. Though he’s pretty much just mentioned here, he is important later in this ‘verse, and is taken from literature. I’d love to hear your guesses about who he is, and what I’ve got planned! I’ve got a lot in my head for this divergence ‘verse, so if you ever have questions or ideas that you want to see, just shoot me a message.
Tagging those from the first: @thejollyroger-writer, @profdanglaisstuff, @captainsjedi, @ultraluckycatnd, @superchocovian, @snowbellewells, @killianjones4ever82, @wellhellotragic, @ohmakemeahercules, @let-it-raines, @lifeinahole27, @kmomof4, @scientificapricot, @spartanguard, @courtorderedcake, @justanotherwannabeclassic
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
~~~~~
His daughter is meticulous.
It’s a ridiculous word to ascribe to a toddler, he knows, but that’s the only one he can come up with. She eats her macaroni one silly shape at a time and watches her feet take every step and says each of her words very carefully, like she wants to get every sound right instead of just chattering away. They hear her practicing words in her crib at night sometimes over the baby monitor. It’s adorable.
Fatherhood is more than Killian could have ever imagined when Emma first told him she was pregnant. It’s more than he imagined when he found out they were having a girl, or when Charlotte was first placed in his arms, still damp and squirming and perfect. It’s the greatest, best responsibility of his life, waking up every morning and trying to be everything his daughter thinks he is, because it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that she adores him. Daddy’s girl, Emma says.
(He’s fine with that.)
Killian is a little terrified some days, because the truth of the matter is that he’s not certain he’s as much of a hero as his daughter believes him to be. He’s lived an awfully long time, and done some terrible things in those years, and it terrifies him to think that his little girl might find out some day and lose that gleaming trust she has in him. In the meantime, he’s doing his best to be the best man he can be - gentle and kind and honorable, the kind of man he may have once been, hundreds of years ago.
That’s a worry for later, though. Right now, he’s more worried about picking up his little girl from her grandparents’ for a lunch with Emma and an afternoon out.
The door has barely opened before Killian hears her little voice, pitched even higher in her excitement as she shrieks out “Papa!” Gods, but he loves that, loves the way she lights up like the brightest star when she sees him, and all because of him.
“Well hello, my little bean,” he coos, stooping to scoop her into his arms, already bundled into her winter coat and mittens and hat. She’s no longer bean-shaped in the least, but the nickname had stuck, even after she was born. “Did you have fun with Grandma and Gramps and Leo this morning?” If the change of clothes is any indication - they definitely didn’t send her off in this fluffy skirt this morning, though the striped tights are a nice touch - it seems like they might have. A messy morning, at the very least.
“Yeah,” she responds with that toothy smile he so loves, reaching to press her little hands against his cheeks so his face scrunches up - a favorite game of hers.
“We did finger paints,” David explains. “They’re still drying right now, and her clothes too, but Snow and I will bring them the next time we come by the house.”
“Thanks, mate,” Killian smiles back. Sometime in the past few years, between monsters and death and children, he’s grown quite close to Emma’s father, their former animosity nothing more than a distant memory these days. “Maybe you guys could come around tonight. In the meantime, the little lass and I have a very important lunch date.”
David’s eyebrows rise in what must be anticipation. “Are you going to…”
“Aye,” Killian quickly responds before the other man can finish. Talking about it will only encourage his nerves, and he’s trying his hardest to avoid that right now.
“Good luck, then,” David replies, reaching out to clap Killian on the shoulder. Before he can say anything else, though, a loud cry echoes through the house. “Listen, I’ve got to go check on Leo and the twins so that Snow can keep sleeping, but…”
“We’ll call you,” he promises.
“Great. Okay, then, we’ll talk later. Bye, Princess!” As soon as grandfather and granddaughter exchange waves, the door closes, Charming hastening back down the hall into the rest of the house and his own child’s crisis.
“Do you want to go see Mama, my Charlie girl?” Killian asks as they climb back down the porch stairs.
(Henry had come up with the nickname, claiming that Charlotte was far too frilly and fussy for such a calm, curious, and unshakeable infant. It had stuck, mostly because it suits her. Charlie. By this point, Snow is the only one who still calls her Charlotte.)
“Yeah. Mama now,” she agrees, nodding decisively. She sounds absolutely determined - and absolutely precious.
Charlie ends up being put back down once they reach the pavement of Main Street, just as always. She’s a fiercely independent thing, his little lass, and he’d been expecting it; lately, he always factors extra time into wherever they’re going so that she can toddle carefully along to her heart’s content. She’s a little star in her own right, too, garnering all manner of waves and little bows as they slowly make their way down the sidewalk. Storybrooke has rather swelled in population since his return from the Underworld; Merlin had ultimately returned the citizens of Camelot to their home by joining all the realms together, once and for all. Later, the population of the Land of Untold Stories had been brought into the chaos when the Dark One had attempted to attack Storybrooke and sweep away his wife and unborn son, opening a gaping portal between the two dimensions in the process. Ultimately, his attempt had been unsuccessful, the Dark One being destroyed by the combined forces of Emma, Regina, Merlin, and just about every other magic wielder in a variety of realms, from Maleficent to Elsa to the fairies, but the Untold Stories residents had stayed to try and move their own tales forward. Killian likes most of their new inhabitants, possibly excepting the relocated Lost Boys, but it is always a little bit of a shock to walk down the street and see Vikings and airship captains and everything else under the sun, all trying to pay homage to himself and his daughter as members of the royal family. While each individual realm has their own government, they’re all under the overarching rule of Queen Snow and King David as rulers of the United Realm - a unanimous decision by the various heads of state. Storybrooke is technically a democracy with Regina as its mayor, though no one had actually run against her in the last election. Killian doesn’t think that it was a matter of fear, for once in her life, but rather every one of the townspeople recognizing that they had no desire to deal with all of the bureaucracy of local affairs and the diplomacy required to deal with every realm from Arendelle to Camelot to Oz - not to mention, dealing with the dwarves. Especially not dealing with the dwarves. Regina seems to be the only person who actually thrives on that much paperwork and the minutiae of local government, and so they’re all happy to let her.
