#she relented and gave up the house and came back here. to the same house that my dad owns and never gave up furing the split

[softshuji]

yk people talk about how you can't heal in the same place you got hurt in and I believe that entirely. Because truth is, no matter how much internal healing I do, no matter how much I try to change my perspectives or do journaling or work or spend time with friends or do cute hobbies, all the time I have to come back to this house, and yknow something funny? this house is exactly where all the bad things happened in the first place. this house is where everything that still bothers me to this day happened so every day i am always aware that i'm coming back here, and not a single day goes by that I don't think about how much I hate this house. the four walls, the too small rooms, the issues with its structure, the fact that my dad has never fixed it up so me and my siblings are all crammed into this tiny box house like canary birds - the fact tbat my dad throws this same house at us every time we argue because he knows we have nowhere else to go. we have no family, no cousins no relatives and no money, and I don't earn enough to be able to move out just yet, least of all without my siblings. so no you cannot heal in the same place you got hurt, and while i'm living here i'm never going to heal either but where else can I go?

[bigassmoonchild]

night team here

can we request ghost with a daughter that is the mini verison of him like soap thinks shes gonna be sweet and nice and she bullies him worse than her father does

bonus points

price already knew ghosts daughter was a complete savage but soap annoyed him that morning and price decided the consequences of his actions was being brutally roasted

(daughter is gonna be leaning teens just bc i said so. also, thank you so much for the request!! love the night team 🫶🫶)

soap wasn’t supposed to know. this wasn’t something anyone was supposed to know, but simon was decently okay with price knowing. price knew to keep secrets, hell, price had his own.

but simon accidentally let it slip.

‘i’ve gotta get home, early morning,’ he’d told the 141 when they wanted to go out for drinks after a successful mission. they gave him odd looks (one of them was a knowing one, but he’d ignore price being offered to come watch a recital).

soap didn’t let it go, no he didn’t. ‘got the missus waiting back there?’ and simon was exhausted, it was a long mission and all he wanted was to sleep in his own house.

‘kids got a recital,’ he’d muttered and had walked away. what he didn’t expect was to find a huge amount of messages from soap the next morning. most consisted of the same things.

kid??

who’d have a child with you??

what’s the mother look like?

what’s the kids name?

son or daughter?

maybe i wanted to come watch too

i’m technically their uncle

and simon had to leave, collected you from your grandmother and took you to the recital. you were beautiful, the pride and joy of his life. someone he’d never thought he’d ever had, someone he never knew he could love more than anything.

it took months for simon to wear down enough ti even allow any of them to see a picture of you, let alone know your name.

‘beauty, that one is. you sure she came from you?’ simon shoved soap off the chair for that comment. soap continued to rave about being an ‘uncle’ and as much as simon didn’t want it, he had to tell you.

you looked at him weird when he admitted he’d spoken about you to the 141. you knew, generally, what he did but you didn’t get details.

‘ok and?’ you’d asked. ‘what’re they gonna do? it’s not like they’re gonna do something behind your back, not like price has said anything,’ and he worried. maybe he coddled you a little, but you were his girl.

and you’d agreed to meeting them, but told simon you didn’t want to know when. ‘i’ll be thinking about it too much,’ you told him.

simon finally dropped a few names for you, late one night when he’d finally relaxed with some whiskey (he didn’t mention the watered down taste).

‘what kinda name is soap? he drop it or something?’

it took some time before simon had grown any sort of comfortable letting anyone but price be around you. it wasn’t common that you stayed by price when simon was out on a mission, but the occasion happened when it was possibly a fatal one.

it was early morning when you’d sent a text to simon, he hadn’t meant to go to the compound at all that day but had made a lunch. it was a picture of the lunch, still sitting in the fridge with the caption ‘you forget something?’

and he’d groaned, mentioning to price in passing that he forgot his lunch at home. soap and gaz had been there, and a little smile came from soap.

‘just have the lass bring it ‘round, i’m sure she’s dying to meet her uncles,’ price gave a little grimace. ‘what? she’s probably a sweetheart, i cant imagine a girl like her would turn out like ghost,’

you’d relented to bring it around, especially after price messaged you about soap not being able to shut up about meeting you.

he’s pressing me for information. -john

if you bring the food, i’ll give your dad an extra day of leave. -john

please, i’m about to make him run. -john

you always laughed a little when he signed off after each text. it was his own little thing, and you secretly enjoyed having a fatherly figure text you more than three words.

when you got to the compound, you found price waiting outside for you and you waggled the bag of food at him. he let you in, guiding you through the halls to where simon and the others were.

‘try not to forget it, next time,’ you told simon. he gave you a small grunt, one that sounded like his ‘thank you’.

soap walked up to you, giving you a cheeky grin and swinging his arm around your shoulder. ‘how’s it been, lass?’ he asked you and you shook his arm off.

‘you know it’s not the 80’s anymore, right?’ he blinked at you. snorting softly with an eye roll, you sat down in the nearest chair. ‘mullets back in style, you know. might fit you better,’ you commented.

soap was left with his mouth open, gesturing faintly to you then to simon. ‘she can’t be like you,’ he nearly hissed.

‘don’t act so surprised, she said damn near the same thing to me,’ price lamented, thinking back on his first time meeting you.

‘you from the 1800’s? christ, i haven’t seen anyone willingly have that beard,’ you’d told him oh so long ago.

you looked around, leaning towards him. ‘who else am i supposed to be like? i’m pretty sure he’s my father,’ you hissed back.

all soap could do was blink. a little ghost? no, he couldn’t believe it. he saw simon give you a little fist bump, almost saw a few dollars being passed between you two.

simon pulled his mask off to eat and you looked at him closely. ‘you get a haircut?’ you asked, squinting your eyes suspiciously.

‘nope,’ he responded. ‘got ‘em all cut,’ and you snorted a short laugh. soap couldn’t do much but watch the interaction, realization slowly settling in.

‘that’s why you tell those shitty jokes?’ he announced. ‘you’re actually a father telling dad jokes,’

you gave a little smile and he could see the admiration in your eyes. god, you were just like your father but the confidence came off of you so easily.

‘yknow he came to my parents job show and tell once,’ you told everyone and simon stared at you. almost daring you to finish. ‘he didn’t take the mask off and had to leave, he scared too many of the kids,’

you spoke so fondly of him.

‘but he’s a prick, so he just left,’ simon lightly kicked your leg and you made a big show of it. you might be his kid, but you had your own personality in there.

and simon would be dead before anyone took that from you.

[jr-acrux101]

Rebirth - CH. 11 : MEETINGS

Word count: 3.1k

Summary: New meetings.

Not beta read.

Bella texted Aurora she would be with Edward, as also texted her Dad and Amora she was out with a friend. Aurora texted 'family meeting at 6 pls' to everyone. Amora already had an idea of what it could be, but Charlie was worried.

Alice left the couple alone, finally, hitching a ride from Emmet and Rosalie. He had his arm around her waist, her head fell in his chest. He read her text as she sent the family meeting.

"So I assume your mom and Bella's dad are together?"

"Yeah... pretty much. I'm glad, my mom hasn't dated or at least brought anyone from home aside from 1 dude named Leo, but I was really small, plus he left back for Spain after a year."

"Hmm. Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I do, I kinda see Bella as a sister now. We even share a room and bed. We just clicked for some reason."

He gave her a hum and nodded. Resting his head on hers. "So does that mean I'll also be interrogated by Charlie Swan the Sheriff?"

He felt her head shift as she nodded, "Oh yeah, for sure."

"Let's go then?" He lifted his head off to look down at her.

"Yeah, let's ride cowboy."

He huffed and laughed and gave her a squeeze. "Okay, Darlin saddle up."

They arrived before Amora, Charlie, and Bella, Jacinda was there, though.

"Hi Abuela."

"Hola cariño. ¿Quién es este?"

Aurora gave Jasper a knowing look. "Hola señora, soy Jasper Hale, estoy aquí para presentarme. También para pedirles a usted y al director Flores que lleven a Aurora a una cita."

Jacinda gave Aurora an astonished look, "Hm. I was certainly not expecting you to speak Spanish."

Jasper chuckled, "Neither was Principal Flores."

"Alright well come in. Hurry up." The pair nodded and went inside the living room where Jacinda went.

"Sit here." Jasper followed her instructions. " And you come with me to get the coffee."

Aurora gave Jasper a look, not knowing how he'd react with human food. He gave a wink, and she was pulled along by her grandmother.

Jacinda put the kettle to re-boil after filling it up. "This is the same boy, right?"

Aurora nodded, "Yes, yes it is."

"Hmm. And do you like him a lot?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"How old is he?"

"18."

"A little old no?"

Aurora pressed her lips together, resisting the urge to laugh. "Well, not as old as my dad or Abuelo."

"You are not that old to spank."

"A joke, I swear."

"You get that humor from your mom, I swear."

Neither heard the door open as Amora and Charlie came in. He made a beeline towards Jasper as she made a beeline towards her mother and daughter.

"And what's wrong with that?"

Jacinda rolled her eyes. Amora gave her daughter a kiss on the head and her mother a hug.

"Come on, let's save Jasper from Charlie."

The trio left the kitchen to the living room catching the last of what Charlie said.

".... I have a gun." Aurora puffed her cheeks. Well, she felt bad. This was a bit funny.

Amora's eyes widened. "Charlie, you cannot threaten the young boy!"

"Boy? He's a young man, and Aurora is a young girl, a minor." Aurora coughed up her laugh.

Amora rolled her eyes. "Calm down. Keep threatening to a minimum or else." Charlie looked away and crossed his arms. Aurora giggled. The door was opened again by Bella and Edward.

Charlie gave a deadpan stare. "Are you serious? Today is just meet the boyfriends or what? Do I seriously have to get the shotgun?"

Bella scoffed, "Dad!"

"Charlie, I'm serious, sit down and zip it." Amora gave a nostril flare, and he relented. He sat down on the couch across from Jasper.

Jasper didn't want to laugh. This was a serious moment, but of all the times for Edward to introduce himself, he picked today.

Edward glared at Jasper for his thoughts. It was hectic in the Flores house as the group migrated towards the dining room that had more chairs and space. Bella and Aurora sat on the window seat as the three adults and 2 vampires sat at the table.

"So Edward, it's nice to meet you."

"It is to meet you too Ms. Flores."

"You're here because you want to ask Bella on a date?" She nodded her head, ‘yes' and eyes widened a bit. Jasper kicks Edward under the table as Charlie watches the brunette.

"Uh yes exactly."

"Okay, good. Perfect. Bella and Aurora, why don't you take Jasper and Edward to the living room so we can talk." The teenagers let the 3 adults in the dining room. Edward tried to read Charlie's mind, but it was like a whisper he couldn't quite catch.

They all sat on the floor. Aurora was the first to speak, "Really, Bella?"

Bella pointed an accusing finger at Edward, "No, Jasper was the one that thought it."

Jasper put his hand up in mock, surrendering, "As a joke! Why in the world would you think this is a good idea?"

Edward huffed and rolled his eyes. Aurora let out a laugh. They all turned to her. "Sorry, sorry, just after living for what I'm assuming is a long time, you still act like teenagers."

Jasper grinned. "Technically, we are. We "freeze" mentally at this age."

"Hmm, then turning while a teenager kind of sucks no? Of course, if you're dying and in need, it doesn't matter, but if you were to turn someone, you would at least want them from the age of 20 to 23. You could pass as a teenager somewhat and then probably until almost 30."

"Yeah well Carlisle didn't really have an option for that for us unfortunately."

Aurora nodded. "Of course, I'm assuming since you're all too young, it was under different circumstances, or of course it could've just been your choice at that age." Aurora shrugged.

Edward nodded. Silence hung in the air for the girls as the boys tuned in to the conversation in the dining room.

"I'm just saying Amora, well Edward isn't ideal, I think Jasper is too old for Aurora."

Jacinda nodded as did Amora. "I know, carino, but he is still a teenager, and yes, would I prefer him to be the same age, of course, but that always isn't the cause. At least he's not over 18 right now because that would be a different story."

Jasper grunted as Edward huffed, trying to keep in the laughter.

"Plus Aurora is an excellent judge of character for such a young thing. And she is very outspoken, so if there is a problem that is big she will come to us for help."

"I just don't like it, but... if you guys are fine with him, I will try to be too."

Amora smiled. "I'm sure he and Edward are fine and nice young men, okay?"

Charlie nodded, "Okay fine. Both girls are allowed to date the ... Cullens. But I swear if either of the two act up, they will be arrested immediately."

Amora laughed, "Of course mi amor, whatever you say."

Jacinda mixed her coffee with her spin clockwise. 'I know.' Was all she thought.

Edward misses it as he laughed at something Bella and Aurora were arguing about.

Edward was curious about something. "If you don't mind me asking, how old are your grandmother and mother?"

"Oh my grandmother is 54 and my mom is 36."

Jasper and Edward's eyes widened. The brunette spoke, "Really?"

Aurora nodded. "Yeah no one really believes me, they think we're sisters or my mom had me like in middle school."

"You mom looks 25 Aurora and your grandmother max looks 40. If I didn't know any better I'd think your family were vampires too."

Aurora laughed, "Honesty I wouldn't blame you." The adults emerged.

Amora was the first to speak, "Okay, so you both have permission to take them on dates. As well as if it goes well and both of you want to, to date! But if their grades drop, this will be put on hold. Okay?" The girls nodded as did the boys.

"Okay, great! You can take them up to your guy's room. Door open, though." Amora raised an expectant eyebrow and was met with nods again.

"Actually, I told um our parents that I was going to ask Aurora out, and they asked that, if you said yes and so did you, to bring her over there. With your permission of course ma'am."

Edward jumped in, "Yeah our mom would love to meet Bella as well if that is uh okay with the... three of you."

Charlie's response was instant, "No." Amora shot him another look.

"One second, dear. Charlie, the other room, please." Jacinda gave a chuckle as the pair left the room.

"Alright, you guys have permission. Just leave. I'm sure your mother is gonna scold your dad. Now go, before I change my mind." The boys stood still, not knowing to wait or to listen to the 'older' woman. Aurora tugged on Jasper's hand, signaling to go. With that, the two couples left.

Jacinda went to the kitchen, hearing the last of the discussion, "-they should meet the parents. Like I said, they are dating, and it's important for them to know us and us them. We'll all get together soon."

Amora heard her mother rumbling around the drawers, "Mom? Where are the kids?"

"Oh, I told them to go. We all know you were telling Charlie here, yes. So to save them time, I said go, it's barely 4, so they can come back at 7. Make sure to text her." She grabbed her lighter and went out to smoke. Amora sighed, and Charlie sat there incredulously.

"So... that's it ? Your mother says they can go and then bam no conversation with us Amora?"

She bit her lip, "Look, Charlie, I told you before that it was my mom, Aurora, and me. My mother helped me with her, took care of her, and helped raise her. Yes, she has a say, not the final say, but is allowed to make some decisions on non-life threatening situations."

Charlie inhaled, "I don't know if I'm comfortable with that, Amora. Bella is my daughter. I haven't been there, and another person comes in and parents her?"

"Charlie. If this is not something you can do, then say it now. We are together. By extension, my daughter and mother follow me, and your daughter follows you. I trust your judgment. Do you trust mine and my mother's?"

Silence followed before Charlie broke it, " I just... I just need time to adjust to it, but you're right. You also have a daughter, and I'm sure you trust my judgment."

Amora nodded, " Of course honey, look, I will tell my mother just to ease up on decisions with Bella in the equation, okay?" Charlie nodded. It wasn't that he didn't trust Jacinda, just that he wanted to raise his daughter even if it was the last couple of decisions.

Jasper went to the side as Bella and Aurora walked to the car. He inhaled the clean air, very minimal blood scent. He inhaled again. Being around Aurora made him dizzy. Her blood was intoxicating. He didn't even need to drink it to be high off it sometimes. But he still needed to control himself.

Edward stayed back, "You alright?"

Jasper gave a quick, stoic nod. As the teenagers climbed in the car, Bella was nervous, as well Aurora. Bella grew pale, and Aurora saw the signs. She grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. Bella felt her worries slowly disappear. They pulled into the driveway and Bella was astonished.

"This is their house?"

"Yup."

"I suddenly feel poor."

"Yeah, I did too. Fun, huh?"

Bella gave a sarcastic smile, and they exited the car. They followed the two boys and entered, Bella started to feel a little weird with shoes on. Spending so much time at the Flores house made her accustomed to no shoes in the house. The pairs heard the clanging of pans and pots.

Jasper and Edward gave a look. " We told them it wasn't necessary to do this."

He gently guided Bella, "Do what?"

They made their way to the kitchen, and there was the rest of the family, cooking.

"Oh." Bella said dumbly.

"She already ate."

Rosalie cracked the bowl, "Of fucking course." She stormed off with Emmett following her.

Bella looked panicked, "She didn't want to make us uncomfortable with food."

Esme gave a sad smile, "Of course, sweetie. That was very considerate of you."

Bella felt her throat dry, distressed she was making a bad impression. Aurora noticed, as did Jasper. Edward was slow to catch on.

"Hello, Mrs. Cullen! It's alright. I haven't eaten, but Bella could have a bit to try it out." Esme brightened.

