#roof over my head. food to eat. warm blanket.

[bloomburnburial]

had to spin up a fair number of last-minute application essays recently for various things and the persistent grain of truth at the center of them all around which the rest all pearled is the fact that if I can do one thing, i can fucking endure

[carleycore]

BabyDaddy!Gojo

A/n: chosen by my poll!!!!

The soft glow of the morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a gentle light over the room. You stir slightly, adjusting the blanket around your shoulders, and feel the familiar ache of longing. It's a morning like any other, except today, Gojo is visiting. The knock on the door is gentle, yet it echoes through the quiet apartment.

You get up, careful not to wake the baby still sleeping in the crib, and make your way to the door. Opening it, you're greeted by Gojo's bright smile, his signature sunglasses perched on his head, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he carried a bag that smelled delicious: breakfast.

If it was anyone else you would've tried to get yourself together a bit before opening the door, but you've known this man since high-school and didn't really care about what he thought about you anymore.

"Morning, Y/N," he says, stepping inside with a confidence that speaks of years spent together, even if you no longer share a home. "Did you miss me?"

He put the bag of food on the kitchen island.

You roll your eyes playfully but can't suppress the small smile tugging at your lips. "Morning, Satoru. You're early."

He chuckles, a sound that feels like a warm embrace. "Couldn't wait to see my favorite two people."

You lead him to the living room, where he immediately heads over to the crib. He looks down at the sleeping baby, his expression softening in a way that still catches you off guard. "Hey there, little one," he whispers, reaching in to gently pick up the baby.

As he cradles the baby, Gojo looks over at you, his smile turning into that familiar, charming grin. "You know, Y/N, every time I see our little one, I’m reminded of how amazing we were together."

You cross your arms, leaning against the wall. "Satoru, we’ve talked about this."

"I know, I know," he sighs, swaying gently with the baby in his arms. "But can you blame me for trying? Look at what we made together. Don’t you think we owe it to her to try again?"

You shake your head, feeling the familiar mix of frustration and affection. "It's not that simple, and you know it. We have our differences."

He steps closer, his free hand reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. His touch sends a shiver down your spine. "Differences that can be worked out. I mean, come on, have you seen how good we look together? Power couple and all that."

You laugh despite yourself. "You're impossible."

"And you're irresistible," he counters smoothly, his voice dropping to that low, flirtatious tone that always makes your heart race. "Just think about it, Y/N. We could be a family. A real one."

You bite your lip, torn between the past and the possibilities he dangles in front of you. The baby stirs in his arms, letting out a soft whimper. Gojo shifts his attention, his expression tender as he soothes the little one.

"You’re really good with her," you admit, watching him with a mixture of admiration and wistfulness.

"I try," he replies, looking up at you with those piercing blue eyes. "But it would be a lot easier if we were doing this together, under the same roof."

You look away, unable to meet his gaze. "Satoru. We have a lot to work through." In a way, you did agree with him, but it was just a lot that had to go with it.

He steps closer, the baby nestled securely in his arms. "Then let’s work through it. For them, for us. We owe it to ourselves to try."

The sincerity in his voice tugs at your heartstrings. You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. "I just... I need time."

"I can give you that," he says softly. "But I’m not giving up on us. On this."

You nod, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Satoru."

He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Anytime, Y/N. Anytime."

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of shared moments and soft laughter. Gojo stays, eating and helping with the baby, his presence a comforting balm to your weary soul, giggling as your daughter tried to eat his sunglasses while he took a million pictures. As he prepared to leave, he pulled you into a tight hug, whispering in your ear, "Think about what I said. We belong together."

You watch him go, your heart heavy with longing and uncertainty. Maybe he's right. Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for a new beginning. But for now, you take it one day at a time, holding onto the hope that things might just work out.

[teddybeartoji]

sorry if i'm not that good of a writer, but i'm so obsessed with toji rn and the idea of a married toji that doesn't care anymore about surviving as he's safe and secure with m!reader. a roof over his head, warm food and something he's not used to, unconditional love. he's growing soft in all the sense of the word, like an overfed house cat. toji was insecure at first, something weird in him as he's not used to all of this, but reader was obsessed to see how this dream of a man is now chubby, not a dad bod, chubby and m!reader loves it, m!reader got his own personal weighed blanket.

bonus points if this is with omega toji. (but, i don't have any idea what to add here, besides the idea of pups and mama bear toji)

NONNIEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACEE!!!!! I LOVEEE LOVE LOVE CHUBBY BIG LAZY CAT TOJI HE DESERVES TO JUST LAZE AT HOME ON HIS COUCH ALL DAY LONG:((((((((((((( and this with a male reader too???? wooowwwwwwww my heart is gonna melt away i think what have you done to me nonnie.... i think he makes a very good malewife btw like he's home all day long while you're at work and he finds cleaning to be a very relaxing task so he's glad to do it for you. i'm literally imagining him walking around with the vacuum while sipping his coffee every once in a while, his eyes on the tv where some old rerun of a show is playing. he just loves staying at home he really truly is the perfect housecat!!!!!!!!!!!

and i think he cooks surprisingly well too. and he loves to eat. and he loves to watch you eat. so nothing brings him more joy than to welcome you home with open arms and then just immediately sit you down at the dinner table so he can gaze at you like some lovesick fool as you chomp down the meal. he gets really soft okay... the second he lets you into his heart he's a changed man and i mean that in the best way possible. it definitely takes some time but it's so so worth it bc he's gonna take care of you AND he's gonna let you take care of him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and the weighted blanket thing oh my godddd after you eat he guides you to the couch so you can talk abt your day while the two of you cuddle and it's the cutest fucking thing ever like this big ass grown man is just almost entirely on top of you, hiding his face in the crook of your neck while you ramble his ears off. he loves it sm!!!!!!!!!!!

+ oh he would absolutely love to be the mama bear i don't care what anybody else says. he loves his kids sm and he wants all the best for them,, he's building them their own little playgrounds in your garden he's having teaparties with them he's doing disney movie marathons with them he's a grump and he's the biggest softie at the same time.

[fall0utboi12]

Sick, 1947

Maybe it had been more than a drizzle... AO3

“Percy, are you still in bed?” Arthur’s voice was muffled by the closed door. “Dad says you need to get up or you’re going to be late for school.”

Percy groaned and burrowed deeper under his duvet. He had been feeling awful since he woke up around two in the morning and had only been feeling worse since. He keeps side eyes closed to try and settle the ache in them. Arthur knocked on the door again, only succeeding in hurting Percy's head.

There was a click as the knob turned, followed by Arthur’s footsteps; “Percy.”

“G-go… Go away- Go away…” Percy stammers out in a hoarse voice. His throat hurt so bad.

“Hey…Are you feeling alright?” Arthur’s voice softened, followed by a sigh. “I told you not to go out in the rain without your jacket.”

Percy groans and tucks his face into his blanket. He just wants to sleep, despite how he struggled to. The mattress dipped as Arthur came to sit next to him. His cold hand came around to press against Percy’s forehead. The coldness felt so nice against his overheated skin, he didn’t even care his face was being touched. 

“Bloody hell, Percy, you’re burning up.” Arthur pulled his hand away. He stands with a sigh. “I’ll go tell dad you’re sick and can’t go to school today.”

Arthur’s footsteps soften as he leaves the room, the door clicking behind him. Percy closes his eyes again, finally slipping off into sleep. He wasn’t sure how long he slept for but it felt like it had been a while. The room had darkened as it had started raining at some point, the droplets paddering loudly against the roof. 

He rolls over onto his back and rubs his sore eyes. The only light in his room was the fairy lights he had strung up around his room, thankfully the warm glow didn’t hurt his eyes as he blinked.

The sound of multiple pairs of footsteps were coming up the attic steps. He slowly sits up, leaning back against his pillow as he looks over at the door curiously. It opens a moment later, revealing Arthur with Eddie, Sally and Margret who were now crowding into the room.

“Hey, Percy! I brought you soup!” Eddie announces, holding up a glass container of what looked like vegetable soup. “My mum made it for supper yesterday so I brought some over for you.”

“Thank… th-thank you.” Percy’s nose was stuffed up, making it hard to speak.

“How are you feeling?” Sally asks, coming to sit on the arm chair across from the bed.

“Aw-awful…” He sniffles, cringing at the feeling of mucus.

“You look awful.” Margaret states. When Sally and Arthur glared at her, she quickly added on. “I just mean he looks really sick! Don’t glare at me.”

Percy looks aways, focusing on the soup. He takes the spoon Eddie had brought for him. His taste buds weren’t working properly, making the food taste off. He grimaces as he takes a bite. He didn’t want to eat it, but Eddie had brought it just for him and he could at least try and get it down.

He wanted up not eating much of it, but he did at least feel a bit better having eaten something. He sits the container and spoon down at his side table and leaned back against his pillow to watch his friends. 

Sally and Arthur had somehow ended up arguing about something while Margaret gave a few comments on their topic. Eddie was the only one not involved, instead sitting cross-legged on the bed next to Percy. Eddie leaned back against the headboard as Percy leaned into him with a sniffle. Eddie was always comfortable to lay on. He closes his eyes, listening to the bickering as background noise as he drifts off. He felt a lot better than he did this morning waking up sick.

[mccnstruck]

their warmth.

characters: ichika hoshino x saki tenma x honami mochizuki x shiho hinomori

tags: poly/need, pure fluff, fantasy au but could be read as regular au, op died from cavities from making this, self-indulgent, not proofread

a/n: this is for @queer-prosekai for the @winter-sekai-gift-exchange !!! i hope you like this cuz i had way too much fun writing this and realized polyneed is my comfort ship. anyways ENJOY !1!

Ichika smiled, for the snow started to fall down on city streets.

It was a beautiful day for a stroll. Well, Ichika would have to properly define what is considered “beautiful”.

It was a busy afternoon, and markets began to close at the sight of snow. People rushed to confide in the warmth of their fireplaces, and children huddled with their parents from the gusts of winds. A thin blanket of snow began to cover the roofs of houses, and gusts of winds were the only attacks to worry about.

Saki, protected under the endless amounts of layers, rested her head on Honami’s shoulder.

“Honaaaa, my love! I’m so cold, won’t you protect me from the merciless, ever-bitter winter?”

Honami smiled at Saki’s antics and enveloped Saki in her arms. “Always, Saki.”

“See, Shiho, this is what you do when I want a hug!”

Shiho let out an exasperated sigh and removed her hat, before placing it on Saki’s head and patting it down.

“Saki. You can’t just rely on us whenever you want warmth. You have to wear more layers.”

“Shiho, I am wearing layers! Are you saying you would refuse to lend me your warmth whenever your poor lover is freezing to death-“

Saki paused when she felt lips touch her forehead, before smiling and leaning into Shiho’s touch. Shiho leaned her head onto Honami’s other shoulder and looked back into Saki’s vibrant eyes.

“Never. I would never, Saki.”

Ichika looked back at the serene scene of her lovers and almost forgot about how sore her smile was starting to become.

This. This is what Ichika would call beautiful.

Honami’s eyes widened at the sight in front of her and loosened her arms around Saki.

“Look, they have a sale going on over there. Should we go and check?”

Saki nodded, before taking Ichika’s hand and dragging the group forward. “Hehe, let’s go! I bet they might have apple pie we can eat at home.”

Upon nearing the shop, the seller brightened at the group.

“Welcome! There is a sale for some of these pastries and foods. Please, let me know if anything comes up or you would like to buy anything,” before he returned to his task beforehand.

Honami leaned forward and scrunched her eyebrows. “What to pick….what to pick…. There’s so many good options we could choose. There is a classic apple pie, but the one with nuts inside adds for a crunchier bite…ooh! There’s also that one there too, for a different taste. Hmmm, what to choose…”

Ichika raised her hand to laugh behind her hand. “Hona, we can choose whatever you would like.”

“I know, but I would rather get something all of us can enjoy without any issues.”

Ichika’s hand took Honami’s covered ones and raised it to her lips, before placing their intertwined hands near her heart. Honami felt a warmth rush her cheeks, and her face countered the bitter cold of the winter they were in.

“Hona, you don’t need to worry so much. Do you want me to choose something?

Honami smiled and nodded.

“Thank you Ichi.”

Ichika looked around the shop, scanning every single item she was free to choose. But, one of them spoke out to her.

“Let’s get this one, hm?”

Honami peered over Ichika’s shoulder and smiled.

“Let’s get this one.”

Ichika dropped the money onto the counter and the seller smiled, pulling out the fresh, warm, caramel apple pie.

“Enjoy, and stay warm!”

Ichika responded in kind and took the apple pie. When Honami and Ichika reunited with the group, Saki’s eyes sparkled in excitement.

“It looks so good…”

If Saki’s eyes sparkled at that moment, Honami’s eyes became the equivalent of stars.

Shiho looked up at Honami and sent a knowing look to Ichika.

“Let’s go, we can warm this up at our place.”

Ichika looked back at Shiho and shared the same look back.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

The sun had begun to set, and the skies had begun to consist of a dark blue. Lanterns glowed throughout the city streets, and the pure snow sparkled underneath. And yet, the serenity of the view had not captured Ichika’s eye. For when she looked back at Shiho and smiled, and saw Saki’s and Honami’s excitement for returning to their home, Ichika was enamored with what was in front of her. No amount of city views or apple pie could have Ichika so in love, than the three people in front of her she got to call hers. She would forever be enraptured in their heart, their warmth.

Their warmth would forever stay with each other, no matter the bitter cold winds of winter.

mccnstruck.

[tonberry-yoda]

One More Time - Sanji (pt. 3) f!reader

pt.1 | pt.2

notes - Hi cuties! My writing inspo is coming back!!! <3 This was for my most recent poll! I decided to do another part of this because this is actually a fun series to write! Thanks to all who love it too and expect a Law fic soon???? Love you bunches!!! word count - 1,064 tags - @sleepyhead0720

The night went by too slowly for your liking. You were alone in that storage room jumping over the smallest noises, fearing that you were going to get caught.

