#the bath mat was delightful now what else

[mage8]

3.5 minutes into this vid and we're getting the best lore of the year.

Dan letting Phil out of his sight for an extended period of time resulting in Phil going rough and attempting to dye everything in the house green IS EVERYTHING TO ME. I DEMAND A SHOW AND TELL OF EVERY GREEN DYED OBJECT. SHOW ME MORE THAN THE SHIRT AND BATH MAT!!!!

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Great Hunt! Chapter 2: The Welcome

Spoiler alert: I forgot to discuss chapter icons last time. It's terrible, breaking such a successful streak. I have toh. If you don't know what that is, be aware, because I'm perfectly happy to spoil everything about this whole damn series if you're not careful. Look away if that bothers you.

Anyway, chapter icons. Last time was another wheel and serpent, which probably reflects both how Rand is being pulled by the Pattern to stay put despite his desires and how the Dark One's touch is beginning to corrupt it more blatantly with the proto-bubble. This time we get the Flame of Tar Valon, because the Amyrlin Seat is visiting.

“Ho, southlander! The Amyrlin’s here. Come for you and your friends, I suppose. Peace, what honor for you! She seldom leaves Tar Valon, and she’s never come to the Borderlands in my memory.”

A) This and several other bits of dialogue is a delightful way for the denizens of the fortress to be tormenting Rand about the trap that he's found himself caught in without realizing it (one of my favorite kinds of dialogue).

B) I can't help but feel that this is another bit of failure on the part of the Tower. An Amyrlin who tours the continent regularly and brings a retinue with her would be yet another way to be building positive relations with the populace, helping them and encouraging them not to see the Aes Sedai as wicked witches. Hopefully it's something they pick up on as the Fourth Age goes on.

The women barely glanced at him, and went right on clearing his clothes—and Mat’s and Perrin’s—out of the wardrobe and replacing them with new. Anything found in the pockets was put atop the chests, and the old clothes were bundled up carelessly, like rags.

I don't know if this is Moiraine's outright shittiest act as mentor, but damn if it's not up there. You know who else pulls this crap in this series? Tylin, because it's abusive as all hell. Moiraine had a fucking month to get the boys fancier clothes in less coercive ways and if she'd done it shortly after the Eye it wouldn't have even been a hard sell because Rand and Perrin would have been happy to wear comfy new clothes after the hell month they went through (Mat would have been an easy sell regardless once he saw something with lace; would have been harder to get him not to empty Moiraine's purse at that point).

It could be a scullion or the Lady Amalisa, Lord Agelmar’s sister herself—the baths were one place in Shienar where there was no rank—expecting him to scrub her back in return for the same favor, asking him why his face was so red, had he taken too much sun? They had soon learned to recognize his blushes for what they were, and not a woman in the keep but seemed fascinated by them.

We're supposed to laugh at the provincial bumpkin for not understanding how awesome it is that he's getting to bathe with regulation hotties, but really between this and the maids expecting him to change out of his underwear in front of him (and making a point to look) is just way too skeevy.

His boots, at least, were certainly still good, made by Alwyn al’Van, the cobbler back in Emond’s Field, and well broken in and comfortable. But if giving up his boots would make the shatayan leave him alone so he could go, he would give her the boots, and anything else she wanted. He had no time.

It is way too early in these books for me to feel this bad for Rand.

Light help me! Was it Amalisa had this made, or Moiraine? How many saw it? How many know what it is, what it means? Even one is too many. Burn me, she’s trying to get me killed. Bloody Moiraine won’t even talk to me, but now she’s given me bloody fine new clothes to die in!

It's absolutely incredible how badly Moiraine is handling this. Is she just conceptualizing this as being the same as how she had to wear novice robes as a girl? Did Elaida's personal tutoring before Moiraine's becoming an Aes Sedai get a nice cycle of abuse going for her to perpetuate?

Muttering under his breath, he dressed hurriedly. He would not put it past any of them to find some excuse to come bulling in anyway.

Just like Donald Trump.

He had seen women picking out embroidery when they had made a mistake or changed their mind on the pattern, and it did not look very hard.

Rand, you spent your entire childhood including your most significant growth spurts living in the backwoods of the ass end of nowhere with no one except your dad. I can understand embroidery not being your thing because it's not utilitarian, but you should damn well know that there's a difference between fixing your work before it's done and ripping out embroidery after the fact.

Thom Merrilin had taught him to play that flute, before the gleeman died. Rand could never touch it without remembering Thom, with his sharp blue eyes and his long white mustaches, shoving the bundled cloak into his hands and shouting for him to run. And then Thom had run himself, knives appearing magically in his hands as if he were performing, to face the Myrddraal that was coming to kill them.

Dammit Rand, Moiraine told you that the odds of Thom being dead were literally zero in infinity, stop thinking he's dead.

His unstrung bow stood propped in the corner with Mat’s and Perrin’s, the stave two hands taller than he was. He had made it himself since coming to Fal Dara, and besides him, only Lan and Perrin could draw it. Stuffing his blanketroll and his new cloak through the loops on his bundles, he slung the pair from his left shoulder, tossed his saddlebags atop the cords, and grabbed the bow. Leave the sword-arm free, he thought. Make them think I’m dangerous. Maybe somebody will.

The funny part is, Rand actually does look dangerous now. Lan told him that bullies would leave him alone. He never believes anything anyone tells him, it's no wonder no one tries to communicate with him later on.

He would never see legendary Tar Valon—he could not afford that risk, now or ever—but he might catch a glimpse of the Amyrlin Seat before he left. That would be as much as seeing a queen.

Rand's getting pulled around by the Pattern again, since he's already met a queen in person and you'd think he'd have learned his lesson from that.

He could easily see over the heads of most of them, enough to make out clearly what was going on in the courtyard. Just inside the main gate, a line of men stood beside their horses, fourteen of them. ... A dozen paces in front of the Warders, a row of women stood by their horses’ heads, the cowls of their cloaks thrown back. He could count them, now. Fourteen. Fourteen Aes Sedai.

Funny that there's an equal number of Warders to Aes Sedai, since that isn't a guarantee. We don't know all the Aes Sedai among the ranks, but we do know that at least two (Liandrin and Carlinya) didn't have Warders, possibly three (Serafelle's never clarified either way). Alanna is the only green we know about and she has two Warders, which covers for one of the gaps. Possibly Siuan's Warder is in the ranks here as well, which covers the other gap for certain. Also note that Leane is not one of these fourteen Aes Sedai, which means that sixteen came altogether counting her and Siuan. Regardless, I'm not tagging anyone except those mentioned individually.

Suddenly Ronan rapped his staff loudly three times on the broad paving stones, calling into the silence, “Who comes here? Who comes here? Who comes here?” The woman beside the palanquin tapped her staff three times in reply. “The Watcher of the Seals. The Flame of Tar Valon. The Amyrlin Seat.” “Why should we watch?” Ronan demanded. “For the hope of humankind,” the tall woman replied. “Against what do we guard?” “The shadow at noon.” “How long shall we guard?” “From rising sun to rising sun, so long as the Wheel of Time turns.”

We see so little of pomp and circumstance in these books despite humanity's love of silly rituals that I gotta quote in full the stuff that does show up. Also note how the ritual emphasizes the shadow as something wrong and fundamentally against the natural order. It's understandable why Rand came to the conclusion he had to kill the Dark One.

The tall woman drew back the curtain of the palanquin, and the Amyrlin Seat stepped out. Dark-haired, ageless as all Aes Sedai were ageless, she ran her eyes over the assembled watchers as she straightened. Rand flinched when her gaze crossed him; he felt as if he had been touched. But her eyes passed on and came to rest on Lord Agelmar.

Rand honey, you're the only Aielman in two hundred miles and you're the tallest man in the room. Of course she saw you.

He did not want to think of what would have happened if she knew who he was, what he was. What would happen when she finally found out. He wondered if she had had anything to do with the wind atop the tower; Aes Sedai could do things like that.

Rand is so completely wrong about Siuan on every level that it wraps around from stupid to adorable to stupid again. No Rand, the Amyrlin Seat didn't try to assassinate you from a distance through her magic scrying mirror. That's not even a thing.

It was his name that caused the problem, and a similarity. Rand al’Thor. Al’Lan Mandragoran. For Lan, according to the custom of Malkier, the royal “al” named him King, though he never used it himself. For Rand, “al” was just a part of his name, though he had heard that once, long ago, before the Two Rivers was called the Two Rivers, it had meant “son of.” Some of the servants in Fal Dara keep, though, had taken it to mean he was a king, too, or at least a prince.

No doubt in Manetheren "al" did mean royalty and only transferred to "son of" once the interbreeding led to it being so common a name.

“Yes, my Lord. The order came down only a short time ago. Only moments.” Tema’s voice picked up strength. “All the gates are closed as well, my Lord. None may enter or leave without permission. Not even the city patrol, so Tema has been told.”

Poor Rand, if he'd only controlled himself he would have arrived before the order and could have escaped. What a horribly unlikely coincidence!

Rand broke into a run. He just had time to see the surprise on Tema’s face, and then he was gone. He did not care what Tema thought. She will be sending for me now.

Rand, you know what would really make Tema think you were normal, unremarkable, and definitely not the Dragon Reborn? If you spent some time muttering to yourself or maybe burst into tears for no reason. Not a single male channeler in the world does that.

Ah well. Next time, we'll watch Rand try and fail to escape his date with destiny.

[regular-lord-reckoner]

welp, we got scammed by a plumber today, lol

we suspected that we had a leak but our most recent ridiculous water bill confirmed that, so my mom reached out to a plumber to come out and take a look

one of the mechanisms inside the toilet on both mine and my mom's were broken so that was part of it, but there's also apparently a leak under the house as well

some guys came out to look at it and said they'd be back out to replace those parts and then get under the house and fix that one so okay, great

except when the guy shows up today he's like, "oh, the other guy actually fixed the one under the house when we were here last" which like...??? why didn't you just say that, then??

but okay, whatever, maybe it somehow slipped his mind?

in any case, our family friend went behind him today and pretty quickly realized he didn't replace any parts in the toilet at all and actually made the problem worse!!

all he did was turn the water down so that it didn't seem like it was leaking anymore so thank fuck for our friend who checked and then went to the store to get the parts and replaced them himself

he was watching him at one point but got distracted because he got an email about a job offer on his phone so he was trying to set up that interview and wasn't observing him as closely, but dude definitely just brought in pieces to supposedly replace the broken ones and yet it's still the same broken ones that are in the toilet; you can tell because they've got wear and tear damage and our family friend said that when he was looking at them in the store that the design doesn't even look like that anymore so...yeah. total shitshow.

i know at one point during both "repairs" he had to go out to his vehicle (which wasn't even a van or anything, it was a fucking mercedes sedan) to get something (and hilariously at one point he came back with a tool that was way too big for the job he was doing) so my guess is he just ditched the new parts back in his car right then and left the old ones in place and called it a fucking day assuming we wouldn't take the tank off and have a look for ourselves or that we wouldn't know the difference, i guess??

i also don't know what the fuck he did in my bathroom but my bath mat ended up soaked and he also grabbed one of my towels i had hanging up to mop up the rest and claimed it was "already there on the floor"

no the fuck it was not, but just goes to show how much of a liar this dude is (which as an aside like...you can use my towels, it's not really about that, it's just the audacity to lie like that when i know for a fact that fucker was hanging up on the door)

in any case, we've been blowing his shit up on yelp and wherever else and my mom knows people who are from where he is and would be delighted to tell everyone what a piece of shit he is and to not do business with him. i hope to god he never gets to rip another person off ever again

hilariously, their yelp page didn't have any reviews on it before today and when we mentioned that on the phone he claimed it was because he doesn't want to pay for them (as if he's sooooo honest he would never!!) but now since my mom left a review all of a sudden there's a bunch of reviews from i'm assuming his friends and family all like "great business, you guys helped a lot!!"

pretty sure you're not allowed to falsify reviews to boost your 1 star rating so i called that out in my own yelp review and now i'm not seeing those as recommended comments anymore and it's back to 1 star so...that's funny

anyway, i wish this bitch the absolute worst in life and best of fucking luck to you, dude, because if there's one thing my father couldn't stand in this world it was men who do shit like that.

and i know my dad's up to some shit in the afterlife as well because our family friend had some family he hasn't talked to in over a decade reach out to him out of the blue and it's been a really positive and good thing for him and it's just like...what are the chances, y'know? (and it wasn't like, "oh hey, man, haven't talked to you in a while!" it was like...a door that had closed that he never thought would open again and now it's just...wide open! thanks, dad :3)

a lot of good things have been happening to people he's cared about, actually, so i just cannot wait for this dude and his scam of a business go down in flames

makes me sick to my fucking stomach to think of how many people he's probably taken advantage of and who just didn't know any better. that trick he pulled on us probably would have worked until it inevitably got worse but that could take a while and by then we wouldn't automatically assume it was him but rather just our rotten luck, y'know? just absolutely despicable.

[xsophie2x]

“Liam, I brought the…” Theo paused, stopping in the doorway, the bags with Chinese take-out that was still warm and Liam loved so much hanging from his hands. He stood still, puzzled, a frown clouding his face as he looked around. “What are you doing?”

“Ssshh!” Liam hissed, waving his arm in Theo’s general direction in a way that wasn’t at all suspicious.  Theo narrowed his eyes, placing the bags down on the table with plates thankfully already on it, like he’d asked, and stepped closer.

It took him a second to register what he was looking at, exactly. But when he did, his head snapped over to Liam, beside him, like he couldn’t quite believe that he’d really ended up dating this boy. “What the hell is that?” His voice came out dry.

“Sssh, Donald just wanted to go for a swim!” Liam exclaimed excitedly, his eyes shining bright as he looked over at Theo, slapping him and pushing his shoulder in anticipation before going right back and pulling him closer again.

“Donald?” Theo didn’t know whether to laugh or to roll his eyes exaggeratedly at him. A snort slipped past his lips.

“It’s a duck, he’s white, it’s a male duck! How else are we supposed to call him!?” Liam called, the two of them looking down simultaneously at the sink where the duck was currently swimming in the water that was filled up in it.

“Alright, fine!” Theo called over him, cutting him off, grumbling as he finally gave in with Liam’s silliness. He still couldn’t believe this was the boy he’d chose to spend his days with. “But realize I don’t withhold much here, alright? You want a pet duck, fine. You want to name him Donald, fine. But did he really have to go in there?”

Liam pouted. “In a bucket with water he would splash the whole floor wet.”

“I think you overestimate how wild ducks are.”

Liam said nothing, and Theo followed his lead, staying silent for a few moments. They looked back down at Donald, and Theo felt as though the little animal was proving his point exactly; swimming in circles and quaking happily and in pleasant-filled delight. Something about it touched something inside Theo and warmed his chest; looking over at Liam, his eyes shining and twinkling for the duck, only made that grow.

“Have you tried a bath towel or mat?”

Liam tore his gaze away from Donald, meeting Theo’s eyes, something dazed in his gaze, as if he needed a moment to turn back to reality. “What?”

A flutter swirled through Theo’s stomach, shivering, eyes locking on Liam’s burning blue ones, always so full of feeling, so alive, and something shuddered in him. “A mat. So Donald can swim somewhere more pleasant, he doesn’t have to be stuck in this old sink and we can keep an eye on him. We can feed Donald from there as well.”

Theo witnessed the exact moment Liam pulled back from the tense moment between them, palpable in the air in the room, his eyes lighting up and brightly twinkling. A smile pulled at Theo’s lips. “That’s not a bad idea!”

Theo grinned. “See? I do not only have bad ideas,” and he leaned down to get the bucket from the cupboard underneath the sink, making himself miss the warm way Liam smiled down at him, looking at him.

Carefully, when Theo stood back up, they reached out to grab the small duck. It involved a lot of splashing, reaching and trying again, the duck quaking distressed a few times, but when they finally had him and lowered him in the bucket, Donald squealed in delight. Waving his wings a few times, back and forth, effectively splashing Liam and Theo wet.

Theo stared down, the damp stain on his shirt. Unimpressed.

“He’s happy!” Liam exclaimed excitedly, once they looked at Donald after they put the bucket down on a bath towel in the living room, a little bowl with bread crumbs on the towel next to the bucket, and yes, Theo had to admit with warmth, that he did look quite happy, and a pet made it feel more like home.

“Okay, come on, now we can go eat. While it’s still warm,” he said, wrapping his arm around Liam’s waist, leading him over to the table where the food was indeed still warm. From the bright look Liam shot him from beside him, sending a flutter through Theo’s stomach, he could tell that the younger wolf was hungry too, and would do no more suggestions about Donald with a childlike and excited wonder that Theo secretly actually didn’t mind at all.

He appreciated every single one of Liam’s passionate ramblings, usually in combination with breathless broken sentences, but luckily, because it was Liam, he never had to wait long for the next rambling.

“Donald should get his own towel. And then, all we have to do is get a Daisy!”

Theo thought he might choke on his eggroll, as the meaning of the sentence hit him, sliding into a coughing fit.