(Killian’s own family had expanded with the arrivals from the Land of Untold Stories, his very angry and long-lost half brother and said brother’s adoptive father. Nemo had been delighted at the opportunity to become a little family; Liam had been less excited. Part of that is likely due to Nemo needing to be hospitalized for the injuries that drove them to the Land of Untold Stories in the first place, injuries he’d sustained the last time both surviving Brothers Jones had met, the other due to the death of Brennan, their father, also at Killian’s hands. It’s all a mess, and they’re still trying to come to terms with the whole thing. For the moment, they’re all operating under a truce. It helps that both men adore Emma, and especially Charlie; after Henry had insisted the submarine captain watch the animated movie of his namesake, Nemo had been the one to gift their daughter upon her birth with the stuffed fish that had become her very favorite. Killian will never understand how the other man can be so tickled by his cinematic reincarnation. Regardless, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep the peace if it means Charlie gets to grow up being doted upon by Uncle Lee and Baba Nemo.)
By the time they finally make it to Granny’s to pick up lunch, they’ve had to fulfill the routine of up and down and up and down several times over. Charlie is a curious little thing, though her natural caution and methodicalness keeps her from wandering out of sight, his little girl almost as careful about checking that he or Emma is in sight as they are. Still, he swoops her up once the white fencing of the diner is in sight, tickling her sides until she giggles just before they walk in the door. Granny smiles at them both - well, mostly Charlie, the widow Lucas still gruff with everyone but her expanding gaggle of pseudo-grandchildren - as Killian deposits her on one of the red vinyl stools.
“The usual, Captain?” She asks, fixing him with a piercing look over the top of her spectacles. Every time she does so, Killian finds himself grateful that it’s only Ruby who’s susceptible to the full moon; he wouldn’t want to meet Granny in wolf form, not one bit.
“Yes, please.” It’s nice, having established himself so firmly in this town as to have a usual order at the local diner - a grilled cheese and onion rings for Emma, a BLT and fries for himself (mostly so Emma can steal them - she likes having options), and a bowl of macaroni and cheese for the little lass. Today warrants a little something extra though, he thinks. “And a generous slice of that marvelous chocolate cake as well, if you don’t mind.”
Granny snorts a laugh as she finishes writing out their order on the ticket, sliding it through the order up window so the cook can get started on their order. “So today’s the day, then?”
Killian stiffens at the words. “I won’t pretend to know what you’re talking about.”
Granny rolls her eyes at that. “Sure you don’t. I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you this, Captain, but you’re a terrible liar. Unlike your girlfriend,” she makes sure to emphasize the title, “you only get dessert on very special occasions. Do you have something to celebrate today, Hook?”
His cheeks are noticeably burning red, but Killian still keeps his silence.
“Suit yourself,” Granny shrugs, mercifully taking pity on him. “Now hand over the little angel, she’s got to pick out the noodles.” It’s always Charlie’s favorite part, and despite the older woman’s teasing earlier, Killian feels a rush of affection at the gesture.
“I do it,” Charlie pipes in. She’s got that determined set to her eyebrows - just like her mama’s, really - and is already scooting to the edge of the stool to try and get herself down.
“Oh no you don’t,” Granny replies, much to Killian’s relief. Let her be the bad guy here, not that Charlie will put up the same fuss with the Widow Lucas as she would at home. “If you’re going to go in the kitchen and pick your noodles, you’ve got to let me carry you, little missy.”
Charlie doesn’t look happy about it, but the promise of fun shapes wins out apparently as she holds up her arms and willingly lets the older woman pick her up. As soon as the bow ties and corkscrews and whatever other kinds of pasta are in sight, she’ll doubtless forget any frustration about not being allowed on her own two feet.
Killian is so busy watching his Bean as she’s carried away that he doesn’t even notice Ruby coming to lean herself across the counter from him, sporting a grin so wide it might better be described as bared teeth.
“So, you got a plan?” she quips. Damned wolves and their damned hearing.
“There’s no plan,” he all but growls back. Killian generally loves Storybrooke and its close-knit feeling, is happy to be raising his family here, but those close ties also often mean that everyone is sticking their nose into everyone else’s business. Can’t a man keep any bloody thing to himself?
“Oh, that’s no good,” Ruby replies. Obviously, she hadn’t picked up on the hint to drop it that his tone had carried. “Women like when there’s a plan, you know, you really shouldn’t ask her —”
“Maybe my plans are none of your damn business!” Killian bursts out, only the memory that this is the middle of the lunch rush keeping him from shouting the words in Ruby’s face.
It doesn’t faze Ruby, however. “Oh, so that means you do have a plan,” Ruby replies smugly, crossing her arms across her chest. Somehow, the smile stretches even wider. Killian just glares back. “Alright, keep your secrets,” she finally concedes, hands raising in surrender. “I’m just trying to help you.”
“I’ll let you know if I need it,” he growls out. Granny walks back through the door with Charlotte at that moment, blessedly distracting Ruby. Killian takes the chance to check his mobile telephone (he long since knows that it’s a cell phone, or just a phone, but it still makes Emma laugh to hear him act confused about the devices); happily, there’s a message waiting from his Swan.
E: Are you and Bean still coming by the station with lunch, or should I meet you at Granny’s?
K: We’ll be there soon, love - just picking up the order now. We’ve a surprise for you.
In only a few more minutes, their order is ready to go; except for cooking noodles, everything else in their meal is pretty quick. With Charlie already swinging his hand back and forth, he gratefully accepts the bag Granny offers onto his hook; one of the few things that have changed in the timeless diner since his arrival after the First Curse is that paper bags with handles are kept around especially with Killian in mind so that his only hand can be left free. Now that he has their lunch in hand, the nerves suddenly make themselves known in a way that they hadn’t previously. On the surface, this is just another lunch, but Killian knows very well that this is a lunch that could change everything.
Some of those nerves must show as he exits the diner and nearly runs into Robin.
“There’s my favorite Jones!” the other man crows as Charlie happily latches onto his legs in a hug, tweaking her little ponytail. Turning his attention to Killian, though, Robin is less complimentary. “Are you alright, mate?”
“Fine, just a little stressed,” Killian replies shortly.
Robin nods knowingly, and Killian thinks he might be about to let it go. Until the thief speaks, that is. “Ah. So today’s the day then?”
“Does everyone in the bloody town know?” Killian demands, rolling his eyes in a move Emma would swear he’d picked up from her (she’s not entirely wrong). If not for the heavy bag on his hook, he’d probably have thrown up his hands dramatically as well, but he doesn’t think the onion rings would respond well to such treatment.
