#some guy on a horse… stayed with him for a while - oh I’m sure you did drey. bet you held his hand too. bet you kissed him a few times.

[teehee-vibes]

I lied, today is the day. Drey Ferin cowboy moment + younger Ichabod

[m2ok]

I’ve never been so madly in love

Cowboy! Johnny Mactavish x bottom! M!reader

Tw: soft fluffy smut

A/N: Guys this is my first time writing smut…I think I did alright, but let me know if you have any critiques for future reference :) 

Johnny twisted in the bonds tied around his wrists, thick rope cutting into soft skin as he wriggled about from where you had placed him on top of your horse. 

“Oh come on!” He groaned, trying with all he had to stretch the rope and break it, but to no avail. 

You ignored him, the hefty bounty you would get for his capture heavy on your mind as you made your way steadily back to your little town for which you were the sheriff of. 

Seemingly annoyed at your lack of attention, he shuffled forward as much as he could on the horse, knocking his shoulder into yours to force you to put your eyes on him. 

“Can we at least stop for the night! Wolves live near these parts and I’d rather not meet em.” He tried to reason. 

You rolled your eyes at the man as you ventured onwards, shaking your head at his pleas. 

“With the bounty on your head I wouldn’t worry about wolves. Ain’t no way I’m lettin’ them take that money from me” you assured, though positive your words did little to comfort him. 

Johnny chuckled dryly, “aw sheriff, you wound me.” he mocked, struggling against the ropes halfheartedly. After a moment he sighed, once again giving up.

“Tell me honest pal, that bounty’s all worth it? All the work, risking your neck each time? For what, a few coins and a pat on the back?” He gazed ahead down the darkening trail. The trees seemed closer, though miles ahead still, shadowy figures lurking within just awaiting his arrival. 

“When was the last time you took a rest, had yourself a drink or dance with a pretty thing?” Johnny glanced sidelong at you, a hint of mischief in his eyes despite his words. 

You were tempted to ignore him once again, but you figured conversation might do you some good out on the dusty landscape. Though you wished it was with better company. 

“Dance with who? You?” You scoffed, shaking your head as you adjusted your hat so it wouldn’t cover your eyes. 

“This here’s the only work I’ve known. I’ll be damned If I let it go now,” you didn’t care much for the money nor the glory despite what you had said, the chase was the most fun part; that was what kept you going and made the job enjoyable. 

And Johnny was the only man who routinely matched your wits. Though this time proved different, this time you had finally won. It was a kind of euphoria you hadn’t felt in a long while. 

Johnny let out an obnoxious bark of laughter. “Well now sheriff, I’ll have you know I get rather frisky when I’ve had one too many. But you don’t seem the type.” His smile faded as he pondered your words. 

“Aye…I get it. The thrill of it all keeps the blood pumpin’. Nothin else quite like the open road.” He sighed wistfully. “What I wouldn’t give to feel that freedom again, even if just for a night.”

The horses slowed as darkness fell. Up ahead was a small clearing, as good a spot as any to camp, and it had Johnny eying you sideways again.

 “Bet you five dollars i can wriggle outta these here ropes by mornin’. Whaddya say?” He flash a rougish grin, bright eyes watching for your reaction.

You stopped the horses as you camp upon the little plot of land, dismounting as you unpacked the little rucksack you carried. You set up a small tent with a mat on the inside for a buffer against the hard ground and some furs for warmth. 

You spent the next few minutes gathering wood for a humble fire, completely ignoring Johnny until the thing was built - then you spoke as you dusted your hands off on your worn denim. 

“I’d be a damned fool if I took that bet.” You said as you looked over at him, the mischievous glint in his eyes doing little to ease your nerves. “Reckon I won’t get much sleep tonight on account of makin’ sure you stay put.” You grumbled to yourself as you practically dragged him off of the horse, setting him in front of the fire before he could complain about being cold. 

Johnny chuckled at your wariness. “No need to fret sheriff, I ain’t goin anywhere.” He said with a wink before he shifted into a more comfortable position, eyeing the flickering flame.

“Must get lonely out here though. Never thought I’d say this, but I’d offer you some company.” His grin returned, flecks of gold in his eyes as he gazed over at you from where he sat, his eyes holding something you couldn’t quite pinpoint. 

“We bounty men gotta stick together after all. Who else understands the thrill of the chase, hm?”

He leaned forward, closing in on your space as his voice turned low, “and between you and me, I’ve had my sights set on a certain lawman for a while now. Why do you think I keep letting you catch me?” He winked. 

You cleared your throat, suddenly feeling warm in places the fire couldn’t have reached. Damn scoundrel was playing games with your head, same as he did to escape time and time again. But part of you found yourself intrigued at his new tactic, despite your better judgment.  

You wrote off his words as deception, an attempt to get your guard down just enough so he could run off in the middle of the night with everything you owned. 

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, adjusting your pants as you turned your attention back to the fire to hide your blush; hoping he would right off your red face as a result of the fire burning bright in front of you. 

“You’re bad at hidin’ your intentions. No wonder ya get caught so often, you’re a terrible liar.” You said with a roll of your eyes, trying as hard as you could to ignore the temptation and desire slowly building in the deep pit of your stomach. 

You and Johnny had always had this strange sort of relationship. He would tell you sweet nothings, his face so honest and true you couldn’t help but believe him only for him to run off the second he saw an opportunity. Though you always crossed paths again, and he always assured he meant what he said.

You knew it was wrong to feel this way about a man of his stature, and you hated your body for betraying your mind. The desire in you slowly turning into sick guilt at the feeling of being physically attracted to a man you were supposed to be capturing, and likely sending to his death should you turn him in. For what crimes committed you couldn’t rightly say. 

Johnny chuckled once again, not missing the slight flush creeping up your neck towards your ears. “Now now sheriff, no need to be coy. Ain’t no crime in finding a fella agreeable.”

He shifted his bound wrists, leaning ever closer so his words were for your ears alone. “And to be honest, I’ve yet to meet a man as cunning and determined as yourself. It’s…inspiring” His breath was warm against your skin, lips barely inches from your own. Fear and desire warred within - this outlaw could ruin you with a single move. And yet…out here in the whispering dark, titles and duties seemed so far away and futile. 

Johnny searched your gaze, smile fading to something hungrier, questioning. After so long chasing each other’s shadows, what would happen if one of you stopped running, just for a moment?

The fire crackled lower as stars emerged unseen above trees. Anything could happen…if you would just let it.

Your own eyes were blown wide as he leaned in ever closer, sharing the same air as you gazed into his eyes. You wanted to believe his words, and you wanted to give into your instincts. No. You couldn’t, you had to convince yourself this was just an issue of forced proximity. So pent up from a job you couldn’t catch a break from that you got hot and bothered at the sight of an attractive man. You were better than your instincts, you had to believe that. 

You cleared your throat as you leaned away from him, shaking your head as your eyebrows furrowed while a new sort of feeling filled you - hurt. You weren’t sure why this new emotion popped up, but it did. You wanted to be seen as more than just a means to an end, but you knew this life didn’t offer much of that. Everyone was always going to be more worried about their own skin, and maybe you should take their lead. 

“M’ not gonna be something you use just to get away. Nor will I be a one night stand.” You grumbled, words firm and sure as you mindlessly poked the fire with a nearby stick as a way to distract yourself from the current situation. 

Johnny sat back with a sigh, watching your restless stoking of the flames. Clearly this situation stirred more within you than you cared to show. And he understood - to give in would risk everything, for the both of you. 

“Hey now…” He said softly as his gaze turned tender “I meant no disrespect.” His tone was gentle now, earnest in the firelight. “Fact is, I’ve never met a man like you. There’s something about you that intrigues me, lawman. Something worth riskin’ it all for, if you’d have me” 

He held your gaze steadily, searching. After so long running wild, the idea of settling…It didn’t scare him half as much as he thought. Not if it was with you. 

Johnny smiled faintly. “What do you say we grab this here bounty in the morn, head into town as partners? I’m willing to turn a new leaf, if you’ll vouch for me.” 

The offer hung between you, heavy with promise. A chance at something real. It was all your call.  

You thought about your options, finally landing on something you deemed not quite illegal. With steady hands you grabbed a knife from your pocket, taking his bound hands in one of your own while the other used the blade to carefully saw through the thick rope. 

The binds fell away to the wind, and you set the knife to rest on the dirt as you gently massaged the indented skin, unwilling to let go of his warm hands just yet. 

You pulled away to look over at the small town barely a mile away, a big wooden saloon sign catching your eye. “I need a drink anyway.” You said simply as you both made the short trek over.

It was hours later when you finally got back to camp, alcohol still buzzing in your system just enough to give you confidence as you clung onto each other life life depended on it, lips clashing in a heated kiss as you moaned against him, addicted to the feeling of Johnny’s hands on your waist - desperate to keep you pressed against him. 

Johnny grinned against your lips, heart soaring like it hadn’t in years. Finally free in more ways than one, and with the most interesting man he’d ever known no less. 

“Sheriff…” he murmured, guiding you down into the soft grass as hands roamed, learning your shape in the pale moonlight. No need for words now - just sensation and freedom, two men chasing a different kind of high. 

Clothes were discarded in haste, bare flesh reveling in the cool air and fiery touches. Johnny looked down at you with hunger, a longing, he’d never allowed himself to feel fully before this night. 

“Tell me what you want darlin’,” He breathed against your neck, nipping softly at tender skin. Your hands in his hair urged him closer still, the ache inside building swiftly with the need to be inside you. 

You arched into his touch, a whine leaving your lips as his hands roamed against sensitive skin. It wasn’t often you were under someone like this, so vulnerable and splayed out for all of him to see. 

“Johnny~” You gasped, desperate for some sort of friction as you rolled your hips up to meet his own. 

“You- just want you. Please…need you to - to make me yours~” You were begging, frantic hands keeping him close as you waited with mock patience for what you wanted Hips wiggled in anticipation as you looked down to where your bodies were so nearly joined, only needing a slight push from Johnny to come together as one. 

Johnny growled low at your plea, all thoughts fleeing save the primal need to claim and be claimed in return. 

“Fuck, baby. Whatever you want~” He rumbled, grasping your hips to still them. With a slow roll of his own and careful aiming, he teased your entrance with his aching length. Your gasp spurred him onwards, sinking in to the hilt with shuddering care. 

Pausing the savor the connection, Johnny saw stars behind his eyes. You felt so unbelievably right wrapped around him, guiding his rough edges into a smooth whole. 

Bracing above, he gazed down at your blissed out expression and swore then and there - come hell or high water, nothing would rend him from your side again. You belonged to each other, body and soul, and may the devil himself try to tear you apart. 

With that vow sealed in his blood, Johnny began to move with near excruciating patience, learning your responses like familiar paths once trekked long ago. 

“Mmf~!” You moaned, words escaping you at the feeling of being filled so entirely, nearly cumming as soon as he entered, hard member pressing down in you deep enough to make you feel utterly full. 

“Fuck! so - shit - so fucking big Johnny!”  You whined, wrapping your legs around his waist to pull him impossibly closer as you began to rock your hips in time with his thrusts, trying to urge him to go faster. 

“Please - please move I can’t- Need you to move-!” You begged, your own hard cock leaking precum against your stomach as you waited impatiently for him to bend to your pleas. 

Johnny groaned at your words, beyond thrilled you found his size so pleasing already. “Anythin’ for you, darlin’,” he grit out, pulling back slowly before snapping his hips forward in a deep thrust. 

That first rollick sent sparks shooting through his veins, your walls clasping him in exquisite heat. Johnny set a punishing pace from there, driving into your willing body like a man possessed. All that built up want and denial over your respective chases came flooding out in each meeting of skin. 

Reaching between you, he grasped your aching member, pumping in rhythm with his thrusts. Johnny wanted you unraveling completely beneath him, marked inside and out as truly his. 

“Come on now honey, let go for me,” he urged roughly, angling for that spot deep within. 

His balls drew tight with the promise of release, but Johnny wouldn’t dare finish before you. No, he was going to milk you for all you were worth before he even thought about his own release, tying your pleasure irrevocably to his own.

You gasped at the sudden onslaught of pleasure, eyes nearly rolling back as your body moved with every harsh pound into you, mind going dumb on his cock. Though you wouldn't ask for anything better, the feeling consumed you entirely, pleasure taking over everything as you felt that familiar coil in your stomach start to tighten further and further until-

With a soft cry you came, body shaking as your spend landed across both of your bodies. Your legs tightened around his waist, desperate to keep inside for a while longer, almost crying at the thought of him pulling out of you so quickly. You wanted to spend the entire night wrapped in him like this.

Johnny groaned at your reaction, grinding his hips through your release to prolong your pleasure. The way you clung to him so wantonly with shaking legs stole what little breath he had left. 

“So responsive already, darlin’. I ain’t done with you yet - don’t worry your pretty little head~” He rasped, uncaring of the mess you were creating. With sloppy rolls he rode out your aftershocks, cock throbbing at your fluttering insides. 

But you begged for more like the insatiable creature he knew you to be. Johnny wasted no time obeying, moving your legs so he could pull you up into his lap, pistoning up into that sweet spot with no mercy. His orgasm teetered on the edge, held back only by sheer force of will. Johnny latched onto your neck, sucking a sore mark to match the pulse beating erratically beneath his lips. 

“Fuck, sweetheart. Ya feel so damn good takin’ my cock. Gonna fuck another load outta you ‘fore I’m done, you hear?”

His fingers returned unbidden to your sensitive length, determined to wring every last shiver from your overstimulated form beneath the glory of the moon. Johnny wanted this night - wanted you - to last as long as fate allowed. Let the dawn take care of itself for once. 

His words did little to quell the burning lust building up inside of you once more, a whiny moan leaving you as your second orgasm of the night rippled through you, this time merely dribbling out of your tip. 

“God- fuck Johnny!” You whined “So good- so so good inside me. Can’t even can’t even think right!” You babbled, practically drooling as you held on tight to him fingernails no doubt leaving scratches along his body. 

“Need you to cum in me - nice and deep and- and make me yours~” You begged, rocking your hips against his. 

Johnny growled deep at your pleasure cries, all sense of restrain utterly vanished in the throes of lustful abandon. 

“Anythin’ you want, darlin’, gon’ fill that tight hole up just how you want,” he grit out through clenched teeth. A few final brutal thrusts was all it took, his release exploding within your clasping heat with a drawn out groan. 

Wave after wave pulsed from his cock, painting your velvety walls white inside and out. Johnny held you flush, grinding through the bliss to be certain not a drop was spared between your bodies. 

As his throes eased, Johnny pressed loving kisses to your sweat-slick brow, nose nuzzling sweetly against your own. “You’re fuckin’ perfect,” he murmured, cock still twitching inside its paradise. 

Johnny adjusted your sated form to cradle properly in his lap, breath coming fast yet deep with afterglow. One hand stroked gently through your hair while the other rubbed your sated length, reluctant to part so soon. 

His sweet words clouded your brain, fuzz covering everything logical as a pleasured haze took over. 

With a weak whine you came for one final time, panting softly as he removed his hand and allowed you to just rest against him. Your body was completely lax in his arms, lingering pleasures twitching inside you still. With another whine you cuddled into him, sweat turning cold on your skin as you sought out his body heat to keep you warm. 

“Don’t leave…” You whispered, the aftermath hitting you hard, body and mind falling together. “Don’t leave me again” you begged, voice shaky as you clung onto him. 

Johnny held you tighter at your whispers, heart near bursting at the confessed sentiment. 

“Never, darlin’, I ain’t goin’ nowhere without you,” he vowed softly into your hair, peppering it with gentle kisses. His hand rose to cup your face, urging your glazed eyes to meet his own smoldering gaze. 

“You’re stuck with me now, ya hear? I’d follow you into hell itself for another taste of heaven like this.” Johnny chuckled lightly even as deep emotion welled in his chest. 

“We’ll face tomorrow together, you and me against the world. Anyone tries to tear us apart will get a bullet quicker than they can blink.” He held your eyes steadily, willing you to see the sincerity in his soul. 

“I love you, little sheriff. Now and always, till my dying day.” With that Johnny sealed the oath with a tender kiss, Pouring every unspoken feeling into action. Nothing would part you from this moment, from him, ever again if he had any say. 

Now yours completely, he guided your limp form to rest atop his chest as blankets of stars looked on. Whatever dreams may come, for tonight there was only peace in each other’s arms at long last. 

~end

As always, requests are open

[violet-fluff]

💙 Levi x Injured! Reader

Stay Awake

You were originally part of Hanji’s squad, but with your excellent 3D maneuvering skills, Erwin had you switched over to Levi’s squad as they need only the best on the front lines.

You and Levi were already good friends as you both trained with each other during your youth time in the scouts. Now that you are with him twenty-four seven on his squad though, the both of you have become inseparable.

“You two might as well just hook up.” Oluo sneered as he drinks from his water pouch.

Petra squeezes the bottom of the pouch, causing water to rapidly spurt into Oluo’s mouth, making him choke. “Stop being stupid, and don’t talk dirty about your Captain and squad mates.”

You laugh but continue to pour hot water into two tea cups. Before bed, you and Levi liked to chat over tea. “Thanks, Petra. And for your information Oluo, Levi and I are just great friends. We’ve known each other since you were still a child most likely.”

“How romantic. The perfect beginning to a beautiful love story.” Gunther chimes in jokingly causing Eld to cover his grin.

You roll your eyes and finish fixing up your tea tray. “Well I’m headed out for the night. Goodnight everyone.”

“Don’t forget to add that love potion in his tea.” Gunther shouts, causing Petra to yell at him and the rest of your snickering squad.

“These guys are too much.” You whisper to yourself, half annoyed and half tender as you still love these bozos to death.

Making it to Levi’s office, you notice his door cracked open. A small quirk Levi does so you can easily open the door with your foot while holding the teas.

You swivel the door open with your foot and smile as Levi looks up at you from his desk. “It’s about time you got here.”

“Sorry,” You say and place the tray down on his desk, “I got caught up with Oluo and the other two being idiots again. Petra helped me cut it short.”

“Hm,” Levi grunts and starts to fix his tea, “What were they being stupid about?”

You blush and look down to fix your own. “Nothing. Just stupid guy talk I guess.”

Levi watches your face go red from embarrassment. “If they said anything stupid to you I’ll beat their asses.”

You laugh softly. “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, are you ready for tomorrow? You should get some sleep tonight.”

Levi huffs and looks down at his blue print. “We have the perfect formation down. Everything should go fine if everyone sticks to it.”