@sefinh

[comfortwriting]

Whatever It Takes - F.W

Part 3 of the ‘Call Out My Name’ series, inspired by the song ‘Whatever It Takes’ by Life House. 

Part 1, Part 2

A/N: Ahhh here it is, sorry for the long wait! The finale of my first mini series, I hope you lovelies enjoy and thank you for the support!<33

Warnings: Mentions of sex, smut, fluff, angst, jealously and swearing.

Pulling away from the kiss you couldn’t process what you had done, trying to catch your breath your glassy eyes got lost in Fred's. The last time you kissed him felt like forever ago and just like that, you were back to square one; hungry for him.

You looked at your feet and sighed “meet me at my apartment, go now and don’t let my parents see you” you ordered him “we’ll... talk things through.”

Before you managed to pick up your box and go back downstairs to you parents, Fred grabbed your wrist and kissed your hand “you won’t regret this.”

Once you met him in your apartment, the two of you were up all night talking things through; Fred mostly apologising and explaining that you were the one all along. Although you were seeing someone else, it felt right to be with Fred, the kiss felt right, everything felt somewhat perfectly in place.

You finished writing the letter to your now ex-boyfriend, explaining that you couldn’t and didn’t want to be with him anymore and that you were sorry, you hoped it would be enough for him to accept.

After keeping your re-lighting of an old flame with Fred secret for the first few months, when you finally decided to break the news your parents and your sister weren’t over the moon - and your now ex-boyfriend was heartbroken and hated Fred with a burning passion; cursing the two of you.

The Weasleys on the other hand, were all delighted and so excited to welcome you back into their life and warm home. Molly and Arthur promised your parents that they would do anything and everything to ensure that you would be happy and safe with their son.

George ran towards you and held you tight into his warm embrace, crying with happiness that he could have his best friend back that he wouldn’t need to hide from anyone anymore; you could finally meet up and go out for lunch together every week which you had missed so much.

Fred knew that making things right, fixing things wouldn’t be easy, he had to prove himself to your family, he needed to show you how much he loved you after everything he had done - he also had to deal with the other people you had slept with whilst he was busy playing house.

“Well I still don’t like him.” Your father muttered under his breath sitting with you on the sofa, flicking through the Daily Prophet.

Fred was standing behind the door, listening in to everything that was being said.

“You don’t have to like him dad, but I’m happy with him and you need to accept that.” You defended your boyfriend.

Your dad glared at the paper and flicked the page “as long as you don’t bloody marry the fella.”

Fred’s heart dropped.

You giggled and sighed, standing up to get yourself a drink “maybe I will.”

A strangled smile fell from your face

What kills me that I hurt you this way

The worst part is that I didn't even know

Now there's a million reasons for you to go

But if you can find a reason to stay

Fred took a hold of your hand, the two of you resting beside the fire in your apartment listening to some muggle music.

“What time is it?” You asked, looking through the window, noticing the sunset.

“It’s seven o’clock” Fred replied staring at the clock, planting a kiss on your hand.

You stood up slowly and smiled at Fred “I’ve got to get ready” you replied, walking into your bedroom.

Fred realised that since his absence you had gained quite the following of male friends and a flock of admirers, tonight you were going out for a business dinner with your boss from the ministry to discuss a promotion.

Fred felt quite secure until he realised that Percy and other members of the ministry wouldn’t be there, Fred trusted you, but after the way he had treated you - he felt like you could fall through his fingers.

Zipping your dress up and applying the last of your powder, Fred walked into the bedroom leaning against the door frame.

His eyes searching your body and admiring how stunning you looked and how lucky he was to have you.

You’d by lying if you said you truly trusted Fred, you didn’t, he had a lot to prove and you were giving him a chance.

You learned from your mistakes the many times you put him first before your friends and your future, all because you were dating now doesn’t mean that you had to put everything on hold.

You remained independent and your wariness around Fred often made him feel like you could never trust him again, but you could and you would, all in good time.

“Are you sure you don’t need to me to come?” Fred asked, wanting to protect you.

“I’m sure.” You smiled, then thanking him for the offer.

“You look beautiful.” Fred compliment you.

Pecking Fred on the lips you grabbed some Floo Powder, Fred debated silently in his head whether or not to follow you, but he stayed at home and pondered.

After the successful business dinner you arrived home with a big smile on your face, Fred was laid in bed ‘reading’.

You walked into the bathroom, removing your makeup and made your way to the bedroom, undressing yourself, all the while responding to many of Fred's questions about your evening and the man who was your boss.

Fred searched your beautiful body and couldn’t help but bite his lip whilst watching you strip down to your underwear, you chuckled at him and shook your head. 

Sitting on the bed next to Fred, he started to kiss your neck, telling you how beautiful you looked and for the first time in years the two of you made love. You were a lot more confident than you used to be and Fred noticed, you took control and went wild riding him.

Recovering from your orgasm, Fred held you from behind acting as the big spoon. You could sense that something was bothering your boyfriend and you didn’t want to tip toe around the tension so you asked him directly.

“Is everything okay, Freddie?” you traced circles into his arm that was wrapped around your waist.

Fred hesitated for a moment, but answered “how many people have you slept with?” 

You could feel your face burning up “what does it matter love?” 

“I just always remember being... you know.” 

Letting out a light hearted chuckle you turned over to face Fred. “Yes, I did sleep with other people, Fred. We weren’t together for a long while.”

“How many?” Fred asked, sounding slightly worried.

“Why does it matter? It doesn’t define or change me as a person.” 

Fred sighed “it’s just, I heard a lot of talk from other men.. women.. they were right with their accounts of you, they too had a good time.” 

You stroked Fred’s cheek “I don’t care what they’ve said, you shouldn’t either; I only want and love you - you only get me like this.” you paused for a moment “not that it matters but more than you.” you joked, making Fred laugh.

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

Believe that I can change

I'll keep us together

Whatever it takes

Over the years with your promotion, work at the ministry got harder, the hours got longer and the stacks of paper work got higher. You were drowning in the pressure.

Fred and George’s business was doing incredibly well and they were busy too - but you made things work and you were looking to buy a house and move out of your apartment. 

Almost landing on your arse from being spat out the fire place, covered from head to toe in soot Fred chuckled at the sight of you and outstretched his hand, helping you up.

You weren’t expecting him to be home so early, he was always working overtime as you chose to work on weekends instead of the extra few hours on weekdays. You were lucky to get a whole evening alone with Fred, let alone a whole day.

“Follow me, love” he smiled.

Holding Fred’s hand, he walked you into the bathroom. The whole room lit up from tea light candles, the bath filled with warm water and colourful bubbles sitting on the surface and floated in the air.

Fred dragged his hand across the water, moving the bubbles, in the water floated delicate red Roses.

“Oh Fred” you smiled up at him, your eyes sparkling “this is the most special thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Fred felt his heart skip a beat, finally feeling like he had done something right. He helped you get undressed and get into the bath, allowing the warm water to pull you under.

Fred turned around to leave the room but you stopped him.

“why don’t you join me?” You smiled, splashing the water, teasing him.

Fred bit his lip and smiled “the food isn’t going to cook itself”

You let out a chuckle “you’re a wizard–“

Fred blushed, remembering what his mother once told him. “Just because you're allowed to use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything.”

Whilst you finished off in your stunning, romantic bath you got dressed into the comfy clothes laid out for you on the sink counter, little did you know, Fred was slaving away in the kitchen finishing up on the meal he had been cooking.

Walking into the dim lit dining room the smell of spaghetti filled the room, the table had your plate of food resting on the mat, with a glass of fire whiskey and a rose resting in a vase in the middle of the table.

You felt incredibly flattered, yet under dressed in the comfy oversized clothes Fred had picked out for you.

Fred admired your look and pulled out your chair.

“Fred, this is incredible—“ you noticed the cooking book on the kitchen worktop. “You did all this without magic!?”

Fred nodded and smiled shyly “I wanted to make an effort, you deserve that and so much more.”

The two of you talked about your day at work, Fred and his brother increasing sales, you talking about Percy and his jealousy towards your promotion.

You both laughed and held hands over the table, you felt like finally everything had fallen into place, you had finally got what you wanted - the love of your life to have and to hold.

“By the way, you’d make a brilliant chef” you complimented, pointing to your empty plate.

Muggle love songs suddenly came on through the radio and rose petals slowly rained down from the ceiling out of nowhere, you couldn’t believe your eyes or the amount of effort Fred had put into this evening.

Fred took a hold of your hand and pulled you into the heart of the living room, holding you close to him, both of you dancing along to the music. You could feel Fred’s heart thump against your ear, pulling away from him you gave him a concerned look.

“Fred, are you okay?” You asked, trying your best not to sour such an incredible evening.

Fred took a deep breath and got down on one knee, pulling out a box from his back pocket. He lifted the top off the box and the most gorgeous ring sparkled against the lights, Fred smiled and looked into your eyes.

“Y/N, from the moment I first saw you, you made me feel things I didn’t know I was capable of. I want to make you feel those things too, I promise. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Your eyes welled up with tears of happiness, you couldn’t believe the boy you fell for all those years ago at Hogwarts would be on his knees, proposing to you.

“It took your dad a lot of thought and consideration just to let me do this tonight, Y/N Y/L/N, will you marry me?” Fred breathed out, his heart still thumping.

“Yes, yes Freddie” you cried, holding out your hand “I would love to.”

She said if we're gonna make this work

You gotta let me inside even though it hurts

Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see

She said like it or not it's the way it's gotta be

You've gotta love yourself if you can ever love me

After the wedding there was talk about the two of you, some said you made a big mistake - calling you a mug, saying that Fred was punching above and you were only with him because you felt sorry for him.

The two of you were aware of the chat and often heard it when you were out in Diagon Alley, you didn’t let it bother you because it was only talk - but all of this ‘talk’ was beating Fred down; making him feel insecure and like he was useless.

“Oh Fred please relax, it’s not a big deal” you tried to reassure him, stroking his head.

“It’s a big deal to me, you know how I feel about men speaking to you that way.”

One of the men you had a one night stand with many moons ago spotted you in the leaky cauldron with Fred and approached you, asking why you never called him back. Fred was mortified and felt threatened by this man.

“We’re married Fred, if we’re going to make this work, you need to tell me what’s bothering you so we can work through it.”

Fred put his head in his hands and sighed “I just feel like you deserve better, all these men you were with, they’re so much better than I am.”

You sighed and got Fred to look you in the eyes “Don’t be silly Fred, they aren’t better than you at all. I decided to be with you for a reason - after everything that happened, you need to forgive yourself Fred.”

Fred stayed silent and wiped away his tears with his sleeve. “How can I forgive myself for hurting you?” He croaked.

You sat beside him in bed and rubbed his back “because I’ve forgiven you for everything that happened, I want us to be happy, to not care about what others think.”

Fred cried even more, feeling like a weight had been lifted off him. “You’ve forgiven me?”

“Of course I did, Freddie” You smiled, kissing his cheek “I married you for a reason, not because everyone else was doing it. I want to carry your child one day.”

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

And give me a break

I'll keep us together

You took it upon yourself to get you and George to see a muggle couples counsellor, you had read about them in plenty muggle magazines and decided it would be the best - not just for your marriage but for Fred.

Seeing him constantly panic and overthink broke your heart, you wanted this to be a healthy and stable relationship and you both loved one another so much to make it work.

At first the sessions started at one session a week, and then as the months went by it became once every two weeks, and then once per month when you were both making progress.

The first bout of sessions usually started with the counsellor asking questions, getting the two of you to have sessions alone and to talk to one another towards the end.

“I’m just scared that she’ll realise there’s there’s other who are much better than me and they’ll treat her better.” Fred opened up nervously.

“I just wish he would forgive himself, I’ve forgiven him - I did a long time ago - I want him to be able to move forward with me.” You teared up.

After six months you were able to spend sessions together talking to one another, and being able to bask in the progress the two of you had made.

Fred felt more secure and didn’t panic about you suddenly disappearing.

You and George would often talk about it over your lunch dates, you would learn more about your husband and how much he struggled when you were gone, and being able to talk about it made you closer to your best friend who was now your brother in law. You felt incredibly secure and loved by his family.

Through the months of November, December and January, you and Fred had been spending plenty of the winter evenings keeping one another warm; trying for a baby.

Pondering around the bathroom nervously while Fred was messing around in the living room trying to bake some muggle muffins, you picked up and test and smiled widely.

Walking into the kitchen you leaned against the door frame and smiled at Fred, watching him getting frustrated with the cooking book and measurements of ingredients.

“Getting annoyed are you, Mr or should I say Daddy Weasley?” You smirked.

Fred startled by your voice pulled a questioning face at you “Daddy Weasley?”

You pulled the test from your back pocket and waved it in your hand, beaming at your husband.

“Wait...you’re?” Fred’s had a surprised expression on his face, you could see the tears forming in his eyes.

You nodded your head and could feel your tears forming too “positive.”

I know you deserve much better

Remember the time I told you the way that I felt

And that I'd be lost without you and never find myself

Let's hold onto each other above everything else

Start over, start over

“I cannot believe he’s got you up the bloody duff!” Your dad scolded, helping you around your new house.

“It was a mutual decision, we decided we wanted to, together.” You defended your husband, finally sitting down on the sofa to catch your breath.

“Well now you’ve got his kid no other man will want you and you’re tied to him forever now, whether you like it or not.”

You sighed, starting to feel frustrated and angry. Fred could head your fathers cruel words and felt like he would never fit your fathers expectations.

“When will you realise that me and Fred are happy together? I know he hurt me and I know that you’re upset about it, but it’s been years! Please can you just forgive him, dad? I did.” You pleaded, the added on stress causing the baby to kick out inside of you.

Sitting in front of Fred in the bath, he washed your hair for you with a cup as you couldn’t bend all the way back from your big bump.

“He’ll never accept me” Fred muttered in a low sad voice.

You have Fred a sorrowful smile “I don’t care Fred. He wants me to be happy and I am.” You covered your eyes from the flowing water.

Fred felt relieved knowing that your father wouldn’t influence the way you felt about him, knowing that your love for him was pure.

“I love you” he whispered, massaging your scalp.

“I love you too” you smiled, feeling another kick “and this little one loves you too”

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

Believe that I can change

I'll keep us together

Whatever it takes

You and your four year old daughter were in the garden potting some beautiful plants in your parents garden, your father was sitting with Fred in the kitchen, the two of them watching you and the little one.

Your father smiled, his granddaughter patting the soil and cheering as she planted some more seeds, her long and beautiful ginger hair flowing in the wind.

“You’ve created a beautiful little family, you and my daughter.” Your father said to Fred, taking a sip of his drink.

Fred shuffled in his seat, the tension in the air was nothing short of awkward but it meant a lot to him knowing that his father in law finally had something good to say.

“You’ve proven yourself to me, Fred. I’m sorry it took so long for me to warm up to you and the idea of you being with my daughter, when your little girl gets older you’ll understand why. Seeing how happy she is, having that little one in my life - you can’t put a price on that.”

Your father extended his hand out to Fred, slowly smiling at him. Fred paused for a moment and shook his hand, smiling back at him.

“Shall we go out there and help?” Fred smiled “they look like they could use some help.”

Your father nodded his head “I would like, Fred.”

The two of them walked outside together, joining you and your daughter. Looking up at your father and Fred smiling at one another you felt your heart flutter, the two men in your life that you loved more than anything were finally on the same page.

You could finally move forward as a family, the only thing you’ve ever wanted.

You were Fred’s girl.

[lillotte17]

Bird Nest

Continuation of my post-canon drabble things!! Who is ready for some Emotional Whiplash?!

~

Domesticity is not something that Zhou Zishu has much experience with.

Even before becoming the Four Seasons’ Manor Lord and the Leader of the Window of Heaven, his family had always kept servants. He has never been like Jing BeiYuan, who seems to like nothing more than luxuriating amidst finery, but he has never had to concern himself with the everyday tasks of cooking and cleaning and doing laundry, either. He knows how to look after himself well enough, when he has to, but his standards of ‘well enough’ are not especially high. He was always content to make do with the things on hand, and wait for his fortunes to shift towards something better. Or to simply drown himself in wine until the state of his surroundings and his body no longer mattered.

It has never bothered him before, but in these last few days spent in the cold dusty ruin of the World’s Armory with Lao Wen, he is beginning to notice the gaping holes of his inadequacies.

He does not know how to take care of someone.

He knows how to protect someone, how to fight off enemies and hide from pursuit and outmaneuver any opposition. He knows how to treat a simple wound or a fever when someone is suffering. He knows how to care about someone, but after words of affirmation and patience and physical intimacy, he is at something of a loss.

When they had been staying at the Four Seasons Manor with Chengling, he could wave off the fact that he was not doing most of the mundane work of keeping them all fed and healthy because he had a disciple to train and poison burning through his veins, and later, an injured shoulder to contend with. He had focused more on their defenses, and taking stock of their food and medical stores. Making sure that the secrets of the Manor had remained hidden and safe, so that Chengling could inherit them once he was ready.

But now the Manor is gone, and there is only the mountain and the armory and Lao Wen, and Zhou Zishu…is not entirely sure what to do with himself.