You lied when you told Sanji that you had been in worse situations. You really hadn't. The Strawhat Pirates were famous and not in the good way. If even one spotted you, you would be dead meat. All of them combined had a bigger bounty than you could ever imagine.

But they were so kind. Why?

They looked like they were genuinely having a good time together, being human and laughing. Not only that, but you had heard from outside sources that wasn't the Navy that they had done so much to help others. Especially the captain. With a smile on his face in every wanted poster.

They were definitely a strange bunch, but they intrigued you; made you jealous. You were a crew bouncer, which meant that a lot of the time, you were just joining crew after crew for a pretty penny. Honestly, you stopped caring about the money and just wanted a home. But none of them felt like it.

But here? With all of these lovely people telling jokes and singing songs? It pissed you off. Why couldn't you live like that?

You definitely couldn't now that you were an enemy to them.

You tossed and turned in your sleep not having a clue what time it was because not only did you not have a watch, but you didn't even have a window that could give you a clue.

You were so tired though.

A sigh escaped your lips and you sat up. Sleep wasn't an option anymore, it seemed.

But you jumped to the roof when you heard the trap door open. Yeah, you were screwed. Too tired to fight and in a bad position with what little of a bounty you had on you.

"y/n?" You recognized Sanji's voice as he whispered your name. "y/n, are you down here?"

You peeked from behind a barrel and smiled. "Hey, Sanji!"

He walked over to you and turned on the light. "Hungry?" he asked as he kneeled down with a plate of food.

"I guess I am." you replied after your stomach gave a growl of hunger.

"We're almost to the island by the way. Sooner than we thought too." He leaned his head against a box as he sat across from you and sighed. "We'll be there in about an hour."

"What time is it?"

"Just past eight."

You hummed in response and kept eating. You weren't even on the boat for a full day, but you already missed his cooking.

"How did you sleep?" he asked, trying to hide that he as slightly blushing.

"I dunno. Probably slept a little bit, but I mostly just remember sitting." you admitted.

"I'm sorry."

You shrugged. "Not your fault. I'm the one who crawled on this boat."

For a moment, it was just silence, but Sanji quickly broke it.

"What are you going to do when you leave?"

"What I always do." You set down your plate and wrapped your blanket around your shoulders to warm yourself up. "Travel until I find somewhere to stay."

"That doesn't sound very fun."

"Eh, I'm used to it. A solo pirate, I guess."

"I wish you could join our crew." he giggled.

"Same." You played with a string that was hanging off of your blanket and sighed out of your nose. "But it's fine. I mean, I had fun while I was here. And had some pretty damn good food, if I do say so myself."

"Is that so?" he teased.

You laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "What about you?" you asked. "What are you gonna do once you get to the island?"

"Whatever the captain orders."

"Sounds confining."

"Surprisingly, not really." Sanji moved himself so that he was sitting next to you and slid his hand in yours, clearing his throat. "Better than being in one place."

"I got you there. Traveling is the best."

"No kidding."

You laid your head on Sanji's shoulder and squeezed his hand. "Have you ever felt alone, Sanji?"

He sighed. "Hell yeah I have."

You nodded and felt yourself drift off into sleep.

---

"Sanji! Get up here!" You heard someone shout from above you as you woke up. "We're here!"

"Coming! Just give me a second! You guys can get a move on without me, I'll catch up!"

You heard the sound of footsteps above you disappear and you rubbed your eyes.

"Looks like we're here, princess. Get you some beauty sleep?"

You turned to see Sanji smile at you and you smiled back.

"I guess so. I'll get out of your hair though. Thanks for covering me up."

"Don't mention it." He stood up and grabbed your hand, helping you up. "Want me to walk you out?"

"If it's not any trouble."

"I would be happy to."

Sanji slid his hand into yours as you two got off of the boat. The island in front of you was warm and very welcoming. Small, but perfect. You knew you were bound to have a couple nights of rest here.

"Well, I have to get some shopping done before me and the rest of the crew head out." Sanji said. "So, uh... this is goodbye?"

You looked at him and he had misty eyes. The wind blew and his blonde hair followed it along with his cigarette smoke.

"Yeah... Bye, Sanji. Thanks for everything." You went to turn away, but couldn't help yourself as you quickly turned around and fell into his arms. You hugged him so tight that his cigarette fell out of his mouth. His hand reached the back of your head while the other found it's way to your back. You hadn't been hugged like this in ages.

When you pulled away from the hug, it felt like something dropped out of you, made you feel empty. Another goodbye, that's all it was.

"So, you and your crew are leaving as soon as you can?" you asked.

"That's the plan." He ran his fingers through his hair and looked up at the clouds.

He felt your lips softly press against his, but when he looked down, you were gone.

If only he could see you. One more time.

~~~~~

one piece masterlist | pinned post | ko-fi

2023 @tonberry-yoda – do not repost or claim ANY of my work as your own! likes, reblogs, and comments are not only welcome, but appreciated

~~~~~

[nightowlwoman]

My Thoughts on a Spring Snowstorm in Maine.

In case anyone was wondering where I've been the past few days -- Maine (where I live) was hit by a massive Spring Snowstorm that started late in the evening of Wednesday, April 3rd, and continued until mid-day on Friday, April 5th. In our area - somewhat northwest of Portland - the accumulation of heavy, wet snow amounted to 12" to 15".

We lost the power (along with some 300,000 other households) some time in the early hours of Thursday, April 4th. Repair crews made it to our street this morning and electricity was restored to us by 10:30 a.m. After a bit less than 3 days managing without electricity, heat, running water, a functioning septic system, hot coffee and, of course, internet service and other modern amenities -- my husband and I were very, very happy to be returned to the 21st century!

However, I have been reminded, once again, of all the people in this world of ours who are struggling to live without what we consider the basic necessities of life - much less the modern amenities and comforts we are so fortunate to enjoy. My husband and I had food to eat that didn't need cooking (PB&J, bread, cheese, muffins & raisin bran cereal), bottles of clean water, flashlights and candles and extra matches and batteries. We had plenty of warm clothes for layering and extra blankets for warmth when we went to bed. We had a sturdy roof over our heads and felt safe in our dark and quiet neighborhood. Most importantly, we had the knowledge that there were people working out in the storm to fix things and the absolute certainty that in a few days, at most, things would be returning to normal! How awful it is to know that so many people in our world today have none of these things and, tragically, little to no hope of their lives returning to the normal they once knew. Solutions are neither easy nor simple - what is necessary is good will, kindness and generosity of spirit and action from most of us - not just some of us. I persist in clinging to the belief that while there is life, there is hope - but sometimes the world makes it very hard to continue to believe.

The worst thing about this last hurrah of Winter given to us as a slightly tardy April Fool's gift by Mother Nature is the terrible damage done to the trees and shrubs and plants - all budded and waiting for Spring warmth to open - to leaf and flower. My neighborhood is filled with giant pine trees - very old and straight and tall. The ground is now covered with their branches, from small to huge. The maples and oaks and birches fared little better. When the snow finally melts, the sound of many people and their chainsaws clearing it all will fill the air. From my kitchen window, I can see a huge pine now missing its top half - snapped like a matchstick! Amazingly, it didn't fall on the house that sits near it. I don't think the tree can survive that damage, but it will require a crew of professionals to safely take down what remains.

The smaller plantings also were heavily damaged. A row of small-leaf rhododendrons that we planted nearly 40 years ago - that have survived countless snow and ice storms over the years - are lying bent to the ground by the weight of the snow. Far too many of their branches are snapped and broken away - it remains to be seen what may survive of them and be salvageable. I and countless pollinators and hummingbirds will miss their sweet, pink beauty this Spring!

A lilac varietal that we planted over ten years ago looks to have lost almost all its branches. We had been told it was a "miniature" variety that would stay small, so we planted it in front of our walkway porch. This lilac ignored its label and embraced growth with an enthusiastic abandon - reaching the porch roof, aiming for the sky and the sun. I resisted trimming it back - even as it obscured the view and overhung the railing onto the walkway, because it's purple flowers were so abundant, so fragrant and so beautiful - well, I just couldn't bring myself to limit its zest for life! It blossomed after the rhododendrons, when the weather was warmer and the windows were open, and its fragrance filled the whole house. I shall miss everything about that lilac that is still so young and hope that enough of it survives to eventually grow and blossom again.

Our single broad-leaf rhododendron, thankfully, seems to have weathered this storm with minimal damage. It has not been so lucky multiple times over the last nearly 40 years! It is battered and yet unbowed! I am hopeful that we will be able to enjoy its bouquet-sized blossoms this Spring!

I haven't had the chance yet to assess the damage to various lilacs and forsythia - the snow needs to melt and time will tell. The "grande old dame" of our lilacs, however, took some heavy wounds - not for the first time, either. This lilac has very fragrant and abundant white blossoms and was growing here before we built our house. It has lost major branches, been split in half in a massive ice storm - but it is a survivor and has always healed and continued to grow and blossom - even as it has assumed a different shape and silouette each time. It looks like it may lose about one-third of itself this time, but it's too soon to tell. Some major branches are snapped right off and many more are flat to the ground and trapped in the snow. As I watched it today, one long branch that was held by a lighter layer of snow seemed to break free and flung itself skyward and managed to stay upright on its own - a hopeful sign! When it is completely freed, we will lend it some support where necessary, perhaps do a little trimming and I trust it will heal itself and we will all get used to the new iteration of its appearance.

There has been a lot going on for me and my husband and family throughout 2023 and so far in 2024 - with no end in sight. Multiple crises, small and large, have been overwhelming at times and have occupied much of my mind and my time. These last few days, however, have had a narrow and more simple focus. The problems weren't really personal, because they were shared by so many. I went to bed early because my old eyes don't do well by candlelight and because it was warmer under a stack of blankets! I slept long and well and recharged my old battery. I had no control over events and, thus, no need to fret or feel responsible for it. Considering that I am a world-class fretter and worrier - that was a novel experience for me! Most of all, I had some very quiet time to think and just be.

I have experienced many difficult and painful things over the years and continue to do so, but if I've learned one thing in my 72 years, it is that things can always be worse! My experience of this storm certainly could have been much worse. Except for my dismay over damage caused by the storm - and Nature will eventually heal and be restored (with a little help from us) - looking at the last few days honestly - they weren't really all that bad at all! That being said - I am totally ready for the snow to melt and for Spring to finally arrive!

[seducemefanficsandheadcanons]

Sam and Aron are laying in bed, the chilly air causing her to awaken.

She looks over to her sleeping demon and smiles, snuggling closer. He was naturally very warm, something that was helpful in the cold months.

Sam hums and pulls her closer in his sleep, grumbling something about her letting the cold air in through under the blankets.

"Sorry." She said. "Well just have to warm each other up."

Sam likes the idea, burying his head into her hair. The two decide to stay like that until noon comes around and it's time to get up to eat something. He makes her mac and cheese before sitting down to eat jt with her at the table.

"Thank you." She says with a grin, pulling her jacket around her then taking a bite ofnthe food.

"No problem." He tells her with a grin, ruffling her hair.

In response, Aron ruffles his back. He chuckles and starts eating again.

Then they go and watch a movie in the living room. She leans against his side and pulls a blanket over them. His arms wrap around her, warming her up. "Sheesh, your hands are freezing." Sam says as she places her small hands on her chest.

Aron laughs and reaches up to put her cold hand on his face, making him gently swat her hands away. She laughs, knowing he doesn't like cold.

Soon the two warm up as they watch the movie and she feels herself getting tired again. "I'm gonna sleep now."

He chuckles. "Okay, go ahead. I'll stay here."

"You better, I need you as my heater." She said with a grin before closing her eyes. Sam kisses in between her brows before going to sleep as well.

I had a couple of ideas, so just put them all together. I hope it's good! Also, i have an idea. I was going to ask you if you wanted to write Sam and Aron going on a cafe date or of them being on the roof. I thought of writing that for this ask but didn't want to mischaracterize Aron.

AWWWW THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! RAHHHHĤHHHHHHHHHHHDHEUXBWIXNWIXJIWJDIWJDIWNDIWNXO2KDKWKHFIWBXIWJ

IT makes me so happy to see that people like their ship sk fjeibziwnx rah downfjejnxe thank you so much NEINFOWNFOENXO2NFOWJ DIN2,@*#,×['WOZNOWN8182}|82♤▪︎£♤`¥&J

[yjano]

All of me.

Part 10

Pairing: Jake x Mc.

Warnings: slow burn, swearing, angst, a little fluff, smut, violence and other pairings.

Words: 4.5k

Author's note: Although this story is not related to the Duskwood game, I will add some of our beloved characters. Please read it only if you're into angst prison stories, slow burns, etc. A little hint: You will get to see some similarities to Jake and his gang from "Never The Same" fic.

That morning, I woke up to a pleasant smell filling my nose and a warm blanket covering my body. It had been that moment that I knew how grateful I had been of my life before the prison. This night had made me realise how lucky I am that I have a roof above my head and a blanket covering me at night. It clearly wasn't a common thing for everybody.

With a soft grumble, I turned around, expecting to find Jake beside me. Only to realise that he wasn't in bed with me anymore. I rubbed my eyes to make sure Jake wasn't really there, frowning when he still didn't show up before me after I opened my eyes again. I slowly pushed myself up on my elbows, hearing soft music coming from downstairs and the smell hitting me even harder.

With small movements I managed to get out of the way too comfortable bed and I dressed myself in the set of clothes Jake had provided for me last night, the black t-shirt and tight shorts were comfortable on my body. I put on the black boots Jake had also provided me with, and with a small ruffle of my hand through my hair, I walked downstairs to inspect the source of the music and the pleasant smell.

With small steps, I walked down the staircase, seeing nobody in the living room, so assuming that whoever was providing the music and smell was in the kitchen. I made my way in the kitchen, immediately seeing Jake with his back turned to me in front of the stove.