Bella's heart started to slow, and the sensation came back to her hands. "Hi Bella, I'm sorry we didn't- well I didn't introduce myself. I'm Esme and you know your doctor and classmates."

The younger girl smiled, "Hi Mrs. Cullen, nice to meet you."

"Esme is fine dear, like I told Aurora. Now both of you come here." She brought the two girls over to the island, excited to have someone to provide for.

Jasper and Edward made their way to Carlisle to help and talk to the doctor about the family. Jasper slowly distances himself a bit further. Being surrounded by humans more now was taking a toll on him. He went to the hallway where Alice was waiting. "Had a vision?"

"Hmm more like common sense."

"It's difficult, Alice. Aurora is this weird combination of desire but calm. But mixed with everyone else, it's hard. I feel thirsty, constantly." He hunched over and got less blood filled air.

"Don't worry, you won't hurt them. Trust yourself, Jaz, Aurora does." She gave a wink and made her way to her adoptive parents to gab with the two human girls. One final breath, and Jasper made his way back to Aurora. She was being served, and as she took a bite, she covered her mouth laughing at Esme's joke about their warm bloodedness.

Jasper felt as if for the slightest second, he was a normal teenage boy bringing his girlfriend home to meet his finally. He saw as Aurora lifted the fork to Bella, who exclaimed it was 'really good.' He saw his adopted mom smile. If only that dream was true.

Edward saw the vision if they were really adopted by Carlisle, all of them humans ignorant to the supernatural. How peaceful it would be, how... normal.

As Aurora finished her plate, Edward whisked Bella off to show her the rest of the house. Jasper hovered around, and his dad noticed. He silently made his way to his adopted son, "Everything okay, son?"

Jasper gave another stoic nod for the night, and Carlisle sighed. He was finally less of a recluse, but something probably happened to give him to worry.

'What if she doesn't want to become a vampire? What if she hates it?' And so the spiral began.

Aurora turned to Jasper as his family discussed another topic, only to see him staring off to space. Jasper heard the chair move and snapped out of it as Aurora's face came into a few. She gave a warm smile, and he gave a crooked one back.

"Everything alright, cowboy?" He raised an eyebrow at the nickname.

"Yes, darlin, everything is fine." His family noticed that ever since he was enamored with Aurora, the country drawl began to slip.

His girlfriend smiled, "Okay good," she clapped her hands, "your father said you were good at doing lassos. So, obviously, I have to see it with my own eyes."

Jasper went to look at Carlisle, who was surprisingly busying himself with the dishes. Esme gave him a wink and went to help her husband. And Alice had disappeared altogether. He shook his head and gave a laugh, "Alright princess, let's go show you my Texan moves."

The older coupler smiled, a good feeling settling into their bodies.

As Jasper and Aurora headed to the garage to find rope, Aurora’s phone buzzed.

'Where are you? Where was our text?'

Panicked settled on her features. 'Omg I am so sorry. I was going to text you, but then Mrs. Cullen came to greet us and made us food, and I forgot.'

' -.- thin ice

You have an hour left then you and Bella have to come home.'

'Got it:P see you in an hour'

"I'm taking that panic emotion was from a text from your mom?"

"Yeah, ever since the bear incident thing and the whole um woods thing they want text from us to keep track and everything."

Jasper avoided eye contact, "Yeah that makes sense. Might have you do that with me too, I'm sure I can find you a lot easier and faster."

She rolled her eyes at his tease, "Shouldn't you be finding a rope?"

He put his hand up in mock surrender, "Alright miss bossy. Let me find your rope." He gave a laugh, and Aurora smiled as she texted Bella their time-frame.

The hour passed, and Aurora and Bella were saying their goodbyes. They made their way home, saying bye to the two vampires at the door. Amora gave the boys a wave and smile and she watched them drive off. While Charlie glared at the car from the window.

Before the Cullens left, they promised the girls to see them soon. Night passed with a little lecture of being responsible and not to be persuaded and to notify them if anything happened.

As they closed the door, after brushing their teeth and washing their faces, they were met with two grinning vampires.

Aurora turned to Bella. "It's up to you, but there is an extra room for you to have across the hall. It's storage since we were too lazy to put it in the attic. For moments like this, in case you guys want ... space later on."

Bella thought and then spoke, "Maybe later."

Aurora nodded. She and Jasper sat on her window seat. Well, Bella and Edward lay on the comforter on the floor. When it hit 12, Aurora and Bella started to doze off, trying to keep the conversations going but failing. The vampires put them on the bed and kissed their foreheads before sprinting off home.

Sunday morning, and the girls rose. Aurora blinked as the sunlight hit her. The room was empty, and the two of them lay next to each other. She remembered nodding off with Jasper on the window seat, and then that was it. 'They must put us in bed before heading out.'

Another week passed as the girls went through the mundane life of school. Jasper and Edward would take them home together and stay if Amora asked, which she always did. Amora had been leaving early this week to take it easy and rest. With the constant late night meetings and having to talk to the boards, she deserved some rest. She would rather have them in places she could see them. Charlie would always roll his eyes when he came back from work, and the boys were there in the living room or leaving as he got there.

Welp here is ch. 11!! Hehe probably won't post til like the end of this month or beginning of next month, exams and all unfortunately yall

[tallbluelady]

1. "Here, I brought you juice."

Rowan woke up and groaned. She ached all over as if she had just gone through the worst bout of fighting in her life. It took her a few seconds to remember that was true, though technically it had been at least a week since it happened.

She was at home, sitting up in bed, watching the curtains lazily ripple in the breeze. Urianger didn't tend to leave the windows open so that meant...

"Thancred?" Rowan called out after coughing to get her voice up.

The white haired man poked his head through the door. "Ah, you're awake. Are you hungry perchance?"

She had to think of how she felt before she gave him an answer. "Do you know if we still have any juice?"

"You're in luck, I managed to save you a glass before Urianger drank the rest of the bottle," he said with a wink. "I'll get some now."

Rowan rolled her eyes and readjusted herself. She ran her fingers through her hair and figured she didn't look entirely like death by the time Thancred returned. He set the glass on the bedside table, taking the old one in his hands before sitting on the chair next to the bed. 

"So, how close are you to death's door today?" he asked cheerily.

"Further than you'll be if you don't tell me where Urianger went."

"That's the spirit!" There seemed to be some genuine joy in his eyes as he said that. "I sent him shopping. He knows what you like far more than I do."

Rowan sighed. "... and he needed to get out of the house."

"Aye, he needed to get out of the house." He nodded.

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

Rowan sipped the juice, hoping that they wouldn't lapse into an awkward silence. She had drained her glass when she realized she'd have to address the dragon in the room.

"Are we going to have to talk about him?" she finally asked.

"I'll spare you the runaround this time and just say that if you're asking that question then we do." Thancred turned the empty glass in his hands.

She deflated at that. Rowan had been dreading this conversation, ever since the two men had gone to Garlemald together before the towers had appeared. That seemed so long ago...

"I'll start by saying that you forgiving Urianger has been the best thing that has ever happened to him." Thancred set the glass back on the table. "He had found himself unforgivable since we fought the Warriors of Darkness in Thanalan. Since he sent Minfilia to the First. I told him a hundred times at least that he needn't worry about that, but he believed you far sooner."

"It took a few tries, but aye, he eventually relented."

"Aye. And on top of granting him forgiveness, you've received gentleness from him far better than I ever could."

Rowan paused. "That... is an odd thing to say. What do you mean?"

"Urianger loves very deeply." Thancred stared into his hands. "Moenbryda had such a force of personality that she could take it as it came. Rowan, you... you give him back that softness."

"And you can't?"

He shook his head. "Not the same way you do."

"I don't think he'd want you to," Rowan countered.

"But Urianger needs what you can give him."

"And I intend to continue giving him that. But Thancred... I think he needs you in his life about as much as he needs me."

"To get him out of the house?" Thancred asked in jest.

"Aye, exactly. That and more. Look... I don't..." She could feel what she wanted to say slip out of her fingers.

He shook his head. "You needn't worry about me. Urianger's far more domestic than I am, and despite your adventuring ways, you've grown roots here. I'm prone to wander. Always have been, despite those who've needed me..."

"There's a room for you in the basement," Rowan blurted out.

"The guest room? Aye, I have been staying there."

She gave a frustrated growl. "Specifically for you. Like you said, Urianger loves very deeply. And... when you do need a place to rest your head, I hope you let us give you the pillow."

Thancred paused. The both of them turned as they heard the door open and Urianger announce that he had returned home.

"I think... I think I will take you on that offer."

Thanks for the prompt!

[bbwritesmuchstuff]

Magic and Sunlight

3 I Love Sally Jackson. This Woman Is A Godsend.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3(You are Here)

“What’s going on?” Percy asked as soon as he opened the door. He was tense, but I’d expected that. It wasn’t often I made a house call. Before I could say anything, though, Apollo cut me off. 

“Hello, Percy Jackson.” He started, “It’s Apollo, I’m sure you remember me.” 

Percy grimaced. As I’d thought, he wasn’t thrilled about a god showing up on his doorstep. I shook my head. 

“Long story short, Apollo got turned mortal and I need help getting him and another demigod, Meg, to camp.” I told Percy. 

“You mean the beat up teenager look isn’t a disguise?” Percy asked, relenting and letting us inside. 

“He got beat up and almost mugged after he fell into the dumpster outside my window.” I explained. “We also might be being followed so I suggest we move quickly.” 

“Followed by what?” Percy glanced over my shoulder, eyes softening a bit when he saw Meg. She didn’t seem much older than Percy was when he went to camp the first time, if she was any older at all. 

“Spirits of some kind. I didn’t get a good enough look to tell what kind.” I said. Sally came around the kitchen counter. Guilt settled in my stomach. I’d completely forgotten that Sally was heavily pregnant with Percy’s half sister. If I’d remembered, I’d have looked for a different way to get these two to camp. 

“Sacred Sibyl!” Apollo cried, clearly alarmed, “Madam, there is something wrong with your midsection!” 

I smacked Apollo in the arm. 

“She's pregnant, moron.” I snapped. Sally was more good natured about the comment than I was. She just looked at her belly and told Apollo. 

“Well, I’m seven months pregnant, to be exact.” 

“How can you bear it?” Apollo asked, looking ready to cry for her. “My mother, Leto, suffered through a long pregnancy, but only because Hera cursed her. Are you cursed?” 

I rolled my eyes. I had met Leto only once but she was a very nice woman. I’d be lying if I said that a big reason that I was helping Apollo now wasn’t to repay her for the help she gave me during my own quest a few years back. Percy stepped up to Apollo’s side. 

“Um, Apollo? She’s not cursed. And could you not mention Hera?” Percy said.  

“You poor woman.” Apollo shook his head as he talked. “A goddess would never allow herself to be so encumbered. She would give birth as soon as she felt like it.” 

“That must be nice.” Sally agreed. Remembering my step-mother’s struggles with late term pregnancy when she was pregnant with my little sister, Alya, I made a mental note to send Percy home with some magical remedies for Sally’s soreness and such before he left camp for home. Percy coughed. 

“So, anyway. Mom, this is Apollo and his friend Meg. You already know Celeste. Guys, this is my mom.” 

“Call me Sally.” She smiled then narrowed her eyes when she saw his busted nose. “Dear, that looks painful. What happened?” 

Apollo opened his mouth to explain but choked up before he could get anything out. I looked at him in concern. Apollo being lost for words wasn’t normal if what Leto had told me about her son was to be believed. 

“He ran into some trouble on the way here.” I said, vaguely. 

“Tell you what,” Sally said, giving Apollo a comforting pat on the shoulder. “Percy can help you get bandaged and cleaned up.” 

“I can?” Percy asked. Sally gave him an eyebrow raise silently saying ‘oh yes you will’. 

“There’s a first-aid kit in your bathroom, sweetheart. Apollo can take a shower, then wear your extra clothes. You two are about the same size.” Sally instructed. 

“That,” Percy said, “is truly depressing.” 

 Sally then went to inspect Meg. As usual, Sally’s expression was gentle and reassuring, but with a definite undertone of worry. I could definitely see why. Meg was dirty with her odd clothing choice of green dress, yellow leggings and red shoes. She kinda looked like an upside down traffic light. 

“I have some clothes that might fit you, dear.” Sally said. “Pre-pregnancy clothes, of course. Let’s get you cleaned up. Then we’ll get you something to eat.” 

“I like food.” Meg muttered. She got like that when people tried taking care of her. It was either meek embarrassment or stubborn refusal that she needed help. Sally laughed. 

“Well, we have that in common. Percy, you take Apollo. We’ll meet you back here in a while. Celeste, make yourself at home. You’re welcome to anything in the kitchen.” 

“Thank you, Sally.” I said. I moved out of the way and sat on the couch. I sighed, relaxing for the first time since finding Apollo in the alley. 

While waiting, I idly looked at my reflection in the window. Long black hair braided and tossed over my shoulder and my purplish blue eyes stared back at me. My father kept a potted blue hyacinth in his office, saying that he did so because their color reminded him of my eyes. I didn’t look like my father at all and a lot of people questioned if I was even his. After meeting Hecate, my mother, it became clear why. I had her dark hair and pale complexion in contrast to my father’s strawberry blonde hair and tan skin. 

I was snapped out of my thoughts by Sally and Meg walking in. Meg joined me on the couch. Sally had managed to put Meg in an outfit that actually looked cohesive aside from Meg’s red shoes. Sally had also cleaned Meg’s face and glasses. Apollo and Percy weren’t far behind. Percy had given Apollo a pair of pants and a Led Zeppelin t-shirt, a picture of Icarus falling from the sky. I silently wondered if it was a subtle joke on Percy’s part.  

Apollo choked back a sob upon seeing Meg. I idly wondered why. Maybe she reminded him of a dryad he’d been fond of? She certainly looked the part at the moment. 

“Do I look that bad?” Meg said, pouting. 

“No, no,” Apollo struggled to get the words out, “It’s just…” 

Apollo turned away from her. I could practically feel his sadness and discomfort. 

“You look fine, Meg.” I said, giving Apollo an out of this conversation. 

“Well,” Sally said with forced cheeriness. “How about I make some lunch while you four… talk.” 

She gave Percy a worried look, then headed to the kitchen, holding her belly protectively. 

“Percy, your mom is so normal.” Meg said, wistfully. 

“Thanks, I guess.” Percy said. He picked up a stack of test preparation manuals from the coffee table and chucked them aside in irritation. 

“I see you like to study,” Apollo said, “Well done.” 

Percy snorted. 

“I hate to study. I’ve been guaranteed admission with a full scholarship to New Rome University, but they’re still requiring me to pass all my high school courses and score well on my SAT. Can you believe that? Not to mention I have to pass the DSTOMP.” 

“The what?” Meg asked. 

“An exam for Roman demigods,” Apollo explained. “The Demigod Standard Test of Mad Powers.” 

“Stupid name,” I muttered. “The least they could do is translate it into something we can read.” 

“That’s what it stands for?” Percy frowned. 

“I should know. I wrote the music and poetry analysis sections.” Apollo said, proudly. 

“I will never forgive you for that,” Percy said, seriously. Meg swung her feet. 

“So you’re a demigod? Like me and Celeste?” She asked. 

“Like Celeste and I,” Apollo corrected. Meg stuck her tongue out at him. 

“Afraid so.” Percy sighed and sank into the armchair, leaving Apollo to squish on the couch next to Meg and I. “My dad is the godly one- Poseidon. What about your parents?” 

Meg froze. Avoiding eye contact by studying her hands as though they had suddenly become the most interesting thing in the room. 

“Never knew them… much.” Was all she said. Percy hesitated. 

“Foster home? Stepparents?” 

Meg shifted uncomfortably, practically curling up on herself. Percy looked at me, questioningly. I shook my head and motioned for him to stop. I gently rubbed Meg’s arm to comfort her. She jumped a bit when I touched her. Percy nodded. He raised his hands. 

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to pry.” Percy turned his gaze to Apollo. “So, how’d you guys meet? I know Celeste found you, but ya know…” 

I let Apollo tell the story, and didn’t bother correcting his exaggerations. I kept my eyes on Meg. She leaned into me for comfort and I put an arm around her, hoping I could help her feel more secure. It took awhile, but she relaxed a bit and no longer looked like she wanted to run. Just as Apollo was finishing the story, Sally came in. She set down a bowl of tortilla chips, and a casserole dish filled with a layered dip. 

“I’ll be back with the sandwiches,” she said. “But I had some leftover seven layer dip.”  

“Yum.” Percy immediately dug into the dip with a tortilla chip. “She’s kinda famous for this, guys.” 

Sally ruffled her son’s hair. 

“There’s guacamole, sour cream, refried beans, salsa-” Apollo cut Sally off, looking at her in wonder. 

“Seven layers? You knew seven is my sacred number? You invented this for me?” 

Sally wiped her hands on her apron and smiled, confused. 

“Well, actually,” She said. “I can’t take credit-” 

“You are too modest!” Apollo said, then tried some of the dip. His face lit up. An expected reaction to Sally’s food, I’d never had anything she made that I didn’t like. 

“You will have immortal fame for this, Sally Jackson!” Apollo told her. I stifled a chuckle at his theatrics. 

“That’s sweet.” Sally pointed to the kitchen after speaking. “I’ll be right back.” 