The first three or four days had been lost to fear and grief, clinging to Wen Kexing’s limp body and pouring as much of his internal force into him as he could before slumping over in exhaustion. Once he had come back to him from the brink of death, the two days following had been surrendered to hands and mouths and ravenous devotions. They had spent most of their time in various stages of undress, lounging about on the random assortments of tattered mats and blankets they had made into their bed, neither one willing to venture far from the other’s line of sight.

The fifth or sixth day finally had Lao Wen declaring that he felt grimy past the point of endurance, and sent him puttering about the maze of bookshelves and farming equipment in search of the tools to shape the armory into a livable space. Rong Xuan and his friends had come here to train, so there were still some useful things here and there. A few chipped bowls and a dusty teapot. A moldering wash basin that is not yet beyond salvation and a small stew pot with a rusting handle. He had swept and bustled and rearranged things in nearly a frenzy, and Zhou Zishu had not done much more than keep him company and carry and few things when he was bidden.

It had taken the better part of the day, but now they have a dining area, a cozy nook in a well-lit corner for reading and writing, and even a few battered screens set up for privacy while bathing or changing clothes, if they feel so inclined. It nearly feels like a home, even if everything they have is in some state of disrepair. They heat enough water to wash themselves, tend to their outer robes as best they can, and sit down to their first meal of ice and snow in nothing but blankets. It is not especially filling, but then again, their bodies do not seem to feel hunger as they did before, either.

Wen Kexing seems buoyant with his successes, his damp snowy hair glistening in the soft light of their little table lamp.

“How long do you suppose it will take the others to come dig us out?” he asks.

“It is hard to say just how bad the avalanche was from in here,” Zishu hums thoughtfully, “Even if they find the markers you left and follow you here, I am afraid it will take a few weeks at the very least. Transporting large amounts of men and equipment through the mountains is slow going even in good weather.”

He smirks at him.

“Why? Are you sick of me already?”

“Impossible,” Wen Kexing laughs with a dismissive wave of his hand, grinning from ear to ear. “It was more of a practical concern. If we are trapped in here for months, we might survive it well enough, but there is no telling what state we will be in without access to any sort of grooming tools. The old monster did not exactly tell me what to expect if the technique succeeded. Will our hair keep growing? What about our fingernails? Are we going to look like horrible mountain beasts by the time they finally come for us? Your poor dumb disciple will start crying in fear again.”

“Chengling will cry when he sees us no matter what we look like,” Zhou Zishu sighs, exasperated yet fond. “But I would assume that since our bodies are no longer using food to fuel themselves in the typical sense, that our metabolisms have slowed, or possibly even stopped. Even if our hair and nails keep growing, it will likely be some time before we become terrifying.”

“Hm,��� Lao Wen nods in acceptance, “What will we do about keeping clean, though? Luckily, we do not have to concern ourselves too much with dirty dishes, but what about our clothes? What about ourselves? Water can only do so much on its own.”

“I did not expect you to be this squeamish about a little dirt,” Zishu chuckles.

“Ah Xu,” Wen Kexing says flatly, “It is hardly going to be ‘a little dirt’ after several weeks. You should know by now that to touch and be touched by you is one of my life’s dearest delights, but if you truly intend to forego soap and cleanliness for an entire month or more, I am not sharing a bed with you. For sleeping, or anything else.”

Zhou Zishu arches a brow at him in disbelief.

“Would you care to know how long it had been since I had a bath when we first met?”

“Just because I could tell you were beautiful beneath all of that filth does not mean I was willing to bed you before you got a chance to wash yourself,” Lao Wen huffs, “I do have standards.”

Zishu makes a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, but his expression is still doubtful.

“Ah well,” Wen Kexing sighs, deciding to sidestep the obvious but unspoken opinion about what his standards are, or lack thereof, “There must be something in here we can use. Maybe there are stores of rice in with the grain and farming supplies. I doubt it would be safe to eat, but if we cook it, the water leftover might still be good for washing… And Rong Xuan was married. Perhaps his wife left something behind.”

“Perhaps you mother did.”

Lao Wen tenses in reflexive discomfort, as he still does at any mention of his past, but then the moment passes and he smiles.

“I doubt my parents would have come here very often,” he tells him softly. “They supported the idea of the armory, but neither of them were that invested in becoming martial masters themselves. They wanted to heal people. But…it would be nice, if we found something of them here. If they left something behind that we could use to make a life together.”

“You are good at this,” Zhou Zishu compliments him sincerely, gesturing to the living space they have already arranged, “I never would have thought this place could feel even half this hospitable. You did a good job with our manor too, before it was destroyed. Chengling barely knows how to boil water, so I know you must have helped him with more than you claimed. The Valley Master is truly a man of many hidden talents.”

“I was only the leader of the ghosts for eight years,” Wen Kexing reminds him, bitterness seeping into his smile, “Even if the old chief favored me for my ruthlessness, I was still more of a servant or a slave than a ward. If I am good at building a life from ruins now, it is because I was never given an option to do otherwise.”

“Lao Wen, I-”

He holds up a hand to halt his apology.

“You do not have to be sorry,” he says, “Not for what happened, and not for making me talk about it either. We have eternity to share together, so I imagine all of our old wounds will eventually be dragged out into the sunlight at some point. It is not the easiest thing to discuss, but…I want to tell you. I want to tell you everything.”

Zhou Zishu puts his hand over his on the tabletop, squeezing his fingers in reassurance.

“There is no rush,” he reminds him, “As you said; we have time. I will be here, and I will listen when you are ready.”

He chuckles softly.

“Of course, those things are easier to talk about while enjoying a jar of wine together, like we used to,” Zishu sighs wistfully, “Of all the things we are going to give up for this life, that might be the most difficult for me to part with.”

“But Ah Xu, we brought the sweetest wine with us!” Wen Kexing grins, leaning towards him over the table.

“…You mean in your flask?” Zhou Zishu blinks at him frowningly, “We cannot drink it anymore, even if you brought some.”

“I have been drinking this wine every day,” Lao Wen insists, eyes curving upwards as his smile deepens, mischievous and extremely self-satisfied. “This is a taste I would not sacrifice for anything.”

Zishu’s brows furrow in consternation, sensing a ruse, but not certain what the endgame could be yet.

“…Do you not want to know where the wine is?” Wen Kexing asks sweetly.

“If I ask, will it end this silly game any faster?”

“Hm, perhaps. That is entirely up to you.”

“…Where is it?” Zhou Zishu huffs out with a grumble, looking terribly put-upon.

“Here!” Lao Wen exclaims happily, placing one long finger directly against Zishu’s lips.

Zhou Zishu catches his hand on instinct, fighting a losing battle with the urge to roll his eyes.

“You are utterly preposterous.” He informs him evenly.

“I am also hopelessly charming and completely inescapable,” Wen Kexing agrees without the slightest hint of shame. He moves his finger to lightly trace one corner of Zhou Zishu’s mouth. “You, on the other hand, are both delicious and intoxicating. If were not trapped inside, I would whisk you out beneath the moonlight and drink you in until both of us were dizzy with sensation.”

“Do these types of brazen declarations actually work on people?” Zishu wonders.

“They worked on you,” Wen Kexing points out with a shrug, still smiling like a fool.

Zhou Zishu lets out long-suffering sigh, seemingly defeated, but he meets Lao Wen’s gaze without hesitation. A few heartbeats pass, and he turns his head slightly, just enough to brush the barest whisper of a kiss across the tip of the finger still hovering near his cheek. He smiles at the surprised silence that follows, pulling the hand in his grip closer to him, deciding to press a kiss into its palm as well.

Wen Kexing’s eyes on him are molten.

Zhou Zishu laughs.

“Well, I think we both know what works on you.”

“Ah Xu,” Wen Kexing exhales his name with a stuttering breath, a thread of supplication weaving through his voice.

Zishu’s expression softens exponentially.

“Alright.”

~

Zhou Zishu wakes up the next morning with a mild soreness that is becoming typical. His freshly rinsed clothes from the day before are folded neatly near the bed, along with their battered little washbasin and a damp handkerchief so he can wipe himself down before dressing. Wen Kexing is sitting at the narrow table in their reading nook, the sun sifting in through the high windows painting him with sweeps of warm golden light. His hair is still unbound, softening the angles of his face as he pours over the open book in front of him. A comb is loosely clasped within his left hand, seemingly forgotten.

Zishu takes the time to admire the scene in silence. He thinks again about what it means to take care of someone. To make a life from the ground up with nothing but your bare hands and your sincerity. To build a home within the walls of someone else’s heart.

He is still not certain he knows how to go about it, but no one said that the first step had to be the largest one.

It takes him a few minutes to quietly sweep away the traces of sweat and other things from the night before and pull his robe on. He is certain that Wen Kexing must have noticed, but he seems to be engrossed with his reading. Without waiting for acknowledgment or invitation, he pads across the room to pluck the wooden comb from Lao Wen’s elegant fingers.

“You won’t be able to read properly with your hair falling in your eyes like that.” He says it more brusquely than he meant to. His mouth twitches downward briefly in discontentment. That was not how he wanted to begin this.

For his own part, Wen Kexing simply turns his head slightly to blink up at him, a mix of warmth and mild surprise on his face.

“Are you offering to help me look pretty, Ah Xu?”

“You hardly need my help with that.”

Lao Wen shifts in his seat a little, as though he is so pleased with the compliment that he cannot quite hold it in.

“By all means,” he tells him, trying and failing to hold back a wide curling smile, “If you want to touch me anywhere, I would be that last person to stop you.”

Zhou Zihsu laughs.

“This I already know,” he says, leaning over to poke at one of the round mouth-shaped bruises along the side of Lao Wen’s throat.

Wen Kexing hisses and pulls a face as Zishu moves to sit behind him.

“And here I thought you were going to be tender with me,” he quips lightly.

Zhou Zishu stills for a moment, a portion of Lao Wen’s silvery hair already gathered in his left hand. He fiddles with the comb and stares and the shoulders of the man in front of him. His expression slides back towards uncertainty.

“I am.” He says finally. Wen Kexing reaches back and pats his knee. He can tell that he is smiling by the tilt of his head, and somehow it seems to ease the tension back out of his shoulders.

Without another word between them, he beings carefully running the comb through Lao Wen’s hair. He does his best to be gentle, but there are a few places with some especially stubborn tangles. Wen Kexing makes a low pained sound as he tries to pull the teeth of the comb through them, and Zhou Zishu pauses once again.

“Have you ever combed someone else’s hair before?” Wen Kexing wonders.

“…No,” Zhou Zishu confesses.

“Not even your shidi’s?” Wen Kexing presses, sounding surprised, “Didn’t you raise him once our master passed? Qin Jiuxiao was still too young to look after himself at the time, was he not?”

“We had servants at the Four Seasons Manor,” Zishu reminds him, “I was the new leader of a struggling sect. I was not going to spend time doing something that could easily be allocated to a maid. I helped him with his studies and I trained him in martial arts. He came to me with his troubles, but the more mundane chores of childrearing were handled by other people. I had too many other things to look after to go out of my way to make sure he was groomed every morning.”

“It was not a condemnation,” Wen Kexing says softly.

“I know.” He sighs.

“Do you wish you could have done more for him, now?”

“I…don’t know,” Zhou Zishu admits, “I don’t know if there was any more I could have done for him even if I wanted to. I was only sixteen when I became responsible for him. I barely knew how to run our sect, let alone how to be someone’s father figure. As his older brother, it was my job to keep him out of trouble, so that is what I tried to do. He had a good heart. A pure heart -like Chengling- and he was just as silly. I tried to make sure he never got his hands dirty the way I had to. We used to dream of the day the Window of Heaven would no longer be needed, and we would wander the jianghu together. Maybe, if that had happened, we might have had the chance for more moments like this.”

His hand trembles slightly and he tugs the comb harder than intended.

“Ai,” Wen Kexing winces, “Start closer to the bottom. It will be easier to get rid of the knots higher up once the ends are free of tangles.”

“Mn,” he acknowledges. “Sorry.”

He glances down at the comb in his hand. A crisp bouquet of carved wooden flowers in a dark cherry lacquer. Almost violet. He runs his thumb over it thoughtfully.

“Did you find this in the armory?” he asks, “It’s a woman’s comb, isn’t it?”

“Ah, no, I brought it with me,” Lao Wen says. His tone is casual, but almost abnormally so. Zishu squints down at the comb again to see if there is anything peculiar about it. But it just looks like a comb.

“Did it belong to your mother?” Zhou Zishu hazards a guess. “I thought the only thing you managed to take with you when the ghosts came was the hairpin.”

“…It belongs to Ah Xiang.”

Oh.

“When she was little, I would help her get dressed and do her hair up in the ugliest little buns you ever saw,” Wen Kexing continues in something of a daze, “I am sure I pulled her hair so many times, but she never complained. She was too scared I would throw her out. When she got a bit older, she would scold me when her braids were sloppy, but she wouldn’t let any of the girls from the department of the unfaithful do them, either. She only wanted me, and to this day I don’t know why.”

By this time Zhou Zishu has managed to tie back a portion of Lao Wen’s hair so it is no longer falling in his eyes. He thinks about attempting the usual little twist he wears it in, but it is already a bit crooked as it is and he suspects that would be beyond his abilities. He smooths the hair back from his forehead one last time, gently pulling a few strands loose at the sides to frame his face the way he likes it.

“She loved you.” He tells him quietly.

“I loved her, too.”

“I know.” He squeezes his shoulder.

“I found the comb in with my things when I woke up after…after…” Wen Kexing’s breathing becomes erratic, and Zhou Zishu wraps him up in his arms, pulling him back against his chest. Kexing refuses to meet his eyes, but he eventually seems to calm himself, reaching up and holding onto Zishu’s wrists for dear life. “I don’t know if there was some sort of mix up in the rush to leave Ghost Valley, or if Ah Xiang left it for me on purpose. Maybe she thought it would give her an excuse to come back, if she wanted. Maybe she just wanted me to remember all those early mornings when I used to do her hair for her. Or maybe… Maybe she thought I would forget her if she didn’t leave something behind.”

“She knew that she was going to miss you,” Zhou Zishu says, pressing a kiss into the crown of his head, “She wanted to make sure that you would miss her, too.”

A child takes after their parent, after all.

“I…was not as nice to her as I could have been,” Wen Kexing says thickly, “At first, it was because it was too dangerous. If the other ghosts knew she was precious to me, they would go after her as soon as it looked like I might be any sort of threat to them. I had to keep her at a distance to keep her safe. But later… Later on, I think I just forgot how to be kind to someone. And so, I was always making her worried that I would throw her away…”

“She knew,” Zhou Zishu soothes, “She knew your intentions. Who else could know you better?”

“You know me better,” Lao Wen sighs. “She was a bit too silly to understand me completely. Her heart was better than mine. She deserved better than me.”

“You raised her well.”

“Not well enough.”

They sit together in silence for a while, each lost in the memories of the children they could not save. There is grief, but there is understanding, too. The wordless empathy of touch. Zhou Zishu holds Wen Kexing in his arms and sees the ways their hurts fit together in perfect likeness. How just to know someone who knows him, someone with whom he freely shares his words and his space and his time without resentment or restraint, has allowed them both to become more of the people they had always wanted to be. And that…is a kind of caring, too.

Perhaps the most important kind.

The rest will come later.

“Lao Wen, I am afraid if you don’t get up, your hair will need combing again,” Zhou Zishu says after a long time has passed. He makes no move to relinquish his embrace, however.

“I’m not getting up,” Wen Kexing says stubbornly, “You can just comb my hair again for me later.”

“Oh?” Zhou Zishu laughs softly, “I thought I wasn’t very good at it.”

“You are not,” Lao Wen tells him bluntly, “But I’m spoiled now. You have to brush my hair for me every day.”

“Forever?”

“Forever.”

Zhou Zishu smiles, and holds him that much tighter.

“Alright.”

[fanficshiddles]

Recovering, Part 2/2

The team were apologetic to Loki after learning the truth. They even tried helping him out by making sure she had enough food and giving him tips about how to try and get her trust more.

Loki slowly managed to get Alice back to the stage where she was eating her cookies next to him. Just a foot away. But Loki knew not to make any sudden movements, he didn’t want to get mauled again if he could help it.

‘Alice.’ He said softly.

She lifted her head up straight away at hearing her name. He smiled and held out a cookie for her. ‘Good girl, Alice. Go on, take it. It’s ok.’

Alice looked at his outstretched hand warily, not sure about taking the cookie from his hand. But her hunger for the treat got the better of her and she quickly snatched it from him.

But it was progress in Loki’s eyes.

For safety reasons, he decided to teach her what bed meant. So when she was next to him, he carefully tossed a cookie onto her bed and said bed at the same time. She soon picked it up and would go there whenever he told her to.

That’s when he decided to leave the bathroom door open as a trial. He felt bad for keeping her cooped up in the bathroom.

He sat on his bed while he waited for her to venture out. She did, slowly, come out and look around. She wasn’t as panicked this time, so he didn’t have to worry about his room getting trashed.

But what he hadn’t taken into consideration was one idiotic brother who came barging in like there was a fire.