“And by everyone, you mean Erwin?” You ask while eyeing him from the rim of the tea cup as you take a sip.

“That bastard better not change anything last minute out on the field this time. He nearly got Hanji’s squad killed.” Levi grimaces on the memory.

“I’m sure with the earful he heard from both you and Hanji, he won’t do it again.”

Levi clicks his tongue. “I hope so. Is your 3D gear back from the shop yet? I can get you a new one.”

You wave him off as you lean back in the chair. “No it’s ok. Keep the new ones brand new. I’m sure mine will be done by tomorrow. I don’t think it needs that much fixing anyway.”

“It doesn’t need that much fixing?” Levi asks with a raised brow. “Your grapple wouldn’t shoot out a few times. It nearly caused you to fall.”

Levi was always protective over you. When you opted to get your gear fixed instead of replaced, he didn’t like the idea very much.

“The trigger is just faulty, not completely broken. It probably just needs to be rewired.”

He clicks his tongue. “You’re testing that shit out once you get it back. I don’t care if everyone has to wait.”

You smile but agree to ease his mind.

——

The next morning everyone is suiting up and gathering their horses when a cadet comes and brings you your gear.

“Y/N, right? The technician had to take another job, so he told me to bring you your fixed gear.” They say while handing you the bulking metal.

“Oh! Perfect!” You thank the cadet and strap the gear to your harness, but freeze when you hear someone clear their throat behind you.

You turn around to see Levi with his arms crossed and you roll your eyes. “Yes, I know the drill…”

The two of you walk towards a tree line and you position yourself to a tree farther away. Turning on the gas cans, you pull the trigger and your grapple shoots out to latch on the tree, pulling you to it. “It works!” You shout to Levi with a thumbs up.

He stares at you, still skeptical as his gut doesn’t have the best feeling, but if he saw with his own eyes your gear working correctly then there should be nothing to worry about.

—-

The mission starts to finally come to an end after a grueling six hours. You all need to clear the designated areas outside of the walls as the government wanted to expand the outer notch of Wall Maria.

In the distance, you see an abnormal titan.

“Ahh, the last titan of the day.” Oluo yawns.

You shoot a red flare in the air, signaling to Hanji’s squad a mile behind you that there is an abnormal ahead.

“Y/N and I will handle this one. The rest of you lay behind.” Levi orders as you two snap at your horses to run faster.

“I’ll get its attention as you cut the nape?”

Levi nods. “Sounds like a plan.”

You stand on your horse and shoot your 3D gear into a nearby tree and fly past the abnormal. It quickly swings its arm at you, but you wrap around the tree and dodge it’s first attempt.

“Wow it’s fast.” You say to yourself and you hover in the air for a second.

It swings at you a second time so you quickly push on your trigger to shoot out another grapple, but the trigger stalls.

You anxiously push on the trigger more as you start falling, and your eyes widen as you see a giant arm in your vision. You scream when you feel it impact with your body and you go flying into a tree before falling and hitting the ground.

You were conscious enough to feel one, maybe more, of your limbs twist and the pressure of yourself hitting the ground making your ears ring before seeing black.

“Oh my god! Y/N!!”

“Petra! Don’t touch her!”

You are able to faintly hear your friends next to you, causing you to muster up enough strength to barely open one eye and fuzzily watch as they loom over you.

Petra has tears coming out of her eyes as Oluo holds her back.

“Captain! Don’t!” You hear Eld yell.

Suddenly, you feel the upper half of your body being lifted and your arms falling back behind you as you don’t have the strength to move them. Someone grabs your face and turns your head towards them.

It’s Levi.

You can barely make out his face.

“God-dammit! Look at me!” He says through gritted teeth, shaking your face with his hand. “Say something!”

Hanji’s squad catches up and she jumps off her horse before it even stops. “Hey!? What happened?!”

Levi is still holding your body tightly against him and trying to shake you awake. “She won’t get up!”

Hanji notices Levi is in a great state of distress, and notices the back of your head wet with blood.

She slowly kneels down next to Levi and squeezes his shoulder. “Levi, let’s put her down for a second, ok? I’ll…I’ll help her.”

Levi looks down at your disheveled face but nods and slowly lowers you back to the ground.

All of your senses are blurry and fuzzy, but you feel someone open your eye more and then force the other one to open for a split second before letting it close again.

“Her pupils are different sizes. I’m sure she just has a concussion. A bad one, but something she can heal from.”

Hanji has Moblit wrap your head in a bandage while she examines the rest of your body. “She has a broken arm and a sprained ankle. I’m not sure if her ribs are fractured. That’s something I’ll have to check back at base.”

Levi was seething with rage. “That idiot technician was supposed to fix her gear. I want him fucking dead.”

“Let’s not get too hasty right now, Levi. Let’s make sure Y/N is taken care of first.” Hanji says as she tries to calm him down.

You senses start to come back a little more as you start waking up from your black out and you hear Levi yelling.

“L-Lev…” You try to mutter out his name.

Levi quickly hovers back over you. “Y/N? Can you look at me?”

You weakly open your other eye slowly and see Levi in double vision.

“That’s good. I need you to stay awake.” He orders you.

“Hurt…” You squeak out.

Levi sighs. “I know, but we’re taking you home, ok?”

While Hanji was checking you over earlier, Gunther shot a black flare signaling a formation was down. This causes an emergency team to come assess the situation and they bring along a wagon of supplies.

They would use this wagon to haul you back to base as a horse would be too bumpy of a ride.

Levi sits in the wagon, holding you across his lap and talks with you to try to keep you awake.

“Hanji said you’re not allowed to sleep with a concussion, brat, so stay awake for me.” He orders as he moves hair out of your face.

“What…happen?” You try to ask but the more you start waking up, the more dizzy your head feels.

“Don’t worry about that right now.”

All you wanted to do was take a long nap. You start to close your eyes and drift off when you were snapped back as Levi shook your cheek a bit.

“Hey, I said stay awake. Why don’t you tell me what you use for my tea. You never told me.” He asks to try to keep you busy.

“The tea…I put lavender…” You tell him.

He furrows his brows. “Just lavender? Is that a secret ingredient?”

You manage to give a tiny smile. “Yes.”

—-

A few days pass by and you are now fully awake but still admitted in the medical clinic on base.

“When can I leave?” You huff at Levi.

“When the doctor says you can.” He scolds.

The doctor said you had quite the concussion and wants to monitor you for a few days. Along with the concussion, you went through the pain of them trying to realign your broken leg and wrap your sprained ankle. Luckily your ribs weren’t fractured but you did develop deep bruising all over your body.

“Don’t make a fuss about leaving. You’ll be bed ridden in your room anyway.” Levi says.

You roll your eyes. “But I’d rather be bed ridden in the comfort of my room than in the medical clinic.” You grab his hand. “Levi…you don’t need to stress anymore. I’m fine.”

He scoffs. “How can I not stress when some idiot technician didn’t do his job. He almost got you killed. How can I even trust the others?”

The technician that was supposed to fix your gear forgot to, and instead of saying so, he lied and said the gear was fixed. In his head, corps members going outside the walls were as good as dead anyway.

He was promptly fired…after getting a major ass whooping from Levi.

You frown as well as scrunch your eyebrows in anger. “Kiss me.”

Levi’s eyes widened as he stared at you in silence. “What did you say?”

You grunt and hold your arm as you sit up more. “I almost died without telling my feelings for you. Since I’m still alive, I want to tell you them. But first, I want you to kiss me.”

Levi stared at you longer, contemplating what to do in his head, before he leans forward and puts his lips against yours. You sigh contently against his lips as you grab a hold of the front of his shirt, and he grabs the back of your neck to deepen the kiss.

After a few moments, you feel Levi’s lips quiver and a wetness on his cheek.

Levi pulls away and leans his forehead against yours. “I thought you were going to die.” He chokes out, tears falling down his cheeks.

You wipe away his tears and hold his face. “Well I didn’t. I’m here with you and I’ll always stay by you. I live for you.”

Levi smiles and kisses you again. “I live for you too.”

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Oh? Crewel-sensei! Are you actually joining us in class today? - Kalim, beaming

Zzzzz- h-huh? Did I miss... Trein-sensei's class...? - Silver, sleepy

If he doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will.

Crewel warily surveyed the classroom. Each group of students had been presented with a cage full of mice. The assignment for the day: to command the mice to execute a trick of one's choosing. They scampered around on their tiny feet, clawing at their confinement and chorusing in soft squeaks.

A few brave students had already taken to freeing the mice, to varying degrees of success. Some rodents had escaped and now skittered across the floors while being chased down. Others, aggravated, had clawed or bitten their students, sending them to the nurse’s office.

Class 2-A may as well be an unkept dog kennel, Crewel grumbled to himself.

“I’m participating today to brush up on Animal Languages,” he explained bluntly. “Pardon the intrusion. Please do not let my presence distract you from your learning.”

“Hahah, of course not! Make yourself home, cuz my classroom is your classroom!” Kalim chirped. “Since we’re in the same group, let’s do our best to help each other out.”

“Agreed.” Silver nodded. “We’re honored to be working with you, Crewel-sensei.”

They’re good boys—but let’s see whether their technical abilities are on par with their kind-heartedness.

"Lead the charge. I will stand by and support your vision.”

“Let’s have the mice dress up and have a parade!” Kalim immediately suggested. His entire face lit up with determination. “Maybe some of them could be horses pulling a little toy carriage, and other mice could ride the carriage.”

“That’s far too complex for your level of skill!” Crewel pointed out. “Start simpler. Instructing them to do a single thing is enough to fulfill the requirements. For dogs… ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ are common first commands. Extrapolate that thinking to mice. The vocabulary should also be within your reach.”

There was a long pause. Then Silver spoke up.

“So… we could ask them to sit or to stay?”

“Do not so blatantly superimpose the orders for dogs onto a different animal!” Crewel snapped. “Are you still half asleep?!”

“He might be! Hey, Silver.” Kalim nudged his classmate (whose head was beginning to loll) on the arm. The knight startled—but his eyelids still fluttered, threatening to shut. “Stick with us! We need you awake for this, buddy.”

“Ngh… I’m sorry, I’m trying… I’m trying so hard, but… I don’t think I can… hold… it off…………….. Zzzzz…”

Silver drifted off, slouching forward in his seat. Kalim grasped onto his shoulders, keeping him upright.

“Wh-Whoa…! Don’t worry, Silver! I’ve gotcha!!”

Crewel facepalmed. “… This is quickly devolving into a disaster.”

"I'll say!" Kalim agreed. "How's Silver going to nap well without a pillow and a blanket? A desk and chair are really uncomfortable to sleep on."

"That's what you're concerned about?"

"Hmm? Yeah. Did you mean something else, sensei?"

"You'll be receiving a zero on this assignment from old Trein if you don't come up with something," Crewel lectured him as he removed the lid from their box of mice. "Find a way to wake Silver up this instant!"

"Aaah, what should I do...? I feel bad waking him up when he's having a good dream... Are you sure we can't just make Silver as comfortable as we can?"

"YES, I AM SURE."

As Crewel and Kalim clashed, the mice were frenzied. They had collected in one corner of the box in one massive wriggling heap, spilling out onto the counter like liquid when Crewel tipped the container over. They darted in front of Silver in frantic rows, then compressed their small, furry bodies together, forming something resembling a pillow.

"What the..."

"Oh!" Kalim brightened with realization. "Did you guys want to help out? That's so nice of you!"

He was met with a sea of excitable squeaking.

"Gahahah! I don't get it, but thanks a ton! Silver appreciates it too. I'll lay him down now, okay?"

Crewel watched, jaw hanging open, as Kalim gently placed Silver upon the bed of lab rodents. It was like a scene right out of a fairy tale. Kalim, the prince. Silver, the princess. And the mice? Their animal companions that saved the day.

Footsteps approached from behind.

"Asim, how does your group fare?" Trein inquired. "I hope you were not too heavily relying on Crewel-sensei's expertise to get by."

"No, sir! We're just making sure Silver gets proper rest in." Kalim gestured to his snoozing peer. "See?"

Trein took note of the pillow of mice, his brows creasing in confusion. "... Well, it's certainly an unconventional 'trick' you've shown me, but I suppose I will allow it. It's a creative solution for the task."

"Wait, really? Cool, thanks!!'

Crewel blinked.

Just what am I looking at here? Did these two just pass by failing to use any of the course's teachings in the assignment?!

"... Unbelievable." He shook his head in disbelief.

These pups are truly something else.

[daryltwdixon]

The Ruins of Us: Chapter 20

Summary: Glenn finally reveals the secret that has him acting anxious around camp, while a tense encounter with Shane leaves you unsettled before heading out for chores. You overhear a heated argument between Daryl and Carol in the barn, which escalates into a confrontation with Daryl. In a flashback, you return home to check on your mom amidst rumors of a deadly disease spreading overseas. After an argument with her, you cross paths with Merle and his friends, but the situation quickly turns dangerous when you're left alone with them—until an unexpected interruption.

WARNING: this chapter contains attempted sexual assault as well as some parental abuse. Please do not read the flashback if this is something you can't handle today. It also includes drug use and violence.

x flash forward x

It’s a slow morning, nothing particularly out of the ordinary. Everyone is gathered around the firepit—some on overturned buckets, others lounging in old lawn chairs—quietly sharing slices of salty, canned spam. The taste makes you crave bacon--the real stuff--but you’re grateful for whatever small comfort you can find.

Glenn had been acting weird, apparently. A few people had been talking about it, but you mostly noticed because Glenn himself was on edge. He was fidgety, quick to squirm when anyone talked to him, and super evasive. Sitting in a lawn chair on the edge of camp, Glenn's eyes flick nervously between Maggie on the porch and Dale in his usual spot on the RV. Finally, he stands and steps toward the center of the group, his hands stuffed in his pockets, his voice quivering as he speaks.

“Um…guys,” he says, hesitating, “so…barn’s full of walkers,”

It takes you a long moment to let the words sink in. Barn? Which barn? You’d been in the horse stables and surely nothing was–oh shit.

Your eyes stray to the dilapidated old barn behind him, its wooden beams rotting and red roof losing shingles by the day. You drop your plate, the last few pieces of spam falling to the ground. Daryl next to you is still chewing, you can see his gears turning too. 

The barn is full of walkers.

Suddenly everyone is up, quietly making your way to the barn, hoping not to disturb the Greene family as you investigate. You can’t believe you hadn’t noticed the soft sounds of walker’s rattling breathing, shuffled footsteps, and quiet snarling. Then again you had never been close. The conversation between Hershel and Rick comes to the forefront of your mind.

We could move out of your way. Go by the barn.

No need for that, better if you stay by the house.

Jesus christ. 

Shane is the first to approach the barn doors, his eye pressing to the small gap between the rotting wood beams. He listens, calm but fuming, as the snarling intensifies. When he pulls back, his face is tight with anger. He steps toward Rick, his voice simmering with rage.

“You cannot tell me you’re alright with this,” Shane hisses, his eyes alight with fury.

“I’m not,” Rick snaps, his tone sharp but controlled, “but we’re guests here. This isn’t our land.” His words are final, a reminder of where they stand.

“This is our lives, man!” Shane shouts, but before he can say more you step in, your voice urgent, pleading.

“Lower your voice,” you hiss, casting a worried glance toward the Greene family inside the house. Shane raises a hand up to your face to silence you.

But it’s too late. The snarls inside the barn are growing louder, restless. The argument escalates, voices overlapping, debating what to do about the walkers. Shane, for all his flaws, is speaking sense, and you know it. You can’t live here, eat here, sleep here with a barn full of the undead just waiting to tear you apart. The weight of Shane’s words lingers: this isn’t right.

Then he brings up Fort Benning, god, he’s obsessed with Fort Benning.

“ We can't GO ,” Rick snarls, eyes narrowing at him.

“Why, Rick? Why?” Shane demands, his frustration boiling over.

“Cause my daughter’s still out there,” Carol says, her voice small but steady.

Shane’s nostrils flare as he fights to keep his temper in check. “Okay,” he says, trying to calm his breathing, his hands trembling as he runs them over his face. “it’s time we start considerin’ the other possibility.”

“We’re not leavin’ Sophia behind,” Rick states with finality, his eyes locking on Shane’s.

“I’m close to findin this girl,” Daryl growls, and it makes you turn around and look away from the barn full of hushed rattling breaths, “I just found her damn doll two days ago,”

“You found her doll, Daryl. That’s what you did. You found a doll. ” Shane scoffs.

Daryl's arms start swinging in anger at Shane. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talkin’ about!” Then Shane is yelling back at him, telling him it’s plain and simple, Sophia is most likely dead out there. Most cases back in the real world gave children  48 hours until they were just looking for…for a body.

“Let me tell you somethin’ else man,” he says to Daryl, “if she was alive out there–saw you comin-all methed out with your buck knife and geek ears around your neck, she would run in the other direction , man!” he points across the field. It was a low blow for all Daryl had done for this search. Suddenly, his body is lunging toward Shane, fists flying and Rick putting himself between them. You run to Daryl’s side, pulling his shoulders back. Glenn and the others are at Shane’s front, pushing him, yelling to stay back. Everyone is raising their voices at each other, but at least no one’s fists are flying anymore. Daryl’s narrowed eyes are fixed on Shane as you hold your hand to his chest at an arm’s distance while facing the group. Your head whips back to the barn as you hear the door smacking up against the wooden beams locking it into place. 

“Guys…” you warn, your voice tight with panic, but the argument rages on around you, voices overlapping in a chaotic din. The rattling grows louder, more frantic, until everyone falls silent, their eyes snapping toward the barn. The chains are shaking, the doors straining against their restraints.

Oh, fuck.

–----------

The group has mostly dispersed, leaving you and Shane lingering by the barn. Rick had gone to check in with Hershel on what the next move should be after the discovery you all made. The others busy themselves with chores. Daryl had gone off to let off steam, you didn't know where. You hadn’t planned on sticking close to Shane, but somehow, you found yourself standing at the barn with him as you both checked how secure it really was. His hands grip the chains tightly, giving them a hard tug to ensure their placement. The rattling of the walkers inside grows louder with every movement, as if they sense the humans outside.

“You know,” you start quietly, checking along the rough wooden slats across the doors, “things may be bad between me and you, Shane, but I’ll agree with you on this one. This is batshit crazy.”

Shane’s gaze snaps to you, his lip still curled in a snarl from the utter nonsense of a barn full of fucking walkers that Hershel’s family thinks are still their family. 