“Well, we’ve been expecting this for a while,” Robin explains. “How old is the little lass?”
“Twenty months.”
“Right, so a few months before that. We’ll call it an even two years - that’s how long we’ve been waiting for you to make a move. Though I will say, it doesn’t help that one of the dwarves owns the jewelry shop.”
“Of bloody course,” Killian mutters, mostly to himself. Gossips, the whole lot of them.
Inexplicably, Robin still smiles and leans around the cute little leech still suctioned to his legs to clap Killian on the shoulders. “Look, you don’t need to worry. It’ll all be alright.”
“Easy for you to say,” Killian mutters back. Robin’s living some kind of idyllic life, with a wife and children and a seemingly endless supply of confidence. Killian has been around a little too long to maintain that type of optimism.
Robin shrugs. “Maybe. Still, you and Emma are one of the most solid couples I know, even without throwing True Love into the mix. I think, deep down, that you’re just as confident nothing can shake that. Have a little faith, yeah?”
“I’ll do my best,” Killian replies, smiling weakly. It’s the best he can manage at the moment, when his stomach is trying to tie itself into an intricate series of sailor’s knots.
“Good luck, mate.” With a final squeeze of the shoulder, Robin starts trying to peel Charlie off his legs. “Feel free to send Henry over tonight if need be. Charlie too, of course, Vera would love to see her.”
“I’ve already set up for the lass to spend the night with Nemo and Liam, but thanks for the offer, mate. We’ll have to arrange for the girls to have a play date in the coming week regardless.”
“Indeed. Well, again, good luck, and let us know how it goes!”
The sheriff’s station is conveniently only two blocks away, making for an easy trek that even his daughter’s little legs can handle. Another decided plus of going to Granny’s; they’re close enough to their ultimate destination that he generally can just let her walk instead of trying to juggle carrying both their lunches and his toddler at the same time. Today, though, they stop at a bench a block away from the entrance of the station, where Emma can’t yet see them. Tugging on Charlie’s hand to make sure she stops, he carefully rests their lunch bag on the bench before extricating his own hand from her tiny grip to reach into his jacket pocket for the little velvet box.
The ring box.
Robin is right, in a way - this has been a long time coming. But in all the emotional upheaval of his return from the Underworld and their daughter’s impending arrival, marriage hadn’t taken priority. They already knew they were true love, about to raise a teenager and an infant together and committed in every way that counts; a wedding was just a legal formality at that juncture. Some might have argued that Emma’s pregnancy with Charlotte was a compelling reason to get married, but Killian actually found it more of a reason not to. He loved her - loves her - and has always seen marriage in their future, but vainly, he doesn’t ever want it to seem like they got married because of their impending child. After Charlie was born, they’d been so busy and exhausted and consumed with just making it day to day with two kids, one of them a baby. A wedding hadn’t been logistically possible at that point, at least not the way they or her family would want to celebrate it. No, as much as they love each other, waiting had been the right decision.
Now, though… now, there’s no longer any reason to wait. Now too, Killian finds himself yearning for that kind of commitment, to pledge themselves before all and sundry and cement things in a way he has trouble describing. Consciously, he knows that nothing will change with a white dress and a signed paper and a pair of rings, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming. Emma and he had talked about marriage together before and established that it was something they both want in the future; now that things are finally starting to calm down and settle back into a routine in their lives, it finally seems that the moment is here.
(There’s the point, too, that they’re starting to talk about another baby, and Killian knows that if they welcome another child, they’ll be thrown right back into that cycle of happy exhaustion and put off getting married for another several years. On the less romantic side, it’s better to stage a wedding now, when they both have the time to commit to it.)
Charlotte is obviously confused by this unexpected pause in their path, a deviance from the usual routine. “Mama now,” she tells him - not the question another child might ask, but something more akin to a reminder, like her father might have forgotten that they have an appointment to keep. It’s just another manifestation of that meticulousness that he finds so adorable - the way she likes to know the plan and stick with it.
“In a moment, sweetheart, we’re just stopping here for a minute,” he assures her before producing the little ring box. “You see this, little love?” Charlie nods solemnly, reaching out a little hand to stroke along the soft green velvet. “This is a very special gift I’m going to give to Mama. Now, do you think you can keep it safe for me until it’s time to give it to her?” With any other child, it’d be an insane idea, but he knows his daughter.
And his daughter is meticulous.
(Besides, they’re only a block away; he’ll keep an eye out, but doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s a careful little thing, after all.)
Charlie’s nodding eagerly anyways, a precious smile running across her face at the prospect of helping with the surprise. “Yeah! I do it!”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” he praises, pressing a quick kiss to the soft hair on the top of her head. Quickly, he unzips her little parka to get at the miniature leather jacket she wears underneath, so much like Emma’s and his own, to tuck the box into the pocket where it will hopefully be more secure. Hats and gloves and all matter of outerwear get shoved into the pockets of her winter coat, creating so many opportunities for the ring to be disturbed; hopefully there will be less chance of that happening inside.
After resecuring all her layers, they continue their trek to the station, and walk through the front door only minutes later. Emma is alone in the office today, something of a rarity. Though David may have stepped down in order to pursue life as a farmer, returning to his sheep and to rule the United Realms alongside Snow, only helping at the station when absolutely necessary, the sheriff’s department has acquired several new deputies in the meantime, in order to deal with the increase in population.
Mulan had been the first person Emma had approached after her father had made his intention to leave known. The warrior had been a natural choice for her impressive skill set and level-headedness, and it had worked out well that the woman in question was a bit at ends after Ruby had left for Oz and a life with Dorothy. A deputy position granted her purpose and some sense of roots, and she’s flourished here, becoming Emma’s trusted right hand.
Dorothy had been an easy choice too, though she��s less available, forced to split her time between Storybrooke and tamping down trouble in Oz. The principality of Munchkinland supposedly operates as a democracy, one in which Ms. Gale holds no elected position, yet somehow she’s still the only one who can settle the frequent disputes that erupt between different factions. Killian would swear that it’s an entire population of dwarves, some distant cousins of Leroy and Doc and all the rest with all the trouble they manage to kick up.