She freaked, naturally. But what surprised Loki the most was that she ran and hid behind him, instead of attacking Thor. Which part of him was slightly disappointed at.

After getting Thor out of his room and locking it, Alice went back to looking around. Once she had investigated every nook and cranny, she slowly went back into the bathroom to her bed.

Loki felt like he had her trust, at least to an extent. But he wished he could get to the stage of touching her, so he could try and get her more comfortable by washing her and sorting her hair out. Then getting better clothes onto her.

A week later, she came out of the bathroom more and more. Loki left the door open all the time for her.

But when she jumped up onto his bed once, he was surprised, yet pleased. She curled up at the bottom, finding it more comfortable than her own bed. He was warmed she trusted him enough now to do that, even closing her eyes.

He draped a blanket over her, she opened her eyes quickly and gave a warning snarl at him, but didn’t do anything else. Finding she liked the warmth the blanket brought.

When he woke one morning, he found Alice had moved up closer to him. She was looking at him curiously, at his hand that was flat on the bed beside him. He didn’t move, waiting to see what she would do.

She sniffed his hand first, then bit him! Which made him jump, it was quite painful.

‘NO!’ He said firmly and it was enough to make her eyes widen and she lurched backwards, falling off the bed to the floor. She then ran back to her bed in the bathroom for safety.

Loki groaned and rubbed his hand down his face. She had been doing so well, too. But she couldn’t bite people, that wasn’t right.

He went through to see her, she was curled up on her bed. He crouched down next to her and slowly put his hand out towards her. When she didn’t do anything, he praised her gently. But then when he was about to touch her, she started snarling at him.

‘No. Don’t do that.’ He said firmly, the tone giving her enough clarity that it was wrong.

She started trembling, scared when he kept reaching towards her. But then she froze completely when he just placed his hand on her arm. Her eyes were wide as she looked at his hand, as if she was thinking how dare he touch her!

But when it didn’t hurt, she relaxed a little and allowed him to stroke her arm. Then he managed to stroke her hair. Well, the best he could through all the mats.

Alice relaxed a lot at his touch, realising he wasn’t going to hurt her. He kept praising her and giving her cookies.

Not wanting to push his luck, he stopped and left her alone to process everything. But ten minutes later, she came wandering through to him. He was sitting at his desk when she came right up to him and bumped his leg with her head. He raised an eyebrow as he reached down and petted the top of her head. She seemed to enjoy that.

‘This is so weird.’ He said out loud, but quietly.

She was exactly like a feral cat that was starting to come round to its new owner. But she was a human… It felt so wrong, in a way. But he knew it would all help in the long run, he was making progress.

A few days later after continuing to make more progress with touching her, he decided to go for it.

He filled up the bath, she was at his side, curiously watching him do so. Without dumping her straight in, he grabbed a cloth and wetted it, then brought it to her face. She went to move away, but he gently told her not to.

‘No, don’t move away from me.’

When she stopped and allowed him to wipe the dirt from her cheek, he gave her a cookie. ‘Good girl, that’s it. I just want to get you clean, it will make you feel better.’

After being able to wipe her whole face, he couldn’t believe how dirty she actually was.

He knew he was going to have to cut her hair, because of the mats. He summoned scissors and, slowly, he managed to cut her hair with a lot of bribing with cookies. It was cut quite short, but he had managed to save some of it so she wasn’t bald.

Then, after a lot more bribing, he managed to finally get her into the bath. She still had the gown on, but it barely did anything to cover her. By now he had seen everything through it anyway. So he was able to get it off her. Luckily, she didn’t really understand what clothes were, so she wasn’t shy or embarrassed about it.

He’d actually found she was becoming more human-like, though. She often sat up a bit straighter instead of hunching down, like she was trying to copy him.

After washing her hair and body, having to drain the bath and re-fill it three times because of all the dirt that came off her, she was like a completely new woman.

Loki was rather stunned at her beauty. She looked to be around mid to late twenties. Her hair was dark blonde, which he would’ve never guessed before-hand. She had so many scars from where Hydra had hurt her, but her bruises were all healed.

Even Alice seemed surprised when she got out of the bath and looked at herself, she was so clean! It was confusing her.

Loki had some cosy pyjamas for her. But she fought against him when he tried to dress her. When he put on the pyjama bottoms, she kept wriggling and trying to kick out at him, not wanting them on. But he gently scolded her and once he had them on, she realised they were actually quite comfortable.

She lay on the bed next to Loki, fascinated with his hands. He let her just explore, since she was curious. But then she put her hand flat against his, her fingers uncurling more and her eyes widened, like she was just realising that she was the same as he was.

He saw the confusion and panic flash through her, she started to cry, which also made her panic more as she had never cried since the experiment so didn’t know what she was doing.

While Loki was delighted to see a human reaction out of her, it still hurt his heart to see her so distressed as she bolted into the corner of the room and curled up in fear. He rushed over to her and managed to console her, hugging her.

And she allowed him to hold her.

-

Loki knew that Alice had realised she was something more. Her brain was starting to work a bit better. He had hope now that she was redeemable, that she was still human in there.

It was just going to take time to get out of her.

He knew she would be ok being around the others now, as long as he was with her. He took her into the living room to meet the others. She was scared and kept hidden behind Loki for the most part, clinging to his leg as if for her life.

But it did help her, being able to watch them all go about their daily life. He could almost see the cogs turning in her brain as she worked out what they were doing. Even if she didn’t let go of Loki’s leg while he sat at the table to eat, she remained firmly attached to him.

After a few times going out to see the others, Loki tried teaching her to walk on two legs instead of relying on her hands as well.

She was crouching down on front of him and he took hold of her hands. She looked panicked when he started to slowly stand up straight, taking her hands with him. Her knees were still bent but they were slowly straightening, he could see the panic in her eyes.

‘You’re alright, Alice. I’ve got you, you’re safe. Good girl.’ He said gently, keeping her calm.

Over time, he was able to teach her to walk on two legs. She was often a bit wobbly and needed his hand for support, but she was getting better every day. He could see she was determined to do it, the concentration and focus was there.

Her brain was definitely starting to become more human again. She was making more human noises, not so much animal ones. Loki was teaching her to speak, she could almost say her name. But she was also understanding a lot more of what he said.

She knew bed time, time to eat, let’s go see the others, good girl, bad girl, bath time and of course her own name. Slowly she was learning more and more, understanding more sentences and picking up on bits and pieces from what Loki said.

The team were amazed at how well Loki had done with Alice. They didn’t think he had it in him, to nourish and teach someone that he once deemed lower than himself.

But it was no doubt that Loki had fallen in love with Alice. How could he not? After spending so much time with her, helping her to heal and learn all over again.

One evening, he was sat on his bed reading to Alice, who was lying next to him with her head on his lap while he stroked her hair.

Once he finished reading, he put his book down. He smiled as he looked down at Alice, who was enjoying his attention. But then something happened that shocked him, but made him absolutely delighted.

She looked up at him and spoke her first word.

‘Loki.’ She said, it sounded a little croaky, but there was no denying what she said.

Loki beamed happily.

‘Well done, Alice. Good girl.’ He said excitedly as she repeated his name over and over again. Making sure she could say it well.

After that, there was no stopping her. She was able to say more and more words as the days went on. Loki was able to teach her to form sentences, too. And she just kept learning and growing from there at speed.

When she was able to make proper conversations with Loki and the team, everyone was delighted and so pleased.

She was able to tell them what she could remember, which wasn’t much. Aside from waking up one day, feeling like an animal. Going on animal instincts, unable to think as a human at all. She remembered agents attacking her, hitting her and electrocuting her a lot.

Alice still had a long way to go with her recovery, but she was getting there. And she would have Loki there to teach her every step of the way.

The team asked if she wanted her own room now, to give her privacy. But she said she wanted to remain with Loki. Not realising that it wasn’t completely appropriate. That was something else Loki was going to have to… teach her in the future.

But with the way she kept clinging to him, even now she was more confident as a human, he knew that she was his. And he was as much hers.

[mascwhump]

Chapter 7 - Classified

TW: blood, mild manhandling

Tag list: @whatwasmyprevioususername @milk-carton-whump @whumpasaurus101 @whatwhumpcomments @mnmlover2002 @ashintheairlikesnow

-

There was a heavy silence in the room while Mallory scanned the pages of Crow's journal. Crow was understandably agitated. He was pulling against the chains with a scowl on his face.

"'March 22nd,'" Mallory began reading, "'The new kid comes today. Don't know much about him, only that he's a great shot. He'll be the only yank on the team. Expecting a lot of fun to come from that. Adrian already has a few ideas for how we can fuck with him.'"

Charlie cracked a small smile. They did indeed give him a lot of shit for being American. Adrian had enough pranks to last him months. Mallory flipped the page and continued reading.

"'March 23rd. Kid seems nice. He's pretty quiet. I wonder how long that'll last. He did the dishes without being asked last night. If he keeps that up, I might have to work harder to keep his arse around.’"

"It didn't last long," Adrian said, laughing.

Crow shot him a look that made him silent. Charlie had to admit, it was sort of nice to know what Crow was thinking for once. He had a feeling Adrian and Ethan felt the same way, but the clear invasion of privacy made it bittersweet. Mallory flipped to the next page but didn't read anything from it, instead he went back to skimming. He flipped about 15 pages before reading again.

"’April 9th. At the range. I'm sitting here wondering where the kid learned to shoot like that. He handles that sniper like Van Gogh handled a paintbrush. It's an art.’ Sounds like you’ve got an admirer, Charlie.”

Crow looked at the floor, avoiding eye contact. He had a blank expression now, but he was chewing on his lip. Charlie felt guilty. The room was quiet for a little while as Mallory skimmed through more pages.

“You’re a pretty good artist, I’ll give you that,” Mallory said, turning the journal toward the group. It was a drawing of some mountains from a previous mission. The team had remained in that spot for almost twelve hours, waiting for nightfall. It was incredibly detailed and took up both pages of the book. Mallory went back to flipping pages, and finally stopped on one.

“Oh, this. This is what I was looking for,” he said, a smirk growing on his lips.

Crow’s head shot toward him, the color draining from his face. He must’ve known what page he found. He opened his mouth to protest, but Mallory started to read.

“‘August 22nd. Got a few days off. Celebrated by drinking. I’m drunk. Too many drinks. Charlie fell in the fire pit. Will now be known as Flame. I’m too drunk. Had to hide in my room. Too afraid of saying something I shouldn’t. Charlie came to the door and asked me to come back. Told him I would. I’m afraid. Can’t fuck this up.’”

“Stop,” Crow muttered.

Charlie’s heart was in his throat. He was nervous; he couldn’t imagine what Crow was feeling. Adrian was looking over at him, and Ethan was acting like he wasn’t paying attention. Mallory continued to the next page.

“‘I read that writing down what you’re feeling and then burning the paper is a good way to solve bad feelings. It’s not a bad feeling but maybe it’ll make me stop thinking about it. I’m going to try. I knew on the first day that he would be special. Just didn’t realize how much so. Didn’t know someone could make me feel this way. I hate it. Hate that I’ll never be able to say it out loud. Sometimes I watch him, and I just want to tell him everything. I hope he knows that he’s perfect.’”

Crow pulled his knees up and hid his face in them. Mallory snapped the journal closed. He didn’t say anything, but looked around the room with a delighted look. Charlie’s heart was racing. Between what he just heard and his low blood sugar, he thought he would pass out.

“I’ll let you all sit with that for awhile. Charlie, you still need to get cleaned up,” Mallory said

He handed the journal to one of the soldiers and told them to wipe Ethan’s face with a rag.

“If you fight me again, Charlie, I won’t just stab you, but I’ll stab everyone else in this room,” Mallory threatened.

Charlie nodded. The handcuffs came off and were put back on after he stood. He took a glance at his team before leaving the room. Mallory lead him down the hall, one hand on his arm and the other on his shoulder.

“So, tell me. How do you feel about that?” He asked.

“About what?” Charlie asked.

“About what your Captain wrote about you, idiot.”

“Don’t know yet,” Charlie mumbled.

He was too focused on the intense nausea to think about it.

“Well, I think it’s kind of sweet, you know? Although, it’s a little problematic. Superior-subordinate relationships tend to be frowned upon. Not to mention the fact that you’re both men. The military really doesn’t like that, from what I hear.”

Charlie stopped walking.

“I don’t need your input,” he spat, “This doesn’t involve you whatsoever.”

“Oh, but it does. After all, if it wasn’t for me, you most likely would never have even found out,” Mallory replied, nudging Charlie to keep moving.

Charlie grit his teeth and kept walking. He didn’t have the energy to fight it. They continued until they reached a door near the end of the hall. It was the room Charlie had been kept in the last few weeks. He swallowed, eyeing his blanket in the corner of the room. Mallory pushed him toward the bathroom and had him stand in the corner while he ran the bath. Once it was filled, he removed the handcuffs from Charlie’s wrists.

“I’ll be outside,” Mallory said.

He stepped out and shut the curtain. Charlie undressed and slipped in the bath. He grabbed a washcloth from the side and scrubbed the dried blood from his abdomen and face.

“I bet you’re hungry,” Mallory said from outside.

Charlie didn’t reply. He scrubbed his skin until it was red, then rinsed off before stepping out of the bath.

“Uh, there’s no towel,” he said.

“That’s unfortunate. I’m not leaving you to go get one,” Mallory said.

“Then what the fuck am I supposed to do?”

“Just put on your clothes.”

Charlie sighed and slipped on his underwear and sweatpants over his wet skin.

“Are you dressed?”

“Yup.”

Mallory slid open the curtain.

“Ha, your hair is kind of cute when it’s wet,” he said.

“Don’t fucking call me cute,” Charlie hissed.

They left the bathroom. Mallory walked over to the wall where the chains were and motioned for Charlie to come to him.

“You’re leaving me in here?”

“For now.”

Charlie didn’t protest. He wanted to go back to his team, but he knew that he wouldn’t win this battle. He reluctantly let Mallory attach the chains that kept him to the wall.

“Remember, you still owe me a favor,” Mallory said as he left the room.

Charlie sat on the floor next to his mat. He didn’t want to get it or his blanket wet. He closed his eyes. All he could think about now was food. His hands were cold and shaking as he fought the nausea. Luckily, it wasn’t long before the door opened again. This time, a solider entered with a plate of food. His eyes lit up. She placed it on the floor in front of him and stood against the back wall while he ate.

It was a boring meal of cooked carrots, a bread roll, and a tiny slice of ham. He didn’t care. He ate fast, almost too fast. The food was gone in a minute and the solider took the plate before leaving. Slowly feeling his energy and strength returning, he let out a content sigh. His mind was clearing up.

He wasn’t sure if that was blessing or a curse, because now, all he could think about was Crow.

He knew he wasn’t bothered. He was just confused. It was a surprise to him; he never would have guessed in a million years that Crow felt that way about him. Then again, Crow was a master at hiding emotion. He could be having the best day of his life and still keep a straight face. He was the definition of running away from your problems.

Charlie was worried about what was going to change. He knew it would be awkward. Not just between them, but the entire team. It had to be discussed. There couldn’t be an elephant in the room. But that would have to wait - this wasn’t the time or place to do it.

He started to get a headache. He crawled under his blanket on his mat and closed his eyes.

-

When Charlie woke up, his mouth was dry and his headache hadn’t gotten any better. He groaned as he sat up, vision blurry. He froze when he noticed Mallory sitting in the corner of the room. He was scrolling on his phone, and glanced up at Charlie before going back to what he was doing.

“What are you doing?” Charlie questioned as he began rubbing his temples.

Mallory ignored him. He stood up, but stayed in the opposite side of the room. Charlie watched him, confused, as he started typing. Finally, after a few minutes, he walked over to Charlie.

“I have a question for you. You have one chance to tell me the truth,” Mallory said.

He turned his phone to face Charlie. On the screen was a video of Deke on CCTV. He was in a stolen uniform of one of the soldiers. He entered a room, then left with a file in hand.

“Who is this?”

[crazy4dragons]

Bath

Hiccup treats Astrid to a bath on their honeymoon. Like Heaven AU. Rated PG13 for some mild sexual implications.

“What’s this?” Astrid asked, shuffling into the dim hotel bathroom, where she was met with the sight of Hiccup lighting candles.

Hiccup turned around and offered a lopsided grin. “I know you like baths, and since we don’t have a tub at home, and since this is our honeymoon, I thought it would be nice to…you know, surprise you with one.” He dropped rose petals into the steaming, bubbly tub. 

“Well, I appreciate it. But as you can see, the tub is big enough for two…” She raised an eyebrow and gave a flirty wink. 

“Okay, I’ll join you. On one condition: You let me share some of this wine I poured for you.” He gestured to the wine glass that was sitting on the edge of the tub.

“Deal.”

As Astrid began undressing, Hiccup turned on the heat lamp before discarding his own clothes and following his wife into the bath.

A delighted moan escaped Astrid’s lips as she leaned against Hiccup’s chest, bubbles lapping at her chin.

Hiccup gently massaged Astrid’s neck and shoulders, occasionally allowing his hands to slip down and rub her arms. Pressing a soft kiss into her hair, he said, “Now milady, I just want you to relax. I got you, okay?”