“Nothin’s bad with us,” he growls, his voice low and dismissive. “You just got a bad attitude. Maybe you need to be remindin’ where your place is.”

Your scoff is sharp, biting, the tension between you thick. The revelation of Shane's threat against Daryl is hot on your tongue, burning to be said, but you bite it back—for now. You can’t deal with both battles at once. Instead, you cross your arms, keeping your focus on the barn as Shane shoves against one of the doors, testing its strength. The wood groans under the pressure, and suddenly, there’s a violent crash from within. Several walkers slam themselves against the door, causing it to rattle violently. Both of you instinctively jump back, and before you can react, Shane’s arms are around you, pulling you against his chest.

The protective hold lingers, his grip too tight, his body too close. You feel his breath hot against your ear, and when you realize the barn is still holding, you start to squirm in his grasp.

“All good,” you mutter, pushing against his chest until he finally lets you go, though he takes his time. His eyes are still on you, watching you closely.

“There ain’t nothin’ bad between us,” Shane insists, his tone almost possessive now. His eyes narrow, his jaw tight. “We’ll talk about us later.”

You meet his gaze head-on, your frustration mounting. The whiplash of his demanding presence and dismissiveness when it came to you was dizzying. As if it hadn’t been crystal clear from the past few weeks where you two stood.

“Maybe,” you say, “but there is no us anymore,” your voice steady, even though your heart is racing. “But right now, this,” you jab your finger toward the barn, “this is a problem, Shane. And if we don’t deal with it soon, it’s gonna be everyone’s problem.” 

You stalk off towards the stables, ready to pick up your morning chores before he has anything else to say.

As you’re walking closer to the barn and picking up a wheelbarrow and pitchfork, there’s hushed voices inside. As you get closer you can make out Daryl’s low gravely tones. He sounds frustrated, dismissive. As you near the entrance, the voices grow clearer. Daryl sounds more aggravated now, and there’s a scuffle—a thud against the barn floor that makes you wince.

Then you hear him curse loudly, “Just leave me be!” and he mutters something under his breath, quieter this time, “stupid bitch.” You’re surprised when it's Carol who comes running out of the barn. She sees you standing there, listening in. Her eyes are misty and chin trembling. You can only look at her, eyes wide with concern, wondering what in the hell just happened. Without a word, she shakes her head, brushing past you with hurried steps. Her sobs grow louder as she rushes back toward the camp, leaving you there in stunned silence.

You round the corner finally, and see Daryl clutching his side. His expression is a mix of pain and frustration, his eyes flickering up to you as you approach. A horse stands at the far end of the barn, shifting restlessly on its cross ties. Your gaze flickers to the saddle tossed carelessly against the wall, then back to Daryl.

“The hell was that about?” you ask, your voice sharp but laced with concern.

He grumbles under his breath, now refusing to meet your eyes. “Nothin’,” he mutters, trying to brush it off, his shoulders tense.

You glance around the barn again, looking at the scene. The thrown saddle and kicked-up dust on the ground makes you feel the weight of whatever just happened. Your jaw tightens, and you step closer, refusing to let him off so easily. 

You still pause for a moment, taking in his posture—he’s closed off, like he’s ready to snap, and it makes your chest tighten with concern. “Carol’s upset, why would you say somethin’ like that to her?” you finally say, trying to bridge the gap between you. “Daryl… what’s goin’ on?”

“Can’t you see it?” he snaps, finally looking up, his eyes burning with frustration. “They’re all givin’ up. Even her.” He jerks his head toward where Carol left. “It’s like no one gives a damn anymore, like Sophia’s already gone and they just wanna move on.”

You take a step closer, heart aching at the weight of his words. “That’s not true,” you murmur. “You’re still lookin’. Rick’s still lookin’. We haven’t given up.”

Daryl stands suddenly, the movement sharp and agitated. “Rick’s got his own shit goin’ on—he ain’t focused, and Shane’s already talkin’ about gettin’ us outta here. Like there’s somethin’ better out there. Ain’t nobody left fightin’ for that girl ‘cept me.”

You bite your lip, knowing he’s not wrong. The group has grown weary, the hope they’d once held so fiercely now flickering like a candle barely holding on. “You’re not alone,” you insist, taking another step toward him. “I’m still here.”

Daryl’s eyes flicker to yours, a mix of exhaustion and anger behind them. “Yeah? Well, you sure as hell ain’t dealin’ with what’s really in front of you.”

You freeze, his words hitting you like a slap. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He scoffs, running a hand through his hair–for a second you notice just how long it's gotten in the past few weeks, “Ya know damn well —Shane. How much he controls everything and everyone–even you, and yet you still ain’t done a damn thing about it.”

You bristle at the mention of the memory of Shane’s looming presence still fresh from earlier, “I’m handling it,” you say, but your voice wavers, and Daryl catches it.

“Are you?” he fires back, his voice rising. “’Cause from where I’m standin’, it sure as hell don’t look like it. You’re out there with him, lettin’ him get all up in your space, and you ain’t puttin’ him in his place. You think I don’t see it?”

You clench your fists, frustration bubbling up inside you. “I’m not scared of him. You saw me give him shit at the shooting range, Dare. I can’t just pick a fight whenever! There’s a time and place,”

Daryl steps closer, his voice lowering but no less intense. “He’s unravelin’, Y/N. You’re smart, tough, but you’re also too damn stubborn for your own good. And if you don’t do somethin’ soon, he’s gonna push you too far, and you’ll regret not settin’ him straight.”

Your heart pounds in your chest, the weight of his words pressing down on you. You’d been trying to avoid a confrontation with Shane, but Daryl’s right—Shane’s only growing more volatile, and your avoidance is probably adding fuel to the fire.

“I know what I’m doing,” you insist, but your voice falters slightly.

Daryl shakes his head, clearly frustrated. “Do you? Or are you just hopin’ it’ll go away on its own?”

His words sting, and for a moment, you don’t know how to respond. You feel torn between the unresolved mess with Shane and Daryl’s growing concern for you—concern that, deep down, you know is justified.

“I’ll talk to him,” you finally say, but the admission feels hollow even to your own ears.

Daryl doesn’t look convinced, his blue eyes narrowing as they search yours. “Don’t wait too long,” he warns. “Last thing I need is you gettin’ hurt again because of that asshole,”

You stand there, the tension between you thick, the weight of everything hanging heavy in the air. His concern, his frustration, the fear he’s trying so hard not to show—it’s all there, in the way he’s looking at you, in the way he’s standing so close but keeping his hands at his sides.

Your eyes drop to his hands for a moment, rough and calloused, fingers twitching slightly like he wants to do something with them—grab you, maybe, or run them through his hair again in frustration. You wonder if he’s holding back for your sake or for his own, and the thought sends a flutter of nerves through your chest.

“Daryl…” you murmur, but the words catch in your throat. His name on your lips sounds different now, more loaded with everything that’s been building between you—the shared moments, the unspoken understanding, the way you’ve been relying on each other more and more since you were brought back together.

He doesn’t move. His breath is steady, but you can see the rise and fall of his chest, just inches from yours. His eyes flicker from your mouth to your eyes and back again, and you swear for a second that he might close the distance, that he might let himself cross that line. Your pulse quickens as the air around you grows charged–hot and overwhelming.

You feel like you should say something—anything—to break the tension, but your voice doesn’t seem to want to work. Instead, your hand twitches at your side, wanting to reach out, to touch him, to anchor yourself in this moment before it slips away.

And then, just when you think he might finally close the gap, might just fall into whatever this is between you, he steps back, shaking his head slightly like he’s pulling himself out of something dangerous.

“I… I got work to do,” he mutters, his voice rough, almost breathless. He turns then, and begins walking towards his horse that waits patiently for him on the other end of the stables.

You swallow hard, trying to steady your breath as you nod. “Yeah. Me too,” you manage to say, but your heart is still pounding, and you can’t shake the feeling that something has shifted between you. 

Remembering the reason you came into the barn in the first place, you grab your pitchfork and begin working on the stalls. 

x flashback x

You weren’t really sure what brought you back to the trailer park one Saturday afternoon. It was the middle of summer, your first year had ended but you stayed in the city sharing housing with Dana. You were amazed you were scraping together enough to make a living for yourself. It felt good. But there were still days you thought of home–the woods, the cracked sidewalks…the people.

The heat clung to your skin, the sound of your footsteps on the sidewalk mixing with the yells and playful screams from the park across the way. You paused in front of your mom’s house now–the same chipped paint and sagging porch no different from when you left it last year. Still, you pondered going inside. What even brought you home? You had heard circulating rumors on the news of a disease overseas beginning to spread, so you chalk it up to just wanting to make sure everyone was okay. You climb the loud, whining porch steps and open the rickety screen door into the trailer. Stepping inside, the familiar smell of alcohol and mildew fill your senses. You were surprised to see your mother awake on the couch. She had a fluffy, old pink robe tied at the waist on her as a cigarette was brought to her mouth. To the side of the recliner was a bottle of wine. 

“What the hell are you doin’ here?” your mother slurred, looking at you with hooded eyes. As much as you could tell she was drunk, her eyes were always sharp on you. 

“Thought I’d come check on ya” you muttered, though you were starting to regret stepping foot in here. It only took a few moments for the tension to rise. Anytime your mother bothered to notice you, it only took her seconds of looking at you to get angry. 

She grabs the wine bottle by the neck, “check on me?” she scoffs and tips it back, her lips pursed at the opening, “I don’t need checkin’ on, girl.” you roll your eyes, and before you have a chance to duck, the remote controller comes flying in the air at your head.

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me, you spoiled brat!” she screeches. You let the controller fall to the floor, your eyes boring into her, a fire licking at your insides.

“Shoulda never come back to see you. Goodbye, mom. Have a nice life,” you grumbled, realizing this was all just a mistake. You opened the door quickly and walked out the way you came.

“No one asked you to come back!!” you hear her scream, something else hitting the door behind you on your way out. 

As you storm out of the trailer, every muscle in your body feels tight, coiled like a spring ready to snap. Why had you even come back? You had convinced yourself it was out of obligation—to check on your mom, to see how she was coping—but deep down, you knew better. It was more than that. Some part of you wanted to feel connected to this place again, to the past that you had left behind. But now, after the argument with your mother, the only connection you felt was a painful reminder of why you left in the first place.

It wasn’t until you reached the sidewalk by the street did you notice a few figures walking by, and you recognized one. Merle. He was swaggering down the street with a couple of his usual shady friends, cigarettes being passed around with a light in hand. Surprisingly, Merle was a welcome sight right now. He was your only tether to this place anymore. One person who might actually just talk to you. Only connection to… him. You pushed the face you wanted to see most out of your mind as you gave his brother a small smile.

Merle’s eyes lit up as they saw you, “Well if it ain’t my pretty college girl!” he called out, his grin widening, “what brings you back to this dump?”

You shrugged, approaching them all now, “visiting,” you said simply. The other two friends leered down at you with predatory gazes as you talked to him. 

“Come on, join us,” Merle said, waving you over. “We’re headin’ to a buddy’s place. Gonna have ourselves a little fun.”

Part of you hesitated, but the frustration from the fight still buzzed under your skin, and you weren’t ready to go back to that empty house. So, you followed them, letting the idea of ‘a little fun’ distract you from everything else.

Merle led you to one of his friend's houses—an old, grimy place that reeked of stale smoke and spilled beer. You sat on a sagging couch, the rough material sticking to your skin as Merle and his friends passed around a blunt. You took a few hits, letting the smoke fill your lungs, dulling the edge of your anger. The sound of the TV playing some old movie blared as your eyes began to swim with the high. You laughed at some of it, Merle making stupid one liner jokes along to the film. The other two sat back, legs wide watching the screen, but you’d catch them looking at you too. 

Merle got up at one point to answer a phone call, leaving you alone with his friends. The room felt smaller, darker, as the guys’ eyes lingered on you a little too long. You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, your heart starting to race as one of them scooted closer to you on the couch.

“So, you’re the girl Merle’s always talkin’ about, huh?” one of them drawled, his hand landing on your knee. As his hand moved up your thigh, your skin crawled under his touch. You tried to shift away, but there was nowhere to go—his weight was pressing you into the sagging couch. Your heart pounded louder in your ears, the room closing in around you. 

“Hey, stop,” you muttered, but your voice cracked, barely loud enough to be heard over the TV blaring in the background. Your pulse quickened as his grip tightened, and you tried to push his hand away, but he didn't even flinch.

“Come on, we’re just having a little fun,” his low voice was in your face as he closed in on you.

You tried to push him away, but his grip tightened. The other guy laughed, standing up and moving closer, and panic started to crawl up your spine. They sat on either side of you on the rickety old couch, their presence suffocating. You called for Merle, but your voice was small, shaky, and the guys just chuckled. 

“I said stop,” you tried to say louder, but they ignored you, hands creeping toward your waist. Your head felt heavy, your limbs slower from the high, and before you knew it, their hands were on you, rough and insistent. You could swear you heard yelling outside, someone calling out over the TV. But they couldn’t hear you, and definitely couldn’t hear the guys heavy breathing on either side of you. 

"Merle! Where the hell are you?" a voice carried through the hallway as it got closer. 

Daryl’s voice.

Suddenly, the door to the small living room banged open, and he stood in the doorway. You missed him so much your heart could ache in this moment if it wasn’t hammering in panic. He looked the same but so different. Daryl’s eyes landed on you first, and for a moment, it’s like time froze. His eyes widened as he took in the scene. You cowering back on the couch, trying to push their hands away, their heads whipping towards him, frozen in place. Daryl’s expression shifted from confusion to rage in a heartbeat, his gaze locking onto the two guys who had their hands on you.

“Get the hell off her,” Daryl growled as he lunged, yanking the guy closest to him off of you and against the nearest wall. The guy hit the wall with a thud, and Daryl took his chance to throw his fist in his face. The second guy stood up beside you, rushing to Daryl, trying to grab him, but you watched as he swung back, elbowing the guy hard in the ribs. The room exploded into chaos, fists and bodies crashing into the furniture as the fight escalated. You couldn’t scream, couldn’t move except for the involuntary trembling your body was doing. 

Merle suddenly came storming into the room, “What the hell is goin’ on!” he yelled, grabbing his brother by the back of his shirt and yanking him off the guy he was pounding his fist into on the floor, “Calm the hell down!”

Daryl’s chest was heaving, his knuckles bloody, but his eyes were on you, wide and full of something more than just his fury. Neither of you said anything over the groans of the two guys, beaten and bloody. You stared back at him, gulping down air, unsure what to say or explain why you were even there. 

Before you could speak, Daryl was shoving past Merle and stormed out of the house without another word. The silence that followed was near deafening, and Merle just looked at you, his face twisted with a bemused expression.

“The hell was tha' about?”

You didn’t answer–didn’t know how to. All you could do was sit there, trying to steady your breathing as the weight of everything that had just happened pressed down on you.

[arachnoia]

Hobie with a tall thick reader like Megan Pete :P

Lanky skinny guy x Tall big booty country girl troupe >>>

Nsfw/Sfw Who knows

megan is literally mother pls. that trope is so fucking cute i’m in love. anon you’re so smart 🤭

tags- nsfw/sfw headcanons, afab! reader, unprotected sex, head-giving, p in v, i don’t know if this is good but requests are opennn (lowk wanna do a miguel one with a trope and nsfw/sfw but idk 🥲)

- im absolutely fucking certain he would call you a stallion. you told him once that people in high school called you a stallion and thought they were being rude for calling you a horse.

- once he found out what “stallion” meant, he started bragging to everyone he knew that his gf was a “stallion” which also confused some who didn’t know what it means.

- he would def be all over you when it comes to praising curves and and would be the type to try to match energy when it comes to confidence.

- as I said, he would def be all over you with praises, especially in your sex life and would have you as a top (with him being the occasional switch) but loves how sexy you look being in charge while riding him. (bondage is something he is into with you and enjoys it along with you straddling him…)

“you’re such a good boy for me, baby,” you cooed, caressing his face. he let out a breathless moan as you moved your hips on top of his thighs, him being buried deep inside you as you kept riding him slowly. “please, my love. you’re so beautiful…so fucking beautiful” he whispered shakily, eyes shut. he felt pain from not being able to touch and caress you due to his hands being tied on the bed frame. you started to move your hips even faster, stifling a moan from how he felt in you. “you’re so good, babe. so good for me…”

- the vibe from you two would be like that one justin bieber vid where he’s with nicki and in one part of the vid he’s like “I got my drivers license” trying to hit her up and she’s like “can you handle curves?” that would essentially be you two in a nutshell except hobie would be more of a tease to you and say something like “idk can I?” — but he loves your curves.

- there’s something about you that he loves but he can’t put his finger on it. other than your curves, he just loves your confidence and personality. opposites attract and that’s what you two are. the sun to his moon, the hot to his cold. him being from a metropolitan city and you being from the country. you’re exactly what he needs for him to stay balanced.

- as you know how to handle him and keep him balanced, he can handle you pretty good as well. even though he loves having you in charge, there are moments where he can’t help but fuck your brains out.

“oh my fucking god-“ you cried, gripping the kitchen counter as you felt your boyfriend fuck you from behind, immense euphoria hitting you like a goddamn train. you felt like a mess under him when he was finally in control. it was your 3rd round and you felt tired as fuck, cum already spilling from your pussy and onto your thighs from the two previous rounds. “fuck…” he whispered, loving the way you clench around him and having you in almost tears. he started caressing your ass before spanking it hard. he loved fucking you from the back just to feel on your ass in front of him. his thrusts started turning sloppy and inconsistent, finally finishing inside you and leaning forward to whisper to you, mumbling incoherently, “you did so good, love.”

- you’re his bright sun. the person who can put up with his compulsivity and inconsistencies. amongst all the inconsistency, the only thing he’s consistent of is how he cares for you. always looks out for you even during his missions as spider-punk.

- that being said, aftercare is great. although he might be a bit overreacting and reaching at times, he still tries to make sure you feel good after sex.

“hobie baby, I said I’m fine,” you smiled. he had given you a few seconds to compose yourself, going to the bathroom. once you raised yourself a bit from the counter and could form a sentence, he tried to carry you. “but i don’t want you to hurt yourself if you’re sore,” you rolled your eyes as he ended that with a “mhmmm” to stroke his ego. “I can walk just fine.” he gave you a look before placing you gently on your shared bed to clean you up.

.