Emma’s last deputy, Fitz, had been more of an unexpected addition - a former army colonel who had arrived with the other migrants from the Land of Untold Stories, looking for some kind of new purpose and to escape the long shadow cast by his cousin. Killian had been suspicious of the other man at first, but he’s more than proved his worth in the past two years, especially in aiding with the defeat of the Dark One by protecting Belle. It helps that the other man is one of the most amiable, easy going people Killian knows, armed with an easy smile and a self-deprecating sense of humor. Killian had worried that the former colonel might bristle as having to play deputy after so long as a leader in his own right, especially as a man from another time and society now under the command of a woman, but truthfully, Fitz just seems delighted to be surrounded by three strong women bossing him around. Now, Killian counts the other man as a friend, one of his regular drinking buddies alongside David and Robin.
Today, however, he knows that Emma is alone at the station - Killian had made sure to check the schedule last week and seen that Dorothy is off, Mulan is tackling a self-defense presentation at the elementary school, and Fitz is handling patrol. If all goes well, he can have an uninterrupted afternoon with Emma and their little lass.
Emma looks up at the sound of their footsteps, and immediately breaks into a wide smile when she realizes who’s there to see her. “Hey, you,” she greets, the affection obvious in her voice. How far she’s come from the skittish, closed off woman Killian had met in the wasteland that’s left of the Enchanted Forest; how far they’ve both come, really. Killian certainly wasn’t anything like the caring family man and loyal friend that he’s become back at the beginning.
“Hello yourself, love,” he smiles back, bending to kiss her. “Are you having a good day so far?”
“Eh. You know. Hit or miss,” Emma replies, simultaneously bending to hoist Charlie into a hug. As excited as their little girl had been to see her mother when he had picked her up from the Charmings’ an hour ago, now she’s more anxious to wiggle her way back down to the floor and run over to the bottom drawer of the file cabinet where they keep a handful of toys for her. “What am I, chopped liver?” Emma mutters. Even if she’s rolling her eyes, there’s still a smile on her face. They do manage to find a bit of humor in the frequent caprices. “Anyways, yeah, it was fine. Mostly dealing with paperwork, really. Leroy and one of the Vikings had a little bit of a spat early that I had to go referee, but that’s kind of just Tuesday. Not a big deal. You?”
“Uneventful so far.” Hopefully not for long, since he’s showed up with a ring and a question. “I finished with the docking fees this morning, then turned the office over to Mr. Smee for the afternoon and went to pick up the Bean.” While Killian serves as an additional standby deputy in the Sheriff’s station if need be, much like David and Robin, he’s actually found employment as the town’s harbormaster. It’s not always the most interesting job - mostly, he manages the monthly docking fees, though his position also involves inspecting the occasional imports from other realms and monitoring the office radio in case anyone gets into trouble or runs out of gas on the water - but it’s steady and dependable and lets him feel like he’s doing something productive, maybe even something good. The hours are a plus, too, as is continuing to be the boss. Killian still doesn’t take orders well from anyone but Emma.
“Is that lunch I see?” Emma asks, almost demands, zeroing in on the bag still hanging on his hook.
“It is indeed,” he replies, setting the sack on her desk. “Your favorite - grilled cheese and onion rings.”
“God, I love you,” she declares, leaning up for another kiss with a happy smile on her face.
And all of a sudden, the moment is here. It’s as good a lead-in as any. “Well, I’m very glad to hear that, love.” Gods above, he doesn’t think he’s ever been so nervous - not before that first date, not when he was standing in front of her door in New York. Maybe when their daughter was born, but that’s a slim thing. “Charlie, sweetheart, can you bring me that gift for Mama?”
“That’s right, I get a present!” Emma teases. That doesn’t last long though, her laughing tone giving way to a gasp as Charlotte rounds the corner of Mulan’s desk, her parka already shed and wrestling the ring box out of her little pocket. “Is that…”
“Aye, love.” Killian runs his hand along Charlie’s hair as she reaches him before plucking the box from her hands. “Good job, little love,” he murmurs with a smile. Now is the moment though, so he turns back to Emma and sinks to one knee as he props the little box open. Nestled inside is a ring that he thinks is perfect for her - somehow both sturdy and delicate at the same time, with a white gold band and two smaller round diamonds flanking a larger oval-cut diamond, a medium size that stands out without being ostentatious. He’d seen it in the window of the jeweler’s and just known it belonged on his love’s finger. Some things are simple like that; falling in love with Emma had been.
“It’s been a long, winding road to get here, my love, but I wouldn’t want to walk it with anyone else,” he begins. Hopefully the tears starting to glimmer in her eyes are a good sign. The soft smile on her face and the happy crinkles around her eyes certainly suggest so. “When we met, I couldn’t think of anything but my own revenge - but you made me want to be better. You still make me want to be a better man, for you, for Charlie, for Henry, every day. You’ve given me the most precious gifts of my life in your love and our children, and no matter what the future might hold, I just want to face it together. I may not be a perfect man, but I can promise you this: I will always, always be by your side.” Killian takes a final deep breath - it’s the moment of truth, so to speak. “So, Emma Swan, woman of my dreams and love of my life… will you marry me?”
It feels like he waits for her response for an entire lifetime - no, a whole eternity, even if it must only be seconds. But then her smile widens and Emma sinks to her knees, bypassing the ring in his hand completely to grasp his face between her hands and stroke along his cheeks with her thumbs as her delicate fingers curl around his neck, behind his ears and into his hair. “Yes,” she breathes, tears slipping from her eyes as she nods. If there was ever a moment the word emphatic was created to describe, this is it. “Yes. Yes! Of course I’ll marry you, my pirate.”
They really probably should worry about the ring in the box - namely, slipping it on her finger where he hopes it’ll never move again - but that seems like such a secondary concern when Emma’s kissing him for all he’s worth. Somehow he finds both his arms wrapping around her back to pull her closer, his hand still clutching the little green velvet box as Emma’s tongue slips into his mouth. Kissing his fiancée doesn’t feel wildly different from kissing his girlfriend yet, but he’s sure that given the chance to say that word a few more times - fiancée! - he’ll change his mind. For now, he’s more concerned about lips and tongues and the positioning of noses and the way Emma’s lovely breasts press just perfectly against his chest.