“But what about you?” she asked.

“Shhh. I’m not the one who craves a good bath. What would make me the happiest right now is if you would let me get you all massaged and washed up. I got a fresh bar of soap, some nice-smelling shampoo, and the perfect conditioner to get you a good, deep conditioning. With a scalp massage, of course.” He dug his fingers into her hair and rubbed her scalp.

Astrid closed her eyes and smiled. “Just like when we were in high school and you’d play with my hair while we were soaking in your parents’ hot tub.”

“Only now, no swimsuits required,” Hiccup teased. He cupped his palms and, after gathering water, gently splashed it into Astrid’s head, soaking her hair. Then, he poured shampoo into his hands and went back to massaging her scalp.

“Mmm-hmm.” She placed a hand on his thigh. “Do you mind handing me that wine, babe?”

Hiccup handed Astrid the wine glass. “Here you go. See? I told you I got you.”

“I never doubted you.” After taking a few sips, she reached up and put it back in its place, the heat lamp shining on her bare skin as she emerged from the water. “The heat feels amazing,” she sighed, sinking back down into the bubbles.

“I thought you’d like it. I put your towel right under it, too, so it should be nice and toasty when you get out.” He continued working his fingers through her hair. “No need to worry about shivers and goosebumps.” Hiccup pressed a kiss against her cheek.

“Mmm. This is definitely one of your better ideas.”

“What do you mean, ‘better ideas?’”

“Well, there was the time you decided it would be a good idea to drive across the entire island without a GPS. And there was the time you went out grocery shopping before I woke up, didn’t bring your phone, ended up getting a flat tire and I couldn’t find you because I didn’t know where you went.”

“Hey, both those things happened months ago.” He wrapped his arms around her middle and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Alright, your hair’s all shampooed. You wanna lean back and rinse?”

Astrid tilted her head back into the water and, after giving her a hair a good rinse, sat up and squeezed the extra water out.

“Okay, let’s get you conditioned now.”

“Sounds good.” She reached for the glass of wine and took a drink before offering it to Hiccup. “You want some, babe?”

Accepting the glass, he sipped the wine before placing it back on the edge of the tub and turning his attention back to Astrid’s hair. After massaging her scalp again, taking care to check that none of the bubble bath suds had gotten caught in it while she rinsing, he poured conditioner into his palm and worked it through her golden locks.

“Alright, now the instructions say to let it sit for at least ten minutes before you rinse. So how about I get started on your body?”

Astrid nodded in agreement.

“I’m gonna get your back last, because I want to make sure you get a good massage before you get out.” He grabbed the bar of soap, lathered up his hands, and soaped up her arms.

“Mmm-hmm.” She sank against his chest as he rubbed her arms, stopping at her hands to slip his fingers between hers. A smile crept across her lips at the feeling of his ring against her skin. Hiccup wasn’t one to wear jewelry, but he happily wore his wedding band and swore on their wedding night that he’d never take it off.

After allowing her to rinse off the soap suds, he reached around to her front and allowed his fingers to graze her breasts. “Do you mind if I…”

Astrid laughed. “Only you would act awkward about touching my boobs on our honeymoon. We’re married for Thor’s sake. Of course I don’t mind.”

“Hey, just because we’re naked doesn’t mean you want me to grab your boobs. Maybe you were hoping for a perfectly innocent bath with me.”

“And when were we ever innocent?”

“When we were in high school.”

“Considering you admitted to jerking off while fantasizing about what I looked like naked, and considering I stared at your abs at the beach, I wouldn’t say we were innocent.”

“Hey, I’m sorry, okay?”

“You know, if you wanted to know so badly, you could’ve just asked.”

“Please, Astrid.”

“Hey, we were close enough that I probably would’ve flashed you my boobs if you really wanted to see them.”

Hiccup cupped Astrid’s breasts. “And why am I just finding out about this now?”

“Because you never asked, you muttonhead.”

“So you’re saying I should’ve asked? And risked getting punched?”

“I wouldn’t have punched you!” insisted Astrid.

“And how was I supposed to know that?”

“You could’ve taken a chance.” She leaned against his chest and let out a soft moan as he caressed her nipples with his thumbs.

“Am I turning you on?” smirked Hiccup, bending down to kiss Astrid’s lips.

“What do you think? You know I have sensitive nipples,” she laughed.

“Mmm-hmm. That was the very first thing I found out about your body. And lucky for you, I’m a boob guy, so it all evens out.” He slid his hands down her sides, tracing her curves until he reached her thighs.

“Did you ever think about trying a whole body massage as foreplay? We could get oils and lotions and you could give me a nice rub all over?”

“It hasn’t crossed my mind, but if that’s one of your fantasies, then I’m all for it.” He splashed water over her torso to wash away the soap suds.

“But do you think you’d like it?”

“Of course. I’m down for whatever you are.” He winked. “As long as I can see you naked and get fucked, you know I’m perfectly content.” He lathered up his hands. “Alright, milady, let’s get your back scrubbed.”

Astrid leaned forward and, hugging her legs to her chest, rested her chin on her knees. “Remember when I’d ask you to wash my back before we were a thing? And you’d pretend to be pissed but you’d do it anyway?”

“Looking back, I think me pretending to be pissed was my weak attempt at flirting with you.” He kneaded her shoulders.

“Why didn’t you just ask me to be your girlfriend?”

“I’ve told you before. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship.” He paused. “Why didn’t you ask me to be your boyfriend?”

Astrid shrugged. “I’d thought about it. But I didn’t think you liked me like that.”

“I guess I should’ve flirted harder.”

“I don’t know about that. I think I was just blind. I mean, we were best friends for so long, I guess I didn’t think that it was possible you liked me as anything else. Although I should’ve known we’d end up marrying each other.”

“Oh, yeah? Why do you say that?”

“For one, you’d seen my bare ass too many times for things to really be platonic.”

Hiccup laughed. “Hey, I wasn’t complaining about that.”

“But on a more serious note, I don’t think either of us would’ve ever really accepted having to grow apart like we would’ve had to do if we’d married anyone else. We couldn’t have kept having sleepovers, and movie nights, and casually cuddling. And we probably wouldn’t have told each other everything anymore, considering we’d be busy with our spouses and wouldn’t be spending all this one-on-one time together.”

“And how grateful I am that we can have a sleepover every night. Pajamas optional.” Hiccup winked.

“You don’t have to flirt anymore,” laughed Astrid.

“Gotta keep the sparks alive.” He rubbed circles onto her back.

The blonde closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh. “Speaking of pajamas optional, I was thinking of sleeping naked tonight.”

“I approve.”

“Will you do it with me?”

“Is that a trick question?” He kissed the space below her ear. “Alright, you’re all scrubbed and massaged.” After splashing water onto her back and freshly conditioned hair, he handed her the wine glass. “Wanna finish this off before we get out?”

“Of course.” Astrid quickly drank the rest of the wine, then squeezed out her hair and started to rise.

“Wait just a minute, milady. Remember? This was my treat to you. I’ll bring your towel to you first.” Hiccup climbed out of the tub and wrapped a towel around his own waist before grabbing Astrid’s and holding it up. When she stepped onto the bath mat, he enveloped her in it and kissed her neck.

Astrid smirked. “Trying to get laid?”

“Well, if we’re going to bed naked, we might as well…” He reached under the towel and pinched her nipple.

“Stop right there,” she cut in, winding her arms around his neck and pressing a hungry kiss onto his lips.

[imagine-loki]

Recovering, Part 2/2

TITLE: Recovering CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Part 2 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki comes across a failed Hydra experiment. She looks to be an ordinary human, but Loki quickly learns she has the mind of a wild animal.  RATING: M

The team were apologetic to Loki after learning the truth. They even tried helping him out by making sure she had enough food and giving him tips about how to try and get her trust more.

Loki slowly managed to get Alice back to the stage where she was eating her cookies next to him. Just a foot away. But Loki knew not to make any sudden movements, he didn’t want to get mauled again if he could help it.

‘Alice.’ He said softly.

She lifted her head up straight away at hearing her name. He smiled and held out a cookie for her. ‘Good girl, Alice. Go on, take it. It’s ok.’

Alice looked at his outstretched hand warily, not sure about taking the cookie from his hand. But her hunger for the treat got the better of her and she quickly snatched it from him.

But it was progress in Loki’s eyes.

For safety reasons, he decided to teach her what bed meant. So when she was next to him, he carefully tossed a cookie onto her bed and said bed at the same time. She soon picked it up and would go there whenever he told her to.

That’s when he decided to leave the bathroom door open as a trial. He felt bad for keeping her cooped up in the bathroom.

He sat on his bed while he waited for her to venture out. She did, slowly, come out and look around. She wasn’t as panicked this time, so he didn’t have to worry about his room getting trashed.

But what he hadn’t taken into consideration was one idiotic brother who came barging in like there was a fire.

She freaked, naturally. But what surprised Loki the most was that she ran and hid behind him, instead of attacking Thor. Which part of him was slightly disappointed at.

After getting Thor out of his room and locking it, Alice went back to looking around. Once she had investigated every nook and cranny, she slowly went back into the bathroom to her bed.

Loki felt like he had her trust, at least to an extent. But he wished he could get to the stage of touching her, so he could try and get her more comfortable by washing her and sorting her hair out. Then getting better clothes onto her.

A week later, she came out of the bathroom more and more. Loki left the door open all the time for her.

But when she jumped up onto his bed once, he was surprised, yet pleased. She curled up at the bottom, finding it more comfortable than her own bed. He was warmed she trusted him enough now to do that, even closing her eyes.

He draped a blanket over her, she opened her eyes quickly and gave a warning snarl at him, but didn’t do anything else. Finding she liked the warmth the blanket brought.

When he woke one morning, he found Alice had moved up closer to him. She was looking at him curiously, at his hand that was flat on the bed beside him. He didn’t move, waiting to see what she would do.

She sniffed his hand first, then bit him! Which made him jump, it was quite painful.

‘NO!’ He said firmly and it was enough to make her eyes widen and she lurched backwards, falling off the bed to the floor. She then ran back to her bed in the bathroom for safety.

Loki groaned and rubbed his hand down his face. She had been doing so well, too. But she couldn’t bite people, that wasn’t right.

He went through to see her, she was curled up on her bed. He crouched down next to her and slowly put his hand out towards her. When she didn’t do anything, he praised her gently. But then when he was about to touch her, she started snarling at him.

‘No. Don’t do that.’ He said firmly, the tone giving her enough clarity that it was wrong.

She started trembling, scared when he kept reaching towards her. But then she froze completely when he just placed his hand on her arm. Her eyes were wide as she looked at his hand, as if she was thinking how dare he touch her!

But when it didn’t hurt, she relaxed a little and allowed him to stroke her arm. Then he managed to stroke her hair. Well, the best he could through all the mats.

Alice relaxed a lot at his touch, realising he wasn’t going to hurt her. He kept praising her and giving her cookies.

Not wanting to push his luck, he stopped and left her alone to process everything. But ten minutes later, she came wandering through to him. He was sitting at his desk when she came right up to him and bumped his leg with her head. He raised an eyebrow as he reached down and petted the top of her head. She seemed to enjoy that.

‘This is so weird.’ He said out loud, but quietly.

She was exactly like a feral cat that was starting to come round to its new owner. But she was a human… It felt so wrong, in a way. But he knew it would all help in the long run, he was making progress.

A few days later after continuing to make more progress with touching her, he decided to go for it.

He filled up the bath, she was at his side, curiously watching him do so. Without dumping her straight in, he grabbed a cloth and wetted it, then brought it to her face. She went to move away, but he gently told her not to.

‘No, don’t move away from me.’

When she stopped and allowed him to wipe the dirt from her cheek, he gave her a cookie. ‘Good girl, that’s it. I just want to get you clean, it will make you feel better.’

After being able to wipe her whole face, he couldn’t believe how dirty she actually was.

He knew he was going to have to cut her hair, because of the mats. He summoned scissors and, slowly, he managed to cut her hair with a lot of bribing with cookies. It was cut quite short, but he had managed to save some of it so she wasn’t bald.

Then, after a lot more bribing, he managed to finally get her into the bath. She still had the gown on, but it barely did anything to cover her. By now he had seen everything through it anyway. So he was able to get it off her. Luckily, she didn’t really understand what clothes were, so she wasn’t shy or embarrassed about it.

He’d actually found she was becoming more human-like, though. She often sat up a bit straighter instead of hunching down, like she was trying to copy him.

After washing her hair and body, having to drain the bath and re-fill it three times because of all the dirt that came off her, she was like a completely new woman.

Loki was rather stunned at her beauty. She looked to be around mid to late twenties. Her hair was dark blonde, which he would’ve never guessed before-hand. She had so many scars from where Hydra had hurt her, but her bruises were all healed.

Even Alice seemed surprised when she got out of the bath and looked at herself, she was so clean! It was confusing her.

Loki had some cosy pyjamas for her. But she fought against him when he tried to dress her. When he put on the pyjama bottoms, she kept wriggling and trying to kick out at him, not wanting them on. But he gently scolded her and once he had them on, she realised they were actually quite comfortable.

She lay on the bed next to Loki, fascinated with his hands. He let her just explore, since she was curious. But then she put her hand flat against his, her fingers uncurling more and her eyes widened, like she was just realising that she was the same as he was.

He saw the confusion and panic flash through her, she started to cry, which also made her panic more as she had never cried since the experiment so didn’t know what she was doing.

While Loki was delighted to see a human reaction out of her, it still hurt his heart to see her so distressed as she bolted into the corner of the room and curled up in fear. He rushed over to her and managed to console her, hugging her.

And she allowed him to hold her.

-

Loki knew that Alice had realised she was something more. Her brain was starting to work a bit better. He had hope now that she was redeemable, that she was still human in there.

It was just going to take time to get out of her.

He knew she would be ok being around the others now, as long as he was with her. He took her into the living room to meet the others. She was scared and kept hidden behind Loki for the most part, clinging to his leg as if for her life.

But it did help her, being able to watch them all go about their daily life. He could almost see the cogs turning in her brain as she worked out what they were doing. Even if she didn’t let go of Loki’s leg while he sat at the table to eat, she remained firmly attached to him.

After a few times going out to see the others, Loki tried teaching her to walk on two legs instead of relying on her hands as well.

She was crouching down on front of him and he took hold of her hands. She looked panicked when he started to slowly stand up straight, taking her hands with him. Her knees were still bent but they were slowly straightening, he could see the panic in her eyes.

‘You’re alright, Alice. I’ve got you, you’re safe. Good girl.’ He said gently, keeping her calm.

Over time, he was able to teach her to walk on two legs. She was often a bit wobbly and needed his hand for support, but she was getting better every day. He could see she was determined to do it, the concentration and focus was there.

Her brain was definitely starting to become more human again. She was making more human noises, not so much animal ones. Loki was teaching her to speak, she could almost say her name. But she was also understanding a lot more of what he said.

She knew bed time, time to eat, let’s go see the others, good girl, bad girl, bath time and of course her own name. Slowly she was learning more and more, understanding more sentences and picking up on bits and pieces from what Loki said.

The team were amazed at how well Loki had done with Alice. They didn’t think he had it in him, to nourish and teach someone that he once deemed lower than himself.

But it was no doubt that Loki had fallen in love with Alice. How could he not? After spending so much time with her, helping her to heal and learn all over again.

One evening, he was sat on his bed reading to Alice, who was lying next to him with her head on his lap while he stroked her hair.

Once he finished reading, he put his book down. He smiled as he looked down at Alice, who was enjoying his attention. But then something happened that shocked him, but made him absolutely delighted.

She looked up at him and spoke her first word.

‘Loki.’ She said, it sounded a little croaky, but there was no denying what she said.

Loki beamed happily.

‘Well done, Alice. Good girl.’ He said excitedly as she repeated his name over and over again. Making sure she could say it well.

After that, there was no stopping her. She was able to say more and more words as the days went on. Loki was able to teach her to form sentences, too. And she just kept learning and growing from there at speed.

When she was able to make proper conversations with Loki and the team, everyone was delighted and so pleased.

She was able to tell them what she could remember, which wasn’t much. Aside from waking up one day, feeling like an animal. Going on animal instincts, unable to think as a human at all. She remembered agents attacking her, hitting her and electrocuting her a lot.

Alice still had a long way to go with her recovery, but she was getting there. And she would have Loki there to teach her every step of the way.

The team asked if she wanted her own room now, to give her privacy. But she said she wanted to remain with Loki. Not realising that it wasn’t completely appropriate. That was something else Loki was going to have to… teach her in the future.

But with the way she kept clinging to him, even now she was more confident as a human, he knew that she was his. And he was as much hers.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

From Chin To Yon Rah (Part 30)

She knows that there is not a soul left in the world that cares for her. She knows it because if there was, someone would have reached out and taken her hand. Someone would have realized that she was slowly dying and they would have given her at least a little sip of water and a small morsel to eat. 

Nobody does. 

Because nobody cares. 

For all of its heat, she is certain that the Fire Nation is colder than the poles. 