Soon, Sally came back with sandwiches and banana smoothies. Needless to say, we were very happy with everything. Meg shoved food into her face at an alarming speed, looking like a chipmunk by the time she paused to chew. After we ate our fill, Apollo spoke again. 

“Percy,” He said, “your mom is awesome.” 

“She is an absolute blessing.” I agreed. 

“I know, right?” Percy said, he finished his smoothie. “So back to your story… You have to be Meg’s servant now? You guys barely know each other.” 

 “Barely is generous.” Apollo said, bitterly. “Nevertheless, yes. My fate is now linked with young McCaffery.” 

“We are cooperating.” Meg insisted. I rolled my eyes. This girl was having way too much fun with this. Percy fished Riptide from his pocket, tapping the pen against his knee. 

“And this whole being-turned-into-a-mortal-thing…” Percy started, “you’ve done it twice before?” 

“Not by choice,” Apollo said. “The first time, we had a little rebellion in Olympus. We tried to overthrow Zeus.” 

“I can’t imagine that went well.” I said. Percy winced. 

“I got most of the blame, naturally. Oh, and Poseidon. We were both cast down to earth as mortals, forced to serve Laomedon, the king of Troy. He was a harsh master. He even refused to pay us for our work!” Apollo explained. Meg nearly choked on her sandwich. 

“I have to pay you?” she asked. 

“Never fear,” Apollo assured her. “I won’t be presenting you with a bill. But as I was saying, the second time I became mortal, Zeus got mad because I killed some of his Cyclops.” 

“Not cool,” Percy commented, frowning. “My brother is a Cyclops.” 

“These were wicked Cyclops!” Apollo protested. “They made the lightning bolt that killed one of my sons!” 

“To be fair, it’s not like he could directly attack Zeus for killing Asclepius.” I pointed out to Percy. He just grimaced and rolled his eyes. 

“Percy’s brother is a Cyclops? That’s crazy!” Meg said, bouncing up and down. 

“Most Cyclops are sons of Poseidon. Though, most of them don’t have as good a temperament as Tyson.” I told her. Apollo took a deep breath, clearly annoyed at us getting off topic. 

“At any rate,” Apollo stopped us before we could wander farther off topic. “I was bound to Admetus, the king of Thessaly. He was a kind master. I liked him so much, I made all his cows have twin calves?” 

“Can I have baby cows?” Meg asked. 

“Meg, honey, you have nowhere to put a baby cow. Or the means to take care of one.” I said. 

“Guys,” Percy interrupted. “So, just to recap, you have to be Meg’s servant for…?” 

“Some unknown amount of time,” Apollo answered. “Probably a year. Possibly more.” 

“And during that time-” 

“I will undoubtedly face many trials and hardships.” 

“Like getting me my cows,” Meg said. Apollo gritted his teeth. 

“What those trials will be, I do not yet know.” Apollo continued. “But if I suffer through them and prove I am worthy, Zeus will forgive me and allow me to become a god again.” 

Percy and I shared a doubtful look. Zeus wasn’t known for his mercy, and since Apollo had gone through this twice before, I wasn’t optimistic about his chances. 

“Need to get my bearings,” Apollo said. “Once we get to Camp Half-Blood, I can consult with Chiron. I can figure out which of my godly powers remain with me in this mortal form.” 

“If any.” Percy said.

“Let’s think positive.” Apollo said nervously. 

“We should go.” I interject, “I don’t want whatever was following us sniffing around your apartment too much.” 

“Yeah, okay.” Percy nods and gets up. I grabbed my bag and ushered Meg and Apollo toward the door. As we were going, Sally walked in with a plate of freshly baked blue chocolate chip cookies. 

“Mom, don’t freak,” Percy started. 

“I hate it when you say that.” Sally sighed. 

“I’m just going to take these three to camp. That’s all. I’ll be right back.” 

“I think I’ve heard that before.” 

“I promise.” 

Sally looked at Meg, Apollo and I. Her expression softened, her kindness and selflessness outweighing her worry for son. 

“All right,” Sally relented. “Be careful. It was lovely meeting you. Please try not to die.” 

Percy kissed his mom on the cheek and reached for the cookies. However, she moved the plate away. 

“Oh no,” Sally said. “Celeste, Apollo and Meg can have one, but I’m keeping the rest hostage until you get back safely. And do hurry, dear. It would be a shame if Paul ate them all when he gets home.” 

Percy’s expression turned grim. He turned to us. 

“You hear that guy?” He said. “A batch of cookies is depending on me. If you get me killed on the way to camp, I am going to be seriously ticked off.” 

[sparkie96]

Preview of the Upcoming Chapter of “Part of Your World”

“So…who is this guy?” Moira asked as she, Polly, Elliot, Will, and Natalia sat on the sectional, “And how come we haven’t seen him before?”

“Or heard of him?” Barry added.

Chris stood beside Leon and Ollie, Leon looking around at his surroundings in wonder, curious at the house and its contents. He then looked at Barry and the teenagers and kids, all of whom Leon canted his head at as he looked them all over. Leon then went over to the fish tank sitting between the television and the wall. He made odd chirping sounds and noises, the goldfish in the tank seemingly pausing and turning to listen.

“He’s from out of town.” Chris quickly added, “Maine, so he’s, y’know…” Chris continued, twirling a finger next to his head, “He’s really into fish…but he’s deathly afraid of swimming. Right, Leon?”

Leon turned to look at him, then looked at Barry, “He doesn’t like the flakes. He prefers the pellets that you used to feed him.”

Barry merely blinked at Leon before shaking his head and turning his attention back to Chris, “Seriously, where did you find this guy? There is no way this oddball was related to the same Jill Valentine we knew and loved. How much did you pay him?” Barry then gave him a better look, “…and why does he look eerily familiar?”

“Because Jill showed photos of him before, except he was WAY younger in them than he is now, obviously.” Chris said with a chuckle, “C’mon, Barry, you know Jill had her oddball moments too. That was part of why we all loved her so much.”

Barry scratched his beard and grumbled under his breath, giving a shrug and a “I guess you’re right” before turning to the kids piled onto the couch. He gave them “The Talk” about behaving and “listening to Mr. Leon” while they were all out hunting for the Merman. Leon’s head perked up at that.

“Moira, Elliot. Help him with the little kiddies, got it?” Barry demanded, raising a brow at them, the two eldest teens nodding in confirmation.

With another nod, Barry led the way, DC following behind him as Chris turned to Ollie and Leon. He lifted Ollie into his arms and gave him a hug, Ollie giggling as Chris peppered kisses on his little cheeks, his scruff tickling Ollie’s skin. Leon looked at them, smiling as he came over and hugged Chris after he put the little boy down. This earned a raised brow from Chris along with a chuckle, Chris relenting and hugging him back.

“Behave.” Chris said to them both, more so to Leon than Ollie, “Remember what we talked about…”

“”No Swimming”!” Ollie said.

“No Swimming!” Leon parroted, just as happily.

Chris gave a nod of his own before following the men out to the trucks, piling into the vehicles as they started up. The kids all went over to the window, watching as their Dads and friends took off into the night. Leon did the same, only so he could see what the others were looking at.

“So, uh, why can’t we go swimming?” Will asked as he looked up at Leon.

Leon looked down and blinked at the little boy, “Uh…because I am not a good swimmer.” He lied, “So, uh, no pool!”

“We can swim.” Moira pointed out, motioning between herself and Elliot, “So, what’s the problem?”

“Daddy and Uncle Barry said that Leon is in charge!” Ollie reminded them, “He’s the only adult here, so we have to listen to what he says!”

[faithhearted]

Despite the time apart being significantly shorter this time around, Moira had been all the more anxious. She was excited that her Benjamin would be close by amid the imperative espionage, it soothed her, in part, but at the same time, she was concerned that he would be lingering inside the lion’s den. Was it possible this was more dangerous for him than the battlefield? Truly, she didn’t like thinking about that either. 

She didn’t know how, but Moira knew Benjamin was there before one of the British sentries had come storming into the house, finding her at the base of the staircase and seizing her arm to drag her outside. 

Dear God. Had they been found out already? 

Though her heart raced with fear, Moira forced herself to remain composed as she silently jerked free of the soldier's grasp (only after he'd relented), straightening as one hand instinctively slid protectively over her belly. It was still early, but in the last few weeks, should one care to observe closely enough, a noticeable swell indicating her delicate condition could be made out through the fabric of her clothing. 

"Name, status, and reason for employment," the other soldier commanded her. "And better yet, do you know this man?" 

Name: Moira Tallmadge. 

“Moira Bolton.”

Status: Livid. 

“Employed as a maid for General Clinton.”

Reason for employment: to spy on him and unravel the plans of the British Army.

“To better serve the crown.” 

Finally, her eyes softening, she glanced at Benjamin, “This is my husband, John Bolton. He wrote to me a fortnight back and said he’d be enlisting and joining me in New York and had news he could share with no one but the general himself.” 

Neither soldier, despite being convinced, looked pleased, instead sneering at the couple before the one on the right spoke up again, this time through a grumble, “Escort them both inside and fetch the general from upstairs.” Here he turned to Benjamin, jabbing the bayonet in his direction in final opposition, “And whatever you have to say, it’d better be worth his time.” 

Finally, finally, after being escorted into the living room, they were left alone, even if it were only for a fraction of a moment, They’d both been ordered to sit, side by side, and unable to contain her relief that he was there with her, Moira reached for his hand and offered an ardent squeeze, though she kept her gaze forward. 

“Don’t be nervous,” she softly said, almost as if speaking to herself, “I’m certain Clinton will be grateful for your help.”

On cue, the general and the second sentry officer came tromping down the stairs, the general adjusting his lapel and clearing his throat, having been cooped up in his office quietly for the better half of the day. 

“This must be our newest recruit then,” he sputtered, sizing Benjamin up before flashing a rather pleased looking smile, “Well, you seem young and healthy enough. On behalf of our good King, we welcome your support, lad. I also hear you’re my comely little maid’s husband? Congratulations – hopefully soon, the two of you will be able to begin your married lives in peace, yet again.” 

Once the obligatory pleasantries were out of the way, the general adopted a more serious look, his militant demeanor returning. He nodded to the sentry to return to his post and gave Moira a stern glance that meant for her to return to her work, which she did promptly, sparing Benjamin a glance over her shoulder before departing from the room. 

“Now what’s this about imperative news you have to share, son?”

------

With the plan set into motion, Benjamin was helpless but to follow the ongoing trajectory. He mailed the letter announcing his intentions -- My poor, sick uncle is no more; I intend to return to you and fulfill my duty to the Crown -- and after allowing another week or so to pass, he scaled the steps to where Moira informed him that both she and Clinton presently lived.

Naturally, the outside was heavily guarded. Two redcoats with bayonets immediately surged forward.

"Halt!" the one on his left commanded. "Who goes there?"

"My name is John Bolton, husband to General Clinton's house staff, Moira O'Shea...or Moira Bolton now. I've come seeking an audience with the general. Now that I have enlisted, I believe I have valuable information to spare."

The redcoat on the right spared his partner a skeptical glance. Clearly, Benjamin looked the part since he was also dressed in His Majesty's fine raiment, but it was quite easier to don the clothes of a soldier than it was to be one.

"Go inside and fetch the girl," the soldier on the right commanded to his friend. "Bring her out here, and see what she says."

The soldier on the left nodded, then disappeared indoors. While they waited, Benjamin was kept company by the bayonet's fierce point. After what felt like an eternity, the soldier from earlier returned with Moira in tow, his hand gripping her elbow in a tight, controlling hold that Benjamin immediately disliked. He tried his best not to scowl as they approached.

"Name, status, and reason for employment," the soldier on the right commanded Moira. "And better yet, do you know this man?" Here, he gestured sharply at their guest with his bayonet.

Benjamin kept his palms uplifted, his expression deceptively calm despite the underlying thrum-thrum-thrum of his pulse.

[solarwriting]

guns and gifts

carl gallagher x fem!reader

request: Hey! I hope I can send you a request for Karl Gallagher of Shameless. Maybe Karl and y / n were a couple before jail, and after leaving jail he came to her to ask her for forgiveness. y / n doesn't forgive him and he starts giving her gifts and apologizing every day. Then everything is at your discretion. Happy ending please💛 from @powerpuffluuvv

genere: fluff + angst

word count: 2.1k

warnings: swearing, ooc carl

posted on april 18, 2021

puppy love. thirteen year-olds holding hands and sharing stolen kisses. it was a sweet relationship that could’ve grown and matured with the two teens as they did. instead carl found himself a job on the corner and when he got caught y/n was done. fiona tried to get through to the boy, asking him to apologize but he brushed her off.

“can i please just talk to him? maybe he’ll listen to me.” y/n pleaded with the lawyer.

fiona stepped in, “it wouldn’t hurt to try it.”

“five minutes.” the lawyer relented.

y/n thanked him and rushed into the room where he sat. he squinted at her through the glasses fiona gave him. “i’m not fuckin’ sorry. i wish i was smarter about it. i wouldn’t have used chuckie as a mule.”

“you know what. if you don’t tell that judge you’re fucking sorry and that you’ve learned from your mistakes i will never speak to you again.” y/n exited the room quickly letting the ultimatum hang in the air as the door slammed behind her.

during the hearing her eyes were trained on the back of his head, hoping she could somehow will him to do the right thing. she kept her arms crossed as she leaned back. kev and v were sat next to her, waiting anxiously to see what he’d say.

“i’m going to make juvie my bitch.” as soon as he said those words, y/n sighed, getting up from her seat, shouldering her back and slipping out of the courtroom as they hauled carl away. he caught her eye before she left, she froze for a moment before shaking her head and making her exit.

time passed and she still spent time with the rest of the gallaghers, she lived across the street so it would have been hard not too. she helped take care of liam when needed and she got a job at patsy’s with fiona’s help.

the day carl came back had been a surprise for everyone, y/n was helping fiona with making dinner after a shift at patsy’s. the front door had slammed shut and, thinking it was debbie, fiona asked if she got a message about hamburger buns. y/n’s eyes shot up when a much deeper voice responded, “nah, it’s just me.”

excited, fiona rushed towards the boy, wrapping him up in a hug. hugging back, he looked up throwing a wave to y/n who was rooted in place, “hey, y/n.”

snapping herself back into reality she lurched forward wiping her hands and grabbing her things, pulling her bag over her shoulder and gripping her keys tightly she looked back at the boy as fiona fussed over his new appearance. “fuck you, carl.” she spat, slamming the back door shut behind her.

y/n managed to avoid carl at school the next day, he was too busy with “his boy” nick and his new white boy carl personality and selling illegal weapons in the bathrooms to bother her anyways. she rushed to patsy’s as soon as school ended and began her shift.

she spent the afternoon rushing from table to table, taking orders, passing out food, and pouring coffee. she was pouring coffee for a couple sitting near the front door when the bell twinkled, signaling a new customer.

her back turned to the door and her focus pointed and the coffee she was pouring she greeted the customer quickly, “take a seat anywhere and i’ll be right with you darling.” she smiled at the couple before turning around, finding herself face to face with white boy carl himself. “get the fuck out.”

y/n rushed away from him, pouring coffee for a man sat at the counter. carl followed, “please just talk to me, y/n.”

“she doesn’t want to talk to you, man.” the customer spoke up as y/n placed the coffee pot on the burner.

“what the fuck did you just say to me?” carl asked the man.

he stood up, “i told you she doesn’t want to talk. so leave.”

y/n stepped in before a physical altercation broke out, “thank so much, sir, but i can fight my own battles.” she pushed carl towards the door, “out.” she kept pushing him despite his protests, “get the fuck out. go.”

the door slammed behind them, and carl began to speak, “no, you’re going to shut your fucking mouth and listen. i don’t want to listen to you. i don’t want to talk to you. and i don’t even want to see you but that last one might be a little fucking impossible since we’re neighbors and i work with your sister so i’m going to be civil towards you but i will only acknowledge your existence when it is absolutely necessary. clear?”

carl began to protest but y/n cut him off, “are we fucking clear?” carl grumbled an agreement and y/n sighed, “good, now get the fuck out if here. i have to go back to work.”

y/n rushed back into the diner, throwing herself back into work. hoping she looked busy enough to keep the nosy man from before to leave her alone, she poured more coffee, took orders, passed out plates. until her shift ended and she could finally take the l back home.

the next run in with carl happened two days later, she was walking home from school, thankful for the day off from work when carl and nick pulled up on a bike. “y/n! wait!”

sighing, y/n whipped around, “i thought i told you i didn’t want to talk to you.”

“i have something for you.” carl explained as he got closer, y/n ignored him and started walking again, the bike quickly catching up with her. “here.”

y/n scoffed, eyeing the bag, “whatever it is i don’t want it.”

“it’s a book, debbie told me you wanted to read it.”

y/n sped up, “no thanks, already read it.” she didn’t care what book it was, she didn’t want anything from him. she took this moment to cross the street, the passing cars making it difficult for the boys on the bike to follow.

she entered the gallagher house hoping carl would be too busy to come home for a few hours while she watched liam. “i get off at nine, if anyone else comes home you’re welcome to leave but i plan on bringing something back for dinner if you want to stick around for that.”