He was cooking some kind of breakfast while softly humming along to the music that was playing from the radio. I softly coughed to make my presence known, and Jake instantly turned around, a small smile falling on his face at seeing at seeing me before him.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Jake still smiled while he motioned me to take a seat at the dinner table. I slowly walked over to the table, sitting down on it while a smile also started to form on my own face.

"I did. Your bed is really comfortable. Thanks for sharing it. You didn't have to do that."

A soft chuckle left Jake's mouth, and he turned back to the stove to go on with whatever he was cooking.

"I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I'm glad you slept well, Mc." Jake answered while he grabbed two plates from the cupboard above him. He divided the food he had just prepared between the two plates, walking over to me with the small smile still on his face.

"I hope you like eggs and toast, enjoy your breakfast." Jake placed a plate filled with fresh baked eggs and french toast before me while placing his own across from me. "Coffee?"

I gave him a soft nod, and two minutes later, both of us were sitting across from each other at the dinner table while enjoying our breakfast and coffee. I had expected a lot when I came downstairs that morning, but this definitely wasn't on the list.

I had never thought that Jake, I now knew as the country's biggest gang leader, would let me sleep in and cook breakfast for me. A really great breakfast, not forgetting to mention Jake definitely knew how to cook. Besides, I was pretty sure that almost everything would have tasted as heaven to me after the prison food I had been forced to eat in the last couple of months.

"Jessy asked me to bring you to the hospital wing this morning. She wanted to make you familiar with everything now that there aren't any seriously ill or wounded patients. This way, you would be prepared when duty calls." Jake mumbled while biting another piece of his toast that he later swallowed with some coffee.

I nodded in agreement, and before I knew it, both of us stood before the doors of the hospital wing. Jake pushed them open with some force. Loud music surrounded us instantly. A wide grin immediately made its way up on both of our faces at the sight before us. Jessy was dancing enthusiastically to the song that was way too loudly playing through the room, clearly not aware of her visitors.

"Jessica." Jake softly said, trying to get the girl's attention but without success. Jessy kept on dancing, her eyes closed and her body moving to the rhythm of the song.

"Jessica." Jake tried again, a little louder this time but again without any success. A soft chuckle left my lips, and Jake grinned shortly at me before he yelled out Jessy's name again.

"Jessica!"

Within a second, the girl had turned herself around, her eyes big and her hand on her heart. With a few quick steps, she had made her way over to the radio, turning it off instantly.

"What the hell are you doing?" Jake now full on laughed behind his hand, trying to cover it somewhat up. Jessy threw a glare at him while she made her way over to us.

"Don't you have anything better to do, Jake? Dan's waiting for you."

A still laughing Jake left the room after giving me a small pat on my shoulder while Jessy mumbled something in the lines of 'that fucker.' I heard how the door fell shut behind me and looked back over to Jessy.

She squinted her eyes one last time at Jake, who had already disappeared before she turned towards me. Her whole demeanor changed in an instant, a huge smile fell on her face and her eyes shining with pleasure.

"Follow me, please." Jessy motioned with her hand towards her desk. She made her way over to it while I followed her slowly, starting my first day as a nurse at the hospital wing of Jake's gang.

To say my day was exciting was a complete misunderstanding. Jessy had mentioned something about 'learning the basics' before I got to the real stuff in the first five minutes, but I hadn't paid much attention to it. I had been pretty sure that by basics, Jessy meant the basics of gang related stuff, only to find out that by basics, she had literally meant the basics of nursing in general.

So here I had been cleaning tools, changing bed sheets, and reading files while Jessy explained everything I had already learned in school at me again. 'Just to be sure, I really did understand everything.' She had told me multiple times that day, promising me that we would do more exciting stuff once she had explained to me all there was.

I left that night with a bored and useless feeling. Sure, I liked the bonding time I got with Jessy, but my needs as a nurse in training hadn't been fulfilled at all. Besides that, nobody had shown their face at the ward at all. It had been Jessy and I the whole time, just the two of us in an empty ward. With a soft sigh, I walked inside Jake's apartment.

He had provided me with the key for the door before he had dropped me off at the ward, making sure that I always had access to the room if I needed it. Besides the fact that I hadn't done that much today, I was still exhausted.

The prison had clearly taken a toll on my condition and it wasn't much later that I found myself dozing off on the couch in the living room, falling into a peaceful slumber right before Jake came back home from his own day of work.

.

Jake focus.

.

A small smile fell on my face at the sight of the girl on the couch. I didn't know what it was that made me feel like I did, but I always felt calm and happy around her. Over the small span of time we had spent in the prison, I had come to trust her.

Mc had become someone who I liked to spend time with and who I loved having around. It wasn't something I was familiar with at all, though. Sure, I liked my other friends. They meant the world to me, and they were like family, but I would never want to share an apartment with them or sleep in the same bed. Mc was just different.

I softly walked over to the sleeping girl, grabbing a blanket from the side of the couch on my way there. An unfamiliar feeling, making me feel all warm and happy, spread through my body, and my smile grew slightly bigger seeing her sleep so calm and peaceful before me.

I carefully placed the blanket over Mc's body, making sure she was tucked in everywhere so she wouldn't be cold. I let my hand rest on her shoulder while I wiped some of Mc's hairs away from her face.

"Sleep well, Mc." I whispered before I walked off to the kitchen to prepare our dinner. The unfamiliar but pleasant feeling still soared through my body.

.

Mc focus.

.

I slowly became aware of my senses. A pleasant smell was filling my nose, and a more than welcome warmth was surrounding my body. I slowly opened my eyes, and the once sun filled and lit up room had become semi dark while I had slept. The sun had gone down, and the curtains had been closed. The only light that shone through the room came from a few dimly lit lights that stood spread throughout the whole living room and the fire in the fireplace.

I brought my hand towards my face, getting tangled up in the blanket that laid over me. I pushed the blanket of while wondering when I had grabbed it, I couldn't remember going to sleep with a blanket on top of me.

My eyes wandered through the room, my eyes falling on the brightly lit kitchen. The pleasant smell filled my nose again, and I slowly began to make my way over to the kitchen.

Jake stood once again with his back turned towards me in the kitchen, cooking something that smelled really good, in my opinion. With a soft cough, I entered the kitchen, making my way over to him to see what it was that smelled so good.

"Hey, had a good nap?" Jake chuckled, seeing my sleepy face and ruffled up hair. I gave him a soft nod, my vision still on the pans that stood on the stove.

"Hungry?" He chuckled again, removing one of the lids to stir whatever it was that was in the pan. I gave him another nod, my mouth practically watering from the smell that came from the pan Jake had just opened.

"Does tomato soup as a starter, with pasta as the main course and pudding as dessert sound good?" Jake smiled while he put the lit back on the pan. I averted my eyes towards Jake, giving him a third nod. With a soft laugh, Jake motioned me towards the table that he had already prepared for our dinner together.

"Take a seat, Mc, I'm almost done."

I walked over to the table and sat down while Jake finished up.

"How was your first day? Did Jessy treat you well?" Jake spoke with his back, still turned towards me.

A deep sigh left my lips, and not even ten seconds later, I was rambling about how my day had been super boring, I didn't do anything, and Jessy gave me only boring tasks to do. Jake laughed every once in a while.

Soon he brought all the pans over to the table in the meantime, serving the first course to us both while I kept telling him that Jessy was way too careful and that I was capable of way more than Jessy let me do. With a laugh, Jake had told me to enjoy my dinner, and both of us started to eat.

"Was Jessy nice to you, apart from the fact that she only let you do the boring stuff?" Jake asked, bringing a spoon filled with soup to his mouth.

"She was. She's a really nice girl." I answered while I also ate some more from the tomato soup. "It's really delicious Jake, thank you for this."

Jake gave me a reassuring smile while he kept eating from his soup. We kept talking while we finished our soup and started with the pasta. Jake provided both of us with a plate full of it, and while he took his seat again, his whole demeanor changed.

He looked at me with a serious expression, and I instantly stopped eating, thinking I had done something seriously wrong for Jake to change demeanor that fast.

"Can I ask you something, Mc?" He started, his tone cleared from all excitement or happiness.

I kept completely still. The Jake that was sitting before me was exactly the Jake I had come to know in my first week at the prison. Unpredictable and scary. This wasn't the Jake I had gotten to known in the last few weeks. This version of Jake wasn't friendly or caring at all, and I didn't like it at all. I gave him a small nod, anxiety starting to fill up my veins.

"Why did you tell them that you killed your sister? I know you didn't do it, you know."

"I don't know." I whispered, my head hung low, and my eyes closed. A soft sigh left Jake's mouth. He took a deep breath, and with a soft look in his eyes, he looked over at me.

"Mc, look at me. I'm sorry, I just wanted to know about it. Nothing more, there's nothing to be scared of."

I slowly lifted my head, and my eyes crossed with Jake's. He gave me a soft, reassuring smile and motioned for me to go on with my food.

"I asked you about it because I did some research. I've let Lex look through your case. She hacked your file, and I've read it all." Jake started again, this time a lot softer and less serious. I stilled again, my eyes growing big and my hand frozen mid-air.

"You did what?"

"I've investigated your case, and I'm pretty sure that you didn't do it. They do have a solid case against you, though. If I hadn't known you, I would have thought that you had done it too, just based on that file." Jake got on while he kept eating his pasta.

"Why?" Was the only word I could get out of my mouth, still in shock about the fact that Jake had done research about me and my case.

"Well... Everything basically points at you, but I know you didn't do it. As Kaden said, you aren't able to kill a fly. You aren't your sister's killer, Mc, I'm sure of it." Jake spoke again while he still kept eating his food.

"Your pasta is getting cold, and besides, I knew your sister, and there is no way that you were strong enough to have killed her." He stated, my fork now falling from my fingers at the fact that he had known my sister.

"Y-you knew my s-sister?" I stuttered, my eyes now as big as saucers.

I had always known that my sister hung out with 'bad' people, but I hadn't expected her to know any gang members. Sure, Jake wasn't that scary once you got to know him, but I just didn't see my little sister being all friendly with Jake at all.

"I did, we weren't friends, though. Your sister used to be a member of this gang. She was pretty good at hiding it, so that's why you never knew about it. Your sister sold our drugs on the streets, and she was pretty good at it, too." My mouth slowly started to fall open while Jake continued with his story.

"She decided to betray us, though. She went to the police and told them everything. She made a deal with them to catch some gang members, including me. A deal that worked and resulted in the fact that I and a few others ended up behind bars. Your sister was the reason I ended up in that prison in the first place."

"I-I'm sorry." I stuttered, my face now as pale as snow. Jake looked back up at me.

"It wasn't your fault, don't worry about it. I have nothing against you. You aren't your sister, I'm glad she's dead, though. I won't sugarcoat that for you. She betrayed me, and karma served her right." I gave Jake a soft nod, not knowing if I could trust him fully on his word.

Sure, I wasn't my sister, but I was a family of the person who put Jake behind bars. There was a link between me and the person Jake liked, having dead, and I didn't like it one bit.

"Do you know who killed her?"

Jake shook his head at my question.

"I don't, but I'm working on it. What I do know is that the person who killed your sister and the person who framed you are the same person. What I also do know is that it had to be someone inside the gang because they had access to information that we only share inside these walls."

Jake serious expression came back, and he looked at me.

"Don't trust anyone, someone's is out there to get you Mc and that somebody lives inside this gang."

I could only gulp at Jake's statement and pray that he wasn't right.

~

Last night had been terrible for me. I couldn't sleep at all and kept thinking about Jake's warning. Not only had I found out that Jake knew my sister, but I had also found out that my sister had been part of an illegal gang all along without me knowing or suspecting anything at all.

Of course, I knew that I hadn't killed my own sister, but finding out that the person who did was way closer than I thought wasn't a great feeling at all. To know that someone who could be really close to me right now was responsible for not only the killing of my sister but also for the fact that I had ended up in prison made me anxious and restless.

I didn't know these people well enough to say they didn't do it, and for all I knew, one of those five people in the van could be the person who did it.

Kaden would fit in the picture. He could explode out of nowhere. He looked angry most of the time and would do anything to protect Lex, including murdering someone to protect the cute little girl. I could see him do it, but on the other hand, Kaden wasn't someone to frame somebody else. That just didn't go with him. If he did something, he would own up to it instead of framing somebody else.

Lex was completely out of the question. The girl was great with computers, but I couldn't see her murder someone.

Dan, on the other hand, was a possible candidate. I hadn't had the chance to speak with him one on one yet, but I knew he was capable of more than he showed. Dan didn't speak much when I was around, but he observed continuously. I could see Dan scanning the room and analyzing everything constantly. I was pretty sure that Dan was capable of way more than he led on.

Sam and Jessy were both out of the question. Sam was way too friendly and sweet to be capable of both murdering and framing someone to have done it, sure he kept on eye on me on the way to their headquarters but I didn't see him do more than just that.

Jessy, on the other hand, would know how to kill someone, but I didn't get a murderer vibe around her. There was no way Jessy would frame me and speak to me a while later like nothing ever happened. It just wasn't an option with the whole motherly vibe she gave off.

My last option had been Jake, but I was sure he hadn't done it. There was just no way.

Of course, it could also be someone I hadn't met yet, but I didn't believe that was the case. Judging by the fact that Jake had been really serious about it. I just didn't believe that he would make such a big fuss over it if it was just a member of the gang.

He could remove that person easily without anyone knowing, and everything would be forgotten. The only problem was that Jake did make a big fuss over it, making me believe it had to be someone close to him, and I didn't like that fact at all.

After much tossing and turning, I had finally been able to fall asleep, only to wake up in an empty bed a few hours later. After waking up, I believed that Jake would be downstairs in the kitchen once again, only to find it empty except from a box of cereal, an empty bowl, and a note on the counter.