.

masterlist

[missmoonfrost]

Hotel breakfast - a wolfstar microfic

April 25 - Modern AU - 588 words

@wolfstarmicrofic

Remus followed the crowd out of the elevator and got in line for the coffee machine right away. He yawned and looked around the breakfast buffet for something his stomach could muster. Thankfully he would not be expected to do much more today than show up and listen to the yearly madatory update course. He decided on toast with jam and put his plate and cups down on what was probably the last empty table. The room was crowded with people in suits, just like himself.

Soon enough a man asked if he could take the opposite seat. An extremely handsome man with alluring eyes and black hair tumbling down his shoulders.

“Sure.” Remus moved to gather his things closer to his side of the table and tipped one of his toastes with the jamed side down on the table.

“Ugh, my coordination today…”

“What about it?” the man sat down with a dazzling smile.

“I just enjoyed the town a little too much last night, is all. I don't travel that much so I tought I'd take the chance now when work is paying. Not that we don’t have a pub where I’m from, but that’s… yeah, one pub.”

The man laughed a friendly laugh. “I’m from London.”

“Oh. You must think this is a one-horse-town?”

“Pretty much. I’m here to have a lecture for some backwater company called Modern Marketing who apparently can’t find anyone who knows anything about social media algorithms around here.”

“That’s my company.”

The man clasped his mouth with a horrified expression.

“I’m joking!” Remus laughed and his tablemate joined in.

Remus reached out for his cup of coffee but tripped it over. The coffee flowed across the table and splashed down the other side. The man jumped up fast enough to save his trousers, but the shirt was ruined.

“Oh, shit! I’m so sorry!”

“It’s ok!” His tablemate quickly reassured, then made a face “They are going to think I’m the idiot now.”

“You don’t have a clean shirt? Do you want to borrow one?”

He thought a moment. “Yeah, actually, that would be really nice of you.”

He followed Remus to his room. Remus caught himself thinking this was a guy he’d gladly take to his hotel room for another reason. As the man stripped to try Remus' shirt on he couldn’t take his eyes away.

Fit muscles, fair skin interjected with sharp black lines of a star-shaped tattoo in the center of his chest that Remus suddenly felt a need to put his lips against.

“Maybe one size too big, but it’ll do. Thank you!”

“It’s all my fault to begin with… You look good. I mean… in the shirt... on you.”

The man smiled his dazzling smile again and reached out his phone to him. “Can I have your number?”

Remus felt a ridiculously big smile spread on his face.

“So that I can return you’re shirt.” The man clarified.

“Oh. Right. Of course.”

Remus put his number in with blossom cheeks. The man said something about an Uber and left. Remus leaned his forehead against the closed door and whimpered. He was so stupid. Why would a hot guy from London ask for his number? Especially after he spilled coffee on his shirt?

A message dinged in Remus' phone.

> How long are you staying? /Sirius your shirt-borrower <

> My train leaves at 18:07 tomorow. <

> That’s one more night in "town" then. Fancy making it a date? <

Remus decided he needed to travel more. To London, perhaps?

Thanks to my coworker who spilled her youghurt on today's hotel breakfast and complained about her coordination after having enjoyed town too much, while we are on a mandatory course in a town considerably smaller than my own.

[clemblog]

Caine’s Lesson - Part 11

•

Pomni, Max, Chad and Gummigoo had all been out on their scavenger adventures. Happily riding past the old fudge lake where the Fudge monster used to reside.

“POMNI!”

She had Jingle stop immediately. Snapping her head directly in the direction of the familiar voice. It was something she’d never imagined seeing here before.

Ragatha.

Kinger.

Zooble.

Gangle.

Jax.

All covered in fudge dragging themselves out of the lake.

“What are you guys doing here?!” She exclaimed, jumping down from Jingle.

“Pomni! Thank goodness! You’re okay!” Beamed Ragatha, pulling her into a hug.

“…Caine happened.” Eeked Gangle.

Pomni frowned at this.

“Did you guys yell at him too-?”

“No, I just think he’s kind of… loosing it-“ Hummed Zooble.

“Huh.” Frowned Pomni. “Guess you guys should come with me then-“

She turned to her crew.

“T-Think we have room for these guys back at the ranch?”

“Course Poms! A friend of yours is a friend of ours!” Grinned Gummigoo.

“Poms~?” Mused Jax.

“…Shut up, that’s just my name here-“

“Whatever you say Pom Pom~”

“It’s Poms!”

Pomni took Ragatha on Jingle.

Gummigoo had Zooble and Gangle on Tang. Max had Jax on Sour. Chad was with Kinger on Horse!

When the group got back, Pomni went with Gummigoo, Max and Chad to tend to the horses. Leaving the circus members outside of the main ranch house. Ma Croc opened the door.

“Oh my! More citizen survivors, please, come in come in. My name is Ma! Come sit down, I’m making some soup! You’re all skin and bones! So have as much as you please!”

“Hey-!”

“A-Alright-“

“…Okay.”

“That’s incredibly kind of you Ma- Come on guys! Be polite guests-“

“AA- Where are we-“

“You’re at Croco Ranch, my dear!” Smiled Ma, having lead the group into the kitchen of the house. “It’s the current safe house for all the candy citizens who survived the attack from the Fudge.”

Luckily, she’d turned to stir her soup and grab some bowls as everyone was now glaring at Jax. Well. Except for Zooble, but she was quickly brought up to speed by Gangle and joined everyone in the subtle shame game.

Ma was soon handing everyone bowls of soup, giving Jax a break from the glaring. It was a warm sweet soup, so nobody had any complaints.

“I’m going to get you all a place set up now. You’ll need the rest. And to clean up-“ She chuckled, looking over their fudge covered appearances.

“Ah- Yeah-“ Snickered Ragtha, sheepishly. “Again, thank Ma-“

“It’s no problem in the slightest, dear.”

The group were soon lead out to the barn where they’d be staying for the time being. Ma had done her best to give everyone bedding that was suited to them! It was very comfy and the group were very grateful.

Ragatha sat on her bed, just staring off and watching all the Candy citizens pass by. Truth be told, she was a little sad. She had never seen Pomni so happy- She’d be thriving outside the circus! Away from the group- …away from her. Had she been reading things wrong all along? Did Pomni not value her as much as she valued her? Did she do something wrong?

She wasn’t sure.

But there was one thing she did know. As badly as she wanted it, Pomni’s heart wasn’t for her. So, she’d stay quiet. And hope that deep down, once things settled down Pomni would ease back into their little circus family. So they could be friends again! Because at the end of the day, even if she knew she was okay, and that they were all together again.

Ragatha still missed her. She’d changed so much- Even if she knew it was for the better… She missed the scared sassy Pomni she’d met who’d stuck by her and the rest of the circus.

But at the end of the day, if you love something. You’re supposed to let it go.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t hope it’ll grow stronger, and that it may return to you someday, even if just for a moment.

So that’s what Ragatha would do.

“Hey? Are you alright?”

Ragatha blinked and looked up, she’d been stuck in her thoughts for a little while now-

It was Lou.

“Oh! I’m alright- Just thinking-.” She admitted, sheepishly.

“Pretty intently, with that grimace on your face-“ Mused Lou, softly, poking her playfully on the forehead. “You’ll start getting wrinkles if you aren’t careful-“

Ragatha snickered at this gently.

“Right- Right-“

“Kidding.” Mused Lou, softly. “Nobody should have to care for wrinkles, they’re natural. But still, you should look out for how long you space out. I’m Lou, by the way. Princess of the Candy Kingdom.”

“Alright, will do Lou.” Winked Ragatha, playfully. “Thanks though, I’ll definitely keep it in mind.”

“Great! I’d hate to see a pretty face like yours look so down in the dumps again.”

Ragatha just snickered at this, rolling her eyes.

“Now, come on, you wanna come help me with some organising or are you gonna stay moping around.”

“I don’t mind helping!”

Maybe getting over Pomni wouldn’t be so hard for Ragatha after all!

Jax was asleep in his bed, curled up in a knitted blanket that matched his dungarees. Zooble wasn’t sure where Kinger had gotten off to but that just left her and Gangle to relax on their opposing bunk beds. The peace was nice, especially now that she didn’t have to worry about Caine. It meant she could finally focus on Gangle. And what she meant to her. What she wanted for the future, if they got a future at all- She wasn’t sure anymore, but she wouldn’t let it drag her down- Because if their was even a possibility of a future, she’d plan it out for the rest of her days.

Because in many times in life, sometimes the only thing you had was hope.

Part 12

[faelynfawn]

OKAY SO IM DUMB ANDI PUT IT IN THE TAGS kajdjsjsd

ANYWAYS. scar x bdubs, set during the king Ren timeline while they were part of his square table

Apologies this took so long. As with the other drabble prompts, this just became a oneshot.

AO3 link.

----

“Why’d you make Ren king anyway?”

The question startled Bdubs. He and Scar had been quietly enjoying riding some horses together, he hadn’t really expected conversation.

Especially not about that.

“Same as why I made you mayor!”

 Scar hummed, “Really? I don’t remember the death games having been a thing back then—especially not one where I was mayor.”

“It wasn’t about that.”

“If I were anyone else I’d believe that. Anyone but- uh, the winners anyway.”

The amount of time they all spent in the death games, the more they remembered. It seemed to stack, after each new game they could remember the old ones better.

What stayed the same no matter how many games they played was that your placement impacted your emotional attachment. Nothing but winning would change how much a previous game meant to you.

The only people who felt stronger about the first game than Bdubs did was Scar and Grian. But even then, Scar had died maybe half an hour after he did. It was basically the same as far as they could tell.

“It’s… It’s stupid,” Bdubs said eventually, “I-… I just… Ren’s a good guy. I miss being able to look at him and not see the Red King.”

“Me too.”

“Oh. Oh, Scar, I didn’t even think about you and Grian-”

“Bdubs,” Scar said, “Sure, a bit of forewarning would’ve been nice, but we’re fine. I’m more confused than anything else.”

Bdubs still felt a bit bad. He really hadn’t thought about them at all. He was glad they were alright. If it wasn’t, he was sure they would have brought it up by now.

Scar, especially, wouldn’t have become a knight in the King’s court if it had been upsetting him.

“Well, why’d you join Ren’s side?”

Scar tugged on the reigns, pulling his horse to a stop. Bdubs stopped as well, turning his horse to face him.

Scar’s beautiful face was scrunched into a frown, like the thought hadn’t occurred to him at all. It probably hadn’t. He really wasn’t one for introspection, especially not about anything that related to the desert. Bdubs was pretty sure he and Grian still hadn’t talked about it.

It was a bit striking, to see Scar pause and think and want to give a real answer. He could remember a time not too long ago where his question would have been met with a smirk and witty comment.

It warmed Bdubs’ heart.

“Hadn’t thought about it.”

“Mm?” He hummed. He didn’t want to press.

Even now it was easy for Scar to fall into old habits, to not even consider vulnerability as an option. If Scar ended up not wanting to talk about it, that was still worlds better than what used to happen.

“I think that, at first, it was because I didn’t want to kill him again. Obviously we know there’s going to be a resistance. I just… I see him, sometimes, his body.”

Oh.

Bdubs knew Scar had killed Ren, he knew that. He just hadn’t really thought about it.

“I see yours too.”

“Oh, Scar.”

“What about you? Why make him king?”

Bdubs didn’t really feel like leaving that comment so soon, but he knew it must have been hard to admit. They’d have time later. “Cause… Well, he’s not exactly the Red King anymore, is he? I kept expecting a cloak and crown every time I heard his voice. I thought giving him one would help. A different cloak, a different crown, a different king from a different setting. If I’m going to think of him as the king, I want to think of—of that!” He pointed to the edge of the billboard that was just barely visible from where they were positioned, “I don’t want to think of running back inside the crastle and—and calling out to Cleo that I’ve got her stuff and--…”

“You didn’t realise it was her final death.”

“…It’s fuzzy but… It’s one of the clearest moments I have. Can’t even remember who told me but someone said it and my stomach just dropped.”

Silence hung for a few moments after that, before Scar realised he was done talking, “It’s been nice.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. It’s nice to have Ren and king mean something else. The first time I saw him in his get up I… I kind of freaked out a bit, to be honest.”

“Scar! You said it was okay!” Bdubs felt horrible.

“Because I thought it would be! And it is okay—it is now! It—…it helped a lot. Now King Ren means all that stuff! With the billboard! I’m glad you did it, really.”

“But?” Bdubs wasn’t sure there was a but, but if there was he needed to know.

Scar sighed, “I try not to think about the desert, is all. I don’t know if it’s cause it was our first game and we all thought it was permadeath or if its cause I was second or what.”

Bdubs was beginning to get the impression Scar was skirting around something.

“Well, what’s the what, Scar?”

“Nothing! Just…”

“Mhm?”

Scar always got this look in his eyes when he desperately needed to just say something but was too scared to. It was something Bdubs never really knew for sure how to deal with. Cub was the only person who could reliably help him work past that. Grian and Mumbo could sometimes, and once in a blue moon someone else could do it too.

Bdubs cursed every single person who ever made Scar feel like talking about his problems was basically the same as signing his own death warrant.

“Do you want to know what I remember most?” The words came in a quick burst. Scar’s face was flushed a bright red.

“What?” Bdubs prompted quickly, not wanting him to lose momentum.

“The way I died. The final time, I mean. It’s embarrassing!”

“Huh?”

Bdubs had never heard any details about it. In fact, all he remembered was Scar back in season seven swearing up and down it was the one thing he could not remember for the life of him.

“I just--… I try not to think about it. I don’t want- I don’t want the desert to shape who I am or how I interact with people.”

Hang on. This was familiar. Bdubs had seen Scar react like this to something before.

This was exactly how he used to behave around Bdubs back before they did anything about their mutual attraction. He used to pull this reaction out of Scar whenever he dropped his voice just right and complimented him.

“You enjoyed it!”

Scar flicked the reigns and tutted to the horse, signalling it to get moving, “I think that’s enough conversation for today!”

“You did enjoy it!” Bdubs laughed as he followed after Scar.

“You have no proof!”

“Proof’s in your face. You ever told Grian that?”

“Oh please don’t tell Grian! He’ll never let me live it down. Ever.”

“You think I will?”

[kokinu09]

Let Go of the Reins || Chapter 7

pairing seungmin x fem!reader

genre strangers to lovers, romance, fluff, slight angst later, happy ending, social media, not meant to be, someday

summary Australia is considered home for two of the eight members. When two tour dates are scheduled for the land down under, the boys can’t help but want to spend a bit more time there to visit family and do a little sightseeing. So how do they convince the company that they need to stay a couple weeks? Filming some SKZ Code episodes.

A local riding school just outside the city with amazing reviews for their skilled instructors and beautiful horses is hosting a very popular kpop group to film their experiences. Y/N knows the group well and she just so happens to be their star working student.

status ongoing

taglist OPEN

previous | masterlist | next

~*~

You and Liv got to the venue early like Seungmin requested, about 2 hours to be exact. If it hadn’t been for the two of you having to get a few things done at the ranch that morning, you probably would’ve been there even sooner. The excitement for the concert causing your body to basically vibrate with anticipation, a permanent smile plastered on your face even as you lugged the massive buckets of feed around the barn in the wee hours of the day.

So far, the experience has been incredible. The STAY that you’ve met are some of the sweetest people; chatting with you and Liv while waiting in concession lines or for merch, complimenting your outfits to no end, and even offering you little freebies for no reason other than the mutual love of Stray Kids.

Every time the most common question in the entire K-pop community is asked, “Who’s your bias?”, you find a certain member's name falling from your lips. The answer should be the same as it’s always been. Bang Chan. You’ve been an unwavering Chan stan for as long as you’ve been listening to Stray Kids. But lately, it seems you’ve had a change of heart.

“So~,” Liv sing-songs and you already know the teasing is about to begin, “your new bias is Seungmin, huh?” Her eyebrows wiggle as you two walk away from another group of friendly STAYs.

“I don’t know why you’re surprised,” you say with a roll of your eyes.

“Oh, I’m not~!” She chirps. “I think it’s super cute!”

“Yeah, and I’m sure Han would be offended that you’ve switched rappers on him.”

“Hey! I told everyone Han is still my bias!” Liv argued with her full chest. Hand fisted on her hips and all.

“Riiight, then shouldn’t that freebie be HanQuokka instead of Dwaekki?” You say, pointing out the little SKZOO inspired pin the talented STAY had just gifted her.

“I—!” She cuts off her own protest, cheeks puffed out in a pout as she crosses her arms. “Maybe Changbin is being a bit of a wrecker lately….” She mumbles with a pink blush spreading across her nose. You do your best to hide your snicker at her expense.

The two of you walk around for a few more minutes but the longer you’re there, the more anxious you’re becoming about these mystery seats that Seungmin has promised. So you decide to make your way to the staircase to meet up with your escort.

When the stairs finally come into sight, you notice a large, like huge, security guard standing just off to the side of it. He’s dressed in all black and a black pair of shades over his eyes, even though he’s inside.

You want to laugh but he is definitely too scary looking to laugh at.

“Think that’s our guy?” Olivia leans in to ask in a hushed tone.

“I’d say so.” You reply, leading the way toward Mr. Scary-Security-Guard.

He seems to be looking for something (or someone) with the way his head is on a swivel until he spots you two approaching. It’s hard not to gulp as you realize how mountainous of a man this guy really is when you get closer. He looks like he could take on the entire stadium if it came down to it.

Was it really necessary for Seungmin to send this guy to walk them to some seats? Did he think they’d get mugged by some STAY along the way? Unlikely.

But you put on a nervous smile anyway and ask, “This is going to sound stupid but…are you here to show us to our seats…?”

The man is stone cold, the firm set of his mouth doesn’t budge even a centimeter. “Are you Y/N?” He asks in a (very intimidating) deep, baritone voice.

“Y-yeah! And this is Liv!” You say, quickly looping your arm with hers so you’re not in the center of attention. He nods his head at the introduction then extends his arm in the direction along the side of the stairs.

“This way ladies.” He says before leading them as they get to walking.

His threatening demeanor alone clears the path for them, everyone content with avoiding getting in his way. The eyes of passersby follow you in curiosity, wondering who you might be to deserve such an escort. You keep your head down and urge your feet to go one foot in front of the other.

All the way until he brought you to an ‘Authorized Personnel Only’ door. You and Liv both stop when he opens it. And he looks back at the two of you expectantly. You glance over at your friend and catch her eying you too. But you decide to trust Seungmin’s word about better seats and continue to follow Mr. Big-and-Grumpy.