“of course i’ll stay. me and liam are going to have a great time. isn’t that right liam?” y/n asked the toddler who nodded enthusiastically. fiona thanked her and rushed out the door.

y/n put on a movie, which liam fell asleep watching about thirty minutes in. y/n got up and stretched when the movie ended, adjusting the blanket she threw over liam when he fell asleep. she walked in the kitchen, stiff from sitting for so long. she pulled out a can of pop from the fridge and leaned her back against the fridge, using to stretch her body more.

the door swung open and carl walked in, “good you’re hear, i have something else for you.”

“whatever it is, i don’t want it.” y/n sighed into her drink.

“it’s a necklace, here.” he opened the velvet box to show her an expensive looking necklace.

she turned away from him, “no thanks.” walking back into the living room. “go somewhere else please, i have to watch liam.”

carl sighed before exiting the house with nick, who had been hanging back by the door during the exchange. he nodded to nick and the two rolled out to go do god knows what.

that night fiona came home with food, the entire gallagher clan plus kev and v enjoyed. there were enough people that y/n managed to avoid speaking to carl the entire evening. every time he tried to speak to her she’d find someone to talk to, she talked lip about something she had to do for school, ian told her about trevor, and her and debbie talked about anything.

v even pointed out the strange behavior when carl was left looking slightly dejected to fiona, who just shrugged in response.

“thank you fiona, goodnight everyone.” y/n called as she stepped out the back door. she crossed the street quickly and made it home, which as usual was empty, the rest of her family nowhere to be found.

she sighed, grabbing a beer from the fridge and kicking of her shoes as soon as she made it to her room. she threw herself back on her bed yelping when she collided with something hard. she jumped up only to see the jewelry box and book carl had bought her. she set her beer down and pulled the box open, smiling at the necklace. it was gold, with a small tear shaped pendant that held some sort of crystal or diamond.

she set the box next to her beer, which she grabbed and took sip of as she grabbed the book. it was actually something she’d been wanting, she rolled her eyes before opening it to the first page.

the next fee days followed a similar pattern, carl would stop her at school and work and even his own house to offer her gifts, which she would refuse, which would always end up on her bed at the end of the day. on a particularly rough day, y/n had enough. she was walking home from school, carl (who was alone this time) behind her, like clockwork offering another gift.

“carl, please just leave me alone. i don’t have the energy to deal with you.” y/n said not stopping. carl made a comment and y/n snapped, “god i’m not going to forgive you because you chose to go to juvie. you could have just apologized and gotten parole but that didn’t happen. and i’m not going to be your girlfriend again because i don’t even know who you are any more, this thug personality doesn’t look good on you.” y/n sighed rushing away before he could answer.

she was suddenly thankful for the day off, deciding to spend it all alone at home. it was a friday and her weekend was also free so she spent the next few days home alone. her family was gone of course, they only only seemed to show up once a month just to leave again the same day.

sunday evening y/n laid in the couch watching what was on tv when there was a knock on the door. y/n groaned, getting up to answer it freezing when carl was revealed on the other side. he looked small, he was curled into himself and he looked sad. his braids were out, soft curls in the place. “hey, y/n.” he said softly. y/n wordlessly moved out of the way to let him in.

“i’m done. no more sell drugs, guns, anything. something happened, with nick and i don’t want that to be my life anymore.” his voice cracked and y/n instinctively wrapped him into a hug, squeezing protectively. he cried into her shoulder, holding her tightly, scared to let her go.

“hey,” y/n spoke softly, running her fingers through his hair, “you’re okay. i got you.” once carl calmed down, he pulled away but y/n held onto him, hands on his face.

“i really miss you y/n. and i know i was awful before but all i want to do is be with you. i love you.” he sighed, his hands holding her wrists.

y/n pulled him closer, “i love you, too, idiot.” carl gave her a lopsided smiled before surging forward to connect their lips in a hot kiss. y/n stumbled backwards before backing into the wall behind her. carl bit on her lip softly causing her breath to catch in her throat. she tugged on his hair and he squeezed her hips. she pulled away for breath, pressing her forehead to his, “my room?” breathless carl nodded pressing a quick kiss to her lips before they rushed to her room.

the next morning the front door slammed opened, “y/n! i’m going to kill fiona!” debbie stormed through the house bursting into y/n’s room where she was laying next to a topless carl, wearing only his t-shirt, “oh my god! ew!” debbie shielded her eyes from the sight before her.

“hey, debs.” y/n mumbled, sheepishly.

debbie groaned, “just get dressed, we have school.”

[buckyownsmylife]

Finding You #18 - Ransom Drysdale smut

The one where Ransom gets a bit jealous

When you end up being transformed into an omega without any understanding of what it entails, five Alphas find themselves responsible for your well-being. Guess it’s only expected you’d take care of them too, huh?

For general warnings and author’s notes, please go to the fic’s masterlist.

A/N: Chapter 19 is still being written. We’ve caught up to the writing I’d been able to prepare before my classes started, unfortunately. So I shall continue my personal stance of not answering any questions about when the next chapter is coming out. I’ll say this here, one last time: there is absolutely no way, shape or form you can phrase a question about when an author will update an ongoing series that won’t piss them off, so just refrain from doing so. There is a reason why I’ve been mostly absent from Tumblr and why I haven’t been posting as much: the entitlement from the community has been scarying away most of my good friends and has gotten to me as well. I’m finding much more pleasure from working on my own personal (erotic fiction) projects than fanfiction, and that is a direct consequence to the issues authors are facing here on Tumblr. As someone who consumes our content, you are a part of the community, so I urge you to consider how your actions (or ommissions) are contributing to authors’ lack of inspiration and drive.

Ransom’s P.O.V.

My eyes followed her everywhere she went, cleaning the house and rearranging what little decor we had for the thousandth time.

It didn’t irritate me, for once. Everything used to annoy me, to some point and in some way, but ever since she came around - ever since I relented and gave in to my desires - that ever-present anger seemed nowhere to be found.

I only knew peace. And the eventual sexual urges that would lead me to pounce on her,  of course.

Everything was better now that we had her.

“You can’t take your eyes away from her,” I was startled from my musings by Frank, who settled on a spot next to me on the bench in our backyard, a cup of coffee in his hands. I imagined he set out to do the same as I, observe our girl as she worked on our garden, but it was easier to tease each other than to recognize just how much of a goner we were for the pretty omega smiling at us.

“Can you blame me?” I tried to join in on the fun. “She’s perfect.” I saw him nod from the corner of my eyes, still not able to stop checking her out, but then he had to take it too far.

“Yeah,” he initially agreed. “But just remember that she is not yours.” The growl escaped me instinctively, coming from that possessive, territorial place deep inside my chest. Frank tensed up next to me, obviously not having anticipated my reaction, because who the fuck would? Not even the rational part of me, that was still able to see the mess that was about to unfold, had imagined that the Alpha side of me was feeling so greedy that it would prompt me to behave this way.

Of course, Frank tried to remedy it. “You know what I mean,” he rushed to say. “You know she isn’t just yours.” But we both knew it was destined to fail, and so it was with a resigned sigh he watched me jump up from the bench and pounce in Y/N’s direction, gripping her tightly as I made sure her back was glued to my front.

“Watch your fucking mouth,” I threatened, feeling extra pissed off because I could feel how tense my omega was against me, how confused she had become by the whole situation.

“Ransom.” It was Andy’s voice that interrupted us. My head snapped to the side to find our other three brothers watching us with hardened features and serious expressions. “Breathe,” he ordered, and it was only when I saw Frank pinching his nose that I realized what was happening.

I’d started to scent her.

It was leaving me in waves, the warm, overpowering smell of my particular scent, covering the woman glued to me easily, threatening to suffocate the both of us, but it didn’t stop there. My lack of control was so evident that it kept emanating from me as if I was an overworked radiator in the middle of winter, determined to keep a living room feeling like a sauna, and even my own head swirled at the intensity of the aroma.

This wasn’t good.

My thoughts were running. I was struggling to keep a leash on my feelings and instincts, all while a small part of me hoped Y/N was relishing in this experience. She hadn’t been through it before, hadn’t known it was possible because we didn’t want to risk the carnal need to claim that usually followed a scenting session as intense as this one.

And it was undeniably there. Even though I still managed to hold back, my need to know she was enjoying my scent made it all the more clear to me that it was by a very loose thread that I was being able to maintain control, and it terrified me to think of what could happen if I suddenly lost it.

I didn’t want to feel so possessive of her I’d be trembling with the need to kill my brothers.

“Ransom, stop.” It was Frank’s voice now, denouncing just how close to irrationally angry he was. “Let her go.” The aggressive tone he’d assumed only got in his own way. Stuck between not wanting to claim her but needing to make sure she was mine, my scent grew stronger and I found my hands dipping below her dress without even intending to.

Y/N moaned my name, hand flying back to grab at my hair, but despite the overwhelming wetness that greeted me as I slipped two fingers inside of her, I could still hear the question in her voice. She was as confused as the boys, not quite lost to lust yet because she was clinging to the uncertainty my brothers’ defensiveness sparked in her.

“It’s okay…” I whispered, trying to calm down the both of us - needing to, because fuck, I wanted her. “Everything’s alright…” Almost as if he could hear my thoughts, Steve intervened.

“Easy, boy…” He tried to approach us with tentative steps, but it was too much for me.

“I’m not a fucking dog,” I snapped, knowing full well that my face was red with both fury and desire. Steve just opened his mouth in shock, not anticipating the power of my anger, and then closed it again, not knowing what to say. But then his eyes fell on her, and that had me straightening up, body tense as I growled, “Mine!”

Who knows what could have happened if she didn’t faint in my arms right then? I would have probably claimed her, and then a blood bath would have inevitably followed. She would most certainly never forgive me, and I would have never forgiven myself.

The anger immediately died at the concern that took over me. I didn’t fight back when Steve hauled me away from her, counting on the fact that Frank would be there to take care of her. “I’m gonna fucking kill you, Ransom.” I could only look back at the girl in my brother’s arms, hoping she wouldn’t hold this against me once she woke up and Ari, Frank and Andy explained what had happened.

At the very least, I didn’t mark her.

[shurisneakers]

harmless (iv)

Summary: Bucky volunteers to go stop a small time villain, but nothing can prepare him for what exactly he has to deal with. (Bucky x villain!reader, drabble series)

Warnings: cursing, guns, mention of war, frustrated bucky, dramatic reader

Word count: 1.5k

A/N: good evening i’ve never been to any of the places i mention in this series so dont come @ me

if you have any ideas for future inventions/evil plans, lemme know! i might actually end up using them 

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing <333

Previous Part || Series Masterlist

He spends the weekend doing nothing. It’s supposed to be relaxing. He finds it nauseatingly boring.

“No mini mission this week?” Steve asks him from across the couch. 

They’re supposed to be catching up on Star Wars but two prequels in and Bucky could feel himself lose his sanity. Anyone could present him with a random assortment of alphabets, call it a Star Wars species and he would have no reason not to believe them.

It’s not like he doesn’t like space. It’s just that he’s had enough of it and everything and everyone who came from it for the foreseeable future.

“No. Someone else is taking care of it.”

“Didn’t you volunteer for this?”

“I pulled myself out of the case.”

“I thought you were having fun.” 

Bucky’s head slowly turns to look at him. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know,” Steve shrugged. “Looked like you were.”

Well, he wasn’t. He likes it here at home, glued to the TV. Popcorn beside him, sweatpants on. Refreshing, calming, slow, mundane, and Jesus Christ, so fucking boring-

His spiralling is interrupted by the dinging of the elevator to the common floor. No one was allowed up there unless it was extremely urgent. Guests were barely allowed into the Tower as it was. 

It reveals the receptionist from downstairs, Marie. She’s always a little reserved, a little shy. But Bucky had seen her chew and spit out trespassers or anyone who dared to get on her nerve. He adores her.

“Hey, Marie,” Steve says while Bucky sends her a friendly wave in greeting. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s a hostage situation downtown,” she informs them. 

“Okay...” Steve drawls, waiting for a reason why this was an Avengers level threat.

“They’ve asked for Mr. Barnes by name.” She makes a mention towards him.

Bucky sits up straight. Bits of popcorn fall off his chest. 

“What?”

“They said, and I quote-” she looks down at her notepad. “‘Tell that grumpy motherfucker that I’m waiting for him and that he’s not getting out of this so easily because we have come too far.’ End quote. They’ve also told me to include a kissing emoji. And a skull.”

Steve and he look at each other.

“Well?” Steve prods. 

Bucky sighs and gets up to go get ready.

The entrance of Chuck E. Cheese is more crowded than he’d ever seen. He wasn’t even sure he’d seen people in the store before. If there were, they probably only came up till his waist. 

There are a few journalists, a few policemen standing together outside. Whispers of confusion and curiosity reigned free. 

Bucky gently pushes his way to the front. He gets a nod from a police officer who opens the door for him after a quick briefing. 

The place is darker than it usually would be. A trademark, it seemed. The blinds are drawn shut and most of the light is coming through whatever sneaks in through the crack. 

“Hey, Barnes.” Your voice is muffled by a mask that looks suspiciously like it was made out of classroom craft supplies.

There’s a person in a loose chokehold in your hand with a gun pressed against his head. Once again it looks straight out of a cartoon, purple with round disks lining its barrel. 

“What’s all this now?” He gestures around monotonously. 

“A hostage situation. Didn’t you get the memo?”

“Got that part down, genius,” he bites back. “But why?”

“Fucker kept harassing me when I was walkin’ down the street.” 

The guy’s helpless gaze met Bucky. 

“Catcalling me, stalking me.” You tighten the grip you have on him. “Call me darlin’ one more time, you son of a bitch. I dare you.”

He wasn’t impressed with his pleading eyes. He kinda felt like he deserved it. 

“Why’d you do it here?” The bright colours were starting to give him a heading. “And where are the staff?”

“It’s symbolic, Bucky,” you emphasise, “He deserves to be among other rat bastards.”

Of course.

“The staff?” he asks again. 

“Gave them thirty bucks and told them to leave. I’m not a monster.”

“Right.” He doesn’t bother refuting you. “Why’d you call me here?”

“Dunno.” You shrug. “Thought it’d be fun. You having fun yet?”

You shake the guy you’re holding. He gives a small whimper. 

Bucky doesn’t want to stop you. He had chugged enough Respect Juice in his lifetime to know that this guy probably deserved a threat or two.

Hell, he’d even help but you were more than capable of handling this on your own.

“Listen,” he sighed. “As much as I’m sure he deserves it, this is technically illegal and I’m required to stop you.”

“Sorry sarge, I thought you weren’t interested in playing this stupid game with me,” you mock, voice dropping to imitate him.

“I’m not.” It wasn’t entirely true. One Saturday with Jar Jar Binks had convinced him otherwise.

“Okay, so before you leave, do me a favour and call Hawkeye. I hear he looks mighty fine when he’s annoyed.”

His face involuntarily scrunched up. You were going to replace him with Clint? Clint?

He probably took it more as an insult than he should have.

“I’m not doing that.” Bless his foul mouthed friend, but he was a little shit who was too sarcastic for his own good. At least twice a week he’d say something stupid to Bucky and then take out his hearing aids when he tried to argue back. 

“You’re leavin’ me with no options here,” you groaned, using your thumb to flip a switch. The gun looks like it powered up, lights along the side turning red.

If he let you have this, it’d be a bad look for the Avengers.

New York man dies in Chuck E. Cheese lone hostage situation, unable to be saved by same superhero who tried to fight Thanos with a machine gun.

“Tell ya what,” he says instead, “If you kill him, there won’t even be a slight chance that you’ll see me again.”

Your grip on the gun falters.

“If I let him go...”

“I might consider coming back next week.” He’s trying to spin it, make it look like he’s the one with the upper hand here. “But you gotta let him go.”

You search his face for any signs of dishonesty.

“Let him go or you’ll never see me again.” It sounds too much like Clint’s arguments with his dog who brought a live squirrel into the house. 

“Fine,” you relent, a glint in your eye. “but say goodbye to this fuckface.”

Before Bucky can open his mouth to shout in protest, you pull the trigger. The man clenches his eyes shut, face red.

He expects blood to be splatter across his face.

Nothing happens.

A barrage of bubbles floats into the room.

“I meant it literally,” you say, pushing him off you. “Say goodbye. He’s leaving.”

The man stumbles to the ground and Bucky doesn’t make any attempt to catch him. He scrambles to his knees, picking himself up and scurrying out the door to a hoard of reporters.

The door shuts behind him with the chime of a bell.

“You’re annoying,” Bucky states, giving a small sigh.

“I’m well aware of that.” You pull off the mask, wiping the sweat off your brow.

“Where is the agent assigned to your case?” 

“Dunno. Last I saw he was crying on the driveway of my lair. I just figured he’d pick himself up later so I left him there.”

Bucky’s nose twitches. 

“You weren’t actually going to kill him, were you.” He shrugs with his shoulder towards the door. It wasn’t a question, more a statement. He knew you wouldn’t. 

“I could have.”

“But you weren’t going to,” he repeats. 

“No,” you admit. “I wasn’t. But I’m glad to see you showed up.”

“You held someone hostage as leverage.”

“No, no. I held someone hostage and then asked to see you. They were completely unrelated.”

“You’re evil.”

“You jumped to conclusions,” you point out. “Would you like a trampoline next time? Maybe a pogo stick, you clown?”