“Yes,” she tells him again as they break apart, and one more time as he finally works the diamond ring past the knuckle of her fourth finger. It’s nearly a perfect fit; just a small spark of magic is required to tighten the band to her exact specifications. It seems fitting for their relationship, somehow, which has been infused with the magic of Saviors and True Love since the very beginning.
Charlie choses that moment, of course, to tire of searching through her toy drawer and wander back over to see what her parents are up to. “Mama sad?” She asks, his clever girl noticing the tears still glistening in Emma’s eyes (and probably his own too, if he’s being very honest).
“No, baby, happy,” Emma laughs. “Mama is just very, very happy, and it’s spilling all over the place.” Killian understands that perfectly; he’s so happy, he feels like he’s overflowing with it.
There are worse complaints to have.
Soon, they’ll have to turn their attention to all kinds of wedding planning and spreading the news to their friends and family, but he’s happy for the moment to instead focus on having a nice lunch with his daughter and fiancée at the former’s urging (“Eat now?”). Both his girls are very excited about the chocolate cake, and the sooner they finish their entrees, the sooner they can dig into dessert.
After all, Granny was right; they’ve got a lot to celebrate today.
#captain swan#cs ff#my writing#Took My Soul Wiped It Clean#If I Could See Your Face Once More#5b divergence#no more angst#just cute kids
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Announcement: 1/29/2020
Good evening, y’all! I just want to give a quick update on what activity on this blog is going to look like, which muses are going to be active (and to what extent), and all that good stuff. I’m placing it under a “read more”, simply because this will be a long post.
General Notes
State testing will soon be upon my students. I’m working hard to prepare them. On the plus side, this Saturday (2/1/2020) is my last debate meet of the semester! That said, we’re implementing some study Saturdays, where I’ll be offering tutoring/mini-lessons for four hours on select Saturdays. I will place semi-hiatus notices in advance for those.
I’m also contending with a severe depression. I have it in my Habitica app that I need to do at least one reply/ask/meme a day, so I don’t fall out of the habit/give into the dark side, but expect me to be a little slower. Some of y’all know what triggered this particular bout of depression - nothing RP related, but it is intensely personal and intensely painful. I’m getting the professional help I need and I have to remind myself that that’s what matters right now. Good vibes are appreciated, though! Always. And as always, I’ll be sending you guys love and positive thoughts at every chance I get.
Summer will be better.
Muse Activity
My muse activity, as anyone with a MuMu or multiple blogs will attest to, fluctuates. However I want to give some notes on all muses for those of you who are curious.
Rudyard Funn: Rudyard is listed as active and he is! I’m struggling to keep up with old threads from his former blog, so if you have something you’d like to keep from there, please link me!
Georgie Crusoe: I’m testing Georgie. I’m not ready to unleash her on new RP partners (unless they RP canon Wooden Overcoats characters), just because I’m getting used to her and deciding whether or not I plan to keep her. If you enjoy my Georgie, please let me know!
Masha Voronina: Masha is active, but I am insecure about my female OCs in general. Please send love/asks/anons/threads her way!
Anna Garcia: Like Masha, Anna is active and I’m a bit insecure about my female OCs so any love is very appreciated! That said, I’m pretty confident in her voice and PSYCHED about the urban fantasy world I’ve built surrounding her (and Santiago and a bunch of unlockable OCs and verses for canons...) Hit me up!!
Victor Frankenstein: Victor is really only open for interaction with @professor-of-predators. I’m using him to cope with some things and I don’t really want to open him up to others at this point in time.
Finnegan: Finnegan is so underrated. PLEASE hit me up for him! He’s active and terrible but capable of growth.
Diaval: I haven’t seen “Maleficent 2″ yet. I will! That said, I’ve had a huge resurge of muse for him. Please RP with him! Minor changes might be made to his bio when I see M2, but from what I’ve heard, I’m on the right trajectory with him anyways.
Elizabeth Lavenza: Elizabeth is on hiatus. When I bring her back, I want to divorce her from my 2015 verses more (still have Victor with an NPC sister) and allow her to shine without Victor looming over her. This is a project to consider in the summer, if the muse strikes.
Erik: Erik is selective af. I’ve never made it a secret that I think the Pha.ndom is a total cesspool. I am willing to play Erik, but insofar as shipping goes, please just assume that my endgame is Erik/Nadir with my Nadir unless we’ve explicitly discussed otherwise. I’m just really exhausted with feeling like this muse is romanticized, sexualized, and fetishized.
Nadir Khan: Nadir is so selective, I should just put him on hiatus. I don’t have a lot of muse for him outside of fanfiction right now. If you have an interesting plot idea, feel free to message me, but I may not have the spoons to indulge you.
Gleb Vaganov: Gleb is on indefinite hiatus. I have lost inspiration for him, but hope that he may return to me in the future.
Santiago Ortiz: Santiago is selective, but only because he’s a little harder for me to write than some of the others. If you want to plot, message me! I’m eager to use him, he’s just very different than my usual “type”. I’m excited about his universe and using him.
Percy Blakeney: I have muse for Percy, but I think I’ll put him on semi-hiatus for my mental health. I also know not many people know what to do with him and that’s okay! If you have a specific plot, lmk.
Marguerite St. Just: Like Percy, I have muse for Marguerite, but I’m putting her on semi-hiatus. Not many people know what to do with her and that’s okay! If you have a specific plot, lmk.
Madeleine de Chandon: I have inspiration for this OC, but I want to revamp her. She is so far on hiatus as I workshop her that she isn’t even listed on my muse list.
Jaskier: I want to pick up Jaskier from “The Witcher” as a muse, but I want to do some test writing - fanfictions, private RPs, etc. If you’d like to privately RP with him, message me! He’ll be Netflix based because I don’t know anything about games besides what the Wiki tells me. Not sorry.
Please note that it is physically impossible for me to devote the same amount of time/focus/energy on each of my muses as the same time. I hope to keep my turn-around times short, but I ask for your patience as I do work full-time and am dealing with a lot of RL stressors. This is a hobby, not my job.
Verse Reconstruction
You may have noticed I’m not tagging verses. I’m working on deciding how to go about doing that in an efficient way. My threads will be a little messy for the time being but I’m thinking of doing big, blanket verse tags (ex. .001 | canon, .002 | modern, .003 | historical, etc.). I might include more specific tags, but I don’t know what that will look like.