Something came up, and I will be back late. You will be picked up at ten, and your clothes are on the couch. You can find milk in the fridge, see you tonight. -J.D:)

Suspecting Jessy to be the one who would pick me up I started my breakfast, dressed myself and waited for the clock to strike ten while reading a random book I found on one of Jake's shelves filled with books.

One about a kidnapped girl's mystery to be precise, oh the irony. The book itself wasn't that good, to be honest, but it kept me occupied for the time being.

When the clock struck ten o'clock, someone did indeed knock on Jake's front door. With some caution, I walked up to it and peeped my head around the corner before I opened the door fully. In front of me didn't stand Jessy as I had suspected but Kaden.

Kaden, the guy who was a possible candidate for the murder of my sister and my own framing. I had no idea why the guy was out here to pick me up, but I didn't like it one bit. Kaden was scary and unpredictable, two things I wasn't very fond of. My eyes grew big, and all color drained from my face.

"Where's Jessy?"

"She's obviously not here, is she? Jake messaged me this morning to come and get you." Kaden mumbled, annoyed, never making any eye contact with me.

"W-what for?" I stuttered softly, my voice wavering a little. Kaden looked up at me with an annoyed scowl on his face while his voice sounded like an angry grumble.

"The idiot wants me to show you how to handle a gun, he has completely lost his fucking mind."

My eyes almost rolled out of their sockets, and my mouth fell open. This had to be a joke. There was no way I would be able to handle a gun. I didn't even dare to get close to one, let alone shoot it.

"I don't think this is such a great idea..." I started, but before I could finish, Kaden grabbed my arm and started to drag me away from the door.

"I know. We all know. This is a terrible idea, but Jake wants it, so it's going to happen if you like it or not." Kaden spoke while he dragged me behind him, scoffing every few steps.

After much struggle and attempts to get out of the idea, both of us reached what looked like a training area located in the cellar of the building to me. Wooden boards carved out like humans with targets on them stood in what looked like a field. Different guns were lined up on a table in the corner, and empty bullets lay all over the place.

I immediately stopped walking once we entered the area, Kaden was already on his way to the table filled with guns. Still thinking that this was a terrible idea, I looked around myself. The whole area gave a cold and angry vibe off, something I didn't find pleasing at all. Where were the sunshines and rainbows when you needed them? Suddenly, Kaden's voice sounded through the room, getting my attention instantly.

"Hey, catch!"

Before I could protest, Kaden tossed one of the guns towards me. My breath stocked in my throat, my whole body erupted in full panic mode, and I started to scream while I tried to catch the gun. I saw the gun getting closer to my face while my hands slowly reached towards it, catching it barely on its handle and preventing it from going off.

I sighed loudly, my eyes closed while my heart raced in my body. A soft laugh sounded from the other side of the room, and I slowly opened my eyes again. I lifted them up towards Kaden, and he started to laugh even harder.

"Chill, crying baby. It wasn't even loaded."

With a scoff, I walked over towards Kaden and placed the gun on the table. Kaden immediately picked it back up and moved his whole body towards me.

"Let me show you how this works, Jake will kill me if I haven't shown you anything at all." Kaden started to explain everything to me about guns. He showed me how to hold a gun, reload a gun, shoot a gun, and clean a gun.

To make a long story short, I was shit in all of the above. I couldn't hold the gun properly, I placed the bullets in backward, wasn't able to hit anything beside walls, and instead of cleaning the gun, I dirtied it even more.

Kaden had been close to giving up almost every five minutes, but what Jake wants Jake gets, so he kept trying and trying for almost three hours without any success.

After another round of terrible shootings from me that got paired with high-pitched screaming every time I fired a bullet, both of us looked up from a deep buzzing sound that suddenly sounded through the whole building.

"Shit, follow me!" Kaden yelled out of nowhere. He grabbed the gun from my hands, wrapped his hand around my wrist, and started to run out of the cellar while dragging me with him. Both of us run up the stairs like there was no tomorrow, I had no idea what was happening at all.

Without any warning, Kaden ran around a corner, both of us coming face to face with a crying Lex. Kaden immediately let go of my arm, placing his hands around Lex's face while repeatedly asking her what was going on. I kept looking between both of them until after what felt like forever. Lex was finally able to stutter out two words.

"Jake..."

"Shot..."

My blood drowned from my face, and my whole body started to feel numb, only hoping that I heard those two words completely wrong.

[not-a-good-writer]

David Livesey × reader | Dog Days

AN: David finds a stray puppy and you two decide to adopt it.

CW: none, just fluff

The heavy rain beat down loudly against the roof of the house. You hoped David would be able to make it home safely. Sometimes unexpected storms came up when he was taking house calls, and a few times he had to stay at a nearby inn for the night.

Thankfully this wasn't the case, as you heard the front door open and close back quickly. You jumped up from your seat and ran to your lover, "David!" You gave him a big hug, not caring that he was soaking wet, "I'm so glad you made it back safe!"

"Careful darling." He adjusted himself before hugging you back with one arm. It was then you noticed that one of his hands was tucked into his coat, "What happened? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, but this little one isn't." He pulled back his coat to reveal a small puppy, soaking wet and shivering. "I found it all alone on the road, and I just couldn't leave the poor thing there." You're heart melted at the sight of the little dog. You took it from David's arms and craddled them close to your body. It looked up at you and wagged It's tail, despite cleary being weak.

"What was it doing all by itself? Was it's mom not around?" David shook his head, "Not from what I could see." After removing his coat he gave the puppy a few head pats, "Why don't we get you warmed up little one?"

You grabbed some towels and blankets and brought the puppy into the living room while David went to change. You sat by the fireplace and rubbed the puppy down vigorously to dry it quickly; this made it think you were playing, and it kept trying to play tug-o-war with the towel.

You also checked to see what gender it was, finding it was a girl. Once she was dry you bundled her up in a blanket and set her on some cousins by the fire.

David came into the room shortly after with a bowl in his hands. You gave him a curious look, to which he replied, "I figured they would be hungry."

"They're a she." you informed him. "Ah, a sweet little girl." He sat down next to you and the puppy's nose twitched in the air as it smelled the food. She jumped up from her cocoon and barked excitedly. "Ha ha, yes, here you are." He set the bowl in front of her and she started devouring it immediately.

"You poor thing, you must've been starving." David pet the puppy's back while she ate. You leaned into his side and watched the little dog fondly.

"Are we going to keep her?" David looked at you and smiled more than he already was, "If you want to, then I don't see why not." You smiled back and snuggled against him. He wrapped an arm around you and pulled you in closer. The puppy had finished eating and cralled into your lap to cuddle too.

"She's really friendly." You scratched her ear and her little leg started kicking. David chuckled, "Quite adorable too, like someone else I know." He pressed a kiss to your temple and you felt your face heat up. David patted your shoulder and moved to stand up, "Well, it's quite late, my dear, we should be heading to bed." You looked at the clock and it was indeed late. You stood up with the puppy in your arms and headed to the bedroom.

You sat in the bed and watched David set up a bed for the dog. He took a shallow basket and put a pillow in the bottom with blankets surrounding it. One he was finished he patted the dog bed and the puppy waddled over, sniffing it before climbling it. She turned around a couple times before laying down.

David stood up and got into bed with you, wrapping his arms around you and bringing you close. "What should we name her?" David pondered for a moment, "How about Sokro?"

"Sokro?" You questioned. "It's short for sokrovishche, Russian for treasure."

You giggled at the mention of treasure, "Maybe. We can figure out a name in the morning." David hummed and kissed your forehead, "Goodnight my love."

"Night, David." Soon the two of you drifted off to sleep, wondering what life with your new companion will bring.

[sanddusted-wisteria]

A Builder, a Researcher, and a Rooftop, Ch. 25: Terminal Velocity

prev | next | index

At 1:22 and 43 seconds, Qi wondered if he should be crying.

Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for MTAS's main story from this point in the fic onward, beginning with the mission "The Goat."

A/N: Welcome to Spoilertown. If you haven't gotten to this point in the game, I highly recommend you pause this fic and play through this act. Don't worry, you'll know where it starts and where it ends.

The back half of this fic's second act is what singlehandedly determined how I structured the plot of the overall story and what expanded my outline/idea dumps into longfic territory. And after several months and some writer's block, I'm so excited to finally be able to share it with you guys. Enjoy!

Also on AO3

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

At 7:00, Qi woke up.

At 7:30, he finished his breakfast and brushed his teeth.

At 7:35, he was down in his lab to start the workday.

At 9:13, he finished writing the report from his last experiment on the Mobile Suit’s power capacity.

At 9:46, he decided to take a break from drawing up the diagram for the enhanced processor the builder had requested.

At 12:00, he put down the latest issue of the Vega 5 astronomy journal to break for lunch.

At 12:30, he went back downstairs and started working on the builder’s diagram again.

At 1:17, there was a knock on the door.

At 1:17 and 15 seconds, he was staring at the grim face of the sheriff.

At 1:17 and 20 seconds, Qi suddenly felt ill.

At 1:17 and 30 seconds, Qi could no longer hear what the sheriff was saying.

At 1:17 and 45 seconds, the sheriff had left.

At 1:18, Qi remembered to breathe.

At 1:19, Qi began to move again.

At 1:22, Qi was at the back of a crowd. Several people turned towards him with tears and pity in their eyes.

At 1:22 and 43 seconds, Qi wondered if he should be crying.

At 1:23, Qi realized someone was asking him something. He didn’t know what it was. He shook his head.

At 1:25, the crowd dispersed. More people came up to Qi and murmured words he couldn’t hear.

At 1:26, everyone finally left him alone.

At 1:28, Qi remembered to move.

At 1:36, Qi was back inside the Research Center.

At 1:37, Qi stared at the unfinished diagram on his desk.

At 2:00, Qi stared at the unfinished diagram on his desk.

At 2:3X, Qi stared at the unfinished diagram on his desk.

At 3:XX, Qi stared at the unfinished diagram on his desk.

At X:XX, Qi tried to eat something. He managed a whole three bites.

At X:XX, Qi climbed into bed.

At X:XX, Qi stared at the ceiling.

At X:XX, Qi stared at the ceiling.

At X:XX, Qi wondered why his body hadn’t released the neurotransmitter signals for sleep.

At X:XX, Qi got out of bed.

At X:XX, Qi opened the front door. It was cold outside.

At X:XX, Qi walked up the stairs.

At X:XX, Qi was on the roof.

At X:XX, Qi had collapsed onto a certain spot.

And there he lay. Shrouded in the shadow of the telescope. Alone.

He shivered as a frigid gust of wind rushed over him. Nothing was there to warm him.

No blankets. No tea. No food.

No builder.

Both his vision and his mind were a blur. The only thing his wavering consciousness could cling to was a single, terrible truth.

The builder was gone.

Thrown over a cliff.

A meaningless death.

Maybe it was a good thing that he forgot his glasses. At least this way, he couldn’t see the stars.

The stars…

His greatest source of awe and wonder for so many years. The builder became so entangled in that awe and wonder until they were completely inseparable from it. In Qi’s mind, he knew that the stars had existed long before any of them ever did, and would continue to exist long after everyone was gone. But in Qi’s heart, there were no stars without the builder.

A cascade of memories started pouring out from the dark recesses of Qi’s mind, taunting him with precious memories of their diligence, of their wits, of their laugh, of their touch, of their kindness, of their smile, of their warmth. Many of which were rooted in the very spot he lay.

He still remembered how their hand felt in his last night. He could still feel their last parting hug around his waist.

Deeper and deeper he drowned, as if desperately trying to recreate their presence, soothing and invigorating all at once.

But all it did was remind him of the nothingness he was left with. And the ache in his heart.

…

“Hey…”

And now he was hearing things. He swore the whisper of the wind was the sound of their voice.

“Qi, hey…”

A large blob suddenly appeared above him. Its colors looked familiar. His head shot up.

“Yeah…yeah, it’s me.”

He slowly sat up, breath shaky as he drew closer to the figure. His heart pounded faster as the features of their face came into focus.

Face, bruised and cut in a few places. Eyes, tired but still shining. Lips, curved into a sad, sweet smile.

His builder.

His wondrous, death-defying anomaly.

The tremors in his breath turned to hiccups as tears leaked from his eyes.

At 12:54 and 31 seconds, the builder was in Qi’s arms. He embraced them as tight as he could, as if his arms were the only thing keeping them from falling off that cliff again. Every possible sensation was tearing away at his heart. It was crushed, imploded, collapsed, pulverized into nothing but dust…

The builder said nothing. They simply wrapped their arms around him and buried their face into his shoulder, rubbing circles into his back as he wept.

Qi had so many questions, so many things he wanted to say to them. But all his words were swallowed into ragged sobs. So he let all of the pent-up grief and relief wash over him, desperately clinging to the builder’s warmth as he cried and cried.

He didn’t know how long they stayed like that. But his tears gradually slowed and his breathing evened out again. Slowly, they pulled away.

The builder brought a gentle hand up to his cheek and wiped away the last trail of tears. Qi closed his eyes, feeling himself lean into their touch.

“I’m sorry,” the builder whispered, their expression forlorn. “I-it’s a long story, but… I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“W-why are you sorry…?” Qi breathed. He hit himself internally for asking such an idiotic question. He shook his head. “You’re back now,” he whispered instead. “That’s all that matters.”

The builder let out a hum. It didn’t sound too sure.

“Please…” Qi took a shaky breath. “Please… Promise me that you will be safe in the future.” His tongue was barely able to form the words as all his breath threatened to leave his lungs as another sob.

Something swirled in their eyes. Their lips opened, but no words came for a moment. Despite holding his gaze, he could tell they were itching to look away.

I can’t, their eyes said.

“…I’ll try,” they whispered.

Qi gazed far into the depths of their eyes for a moment longer. Then he carefully pulled them in and pressed their lips together.

Fear. That’s what was hidden in their eyes. Something he never thought someone so strong and courageous could feel.

Their lips were chapped, but still so inviting. Every fiber of him ached to go deeper, to soothe everything that ailed them.