He has a very real gun in his holster. His very real metal death arm aches to use it. 

“No one else agreed to come,” he deflects. 

“We both know that’s a lie. You were going to come back anyway.” You stuff the bubble gun back into the bag. “I’m deliciously irresistible.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Then beg.” You give him a smirk and he rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, you win this round, sarge.”

He doesn’t say anything. He watches you remove your heist gear, revealing normal civilian clothes underneath.

You walk casually to the kitchen, intending to leave through the back door.

“But I can’t say I lost either.” You send him a wink before swiftly pushing open the door and leaving him behind.

He only watches you leave.

It doesn’t hit him until a few seconds later that he let a criminal out of his hands when there were several policemen and journalists outside.

He entertains the idea of chasing you down and handing you over. 

It takes him only a few seconds to decide that if they wanted you, they’d have to try themselves.

Next part 

[fragmcntedsouls]

Placing a hand over her heart, Billie appeared very magnanimous as she taunted “aren’t I?” crumbling almost immediately as her laughter became louder. Together it truly was as if they were the only two in existence. The OEA had occupied enough of their time, of their happiness, planning and scheming how they could overthrow the organisation, or at least hit them hard enough to do permanent damage. For now, they could just be newlyweds; in search of their own home. At the very beginning of the rest of their lives. “Might?” holding out her hand for Briggs to take, she gave her fingers a playful wriggle, “i’ll take that chance.” Her smile only became wider, stepping back into his embrace as she gently nudged his nose with her own, taking a moment from their silliness to muse honestly “you do.” Everything about the moment was perfect. The two of them together at complete peace and whilst they might not find their home today – it didn’t matter. They had all the time in the world for that. A hum of appreciation met his action as placed kisses against her neck, causing her breath to catch in her throat, derailing her thought process entirely. “Keep that up and we’re definitely staying the night and treating these ghosts to a show” she taunted, before Briggs delivered the devastating blow and an audible gasp left her lips. “Just remember that you asked for this” and with that, she lifted her head, hitting him with the pout, before relenting again as he wrapped her tightly in his embrace, “ 2 for 1? hell yeah, they’ll take that action. Do you think they’re gonna have snacks down in the basement, or is this a bring your own, kinda deal?” Another hum left her lips as he referred to her as Mrs Mikaelson, her head tilting as her hands lifted to rest either side of his jaw, leaning close enough to caress his lips with each word. as she taunted mercilessly, “say that again, but slower.” 

Her grin returned given his explanation and she nodded along as her expression appeared thoughtful; her hand lifting so that she could grasp her chin between her forefinger and thumb. “This morning and this afternoon” she corrected playfully, “you make a valid point, though. I guess that leaves no saying, ‘i’ll be right back’ or ‘hello, who’s there’ if we hear a strange noise, right? – Am I missing anything?” Billie’s laughter was rich with merriment, both the sound and the sensation addictive and nobody else possessed the ability to make her feel this way. “Another good point. Maybe we should hope that your mom’s are the first to notice we’re missing“ she teased. Billie was convinced that nothing could ever bring them down from this type of high, she was so in love with everything that he was, the very same way that she had been from the moment that they met. Dropping her hands to rest against his chest, she lifted herself up onto her toes to place a kiss against his neck as she taunted lowly, “if we can get rid of the realtor, you could be beneath me.” 

Agreeing with his statement about the art and artist, Billie wiggled her finger “you’re right” and she nodded, teasing “your brother is definitely the artist” unable to contain her laughter yet again, “he’s got that crazed look in his eye, the tiniest of psychos.” Her attention was immediate to return as his fingers ran against her back, the sensation leaving light shudders of ecstasy beneath their wake, her body as responsive as ever to his touch and falling into the stolen kiss, “I dare you” she taunted back in a whisper. “A murder house is nothing for witch/wolf/banshee – ” she had to think about the term, “tribrids?” before waving a hand through the air with a giggle “– whatever, they’ll be fine.”

The sound of his laughter surged through her veins, coaxing a giggle of her own, knowing that she could easily exist within this moment forever. “It’s true, you do not” her agreement came playfully, before her brow furrowed and she shook her head at the accent slander. “Excuse me? That’s ice cold” here was the accent again, “my accent is quite spectacular, thank you.” The accent in question however was a muddled hybrid of Mary Poppins characters. Continuing to explore, Billie peeked out of the cobweb clad window which really added to the atmosphere, before peaking back over her shoulder as Briggs tugged on the locked door. “Oh – you know what that means?” she grinned, returning to his side, before pressing her ear to the door “now we have to see what’s inside.” Her eyes widened at his theory and for a moment, she did allow herself to believe it. “I knew it, she’s lured us here to eat our newlywed souls” her statement came as a strained whisper, her ear still pressed against the door. What happened next however, did genuinely scare the shit out of her and she gasped as there was a dull thud from the other side of the door. Jumping backwards, she grabbed onto Briggs' arm, “shit, baby, tell me you heard that?” Before, a slow grin crept across her lips, breaking another rule of the ‘horror movie survival guide’ and looking her husband dead in the eyes as she asked, “hello – is someone there?”

"You truly are the kindest soul." It was said in a playful manner, though the truth of it was very much a reality. He had never in his life met someone as genuinely kind and giving as she was, and he was continually in awe. "It might make me feel better," he quipped before nodding and correcting, "actually I know I am. Know you better than anyone, baby, can't fool me." The mission was fully accomplished, and the jovial nature of the afternoon had never been clearer. "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry," he pleaded in over-the-top feigned contrition, dipping his head down to place a few kisses against her neck, before slipping in, "if you think you're funny, that's really all that matters." Wrapping his arms around her all the tighter so she'd not get away, he taunted, "if they get me, they get you." Her voice was the greatest sound in the world, especially when it was filled to the brim with joy. She'd not sounded so carefree in a while, and he'd missed hearing and seeing that in her. "Wow," he murmured, "that's pretty cold, Mrs. Mikaelson." The serious tone he had to fight for didn't last as his lips gave out into a grin. "So I did get to see it."

He shook his head, though he might have been a little curious. "Curiosity doesn't bode well for the characters of a horror movie, and we already broke a rule this morning. I'm just saying we have to be careful," he explained, though he was barely holding it together. This was almost a second honeymoon, or maybe it was the buzz from acting on plans for their future. Maybe not in any of the houses they'd seen, but they'd be choosing a house that would be theirs. One that would be where they had their lives. "I can see it. Fighting for our lives in the basement, and they'd be bickering." Every day, he loved her more. Every single day. How lucky was he? For all the bad this world had to offer, this was good. So unbelievably good. When she looked back at him the way she did, he really did wonder how he ever thought he wasn't worth it. Someone that could make her look at him that way, well, he had to be something. Half-expecting her to lick him, he made a face as she said it one more time anyway. "Now who's being hurtful? Name-calling is beneath you," he chided, completely losing the battle to say that with any composure.

He loved that smile, so much so he almost forgot his question. "I am now," he shot back, lips almost permanently pulled into a grin. As soon as he said it, he regretted how flippant it sounded, but she could hear it as it was intended. "I'd bet a lot of it's the same artist too." Running his fingers up her back, he murmured back against her lips, "you sure?" Taking advantage of the proximity to steal a kiss from his wife, he joked, "they've got a bright future ahead of them. A murder house couldn't possibly be traumatic for them in any way." Her idea had him laughing as if for the first time, "I don't think I tell you enough how brilliant you are. That said, I'm not sure you can do a British accent." As she attempted one, he shook his head as if trying to let her down easy, "no, baby, let's put that away." Trying another door to check out another bedroom, he paused, "it's locked. It's a house with a door that doesn't open. You know what, I think the realtor's gone rogue." Then he had an idea and maybe was mildly trying to scare her, "or plot twist, she's the ghost?"

[in-ky]

An Old Scent [1] - Negan x Reader (A/B/O AU)

Summary: During summer break, you decide to come back home to visit your dad, Rick. Over the course of your stay, you realize that your dad's friend is pretty hot.

Warnings: Eventual smut, A/B/O dynamics, cheating, age gap, Negan

A/N: yay first fic! this will have four parts! i hope everyone enjoys. this is an au where the apocalypse never happened. 3.2k words

I squinted as I stepped out into the bright Virginian sun. People swarmed all around me, creating the steady hum of airport ambience that I had grown accustomed to over the years. I had just gotten off a four-hour flight home from college and all I wanted to do was shower and curl up in bed. But I couldn't. Oh, no. First I had to endure a fun thirty-minute car ride with my best friend since second grade. I scanned the curb in front of me for her small black car and caught sight of a tall woman waving at me. I grinned and walked forward, tugging along my baggage behind me.

"Ugh, it's so good to see you, Bee." I sighed as I enveloped my friend into a large hug. She let out a laugh and swayed us gently.

"It's good to see you, too," She hummed, rustling my hair "I forgot how short you were." Bee was an alpha; tall, muscular, and very quick to remind me of our differences. Of course, it was in a 'joking with love' kind of way. I was an omega; small, rounded, and very quick to punch her gently in the abdomen.

"I forgot how much of a jerk you are." I quipped, huffing and wheeling my bag to her trunk.

"Oh, come on, babes, don't be like that," Bee laughed, opening the driver side door and waiting for me to walk back to my side. "Now get in, we've got a lot of catching up to do."

---

"How are your heats going?"

"Jesus, that's what you want to start with?" I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. Bee shrugged.

"We don't have to if you don't want to," She clarified, turning out onto the street "I'm just saying, I know they've gotten pretty bad as we've gotten older. Did you try out those tips I sent you?"

"Yea, I did," I said quietly, looking at the trees rushing by on the side of the highway "They worked for a while but..."

"But you need an alpha," Bee sighed, finishing the sentence for me.

"That's the plan for this summer," I agreed "Might finally settle down."

"You know, I'm always here if you need me." She said with a wink. I scoffed at her.

"I'm not that desperate," I laughed, shoving her lightly "Not yet, at least."

"Anyone take your interest back in Colorado?"

"Not really," I hummed, tilting my head in consideration. "There was this one guy. We dated for a few months but towards the end he became a total knot-head. He couldn't keep his hands off me. I thought it was cute at first, but after I started to miss a few classes...well, that shit got old pretty quickly." Bee made a disgusted noise.

"Ugh, men," She grunted, wrinkling her nose "I'm glad I never went through that phase. I'm perfectly happy with chicks, thank you very much. Much less of a pain in my ass."

"Oh, they're not so bad," I smirked "I think it's just alphas in general." She glared at me momentarily and I stuck my tongue out at her. We drove in a comfortable silence for a few moments, just enjoying each other's company. That was always something I loved about Bee. We never had to fill every second with chatter, we could just exist together in the same space and be just as content. She started to hum along to the song that buzzed softly from the radio and my eyes tracked a hawk. Soon enough, we reached our exit and Bee turned the car onto a smaller road, starting the countdown to my arrival home.

"Are you excited to see your dad?" Bee asked, killing the silence.

"Yea, I am," I smiled. We hadn't always had the best of relationships, but the distance that college gave had done wonders for us. A few texts and calls had worked perfectly for us. When he invited me to stay a few weeks during summer I gladly accepted. I wanted to see just how well our relationship had strengthened. Plus I knew he really needed someone.

"How's he doing?" There was genuine concern in Bee's voice. A few months ago, my mom had revealed that she had been having an affair with one of dad's work buddies. She left with him and took my brother down to Georgia.

"I think he's okay. But you know dad, he's not really an emotions guy. He was starting to get some closure but then the divorce papers came in the mail. That really hurt him," I told her, twisting a strand of my hair around my finger. "I just don't know how Lori could do that to him, you know? She won't even let Carl up to visit. The new baby's cute, though. Looks just like Shane." Bee hummed in acknowledgement.

"Well, tell him I said hi, alright?"

"Will do." A few more seconds of silence passed. Until we stopped at a light. Bee looked up and spotted a billboard that sported a very familiar, very handsome face.

"Holy shit!" Bee shrieked, slapping my arm.

"Ow, what the hell?" I hissed, grabbing my shoulder. She pointed frantically at the sign.

"That guy! Isn't that, shit- the hell's his name?" Pulling my eyes from my lap, I let them settle on the object of her excitement. All of the color drained from my face. It was an add for a law firm. There was an old geezer posing proudly on the left, and to his right, was the man who haunted my wet dreams for the majority of high school.

"Negan." I gulped.

"Yea, your dad's hot friend you never shut up about." Bee groaned, pressing on the gas and moving us away from the sign. Negan was a lawyer/make-shift-law-professor and baseball coach at the local community college. He had a sort-of contract with my dad's department. Many times I had come home after school to the two of them puzzling out a case on the kitchen table. Negan was an alpha of alphas, something that got my little omega heart (and other things) pumping until I couldn't breath. His humor and dominating persona made me blush a deep crimson color any time I saw him. Sometimes I would spend hours sitting on the stairs just listening to him talk to my dad. His voice was something else. I had gushed to Bee about him countless times during our times at high school. But I hadn't seen him since my graduation party.

"I wonder if you'll see him again," Bee teased, nudging me again to pull me out of my trance of memories. Then, she did a dramatic gasp. "What if he's your mate?" It was my turn to slap her in the shoulder.

"He's older than my dad!" I squealed, burying my now-blushing cheeks in my hands.

"You're an adult I don't think it matters."

"I think he's engaged."

"Just 'cause there's a goalie doesn't mean you can't scoooore." Bee pulled a face at me and I returned her grimace.

"Whatever, you're lucky we're almost at my house." I huffed, falling back into my seat with my arms crossed over my chest.

"Oh, yea, omega? What are you gonna do?" I rolled my eyes as she laughed off my grumpiness. We rolled to a stop in front of my driveway and a leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks so much, Bee, I really appreciate you," I grinned, popping open the door.

"No problem, babes," She winked, unlocking the trunk "But I swear to the gods, you better fucking call me and give me updates on everything, especially if you run into Mr. Hotcakes." I rolled my eyes once more and promised her I would before closing the door. I retrieved my bag and gave her a wave as she drove down the street. When she was out of view, I took a deep breath and turned around, walking up the driveway to the front door.

I knocked heavily on the dark oak door. While I waited for someone to answer, I decided to look around at the home I had left behind about a year ago. My childhood home had changed now and then over the years, but there were still some iconic pieces of memories in the front yard that could never be forgotten. My personal favorite was Eddie the garden gnome. He was a standard gnome: small and stout with a large white beard that led into a pointy red hat. His eyes were shut and his mouth was curved into a smile. However, he was missing a nose. I grinned as I recalled the unfortunate mishap that caused Eddie to become deformed. I was about twelve, and carl was five. He had gotten a kid's baseball from Negan for his birthday and had begged me to teach him how to play, since I was on the local softball team at the time. I relented and set it up in the front yard. Eddie was our outfielder. Eddie didn't have a mitt. Well, he did, but it was his face. Carl absolutely smashed the first pitch I tossed at him and hit poor Eddie right in the face, shattering his round, pink nose into pieces. Carl bursted into tears and I had to promise him that he did not in fact kill our precious protector of our house. Lori ran out frantically and comforted her son before giving me a thorough chewing out for damaging Eddie. We never used the set again. That she knew of, anyways. Negan always let us play in his yard, though. I smiled at the memory, but the clicking of the lock to the door pulled me from my train of thought. The door swung open and I was met with the smiling face of my father.

"Sweetie, I'm so glad you made it!" He laughed, pulling me in swiftly and squeezing me tight.

"It's good to see you too, dad." I croaked, letting out a small chuckle. I tapped on his shoulder as a signal for him to let go.

"How was the flight?" He asked as he stepped out to grab my bag. I told him it was good but that the screaming kids had given me a bit of a headache. He gave a small laugh and gestured for me to enter. I thanked him and he rolled my bag in behind me. We exchanged a few words but as soon as I walked through the kitchen into the doorway of the living room I was hit by a wall. Not literally, no, but rather a wall of overwhelming scent. It was a delicious swirl of campfire and whiskey, with a hint of cigarettes and leather. I paused for a moment, my eyes forced closed and my lungs taking a deep breath of the intoxicating air. Colors danced across my eyelids. My whole body was flooded with warmth and my toes tingled. I felt safe and calm, and there was something else; something deep within my stomach that I couldn't quite identify, something I never felt before. My eyes snapped open when I felt my father's hand rest firmly on my shoulder.

"I hope you don't mind, sweetie, but I invited company over while I was waiting for you to arrive," He smiled at me. I got a good look at him then. He looked the same, his hair was a bit longer, a bit greyer. But his eyes were different. They were darker, rounder, rawer. I gave a soft smile and told him it was fine. He guided me into the living room. It was then I realized where that deadly smell was coming from. Or, rather, who it was coming from. "Negan, you remember my girl." In that moment, I held my breath as I scanned Negan. He looked fucking amazing, just as he always had. Perfect dimples guarding a charming smile, all surrounded by a gorgeous salt and pepper beard. His hair was longer than it was when I had left, not slicked back, but it still framed his face perfectly. Negan's body was draped casually over the sectional couch, legs crossed at the ankle on the ottoman. His arms were on the top of the couch and his wrists were dangling. He knew he was hot. That bastard. I suddenly became aware of his eyes raking over my form and I shifted from one foot to the other.