I do know that all my muses will have their canon verses, a modern verse (if they are not a modern character), an urban fantasy verse (if they are not urban fantasy character), historical verses (generally tagged or tagged by era), a Disney verse (if they are not a Disney character), a D&D/medieval fantasy inspired verse, and so forth. I’m sure there are others I’ve neglected to include in this list.
Give me time to construct these tags and/or pages. I work full time and can’t believe I’ve carved time to make an announcement post.
Graphics/Layout/Etc.
I need to save up to commission my favorite graphics-maker to beautify this blog. In the meantime, I hope it’s easy enough to navigate and not too unsightly!
Misc.
If you’ve read all of this, please know that I love you. Thank you for being patient with me as I’ve searched for an online home. Hopefully I will feel at ease on my MuMu.
As always, please respect my rules and boundaries, but don’t be shy! I promise to do the same for you!
Peace!
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The next chapter is here! I got on a roll last night, I wanted to get the next chapter out ASAP so that we could get that sweet, sweet action going.
Enjoy!
Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe Characters: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Sabine Cheng, Tom Dupain, Chloé Bourgeois, Alya Césaire, Nino Lahiffe, Lila Rossi, Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth, Nathalie Sancoeur Additional Tags: Overboard AU, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - No Miraculous, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst, Fluff, Fake Marriage, I have literally got nothing planned, i am winging this, most likely smut Summary:
Overboard AU. Marinette Dupain-Cheng hasn't had the best of luck in her life, not only has her husband Luka passed away tragically three years ago, she's one failed test away from losing her scholarship, and also already lost her job at the cafe. With three children to take care of, she doesn't have the time to dawdle and needs to find another job, or a miracle, stat! Meanwhile, on his own personal yacht, Adrien Agreste - the heir to the Gabriel fashion line - hasn't a care in the world and women on his arms at all times. He's living the life of a Bachelor with no problems whatsoever, other than the hangovers he gets the morning after. However both their luck changes after a chance meeting, and when the son of the rich designer has an accident which causes him to lose his memory...
So... Marinette didn't end up with a job at the end of the day.
It seemed word got out about a clumsy waitress that was rumoured to have recently broken over half the mugs in the Le Blanc café - her old workplace - in one fell swoop, and had gotten fired. So when Marinette rocked up, resume in hand, it seemed that the managers were all too eager to turn her away, saying that they had no positions available and that they were very sorry - no matter how much she insisted.
She knew her luck was bad, but come on! She figured she wasn't going to get a job straight away, but she couldn't believe not one place would give her any hopeful indication that she had a chance. Even the ones that did take her resume didn't seem like they were interested. She felt the fuzz of anxiety in her mind, as her fear of losing the apartment loomed overhead.
Marinette shook her head and slapped her cheeks. She didn't have time to dwell on that right now, she had to get on the game! She opened the van door; she had just parked near the dock, right next to the hugest yacht she'd ever seen. Like, seriously, this thing was practically a cruise ship. It had multiple rooms and levels, and was absolutely spotless. She already knew that they had a kitchen on board, a fully-functional chef's kitchen nonetheless! More staff ran around on the board, and there were people on the deck, setting up for the party. It looked like it would be a long night.
She started packing the containers in the van onto a collapsible trolley that was tucked in the back. It wasn't even dusk yet and they needed to have everything ready by 9pm. She was so happy that her parents had opened the store to catering. Since they got the extra business, Tom and Sabine had extra time on their hands. They had taken a small step back now that they were older and the business was pretty self sufficient. They loved to babysit their grandchildren regularly for Marinette, and she was so happy that they were so involved in the kids lives, but mostly happy that they could take the time to enjoy themselves.
Marinette immediately felt out of place when she took a step onto the boat, just to her right was a giant spa! As she continued through the yacht, she walked past exquisitely décored rooms, each with their own ensuite. When she reached the kitchen, it was brilliantly polished and sparkling. As if it was brand new and untouched.
She finished depositing all the containers of food into the kitchen and already had completed the preparation, so all that was left was to stick them in the oven when the client wanted the appetisers shared around, and she was currently waiting for the first batch to come out. All the cold appetisers were plated and ready to go.
Marinette sat and watched the other staff scamper around in the meantime. She knew at 9pm, Tikki - the other server who was rostered for the night - would arrive, but that wasn't for ages away. She knew no one else here.
It seemed like the client wasn't here either, since no one bothered to greet her when she arrived. She couldn't help but feel curious about the many rooms in the boat, and quickly checked to see if anyone was paying any attention to her. Nope, coast seemed clear. It couldn't hurt to have a quick look around the yacht, right? She wasn't a thief, she just wanted to have a peek at exactly how big it was.
It was huge.
There was one kitchen, with in-built pantry the size of a room, two bathrooms - one with a bathtub, three master bedrooms and the forth one had its own balcony over the first floor. The fourth bedroom was the one she was in now, and it seemed to belong to someone, considering all the blankets were mussed up and there was more personal decorations around the room.
She quickly called Alya, she just had to know where she was. It didn't take long for Alya to answer.
"Hey Marinette, what's up?"
Marinette held in her giddiness, "Alya, you won't believe where I am right now. I'm doing a catering job for the bakery, and the place we're serving is a freakin' 5-star mini cruise ship!" She walked into the en suite, and eyed off a bottle of Gabriel cologne on the bathroom bench. Look's like the client is a guy... She thought.
"Really?! Who is hosting the party?" Alya asked excitedly, "Someone famous you think?"
Marinette quickly popped Alya onto speaker as she opened her emails, "Hmm, let's see... A guy named Adrien Agreste..." Her mind went blank, as it stuttered over the last name. "Wait, as in Gabriel Agreste's son?!" Marinette almost shouted.
Alya gasped on the other side of the phone, "You've got to be kidding me! Model for the Gabriel fashion line, mega hottie, Adrien Agreste?" Marinette knew the exact face Alya was pulling right now, and she was already dreading her next words. "Get in girl! This could make your career if you manage to get a contact with Adrien. Plus, have you seen him?" Alya made a noise that Marinette didn't want to put too much thought into.
"No way, Alya. I mean, you know that I used to have photos of him in Collège... But that was just a... Celebrity crush on a 14 year old boy. I haven't really been paying attention to social media, so I have no clue what he looks like now. Besides, I don't want to use some poor guy. I want to achieve success on my own merit."