But they were still injured. He had no idea how they managed to drag themself up here without collapsing. He probably already upset something with how tightly he held them. He couldn’t make it worse.

So it was chaste. Brief. Just enough to scratch the surface of what they both were feeling.

He pulled away first, opening his eyes to see the builder even more uneasy. A small flash of panic shot through his stomach. That was exactly what he didn’t want.

But before he could think, he saw the builder’s face twist for the briefest instant before their hands gripped the loose collar of his shirt, and their lips crashed into his again.

They kissed him more fervently than they ever had before, causing Qi to gasp. Their tongue parted his lips, and he let them in, tasting iron and smoke and desperation. The last rational part of his brain wondered briefly if he was the one who almost died instead, before being swallowed by a quiet moan from his throat and a shudder that raced down his spine. He melted into them almost instantly. He wanted to commit every stimulation of every nerve in his body to memory, lest it be ripped away from him forever.

The builder pulled away first this time, gasping for air. Qi took one deep breath after another, trying to pull himself together.

The builder was frozen. They didn’t pull him back in. They didn’t reach for him again. They were silent except for their nervous breathing. They only gaped at Qi with shining eyes.

It looked like they were on the verge of tears.

Qi gently put his hands on their shoulders. “You need to get to the clinic.”

The builder mutely nodded.

With one arm around them, Qi carefully led them down the stairs and down the street. They plodded along slowly, Qi being careful not to trip over something he couldn’t see without his glasses.

They reached the clinic door and rang the emergency buzzer. Fang was quickly at the door, releasing a sudden bright light and the pungent smell of herbs into their faces. Judging by the sharp intake of breath, he was just as shocked to see the builder.

“Rawk! What the heck?!” squawked the bird. “It’s a ghost! OooOOOooOOH!! Spooky scary!”

“X!” Fang snapped. “What…happened…?!”

No one said anything for a moment.

“They…didn’t die,” Qi croaked.

“I…see,” Fang muttered. “Need to treat…any injuries…immediately.”

The builder shuffled forward.

“I…assume I can’t stay?” Qi said.

“No,” said Fang, a determined edge to his quiet voice. “Need to concentrate. Must make sure…nothing goes unchecked.”

“Don’t worry, sweetie,” twittered the bird in a softer voice. “Everything will be okay.”

Qi nodded slowly. “Thank you, Doctor.” He turned to leave.

“Qi, wait.”

Qi froze in his tracks. It was the builder. He turned back towards the light of the clinic, hopefully making eye contact with the blur that was them.

“…I love you.”

They sounded so small. His heart once again pulsed with ache.

“…L-love you too,” he murmured, summoning a scrap of courage despite how his tongue instinctually fought against the words. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He heard a quiet hum before Fang shut the clinic door, leaving him alone in the dark once more, with only the moon and the stars.

At 1:41, Qi started walking back to the Research Center, mind and body humming with an emotion he couldn’t identify.

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

At 7:00, Qi woke up.

At 7:10, he finished washing up.

At 7:15, he had a quick drink of water and was out the door.

At 7:20, he reached the clinic.

Fang was tending to the builder, partially covered by a privacy screen. Qi idled by the door, hands picking at a loose thread on his pants.

“Awk! Ooh, look at the lovebird, honey! Hello! Hi! Hi!” crowed the bird as it flew from out behind the screen and alighted on a perch next to the medicine cabinet.

“Er…hello…bird,” Qi said with an awkward wave, before his head could question why he was trying to socialize with a raven.

Fang looked up at the sound of the bird’s voice. “…One moment,” he nodded to Qi.

“Hey, Qi-Qi…” came a tired mumble from behind the screen.

Fang quietly shushed them. Qi frowned. Qi-Qi…? 

Still probably dazed. Or maybe that was the medication.

He waited until Fang walked back around the screen. “How are they?” he asked in a low voice.

“Stable,” muttered Fang. “Few…fractured ribs. Couple wounds needed…stitches. No infection. Lots of…bruises and…other minor injuries.”

Qi let out a long sigh of relief. “I suppose that’s the best case scenario for almost dying…”

Fang nodded slowly. “A miracle…if anything.”

Qi didn’t believe in miracles. But it did seem like physics had taken mercy on them. “Can I—?”

“Yes.”

Qi swiftly moved over to the screen, cautiously peering behind it. The builder was sitting up in their hospital bed, a sheepish grin brightening their otherwise bruised and bandaged face.

“Aww, Qi-Qi… You came to see me so bright and early?”

They were back to their usual jovial self, it seemed. It was like a different person entirely had kissed him last night on the roof.

“Of course,” he said as he took a seat on the creaky chair beside them, finding himself a little short of breath. “Why…why wouldn’t I?”

“You skipped breakfast again, didn’t you?” Their eyes narrowed, but their grin didn’t falter.

Qi sighed. “I won’t be here forever, will I?” He gently clasped their hand as they extended it on top of the blanket. “This…takes priority over anything else.”

The builder’s face softened. “I’m joking,” they murmured. “But still…it’s sweet. Thank you.”

They fell silent. Qi idly circled his thumb over their palm, feeling all the familiar calluses.

“Sorry about last night, by the way…” the builder murmured.

“Why do you keep apologizing…?” Qi whispered. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

They shook their head. “I got carried away. I just…” Their voice shrank to a whisper. “I…I really thought I was gonna die.”

Qi felt his heart ache. He gave their hand a squeeze, hoping that would be more comforting than anything he could say.

“I…managed to fall into a tree,” they said slowly. “Hurt like hell. Passed out for a couple minutes.”

Where did the fractured ribs come from?

Qi swatted the thought away from his mind. Be sensitive. 

“I saw the goat stepping up a climbable…ish path on the cliffside,” they continued. “Probably going back to look for more rutabaga.” They let out a mirthless chuckle.

“So you followed it?”

They nodded. “Reallll carefully. Took me hours, but I did it.”

Since when did they know how to rock climb? Without the proper equipment, no less…

Qi’s brow furrowed. “And…after all that, you didn’t rest? Why on earth did you come find me instead?”

The builder laced their fingers together, a clouded, faraway look in their eyes. “I…I had… I had to find you. I just…had to.”

If they climbed with no equipment…shouldn’t their hands be blistered?

Qi stared at their intertwined hands. “You should’ve at least waited until you got treated.”

“And leave you like that?”

“…I could have waited at least a little longer,” Qi whispered.

“…I couldn’t.”

They both fell silent. The only sounds in the room were the whir of Fang’s odd equipment, and the bird occasionally stretching his wings out. Qi felt every minute twitch of the builder’s hand against his own.

“Does everyone else…know?” Qi piped up suddenly.

The builder raised an eyebrow. “I was about to ask you that. My guess is no, since, y’know, we all just got up.”

“I’m sure Dr. Fang will…hm. No, on second thought, maybe I should make the report. If I don’t, every person in town will be barging into the Research Center today to tell me something I already know.” And he hated when people tried to tell him things he already knew.

The builder chuckled. “Oh no, what a disaster. Other people showing concern for you? Can’t have that, can we?”

“I have work to do,” Qi rolled his eyes. “It’s a distraction.”

“Well…” The builder gave his hand a squeeze with a wink. “So’s this, isn’t it?”

“Th-this is different.”

“Sure, sure.”

They stayed like that for another moment longer. Qi was out of things to say.

Their hands slowly parted as he stood up from his chair. “I should go. I have to talk to the mayor. I’m sure the rest of the town will be eager to see you once the word gets out.”

“For sure. Got a lot of explaining to do, it seems.”

Qi thought for a moment, before he bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of their head.

…Why do they smell like gunpowder…?

“I’ll see you later,” Qi whispered. “Get plenty of rest.”

“Thank you,” the builder murmured. “And you…don’t overwork yourself.”

Qi gave them a small nod, before quietly turning around and heading out.

When the door to the clinic closed behind him, he turned his head up to the sky and let out a long, tired sigh.

He certainly felt lighter than yesterday…but something still creeped at the back of his mind, poisoning the joy and relief he should be feeling in full force.

Doubt.

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

A/N: Fun(?) fact: If you've read my angst fic Empty Skies, Hazy Skyboxes (heed the tags), you might've seen a couple of background references to things in this fic, particularly in Act 1 (e.g. Qi hypothetically developing treaded wheels for the mobile suit, the builder telling old myths about the stars). Since ES,HS suddenly sprung into my head as I was starting this fic, a couple ideas for B,R,R carried over into ES,HS to establish the background of Qi and the builder's relationship.

Does that make ES,HS a "bad end AU" to this fic...? You decide. :)

(Btw, ICYMI, ES,HS now has an extension...)

prev | next | index

[sharksa-shivers]

Wholesome Sharksty Self care shiz (cuz i am sick and i wanna share it lol)

I have waited........Like...Over a decade to share Sharksty shit with the world. (does some math rq) ...11 or 12 years, i cannot fucking remember (it'd be 12 years i think cuz...I started documenting my shit then personally lol) YOU WILL GET ALL OF THE SHARKSTY NOW BECAUSE I HAVE WAITED SO LONG. YOU WILL GET IT NOW!!!!!! --------------

(We see Sharky laying on his bunk, trying to stay awake despite the darkness in the room, it obviously being night)

Sharky:(obviously tired but fighting it)I wanna sleep but…I don't feel like i deserve to Kris…It doesn't feel right for me to do…

Kristy:(having been the one who used magic and brought him up there, using magic again, she lifts up his legs and pulls his blanket out from under him, using her red colored levitation to cover him with it, sweetly as she holds his face)Are you comfy though?

Sharky:(anxious and tired)…Yeah…

Kristy:(continues)Are you warm? Your pillow soft?

Sharky:(getting kinda more tired)Yeah and yeah…

Kristy:(smiles)Then that's all that matters, i want you to focus on that…Focus on the rain outside hitting the roof, focus on getting warm, focus on dreaming, i want you to focus on getting some good sleep…That's all that matters okay?

Sharky:(tired)You sure?

Kristy:(leaning forward and kissing his nose, holding his head in both her hands, kind)Positive. You deserve some good rest… ---------------------- (Kristy's bought Sharky something to eat, maybe some tacos or something)

Sharky:(anxious but he obviously wants the food)….I…I dunno, i don't feel like i deserve this…

Kristy:(sitting with him, she grabs one of the tacos and unwraps it before showing it to him unwrapped, smirks)Smells good though doesn't it?

Sharky:(awkward)…Yeah…It does…

Kristy:(smiles)I bet it's really cheesey and tasty too! Maybe test it for me and see? (Hands him the taco)

Sharky:(he stares at it in his hand a moment before he hesitantly decides to take a bite, crunching it with his teeth. Speaks as he's chewing)….I don't deserve this…

Kristy:(kindly)Well does it taste good though?

Sharky:(he nods after a moment)…Yeah, it's delicious actually…

Kristy:(smirks)Then just focus on that…That's all i want you to focus on dude…

(Little bit after, we see Sharky's managed to eat like 6 tacos, we see 6 wrappers)

Kristy:(cheery)I'm so proud of you Sharky, i'm so glad you took care of yourself.

Sharky:(he's obviously still kind of in that mindset some but it's cracked some, a bit more cheery himself, sheepishly smiles)Yeah, i guess…Eh…

Kristy:(smiling)Do you feel any better?

Sharky:(he nods a bit)Yeah, i…Still kind of feel hungry but…Yeah…I don't wanna cost you any more cash, you've spent enough on me…

Kristy:(getting up, moving behind him and hugging his neck)I'm just glad you got some food in your system. It's important to take care of yourself and i'm proud you did that. You should be proud too. ❤

Sharky:(thinking, smiles lightly)Yeah, i guess maybe i should… -------------------------- ...Reverse where Sharky's making sure Kristy's taking care of her own needs? Reverse lol. (we see Kristy working at the desk, trying to do research and get info on what the monster they've been searching for could be…We see Sharky come upstairs, opening the door and closing it behind him before he looks a bit startled that Kristy's still up…We see him approach her…)

Sharky:(a bit worried)You're still up?

Kristy:(looking over)Look, i KNOW i can figure this out! (shows him her notebook)Look! Look at what all i've found out tonight! I can't stop now!!! We're close, i can feel it!!!

Sharky:(he looks at the notes before becoming disinterested in them and looking back at Kristy, obviously not liking what she's doing)……..Well close or not, you kinda do need to get sleep Kristy, you're not gonna be able to do as much work if you're sputtering on no sleep…

Kristy:(gives him a glare)I can't sleep now!!!! I'm close to cracking this, I CAN FEEL IT!!!!!!

Sharky:(he stares at all the work Kristy's done…And then at her, seeing how noticeably tired she is…And we see him make a decision then and there…Before Kristy can say anything, Sharky leans over, grabs under her arms and scoops her up, pulling her out of the chair, moving one of his arms under her legs to carry her more evenly)

Kristy:(pissed at Sharky doing this)Dude seriously???? Put me down!!!!!

Sharky:(moving over to her bunk carefully, annoyed)Oh, i'm gonna put you down alright…(Sharky plops Kristy in her bunk, lifting up her blankets and then covering her up with em, then smiling a bit)There, now please get some sleep okay?

Kristy:(instantly kicking the blankets off, she gets up, trying to go back to her chair only for Sharky to grab her arms and hold her in place)Dude, seriously!!!! I have to work!!!!

Sharky:(Understanding)I know you do but you can work tomorrow and you WILL work better after getting some rest…Like just look at snappy you are, don't you feel kinda tired? Even a bit? Kristy:(annoyed, crossing her arms)…..Maybe i guess…

Sharky:(trying to get her to understand more of where he's coming from)You know how you and Max get pissed at me whenever i don't eat and don't really…Communicate when i do need food?

Kristy:(nods)Yeah?