The sounds of the three of your footsteps echo around the concrete walls of the service hallway they are now making their way down. You were starting to think there really was something to Seungmin’s suspiciously vague messages.

“So, um, where exactly are we going?” You ask hesitantly.

Your question is met with silence for a long minute. You’re sure he’s not going to answer but then he says, “It was requested that I bring you to meet with the band before escorting you to your actual seats.”

While your mouth drops open in surprise, Liv beside you squeals. “Really?! No way! This is totally awesome!” She cheers, bouncing with each step and tugging on your arm in excitement.

The shock of it slowly wears off and a smile forms on your face instead. An excitement of your own warming your heart and causing the butterflies in your stomach to start fluttering. Seungmin really did make sure he’d get to see you for the show.

The two of you have a pep in your step now, following a little closer behind your escort. No longer fearful of his wrath knowing the guys were expecting you.

“What’s your name, Big Guy?” Liv boldly asks eventually.

After another pause, you wonder if he’s being careful of what he says to you two. But this time he responds quicker. “Smitty.”

“Cool name,” Liv says under her breath.

“It’s nice to meet you, Smitty,” you opt to reply instead.

“Mhm,” he grunts and then another patch of silence falls between you three. You think it will stay that way but then he speaks up again.

“Are you dating,” it barely sounds like a question. And you’re so confused by it that your face scrunches and twists in the most unattractive way.

“Excuse me?”

“Are you dating him,” he clarifies, still not sounding like he’s asking.

“Dating who?” You press, earning a frustrated sigh.

“Seungmin. The one who specifically asked me, their personal security, to bring you to them safely. Are you dating him.”

“No! No, no, I’m not. He wouldn’t—” You were abruptly cut off by your best friend.

“Girl, I’m gonna stop you right there ‘cause yes he would.” Liv says, giving you a seriously nasty glare that you’d be afraid of if you didn’t know her as well as you do. Then she straightens up to address Smitty again. “And what’s it to you anyways? Why would you possibly care who either of them date?”

Her attitude seems to strike a nerve as he stops, you almost bump into his back but thankfully you don’t. He turns to face you and gives Olivia a side eye from overtop the rim of his sunglasses.

“I only ask because I have been working security for these kids for over 2 years for their tours and never once has any of them even remotely done something like this for a girl.” He explains, not looking angry but maybe a bit worried. “He’s a good kid with a big heart. If you’re only in it for the money or the clout, please, just enjoy this concert and part ways with him. He doesn’t deserve to be strung along and hurt like that.”

“Wha—? I would never use him! I bought tickets on my own! I never asked him to bump me into better ones or even to arrange this meet-and-greet!” You’re quick to defend yourself, taking a deep breath to calm down. “I know you’re only saying this because you care, but I intend to stay his friend, or whatever he wants me to be, for as long as he’ll have me. If anyone’s going to get hurt, it’ll be me.”

Your eyes burn with angry tears as you glare up at him. Angry that anyone would take advantage of the guys like that. Angry that people like to act like they know you and make assumptions. Angry that you just spilled your heart out to this stupid security guard and now you feel raw.

Liv’s hand is gentle when it lands on your shoulder, a soft and watery smile on her face when you turn away from Smitty to look at her. And she quickly wraps you in a hug, knowing how big it was for you to admit your feelings out loud like that.

When you hear the man clearing his throat, your attention is drawn back to him. Though your hard eyes and deep frown have returned to your features. He starts to chuckle, which should have pissed you off but it didn’t.

“You’ve got spunk girls.” He says through his laughter, taking a moment to recompose but a smirk still remaining. “And you seem genuine, so I’ll believe you.”

Your shoulders relax, a tension you didn’t even realize you were carrying leaving your body as if getting this man’s approval meant you could get anyone’s. He turns to continue in the direction you all were originally heading but glances over his shoulder at you. “Let’s keep moving. I don’t really wanna lose my job for keeping your boyfriend waiting.” Now he’s teasing you?!

“He’s not my boyfriend!” You groan, earning a giggle from Liv as you follow along anyway.

Willing to give up the argument if it means seeing him a little bit sooner.

~*~

taglist

@kangaracha @rainfallingfromthesky @puppysmileseungmin @defnotfertilizedtoesw @teenyfinds

@bbokari711 @lakoya @chlodavids @rylea08

@keepswingin

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solars Family Pilot (by @avaveevo)

As the pilot began, a montage of the four seasons of Solar Opposites starts playing while Big Time Rush starts playing. We then see Terry looking at a photo album. Korvo comes in and is confused about what Terry is looking at.

Korvo: Oh hey babe. What are you looking at?

Terry: Just some of our old photos.

Korvo notices his and Terry’s wedding photo.

Korvo: Aw look. Our wedding photo. I remember our wedding it was amazing.

Terry: Yeah. Me too.

Korvo and Terry are about to kiss when Yumyulack starts chasing Jesse who has his phone.

Jesse: Nice try Yumyulack! You gotta do better than that! laughing

Yumyulack: Give it back, you bitch! I need to text my boyfriend!

Korvo: groans in frustration Teenagers…

Terry: Jesse! Be nice to your brother!

Jesse: Okay.

Jesse hands Yumyulack back his phone.

Yumyulack: Just because you’re taller than me now doesn’t mean you’re better than me.

Yumyulack was talking to Jesse.

Jesse: I know. Sorry Yumbear.

Yumyulack: Whatever.

Lili: Hi guys! I’m ready for school!

Korvo: Alright, time for you three to get ready for school.

Yumyulack, Jesse and Lili: Yes Korvo.

As the teen replicants leave, Korvo sighs and puts his face in his hands.

Terry: I know it’s hard, babe.

Korvo: Terry, I am too old for this

Terry: Hey. No you’re not. You are beautiful and young.

Korvo: Thanks, Terry.

Korvo suddenly hears his watch beeping.

Korvo: Oh! We gotta get to work.

Terry: Yep. Another day at the new rake company. At least it’s better than the old one.

Korvo: Thank God. Plus, we get paid more.

Terry: True.

The husbands get in the car and drive off. Terry turns on the radio and “Good Riddance” from Riverdale plays:

Terry: sigh Sure is a beautiful day.

Korvo: It is.

Meanwhile in prison…

Miss Frankie: God damn it. How do we get out of here?

Principal Cooke: Okay don’t panic. We just need a plan.

Miss Frankie: Well, we wouldn’t be in here if you didn’t admit we framed the aliens in the first place!

Principal Cooke: I know. I know that was my bad. But I’m sure we can get out of here and stop them for good! You thinking what I thinking?

Miss Frankie: Hell yeah I am!

The two teachers then plan a jailbreak. Meanwhile, at the office, Terry is talking to Henry

Terry: Can’t you believe David is complaining again? I mean what is his deal? We didn’t do anything to him.

Henry the Horse: I know right! He is such a dick!

Korvo smiles as Terry talk to Henry.

Henry the Horse: I mean seriously, what is his deal? You guys are doing a great job!

Terry: I know. It doesn’t make sense!

David Hinson offscreen Hey! Terald!

Terry groans as David Hinson walks over to him.

Terry: What do you want?

David Hinson: That promotion was supposed to be mine.

Terry: I think you’re just jealous because I actually do my job!

Henry the Horse: Yeah man! Buzz off!

David grabs Terry by the shirt.

David Hinson: Listen here Opposites! If you dare make one more fool out of me, I am coming to get you! You’ll rue this day! Rue!

Korvo: HEY!

David turns and sees Korvo standing behind him angrily.

Korvo: Get off my husband.

David Hinson: Hey! Your husband here stole my promotion asshole! Stay out of this!

Korvo: You wanna take this outside, dipshit?!

David Hinson: Uh, excuse me?

Korvo: You heard me! Now get!

David growls but releases his hold on Terry.

David Hinson: You got lucky Opposites!

David storms off. Korvo helps Terry up.

Korvo: Oh baby, are you alright?

Terry: Yeah. But you didn’t have to do that.

Korvo: I’m sorry, I just hated when he does that to you! He is such a jerk!

Terry: I don’t get why David hates us…

Korvo: D’aw, I think he’s just jealous because of your amazing work.

Terry: Aw, baby. Come here.

The two husbands then kiss while moaning while the workers smile at them and grow touch by their love for each other.

Workers: Aaaaw.

Meanwhile at school, Yumyulack is eating lunch with his posse.

Yumyulack: So, how are you guys doing?

Arnold the Cat: Good good.

Mark Melner: Yeah. Plus, it’s nice to see you and your sister bonding with each other. Yumyulack blushes as he smiles

Yumyulack: Yeah. Even though she can sometime be a pain, Jesse has always stick by my side.

Ned: Isn’t she taller than you now? You want me to turn her to stone?

Yumyulack: Ned! No! We do not turn family members into stone! Plus, Jesse is going through changes. I mean I don’t blame her for picking on me but, I’m glad she’s growing up.

Arnold the Cat: What about the headphone kids?

Mark Melner: Oh, I’m just glad I’m not part of them anymore. They were really jerks. Plus, they better not mess with us!

Yumyulack: Yeah, ‘cause I have a shrink ray!

Ned: Wait. Didn’t your dads forbid you from using it since they found out you shrink people and put them in a wall?

Yumyulack: Oh shit! You’re right! I can’t do this! I made a promise I cannot break! And I have to put it back before they know

Yumyulack puts away his shrink away. Suddenly, the Headphone Kids show up.

Jayden: Ugh! Well, if it isn’t Mark the traitor and his stupid alien boyfriend.

Mark rolls his eyes.

Yumyulack: What the you guys want?

Arnold the Cat: What do you want?

Aiden: Nothing just seeing how you losers are doing?!

Yumyulack: Leave us alone, assholes.

Mark Melner: Yeah! Got lost!

Aiden: Or what? pushes Yumyulack Punk?

Yumyulack snaps and tackles Aiden as the others start shouting. We then cut to the principal’s office.

Principle Brown: Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mr. and Mr. Opposites.

Korvo: I can’t believe that kid would enrage my boy. What was Aiden thinking? Aw poor Yumyulack. At least he got some friends. Plus, those Heapdhone boys have no right to pick on our son and his boyfriend.

Principal Brown: I am so sorry Aiden has done that to Yumyulack. That was out of context. turns towards Aiden, what were you thinking?!

Aiden: He started it by being a freak!

Korvo then stands up and goes papa wolf.

Korvo: Alright kid, listen here. Nobody… nobody insults my son! You got it?!

Aiden: Whatever.

Later Korvo and Terry are driving the replicants home from school.

Korvo: Sorry you had a rough day honey. I mean you didn’t have to tackle Aiden in anger though. Plus, why don’t you head to your room and calm down when we get back, okay? We’re really worried about you

Yumyulack: Okay.

Then the family went to go pick up Lili from her school.

Korvo: So how was school Lili?

Lili: Pretty amazing! I even got an A+ on my homework!

Terry: Wow! We’re so happy for you honey!

The Opposites arrives home. Korvo opens the door to reveal the Pupa has eaten everything.

Korvo: talking to Yumyulack Look honey, the next time you confront someone just try to use tranquil fury and give him a good sci-fi ass-whooping. But, not physically.

Then, he sees Pupa sick.

Korvo: Aw nuts. Pupa again?

Jesse: Ew! Pupa!

Korvo: D’aw you must be hungry.

Pupa nods.

Korvo: Why don’t I get you snack while I get ready for dinner?

Pupa smiles.

Terry: Oh and honey guess what? I invited someone to help us out for dinner.

The doorbell rings.

Korvo: Who exactly did you invite to help us out, Terry?

Korvo opens the door to reveal their neighbor Debbie.

Debbie: Your neighbor!

Korvo screams in shock.

Korvo: Debbie!

Debbie: Good evening, Korvo. Long time no see.

Korvo: Hey. We haven’t seen you since the wedding.

Debbie: D’aw well I am so glad you are letting me help you with dinner. That is very sweet. Korvo then grow surprised by the compliment and smiles

As Debbie leaves, Terry smirks at Korvo.

Korvo: Aw, you know what Terry? Debbie is a nice lady. I shouldn’t overreact. I mean I was annoyed by the time she is always seductive towards me but I should give her a chance.

Terry laughs.

Terry: I know. But at least you have me now. And I’m really glad you’re giving Debbie a chance.

Korvo hugs Terry.

Korvo: And I am too. kisses Terry on the lips Besides, I hate to admit it, but Debbie is a great cook. Beside, what’s the worse that could happen.

Suddenly the news turns on.

News Report: We interrupt this program to bring us some breaking news! Two crooks have escape from jail!

Terry: Oh God. It’s Cooke and Frankie, again.

Korvo: Oh shit! That can’t be them! Can it?

Jesse: What’s going on?

Lili: What’s happening?

The two alien husbands then grow determined faces while Debbie walks in.

Korvo: Debbie, you think you can do trap for criminals that might be out to kill us?

Debbie: Uh, yeah. I think so.

The two alien husbands grin.

Terry: Good. Cause we need them.

We then see Miss Frankie and Principal Cooke outside the Opposites’ house.

Miss Frankie: Okay. Let’s do this!

Principal Cooke: Fuck yeah!

Yumyulack: So what’s the plan?

Korvo: grinning Just wait and see.

Miss Frankie: Hurry up and knock at the door!

Once Principal Cooke knocks the door, suddenly two ropes tie up Principal Cooke and Miss Frankie’s feet.

Miss Frankie: What the fuck?!

The two crooks then floes while as they hit threw various traps like a blow leaves, a ooze ray, a pack of hair traps and then some tats and feathers as they scream. Terry laughs.

Yumyulack: recording it on phone This is priceless

Miss Frankie: Why those little-

Then, a punch of darts fly out and lands all over Principal Cooke and Miss Frankie as they moan and became unconscious.

Debbie: Wow! Awesome!

Korvo: That’s what happens when you mess with us. high fives Jesse

Lili: Hooray!

Terry: Plus, they’re gonna be unconscious around three months. So, that means they won’t wake up when the police arrives

We then see the police putting Miss Frankie and Principal Cooke in the cars.

Police Officer: Thank God they won’t wake up for three months. Thanks for your cooperation Mr. Opposites.

Korvo: Anytime.

Police Officer: to Terry Oh and Mr. Opposites, congrats on the promotion.

Terry: Thank you. But we can’t take all the credit. Our kids and neighbor Debbie helped!

Jesse: That’s right.

Lili: Yeah baby!

Police Officer: Thank you so much. Have a great night.

We then cut to Korvo reading a book in his and Terry’s bedroom.

Korvo: sigh; to himself Man, to be honest, Debbie has grown on me. She sure does make good traps and great meals.

Terry: Well, they’re not as good as your meals.

Korvo then notices Terry walking towards and then starts to grow seductively.

Terry: You wanna have some fun, sugar?

Korvo: Well, haven’t done it in quite a while.

The two then started to makeout but then Korvo starts to dominate Terry as the two began having sex.

Korvo: moaning Yes! Do you feel that you handsome fuck!

We then cut to after they have sex.

Terry: Woah. We haven’t had sex that hard since we first got married. So, uh, wanna go again?

Korvo: Sure. But can I ask you something first?

Terry: Yes?

Korvo: Do you ever wish things would be back to the way they were?

Terry: No. It’s already wonderful.

Korvo smiles. The next day at the office…

Henry the Horse: Congratulations Terry! You were amazing!

Terry: laughs Thanks.

Korvo: You sure don’t have to worry about David?

Terry: No. I don’t.

David Hinson: Hey! Opposites!

Terry however grins and decided to ignore him as he walks with Korvo.

David Hinson: Hey! Don’t walk away when I’m talking to you!

But, the two alien husbands still walk away while looking lovingly at each other. Korvo kisses Terry on the cheek.

Korvo: I love you.

Terry: I love you too, Korvy.

The two husbands then kiss as they continue walking.

The End

[pardi-real]

Main Story Ep. 2 / Part 2 / Chapter 2 - Beautiful Path

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[Old Tower, Nearby Forest]

Berrien: "Phew... We made it here without any trouble. My lord, the ground is covered with snow. Please be careful not to slip."

> "Y-yeah..."

Boschi: "From here, it's a deep forest... The path is quite steep, and there's a lot of snow.”

Lucas: "We can't use carriages or horses in these conditions."

Berrien: "My apologies, my lord, but… you will have to walk from here on."

> "It’s alright"

Berrien: "Thank you."

Miyaji: "Once we go a little further through this forest… It's already a dangerous area."

Haures: "Indeed. Normally, a large number of angels would attack.”

Lato: "Kufufu…. That would be fun."

Berrien: "Let's circle around the lord, everyone."

Muu: "Count me in! I will protect the lord!"

> "Thanks, guys"

Haures: "Stay vigilant, scouting party.”

Scout Leader: "G-got it."

Trudge… trudge…

A rarely-visited forest near the Old Tower, dense with coniferous trees… Eerily silent and beautiful. We continued walking without any incidents for a while.

Trudge… trudge…

Whoosh

Haures: "The footing isn't secure. Watch your step, my lord."

> "Thank you"

Miyaji: "Hmm… We've reached a fairly high altitude."

Boschi: "Huff… huff…. I'm tired."

Berrien: "How is the scouting party holding up?"

Haures: "Yes, they seem to be about 10 meters behind."

Lato: "Anyway, what a beautiful view."

Haures: "Well, we can see quite far from here."

Muu: "Can we see the Devil's Palace from here?"

Lucas: "Probably not… since It's in the opposite direction.”

Muu: "Huh? Really?"

Miyaji: "Devil's Palace is south of here."

Muu: “I see… so, what's beyond this peak?”

Berrien: “The ruins go on endlessly. No one resides there.”

> “That's right…”

Muu: “Because of the angels?”

Berrien: “Of course that is one reason, but... the land and water are also unsuitable for human habitation. Crops hardly grow… and the water is toxic.”

> "How dangerous…”

Berrien: “Sadly, most of the world is like this. Only areas ruled by the four nobles and witches are habitable.”

> ”I see… This is the first time I’ve heard of this”

Berrien: “Although, truth to be told, the Sardis family also rules some contaminated land.”

Muu: “Ooh~ for what purpose? People can't live there and crops can't grow, right?”

Lato: “Kufufu… Yes, it's a very harsh environment.”

> “Lato...?”

Lato: “There is a large prison there that locks up criminals. It's surrounded by a polluted lake... Once you are imprisoned, you cannot leave until death.”

Muu: “Y-you are really knowledgeable about it… Mr. Lato.”

Lato: “Kufufu...is that so?”

> “No way… Lato… Were you in that prison?”