"Mari, if you saw him you might change your mind." Alya encouraged, "You HAVE to open up Instagram right now, his handle is-"
"Do you mind keeping it down?" The voice came from the bed. Alya went silent and Marinette's blood went cold. No way.
Marinette's turned around, words of apology on her lips but then froze. It was like she was watching a magazine shoot in real life - on the bed was Adrien Agreste, sex hair from sleeping, and completely naked. Luckily (or, unluckily, depending who you asked) the sheet covered the important parts, but as he stood up, unbothered by her presence, and she got a full glimpse of his ass.
Notably, she noticed that on his left cheek, there was a cute little paw print, with the words 'Chat Noir' written below it.
Her face went beet red and she quickly looked away, she finally spluttered the words that she meant to say before. "I'm so sorry, I had no clue anyone was here. I was just looking around but I-It was rude of me to intrude, I'll leave now." She quickly turned to leave, hoping that if she walked off fast enough, he'd not notice her face and she could not die of embarrassment.
Before she'd managed to get out the door she heard his reply, and paused. "Don't worry about it, I'm not shy." Said Adrien, wrapping the sheet around him, and gave her a charming smile. "I mean, the world has seen most of it anyway." He shrugged, moving past her and into the walk-in wardrobe. As he dropped the sheet behind him onto the floor again, he gave Marinette a wink before walking out of view to get dressed.
After Marinette started thinking straight again, she began for the door once more. "Still I'll get out of your hair." Right as she reached the door, she saw Adrien's blonde head pop out of the wardrobe.
"Oh, wait!" He called, causing Marinette's heart to skip a beat. He walked out the wardrobe, buttoning up his perfectly pressed white shirt. "While you're here, do you mind getting me a..." He pursed his lips in thought, "A bloody mary. Yes."
Marinette's brain froze. Again. But this time, it wasn't because she was getting lost in his emerald eyes. "O-Oh, sorry, I'm not a bartender, I'm one of the servers of the catering company you hired, Tom and Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. We're here to serve the appetizers."
Adrien looked at her for a long moment. Shit. So much for leaving before he saw you properly. Marinette scolded herself. She then felt her skin prickle as his eyes dragged over her body. She suddenly felt self conscious. "Is there something on my uniform?" She looked to check.
"No, no. You're fine, it's just..." Adrien let out an over dramatic sigh, "You're a bit flat, princess. I prefer my girls with bigger breasts, what a shame, since your face so cute." Adrien gave her a very fiendish smile. "But still, I wouldn't mind if you crawled into my bed at the end of the night." He winked at her.
Marinette felt herself flush in embarrassment, but also felt like she had a bucket of ice water dump on her head. That was no way to talk to someone! Who did he think he was? "I-I have to go. To serve the food." She bit out. "You'll have to get your own drink." She stormed off.
Marinette reached the kitchen and opened the oven to peek inside. She closed the oven door, making a new timer for the next 5 minutes. She was barely containing the growing anger inside. If she wasn't representing her parent's bakery, she would've clocked the guy. Well, probably not. But she wish she could! Right in his smug face, maybe break his nose. Okay, that's excessive. She sighed, frustration now mingling with a bit of sadness. At least now she'd be able to distract herself with serving, and she'll just ignore him. She'll treat him like any customer, and the moment that the kitchen closes, she's out of here!
She groaned. Except that she had to come back in the morning and collect all the equipment. She couldn't be packing away everything and transporting it into the van so late at night. Guess she'll just have to take it as it comes, she didn't want to let her parents down.
Finally, right as the timer went off, Tikki arrived in the kitchen, a cute little ladybug pin on her apron.
"Tikki! Just on time, as always." Marinette was relieved to have someone else with her now. "I love your haircut! Short hair looks really cute on you."
Tikki touched the short red locks on her head, "You think? I was worried it'd look weird, but..." Her smile shined brightly. "I really love it! My head feels so light."
"Its super adorable." Marinette began filling the trays with the first round of appetisers, and set the first tray on Tikki's open hands. "Now we're just serving in the open areas," Marinette instructed, "I'll be keeping an eye on the ovens and get the new trays ready as they are needed. When you want a break, let me know."
"Got it, ma'am!" Tikki smiled playfully, before shooting an excited eye beyond Marinette and towards the music, which had just begun blazing throughout the yacht. "I can't believe that we're here, I feel like I'm on one of those party boats for celebrities."
"Well, considering the host, it pretty much is..." Marinette laughed weakly, she really didn't want to ruin Tikki's fun by being a wet blanket, but she knew she should tell her what happened the moment before. "Our client is Adrien Agreste, and unfortunately the only nice thing about him is his face." She scowled.
"Adrien Agreste?!" Tikki exclaimed, "Wait." Her excitement turned into a look of concern. "What happened? Did you meet him or something?"
Marinette sighed as she finished preparing the remaining trays and walked out the kitchen with Tikki, "He called me flat, and then invited me to his bed! I've head of negging but," She huffed, "he really seemed like he didn't care about hurting my feelings at all. Trust me, avoid him if you can. Adrien is a entitled brat."
Tikki gave Marinette a pitying look, "I'm so sorry, Marinette. You didn't deserve it, but," Tikki stopped and smiled at two guests who took a few quiches of her tray, "What do you expect? I mean, he's had beautiful girls throwing themselves at him all his life, and people sucking up to him for his wealth. He probably has some sort of God-complex."
"Ugh, you're probably right." Marinette's nose crinkled up, but she gave Tikki a reassuring smile, "I won't let it get to me, don't worry. I have bigger problems to think about."
Tikki reached up to Marinette and pinched her cheek, "That's my girl!"
It was an exhausting night, but Marinette was glad it was finally over. Lucky for her, Adrien was distracted the rest of the night and seemed to forget about her existence entirely - which, she admitted made her bristle slightly. What happened was so insignificant to him that he didn't even notice when she served him multiple times, whilst she had anger coursing through her the entire night every time she looked at him.
She parked the van in the same spot she had last time, and unpacked the trolley from the back. She'll be in and out, before anyone knew she was there. She brought along a cap this time which she pulled far down her face and wheeled the trolley up onto the deck and into the kitchen with no issues.