Sharky:(explaining)That's the same thing that you're doing right now. Neglecting your body and your needs…You gotta get some rest Kris, you look exhausted and really stressed out…If i was able to take care of myself tonight and made sure i ate some dinner, i feel like it's only right that i make sure you take care of yourself and get some rest…

Kristy:(honest)I…Can't really sleep when i'm this anxious and it's one of the reasons i got that far into researching…I��Don't want to waste time with this, peoples lives are on the line if we can't stop whatever's destroying all that stuff…

Sharky:(thinks a moment before speaking)So…Did you try to sleep yet then?

Kristy:(shaking her head)…No…I already kind of know i'm not gonna be able to if i don't finish this stuff…

Sharky:(sighs)Look, even if you did figure out what's been attacking, you're not gonna be able to do anything with that info at 2 in the morning…Max is asleep and everythings closed so…I dunno, it might do you some good to just wait and rest yourself a bit…

Kristy:(anxious)I don't know how to wind down is the problem…

Sharky:(thinks again)Anything that could maybe help you calm down?

Kristy:(anxious)I dunno…I just know i'm stressed and scared…

Sharky:(smiles a bit)Would it help maybe if i stayed over here and talked with you til you fell asleep? So you don't feel so scared?

Kristy:(thinks a moment before nodding)Yeah, maybe i guess…

Sharky:(kindly, trying to cover her up again, her taking the blanket and laying down)I can do that if it helps Kris… ------------------------------ Inject this into my veins 24/7, it's so adorbs and i love them so fucking much, arghhhhhhhh... ;~; Sharky helps with Kristy's anxieties and fears and whatnot a tonnnnn and Kristy helps with Sharky's self hate and self neglectful habits... And then for the triple whammy, they both get on Max's ass whenever he's doing similar shit (Though Max admittedly is better-ish with his self care then both of these derps though Max is a person just the same and...Well, he needs help too sometimes, especially whenever he's depressed as hell...) These 3 just...They care about each other so much and just...I love it lol, i love that wholesome sweet sugary shit, that's what i want, i just want alllllllllll of that XD

[shindayyume]

Mixed feelings ⋆⁺₊❅.

Beaumont pov to @simmetrycal’s Snowboarding world!

18+ themes minors dni

『••✎••』

“Beaumont! Beaumont! —“

I can feel a cold chill of air blow between my fur, perfectly synchronizing with the hot breaths escaping my mouth and turning into mist.

My heart rate is ringing against my ears, overwhelming my head so much that I cannot even process where I am, or how I got here.

With my vision blurry, all I can make out is blue sky.

I am quick to realize one thing.

I’m in pain.

However, I am graced by the snow underneath me. The cold ice numbing below my leg where a strange tingle of annoyance pestered me.

I didn’t have the strength in me to sit up and inspect the damage. All I could do was lay still, listening to my own breaths heave out from my chest.

Through the whistling of wind, I can hear my name being called from a distance.

“Beaumont?!”

It’s getting louder.

“Beaumont!”

Obstructing my already blurry vision, comes in the worried face of a large cat.

I remember the look of terror in his eyes as clear as day.

“Sebastian!”

My breath hitches and my eyes dart open as I am suddenly awoken from my sleep. I quickly realize that I’m not laid in snow, but in warm bed sheets and blankets. Under the dimly lit roof of my home.

Ah. I tell myself

It was just a dream.

And still, I can feel that strange tingle in my leg. Only this time I am able to sit myself upright, and pull over the sheet covering me. In this moment of silence, I stared at the amputation that ruined my life.

And then, my bedside alarm sets off.

Another annoying beep to start my day.

I reach over to silence it, then menuvour my body closer to the edge of the bed. Where I had previously laid out my prosthetic leg.

I hesitate every time. Every single time.

15 years later, and I still hesitate to buckle the straps to my prosthetic.

With a sigh, I do so anyway, getting it on as comfortably as I possibly could so I can begin my day.

And finally, I can stand and stretch out my back. A yawn follows, which bares the large set of canines that inhabit my mouth. I can feel as they brush against my tongue, causing a discomfort in my head.

I’ve always disliked them. Having a felines mouth while the rest of me could easily pass as any ordinary buck.

But unfortunately,

I am cursed with mixed genes.

Now I can begin my usual morning routine. It starts with a steaming hot shower, followed by an extensive fur and teeth brushing. Unfortunately, as much as I hate the scattered spots among my pelt, and daggers in my mouth, I put quite the effort into making myself appear well presentable.

I don’t worry about clothing just yet, only putting on a comfortable pair of boxers in the meantime while I prepare for the worst part of my daily life.

Food.

Being born of herbivore and carnivore genetics does not magically make me an omnivore as one might assume.

It makes me picky.

Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, plants and breads. It’s all a large buffet of slop. I suppose some things are easier to eat than others, allowing me just some basic joy. But all my life, I had always struggled finding favorite foods and making decisions on my meals. For the most part, I tend to stick with meat. It may not bring flavor, but it surely does bring a strange comfort to my fangs.

As I am preparing my eggs, toast, and sausage, my ear points behind me in the direction of a buzz.

I ignore it.

Then it buzzes again.

I can’t ignore it. With a sigh, I automatically assume it’s work related, so I take the quick trip to turn around and read off the text from my phone that had been laying on the counter.

An odd anxiety fuels me as I read the name tag,

“Cherry”

[Hey! I’ll be at the cafe in 5!]

[Do you have a table already??]

“Shit.”

Shitshitshit. I had a date.

The popping from the stove quickly took my attention away from the screen, and I quickly run over before my eggs could become a scrambled mess.

Immediately I am frustrated with myself, that I had been so distracted by work that I had forgotten I had set up a breakfast date with a doe.

Cherry is a Red tailed Doe. She’s quite beautiful, only a few years younger than me and a nurse at a local nursery. We had actually met only a week prior at the hotel's ski resort.

Her extended family were having issues checking into the hotel, and I had taken it upon myself to correct their reservation and provide them with a few courtesy calls for the inconvenience.

Cherry however, took this as a weird sign of me flirting with her.

Although I was only doing my job, she seemed to gravitate towards my hospitality and became really… present around the hotel she wasn’t even staying in.

I don’t mind however. After all, I am getting far too old to continue mingling with strangers. I decided 10 years ago that it would be time to settle down.

10. Years ago.

And I still haven't found a single soul to love. And no, I am not incapable of it. It's only that.. Everyone I come across has irked me the wrong way.

First, I tried other carnivores. In hope that I would present less intimidating to my partner, my thought process was that other carnivores would see me as equal due to my hybrid genetics.

I was wrong.

I had met a lioness years back when I first began dating. Her name was Sahara, and she was the queen of her very own pride.

Of one.

Her ego was just as huge as her stacure. Although she was still smaller than me, she made it a habit to make sure she felt bigger than the entire world. It drove me insane, hearing how strong, independent, and brave she was all the time. Her, her, her, her, her.

Then there was a Panther, by the name of Jessie.. He was a beautiful tint of black metallic.

But he had these enormous white fangs that I could not get passed. Each time Jessie would speak, my eyes were glued to them out of fear. It was the first time I had been intimidated by another carnivore's fangs, as if Jessie was waiting for the perfect opportunity to leap forward and attack me like wounded prey.

Okay… so scratching carnivores off the list, I attempted a more tame approach with herbivores.

I, mistakenly, tried to date a rabbit.

A highly energetic rabbit.

After my retirement, and at my old age, there was no way I could realistically keep up with the hare. Her name was Marie, and it was impossible to keep her still. Not only that, but Marie had a desire to explore the world, every. single. inch of it. Constantly going out on dates everyday was not up to my standard, so I backed out.

The worst of them all, was a Stallion, his name was Hans. Who at first, seemed promising enough. It had actually been going really well. Hans was a chef for a fairly well respected and rated restaurant. He seemed well competent, mannered, and quiet enough for me to settle down with.

After four months of casual dates and talking, Hans had invited me to dinner within his cando in town, so I agreed.

Only to be faced with the worst mess I have ever seen in my life. Clothing scattered about, papers and recipes overflowing trash cans, undusted shelves, and gods, don't even get me started on his kitchen.

Hans lived so disorganized and cluttered, that I immediately left minutes after I had entered.

And now, I am here, speed walking my way into the entree doors of the cafe Cherry had addressed me to. It was a small place, not very packed but still lively and welcoming. As much as I would love to enjoy it, the pain from my prosthetic was already beginning to ruin this date for me.

I had rushed to get dressed and leave the house, forgetting my cane at home. Although I can walk without it, it does relieve a great amount of pressure from my leg.

As I open the doors, a small bell rings from above, and I scan the cafe for a familiar face.

I spot her in a far corner, seated by herself at a booth as he gazes out the window's view.

The mix of guilt caused my ears to flatten, and I quickly straightened myself up before approaching her.

“Hello– i apologize for running late,”

Cherry immediately looks up from the sound of my voice, her face lighting up within seconds as she greets me with a smile.

“Oh it's okay!!! I started to think you weren't going to show!”

“Ha,” slowly, I seat myself across from her. “I got caught up with work.” I lie, hoping that she doesn't believe I actually had just forgotten. “How have you been?”

I should have not asked that.

“Oh ive been great! Well, now I am! The past few days have been hectic. The other day, while me and my mother were coming back from the salon, our car got stuck in snow! I guess I was going too fast downhill??? My mother was screaming at me to slow down but I just laughed and told her it would be fine. She said, ‘Cherry, get your hoof off the gas, you're going to get us killed!’ and i told her, oh please! You're just being dramatic!! And what do ya know- seconds after, we are sliding down ice! Oh it was so scary, terrifying even! Boy were we screeeeammming as I lost control of the wheel!! And my mom was yelling, ‘Che—”

My eyebrows slowly raise as Cherry continues on with her story. Her words almost become a jumbled mess of vomit. Through her story telling, I hear footsteps approaching the table. It is the waitress, kindly interrupting. Thank. God.

“Hey! Can I get you two started with anything today? Coffee?”

I do not turn away from Cherry as I am left like a deer in headlights. Stunned, and silent as I process the long speech I just received.

Cherry smiles, opening her mouth to speak out an order, though i intercept,

“No thank you. I was just leaving.”

“What??? You're leaving??” Cherry calls out, looking confused as I begin to stand from my seat. The waitress was just as lost.

“I have to- go.” I confirm.

Cherry seems panicked, and now the waitress is cornered in an awkward situation. It was almost funny. “Wh- oh okay- Is it work? How about we reschedule for another day? Or lunch- dinner– oh! Maybe I can even walk with you to work??”

“I think not. Gooday, Cherry.” Quickly, I walk through the pain in my leg and exit the cafe.

Already, I am developing a headache, and my morning has only just started. And now, I am faced with work. The ski shop, I am not worried about, but the hotel is where I receive the most issues. There are constant complaints and mishaps only I can properly deal with, so every morning as I step foot within the resort, I am immediately bombarded by the front desk.

I pray I go unnoticed this time, trying to sneak past and blend in with our guest as I attempt to head straight to my office. However, a small lamb picked me out from the crowd.

“Oh! Mr. beaumont! Mr. beaumont a moment-”

Crap. I can see her in the corner of my eye making her way around the desk, approaching me. Even still, I am b-lining it to my office door. “Good Morning Susan.”

“Mr. Beaumont- oh, goodmorning, um Mr.Beaumont there is a guest requesting to-”

“Is this urgent, susan? I have a payroll to compete and incentives.” I keep my head forward, lightly bowing as we pass guests down the halls. Susan tailing right behind me, fueled by anxiety.

“I-i know sir, and i apologize but i think you really need to take this into consideration, sir- this guest is-”

“Just refund them for the night. I'll be in my office.” After speeding to my office door, I grabbed a hold of the handle.

“Sir, that's the issue-”

The door swings open, and I am only able to take one step before I am frozen in place.

A small gasp escapes my mouth as I lock eyes on a tall, snowy white saber toothed cat standing dead center of my office. His stripes blending perfectly with the lighting in the room.

“T-the guest.. Is um.. In your office, sir..”

The cat's head turned, he had been admiring one of the trophies shelved along the wall. A smile curled around the large fangs held in his mouth, stopping my heart.

“Sebastian!”

And once again, I am a deer frozen in headlights. “Susan…. A moment, please.”

“Yes sir,” she mutters, before quietly leaving.

I am unable to move. Stuck in place with my hand still on the door handle, and the pain in my leg suddenly reduced to nothing. I cannot even tell if I'm breathing.

He points to the trophy he was previously looking at. “I remember this one. That night, your mother made us sushi rolls to celebrate and you nearly puked out an organ!” he laughed, staying within his place in the room, as if not to frighten me more.

Finally, I managed to speak a few words.

“Sylus… What a.. Surprise.”

He smiles, tilting his head like a confused puppy. “I hope I didn't come at a bad time. I know it's.. Been awhile,” he stretched his arm behind his head, almost nervous. “How've you been? You seem to be holding yourself up well. I mean, come on, you own this fancy place??”

I had opened my mouth to respond, but he beat me to it.

“I’ve heard all kinds of things about this resort! Owned by the infamous Beaumont, who once ruled over snowy hills and mountains.” Sylus followed his words with a small laugh, keeping his attention on the many golden medals I had hung on display.

“I used to know the guy, actually. For a hybrid, he was always more buck than feline. Stubborn and always went head first into a challenge. But when he was racing, he could hunt you down that hill better than any predator could.”

Gods, he never stops talking. It’s not like I had anything to say, however. I was still stuck in time, slowly gaining the courage to shut the door behind me.

Something told me to lock it as well.

Sylus finally turned back around, his chipped ear making a light flick in my direction. I recognized the behavior instantly. It was an old tick he used to do whenever he was nervous. And yet, he smiled at me with such confidence I had never seen before.

“What ever happened to the guy?”

I paused for a brief second, “It never leaves you. I’ve simply put my passion into other things, like..-“ My heart was caught in my throat again as I watched the large cat begin to walk forward. In my direction. “-the resort…-“ I don’t know if it was instinct or fear, but my body's reaction was to back up.

Into nothing but the shut door behind me.