No wonder she herself is so cold.

Her body aches and pains in ways she hadn’t thought possible. Dehydration leaves her muscles cramped without mercy. She puts one foot in front of the other, over and over. Her mind has grown numb to all else. Her head throbs and she has run out of sweat. She stumbles and pitches forward. She doesn’t have the energy to pick herself back up and so she drags herself on all fours. Crawling on her hands and knees. 

She doesn’t think of anything else, just of moving limb after limb until she finds herself at the base of a cliff. The Black Cliffs she realizes, faintly. She drags herself to the shoreline, tears welling in her eyes. 

She greedily laps at the water, feeling just as uncivilized as she has become. She thinks that there is nothing left of who she had been. Nothing good anyhow. She is certain that she has still retained and regained all of the most unsavory bits. 

After helping herself to copious amounts of water, she lets her body fall limp. Arm outstretched, her fingers dip into the water. Water that laps gently at the sand. The cliffs tower high above her, shadows washing over her. Atop them, short strands of grass sway and swish. A fuzzy green to adorn the otherwise craggy landscape.She bunches herself up; at the very least she will have a nice view to go with her death.

She doesn’t expect to wake up but she does. And she awakes to familiar pains. At least she is no longer thirsty, at least the water cools her body. At least she can refill the waterskin. But how terribly her stomach pangs. And the sun burns on her skin sear a bright red. Her skin is already peeling in places, she feels even less human.

She climbs to her feet anyhow, dizzy, swaying. 

She walks for miles, empty headed, reduced to nothing but the aches in her stomach and feet. The throbbing of her head. 

She isn’t going to make it, she isn’t sure why she is trying. 

She wonders if her corpse will be found and if she will be buried respectfully or unceremoniously. Perhaps her body will rot where it falls…

Approaching from the other direction, she sees the first people that she had encountered in days...weeks? 

She wonders if it would make a difference to tell them that she is their princess.

She recalls her haggard state and wonders if they’d believe her.

She approaches them.

She opens her mouth. She knows that she had.

But the blackness overtakes her--she isn’t sure if she had gotten any word out. Her body, spent and at its limit trembles all over even in sleep. She doesn’t wake up for some time. And when she does, she wakes alone. Alone and somewhere entirely new. 

Her heart thunders in her chest; where have they taken her? Is she dead? It’s dark. She chokes out a little sob. She doesn’t know where she is or how she got there. She shivers; what if she has gotten herself mixed up with the slave traders? Agni, can’t the universe at least let her die a free woman?

But her hands, her ankles...they aren’t bound.

Curiously, her middle doesn’t ache quite as terribly. They, whoever they are, must have fed her. 

Azula sits up and the tarp falls away. She looks around and her eyes fall upon a stocky man with a full beard and ample eyebrows. “What…?” She gestures to the tarp. The man catches it before it can blow away entirely.

“It was to keep the sun off of you.” The man says gruffly. He is a soldier. She thinks that she recognizes him. She can’t put a name to a face right now, neither can she put it to a memory.

Still shaking, she rakes her hands through her hair. 

Her hair!

Her dismay must have registered on her face because the man states plainly, “Matted. We wouldn’t have been able to comb it so we cut it.”

She falls back to the floor of the cart. It doesn’t matter. Long, lustrous hair is for the dignified anyways. She bunches herself back up. 

“We’ll take you as far as the outskirts of Caldera City, then you fend for yourself.” 

She manages a small nod but inquires, “why did you pick me up at all?”

“We’re not savages. We’re trying to show the world that the Fire Nation isn’t cruel.” The soldier shrugs.

But compared to everywhere else that she has been, it is. Very much so. 

“But we’re not about to give rewards to someone like you.”

“Like me?” It is an impulse to ask.

“Dirty. Dumb. Useless. You haven’t earned your keep.”

And now she recognizes him. He had been one of Admiral Zhao’s subordinates. Arrogant and dumber than he thinks she. She has earned her keep more than thrice over. It isn’t her fault that the universe keeps stealing it away from her. 

It isn’t her fault that the universe has a vendetta against her specifically. That it is trying to give her the fill of bad luck she had missed. Maybe in another fourteen years--maybe eleven to twelve if the years she has suffered already count--she will fall into another era of fortune. 

Maybe if she can last that long.

“You gonna get a job when you get to the outskirts or are you gonna…”

She doesn’t have the patience to listen to him anymore. Doesn’t have the patience for small minded assumptions and baseless judgements. She doesn’t have the emotional energy to deal with her own former ideals thrown back at her again. And again. And again…

She isn’t sure how many times she has to pay for them.

When it will end. 

When the world will finally acknowledge that she is doing her best. That she isn’t evil through and through; that she is just a woman who wants a home and peace of mind…

The rocking of the cart jars and unsettles her.

She thinks that she has learned it quite a while back but more subtly, kindly; that day she learns not to sneer at those who are down on their luck. She doesn’t know them. They don’t know her.

.oOo.

She is almost overwhelmed by how much attention she is getting. Mostly it is from Sokka who holds her as close as he physically can. But it is from Zuko too, who fixes her some tea (“just the way uncle always makes it!”) and from TyLee who gushes over what a caring mother she is until her cheeks grow red. It comes from Mai who brings her scrolls to read and occupy her mind with. From the servants and Lo and Li...

Caihong hasn’t spoken with her since she delivered the bad news nearly four days ago. 

“Trust me. Children are just like that.” Ursa insists. “She’ll come around.” 

But Azula hadn’t. 

She still hasn’t. 

She is still angry with the woman. 

The woman who had left her feeling neglected and hated for much of her life. The woman who, with uncle in tow, finally made her appearance--and at the worst possible time--two days prior. 

And yet the woman has her hand on the small of her back and rubs in small circles. At least Iroh knows to keep his distance. But really, aside from the lashing of her tongue, there isn’t a particular risk in pestering her. 

Ursa reaches out and grazes her fingers over the scar on Azula’s neck. The princess flinches back and her mother grimaces. 

“What happened, dear?”

“Ask Zuzu.” She is so tired and she doesn’t feel like explaining it again. She really doesn’t feel like dealing with more pity. 

“She’s been through a lot.” Sokka takes his seat at the edge of the bed. “And she can use some fresh air. Let's go for a walk, Azula.”

“I’d rather not.”

“You shouldn’t just sit in your room all day.”

“I’m not. I leave occasionally to get something to eat and have my bath…” 

“What about to socialize?”

Azula crinkles her nose and he laughs. She is in utter distress and he is laughing. “Talking to people isn’t that bad. Look how nice all of the Earth Kingdomers were to you.” He gestures to her journal. 

She takes it in her hands and stares at it for sometime before shoving it into Ursa’s arms. “Talk to me when you’re done reading it.” 

“Azula--!?”

“You haven’t even read the first page yet.” She scoffs. 

“You shouldn’t be so mean to your--”

Azula cuts him a glare.

“Strawberry garden, let’s check on that.” This time it is a nervous laugh. 

She grabs his hand and quite roughly. She doesn’t mean to be so rough, but he doesn’t even flinch. Caihong is already in the garden when they arrive, babbling away with TyLee. She holds Bao up with a delighted squeal. 

Azula sits down next to the child who turns around with a “hmph!” 

“Oh come on, Caihong,” TyLee tries, “Azula really wants to talk to you. She cares about you a lot.”

Caihong folds her arms, “nuh-uh, she makes me sad.” 

Azula’s stomach flutters. 

“Sometimes bad things happen, Cai.” Sokka tries. “She didn’t make this thing happen she was only telling you what happened.” He pauses. “Don’t you think you would have been sadder if that bad guy took you back to WuJing and no one was there?”

Caihong’s pout grows. 

“At least now you have me and TyLee and Zuko and…” He lifts her up and turns her around to face Azula, “you have a mom.”

“My mom died.” She says plainly, fidgeting with Bao’s claws. “‘S not fair.” 

“No kidding…” Sokka mutters. “My mom died too. Sometimes there are just bad people, Caihong. And they take really good people away. But there are lots of other good people and you have to talk to them.” He scoops her up and plops her into Azula’s lap. 

“But…”

“Is Azula a bad person?” TyLee asks.

Azula cringes at the question coming from her.

“Did she do something bad to you?”

Caihong looks up at her with those bright green eyes and shakes her head. 

“Did she do something good for you?”

Another glance is accompanied by an affirmative nod. “Lots of good things.” Caihong mumbles into Bao’s head. 

“So why are you mad at her?” Sokka asks. 

Caihong thinks for a moment, “she told me about the bad people.”

“And you didn’t want to hear it?”

Caihong shakes her head again. 

“Would you have rather heard it from someone else?”

Another head shake. This time her little fingers curl around Azula’s hand. 

“Do you still want Azula to be your mommy!?” TyLee clasps her hands together. 

Caihong pauses, squeezing and squeezing Azula’s hand before nodding once more.  Caihong nuzzles her cheek against Azula’s chest and Azula holds her close. She strokes at the child’s hair. “Bao and I were having a cave adventure.” 

“A cave adventure?”

“Mmhmm, see.” Caihong points at a small hole that she dug right in the middle of Azula’s strawberry garden. The princess sighs. 

“Did you find anything in the caves?”

“Rubies!” She declares, gesturing to the slain corpses of her strawberries. 

“Those rubies weren’t ready to be mined yet.” She mumbles. 

She isn’t sure why, but Caihong laughs. People, she decides, laugh at the strangest things. “You can plant more rubies, mom!” 

Mom…

Mother…

She could have had so much…

.oOo.

Even after tucking a newly happy and babbling Caihong in, Azula is very quiet. Sullen and withdrawn. Sokka sets a platter of roast duck on her nightstand, “you didn’t come to dinner?”

“I’m not hungry, Sokka.”  She doesn’t look away from the ceiling. She absently toys with the curtains draped over her bed. He doesn’t push her this time, though he decides that he will be delivering an extra nice breakfast to her in the morning. He lays himself down next to her. He very nearly springs back up, unsure if they have reached a point where she is comfortable with him laying on her bed. But she rolls over and reaches for his hand. 

“You haven’t even changed out of your day clothes.” He observes. 

She gives a slight shrug, “they’re comfortable enough. I’ve…”

“Slept in worse?” He rolls his eyes. 

She nods. 

“You’re going to be alright, Azula.” He promises. 

“Perhaps.” 

He sighs, they have been so focused on reassuring Caihong that he has forgotten to comfort Azula. He is certain that the princess has been neglecting herself too. “Ya know, everything we said about family applies to you too? Do you want Caihong to be your child?” 

“Of course, Sokka. I wouldn’t have gone through all of that trouble if I didn’t.” 

“Do you…” He swallows. “Do you want a new lover? A new husband?”

She is quiet for a very long time but she doesn’t withdraw her hand. “I don’t want to replace Hajime.” 

“I don’t want to replace him.” Sokka replies. “I want you to talk about him and tell me about him. But I want to be Sokka, I don’t want to take you on the kinds of dates Hajime took you on, I want to…”

She presses her fingers to his lips. “You talk too much. I got the point the first time.” She rolls back onto her back. “I know that you aren’t replacing anyone. You are Sokka. That’s good enough for me.” 

He takes his chances with moving closer to her. Having success, he slides his arm around her waist. She is quiet for another long span. It might have left him feeling anxious had she not let him trace his finger over the line of the scar on her belly. It is rougher in comparison to her otherwise delicate skin. 

“I don’t think that ‘good enough’, is exactly the right phrase.” She speaks again. “It’s…” she trails off. “It’s something new and it’s...it’s just as special.”  

[shitty-marvel-fan732]

Jealous of a Kitten

Author's Note:

Hey y'all! So I was b l o w n away by the response to my last Loki x Reader oneshot, so I thought I'd give writing for him another go! I've had this fic in my drafts since literally last year lmao. If you end up liking it, I'd love a like, reblog, or comment to let me know! And if anyone wants to request something for Loki or any other MCU characters, feel free to send me a message and let me know! As always big thanks to @twentytwohearts for their help reading and helping out with this fic!

Y/N POV:

“Good heavens mortal, haven’t you got anything else to occupy your time besides pestering me?” Loki grumbled affectionately from his place on the sofa. He was reclined comfortably on the couch, back pressed up to my front as he rested in between my bent legs. My hands were tangled within his inky black locks, fingers lazily scratching through his hair as I braided small sections. I grinned widely.  

“Nope!” I replied cheekily, ensuring to overexaggeratedly pop the “p” at the end. “Cap gave me the rest of the day off from training, so you’re blessed with my presence all day, snowball."

The prince sighed melodramatically as he turned a page in the book currently resting on his lap. 

“I wouldn’t exactly describe it as a blessing pet” he remarked dryly. His tone was nonchalant, but I could hear the small smile in his words despite his clear efforts to seem passive. 

“Oh please, we both know you love when I ‘annoy’ you." I rolled my eyes with a giggle. Loki merely hummed in response as he continued to read whatever tome had caught his attention this afternoon. Deciding to mess with him a bit, I removed my hands from his now-wavy tresses. 

“Or maybe not?” I pouted, feigning hurt and leaning my chest away from his body. He stilled slightly with his fingers paused mid page turn. His back tensed just a bit, and I could practically hear the cogs turning in his head as he tried to decipher whether or not I was serious. Though he only panicked a moment or two, it was enough to make me silently delight in having seemingly tricked the god of mischief. He huffed childishly, his hand grabbing mine quickly and placing it back on his head. 

My smile widened so far at his reaction I was almost fearful it may actually split my face in two. He didn't say anything, but was certain Loki could feel the satisfaction coming off of me in waves. Even though I'd known from the beginning, it was nice to be reminded just how content he was to be entangled with me for the moment. He could pretend all he wanted, but I knew something about the lanky god that most people didn't. 

He was a huge cuddle-bug. 

As stiff and regal as he presented himself most of the time, he never failed to make it known just how much he adored physical contact with me. I'd even go so far as to consider him touch-starved when we'd first met. I mean, it made sense. He was a prince and the only meaningful contact he'd probably experienced came from those that used to help him dress or bathe. The thought of him going for so long -- literally thousands of years -- without the affectionate touch of another living being made me genuinely teary. Once we'd established ourselves as a couple, he instantly became a constant presence at my side. It didn't matter the situation nor the company surrounding us, if he was in the same room as I was he would gravitate towards me. Whether it was a hand resting across the small of my back or fingers linked firmly through mine, he always found some way to initiate some kind of physical touch. I was more than thrilled at his open displays of affection -- even after months of time spent together I still felt the delicious ripples of electricity run through me each time his skin met mine. 

Moments like today's were rare. Days when neither of us had any obligations or work to be done, when we could just spend time with one another. Sweet, domestic slices of life when we could just cuddle close to one another and pretend for a moment that all the struggles of the world were gone. I sighed softly as we lapsed back into comfortable silence, both of us content to simply be in one another's presence. 

But, as always, no peaceful moments around here could last that long. 

Peter came bursting through the door, looking even more flustered than usual. Which, for him, was saying something. He was wearing his suit sans the mask, carrying a giant throw blanket, with his brown curls mussed wildly and eyes desperately searching the room. He spotted Loki and I fairly quickly. A brief look of relief passed over the young boy's features as he rushed over to where we laid.

"Hey guys, uhm I could use some help," he blurted breathlessly once he reached the couch. I chuckled, amused by the poor flustered teen. 

"You'll have to be more specific than that," Loki grumbled from his place between my legs. I didn't need to see his face to know exactly his expression. Clearly he was annoyed to have our peaceful moment interrupted, and I would bet money that he was scowling at Peter as a result. Frowning slightly, I pinched the back of his arm in reprimand. 

"OUCH," he exclaimed dramatically. His arm darted out of my reach, the other hand coming out to rub the sore spot childishly. "What on Earth was that for?"

"Leave him alone snowball, he clearly needs something," I scolded lightly. He huffed once more, settling back into my legs and turning his attention back to his book and grumbling inaudibly. I rolled my eyes. 

Peter's eyes went slightly wider as they darted between Loki and I. He wasn't entirely comfortable with the raven-haired Asgardian when he was actually behaving, and given Loki's current grumpy demeanor he seemed especially on-edge. I smiled brightly, hoping to ease his discomfort. 

"What's up Peter?"

His eyes darted back to mine suddenly, relief overtaking his face at the save.

"So I was just out, ya know like patrolling, and I was helping this old Italian lady. She was carrying all this stuff right -- and I obviously figured I would try to help -- but she didn't speak English. She was like kinda mad at first and she hit me a couple times, cause I think she thought I was trying to rob her, but eventually we got everything sorted and got all her stuff back to her super old car and --" Peter rambled, words slurring together with that inhuman speed that only teenagers could seem to muster. My brows furrowed in confusion and I lifted my hands up like a criminal surrendering. 

"Whoa WHOA Spiderling, take a breath man." I chuckled good-naturedly. The teen's face flushed slightly at my interruption. 

"Sorry. Right. Sorry." he mumbled. "Anyways, so I finally get all her stuff in her car, and she just leaned into me and patted my head. I was gonna swing away, but she handed me this and drove away." 

He gestured to the large blanket in his gloved hands. My brows furrowed. 