"'course I do, Rick," Negan said, voice silky and deep. I couldn't help but let a small shudder run down my spine. All I wanted to do was kneel down in front of him and curl up at his feet. I forced my inner omega down, shaking the thought from my head. "How could I forget the little slugger?" I cringed inside at the nickname. Especially the use of the word 'little'. I begged that he didn't still see me as the kid down the street. Instead as a grown woman. A grown omega.

"Hi, Negan." I greeted with a small smile, swallowing to relieve my dry throat. Now that I was next to him, his scent was clogging all my senses. I gripped onto the couch and lowered myself onto the cushion, hoping to ground myself. It helped, just barely. My heart was pounding, my instincts telling me to submit to this man in front of me. Why, though? Why now? He had never smelled this good before. No alpha had. Was I getting close to my heat? I did have a stomach ache, but that could be from Negan alone.

"Hey, sweetheart. How's college goin'?" Negan asked, sipping on his drink. He kept eye contact with me the whole time. Rick handed me a glass of soda and I thanked him.

"It's good!" I said after taking a sip, thankful for the hydration in my coarse throat "Towards the end it got a little hectic, but I was able to stay on top of everything, thankfully."

"You're studying film, right?" He asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.

"That's right," I grinned, crossing my legs to relieve some of the pressure the movement caused to build up in my lower abdomen "You still teaching law?" This caused him to chuckle. Literally music to my ear.

"If that's what you want to fuckin' call it." Negan sighed, falling back to his original position, hands resting in his lap "I talk, the kids kinda listen. I just do it for the coaching job, really. You remember how much I love that damn sport, right?"

"Baseball?" I asked, raising a brow "You mean the only thing you talked about at all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners you were invited to?"

"Touché." Negan grinned. Goddamn that smile. Butterflies erupted in my chest, beating hard against my ribcage, begging to throw myself at his chest and bury myself in him. Rick cleared his throat and smiled at me to get my attention.

"I want to know more about your college experience!" He beamed, rubbing a hand through his beard "Any special alphas you've got your eyes on?" I heard Negan choke slightly on his whiskey. A small bubble of pride rose in my chest. I laughed at his words.

"Dad, I don't think Negan wants to hear about my love life."

"Shit, doll, I don't mind," He grumbled "I don't get to hear any drama now-a-days"

"What do you mean?" I giggled, tilting my head "You argue for a living. Your job is to literally deal with drama."

"Yea, but that's complex drama," He growled, waving his hand dismissively "I wanna hear simple, schoolgirl 'he loves me, he loves me not' kind of bullshit."

"Well sorry to disappoint," I snorted, running a hand through my hair "but no, there's no one I have an eye on." Dad's smile turned into a frown.

"Shame." I heard Negan whisper. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to hear it. It was quiet, barely above his breath, and he said it while twirling his whiskey, following the words with a large gulp.

"You really should start looking, dear." Dad said with a sigh "You know it only gets harder as you get older."

"Dad please, I don't..." I cut him off "Listen, I appreciate you trying to understand this stuff, I really do, but I don't really want to talk about it with my father." He looked at me with an understanding smile.

"Sure," He nodded "But if you ever need anything, anything at all, you just let me know, alright." I nodded.

"Well, this sure has been fun, Ricky-boy," Negan grinned, getting to his feet and stretching his arms far above his head. "We do have that big court case in the mornin', though, and I need my shut-eye."

"Big case, eh?" I asked, rising from my seat as well. Dad nodded and excitement sparked in his eyes.

"You should come! It's an open court and I would love for you to see what I do. I know you always wanted to as a kid, but your mom made you wait until you were older. Well, now's the perfect time!" He rambled, grasping my shoulders.

"W-Well, I dunno, I don't want to be a distraction," I stumbled, taken aback by my father's display of enthusiasm. I turned to Negan, as if asking for permission. He just laughed.

"Oh-o, doll, I don't get distracted. Not in there, not anywhere. Don't you worry about a goddamn thing. You should come, Rick seems like he really wants you to."

"Okay, then," I grinned, nodding in commitment "I'll see you there in the morning then." I looked up to Negan and we locked eyes for a brief moment. But in that moment, something within me quivered. He brushed up against me and smirked down at me.

"See you tomorrow, sweetheart. It was nice to see you. You're lookin' great." It took all my willpower not to let out a whimper as he walked past me, taking his glorious scent with him.

My dad said that he should also get some rest, but that I could stay up as long as I wanted to. I was pretty wiped from my flight so I opted to follow him up the narrow staircase, tugging my bag behind me. I hugged him goodnight and stepped into my room. It hadn't been touched since I left last summer. The forest green bedspread was still perfectly tucked into the mattress and two plump pillows were perched at the head of the bed. My muscles ached for the soft release of sleep. I put my suitcase down by my dresser, taking a moment to smile at some old photos of me and Bee as kids. I showered and brushed my teeth before getting into the comfortable bed. I looked up at the ceiling and giggled softly at the glow-in-the-dark stars shining overhead. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I wasn't thinking of anything in particular, but for some reason, all of my dreams were plagued by the sweet smell, sound, sight, feeling, and taste of Negan.

[worldofbraingirlau]

Soon they arrived back at Steven’s house. Carrie was so busy looking through the photos that she didn’t realize they had arrived until Steven stated to her that they were here. She didn’t even realize the car stopped. She was busy looking through the photos and gushing though them. Mouse was really adorable looking, even when she was acting like an evil villain. “Hey Carrie we arrived.” Steven stated, catching her attention. “Oh.” Carrie spoke. sounding a little off guard and embarrassed. She looked up at the home and froze at the sights. It wasn’t an impressive sight. Just a nice average two story home. But Carrie was mesmerized by the house. Almost like she had seen it before. Steven noticed her dazed look and was confused by it. He snapped his fingers to capture her attention. Carrie blinked in surprise at the noise and looked red in the face again. “Sorry you have a nice home.” Carrie mumbled. “Uh thanks.” Steven replied in an awkward tone. “Now Mouse should be home by now. So stay in the care while I go explain things to her. I’ll try to gently explain things to her about the situation. I’ll let you know when you can come in.” With that Steven left Carrie alone in his car while he walked inside to his front door and entered in his house.

Mouse was indeed inside. She was on the couch with Bob while munching on some cheese and watching Pretty Princess. Mouse looked up and was surprised but still elated to see her dad come home early. “Hey dad what are you doing back early?” Mouse asked her father as she got up to greet him with a hug. Steven gave a sheepish smile. “Well something came up. Mouse honey you remember that cat lady you encountered?” Steven looked upset when Mouse flinched in fear and the mouse brain started glowing green in fright. “Yeah..did Wordman finally catch her?” Mouse asked in a tiny fearful voice. Steven sighed. “Not exactly honey. She ended up crashing into my work building looking for food and now she is going to have to stay with us for a while.” Steven said as honestly and gently as he could explain. Mouse’s jaw dropped in horror and betrayal. “What the heck! She is staying here! You said you would protect me from the scary cat lady dad!” Mouse yelled in a broken hearted tone. Steven felt bad for his daughter’s reaction. “I know I said that. This doesn’t change anything. She won’t lay a finger on you or try to eat you I swear. She is only interested in eating fish.” Mouse still didn’t look convinced and hurtful as well as frightened at her dad going back back on his promise and at the idea of that scary cat lady living here too. Steven knelt down and put his hands on his daughter’s shoulders in a comforting manner. “Mouse sweetie. Do you recall how what happened to you was the result of a scientific accident?” Mouse nodded slowly. Not sure where her father was going with this. “Yes I do.” Steven nodded at his daughter’s response. “Well the cat lady wasn’t always a cat lady. Unlike you she was purposefully experimented on and hurt by bad people. She only remembers her name and what she went through mostly. I’m helping her not become a cat lady anymore because I’m specialized in genetic study. She is only staying here so I can keep an eye on her and provide a cure for her. You don’t have to be in the same room. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you while she is here and that is a guarantee.” Mouse seemed to ponder her dad’s words. She felt awful for the cat lady to have to go through something so horrible, still she was a cat lady, but if dad said he was going to get rid of the cat part of her…”Okay she can stay.” Mouse finally relented. Steven smiled and warmly hugged his child. “You are such a brave and kind hearted girl Mouse. I’m proud of you and I will try to make things as comfortable for you as I can while she is here.” Steven reassured his child. @experimentedcat

{{{{{ Grumble! }}}}}}

Carrie tried to ignore her stomach grumbling. Knowing she didn't have food on hand at the moment nor money she knew she would have to find a way to eat.

Her stomach growled again. Hunger pains were setting in again. When was the last time she actually had something to eat ..?

So she did what anyone would do-

Rob the nearest store she could find.

Okay maybe not anyone. ..

She was hungry and being reasonable was the last thing on her mind as she stuffed some fish in her mouth. Ignoring the stares she got by the customers and store owner alike. She was used to being stared at, at this point.

@experimentedcat

Just as she was about to reach the exit a gust of wind knocked her over. Carrie laid splat on the ground as the fish she had "borrowed" was now scattered around her Carrie blinked in stunned surprise before she slowly got up from the floor. She rubbed her head as she tried to gain her barrings. "What hit me?" she muttered before turning around. Carrie for the first time since she escaped that awful place was shocked to see who knocked her over. "MWAHAHAHA!" The figured cackled. "It is I mousebraingirl! I am here to illegally acquire all of your precious freshly made yellow dairy concoctions." Mousebraingirl exclaimed with evil glee. Everyone in the store looked at her with confusion. "Your going to do what?" The Grocery Store Manager asked. Mousebraingirl frowned in annoyance. She hated that people still didn't know what certain words meant. Wasn't there a dictionary or a word themed superhero they could learn from? "I'm going to steal all your cheese now." Mousebraingirl restated in a less than enthusiastic tone of voice. The Grocery Store manager and crowd nodded as they now understood what she was saying. They then froze, their eyes wide open as they NOW understood what she was saying. The people in the store screamed and began running around in frantic motions as they panicked about being robbed. Mousebraingirl gave a huff as she crossed her arms. "Thats' better." she muttered before switching to a mischievous expression. "Now say goodbye to your precious cheese!" @experimentedcat

[pricklynoodle]

real or not real

Itadori Yuji/Fushiguro Megumi pairing | Squid Game AU | Rated T | warning: implied character death | ANGST

( yes, writing instead of doing school lol, squid game ruined me so if you want to read this then be warned of SQUID GAME SPOILERS. There's no graphic death, but its sad as hell either way TT)

---

“The player who takes all ten marbles from your partner wins.”

Megumi had always kept to himself, never saying anything unless spoken to, never stuck to groups, and never took the choice to attach himself to something. Everything had an expiration date. Unnecessary things like friendships had never appealed to him. He only needed his sister, and it wasn’t like she had the choice to have him as her brother. But the fact that she still stuck around caring for him until she worked herself to a coma.

So honestly, it’s a surprise why he feels his heart drop when the announcement tells him he has to go against … whatever 310 is to him.

He hardly knows 310, and doesn't know anything about his life actually. Other than that he’s crazy strong, has an impressive pain tolerance, but also the loudest kid he’s ever met. He's always around him, sticking to Megumi like a persistent piece of gum stuck to his shoe. But he doesn't dislike him, but he can't say he's thrilled with him either.

But would Megumi kill him?

Stupid, he tells himself.

“Oh, fuck, I honestly didn’t see that coming,” 310 says with a grimace, looking at Megumi guiltily as if he was the cause of Megumi’s inner turmoil. He sits down on one of the stone benches. The whole setup was supposed to mimic a typical neighborhood, something Megumi wasn’t fortunate enough to grow up in. The bastards even made the effort to add in the sounds of cicadas from the fake trees, as if this was a completely normal summer for a couple of teens.

Megumi doesn’t say anything, he feels dizzy. He drops down to the bench, away from 310 as possible.

“I’ve always wanted to say this,” 310 says as he rests his elbows on his knees, looking at Megumi seriously, “This whole thing reminds me of Hunger Games.”

Megumi looks at him with furrowed brows.

“You know, Jennifer Lawrence?” 310 pushes. Megumi says nothing. “...Tall girl, big ass? The one with the arrows?”

“Can you shut the fuck up,” Megumi deadpans, then he shakes his head. He takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He counts to ten, then glances down at his hand. 10 marbles. “Just tell me how to play this game.”

“I don’t know either,” 310 admits, sounding sheepish. He shrugs carelessly, “This is more of the games my gramps used to play, but he was too busy being sick to teach me though.”

Megumi looks up at 310. He looks tired, but nostalgic. Like he was thinking of a good memory.

310 perks up, grinning at Megumi brightly, “though they said that we can make our own rules. I’ll think of something.”

Megumi nods solemnly. The silence stretches until 310 lets out an ‘aha!’.

“Let’s bet everything and just play one around,” 310 says, even dropping his fist down onto his hand as if it were the best idea ever.

Megumi freezes, staring at 310, was he going to trick him? He doesn’t even know him. They’re not friends. Of course, everything still is a death tournament at the end of the day.

310 seems to pick up Megumi’s reluctance, he jerks his head to the side. He points towards the pair of men competing against each other, looking frantic and panicked.Their faces are sheened with sweat, t-shirts drenched in sweat. It’s… it’s a pathetic sight.

“Fine,” Megumi relents. “What are we playing?”

“Calm down,” 310 chuckles, “are you that excited to kill me?”

Megumi stays quiet.

“We have a lot of time left,” 310 says breezily, pointing towards the timer mounted on the wall. “Let’s do it at the last minute.”

“What do you suggest we do till then?” Megumi asks with a scowl. “Sit nice and pretty, twiddle our thumbs and shove these marbles up our asses?”

“Jesus, man,” 310 laughs, “no just… talk.”

“Talk,” Megumi repeats.

“Talk,” 310 smiles, looking down at his hands. Megumi looks at them too. He remembers the hard calluses on them, when they shook hands. They’re thick and sturdy, and hold a lot of power. He really could have killed Megumi before, just wrap his hands around his neck and it’s all over.

Megumi also shakes away the filthy thoughts of what else those hands could do. Get a grip, Fushiguro.

“Things we couldn’t tell other people,” 310 says, smiling wistfully. “One of us is going to die here anyways.”

Megumi swallows the lump in his throat.

310 smiles wider. He’s always smiling, Megumi notes.

“There’s no reason to feel embarrassed if that’s the case,” 310 tells him, “I promise I won’t laugh when you blush like a tomato.”

“I don’t,” Megumi denies, but he can feel the heat already rising up to his cheeks.

“You do,” 310 says, “but I think it’s cute.”

Cute.

“So, uh, you have someone back home then?” 310 asks.

“Yeah,” Megumi says.

“...like a girlfriend or something?”

“Sister,” Megumi says quickly, “no...never a girlfriend. Impossible for me.”

“Ah, okay,” 310 says, nodding. “Just your sister?”

“I had a dad, but he … never came back.” Megumi confesses, “he was a shitty dad. He was never really home, but he gave us shelter and food. He had a bad temper, but he never hit us. He never liked to be around me especially. I … used to think he hated me.”

“What changed?” 310 asked.

“I… I became him. I understand why he did what he did,” Megumi says, fiddling with the sleeves of his jacket. “Doing dirty jobs, stealing, never at home. Hiding from danger. Hiding us from danger. Protection.”

310 nodded, he slid closer to Megumi. Thighs brushing. Silence continues.

“He came here,” Megumi says, looking up at the ceiling. It’s painted a pink-orange gradient, like a sunset. “I found half of that business card in one of his jackets. The last two digits were cut off. I dialed every possible number until I got here.”

“For what?” 310 asks.

“Find him,” Megumi says, “punch him. I would have killed him, I think, if I found out that he left us to rot. Then steal all his money to pay for my sister’s medical bills.”

“Oh, she’s sick?”

“Coma,” Megumi clarifies. “Some rich bastard from work hit her on her way home. He got off easy because of money.”

“I see,” 310 says, clenching his fists. “That’s terrible.”

“Yeah,” Megumi says gruffly.

“You’re still getting money though,” 310 says. He doesn’t say but you don’t get your dad back. “What would you do with it?”

Megumi doesn’t even hesitate, “pay for my sister’s medical bills. Buy a nice house for us to live in. A car, if I can.”

“If you can?” 310 says, “where would you drive your car?”

“school,” Megumi says simply. “I would use my car to drive to school.”

310 blinks. “You know, you can do much more with that 40 billion. You really don’t want anything else? Don’t have a destination?”

“I’d go to Sendai.”

“Wh—Sendai? I’m from Sendai. Are you kidding me? Are you going to drive there with a shiny new Toyota Yaris?”

Megumi blushes furiously, “enough about me, ugh, it’s your turn anyways.”

310 shakes his head, but he’s giggling like a schoolgirl. “You really have to think bigger. Have you ever been to the beach?”

“No,” Megumi says.

“You should, one that’s got nice soft sand and blue water. With palm trees too. And you should get piña coladas.”

“What?”

“C’mon man, you don’t get to be frugal with 40 billion. I’ll teach you how to splurge once we get out—”

Ah.

“Right,” 310 breathes out, laughing to himself all silly. “Only one of us leaves.”

Megumi grunts.

Silence.

“...Ever seen a dead body?” 310 asks.

“...I’ve been answering all these questions. You haven’t answered at all,” Megumi points out, feeling far too exposed for running his mouth.