“-and.. the ski- shop—“

With my back pressed against the door, he is now only inches away from my own face. Staring at me with the most starved expression I had witnessed from a carnivore.

Like I was injured prey. And he was leaping.

Sylus was much larger, bulkier, and definitely had the fangs to prove his strength. And yet, he greeted me with a gentle hug.

My eyes widened, stunned and confused as he pulled me into a hold. I had not seen this man in 10 years. And here he was, clinging onto me like a desperate child.

Hesitantly, I raised my hands to return the hug, lightly patting his back. At the same time, I noticed his ears flattening back as we confided in each other in a brief moment of silence.

That hug felt like it had lasted eternity. Until he swiftly pulled back, both of his paws held tightly against my shoulders as he grinned. “Wanna grab some hot chocolate??”

…

What a childish suggestion I think. As I hold a warm mug in the palms of my hands, raising the cup to my mouth for a brief drink while I listen to Sylus’s words. For the past fifteen or so minutes, he had been going on non stop about his life. After our initial split- my accident, and I had lost my leg, I had also lost my best friend.

I've always regretted the way I acted towards him. Sylus was always there for me, at least he tried to be. I became a shut in, and hot tempered. With the rage of losing my ability to snowboard, I would often take out my anger on the nearest person. And who was always by my side? Him. Though, I became too much even for a saber tooth to take down. Now, as I stare at him, all I can feel is guilt.

How annoying. How aggravating. I hate it. I hate how I am sitting here, with a smile on my face as I watch Sylus exaggerate words with dramatic hand gestures.

“You should have been there, Sebastian! I swear, I was practically flying during that tournament. The hills were massive! But ya know, i can handle anything so it was a breeze. I could snowboard on a mountain covered in rocks and sand like nothing.”

“Then it wouldn’t be snowboarding.” His gloating wasn't anything new to me. He had always been like this, and somehow, I have always tolerated it. Sylus grew up to become a world star snowboarder after my retirement. It seems my disappearance treated him well. Occasionally, I would follow up on news letters and live footage when I hear the mention of his name. The great cat that always lands on his feet. For over 10 years we have not spoken, and yet, I was always aware of how good life had been treating him. Though, there was one thing the media never covered. Like he was keeping a dirty secret from the cameras.

“Did you ever marry?”

His smile went from egotistical to hesitant, and he responded with a small head tilt. “Haha.. nah, i just- never had time for relationships, i guess. How about yourself? Surly you've got someone on your tail. That girl from freshman year? What was her name uh… Racheal?”

Ah. Of course he would mention her. He always held some sort of weird grudge over Racheal. Racheal is a mountain lion, who at the time, was my girlfriend. Up until my accident – She was another person i had driven away with my attitude. For the longest time, fans, media, even our family had become convinced we would marry, and live a prosperous life with children.

“No, we don't talk anymore.”

Sylus’s nail lightly tapped the table, as if a buzzer went off in his head. It was difficult to tell what that gesture meant- but he quickly covered it with a smile. “Aw, that sucks. Ya know, I’ve had loooads of offers. Ever since I started winning, it’s like girls would spawn at the finish line, and soon enough they would be spawning at my side! None of them have ever been perfect, though.” He laughed, though I could see right through his narcissism.

“Man- i've been talking this whole time, how about you?? How's Thee Beaumont been?”

“I’ve been fine.” That’s all I could say. I’ve never been one to talk in detail about myself, especially not now when my life has become so repetitive. Though, Sylus could see right through me just as easily as I can see through him.

“You were walking kind of tense on our way here. When was the last time you got your leg checked up? Seems like you might need a resize.”

My ears perked forward- I was surprised he had even noticed that. Since I’ve been doing the entire morning without my cane, the pressure has only been piling on.

“A week ago.”

“Liar.”

Hm. He’s right. I am lying. It had actually been a few years since I’ve visited the doctors. He was calling my bluff, and naturally, I needed to defend myself and excuse it. “I make sure to take care of myself, Sylus.”

My breath was caught stuck in my throat as I felt a graze against the inside of my leg. It was Sylus’ leg, leaning against my non-metallic one. As if it was on purpose. With sylus being much larger, he was easily able to push them apart. And suddenly, the heat from my mug Became unbearable in my face.

Sylus only smiled, tilting his head as if he was simply being playful. “Do you?”

What on earth is he doing.

His leg pulled away, as if it was some accidental touch. And I actually began to question if maybe it was.

Though, it had taken me so off guard that I became silent. Luckily, the cat never shuts up.

“You haven’t changed, huh? Ya know.. as I was waiting for you to come into work, I watched these two kids in suspiciously ski shop shaped polo shirts.. and I watched them run off with some gear after one of them prepped up the closed for break sign on the door.”

I immediately groan, knowing who Sylus was referring to.

Otis and Kenai. They are the two young adults who work at the ski shop within the resort. Otis is a large polar bear, with the most tamed heart. He is the golden employee, who I always could rely on in case a work emergency shows up. Kenai, on the other hand. Is a husky.

Which is ironic for a working dog breed.

However as a pair, they can be quite the party to be around. At times annoying, and others entertaining. But after so long, I can only ever trust those two with the shop.

“I could only find children who were willing to work there..”

He laughed, “they remind you of anyone? Remember when we used to ditch class just to go out and sled? Or when we’d sneak out of your moms place at night to race? I used to hate how your room was on the second story. I fell out of so many windows for your ass!”

The memories began to flood into my head. And a smile followed my face. The flashbacks of watching Sylus fall flat on his back from my window even caused me to laugh.

“Well if you hadn’t agreed to sneak out everytime I asked, you would have saved yourself many falls.”

“I would never turn down an offer so good! Sledding with you was like- falling in love!”

I swear I had heard string snap in half. I don’t think either of us picked up on it, but the tension his words brought was enough for us to pick it up again. By the look on his face, Sylus definitely had not expected those words to play out the way they did either.

He laughed, “anyways.. I was curious and decided to see what they had. The polar bear kid was impressive for such size! I actually even noticed a few of my own techniques in his play. But that husky- he’s got the same flame in him you did. You train him?”

Kenai? I felt almost offended he said that. As much of a great kid Kenai is, his ego is far too big. Though Sylus is right. He’s young, strong, and has a natural gift for the sport. But he’s too young and blinded by the rest of the world to ever impress me.

“No, I don’t. But I am aware of his talent.”

“Do you know if the kids ever done competitive?”

“Not that I know of, no?”

“Does he want do to competitive?”

I watch as Sylus digs into his inner coat pocket, then slides over two white envelopes. I take one look at the wax stamp marked on the both of them, and immediately recognize the crest.

They were personal sign up request for the upcoming yukon tournament. The biggest global snowboarding tournament.

My best games in history.

And also my most devastating.

“So you are here for recruits..”

“Well- no. I’m actually a coach for this prissy kid. But I just thought maybe.. there was a chance you got that dream of raising the next best.”

He remembers that?

I stare at the envelopes, then lightly reach my hand out over them. “Two each?”

Sylus nods, overly delighted as I slide the letters into my coat pocket.

“Yup! Your ticket is always free though, ya know. I’d love to see you there.”

“Likewise..”

the table fell silent again. That tournament held a lot of history for the both of us. Memories not just over losing my leg. But it’s where we had met as well.

“…hey you- still got that piano?”

…

Beaumont wasn’t entirely sure what compelled him to agree to invite Sylus over, but he knew he wouldn’t regret it.

Due to Beaumont having to finish with work, he had invited Sylus to his home for dinner that very night.

It was a perfect time. The food tasted flavorful, and the cold air from outside was unable to seep through the cracks. The two had opened a bottle of red wine.

And by the way it had tipped over without leaving a single stain, it was safe to say they emptied it.

“Let’s see here..” Sylus muttered as she shuffled through the many vinyls Beaumont had collected over the years. Finally he pulled one out- reading the cover. “No way, of course you have the cover version.”

Carefully, he began to place it on the record player.

Beaumont playfully rolled his eyes, too intoxicated to actually be annoyed. He just thought the pick was stupid for their setting as he heard the intro play.

It was Do I Wanna Know, Hoziers cover.

“I thought you were going to play something more uplifting and- exciting.”

“This is exciting. Come over here and flip this piano open” Sylus was already beating Beaumont to it, opening the piano and stepping aside for the other to sit. He didn’t even ask if Beaumont knew how to play the song, because it was obvious by the way Beaumont proudly stood up.

Without any hesitation, he seated himself in front of the keys, picking up on the current notes the vynl was playing.

And with ease, he began to follow it in perfect synchronization.

As if it were muscle memory, even drunk, his hands could not forget their placements. No matter the alcohol, it was obvious this song was a great deal to Beaumont as his focus settled onto the piano.

Have you no idea that you're in deep?

I dreamt about you nearly every night this week

How many secrets can you keep?

'Cause there's this tune I found

That makes me think of you somehow

And I play it on repeat

Until I fall asleep

Sylus per usual, was impressed each and every time he heard Beaumont play. As if he was the perfect being, capable of endless talent. He swiftly finished the last little bit of wine in his glass, before setting it aside. And then, he took a seat right beside Beaumont on the piano's bench.

Do I wanna know

If this feeling flows both ways?

Sad to see you go

Sort of hoping that you'd stay

Darling we both know

That the nights were mainly made

For saying things that you can't say tomorrow day

They were so close against one another now, that their legs brushed straight through each other. And to beaumonts surprise, with a light glance over, he watched as Sylus raised his left hand to the keys. Replacing his own- and following the next set of notes with him as his other half.

Crawling back to you

And with that, Beaumont was forced to lower his left hand into his lap as Sylus took over. Since their entire friendship, Beaumont has never known Sylus to ever touch a piano before. And yet here he was, perfectly matching his tempo to the music. And together, they followed the next set of lines.

Ever thought of calling when you've had a few?

'Cause I always do

Maybe I'm too

Busy being yours to fall for somebody new

Now I've thought it through

“Sebastian..” Sylus muttered under his breath, pulling his hand away from the instruments keys and allowing the record player to continue the song without them.

It always brought Heat to Beaumonts face whenever Sylus would use his first name. For so long, he was used to everyone calling him Beaumont that he had forgotten what it sounded like.

Beaumont came to a pause, curiously shifting all his attention onto Sylus’ next words. “Something wrong?”

Sylus’s ear flicked twice, then he lightly began to laugh. “Ya know, I forgot what I was gonna say! You still got it.”

A wave of disappointment filled Beaumonts chest, almost as if he had expected something different. He turned his head back down to the piano keys, “for such a large cat.. you are a coward.”

Taken aback, Sylus felt he had been attacked. And read right through. “What do you—“ Beaumont stood from his seat, “would you like another bottle? Perhaps that will raise your confidence.” As Beaumont turned away, his tail swayed underneath Sylus’s chin with a soft flick.

Sylus stood there dumbfounded as he realized what Beaumonts attitude was called for. He was coming into him.

20 years of pent up desire and withholding made Sylus almost want to get up and sink his fangs into Beaumonts neck. And finally, Beaumont was acknowledging it.

Or was it the alcohol talking?

As he watched Beaumont reach up to grab a concealed bottle from a high shelf, he caught a glimpse of a familiar spotted pattern due to his shirt rising up. As Beaumont began to read the name off the bottle, he left a warm hand tuck itself underneath his clothing. Sylus’ large claws tracing themselves up to his rib cage.

“How many more have you gained? You used to hate when a new spot would show up.”

Beaumont nearly dropped the bottle in his hand, “A lot—“

“Show me,” he begged out a whisper, curiously pulling down the waistline of Beaumonts plants to reveal the leopard pattern that flowed down his hips. To make matters worse, Sylus used his tongue to lick up the back of Beaumonts neck. His large teeth pressed right against his skin as if he was waiting for the perfect opportunity to bite.

“Is this really what you want, Sylus?”

He huffed, pressing his body weight against Beaumonts back.

“What I want? Sebastian.. what I want is to fuck you just as hard as I wanted to fifteen years ago.”

….

An annoying ring sung out on the front desk phone, and a small lamb picked it up. “Goodmorning, Susan speaking!

What-

Oh.. okay..”

Her chirpy attitude dropped as she slowly placed the phone down, in disbelief. Her Poodle co worker curiously looked over. “What was that?”

“Mr. Beaumont called out today..”

[trains-go-chuchuu]

Chapter Two: The Lass By The Inn

On reaching the top of the stairs, Mikaela was led into a narrow corridor. To her left is a wooden

window with a few missing planks that lets the natural light of the morning sun enter. Across the

window is an old wooden door. She went in front and lightly pushed the door, earning a small

but long squeak. Inside is nothing but a makeshift table with a fairly large mirror that is attached

to the wall on the right side of the room with what seems to be a big trunk that is somewhat

showing pieces of clothing that have not been shoved properly inside. On the female is another

small window that reaches both the floor and the wooden roof. On the left is a large pile of

yellowish-brown hay topped with a dirty thick blanket.

Light footsteps echoed through the small room signaling its emptiness. Mikaela then proceeded

to the small vanity and kneeled down over her untidy trunk of clothes, being a reminder of her

hastiness early this morning.

She opened the trunk and took out a beige colored dress and a white long apron, starting to

change before catching a cold, knowing how much scolding she would have to endure if she

didn't.

After tidying herself up, she stared at herself in the mirror to see if there is anything out of place

"Hmm, that should do it, I guess," she thought as she looked at her body from head to toe.

"Mikaela, hurry down now. I have prepared steamed fish for you. " her dear aunt Mabel shouted,

Mikaela ran out of the room and hurriedly closed the door and slid down the railings of the

stairs, although the trip was not as long as she would have loved it to be.

"Be careful now, lass! Oh, my dear lord, you are such a handful. " she flinched at the voice of her

aunt who caught her doing an inappropriate act but just smiled at her and uttered a meek apology.