Just has she finished putting the last container into the van, the trays were the last things she needed to get. She sneaked onto the yacht one last time, and was just ready to leave the kitchen after collecting the trays when she heard the sound of two set of feet coming down the hall. She quickly ducked behind the wall, not wanting to be seen.
"Adrien, this has been going long enough. I won't tolerate any more of your abhorrent behaviour." A pang of familiarity hit Marinette. This voice, no, it couldn't be...
"Or what, Dad?" Adrien's voice spat out, "You'll cut me off? Your heir?" Marinette heard Adrien scoff, and she could tell that they both moved into one of the spare bedrooms just outside the kitchen. Adrien's words confirmed her suspicions, right in the room across from her had to be Gabriel Agreste. The same Gabriel who hasn't been seen out in public in years - and here he was, on Adrien's yacht.
"Perhaps I will!" Gabriel snapped, and Adrien seemed to go silent for a while, probably shocked to hear his father raise his normally reserved voice. "I will not have some brainless, alcoholic bachelor as the face of Gabriel. If you don't fix up your act soon, son..." A pause. "You won't be an Agreste anymore."
Marinette sucked in a shocked breath, was he going to disown Adrien? She couldn't believe what she was hearing, and she couldn't hear anything from Adrien either. A long moment passed before she heard someone leaving the room.
"You have one month. The week before the Spring Gala, if you don't come back to the estate with the intention on apologising and becoming an heir worthy of the Agreste name... Don't bother coming back at all."
With that, Gabriel Agreste left the boat. Marinette couldn't help but feel bad for Adrien, she couldn't imagine having that sort of relationship with her father.
She waited a few minutes before peeking out into the hallway, she couldn't hear anyone anymore. Perhaps now was the time to get out of here.
But before she could get away completely, a voice called out.
"Hey! Server girl." Adrien stood at the door to the bedroom, his eyes were red and when he walked up to her, she smelt the distinct scent of alcohol coming from him. "Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you for a drink." He shot her a entertained look as he stumbled a little when he made his way towards her. "Instead, how about some more of those little..." He gestured with his hands, "cheesy, bacon... Egg things. Hm?"
All sense of sympathy Marinette felt was gone as she remembered the night before, but she couldn't bring herself to get angry at him after what she just heard. Not to mention, she was in uniform. Ugh, she hated the hospitality industry sometimes. "Sorry, the contract was only for yesterday evening. Besides, there's no more food and all the equipment is packed away."
Adrien plucked out his wallet and then grabbed a wad of cash, dumping it on the trays she was holding. "Go get me something to eat then. I'm feeling something..." He thought for a moment, "sweet. Maybe fruit? What's in season right now?"
Marinette balked at the money, but still, grabbed the cash and shoved it into Adrien's chest. "I'm not doing anything for you. The contract is over. I'm going home."
Adrien grabbed her arm before she could leave, "Aw, come on. I don't bite." He winked, "Unless you ask."
"Ugh!" Marinette yanked her arm from his grip, "I don't want to spend one more moment with a sleeze like you."
"Me-owch. This girl has claws." Adrien didn't seem perturbed by her comment, "Did I hurt your feelings last night, princess? I was wondering why I didn't see that cute ass of yours in my bed."
Marinette felt the disgust curl in her stomach, "No. I just would never sleep with someone who didn't respect anyone but himself." She turned on her heel to leave, only to feel herself begin to pitch to the side - falling right into the spa!
Or, well, she almost did. Then two muscular arms wrapped around her and stopped her from falling. Marinette became very aware of that fact that she was pulled towards Adrien's bare chest. Did this guy ever have any clothes on?! She couldn't stop the blush that made its way to her cheeks. Adrien was a prick, but, even she had to admit was he fit.
She pushed his arms away hurriedly, "Get off of me!"
"Is that anyway to thank your saviour?" Adrien chuckled, the sound deep and sardonic.
"I don't need your help." Marinette straightened up and smoothed down her clothes. "It's just a little water anyway, I would've been fine."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, really."
"Alright then..." Then Marinette felt his hands on her again, but this time instead of pulling - he pushed her!
Marinette fell into the jacuzzi with a large splash, the trays clattering to the floor loudly, some of them denting as they fell down the steps beside the jacuzzi, down into the entertainment area below. When she resurfaced, she gasped loudly, "What the fuck! I could have seriously injured myself if I hit my head." She spluttered, and wiped the water from her face, "You really are a dick, you know?" She didn't care anymore, she couldn't hold in the anger.
Her only answer was Adrien's entertained laughter.
So she got out of the jacuzzi, slapping away Adrien's offered hand while he snickered. When she began collecting the trays, she noticed three of them had huge dents in them, making them unusable. Her heart sank. These were her father's favourite silver trays that they saved for the high-class events, like the one last night.
She stomped up to Adrien and waved them around in his face, "You need to pay for the damage on these, look!" She pointed at the dents, "These are custom silver trays that my father ordered for the business! They cost hundreds of dollars, and that's just for one of them!"
Adrien shrugged, "Not my problem, you dropped them."
Marinette seethed, "You pushed me!"
Adrien bent to her level, "What you gonna do, sue me? With what proof?" He laughed as he walked away, "Since you're not going to stay and suck me off, you can leave." He looked into the distance, waving someone over.
"W-What?!" Marinette spluttered, "You can't do that, you- you damaged our property!" Suddenly, the sun that was warming her back disappeared as a large shadow blocked the heat.
"Gorilla, escort her out. If she struggles, just throw her into the Seine." Adrien plastered on the fakest, sweetest smile she'd ever seen. "Bye bye, server girl."
Marinette didn't want to satisfy him with a response. She turned towards the Gorilla, a frown deeply set on her face. "I can see myself out. This isn't the last you'll hear from me."
She left the yacht in a huff, trying to ignore the burn of Adrien's stare on the back of her head.
Oooh, she was going to make him pay her family back, one way or another.
Notes:
Yes. Adrien is a huge dick in the beginning. I promise that he'll get his just desserts, and also that he'll get better.
Chloe and Lila will be back in later chapters, I promise there's more to them than being the bikini girls who hang off him.
I hope this chapter was more entertaining than the last! I really want to get to the good, juicy stuff. It'll come, eventually.
#miraculous ladybug#marinette#marinette dupain cheng#adrien agreste#adrien#adrienette#love square#fake marriage au#overboard au#my art#my fic
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