“Ah you’re right! Uh, I don’t have anyone.”

“But your grandfather—”

“He’s dead. For a while now. My mom and dad. Also dead. My brother is on the run. He’s, uh, killed a lot of people. He got the death penalty, so yeah, haven’t really seen him around.”

Megumi looks at him.

“I don’t think he counts,” 310 says, scratching his face. Megumi realizes the scars on his face aren’t from the previous games. They looked healed, puckered and faded from time.“He looks a lot like me, though. A lot of people can’t tell us apart. He hated that. He’s only a bit taller than me, and he loves to brag about it. He has a huge ego.”

“I see.”

“Yeah,” 310 says, but he doesn’t look awkward about it. Just mildly inconvenienced. “Oh, have we really been talking for that long?”

Megumi looks at the time. They have less than 2 minutes.

310 stands up, swiping the dirt off his pants. He pats around for his marbles. “Okay, so you see that wall over there?”

Megumi nods mutely. It’s quite far, maybe around 2 meters.

“Okay, we throw one marble, and the one closest to the wall wins, okay?”

“Okay.” Megumi nods, easy enough.

“Okay, you go first.”

Megumi scowls.

“added rule, we do it together,” he says, jaw clenched.

“Eh?” 310 looks at him, confused.

“I’ve been doing things first, so it seems rather fair if we do it at the same time, with our best effort, okay? I have the blue marble, you get the red one.”

“... okay.”

“Don’t give me a weak ass toss, alright, that doesn’t count,” Megumi says gruffly, narrowing his eyes at him. “Do your best.”

310 nods, giving him a thumbs up. “Okay!”

“On three,” Megumi says.

“Okay!”

“Three.”

“Two,” 310 continues, positioning his arm.

“One,” Megumi does the same.

They both throw their marbles. Megumi’s heart leaps out of its chest as he watches his marble in the air.

Clack!

Clack!

Clack!

Megumi looks down on the marble that lands right next to his shoe.

It’s red.

“Ahh, shoot, I threw it too hard,” 310 says with a pout.

Megumi sees red.

He shoves 310 against the wall. “Are you fucking with me?”

“Whoa! No, you won f-fair and square, man,” 310 stutters. “I did my best shot, like you said!”

“Any idiot would know that shit would bounce right back if you threw it like that!”

310 laughs, “I must be some one of a kind idiot, then.”

Megumi shoves him further into the wall. “I’m gonna fucking kill you.”

“You can’t kill me if I’m gonna be dead anyways.”

“THEN I’LL KILL YOU IF YOU DIE.”

“See, that doesn’t really make sense—”

“Shut the fuck up! Why did you do that?!”

310 slumps against the wall, body lax. Not looking at him.

“Answer me!”

“You… you have a lot more to live for than me,” 310 says quietly. He looks up at Megumi, tears in his eyes, “what kind of asshole would I be to deny you for a life?”

“You have a life!” Megumi snaps.

“I don’t, not anymore,” 310 sobs, a wobbly smile on his face. “Before my grandfather died, he told me that I should help others. That when it was my time to go, I would die surrounded by others and not end up like him.

“I should use my strength to help others, that’s what I’ve been doing here. Out there, no one wants me to help them. No one wants the face of a killer to help them. No one wants me to be around them. I can’t go to places, I’ve… I’ve always hated what Sukuna did to me. Made me carry his sins, his crimes. The way people looked at me as if I was him. I can’t move forward, not like you.

“I… I never went to school either, y’know. Or I never graduated. When Sukuna became a wanted man, I became a target. I stayed in my room. The doors were locked. The curtains were always down. It was like this for years. I received no support. The only way I could get by was doing interviews with journalists, feeding the narrative. Making people hate Sukuna more, making them hate me more. That’s no way to live.”

Megumi felt the back of his eyes burn, his teeth aching from being clenched too tight.

“Even if...I had the money. I can’t erase what my brother did. I can’t erase my existence in the world. I would just keep doing the same thing everyday. I don’t… I don’t want a bigger house, not when it’s just me who lives there.”

“You and I are not so different,” he says, looking up at Megumi.. “I think that’s why… I want you to win. You get to experience all these normal things, and feel… happy. You have a chance.”

Megumi wipes his eyes harshly, “Shit.”

“That’s true.”

“... What’s your name?” Megumi asks.

“Itadori Yuji,” 310—no, Yuji says. “My name is Itadori Yuji.”

Megumi takes a shaky breath, he raises his hand for him. “Fushiguro Megumi.”

Yuji grins, he clasps his hand onto Megumi’s. “That means blessing, right?”

“I don’t fucking know.”

“I’m glad then, Megumi. That I’m friends with you even through this hell. That itself is a blessing in a disguise.”

“Shut up,” Megumi punches his shoulder.

A guard suddenly arrives, carrying a gun in his hand. Waiting.

Yuji looks behind Megumi’s head. “Ah, I wish we had more time.”

Megumi bites his lip. “I wish I’d… met you sooner. I don't know anything about you.”

Yuji jaw drops, “Okay, I’ll … summarize this in ten seconds! I’m twenty-years-old, my favorite color is green, my favorite manga is Bleach, my type is tall people with big butts! Uhh, I really like watching action films—”

“Not … whatever, nevermind,” Megumi says softly as he listens to Yuji ramble on about himself.

Yuji pauses from his ramble looking winded, “uhm, Fushiguro, can I hug you?”

Megumi freezes.

“I just haven’t had a hug in a long time—” Yuji trails off before he gets cut off with Fushiguro hugging him desperately, clinging to him.

“Idiot, idiot, idiot!”

“...Hey, Fushiguro Megumi, live a long life, okay?”

Megumi lets go.

He turns around.

Eyes burning as he stares unblinking down the path. Footsteps. Silence. Breathing. He feels something salty on his lips when he licks them. It's not sweat.

He... he got attached. He stares forward, he doesn't regret it. Not at all. He got to know Yuji Itadori, the real him, and the pain in his heart is the best he can give back. A reminder that he was more than what people saw him. Yuji Itadori didn't deserve what the world gave him, they did not deserve his cries. The fact that... no one would shed a tear for him.

...Ah.

Megumi notices the dark wet spots on the dirt.

“Thanks for playing with me.”

[winterscaptain]

spoiled.

Aaron Hotchner x Gender Neutral Reader a joyful future fic

a/n: happy valentine’s day! 

words: 2.1k warnings: language, over-the-top valentine’s day shenanigans

summary: “the best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” - nicholas sparks. au!february 2012

masterlist | a joyful future masterlist | ajf faq | taglist | what do you want to see next?

Aaron leaves rather early in the morning, leaving you in bed complaining with only a kiss for your trouble. 

When you eventually get up, on track to be about fifteen minutes late to the federal building, you find a pair of post-its on the fridge. 

Always the romantic. 

+++

The evening rolls around and finds you on the couch with Jess and Jack. 

“You gonna start getting ready?” Jess asks. “You’ve got a long night ahead of you.” 

You look over at her. “Wait. He told you what we’re doing?”

She nods. “Yeah. You have no idea. He hasn’t done a big Valentine’s Day thing since he surprised Haley in her senior year of college. He’s been looking for an excuse.” 

That’s terrifying. 

“Guess I better get ready then.” 

Jack’s got a funny little smile on his face, but you ignore it. You’re sure the Hotchner boys are in cahoots, but it’s not really worth it to try and wiggle anything out of him. 

You head to the master bedroom to get dressed, throwing off your slouchy day-off clothes in favor of something that can take you to a fancy dinner and whatever else Aaron has planned for your evening.

+++

You walk out of the apartment, hearing Jess lock the door behind you. When you reach the front of the apartment complex, Aaron closes the car door as he hops out, meeting you halfway to the sidewalk. 

“Hello, gorgeous,” he says, pressing a kiss to your cheek. 

He’s wearing a black button-up, black slacks, and his favorite pair of black oxfords. It’s a sharp look and one he knows you love. 

“You’re looking quite dapper yourself, sir.” 

The boyish grin on his face melts your heart and you take the arm he offers. Like a real gentleman, he opens the door for you and makes sure you’re inside before closing you in.

+++

The drive is quiet. You ask about the office once or twice, but it’s clear there’s nothing significant to report. 

“So...what are we doing tonight?” 

He glances at you out of the corner of his eye. “Dinner. And a few other things.” 

+++

When he says ‘dinner,’ he’s not joking. The restaurant is a high-end, no-prices-on-the-menu type of place. The lighting is low, the environment cozy and quiet. 

He must have planned this months ago. Reservations are like gold on Valentine’s Day. 

Aaron’s squinting at the menu across from you. It makes you laugh. 

“Need a flashlight and your reading glasses?”

“Shut up.” It comes with his own laugh, but he’s still squinting. 

You finally decide on something and order, trusting Aaron’s taste in wine. When the waiter leaves, Aaron reaches across the table for your hand. 

“Okay,” he says. You recognize his tone - it’s professional, like he’s starting a press conference. “No work, no kids, no serial killers.” 

You smile, waiting for him to give you a little more context. 

“How are you?” 

What a question. 

How often does the answer to that question not include work, kids, or serial killers? 

Not very. 

“I’m good.” You mean it. “I’m really good.” 

There’s a small smile on his face. “Why?”

Are you profiling me now, Hotch? 

Deciding to give him shit, you ask, “Why am I good, or is that a more general existential question?” 

He rolls his eyes and you relent. 

“Alright. Well…” You take a breath. “There are a lot of things to be happy about. You, for one thing.” 

“Me?” He asks. He looks genuinely surprised. 

Fool. 

“Yes, you.” You squeeze his hand. “You are my best friend and somehow - somehow - I’ve landed you as my partner. I am living out everything I dreamed of at twenty-five.” 

That pulls another smile from him. “Really?” Again, he looks genuinely surprised. 

Can’t believe I’ve never told this to him. 

Ridiculous

“Oh yeah. I can’t believe you never noticed. I had a huge crush on you - instantly. Derek gave me nothing but hell once he figured it out.” You pause. “Do you remember that time on the plane, really early on, when I woke up and everyone thought I had a nightmare?” 

Looking a little confused by your change in direction, and you don’t blame him. 

“I think so? I remember we all felt so bad.” He shrugs. “We all get them, of course - still do - but we were worried about you.”

“Right. So -” 

Aaron’s head tilts to the left as he interrupts you. “Did you say ‘everyone thought’ it was a nightmare?” 

Your face gets hot and you suddenly regret bringing this up at all. “Yeah. I’m getting to that.” 

With an embarrassed huff, you continue. “So, it wasn’t a nightmare.” 

“No?” The question comes accompanied by a frown. 

“No. It was a sex dream. About you.” 

You can tell he’s doing his best to hide his smile for your benefit, but there’s a threatening dimple that gives him away and you’ve simply known him too long for him to get away with anything. 

“Really?” His tone is neutral, polite, but you can hear the humor behind the apparently bland interest. 

“Yep.” 

“What - if I may ask - was it about? Specifically?” 

You take a breath and adopt the same kind of ironic professionalism as Aaron. “Well, now it doesn’t seem so notable, because i’m more than familiar with your, um, technique.” 

And it’s true. Though you hardly remember the details of the dream anymore - it's been years - you know that real life doesn’t even come close. 

Aaron pulls his hand from yours and steeples his fingers under his chin. He’s the picture of interest, so you continue. 

“The key points are as follows -” 

He holds up a finger, and you stop. “On second thought,” he says. “I think this recollection would be better served by a demonstration.”

You nod. “You’re probably right.” 

“I’ll pencil it in.” 

You grin at each other for a moment, the back-and-forth of it so deeply on brand you can’t help but steep in it for a second. 

“So,” he says, “as you were saying before…?” 

“Right.” 

Back to business. 

“I had a huge crush on you and could swear you were the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” 

Never one to forgo an opportunity to compliment him when he’s not actively swatting at you, you continue. 

“In the lecture you gave with Gideon and Derek, I knew you were in charge before you said anything. Even though Gideon had the years and experience on you, it was clear that everything came through you.” You attempt to explain the inarticulable. “There’s a kind of steadiness - one you still have - that radiates off of you.” 

The two of you sit in that for a moment. 

You continue. “And then, of course, when we met again I had to really focus on not making an ass of myself in front of Strauss.” 

He laughs. His laughter makes you laugh, of course. It’s so much higher than his speaking register, so delightful in its unexpectedness. 

“Okay, okay.” You stop, covering your face with your hands. “Okay this is cheesy. Promise not to laugh.” 

His eyebrows rise and he forces his mouth into something that only threatens a dimple once more. 

“When you shook my hand in Radner’s office, there was this crazy jolt of energy or something that just flew up my arm. It was wild. I’ve never been able to forget it, almost like a flashbulb memory.”

As promised, he doesn’t laugh. There is, however, a kind of wonder in his eyes when he replies, “You felt that, too?”

+++

After dinner (and dessert), Aaron takes your hand and ushers you into the car when you leave the lod. He doesn’t turn the way you expect. 

“Where are we going?” 

The dashboard casts a glow on his face. You can still spot a dimple in the dark. “You’ll see.” 

+++

Your disbelief only grows when you go deeper into the city and pull up to the Hay-Adams. The valet opens the door for you, while Aaron hands over the keys to his SUV. Once all the details are covered, you take his arm again and let him guide you into the lobby. 

It’s expansive. The Hay-Adams is, of course, one of the most historic buildings in the district and considered one of the best hotels on the East Coast by people who know of these things. 

Aaron confirms the reservation and gets the room cards before promptly finding the elevator and swiping in for the seventh floor. You look down, remembering your attire at the last minute. 

“Aaron, I don’t have my go bag.” 

He shakes his head, still looking forward. “Don’t need it.” 

You scoff. 

He doubles down. “Do you trust me?”

Stupid question. 

“Of course.” 

“Go with it. I’m trying to spoil you.” He turns and presses his lips to yours, taking your face in his hand. Against your mouth, he says, “Let me.” 

+++

The room is gorgeous - a one bedroom suite with a living room, balcony, and kitchenette, a huge couch dominates the center of the open living area, opposite an impressive television. Through the open door, you catch a glimpse of a king-sized bed. 

This must have cost a small fortune. 

As if reading your mind, Aaron takes your hand and tugs you forward. You land against his chest and he smiles at you. “Don’t think too hard. Come with me.” 

You follow him out to the balcony and the view takes your breath away. The White House, well-lit in the D.C. nighttime, sits right across the street. From here, you can see Lafayette Square - beyond it, almost the whole city. 

When you come back to yourself, you realize there’s an outdoor loveseat and a small table, holding champagne (on ice) and chocolate-covered fruit. 

Champagne, chocolate, fancy dinner… The whole nine. 

Spoiled indeed. 

Aaron sits, pulling you down beside him. He pours two glasses of champagne - mostly for show, and moves the bucket to the ground. The fruit goes off to the side table and his feet go up on the small table, crossing at the ankles. You curl up against him, tucking under his arm. 

“Do you like it? Too much?” 

You can hear the genuine insecurity behind his cheeky question. You press a kiss to the back of his hand. “I love it. It is too much, but it’s very thoughtful. You twist to kiss the underside of his jaw. “Thank you.” 

With that, the two of you settle in, quietly enjoying the company and the quiet. It’s cold, but with the outdoor heater, it’s comfortable enough that you don’t need your coat. 

“Okay.” 

Aaron sits up. “Yes?” 

“You asked, so it’s only fair. No work, no kids, no serial killers. How are you?” 

He pulls you over so you’re sitting across his lap. You rest your head on his shoulder, your hand smoothing over the soft fabric of his button-up before placing it over his heart. 

“I’m good,” he says. “I’m really good.” 

“Why?” You feel a little like a parrot, but you’re sure that’s what he’s going for. 

“I can’t...quite articulate how lucky I feel.” 

That’s relatable. 

“I’m happy to be here with you.” He shakes his head - a pensive gesture. “I never thought I could make it here again.” 

“Where?” You ask. 

“In love, happy, facing a future that doesn’t scare me. My son is happy, safe...I wasn’t sure I'd ever have any of that again after losing Haley.” 

He pauses and you can feel a little sardonic smile. You don’t have to see it to know it’s there. His next admission, though, surprises you. 

“I accepted that I would be a bystander in your life a long time ago. I accepted that I would likely remain a widower, a single father. I knew you’d be around and that I would be your friend, but I made peace with the idea that I’d never have you right here.” He squeezes you twice, in time with his words. It makes you smile. 

He shakes his head and lets out a little laugh. “I’m not sure it’ll ever sink in.” 

You feel much the same, but it's kind of at once alarming and amusing to hear him so beautifully articulate feelings that so closely resemble your own. 

You lean back to look at him. “I’m glad you were wrong.”

He places a gentle finger under your chin and kisses you, long and languid. It’s a promise. After a little while, he leans back, brushing the back of his fingers over your cheek. 

“Me too.”

+++

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[lilymoonstars]

How do I Love Thee?

Chapter 3 - Do you believe in Coincidences?

Your feet pounded against the ground in a steady rhythm, following the trails further through the trees. It felt as though you had been jogging for miles. You had woken up early that morning, hoping to be out of the house before your mum had left for work. No such luck. She looked exhausted, her clothes all rumpled, and case files strewn in front of her, most of which centred around attacks in these very woods. She had begged you to be careful. It was daylight outside and you promised to be a few hours at most. Eventually she had relented, unlike the crease in her brow.