However, cheap thrills in life are sometimes unavoidable. Mabel is just looking out for her and

she knows that deep in her mind and in her heart is where she holds her close, for she is the only

one she has, someone who will have her back and be the foundation Mikaela can lean on.

After shaking her head out of a trance, Mikaela began to sit down again to join Mabel for

breakfast. "You know, you don't have to steal, do you?" Mabel started

“I know I used to do this and I didn't teach you all the tricks I know just so you could steal fish in

the market.” She continued as the two ate the steamed fish.

“How else am I going to use this knowledge if I'm not stealing anything? Besides, the money I

earn being a waitress at the inn is not really enough for the both of us.” the young female

retorted. The woman in front of her just looked back at her dead in the eye as if in thought.

“Don't worry, I won't be caught by these guards. They're stupid. All they think about is how they

can woo the girls with their status.” she added and shoved a spoonful of food in her mouth.

Mabel just sighed and caressed Mikaela's hair. She then leaned in and closed her eyes. An

interaction on a daily basis, something both of them will always remember.

“Just take care, okay, I know I've said that countless times. I just want you to always come back

home to me. " She said with a calm smile. Her eyes, though they show signs of aging, still shine

bright. Her beautiful round face is decorated with light brown spots that the young lady will

never ever forget. She is the mom that Mikaela has gotten to know and will always love.

"No matter what happens, I will never leave you. I'll always come back here safe and unscathed.

I promise," she assured her worried aunt. She then cupped her warm and delicate hands in

Mikaela's and kept them close to her for a few seconds before letting go.

They continued to eat until all the food on the table was gone. The young woman stood up and

kissed her aunt goodbye before hurrying to the inn next to their humble abode to begin her shift

as a waitress while Mabel did her housework.

~~~~~

Before entering the inn, the young girl straightened and dusted her dress. As soon as she opened

the door, the bell rang, signaling her arrival. She was greeted by an older man and a woman who

were managing the front desk of the inn.

"It's a lovely day, isn't it, lass?" the old man greeted them while lightly stroking his long white

beard. He was wearing a dark brown shirt and loose trousers with a scarf wrapped around his

head. His big blue eyes shifted to her for a while, then he looked back to his paper.

"Tis a lovely day indeed, old man Gray," she greeted back, while she heard the woman, Mrs.

Gray, laugh at what she called the old man.

"Well, I believe you have tables to wait for, my dear. Better hurry, a ship has just docked by the

port and many travelers have booked rooms here, and we don’t want them with gurgling

stomachs before leaving." the woman, who appeared to be a few years younger than old man

Gray, told the young lass. She smiled and went inside the mess hall of the inn to begin her shift

as a waitress at the Sea bloom Inn.

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

Rawr XD

[leneemusing]

affectionate prompts

“  i’m happy when you’re around.  ”

“  i like having you here.  ”

“  i’m glad you came.  ”

“  just tell me what you need.  let me give it to you?  ”

“  why are you smiling at me like that?  ”

“  i trust you with parts of myself i’m afraid to show anyone else.  ”

“  you have a good heart.  ”

“  your eyes look so beautiful in this lighting.  ”

“  i’m all yours.  not going anywhere.  ”

“  you have my full attention.  ”  

“  i never want you to stop looking at me the way you are right now.  ”

“  follow me,  i have a surprise for you.  ”

“  you make me feel brave.  ”

“  come walk with me.  let’s get some air.  ”

“  c’mere.  sit down.  tell me what’s going on.  ”

“  i want you around.  if i didn’t,  i wouldn’t be here would i?  ”

“  it’s okay,  you can sit here with me for as long as you’d like.  ”  

“  here,  take my hand.  ”

“  stay still—  i’m trying to hug you.  ”

“  do you like my new dress?  ”

“  do you like my new suit?  ”

“  could you hug me again?  i think i need it.  ”

“  i like hearing your heart beating when i put my head on your chest.  ”  

“  i like watching you work.  ”  

“  just sit there.  i’m going to make you something to eat.  ” 

“  why don’t you tell me what i can do to make your day better?  ”

“  what’s on your mind?  i want to listen.  ”

“  i sure you hope you don’t think you’re walking out that door without giving me a kiss first.  ”

“  i know i need to go but—  one more kiss.  ”

“  here,  take my jacket.  you look like you need it more.  ”

“  keep the jacket,  looks better on you.  ”

“  you just make me feel good when you’re here.  i feel better any time you’re around.  ”

“  i don’t feel whole unless i’m touching you.  ”

[ GRIN ]  for one muse to reach out and playfully push the other’s cheeks up to make their lips curve into smile. 

[ PRESS ]  for one muse to poke either side of the other’s cheeks where smile dimples would be. 

[ BOOP ]  for one muse to playfully tap the other’s nose with their finger. 

[ LIGHT ]  for one muse to kiss the other’s cheek. 

[ WARM ]  for one muse to take off their jacket and drape it around the other who is cold. 

[ COMFORT ] for one muse to place a jacket or blanket around the other’s shoulders because they’re upset. 

[ TEASE ]  for one muse to squish the other’s face between their hands. 

[ SCOLD ]  for one muse to gently pinch the other’s cheek in response to something they said. 

[ REST ] for one muse to rest their head against the other’s shoulder while they talk. 

[ REASSURE ]  for one muse to place their hand on the other’s back as a subtle comforting gesture. 

[ SAFE ]  for one muse to wrap their arm around the other’s shoulders and kiss their temple. 

[ LEAP ] for one muse to run and jump into the other’s arms because they’re excited to see them. 

[ SEEK ] for one muse to track down the other at a crowded function because they noticed they slipped away. 

[ COMPANY ] for muses to sit on a balcony or roof together sharing a drink/food/joint etc. 

[ HELD ]  for one muse to offer their hand out to the other to hold to comfort them.

[ REACH ] for one muse to reach out and take the other’s hand to comfort them.  

[ LACE ]  for one muse to hook their arm around the other’s while they walk. 

[ INTERTWINE ]  for one muse to offer their arm to the other while they walk. 

[ DIRECT ] for one muse to pull the other into that kind of hug where their hand rests against their head and they tuck them under their chin. 

[ SLEEP ]  one muse discovers the other napping and simply joins them. 

[ EQUAL ]  for a taller muse to pick up the other and place them sitting on a counter/table so they can be eye level. 

[ URGE ] for one muse to move their arm to be around the other’s shoulder or over the back of a chair so the one sitting next to them can scoot closer. 

[dc-marvel-life]

My Only Love

Anon ask: Can you write a fan fic about Jason x reader where they first met then slowly fall in love Maybe some fluff?

Pairing: Jason Todd x reader

Warnings: Two curse word 

Word Count: 1926

A/N: These are old requests that I found on my computer, so I thought about doing them again. It’s the start of me coming back. Y/N/N - Your nickname 

You are in Wayne Manor’s garden living your best life waiting on the love of your life to share some exciting news with him. You couldn’t imagine that you would be living this life many years ago; it was like it was yesterday. 

You just ran away from your abusive house and it was your first time on the streets just at the age of 12. You already lived in a rough part of the neighborhood, but now it will be a little more complicated because you didn’t have a roof over your head. You found an alleyway to spend your nights and during the days, you go to school and come back to beg for money. You never were able to get much money, but enough to let you eat one meal a day. 

After a month on the street, you got used to the lifestyle and make the most of it. There were other runway kids on the street which you would hang out with for company. You were making the most out of the situation that you were dealt with. 

One night you were out late because it was getting colder outside and you needed more blankets. You were going through some trash to find some old blankets then you heard a man come behind you.

“Hey little girl, I saw that you got some money today,” the strange man said then pulls out a gun, “give me the money,” he says pointing the gun at you. You were too scared to move, you have seen guns before but this time it is pointed right at you. Then out of nowhere a young boy comes with a crowbar and hits the man with the gun in the arm. The man drops the gun and the boy picks it up.

“Leave the girl alone or I’ll shoot you,” The boy says and the man runs away.

“You need to be more careful out here at night,” The boy says.

“I know but it’s getting too cold and I don’t have enough blankets to sleep outside, but thank you. My name is Y/N” you say.

“Nice to meet you Y/N, my name is Jason. Do you live on the streets?” Jason asks.

“Yes I do, I had to get out of a bad situation,” you say and Jason looks sad. He tells you to follow him and you do without thinking because, for some reason, you trust him. He takes you a few blocks down to a house. He tells you to wait outside and you do. After a couple of minutes, he comes out with about three blankets.

“Here you go so you don’t get too cold at night. I would let you stay at my place, but my place isn’t any good” Jason says while giving you the blankets. You gladly take the blankets and go out to your alley to have a warm night's sleep. Every day since your first night meeting, Jason comes to see you. He would bring you different things every time. Sometimes he brings food, money, or just small talk. After a few months, you guys become close friends and he would make sure no one will mess if you. 

You knew that Jason got money from stealing or petty crimes, but it didn’t matter to you because you knew why he was stealing. Every night you were worried because something bad could happen, you never know in Gotham. Then one day, he just stop showing up to see you. At first, you just thought he was just busy and had something else to do. After a couple of days of him not showing up, you decided that you were going out to look for him. You went out during the night because it was the only time you had because of school. You went to the house that he took you to the first time you met him. You knock on the door and no one answers. It was weird because you can see the light on and hear movement inside, but you guess that he just didn’t want to see you. 

You start to walk back to your alley, then you feel like someone is watching you. You put your head down and walk faster, but you hit your head on a pole and fall down. You hear someone coming down from the building in front of you.

“Are you okay?” Jason says and you look at him to see him in a robin outfit.

“Why are you in a robin outfit, Jason?” you say ignoring that you just ran into a pole and he seems shocked.

“How do you know it is me?” Jason says then wraps his hands around your waist. He takes out a grappling hook and you both go up to the top of the buildings. Once you are at the top, he takes off his mask.

“Of course I know it was you, you are my best friend,” you say and Jason gives you a hug. He then explains to you what happened to him over the past few days. You promise to keep it a secret from anyone. After that day, Jason started to see you every day again in your alley. It was the best part of your day. After a while, Bruce was getting suspicious when Jason kept leaving every day so he followed him to you. Bruce felt sorry for you, so he gave you home with them. At first, you didn’t know if you should go with him, but then Jason looked at you and said that everything is going to be okay. Once Jason said that you accepted Bruce’s offer 

Jason was so happy that you accepted Bruce’s offer because he knows that you are safe now and doesn’t have to worry that much. Over time Jason and you got closer by doing almost everything together. Bruce, Alfred, and Dick would always watch you guys and place bets when you will get together. 

Over the years, you and Jason started to grow up together and you started to get feelings for him. You have never told him because you are afraid that he is going to say no. Little did you know at the time, Jason was having the same feelings for you. None of you acted on those feeling but they just kept on growing. 

After a while, you knew that you loved Jason and you wanted to tell him how you feel. He was about to leave on a mission, and you stopped him.

“I need to tell you something important Jason before you leave,” you say to him.

“I also need to tell you something important too. I want to do it right so can we talk once I get back” Jason says with his amazing smile. You nod your head and he heads out for the night. You go to your room and wait for him to come back. A few hours later you hear a knock on your door. You think it is  Jason so you jump up and run to the door only to see Bruce. He was still in his bat suit without the mask on. It looked like he was crying for days and there was blood all over him. 

Bruce didn’t need to say anything. You need what happened and cried into his arms. You cried yourself to sleep every night for a week knowing that Jason wasn’t coming back. It hurt even more since you never got the chance to tell him that you love him. 

Years later you graduate high school and college. You have your own place in Gotham and work for Wayne Enterprise. Life is going in the right direction for you, you even started to date. It was something new for you because you never got over Jason and that was holding you back. You got on dating apps and forced yourself out there. 

You were able to get a match within the first day and got a date for the weekend. He took you to eat at a restaurant and the date was not good. The man just didn’t pique your interest at all as Jason did. You finish your dinner and he walks your home, then you guys get robbed. Your date sees the thugs and runs away. You sigh and watch your date run away like a coward, then turn back to the thugs. You lived with Bruce Wayne most of your life, of course, you know how to defend yourself. Just when you were about to fight them, a man with a red hood comes out of nowhere and kicks their asses. 

“Your date is a bitch” the man in the red hood said. It was weird because you felt like you knew the voice.

“I know he is. That’s why this was the only date we will ever go on” you say and laugh.

“Let me walk you home so I know that you are safe,” the man says and you say yes. You haven’t trusted someone this fast since Jason when you were younger. You allow the man in the red hood to walk you home and into your place. You get in and grab your favorite blanket that Jason gave you all those years ago. 

“You still have that blanket huh, Y/N/N,” the man says to you. You look back in confusion because only one man knows that you have these blankets.

“Jason?!” you question the man with the red hood. Next thing you know, the man takes off the red hood to reveal a much older Jason. 

“I can’t believe it’s you!? I went to your funeral! This can’t be real” you say backing up from Jason, but he comes closer to you.

“It really is me Y/N,” Jason says and hugs you. You welcome the embrace because it feels like home. Jason sits you down and explains to you want to happen to him over the years. He said that after he got full control back, he needed to see you. You felt so bad for what he had to go through for all those years but so happy that he is back in your life. 

Since he got back into your life, you guys have barely spent any time apart. He stays at your place and even comes to work with you when he gets bored. All of those old feelings started to come back for Jason like when you were a teenager. You decided to tell him after all these years how you felt/feel about him. He felt the same thing way about you, and you guys start to date. After a bit, he proposes to you and says yes.

Now in the present day, you are in the Wayne manor’s garden waiting for Jason to come back with the rest of the bat-family. When they come back, they are all laughing and having a good time. Jason sees you and comes over to you.

“What are you doing here this late,” Jason says kissing you.

“I have important news for you,” you say smiling.

“What is it?” Jason asks and you smile while handing over a small box. Jason looks confused at first but opens the box to see a positive pregnancy test. Jason jumps up and down screaming that he is going to be a father. He goes around with the pregnancy test showing everyone he is going to be a father.