Lato: “Yes, indeed.”

Muu: “What? R-really? Then, did you commit some serious crime, Mr. Lato?”

Lato: “No, I haven't committed anything.”

> “Then why were you imprisoned?”

Lato: “Hmm… it's not a very pleasant story... …… Hmm…”

> “You don’t have to force yourself to talk” > "It must be something you don't want to talk about"

Lato: “Ah! A beautiful snow fox!”

> “Eh?”

Lato: “I will bring back some fur as a souvenir for Flure.”

Dash…

Miyaji: “It's unusual for Lato to talk about himself.”

> “Miyaji…”

Miyaji: “As expected of my lord.”

> “Huh? About what?”

Miyaji: “From what I’ve seen, Lato seems to trust you, my lord.”

> “Really…” > “I’m glad, but…”

Miyaji: “It took me a long time for him to open up to me... Seems like he opened up to you right away. It's odd…”

> “I’m not sure why either…”

Miyaji: “Oh, right, my lord. When you're back to the mansion, could you visit us in the butler's room in the basement? Let's have some tea with Flure too.”

> “Sure thing” > “If you don’t mind me”

Miyaji: “Lato only talks to me or Flure. If the lord joins… I'm sure he'll be happy too... Maybe he'll open up more. You might learn more about his past and feelings.”

> “Past and feelings?”

Miyaji: “Actually, I don't know much about him either. He rarely talks about himself. I’ve only caught bits and pieces of his story.”

> “I see…”

Miyaji: “If I knew more... maybe that symptom that arises during the full moon could be resolved.”

> “The one where he becomes unstable during a full moon, right?" > “It must be tough…”

Miyaji: “Yeah… Maybe it's related to what he went through in the past. He won’t talk about it. About him being in prison was something I had heard a long time ago…”

> “I see…”

Miyaji: “Oops...sorry. I ended up talking a lot. Let's continue this later. It's better to focus on the mission for now.”

> “Yeah, gotcha” > “Thanks for the chat”

Trudge… trudge…

After that, we continued walking along the snowy road for a while.

[Old Tower No. Ⅶ]

Haures: “W-we’ve arrived.”

Boschi: “Yeah… and no angels attacked.”

Lato: “Sigh... how boring. I'm losing my anticipation.”

Lucas: “Even so... The Old Tower is really huge when seen up close.”

> "This is my first time seeing a building this tall"

The tower ominously reaches up into the sky. The surface is weathered, I can see that it has been around for a long time... The material doesn't seem to be brick, stone, or iron.

> "What in the world is it made of?"

Boschi: "Whew… It's rare to get this close to the tower."

Haures: "Usually, with all the angel attacks, we don't get this chance."

Lato: "Oh well? What is this?"

Miyaji: "Looks like a door… And it's enormous."

Berrien: "This is a feature that can be seen in other Old Towers as well. It's like a door, but tightly sealed and won't open."

> "I see…"

Lucas: "Being a tower, someone must've been in and out of it…"

Haures: "What was the purpose of building such huge towers all over the world?"

> "Sure, it's strange"

Boschi: "It also seems like a lot of work to construct… no wonder people are curious."

Haures: "I heard this from Fennesz before... There seems to be no mention of the Old Tower in past history books."

> "That's also strange"

Lato: "Sigh… Still, it's boring. Let alone intelligent angels, not even ordinary angels appear. I hoped to hunt a lot of angels here…”

Lucas: "Something’s odd… Angels would usually attack."

Miyaji: "It's almost like they're trying not to get in the way of us coming this far."

Haures: "Could it be… the intelligent angel knew we were coming…"

Berrien: "Agreed… This might be a trap set by him. Boldly leading us here, showing the way he flew to."

Lucas: "Well… I had a hunch from the start ♪"

Berrien: "Indeed. We have no choice even if it's a trap. The only way to find out about the intelligent angel is by capturing him."

Boschi: "Geez… Now we just have to wait for them to show up, right? …..hm? Sigh... Looks like we don't even have time to wait."

Haures: "Yeah... it seems so."

Flap… flap…

Angel: " 'Die. For life.' "

Boschi: "Finally, an angel appeared."

Angels: "….…"

Haures: "And... Many of them."

Lato: "Kufufu… Looks like I can finally have fun."

Miyaji: "Lato. Don't get carried away."

Berrien: "Hmm… no sign of the intelligent angel."

Haures: "Well then, as discussed… Let's form a formation. Mr. Berrien, stay beside the lord. Scouting party, gather around the lord!”

Scout Leader: "A-alright."

Haures: "Butlers other than Mr. Berrien, gather around too."

Berrien: "My lord, please come next to me."

> "Okay"

Berrien: "It's alright, please rest assured. We will definitely protect you."

Berrien said as he readied his weapon.

Muu: "Me too! I will protect you my lord!"

> "Thank you, Berrien and Muu"

A circular formation was made with me at the center. The surrounding area is protected by Haures, Boschi, Lucas, Miyaji, and Lato.

Haures: "We'll hold out in this formation until the intelligent angel appears. Well then, my lord... Please release the power."

I unleashed everyone's devil power.

Boschi: "Let's do this…"

Lucas: "Fufu...♪ Come at me from anywhere."

Miyaji: "Phew…"

Lato: "Hurry up... Hurry up... ♪ My patience is running out."

Haures: "Bring it on…"

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[specialagentlokitty]

Castle x reader - just hold you

Sitting on the wooden fence, you held the apple in your hand as you watched the horse across the field staring at you.

“Well?” You called.

Slowly he began to walk over, and you smiled to yourself.

“Yeah, you stubborn horse, I know you can’t say no to apples.”

The horse stopped just in front of you, letting out a huff of air and you smiled.

“Well Rocky?”

He hooved the ground a little bit, but fully walked over, taking the apple gently from your hand to eat it and you rubbed the top of his head.

“Good job buddy.”

Hearing a car door close, you turned around, jumping down from the fence, walking over with a smile.

“Sheriff Blakk, hey.”

“Hey kiddo, this that woman you were telling me about?” He asked.

You looked at Beckett and smiled, walking over to give her a hug.

“Yeah it is, I hope you don’t mind but she’s really good at her job.”

“I don’t mind the help, I could do with it to be honest.”

You nodded your head.

“I’ll fill her in on the case, just make sure that moron don’t get booted by Rocky.”

The sheriff laughed and walked over to Castle who was approaching the horse in the field while you began to tell Beckett about why you had called over out here.

Castle reached his hand out.

“I wouldn’t.” The sheriff said.

Castle pulled his hand away, turning to the man.

“Why not? He looks friendly enough.”

“Rocky? Not a chance, that horse put three of my men in hospital just trynna round him up. Got a temper and a hate for humans.”

“Seriously?”

Castle slowly backed away.

Rocky watched castle, slowly walking up and down the fence.

“Don’t stare at him, he’ll clear that fence and trust me you don’t wanna be stood near him.”

“Okay…”

Castle turned back to you, and he grinned a little to himself, walking over.

“Didn’t put you down as cowboy type.” Castle said.

“Just cause I’m helping at my parents ranch that don’t make me a cowboy castle but thanks.” You laughed.

He grinned even more and Beckett pointed at him.

“No.” She scolded.

He pouted a little.

“Are you helping on the case?” He asked.

“Nah, I’m still on holiday so not a chance castle, but you and Beckett are more than welcome to stay here, my parents have some rooms available.”

“That’ll be a huge help thanks (Y/N).” Beckett smiled.

You grinned a little.

“No problem guys, make yourself at home. I need to go but I’ll be around, I’d not Sheriff Blakk or my parents can find me.”

“Wait can I stay?” Castle asked.

“You got work to do Castle.” You said.

With that, you waved at them and jogged away back towards the house.

Because of their case and you working on the ranch, they didn’t often see much of you, you were up before them and you came home after them.

Your parents were more than accommodating to them though, making sure they were well rested and well fed.

“Gotta admit it is a nice break.” Beckett said.

“Oh yeah, outside city life and everything, nobody recognises me out here.” Castle said.

“It’s a hard working country time castle, I doubt they have time to read your silly crime drama.”

“Ouch.”

Beckett grinned a little, resting her arms on the railing in front of her.

“What’re we waiting for anyway?” He asked.

“The Sheriff said they’re bringing a suspect in, wants us to handle the interrogation.”

Castle slowly nodded.

“So… the horse coming down the road?” He asked.

Beckett furrowed her brows and turned down the road where there was a horse coming closer and closer.

“Oh my god it’s that horse I was telling you about!” Castle whispered.

“The one you were told was aggressive?”

“Yeah!”

Castle hid behind Beckett.

“That thing was massive, I wouldn’t mistake it for anything else..” he whispered.

“Well why the hell are you handing behind me?!”

“I don’t know you have a gun!”

They watched as the horse came over, and they saw somebody sat on his back.

“Oh my god is that (Y/N)?” Beckett asked.

You gently pulled Rocky to a stop, gently patting the side of his neck.

“Atta boy, wait here.”

You swung your legs over and dropped done to the floor, walking over to the front of the police station.

“Hey guys, what’s up?”

“He’s yours?” Castle asked.

“Who Rocky? Yeah, trained him myself. I wouldn’t go near him though.”

You grinned, jogging inside and they carried on talking outside.

Neither of them paid much attention as other people came over on horses, not until you came rushing outside pointing to one of them.

“You lost your damn horses?” You asked.

“How the hell do you loose more than one horse?” Castle asked.

“I broke the lock to the field, please you gotta help me, my wife is gonna kill me if I don’t get em back.”

You laughed a little, pointing behind him.

“I think I know where they went.”

“Shit man, help me!”

They all ran back to their horses or trucks, however they got there and you laughed, grinning and Beckett and castle.

“So much for a holiday, later guys!”

Running over to Rocky who was laid down, you climbed on his back and he stood up, running after all the other horses.

Castle just watched in awe as you raced away, stood up, feet in the stirrups, catching a rope that was thrown at you.

“So cool…” he whispered.

“Castle do you have a little crush on (Y/N)?”

“Come on Beckett! That was so cool! They’re so cool!”

Beckett laughed a little, shaking her head as she walked back inside.

When it was time to go back he decided to stay, and he began to follow you around, seeing what it was like to really live and work on a ranch.

He was watching you throw some bales of hay down from a massive stack and he gestured to it.

“Can I help?”

“Dressed like that? Not a chance.”

“What’s wrong with how I’m dressed? I thought you liked how I dress?”

You laughed a little.

“I do, but for this kinda work it ain’t practical Castle, it can get dirty it rip.”

“I can get more.”

You shrugged, jumping down and holding your hand out to him.

“Come on then.”

Castle climbed back up with you, and you showed him what to do.

“First, roll your sleeves up, trust me you don’t want them getting stuck.”

“Right.”

He rolled up his sleeves and gripped the bale of hay like you did, and you tossed it down by the truck.

“Aren’t you supposed to throw it in?” He asked.

“If I wanna break the truck yeah, but one of the guys will sort it in a minute to take it out.”

“Can we stand on truck beds?!”

“You get hurt I ain’t taking responsibility.”

“Deal!” He grinned.

Castle loved doing ranch work, it was like a game for him, even if it was more hard work than he was used too.

You taught him what to do and then he’d do it, it was a good system.

Up until it came to taking a ride and he couldn’t figure out how to put a saddle on the horse.

“Castle, seriously? How have you put it on upside down?”

“I don’t know! I swear it was the right way!”

Laughing softly, you walked over to him, standing on the stool next to him.

“Just loosen the straps and turn it, like this.”

You showed him what to do.

“Then tighten them again and you’re all set.”

“So can I get on now?”

“Go for it.”

You jumped down, letting castle get on the horse, and the moment he was on his was in the floor.

Hands flying to your mouth you rushed over to him, crouching down in front of him.

“Are you okay?”

“Oh yeah, actually helped with my back pain.”

You laughed a little and he grinned.

You helped him sit up and you called for your horse who came over, standing behind you and castle stared up in slight fear.

“If you wanna go for a ride, I think we should just go on Rocky, that way I can make sure you don’t get thrown off again.”

You stood up, patting Rocky on the nose and he lowered himself down for you.

Climbing on, you gestured for castle to come over.

“He won’t eat me will he?”

“Relax he’s fine if you’re with me.”

Castle cautiously walked over, and he slowly got on the horse behind you, tightly wrapping his arms around you as Rocky stood up.

“I feel like a giant..” he whispered.

You laughed a little, shaking your head as you placed a hand on his arm.

“Just don’t panic and keep holding on to me.”

Castle grinned a little.

Of course Castle did actually know how to ride a horse, he just wanted an excuse to sit with his arms around you and this was as good as any.

He rested his chin on your head and you smiled a little bit patting his hand a few times, resting your back against his chest

[daneneedssleep]

So quick note before you read, I had a lovely person message me about my Arthur Morgan idea so here’s part one!

HighHonor!Arthur Morgan x LowHonorM! Reader Pt.1||

This is really long because I wanted it to build up so enjoy.

When Dutch asked Arthur to pick up one of his buddies to join the gang he didn’t think anything of it. New additions sure, but he didn’t want no trouble. Matter of fact, he never did.

You were looking for an easy loot in strawberry when you heard a gruff voice call your name.

“Hey! You uhh- (Y/N)?” He asked.

“Depends. Why you wanna know?”

“Listen I don’t want no trouble, I just came for a (Y/N) (L/N). My friend Dutch wants to speak to him.”

You hummed.

“Well then, I guess you got yer guy. Me and Dutch are acquaintances. What exactly does he need me for?”

“Dutch wants you to join our community, he-“

“THERE HE IS! THAT'S THE GUY THAT LOOTED MY HORSES CARGO”

Goddamnit. Always at the worst time too.

“Oh fuck! Can we talk about this on our way there??” You ask while sprinting to your horse’s side, hopping onto the saddle.

Before he could answer, you let your horse bolt away while yelling back at him- “Lead the way!”

~Time skip~

“I think we lost em.”

“Good I don’t like shootin’ les I have to.”

“Hm. Whatever you say goody two shoes.”

“And what the hell is that supposed to mean??”

“You don’t like shootin’ folks but yer in a gang…. Yer one of them high honor fuckers aren’t you?” You ready yourself to snatch the pistol out of your holster but Arthur immediately puts his hands up in surrender.

“I already told ya once, I don’t want no trouble. Lemme just take ya to Dutch and you’ll see there ain’t no ill intent.”

“Fine but if you do so much as speak wrong I’ll fuckin’ shoot you with no hesitation”

“I won’t say nuthin’. Let’s go we ain’t far”

~Time Skip~

When Dutch introduced you to everyone, most of them seemed to be ok with you so you decided to stay. When you chose to have dinner, Arthur sat down next to you.

“What do you want?” You asked gruffly.

“I wanted to know if you’d go hunting with me tomorrow. The camp needs some extra food and not everyone is uhh- exactly fond of you yet. It would help them trust you.”

“Wow Dutch actually planned on keepin me? Yeah I guess I’ll go with ya then.”

~Time Skip~

You woke up at about 9:30, it definitely wasn’t the most comfortable sleep but it was better than sleeping away next to waterfalls to hide from bounty hunters. You got up and walked around camp to try and get used to your surroundings. You hear footsteps behind you and you turn to see Arthur with two cups of coffee in his hand.

He asks in a voice more gruffy than usual. “good mornin’ how’d ya sleep?” You took note that he probably just got up.

“Better than a lot of nights actually but I’m still getting used to this.”

“Well we’ll head off at about 10:15 so drink this and then get ready” Arthur said. He handed you your coffee and headed for his tent.

While getting ready to go hunting he couldn’t help but think about you. He felt as if he should impress you and he didn’t know why. Maybe later he’ll take you to the saloon to get a drink.

As Arthur was slipping his boots on he heard heavy footsteps walking up to his tent when he looked up it was you. He looked back down quickly to put his boot on all the way. He could feel his face flush. Looking up at you it was- he was excited. He liked the way you looked at him. The way you looked down at him.

“You ready or what?” You asked, knocking Arthur out of his thoughts.

“Huh?”

“Damn you look lost. ‘I said are you ready’ but you’ve been staring at yer fuckin boots for a good minute and a half.”

“Sorry. Yeah I’m ready. Let’s go.”

You both prepare what you need and hop on your horses. You bring a bow with around 15 arrows, a pistol, and a small hunting rifle. Arthur takes you to an area behind Horseshoe Overlooks campsite and gets off his horse.

“We should continue on foot. The horses make quite a bit of noise.”

“Alright, let’s go then.”

Arthur turns around to get his gear off his horse for only about 30 seconds and by the time he turns back around you’re already gone in plain sight. Fuck. “(Y/N) for fucks sake where are you” Arthur tries to loudly whisper.

“I’m right here dumbass”

For someone so tall and broad you were particularly good at hiding.

“Damnit you scared me”

“Pay attention then jackass”

Wow you’re fucking mean.

“I didn’t even take my eye off you for a full minute and you disappeared!”

“Will you just get down! I already spotted two whitetail bucks but we need to hit them in a vital spot at the same time.”

“Fine.”

Arthur crouches in the tall grass next to you. He can hear your breathing but it’s so slow. He looks at your face and all he can see is concentration. Holy shit you’re handsome.

“Alright, you ready?” You face Arthur and you’re a little surprised to see him already staring at you. You watch him look away quickly as he replies with a quiet “yes”.

“Ok you call and I’ll count. As soon as you get a good shot, tell me and I’ll count us down. Got it?”

“Gotcha”

Arthur whistles and the bucks raise their heads.

“Alright I got a good shot you?”

“Yeah. Ready- 3…2… 1!”

~Time skip~

Heading back to camp with a buck stowed on each horse felt like a big achievement to Arthur. You didn’t seem to care as much as he did but you were happy to be able to have some food.

As you both set the bucks down to Pierson you heard Arthur clear his throat. You turned and before you could ask what he wanted he was already asking if you wanted to go to the saloon with him.

You quickly asked “Is it the Valentine saloon?”

“Yeah why”

“I have a bounty of $5 in Valentine” You said, cringing at your own words.

“Oh- well I’ll give you the money and we can go by the post office first”

“Well then let’s get going”

What the hell. Why is he doing this for you?

~another time skip~

And thats part one guys. I’ll either be posting part two soon so please please stay patient for that! Hope you enjoyed, and the real stuff comes tomorrow >:)

[overlordofthelollipopguild]

Trying Something New: Chapter 2: The Healer and the Thief -- a Captain Swan, Once Upon a Time fanfiction

Summary: 

After Rumplestiltskin traps Emma and Killian in the past, they manage to escape him and realize they will have to live in the past in order to catch up to the future.