"Okayyyyy," I drawled, still confused as to the issue. "And you're mad she gave you an afghan because…?"

His eyes sparked with realization, mouth forming an 'O'. 

"Oh no, no that's not it. I mean that is pretty weird, like why would I need a blanket in the first place. Maybe she thought I looked cold or something, but --"

"Norns, child!" Loki interrupted. He shut his book with a snap, abruptly shifting positions on the couch so he was sitting upright. "Could you perhaps get to the point sometime this century?"

I slapped his arm disapprovingly -- he scowled at me, stubbornly scooting further from me in silent protest. I turned my attention back to Peter with a soft smile. I nodded at the red-faced teen, waving a hand in indication that he should continue. 

"Right. Sorry Mr. Loki. Uhm, so anyways, she gave me this and I don't exactly know what to do with it," he finished. He opened the chunky-knit blanket to reveal the smallest, fuzziest kitten I'd ever seen. The kitten was tiny, no bigger than my fist, fur matted and full of tufts of orange and white hair. As soon as Peter opened the blanket the small kitten blinked it's tiny eyes against the harsh light. Adorable high pitched squeaks came from the teeny cat, who was clearly displeased with the sudden disturbance to it's sleep.

I gasped, my heart practically melting at the sight. I stood suddenly, hands reaching out unconsciously and making grabby motions towards the adorable creature. Peter readily complied, gently transferring the mewling baby over to my awaiting grasp. I cradled the little cat delicately, blanket and all, against my chest and cooed soft, unintelligible words of affection. My hands instantly found a spot behind the kitten's ears and began scratching lightly. The kitten responded positively, nuzzling into my touch readily and purring loudly at the attention. My heart felt like it was positively melting at the sights, sounds, and feel of the small animal in my arms. 

"It's so cute," I gushed, though whether it was to myself or the guys I wasn't even sure. I finally managed to tear my gaze from the cat when I heard a quiet growl come from Loki's direction. 

He was in his same spot on the couch, but I could instantly tell he was annoyed, even without the little grumble. His posture was rigid, hands sitting atop his legs balled into fists, and eyes suddenly dark with anger. Only moments before his face had seemed soft, the sharp planes and angles relaxed as we'd sat together. Now his expression was stony -- the stern mask of irritation he so often wore back with a vengeance. I was momentarily distracted from the small creature in my arms. Twinges of worry and the impulse to comfort him planted low in my belly ran through me at the sight. 

"He is cute," Peter's voice interrupted, clearly oblivious to Loki's abrupt mood shift. "At least I think it's a he? Anyways I can't bring him home, May is allergic to cats and anyways I don't think they're allowed in my building. I was kind of hoping you could watch him for a while?"

"Absolutely n--"

"Of course!"

Loki's head snapped up towards mine as we spoke at the same time, his scowl deepening at my response. I furrowed my brows in confusion, slightly surprised at his aggressive reaction. Peter's eyes bounced from my face to Loki's -- the awkwardness radiating from him as he shifted from foot to foot. 

"Can you not just take it to a shelter or something of that nature?" Loki seethed, glaring at the poor teen. Peter was clearly flustered by the question -- red creeped up his cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort. 

"Well, see, I tried that! I did, but they told me he's too young for them to take -- cause he's just a baby -- and they can't take him," he stuttered. "Plus, they said they've got too many animals right now, and if he doesn't get adopted soon then they might have to...you know…"

I gasped, instinctively tugging the now-sleeping kitten closer to my chest. Loki shrugged, nonplussed. 

"So?" he questioned. "That is what happens to unneeded animals on this realm, yes?"

My jaw dropped and I frowned disapprovingly at Loki. I knew he could still be, shall we say, difficult at times; though he was definitely on his way to being 'rehabilitated', old habits die hard and he often still struggled with concepts like compassion and kindness. Particularly when it came to anyone or anything that wasn't, well, me. Even still, how someone could look at the tiny creature in my arms without feeling the warm, protective emotions that I did baffled me. 

"We are NOT sending this poor baby to be killed!" I stage whispered the last part, glaring at Loki and cradling the kitten protectively against my chest. "Good lord Loki, just look at him!"

I held the small orange cat down slightly, revealing it's angelic sleeping face to the scowling god. He glanced at the kitten briefly before turning his attention back to me and quirking a brow. 

"I have." he stated plainly, voice laced with poorly concealed contempt. I scowled at him and stuck my tongue out childishly before turning back to Peter. 

"Ignore him Pete, of course we'll take care of him." I reassured the flustered teen. Peter's young face instantly flooded with relief and he mumbled a muffled 'thanks!' as he rushed back out of the room. 

Smiling and chuckling, I turned back towards the couch where Loki still sat. His facial expression remained annoyed and he'd crossed his arms tensely against his chest. I couldn't help but giggle outwardly at his pout; he looked like a child who's toy had been taken away. Though I found his pouty face adorable, I still found it slightly infuriating that it was over the innocent little bundle in my arms. My obvious amusement only caused his scowl to deepen and he scooched over further from me as I sat in my previous spot on the plush couch. 

"Somebody's a bit crabby," I stage whispered to the still sleeping kitten. Loki scoffed. 

"I am not 'crabby' pet," he grumbled. "I simply don't understand your fascination with this little creature.”

I chuckled, the noise hollow and closer to a scoff than anything. I rolled my eyes before turning my attention back to the small kitten in my arms. He began to stir lightly, stretching out his tiny limbs and squeaking out the most adorable yawn before turning his attention to Loki and I. His small eyes appraised the two of us with a kind of innocent curiosity. Eventually he deemed us safe enough, and he began to slowly venture out from the confines of his blanket. As he tentatively explored my lap and the small section of couch that separated Loki and I, I felt my face split into a wide smile. Warm, happy feelings blossomed in my chest at the sight of the curious creature. 

"What's your name gonna be, huh?" I cooed to the small, exploring cat. "Are you a Tom or more of a Finn hmmm?"

Loki rolled his eyes, face never leaving his book. 

"How about blot?" he suggested plainly. His tone was even, controlled, and even though his lips didn't quirk up even the slightest bit at his suggestion I was wholly suspicious instantly. Sending a frown his way, I replied quickly. 

"Dare I even ask what that means?" I quipped warily. His eyes flashed momentarily to my face as he shrugged. Even with the briefest glance I could see the tell-tale spark of mischief in his eyes. Rolling my own eyes in exasperation, I turned my attention back towards the small tabby and ran my fingers across his back. 

"Hmm, what else?" I pondered out loud. "How about Tigger? You look a lot like Tigger."

The tiny cat purred louder at my words, curling around my hand as I spoke. Encouraged, I scratched his fur a little harder. 

"You like that huh? Alright, Tigger it is!"

 A quiet scoff came from the other end of the couch. To my utter confusion, Loki was still radiating complete and total annoyance from his place across from me. He sat tensely in the opposite corner of the couch with his boots tucked petulantly beneath him and his body angled as far from mine as gravity would allow. His head was bowed down slightly, his attention seemingly directed back to his book. Despite his best efforts, I could tell that he was only idly paying any attention to the words on the page. Gone was the smooth look of contentment that had graced his beautiful features mere minutes before; his face was once more a cold veil of poorly concealed contempt as he feigned reading. The look, though common to the rest of the world, was troubling to me. It’d taken months, but I thought I’d broken through the raven-haired god’s stony exterior. The sudden return of the stern facial expression caused pangs of concern and sympathy to prod at me from within. I reached a hand out instinctively to grasp his hand in mine, determined to display my silent support. 

Despite his ‘silvertongue’ reputation, Loki often struggled to verbalize feelings of anything other than contempt, rage, or disgust. I’d learned quickly that often he didn’t need me to attempt to discuss anything he wasn’t ready for -- rather it seemed the best way to comfort him in these times was a physical show of my presence and affection. 

This time was no different, and though his head barely moved an inch I could instantly feel the way he calmed under my touch. The muscles in his hand immediately relaxed as he moved to twine his long fingers between mine. His tense expression softened, although only fractionally as he grasped my hand. He turned his attention from his book slowly, deep blue eyes turning to meet my worried gaze. 

"Hey, talk to me snowflake," I demanded softly. "What's going on?"

Loki opened his mouth to reply, but a small mewl cut him off before he could speak. I glanced down and giggled lightly at the sight of the small orange tabby beneath us. The tiny kitten had wandered down the couch and was currently sitting mere inches away from our intertwined hands with a curious look overtaking his small face. Evidently he wasn't quite pleased to have the attention taken from him so quickly, and he reached a paw out tentatively to hover above our hands. Eventually deciding it was safe, the small cat placed a paw over the tops of our hands, eyes darting between Loki and I with a kind of content curiosity that made my heart practically melt. 

Loki, quite obviously did not share these feelings, and withdrew his hand instantly. His face was once more overtaken by a deep scowl as he snapped his book shut and swiftly stood. He turned curtly and exited the room without another word. My eyes followed him as he left, brows furrowed with concern and confusion. Tigger, meanwhile, was clinging to my chest by his tiny claws, his heart beating with an insane speed. He was clearly scared by Loki's sudden moves and general demeanor, and I cooed soft words of comfort to the small creature. My eyes never left the door though, thoughts of interest and concern overtaking my mind as I wondered what exactly had gotten into my raven-haired companion today. 

A few days later

Loki's POV

Sweet giggles filled the halls of the tower as I walked towards Y/N's room. A small smile overtook my features as the sound filtered through my ears. Typically I found midgardians irritating and their laughter grating, but as was almost always the case, Y/N was an exception. Y/N simply radiated happiness at every turn, and over the past weeks the sound of her infectious laugh had become one of my favorite sounds. Her mere presence had the uncanny ability to both calm and excite me at once, and I'd grown progressively more fond of my time spent with her in a way that baffled me and those around us.

In fact, the past few days had proven increasingly difficult for just that reason. Y/N and I had spent less time together as of late -- a fact that saddened and irritated me in near equal parts. For the past few days I’d found myself yearning for more time with my dear mortal, having been separated by the rather irritating presence of a certain small animal. Ever since the young Spiderchild had thrust a stray cat into Y/N's care she had been wholly and utterly enamored with the useless pet. She doted on the feline, which she'd dubbed 'Tigger', and spent nearly all of her time either caring for, amusing, or simply fawning over it. 

It was becoming rather taxing. 

At first, once I had begrudgingly accepted that the cat wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, I'd attempted to simply ignore it and go about our time as usual. It was only a day or two before that notion was entirely dismissed. Each time I made such an attempt Tigger had made his presence unmistakably clear. The loathsome, needy thing seemed to share my desire to be near Y/N, and was constantly sitting on or pawing at her. And even the precious few moments in which it wasn't physically touching Y/N it took to mewling and crying until she gave in and picked it up. I hadn’t had a single moment with Y/N in which we were truly alone for days, and I was reaching my breaking point. 

As I finally reached Y/N’s room and entered, the smile that the sound of her laughter had put on my face immediately turned to a scowl. Inside the room was Y/N, beautiful as ever, sitting casually on her bed. The sight, which normally would have filled my stomach with a tiny stir of happiness, was marred with the unwelcomed addition of a certain small kitten. The wretched thing was sitting in between her legs, happily jumping and pawing at the toy she waved above him. She was looking over the stupid pet with such fondness in her eyes -- a look which I'd once thought was reserved only for me. Irritation overtook my senses at the sight, and I couldn’t help the scoff of annoyance that came from me. 

Y/N looked up at the sound, initial confusion turning to excitement as she realized my presence. My own feelings of resentment faded marginally at the sight of her beautiful features lighting up with a smile of genuine happiness at the sight of me. 

"Hiya Snowball!" she greeted me excitedly, rushing up from her place on her bed and striding up to where I stood. She tucked herself into the fold of my arms easily, her head resting comfortably against my chest and her arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I sighed lightly, my own arms winding around her relatively smaller frame and my face coming to rest against the top of her head.

"Hello my love," I murmured lightly into the crown of her head, placing a sweet kiss in my wake before burying my nose in the soft hairs there. She hummed softly in contentment, and we stayed in this position for some time. It could've been moments, minutes, hours -- I was never quite aware of the passing of time when I was with Y/N like this. I was wholly encased in the safe little bubble that only her presence seemed to create. I was surrounded by her: the unique scent wafting from her hair, the feel of her body melding against mine, and the soft thumping of her heart against my chest that provided the ideal background music for our calm moment together. I was completely entranced by our embrace, all feelings of irritation gone for the moment. 

But only for the moment. 

The sound of tiny cries and the feeling of a small body thumping and winding its way across our ankles broke through the peace we'd established like a freight engine. Y/N's chuckle vibrated low against my chest before she pulled herself out of my arms to peer down at the kitten. Annoyance seared through my body as she detangled herself from me and squatted down to scoop the needy thing into her arms. She stood up once more, cradling the spoiled little creature in her arms and scratching its face with her long slender fingers. 

"Someone wants a hug too, huh?" she cooed playfully to the cat. My frown deepened at her soft tone, the same tone she often spoke to me with -- the small, loving voice that had crooned to me during late nights or early morning moments spent wrapped in one another's embrace. The same tone that never ceased to comfort me or make me feel as if she was possibly the only person to truly love me. The sound that I treasured so dearly was now being directed to a lowly, disgusting animal. It sent a wave of rage through my entire being like a white hot flame. 

"Norns Y/N!" I snapped. "Can we not have a single moment without the presence of this...this animal?"

Her eyes widened as she took in my words, brows practically flying upwards in surprise and hands stilling against Tigger's face. Her wide eyes blinked a few times in complete shock as she surveyed my face carefully. 

"I'm sorry?" she questioned confusedly. I exhaled loudly in irritation, arms coming to rest across my chest in a display of my annoyance. 

"Does it not bother you that we've not spent a moment together, alone, since the creature was forced upon you?" I questioned, tone acidic and face a stone mask of anger. Her brow furrowed deeper in confusion briefly before a wave of understanding flooded her eyes. Expression softening, she set the kitten down lightly onto the floor before crossing the few steps required to reach me once more. Though her eyes held nothing but concern and understanding within the deep Y/E/C irises, her face had the tiniest hint of a smirk.

"Well I'd ask if it bothered you snowflake, but it seems that may be redundant at this point," she replied to my earlier question with ease. Her soft hands reached up towards me and wrapped easily around the back of my neck. Almost of their own accord, my own hands found the curve of her waist and held her firmly. In lieu of a response I simply scowled in her direction. She chuckled lightly, and propped herself up on her toes briefly to place a gentle kiss on my cheek before she led me over to her bed and motioned for me to sit. I complied, albeit somewhat begrudgingly, and she ensured we were settled against the head of the mattress before she spoke again. 

"Loki, are you...jealous of Tigger?" she questioned. Her tone was very matter-of-fact, but the ghost of a smirk still lingered on her face. I felt my face flood with heat, and though I'd like to blame the color on anger I was certain she could tell that I was embarrassed. Though she was largely correct, I was struck with the ridiculousness of the statement as I heard it tumble from her lips. Glancing away from her expectant gaze I mumbled out a response, though I wasn't entirely sure what it was. 

Her gentle fingers moved slightly around my head, delicately stroking the skin of my neck and face until her soft palms rested against the sides of my face. She applied the gentlest pressure to my cheek, forcing me to look her in the eyes once more. I reluctantly complied. 

"Because if you are," she continued. "I'm sure I'd have to tell you just how insane that is. Outside of the fact that Tigger is a cat and you are my not-so-human boyfriend, the idea that there's anyone or anything I'd want to spend time with more than you is just completely inaccurate. He's a baby, and he needs a lot of my attention that's all. Since you haven't been coming around much I just assumed you were busy with other things lately -- never once did it cross my mind that I was the reason I hadn't seen you much." 

I felt my furrowed brows relax slightly. Stupid and petty as my feelings may be, I couldn't deny that hearing such reassurances straight from the one person I truly cared for had taken away a considerable amount of unease from my mind. I exhaled a long breath and shifted unconsciously deeper into Y/N's hold.

"Regardless I'm truly, very sorry that I made you think I was choosing something else over you. I would never want to hurt you like that, or make you feel like you aren't the most important person in my life." 

Her worried gaze was still locked firmly on my face as she spoke. Though the majority of my chest was filled with a feeling of relief from her admission, there was a twinge of guilt lurking deep within my stomach. I often forgot just how caring and gentle Y/N could be and this may have been one such occasion. Of course she latched onto the feeble creature -- was that not what she did with me as well? It was simply a part of her nature to care for the weak or disadvantaged. 

I frowned once more as my mind reeled with the realization of my own selfishness. Y/N clearly mistook my expression however, and I could see the guilt in her eyes as she spoke up once more.

"I can ask Peter if there anyway he can watch him for a bit, maybe just give us some time alone. Or maybe --"

"No." I cut her off abruptly once again. Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she opened her mouth to reply. My own finger came up to her face fast as lightning to silence what would undoubtedly be more apologies. 

"Dearest, clearly the fault is not on your end in this case," I started, hoping to ease her mind. "We both know I often, shall we say, struggle with expressing my thoughts at times. Of course you wish to care for the kitten, just as you care for everything in your life. I was wrong to assume your affections were completely diverted and for not mentioning my feelings sooner. For both, I am truly sorry."