Trees stretched for miles in varying shades of orange and yellow through the forest. Their leaves carpeting the forest floor muffling your steps. Boughs bent heavily overhead blocking out any trace of the sky above. The small pools of light breaking through the canopy above were the only signs it was still morning. Between drooping limbs, you glimpsed flashes of the lake in the distance. The water was cool and crisp on the morning air. Dirt paths eventually gave way to rocky shores. Pebbles crunched against each other breaking the quiet as you came closer to the water. Larger, moss-covered rocks decorated the lakes edge. You took everything in taking everything in.

Valleys of pine and maple trees surrounded the base of sheer cliff faces, reflecting perfectly in the serene waters below. Remnants of the early morning mist clinging to its surface. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as you snapped a photo of the scene in front of you. It was so secluded and relaxing here. Being by the water had always calmed you. Closing your eyes, the world melted away until all you heard was the water gently lapping at your feet.

“Boo,” a deep voice said into your ear.

Startled you slid sideways off the rock and landed butt first into the icy water. Loud laughter broke through your shock as a smug looking Cas stood above you, admiring his handiwork.

“Very funny.” You snapped, hauling yourself up. The tops of your leggings were soaked and cold started to seep through.

“I certainly thought so.” He said, eyes flashing with mirth. “Funny running into you here.”

Rolling your eyes, you headed back towards the pathways. “Yet you found me.”

“I’m starting to think you’re not happy to see me?” Cas said following after you.

“Geeze, you think? What were you expecting? ‘Hey Cas, thanks for showing up and making me wet?’” A suggestive look crossed Cas’s face as you paused, realising what you had just said. “Not. Another. Word.” You warned.

“Don’t be like that New Girl, at least let me walk you back.”

Ignoring him you carried on. The cold was starting to seep into your skin, making you shiver. You’d barely taken five steps when strong hands gripped your hips, your back pressed firmly against a tree. Cas leant into you, his breath tickling your throat.

“Seriously, with all these attacks, who knows what’s lurking out there, hmm? Best we stick together,” he said, hid thumbs lingering against your skin. That shiver was nothing to do with the cold. In a daze, you stood there dumbfounded as he draped his jacket over your shoulders. It hung off your frame, his scent clung to it as you pulled it closer, wild and fresh.

“I didn’t take you for a gentleman,” you said.

“Who said anything about being a gentleman? I’m just giving a chance for you to ogle me a little longer.” He said, winking at you. “I’m much more interested in you though. How about we play twenty-one questions? I ask, you answer, no exceptions.”

He expected you to say no. He was looking at you the exact same way he did at the clothing store and just like then, you took the bait. Jutting out your chin, you stared at him defiantly, “I’m in.”

He looked at you for a long moment before he pushed himself away. “What’s your favourite colour?” He asked, not looking back.

“Blue?” You answered unsure, caught off guard. That was not what you expected his first question to be.

“What do you do for fun?” He said, helping you up a small slope.

“Umm, cooking. My mum’s specialty was TV dinners so unless I wanted to turn into one, someone had to step it up. I love anything that gets me out of the house, photography, hiking, stargazing. It’s nice to get lost in another world for a little while.”

“Where’s your dad?”

At least he cut to the chase. “He left my mum when I was 10. Nothing exciting or original, my mum worked long hours to support us, and my dad didn’t like it. He’s always been very traditional and stubborn. He met another woman; they have their 2.5 kids and the daughter from the failed marriage doesn’t really fit in. I get a card here and there but that’s about it.” The two of you walked in companiable silence, a mutual understanding passing between you. Sensing the shift in mood, Cas turned on a charming smile.

“Now, don’t say everything at once but what do you like about me most?” He asked, rolling back his shoulders and stretching his chest beneath his shirt.

“Well, it’s definitely not your modesty,” you snorted.

“Laugh all you want; I know you got a good look the other day.” He said it so casually it made your cheeks burn.

“You’re real,” you told him. “You’re honest about your thoughts and feelings – good or bad.” There was something admirable about that. For a brief second surprise flashed across his face as you continued through the woods answering more of Cas’s questions.

“Is there anything that you’d change about yourself?”

“My hair,” you said immediately. “The colour, the curls, it never does what it’s supposed to-.” Cas reached for your hair, tucking a wayward strand behind your ear.

“I kinda like it.”

Your face officially blended into your hair. Jolting in surprise, you tried to pull yourself backwards to put some distance between you, but Cas’s grip remained firm. The look on his face was devious asked his next question, “Who was your first kiss?”

This was the type of question you expected from him. The one you had dreaded. Who wants to tell people that they’re the 17-year-old who hasn’t been kissed yet? You avoided looking at him as your brain scrambled to come up with something. “Umm, w-well. I-. “

Cas chuckled next to you. You ducked behind a curtain of your hair, bracing yourself for his teasing. It’d be nothing you hadn’t heard before. “Was that entire city blind?”

Dumbfounded, you reflexively pulled away and this time he let you go, his gaze slid over you playfully. He had an annoying habit of overwhelming you.

“My friends are throwing a party tonight; do you want to come?”

“Thanks, but I already have plans.” He didn’t need to know they were with your pyjamas and TV.

Cas stared at you incredulously, “are you blowing me off?”

“I don’t think we’re quite there yet,” you quipped, “but I’m afraid so, even you can’t get what you want all the time.”

“Well, if you want to die of boredom be my guest, go ahead,” he pouted as you reached the edge of the forest. “I’ll be seeing you around New Girl, that’s a promise.”

***

“So just how hot are we talking here?” Tess asked with a serious expression from your phone.

“Like Jess Mariano meets Spike levels of hot.”’

Tess let out a long whistle, “Wow, you are in trouble! Is it bad that I wish it were me?”

“Down girl,” you laughed, “it was so bad Tess! I looked like such an idiot! I landed ass first straight in the water. If he hadn’t given me his jacket-”

“W-w-w-wait a minute! Hold the phone!” She said sitting up ramrod straight, “he gave you, his jacket!? It’s a sign!”

“A sign of what? That he forgot his jacket?”

“Aww, my poor, sweet, innocent Parker. Wake up and smell the cute-guy coffee! He wants an excuse to see you again, it’s textbook! Let’s review the facts, shall we? First, he turns up in the forest, where you just so happen to be. Second, he scares you just enough to make you land in the water. Third, after you refuse to go to a party with him, he leaves his jacket. Remind me to beat you over the head for that the next time I see you.”

“Tess, I love you but please put the corkboard and string away. I told you that I had plans already anyway.”

“With your pyjamas and blanket Parker! When a hot guy asks you out you go! It’s senior year and you promised to get out there and try new things. Do not stay small just because it’s comfortable, yes? Good. Now the next time you talk to me, it better be with a mouth that’s been locked with his, byeeee.”

***

Everything was ready and in T-minus 5 minutes, there’d be hot, fresh pizza. All the snacks were on the coffee table with extra gummy teeth and marshmallow ghosts for the occasion. The threadbare blanket covered the back of the sofa ready to shield you from harm. Every year the run up to Halloween meant it was time for a movie marathon. All the old classics dusted off and tonight it was the holiday’s namesake, which as it happened was also one of your favourites. Grabbing it from the top shelf, a shadow passed the window, the moonlight painting a silhouette across the floorboards. Your eyes met Cas’s through the glass. For the second time that day, you ended up in an undignified heap on the floor, a high-pitched squeak escaping your throat.

“Jesus Christ Cas! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!” You yelled, flinging the door open and marching through it, straight into his chest. Strong hands steadied your shoulders. “How did you-. You were just…” You trailed off, pointing at the window. Cas placed a finger against your lips with a gentle shush.

“Relax, New Girl. My divine presence has been known to render people speechless. Don’t blame yourself, you’re only human after all.”

Glaring at him, you swatted his hand away. “Next time, just use the door like a normal person.”

“There’s gonna be a next time?” Cas pondered, quirking his eyebrow.

“What do you want?” You asked sighing heavily.

“My jacket, the one that you stole.”

“Technically, you gave it to me,” you said, “come in.” Peering around, you spotted a vintage black Ford Mustang. “Huh,” you wondered aloud, “I got more of a motorcycle vibe.” Having made himself completely at home in the kitchen, Cas placed his elbow on the breakfast bar and propped his chin in his hand.

“Is that so?” His eyes held yours unwaveringly, your stomach fluttering nervously.

“The boots, the jacket, the chains. I’ll admit that the car matches your aesthetic though.” You told him as you placed the pizza on the counter.

A deep chuckle rumbled through his back. Resting his arms against yours on the countertop, “guilty as charged. I find there’s nothing better than a pretty lady purring underneath you. But the car is practical, we should go for a ride sometime.”

Damn him. How did he always find a way to make you flustered? Any ability to act like a normal human being flew out of the window when he was around. At least he knew you did a great impression of a skittish tomato. Some point during your mid-night crisis Cas had made his way over to a set of photos at the bottom of the staircase.

“That’s when me and my mum went whale watching, I’d badgered her for ages. I thought it was hilarious when one of them sprayed her, not so much when it happened to me,” you said nodding at the last frame. Your mum held you tight round your waist as you tried to flee. Spray rained down drenching you both. Hair stuck to her face; a bright smile covered your mum’s face whilst you screamed at the injustice of it all. Next to you Cas had grown quiet through your story. He was looking at the pictures with a mixture of anger and curiosity.

“Are you ok?” Quiet wasn’t something that you associated with him.

“You and your mum seem close,” was all he said in reply.

“It’s just the two of us, we have to be. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. What about you parents?”

His face immediately darkened, jaw ticking. “They aren’t around anymore.”

Way to put your foot in it Parker! “Cas, I’m- “

“So, New Girl, when are you giving me the rest of the tour? You’ve been a really bad host so far.” Clearly your previous conversation was over.

“It’s hard to host when you didn’t invite said guest to begin with. The ‘tour’ ends here anyway, upstairs is off limits.”

“Maybe that next time you talked about?” He said, sinking into your sofa as he scrolled through his phone. “What are we watching?”

“We’re not watching anything,” you said, throwing his jacket to him. “I’m watching a movie and you’re going to your party.”

“I already told them I had other plans, I’m yours all evening.”

“Lucky me.” You relented sitting next to him and pressed play. The opening score soon made the hairs at the base of your neck stand on end and you were soon lost in Haddonfield, until the lights went out.

“That’s better,” he said, curling an arm around your shoulders. “Scary films aren’t the same with the lights on.”

You didn’t answer him, you couldn’t. You dug your fingernails into your thighs, knuckles turning pure white as the bone strained against the skin. Panic clawed its way from the pit of your stomach and up your throat. Faintly, you registered Cas calling your name beside you, but your heart was beating like tiny fists against your chest, drowning him out. Now was not the time to panic. There was no way to explain a fear of the dark at your age. It would stop soon, it always did, you just needed to ride it out.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Cas said softly, cradling your face in his palms. “I never thought I’d say this but you’re not looking so hot.”

You chuckled weakly, “damsels in distress not your thing?” Your chest tightened, aching as though it was bruised. It was taking a lot of effort to speak.

He wasn’t giving up easily. His grip tightened on your face. Looking slightly uncomfortable he asked, “Do you- do you not like the dark?”

You shook your head, turning away from him. It wasn’t something you were comfortable talking about. You’d never spoke to anyone about this, not even Tess. The idea of him seeing you so vulnerable made you uneasy. Yet as much as he enjoyed teasing you, he’d never been cruel. Even now he hadn’t laughed or made you feel like an idiot. Risking a glance back toward him, Cas still had the same tenderness as he watched you.

“Nothing will get you whilst I’m here but just to make sure,” he broke off, lifting you effortlessly into his lap with your legs laid across him. He picked up the blanket from the back of the sofa and enveloped you in it, drawing you against his chest.

Okay, he was definitely trying to give you heart attack because this was not helping you at all.

He bent towards you and murmured “Like I said, you’re only human.”

Throughout the rest of the movie, it was impossible to concentrate. Cas was a distraction and he delighted in it. He found any reason to touch you, whether if was massaging your calves or his thumbs tracing the bottom of your back. It’d have been easier to be mad at him, but the dark was less of a problem with him around. It made you much jumpier, but he just used it as an excuse to hold you tighter each time. There was light at the end of the tunnel as the film was drew to a close. You’d been doing so well until Michael popped out from behind the couch and Cas chose that moment to brush his fingers against the back of your neck. Popcorn tumbled to the floor in an avalanche as you yelled burying your face into his neck. You breathed him in, the same wild scent that clung to his jacket. Hands threaded themselves through your hair, calming you. Nervously, you peaked out between your curls to find him grinning down at you.

“I’m not too sure spooky is your thing.”

“It’s not my fault you distracted me!” You protested.

“His brow furrowed in mock thought, “I’m pretty sure that is your fault, but let’s go back to how distracting you think I am.”

He was the literal worst, a nightmare in human form and he loved it. Amusement flooded his features as he gripped your chin, tilting your head back to him. He nuzzled closer to you, his mouth inches from yours when his phone rang. Untangling yourself you quickly shuffled to the other end of the couch. Anger flickered across his face before he answered. You needed to create some distance before you did something stupid. Val said this was what Cas did, he played around with new people until he was bored. You wouldn’t hold his attention for long and had no intention of being made a fool of.

“Sorry New Girl, we gotta call it a night. I have to swing by that party and pick up my friends. I’ll see you Monday? If you’re in need of my tour services, let me know, I know all my best spots.”

“On campus or off?”

“Psht, like I’d spoil the surprise.”

***

“Parker, what were you thinking? You can’t be alone in those woods, not with the attacks. I’ll go with you.”

“Gabe, that’s sweet but it’s fine. It was light and I’m in one piece.” You said, distracted by the zombie hoard in front of you. “But, if it makes you feel better, I’ll bring you next time.” GAME OVER flashed on the screen as a zombie tore into your neck. “I just hope you’re a better protector in real life.” He threw a cold French fry at your head as you continued through the arcade, looping your arm through his.

Gabe had invited you to the arcade earlier that morning. It was his workday, but he wanted to show you around a little more. His face had been alight as he showed you his favourite games. Admittedly your heart had turned to mush when he helped a little girl win a stuffed bear from the grabbing machine.

“Sorry, about that, I promised Alicia, I’d help her get one of those for a while.”

Shaking your head, you waved away his apology. “Don’t be, it was really sweet. Are you this good with all kids or is it just the girls who find you adorable?” You teased.

“Actually, I met Alicia when I was volunteering at the hospital. I spend a lot of time on the children’s ward, so I learned on the job how to deal with them.”

“How long have you volunteered?”

“3 years give or take. I mainly help out telling them stories, singing silly songs. Anything to put a smile on their faces.”

“You’ll have to play one for me sometime.”

“Y-yeah, sure.” He stammered. Was there anyway he could be more adorable?

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t angel Gabriel. Is this your latest charity case?”

The boy looked a few years younger than you. He was accompanied by a red head around a similar age to him and an older by who looked to be your age, with jet black hair and dark eyes that lacked any of the playfulness in Cas’s.

“What do you want Scott?” Gabe’s earlier carefree attitude had disappeared. He moved in front of you, sensing your unease.

“Nothing from you, Adalhard,” he spat. The red head placed a hand on his arm, a warning look crossing her face.

“We just wanted to settle a bet.” She said confidently. “Cas said there was a newbie in town and wondered how long it would be before your co-dependency kicked in. It seems I gave you too much credit. I was sure you’d at least make it to the first day of school before slobbering all over her.”

Scott snorted from her side as Gabe’s hands clenched at his sides. Taking a step forward, Gabe’s arm darted out before you could get closer. “I’m not sure what your problem is but Gabe has been nothing but kind since I got here. Maybe if you tried getting your own life, you wouldn’t feel the need to stick your noses anyone else’s.”

Anger coursed over her face as she bared her teeth in a snarl. “You might want to find a leash for your pet Adalhard, you’ll want to be keeping an eye on her.”

Before you could reply, a calm voice broke over the storm, “Margo, that’s quite enough. We need to go.” The older boy said to the others. He clearly held some authority as the girl shut up immediately and unwillingly the two younger ones followed him out of the arcade.

“Who were they?”

Gabe was quiet for a moment until they were out of sight. “That was Scott, Margo and Viktor, They’re part of the Venandi family.”

“I don’t understand why they were so rude to you?”

“The Venandi’s like to cause trouble for anyone who isn’t part of their family. You need to stay away from them Parker, they’re dangerous. Promise me.”

“After that warm welcome, I’m not exactly in a rush to spend time with them.”

Worry was still etched in Gabriel’s brow, but you were determined not to let them ruin your day. Linking your arm back through Gabe’s, spinning him round. “Come on, before the Addams family interrupted us, I believe you were gonna show me your moves.” You said with a playful twirl and shimmy. It seemed to work as the tension drained from Gabe as he laughed at you.

“I’ll agree to anything if it get you to stop doing that.”

With an offended gasp you pulled him in the direction of the DDR machine. “It’s so on Adalhard!”

As always, you can also follow the story on my Ao3 account: How do I Love Thee? - Chapter 1 - MemphisBelle - Choices: Immortal Desires (Visual Novel) [Archive of Our Own]