Read on fanfiction.net or AO3 or below.

Note: Remember that Emma and Killian have given themselves the aliases of Emily and Colin, and they told Marian that her name was Maria. So any POVs that aren't Killian or Emma with an exception or two, will call them Colin and Emily and Maria. I know it will be confusing for a bit, but that's partly why I chose names so close to their actual names, not just to help Emma and Killian remember but to help readers as well.

For my own sanity, Marian's POVs the narration still calls her Marian, but she will call herself Maria. 

Also, while I was writing the muse went wild and decided to bring in a character from a certain kingdom that I wasn't prepared for. 

And the muse decided Killian's new backstory, not me. I don't know why I let the muse out of the kennel, because she always goes wild. 

Hope you guys enjoy. 

Chapter 2: The Healer and the Thief

When they arrived in town, Killian led them to an inn further away from the docks where it wasn’t all that busy. The small inn looked quite cozy with its brick facade and warm light shining through the windows. 

He opened the door for Emma and Marian, allowing them to enter first. 

Emma was relieved to be inside where it was warm and where she was one step closer to a bed. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could’ve spent walking, even with Killian's support. She felt like a freight train hit her and she'd collapse at any moment. 

The late fall chill was settling in and soon enough winter would be coming. Emma hoped they’d be back home by then if she could get that stupid wand to actually work. 

“May I help you?” An older woman with a kind smile, but sharp brown eyes, looked at them from behind round glasses. 

“Yes, milady.” Killian stepped forward with a charming smile. “My wife,” he motioned to Emma, “our companion,” he motioned to Marian, “and I were all traveling on our way to your lovely town when our horses were stolen.”

The old woman’s eyes widened. “Oh my dears, I’m so sorry to hear that.” 

Killian played his part well as he asked her for two rooms; one for Marian and one for them. 

The older woman looked at Emma softly, clearly pleased that a young, newly married couple (according to Killian’s story) were planning on making Marawick Harbor their home. As Killian laid on the charm, Emma smiled small and shy, acting the part of the blushing bride. Honestly, she was too tired to try to speak and add to their act.  

Marian smiled as well, but with her memories gone, she wasn’t too confident in her interactions. 

“Of course, dear.” The old lady smiled a little bigger. “I’m Mrs. Wright. How long will you three be staying with us?”

“Well, we’ll be here for a while.” Killian said. “It might take some time to find more permanent lodgings.”

“Oh how wonderful.” Mrs. Wright smiled. “Since you don’t know how long you’ll stay, perhaps pay for five days and should you find more permanent lodgings before then, you’ll be reimbursed.”

“A lovely idea.” Killian said. “I’ll be paying for both rooms. Poor Maria here lost the most in the robbery. She helped us when we needed it, so it’s only fair to return the favor.”

Emma looked around as the prices were discussed and the room paid for; it was very clean and tidy, which gave her hopes for their room. It was then that Emma realized a flaw in the marriage plan. They’d be getting one room which very likely would have just one bed. Even if it was a big bed, it was still one bed. They’d slept near each other before, camping out in the Enchanted Forest and Neverland, but this would be different. They’d be in closer quarters for one thing. He’d probably be a gentleman and take the floor, but having slept in worse places, Emma didn’t want him to suffer a full five nights or longer if they couldn’t find a place to live. 

“Ready, my love?” Killian asked, turning to her. 

Marian was already following Mrs. Wright up the stairs. 

Emma smiled and took his arm again. Her heart skipped hearing the “my” before love, but she knew that it was just for show for the old lady. Of course, he had feelings for her, but he couldn’t love her so soon? Well, all right, they’d known each other for over a year and a half, but the better part of it they were separated and she hadn’t even remembered him. 

They were led to a room on the second floor, the lady unlocked one for Marian and then the one across the hall for them. One key went to Marian and the other to Killian. “A hot bath will be brought up shortly for both of you young ladies.”

Emma and Marian both thanked her. When Mrs. Wright disappeared, Emma stepped towards Marian. “I could heal your head if you’d like.” Really Emma felt obligated to since they caused her head injury, but she wasn't sure if she could stand to use more magic. 

Marian shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine. Besides, you’ve done so much for me already. Both of you. I don’t even know where to begin thanking you.”

“No need to worry about it.” Killian reassured her. 

Marian smiled before entering her own bedroom. 

“So what do we do now?” Emma asked once they were ensconced in the sanctuary of their private room. Emma unbuttoned her cape, glancing at the single bed at the center of the room. It looked to be about full sized. That would be close sleeping quarters. Emma draped her cape over the back of the armchair by the fire, which was low, but still burning. She ignored the singular bed for now, moving instead to sit in the armchair in front of the fireplace. It was a great relief to sit down. 

“Well, if we’ve learned anything on this adventure, we can’t mess with the main timeline.” Killian said, leaning against the mantle of the fireplace. “So best thing to do is stay low. We’ll need to find work and a place to live since we don’t know how long we’ll be here. Marawick is a busy port, but it’s far from your parents and Regina.” He explained. “I can guarantee my crew only docked here in emergencies, and since we know my ship, should that happen, we can easily avoid that.” 

“Okay.” Emma nodded. “What job is low profile?” 

“What skills do you have?” Killian asked. 

“Well, I’m a former thief, waitress, bail bonds person, and sheriff.” Emma said. “I doubt the Enchanted Forest has many female law enforcement officers.”

“Well the military is the law.” Killian said. “But you’re not wrong. Female soldiers are unheard of. I’m not sure about waitresses, but a barmaid might be too risky, especially if someone we knew or my past self showed up.”

Emma could agree with that. In her time, bar brawls were a constant, so she expected taverns in this day and age would be full of fights that would draw way too much attention. “So that leaves me with nothing.” 

“We’ll figure it out, Swan.” Killian reassured her. “We just have to stick together.”

Emma couldn’t help but smile. “I’d like that.”

His heart stuttered a bit in surprise before he smiled shyly at her.

Emma’s own heart skipped a beat. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. 

Hurrying over to the door, Killian opened it to find maids with the bath. Once it was settled and they were given towels, rags, and soap, the women asked if anything else was needed. 

“No, thank you.” Emma smiled, allowing Killian to usher the maids away.

Killian set up the privacy screen. “I can leave if you’d like.” 

“The privacy screen is enough.” Emma said, walking behind it. She saw Killian’s silhouette through it due to the firelight behind him. She watched him sit in the armchair, which had its back to Emma. As she took off her clothes, hanging them up, she realized that they didn’t have clothes for bed. With how much magic she used today, she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to use it anymore. “What about you?” Emma asked, making conversation to distract herself from that line of thought.

“I can live without one.” Killian said. He took a seat in another armchair and closed his eyes. It had been quite an exhausting couple of days. 

“Why don’t you use the bath after me? I’ll be quick so the water will be warm.” Emma suggested as she soaped herself up. 

“Don’t worry about me, love.” Killian said. “Also, soap in this time isn’t used in hair. You’ll have to use hair oil. Over there on the vanity.” 

Emma glanced over towards the vanity where there were a few bottles of oil, a hairbrush, a comb, a hand mirror, and other items sat ready for use. “Killian, we can both take a bath. We both need it.”

Killian wasn’t too sure about that. Then he looked over at the bed. The lone bed. That was an easy enough fix. “You can have the bed. I’ll take the floor.”

A huff of frustration left Emma over the subject change. Why was he being so stubborn? “We’re adults, Jones. We can responsibly share a bed.”

He sighed, sensing that they’d only end up arguing more about it if he didn’t concede. Maybe she’d fall asleep first and he could sneak onto the floor. It probably wouldn’t effect her as much as it would him for them to share a bed together anyway. “Fine.”

Emma knew the conversation wasn't over and he was still going to fight her on this, but Emma was tired enough to take whatever victories she could get. Sinking into the warm, steaming water, Emma bit back a moan of pleasure. It wouldn’t do to make sex sounds in mixed company, particularly company she knew would enjoy hearing those sounds. Despite the warm water, thinking about sex and Killian in the same go sent a thrill down her spine. Stop it, Emma. Come on, you can’t think about this. When you get back home and things settle down, then you and Killian can have a long talk. 

Emma continued to lather herself up, trying to dismiss the man from her thoughts, despite him being only feet away. 

Killian stared into the fire, desperately trying to block out the sounds of water splashing behind him. The last thing he needed was picturing Emma naked and wet. Shaking his head, he thought about the next steps that needed to be taken. They needed more clothes. Emma couldn’t keep conjuring things or transforming items. She was hiding it, but he could tell that her magic was draining her. Perhaps in the morning, they could go to a tailor and order some clothes. He’d also have to give some money to Marian as she was as much his responsibility now as Emma, even if he felt Emma was his priority above all else. 

He walked over to where he left his coat and took it back to the armchair. Going through his pockets, he emptied everything out onto a small circular table beside the armchair just to double check how much he had after paying for the rooms in advance. A handful of gold and silver coins, which would last them awhile. Various jewelry pieces with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and opals. Those would fetch a good price. He’d probably use up the coin they had while job and house hunting and save the jewelry for emergencies. He returned everything to his pockets and realized the room was silent. He looked over at the privacy screen. “Emma?” 

There was no answer. 

“Emma?” He called again. When there was still no answer, Killian hesitated, but he had a feeling she’d fallen asleep. Carefully, he peaked around the screen, trying not to see anything he shouldn’t. As he looked, he saw Emma was asleep, her head bent back over the tub rim, hair cascading out. Knowing how tired she was, he was loathed to wake her, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to get her out of bath without her consent. He walked over, kneeling next to the tub. Reaching out his hand, he gently shook her exposed shoulder with his hand. “Emma, love, wake up.”

It took a few more shakes and calling her name for her eyes to flutter open. “Killian?” 

“You fell asleep in the tub.” Killian explained. He stepped away and grabbed a towel as Emma moved to sit up. He held it out for her, diverting his eyes. 

Emma sleepily stood up in the tub and took the towel from Killian, shakily wrapping it around her body. She swayed a bit as the fog of sleep refused to clear. Damn, her magic took more out of her than she thought.

Realizing that Emma was still tired, Killian held his hand and fake hand out to her. “Here, love.”

Emma took his hand and allowed him to hook his arm around her to help her out of the tub. “Thanks.” As she steadied herself, she looked up at him. “We don’t have sleeping clothes.”

And she was too tired to conjure any. Killian understood her meaning. “Go ahead and dry off. You can sleep in my shirt.”

Emma nodded and walked over to the bed. 

Killian quickly unbuttoned his vest and hung it up, before pulling off his shirt. He walked over to find Emma sitting on the bed, wrapped in her towel. “Here you are.” He set the shirt beside her and turned away. 

Quickly Emma shrugged on the shirt over the towel. She stood up, straightening the shirt, and dropping the towel to the floor. She pulled back the covers and fell into the bed, letting sleep claim her once more. 

Killian turned after a few minutes and saw Emma passed out, the covers haphazardly over her. His brows drew together with concern. He shouldn’t have pushed her to use her magic so much when she wasn’t used to it. Walking over to her, Killian properly tucked her in before taking his own bath. The water was lukewarm, but that was fine. At least he’d get clean. Once he was done, he took a throw blanket and the other pillow and made a pallet on the floor. It wasn’t comfortable, but he’d slept on worse. Finally letting the days catch up to him, Killian let his exhaustion take over and he soon fell asleep. 

****************************

After her bath, Marian realized since they were robbed, she had no other clothes. She dried off and decided to sleep in her tunic and undergarments. There was no money on her, so she wasn’t going to be able to buy much of anything without a job. 

Colin had been too kind to pay for her room for the week; he and Emily both did so much for her that she felt she could never repay them. 

Still, her lack of memory didn’t sit well with her. Her head ached, but it dull now. Colin and Emily looked so surprised at her amnesia that Marian doubted they were involved. They’d been so kind she doubted there was anything nefarious motivating them to help her. 

But why could’t she remember anything? Even her own name eluded her until Colin told her it was Maria. Her name didn’t feel quite right, but if that’s the name they knew, surely it had to be her name? Who was Maria though? Where was she from? Why had she been on her way to Marawick Harbor? Did she have family here? Or had she left family behind her?

It was all so confusing and overwhelming. 

Dressing for bed, Marian tried hard to think of anything. What was her mother’s name? Her father’s? Did she have any siblings? Aunts? Uncles?

Nothing came to her. Her mind filled with absolute nothingness.

She fell into bed, her dull ache pounding as her mind fought to uncover its secrets. 

Tears filled her eyes as a deep sense of pain and loneliness overcame her. No one knew who she was, not really, and she had no memory of those who knew her. Colin and Emily, kind as they were, were strangers. Even they admitted they’d only just met her on their travels; likely they’d known her for a day or two at most. 

Why had she been traveling alone before? Perhaps she was independent and stubborn. Had she decided to go out on her own? Had she left a home behind to forge a new path?

Her pillow muffled her sobs as Marian allowed the emotions of the day to possess her. 

****************************

He was up before the sun, still feeling exhaustion in his bones. Pushing himself up, Killian looked up at the bed from his position on the floor, finding Emma still asleep. Good, she deserved rest after everything that she’d been through. Unfortunately, that also meant that he couldn’t get his shirt back just yet. He hoped to get some things done this morning, but he didn’t want to wake her. Perhaps he could don his vest and coat, but that would get him some strange stares. It wasn't cold enough to have his coat fully buttoned up. No, he’d just have to wait until Emma awoke. 

Killian rose from the floor and stretched away the soreness from the past few days and sleeping on the floor. After a good stretch, he went over to where the water pitcher was and poured a glass. Leaning against the dresser, he watched Emma sleep while he drank the water. Sometime in the middle of the night, she moved to the middle of the bed, her arm stretched out over one side. Her face was relaxed in sleep, not peaceful, but at least open and unguarded. It was a nice sight to see. One day, he hoped to see her unguarded in her conscience state as well. 

He wondered if Marian was doing all right. Before they headed out into town, he’d need to give her some money to buy herself some things. While they had to look out for Marian, Killian wished he could keep his focus on Emma. Even though Marian had no memories, surely some things from her life still stuck with her, but Emma was completely new to this world and he had to help her learn. It would be hard to help her with Marian around and not raise Marian’s suspicions. 

When he finished his water, he perused the room for something to do. There were a few books, but nothing piqued his interest, so he chose to sit in the armchair. Once Emma was awake, they’d dress and get Marian and then get some breakfast. Then they’d get clothes and much needed items. After that, permanent lodgings would be a priority. Jobs would be another matter. Since this was a port town, perhaps he could be a fisherman or find some job on the docks. Those were the ones he was best qualified for. For Emma, that would be a little harder. Marian was another story altogether. 

They agreed a barmaid was too risky for Emma. There weren’t truly any jobs that her bail bonds or sheriff skills would be of use. It truly was unfortunate how limited jobs for women were in the Enchanted Forest. There had to be something that Emma could do. Though they wouldn’t know what jobs were even available until they ventured out in the town.

He watched the sun rise through the window of the inn, lost in thought as his mind turned to ways to return to their future. Rumplestiltskin wasn’t a viable option, but Killian didn’t know much of other sorcerers or witches around who could help. They still had the wand, of course, but Emma hadn’t gotten it to work. He wasn’t sure if Rumplestiltskin had been lying or not, but if he’d been telling the truth and Emma’s magic was back, then why hadn’t it worked? What was keeping them here?

As the morning sun rose higher, Killian's attention returned to Emma. Concerned that she wasn't waking, he walked over to the bed, sitting at her side. Gently, Killian brushed a few errant locks away from her face. "Emma?" 

No response. She was breathing; her chest rising and falling steadily. 

That was a relief, but Killian wondered if her magic use had unintended consequences. "Emma, love, can you wake up for me?" 

Not even a groan or grumble left her. She was warm to the touch, but not feverish. She was sleeping, just not waking. 

There was a knock on their room door.

Killian silently cursed. Clearly her magic exhausted her, but it wasn't something he could explain to the maids. Not if they wanted to keep her magic secret. "Who is it?"

"It's Maria." Marian called through the door. 

Killian waked over to the door and opened it, pulling her inside, before shutting the door. 

Marian registered that he was shirtless and tensed up. "Now just wait a minute, you cannot just manhandle..."

"I know, I'm sorry." Killian said, cutting her off. "Emily isn't waking up." He headed back towards the bed, not sure what to do. 

"What do you mean she's not waking up?" Marian followed him, concerned. 

"I think she used too much magic." It was the only thing Killian could think of for Emma's state. "She's not use to using it so much."

Guilt settled in Marian's gut. Hadn't she pushed Emily to use her magic? "What can I do to help?"

Killian brushed his hand against Emma's cheek. He figured she'd be all right for now if she was just sleeping off the ill effects, though Killian worried about just how long Emma would stay like this. "For now, I don't think there's anything we can do." He turned to Marian. "I need to go around town and get some things done. Since we didn't have sleeping clothes, Emily borrowed my shirt. Can you help me change her into her undergarments?" 

Marian nodded, walking over to the vanity where Killian folded up Emma's clothes the night before. 

Killian leaned over Emma and whispered. "Forgive me love. I'll be on my best behavior." His joke fell flat even for him. 

When Marian brought Emma's undergarments and tunic over, they worked together to undress her and redress her, Killian keeping his touch as light and noninvasive as possible without causing suspicion. After all, he was meant to be Emma's husband. This wasn't supposed to be the first time he ever saw her fully unclothed. With Marian's help though, it was a quick process. 

"Could you stay here with her?" Killian asked Marian. "I know it's a lot to ask..."

"Not at all." Marian said. "You've done so much for me, this is the least I can do."

Killian nodded gratefully. He pulled on his shirt and began to fully dress for the day. "I don't know if a healer can help her, but I look around for one. I have other things to do, but I'll come check in when I can. If there are any changes, send someone for me." He ensured all of his coins and jewels were on him. Once he was ready, Killian couldn't help himself, he went back to Emma and kissed her forehead. "I'll be back, Swan." He whispered. "I promise you'll be all right." 

He turned to Marian. "Take care of her." 

"I will." Marian said, not sure exactly what she else she could do.

Killian left the room with a determined stride. He needed to find a healer, but not just any healer. He needed one who understood or had magic. Could he find one here? 

Mrs. Wright might know where to start. 

He headed down to the front desk. 

"Good morning, Mr. Jones." Mrs. Wright greeted. Then she saw his grim expression. "Is everything all right?"

"My wife seems to have fallen ill." Killian said. "Do you know where I can find a healer?"

"Oh yes," Mrs. Wright said. "There's a woman who lives near the docks. Vivienne Wilder. I'm not one to fall ill myself, but others say her touch is like magic."

Magic. That intrigued him. "Thank you, Mrs. Wright."

Now, he needed to find out if it was like magic or actual magic. 

****************************

“Oh leave me alone.” An old man growled at the young woman standing before him. His scowl deepened the wrinkles on his pale face. One milky blue eye didn’t see ahead of him, while the other glared at Vivienne Wilder, the resident healer of the Wharf.

Vivienne, who looked in her twenties, sported long black hair in a tight bun. Sepia skin stood out underneath her pale yellow top, and her brown corset and skirts were plain. Sharp dark eyes rested under an arched brow. “Mr. Holbrook, I need to check your ankle.”

“Grandpa.” A young red-haired girl of about ten poked the older man in the shoulder. “Let Miss Vivienne take a look. Grandma says it’s been bothering you.”

“I don’t need no healer.” Mr. Holbrook huffed. “Me ankle is just fine.”

His granddaughter shook her head and spoke to the healer. “Grandma says he’s been limping for days now. Thinks he pulled something.”

“You hush now, Eileen.” Mr. Holbrook admonished. “I can move around just fine.”

“Mr. Holbrook, are you in pain or is your ankle just causing discomfort?” Vivienne asked, deciding to ignore his cantankerousness. 

Holbrook huffed. “It’s just fine I tell you.”

Vivienne shook her head. “Fine. If it’s causing true pain I suggest drinking a cup of ginger tea in the morning and at night.” She handed a vial of oil to Eileen. “Also, rub rosemary oil along the ankle every night and wrap it in a cold compress.” 

“How much for the oil?” Eileen asked.

Vivienne smiled. “No charge this time, but if he’s still having problems, let me know.”

“I ain’t having problems.” Holbrook grumbled. 

Vivienne shook her head and walked away. Mr. Holbrook would come around; he was just old and stubborn. She needed to see to other patients. While she'd lived in Marawick Harbor for just over a year, it took time to earn trust and build up her reputation. 

It wasn’t the first time she had to start over and she doubted it would be the last. There were times she missed home, of course, but going back wasn’t an option. 

As Vivienne turned up an alley, an old woman caught her eye. Wrap in a cloak of black, with silver hair framing her ancient features. 

The Crone’s grey eyes pierced Vivienne in place.

Vivienne curtsied. “Well met, Wise One.” 

“Well met, daughter.” The Crone said. “Lir’s son returns. He has the Light with him.” The Crone was never one to beat around the bush. 

Vivienne’s heart stopped for a long moment. “The older one or the younger one?” 

The Crone grinned showing crooked, yellowed teeth. “The younger one.”

“And he has a Savior with him?” Vivienne scoffed. She remembered him well. Always trailing after her and his brother. Unlike his brother, Lir’s younger son inherited the sea’s tempestuous nature. Leap first, think never. 

“Not just any Savior.” The Crone said. “The Savior. The one to finish what your father began.” 

Disbelief was a rather paltry term for what Vivienne felt in that moment. “The Savior?” It took a moment longer to compose herself. That’s why the Crone was here. “You need something of me?”

“The Savior is untrained. Reckless with her magic.” The Crone said. Her ancient eyes looked Vivienne up and down. “You’ll have to do.” 

“Me?” It didn’t take long for her to understand. “Me? You want me to train the Savior in the craft?” 

“It isn’t as though your father is available.” The Crone lamented. 

Of course, she’d prefer it if he was. Vivienne thought bitterly. Her father was The Sorcerer after all. “What of Lir’s son?” 

“He remembers nothing.” The Crone shrugged. “That is for the best. He’d be much more dangerous if he did.” The old woman stepped forward, looking Vivienne straight in the eye. “Train the Savior, and you will be rewarded.” Then she disappeared in a swirl of mist. 

“Fuck.” Vivienne cursed. The last person she wanted to deal with was Killian Jones. 

****************************

His eyes searched the market for a new mark. Sure, he got proper work once in a while being a lamplighter or a courier ever so often, but Dodger couldn’t let his skills get rusty. 

Any thief worth their salt kept perfecting their art. 

A new face to market caught Dodger’s attention. Average looking fellow, with a thick beard. His clothes were rather nice. A determined stride told Dodger the man was on a mission, which meant he’d be too focused on his goal to pay much attention. 

Dodger used the alleys to get ahead of the man. It looked as though the man was headed in the direction of the docks, so Dodger hurried along in between buildings, coming out near the end of the market, closer to the Wharf end. 

He was now in front of his mark, watching the man walk through patrons with ease. Dodger pretended to be looking at stalls as he made his way towards his mark. Passing by closely, Dodger’s feather light touch fished a few coins out of the man’s pocket. 

Smirking at his success, Dodger didn’t expect a hand on his arm, jerking him back. 

Fierce blue eyes glared at him. “I’ll have my coins back, if you please.” 

His mark marked him. Great. Okay, time to play the innocent victim. 

“I beg your pardon, sir.” Dodger’s offended act was instinct. Even as he looked at the man, sensing danger, he thought maybe he could keep it up. After all, how dangerous could this posh bloke be? "Whatever do you mean?"

The man rolled his eyes. “I don’t have times for games. Hand over the coins and I won’t alert the authorities.” He held out his hand expectantly. 

Dodger stepped back to put distance between them. “Good sir, I’ve no idea what you’re talking about." He needed to convince this man that he was wrong; if he left now, the man would alert the soldiers, and Dodger hadn't gotten caught in Marawick yet, but he didn't have the means to leave the city. 

The man smirked and Dodger's blood ran cold. Calculating anger filled blue eyes. Dodger swallowed. You sure know how to pick 'em, Dodge. 

"Perhaps you didn't hear me clearly." The man stepped closer, hand grabbing Dodger's arm in a vice grip. "I've no time to mess about. Give me my coins, and I won't gut you like a codfish and leave you here for the vultures to pick apart."

Something in the man's eyes made Dodger believe his threats. Unassuming as the man was when Dodger marked him, this man was far from unassuming now. Dodger debated for a moment longer; run or give in. Though he doubt he'd be running from this man for long. He handed the coins over. 

"Thank you," The man grinned tightly before walking off. 

Dodger watched him go, an intense curiosity filling him. Just who was that man?

Don't do it, Dodge. He told himself. Leave it be.

Ah hell, he was the Artful Dodger. When did he ever leave well enough alone?

Dodger kept to the shadows as he followed the man into the Wharf. 

****************************

Emma woke up in a meadow of pink flowers. The sun shone through the canopy of trees, birds chirped, but the world felt as though it was covered in haze. 

"Killian?" Emma called out. Where was he? Where was the inn? She remembered being in the bath and then briefly Killian helping her out. 

She was fairly certain that she fell asleep in a bed. "Killian?" She slowly stood up, looking around at her surroundings. 

"He isn't here." A man spoke, appearing out of nowhere. 

Emma stepped back. "Who the hell are you?"

The man appeared young, in his late twenties or early thirties, it was hard to tell. He was dressed in a thick, brocade shirt, underneath a brown leather tunic vest, and brown pants. His dark brown eyes felt ancient as they looked her over. "I'm Merlin." He said simply.

Emma stared him down as she processed that. "Bullshit."

Merlin grinned. "You're parents are Snow White and Prince Charming, you've met the Evil Queen, Rumplestiltskin, Peter Pan, and your lover is Captain Hook, but Merlin existing is a stretch?"

"Hook isn't my..." Emma shook her head. "Never mind. So what, Camelot and Excalibur are real too?"

"Indeed they are." Merlin smirked knowingly. "But they are also concerns for another time. Right now, I'm more concerned about your appearance here."

"Where is here?" Emma asked. 

"The Astral Realm." Merlin said. "A plane of existence in between living and dead." He motioned to the meadow around them. "This is the Middlemist Meadow of Camelot. I used to tutor my students here. It's a place I find calming. You see, I'm in between life and death myself, trapped for eternity. This is my piece of home." Merlin focused on Emma. "It worries me that the Savior is here."

"I'm not dying, am I?" Emma asked, fear gripping at her heart. She didn't want to die without seeing her family or Killian again. 

"Depends on how you came to be here." Merlin said. "What happened, Miss Swan?"

"Uh, well, it's a long story." Emma said. 

Merlin smiled patiently, a paternal air about him. It made Emma wonder just how old he truly was. "I have plenty of time." He sat down amongst the flowers and beckoned Emma to join him. 

Warily, Emma joined him, uncertain about whether or not to trust him. Even so, she briefly explained her plight leaving out some details here and there she didn't deem necessary, but explaining about the time travel and her overuse of magic. 

"Ah, so you've been training under the Evil Queen." Merlin said. 

Emma hadn't mentioned that. "How did you know that?" Her eyes narrowed as she leaned away from him.

"The Astral Realm transcends realms." Merlin said. "I can be anywhere, any time, and watch anyone."

"Creepy." Emma huffed. 

Merlin shrugged. "It's useful. I've seen Storybrooke and I'm aware that Regina and the Dark One are the only two people you could learn magic from. Considering your magic is the antithesis to the Dark One, he certainly would never teach you. That leaves Regina, and she isn't one to actually sit you down and explain things."

"You're right about that." Emma said. "So what is happening to me?"

"You're fine." Merlin said. "You're in Healing Sleep."

"What is Healing Sleep?" Emma asked. 

"Magic drains the system." Merlin began. "Regina uses magic all the time, so she's built up a tolerance to the drain. More than that, she also isn't very powerful and limited on how much magic she can expend, so even if she felt the drain, it wouldn't cause total exhaustion. There are certain beings, demigods, products of True Love such as yourself, elves, true sorcerers, who have so much power that it's harder to control. You aren't limited on how much magic you can use like Regina is, which means you can overdraw your power. Thus causing Magical Fatigue. Healing Sleep happens when you over use your magic to the point your body forces you to rest in order to refill your magical reserves."

Disbelief overcame her. "Wait, I have unlimited magic?" 

"No, you have a higher limit of how much magic you can use." Merlin explained patiently. "True Love is the most powerful magic of all, but you don't have the same benefits of other species, who have power. You're still a mortal, you still bleed, and you will fatigue. Even after training and building up your tolerance, you would still need to watch how much magic you call upon." 

"Okay, well, I'm stuck in the past for the next four years," Emma sighed. "I'll need to learn this stuff. I just need to wake up first."

"Fate already has a teacher in mind." Merlin smiled. "You'll meet her soon. As for waking up, well, depending on your body's recovery time and how much magic you used, you could be asleep for days, or weeks, or..."

"Don't finish that sentence." Emma glared. "If you're some great sorcerer, why can't you teach me?"

"I'm indisposed at the moment." Merlin said. "You can only meet me in the Astral Realm, but it's dangerous to spend too much time here if you're a novice. It likes to play tricks sometimes, which means if you aren't careful to spot them, your soul could move on into the Afterlife."

Definitely want to avoid that. Emma thought. "Is there a way to speed up this sleep?"

Merlin's infernal knowing grin returned. "You'll learn in due time. Until then, rest and enjoy the Middlemist." 

****************************

Marian ate only a little of the soup the maid brought up for her and Emily. She told the maid that Emily was just sleeping off her illness, and she hoped she was right. Emily was still breathing, and she was warm. Nothing seemed amiss other than Emily would not wake. 

Marian attempted to wake her for lunch, but the blonde woman didn't react. Not a mumble from her lips, not a flutter of her eyes. 

She worried that Emily might not ever wake up. Colin was convinced that her magic had something to do with this, and he would know better being Emily's husband. Marian wondered if this was common. She wasn't surprised by magic existing, though her memories were gone, so surely magic was commonplace.

Why then did Colin and Emily want to hide Emily's magic? Was magic good to have, or was it dark? Colin and Emily didn't seem like bad people, and Emily's magic seemed so helpful.

Could she really trust these strangers after all? Or was it better to move on, and try to rebuild her life on her own? Her gut said Colin and Emily didn't mean any harm, but they also didn't know her. Should she try and find out who she was? Should she ask them if she mentioned where she was from and why she was moving here?

It was just strange that everything was gone. Even her dreams were hazy images, but nothing indicating her past. 

Marian sighed, pushing away her half eaten soup. She glanced where Emily lay, sleeping peacefully, wishing she could sleep just as well. "Why can't I remember?" She whispered to the silence around her. She looked at her hands. There were callouses, light as they were, so she was used to work off some sort. 

But what work? Did she do cleaning? Was she a barmaid? A seamstress? That was just another thing to figure out. Once Colin returned and she knew Emily was going to be all right, Marian needed to go into town and figure out just what to do next. She couldn't rely on them forever. It was time to figure out what little she could and go from there. 

Starting with a job. 

****************************

Killian waited outside a boarding house, where he was told the healer currently was checking on a patient. He hoped this Vivienne could help him. He figured someone with magic would be better, but perhaps the healer knew someone who could help with their situation. 

He just wanted Emma to be all right. He couldn't let anything happen to her, not when he promised to get her home. Not when he needed her safe and happy for his own sanity. 

A young woman with black hair exited the building, a basket of herbs, potions, and poultices in hand. 

Killian pushed off the wall of the house across the street and put himself in her path. "Excuse me, Miss?" 

The healer froze at his voice before turning to face him. Oddly, her dark eyes recognized him. 

An uneasy feeling settled over him. Had Emma unintentional glamoured the face of someone from around here? He doubted it. 

The woman glared at him. “How can I help you sir?” Her defensive stance had Killian backing up a bit.

He wasn't sure why she didn't like him, but he wasn't going to chance pissing her off more than she already was, not when he needed her help. “So sorry to bother you.” Killian smiled gently. “My name is Colin Jones. My wife and I recently moved to town.”

Surprise flickered over her expression. Vivienne relaxed a bit, realizing Killian truly didn't seem to remember her. Though she was confused about the wife part. The Savior couldn't be his wife, could she? That was a dangerous match if that was the case. As it was, the Savior needed to work on her glamour spell. It worked well for non-magical people, but if Vivienne could see through it, then so could the Dark One, or others a might more powerful. This close to the sea, it would be better to disguise Lir's son as strongly as possible. "And why am I interested in this information?"

"I heard you're the healer in town. My wife fell ill on our travels." Killian said. "I hoped you'd come look at her. She's not waking up."

His concern for the Savior was genuine. What did he mean by her not waking up? 

Vivienne wanted to tell him no and go back to her rounds, but the Crone wanted her to teach the Savior. It seemed that for the time being Killian and the Savior were a package deal. Vivienne would deal with that later. "Does she have a fever?"

Killian shook his head. "No, she's warm, but not feverish." Killian glanced around and slowly stepped closer, careful not to crowd her. "What do you know about magic?"

"Enough." Vivienne challenged. There was no way she'd give away her hand. Not to him. "Why?"

"Because my wife has magic." Killian spoke lowly as to not be overheard. "I think she used too much of it." He looked at her imploringly. 

Here's where Killian not having his memories hampered him. He'd been one of her father's best students, all the more why Vivienne disliked him, and now he had to come to her for basic magical knowledge. She'd feel smug if she didn't hate him so much. 

Alas, she had to teach the Savior, so she'd have to suffer Jones all over again. "All right, take me to her and I shall see what I can do."

His immense relief was palpable. "Thank you, miss."

"Vivienne." She introduced. "Vivienne Wilder."

[wandaluvstacos]

THE ONLY SECONDS THAT MATTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN IS UP!

Genre: Contemporary Romance Rating: 18+

Includes: Extensive horse nerdery + cowboys, mxm romance (1 trans + 1 cis), some discussion child abuse, some instances of trans/homophobia (it is rural Oklahoma, y'all), depression, occasional sex scene (but it’s a slow burn for sure)

Victor Ortiz-Bennett had some reservations about moving to Oklahoma, but his late aunt willed him a 70-acre horse farm, and he decides to fulfill his dream of running and operating his own training facility. Victor’s been around the reining horse show circuit for a while, and he’s ready to settle down, travel less, and spend more time with the horses he loves and away from the people he can do without. That is, until he picks up a horse at an auction with a bucking problem he can’t fix, and he has to take her to the one guy who can ride anything– Johnny Stearns, a retired professional rodeo rider.

Johnny Stearns is loud, chatty, eccentric, and fears nothing, exactly Victor’s opposite. However, Victor finds himself sinking into an odd friendship with this new foul-mouthed cowboy without a filter, diving deeper into the mess that is Johnny’s life until there’s no way to extract himself from it. Johnny may talk a tough game, but there’s more to him than he’ll let most people see. Victor knows getting in too deep will mean a rough ride, but if there’s anything Johnny’s taught him, it’s how to stay in the saddle.

Excerpt:

“I presented as female, but I wasn’t a woman. Listen, I know it’s confusing and again I know you’ll never really get it because you’re cis and all that—”

“Sis?”

“Cis. Cisgender. It just means your gender assigned at birth matches your biological sex.”

“My gender… assigned at birth matches my… biological sex,” Johnny repeated in utter confusion. God, he was so clueless. Why did Victor find that comforting? “This feels like bein’ in biology class. Learning what the fuck parts are in a cell or whatever.”

Victor had to laugh. “What?”

“I mean, it’s like bein’ in class when the kid next to me knows what the fuck is happenin’ and I do not. You know all about this, and I don’t.”

“That’s fine. Like I said, I don’t need you to know the specifics, I just… I just want you to know about who I am and not hate me for it.”

“Oh, Vic.” Johnny clicked his tongue and shook his head. “I couldn’t hate you even if I wanted to.”

Victor’s throat tightened, and he swallowed several times as he fought the sudden urge to cry. Maybe this showed in his face, because Johnny reached out and dropped a heavy hand on top of his head.

“And whatever hot girl you mighta been ten years ago, you’ll only ever be a hot man to me.”

Victor sniffed and laughed, nodding his head with a wobbly smile. “Thank you.”

Johnny’s hand remained on his head a few seconds longer than necessary before he ruffled Victor’s hair and pulled away, slumping back onto the bed and stretching his legs forward. “Don’t get all weepy on me now.”

“I’m not weepy,” Victor muttered, pushing the knuckles of his thumb into his tear duct to prevent any leakage. “I just—I’m just happy you’re cool with it.”

“I told you I sucked guys’ dicks for money. I can’t lecture nobody about nothin’.”

“My thing and your thing are very different.”