Her expression softened at my apologies, face relaxing under my hand as I spoke. She smiled a small grin of appreciation before thrusting herself forward and deeper into my arms. I let out a small 'oomf' at the force of her body attaching to mine, but regardless my arms wound their way around her frame and I cradled her to my chest. She sighed in contentment, and we stayed in this position for a few moments before I felt her chuckle against my body. I pulled my head back just enough to give her a questioning look. 

"I'm sorry," she giggled, face alight with mischief and glee. "Did the big, fearsome Loki just say he was sorry?"

However unintentionally I felt my face heat up once more, although this time it wasn't from anger. I rolled my eyes lightly before smirking down at Y/N's smiling face. 

"If I were you, I'd mark this day down in your memory, as it isn't likely to be said again anytime soon," came my dry response. 

I heard Y/N's melodious giggle from where her face was pressed against my body, sending delicious sparks of happiness across my frame. Outside of that, her only response to my statement was nuzzling deeper into my body -- a welcome action that I easily reciprocated. My eyelids closed as we settled ourselves into a comfortable silence, content to simply be in one another's presence. I hummed, utterly at peace with my current position, when I heard a tiny mewl from nearby. 

Opening just one eye, I saw a curious little face near mine. Tigger had evidently decided it was now safe enough to venture close to where Y/N and I laid. He was pawing hesitantly back and forth across my lap, eyes assessing me with tentative curiosity as he made tiny circles around my stomach. I chuckled at the feeling of his impossibly tiny paws kneading my lower belly as he settled into a lying position. Y/N opened her eyes at my amused chuckle and shot me a sheepish grin. 

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I can take him somewhere else. I think Peter's around, he'd probably watch him for a bit."

I shook my head, placing a small kiss to her forehead and placing a hand on Tigger's ears.

"It's alright love. I meant what I said when I was sorry -- he didn't do anything wrong, he simply wishes to be around you as much as possible. Obviously, that is a trait we both share, and I think I could expend a bit more energy in attempting to bond with Tigger." I answered genuinely. The kitten purred loudly in response, inching his body further up my chest until he was resting just beside Y/N's face. He closed his eyes sleepily, and curled into my body constantly as he slept. 

Y/N grinned widely, her lovely face alight with such genuine love and glee that I was taken aback at her beauty. She placed a sweet kiss to my lips in thanks before returning to her place on my chest. I closed my eyes once more, smile firmly in place as I lied quietly and revelled in the peaceful moment. 

Taglist: @grahoundart

[1-800-roflmao]

Wash Day Delight Pt. 7

Rating:  General Audiences

WARNINGS:  None

Fandom:  Undertale (Video Game)

Relationships:  Papyri Harem.  

Characters:  Papyrus (UT!Pap), Reader, Blue (US!Sans), Willow (HT!Pap), Mutt (FSR!Pap), Red (UF!Sans), Coffee (FSG!Pap), Oak (HT!Sans), and Mentions of Other AU Skeletons

If you prefer reading on AO3

*Willow is here to save the Reader’s toes after that trip through the void.  She finally gets to have her shower and ponder.  Meanwhile, the guys discuss downstairs and Coffee reminds them Google is a thing.

*Bonus: Fluffy Willow moments.

PREVIOUS || FIRST || NEXT

Papyrus was never a fan of shortcuts and not just because his brother borderline abused them.  No, he didn’t enjoy the pervasive feel of the void around him.  The cold of Snowedin never bothered him, but the void’s cold always managed to sink and settle into his bones no matter how short their time was spent in the odd space.  By the way he could feel the human in his arms shivering lightly let him know she was feeling it as well.  Finally, the inky blackness of the void seemed to pull before snapping and his well lit home falling into place around him was almost blinding.  

“ALRIGHT, YOU CAN OPEN YOUR EYES,” Blue had yet to release his grip on Papyrus’s arm as he used it for leverage to check on their friend.  She was slowly unfurling from the fetal position she had curled into during their trip.  Had she been that cold?  His sockets took in her attire and he mentally kicked himself for not realizing how light her clothing was.  And humans were more sensitive to temperature to boot.

“APOLOGIES!  I SHOULD HAVE GRABBED A BLANKET FOR YOU.” Papyrus wanted to help rub some warmth into the bared skin of her arms and legs, but he doubted his frozen bones would do much good right now.  Even Blue was resisting touching her right now.  

She had unfurled as much as she dared and patted his chest before trying to speak.  Her teeth chattered shortly into her effort and she quickly closed her mouth with a little embarrassed huff.  He managed to stifle a giggle at the cute display as she took a moment to rub her hands together and blow hot air into her palms before pressing the warmed skin into her cheeks and rubbing more.  Blue didn’t bother hiding his chuckles and she sent him a pouty glare, “N-not f...f-f… fun-ny!” she pushed out.

Blue just grinned as he lifted a hand and made a show of removing his glove, “NOT FUNNY SHE SAYS!” he cackled as her glare quickly melted into horror and panic as the energetic skeleton hovered his hand over her bare leg.  

“D-don’t you d-are!”  she chattered, legs jerking slightly as she seemed to be holding back from moving too much.  Papyrus could feel her jump as Blue dropped his hand lower playfully.  

“OKAY, THAT’S EN-EH!!!” his statement was cut off as a new pair of skeletal hands came into view and plucked the shivering human from his arms swiftly.  It took a moment for his mind to catch up with what just happened as he snapped his head up to see who had stolen his friend.

“WILLOW!” It had been Blue calling his doppelganger’s nickname as they both watched the towering skeleton adjust his hold on her so she was pretty much sitting in the crook of his arm, tucked against his side, with his palm cupping her feet as his fingers gently rubbed at her toes.  She seemed to be shivering less and less, relaxing into Willow’s hold even as said skeleton fussed over and at her.  Papyrus and Blue weren’t exempt from a scolding though as Willow turned his attention to them and wasted no time falling into a lecture.

“I UNDERSTAND YOU TWO WERE EXCITED TO HAVE OUR FRIEND OVER TODAY, BUT THAT IS NO EXCUSE TO RUSH AND FORGET NECESSITIES LIKE SOCKS AND SHOES!  HUMANS LOSE MOST OF THEIR BODY HEAT THROUGH THEIR FEET!” Papyrus and Blue just resigned to their fate and bowed their heads guiltily. Thankfully, Willow’s scolding was halted by the human in his arms patting his chest.  

“That’s enough, Willow,” she hushed, for some reason looking guilty herself.  “Blue and Pap took real good care of me before the shortcut, so go easy on them, please?” The two she praised perked up.  “Plus, they weren’t the only ones excited to come over today,” she finished her plea and Willow took a moment to consider it before letting his shoulders and features relax.  

“FINE,” he gave in and sighs of relief resounded before a confused squeak escaped their guest as Willow turned around with her still cradled against his side and started making his way up the stairs.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

“Um… Willow?” she called, trying not to look down or around.  Willow was already tall… no, tall wasn’t enough to cover just how much airspace this particular skeleton cousin took up.  Now, they were on stairs… ascending said stairs steadily and just out of her view she knew the ground floor was getting further away and the ceiling was getting closer.  She knew he wouldn’t drop her, but lord, a fall from this height would do some damage and be extra painful today especially.  

He answered with an inquiring hum, not even glancing down at the human he had pretty much kidnapped.  “Where are you taking me?” she questioned, eyes focused on his face and nothing else.  Even the sound of rushed footfalls on the stairs behind them didn’t pull her attention.  It was most likely Papyrus or Blue trying to catch up.

“TO YOUR BATH, OF COURSE,” he answered like it was the most obvious answer.  A little “oh” fell from her lips before pouting a bit as she squinted up at him.  

“I could always walk?” she put out there.  They were literally going to have her spoiled if they kept carrying her this much.  Plus, she still had that nagging feeling that as an adult she shouldn’t have things this easy.  

Willow only hummed again, but made no move to put her down even as they reached the landing and took a left to go down the long hallway.  So, no walking for her.  Knowing Blue, he probably told the whole household Papyrus’s plan to pamper her today.  

“WILLOW!” Speak of the devil and he shall appear.  No longer on the stairs, she looked just in front of them to where Blue was pretty much jogging backwards in order to stay ahead of Willow’s long gate. And Willow wasn’t letting up, but did tip his skull down to acknowledge the small skeleton.  “YOU CAN’T JUST STEAL Y/N!” he scolded, “PLUS, ALL HER STUFF IS WITH ME.”  He gestured to the pack on his back.

“AND YOU’RE HERE WITH IT, I DON’T SEE THE PROBLEM,” was Willow’s sassy reply.  Blue opened his mouth to respond, but his teeth clacked shut as words failed him.  She giggled as Blue huffed and he sent a little glare her way.  He had to scramble out the way as they had finally reached the “master bath” and Willow wasn’t wasting any time as he pushed the door open with his free hand and stepped inside.  

This was only her second time in here and it still amazed her how extravagant and expensive a bathroom of all things could feel.  If she remembered correctly, it was Black’s insistence they have at least one bath like this.  She could see his tastes echoed in the dark marble countertops and black paneling along the walls.  Wine must have had a say as well from the cozy touches like the cypress wood flooring and cabinets, decorative towels and art pieces--she’d have to ask if Coffee made some of these.  She hadn’t asked last time whose decision it was to have not only a skylight, but a floor to ceiling glass panel next to the modern soaking tub.  Thankfully, their house was outside city limits and up in the hilly area, nestled on a cliff side.  They probably have a fantastic view of the stars come night time through that window.  Right now though, all she could see was blue skies with lazy, wispy clouds.  

“Oh, that’s new,” she commented, noticing all the new plants and even what looked like a moss mat placed before the tub.  

“HM, WHAT IS?” Willow questioned as he carried her closer to the shower.   Now able to see the just as extravagant shower, she could see another of the mats in front of it as well.   Now, that she looked more closely, the little organic mats made a cute stepping stone-like trail over to the tub.  

“That,” she pointed out, fingertip following the trail before twirling to indicate all the plants in general.

Willow’s sockets widened a fraction as he realized what she was talking about before smiling, no beaming proudly.  He straightened up as much as he could while carrying her, impressive considering his back wasn’t the best.  “THAT WOULD BE MY BROTHER’S DOING!” he proclaimed, practically glowing with pride, “HE’S RECENTLY GOTTEN INTO GARDENING AND BOTANY.  OH, YOU SHOULD SEE HIS GARDEN! I MEAN… IT’S NOT IN BLOOM RIGHT NOW, BUT IT’S STILL IMPRESSIVE AND HE’S THINKING ABOUT A GREENHOUSE ONE DAY SO HE CAN GROW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ALL YEAR ROUND FOR US TO EAT.”  He was rambling, but that was fine.  It was touching seeing his enthusiasm for his brother’s new hobby… would it be considered a hobby?  She felt better thinking of it as a passion.  “OH! I’M SORRY, I GOT OFF TRACK,” he apologized but she just shrugged.

“I don’t mind, I actually like it,” she assured.  She adjusted her grip on him as she felt him starting to crouch down.  

“GREAT! BECAUSE I HAVE MORE TO SAY!” he chirped, sockets curving just a bit as she giggled in response.  Bent at the knees, he eased her onto her own feet which left her standing between his spread femurs with her hands on his shoulders for balance as she stretched and flexed her legs to wake them up.  He continued to chat with her throughout.  “BUT MY BROTHER’S FAVORITE IS TAKING IN RESCUES,” he started and gestured to the plants in the bathroom, “THESE ARE SOME HE’S REHABILITATED.”  He had dove into telling how Oak explained that these plants in particular thrived in more humid environments, plus how he had convinced the more bourgie of their housemates to allow the plants to be kept in this bathroom.  Apparently, it had been Wine who gave in first, but it took near half the household to convince Black.  What won him over was the moss being useful for soaking up water and the plants for their air purifying qualities.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

By the time he finished retelling the saga, she had taken a seat on one of the mats as she laughed along with him as he whispered how Black had been caught talking to one of the plants.  “HIS DEFENSE WAS THAT HE HEARD OAK TALKING TO THEM SEVERAL TIMES,” he completed his tale, his small sockets softening as he took in how even her eyes seemed to be shining with her mirth.  

“Well, I read somewhere that talking to plants actually can help them,” her words were still interrupted by cute little giggles.  Finally, she took a deep breath and held it before releasing slowly.  She had lifted a hand to fan herself and he could understand why considering the flush he could see on her cheeks and ears.  “I’m happy for Oak, it seems like he really found something he loves--aside from you, of course,” she remarked thoughtfully, “And I can hear how proud you are as well.”  

“I AM.” He had been ecstatic when his brother finally found something to focus on other than food and his condition.  All thanks to a sad little plant he had found left out to die and be thrown away with the trash one day.  It had been nothing more than a single stem with one big leaf that had shriveled and was turning brown at the edges.  

It had been confusing at first when his brother came home with it carefully cupped in his palm with soil he had dug up to cover its roots.  Oak had mumbled that he couldn’t find a pot or anything for it and he had forgotten his money at home, but it needed help, so he did what he could.  He hadn’t questioned it.  Now, that sad little plant was taller than him and outgrowing its current pot quickly, but they were waiting for the warmer months to plant it in the ground finally.  

“THE ROUTINE OF TAKING CARE OF THE PLANTS HELPS HIM TREMENDOUSLY. PLUS, TALKING TO THE PLANTS HELPS HIM AS WELL! IT STRENGTHENS HIS MEMORY,” he added, teeth quirked into a gentle smile.  She just hummed in response and he flushed a bit as he saw she was now gazing up at him with her chin resting on her braided fingers.    He wished she wouldn’t look at him like that.  So gentle, so warm, and so understanding.  It gave him hope when he knew damn well her feelings were just platonic.  Besides, he knew he didn’t stand a chance against his prime version.

Sighing, he stood up and rolled his shoulders and neck to ease the stiffness that had set in.  “WELL, I SHOULD LEAVE YOU TO IT,” he dismissed as he offered her a helping hand and pulled her to her feet; bare toes wiggling and pressing into the moss mat curiously.  He still couldn’t--no, he could believe it-- he simply couldn’t wrap his mind around how they had forgotten even shoes or socks for her.  

“Oh, I get to bathe myself?” she joked as she peeked around Willow to find Blue, but all she saw was her bag abandoned on the counter.  He must have run off while they were talking.  

Willow immediately lifted a hand to cover his now glowing cheekbones and nose ridge, “I BELIEVE THE AGREEMENT WAS THAT YOU BATHE YOURSELF.”  He heard her snort and looked down at the human as she now rummaged through her bag, pulling out a few containers, a bright colored netting of some sort, a change of clothes, and even a bath bomb.  “UNLESS YOU’VE CHANGED YOUR MIND OF COURSE,” he watched her freeze like a dear from the corner of his vision as he looked off to the side in feigned innocence, “IT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU HUMANS TO REACH CERTAIN PLACES ON YOUR OWN, CORRECT?”  Oh, she was blushing something fierce right now.

“WILLOW!” she whined, now imitating an ostrich as she pressed her face into her bag to hide.  

“WOWIE, MY NAME SURE IS POPULAR TODAY!” he replied playfully as a muffled little scream came from the bag she was hunched over.  He chuckled and gently pushed the edge of the bag’s opening down enough so he could see her eyes peeking at him.  Well, glaring right now.  “WHY ARE YOU SO EMBARRASSED, HUMAN?  I WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT HELPING YOU WASH YOUR BACK IF YOU WANTED,” a crooked grin pulled at his teeth as her eyes narrowed further.

“Uh. Huh,” was her answer and somehow that sound carried so much attitude and meaning.  Yeah, she definitely didn’t buy it, but at least she was finally emerging from the bag and finishing unpacking what she needed.  He smiled as he saw her pull out a pair of cute fuzzy socks.  Those would have helped earlier, but at least he wouldn’t have to hunt down a pair… most of theirs wouldn’t fit anyway.  “So, how do y’ll want ta do this?” she asked him suddenly as she started zipping up the bag  again.

“DO WHAT EXACTLY?”

She was staring for a moment, looking for any indication that he was playing dumb before finally answering, “My hair?  I told Papi I’d let him help with it, but he’s off somewhere, so I can’t ask him.”  Oh?  She’s letting Papyrus touch her hair?  He really had no chance, huh?  “But I don’t mind if more of you want to help out, too.”

“YES,” the word had jumped from his teeth as soon as she finished speaking.  Taking a deep breath and recomposing himself as her now wide eyes just blinked up at him in shock.  “I MEAN I’D LOVE TO HELP OUT… WITH YOU HAIR I MEAN,” he tried again, volume and tone hopefully more casual.  He had his hands behind his back to hide his fidgeting fingers.  

One more blink before her expression, only for a second, twisted into suspicion and curiosity.  The look was gone and replaced with something neutral, but welcoming.  Just what had gone through her mind, he wondered.  “Okay…” she dragged out the vowel a bit, “So, once again, how are we going about this?  Do y’ll want me to wash my hair and you just get to do the styling, detangling, blah blah blah… oooor-”

She quieted as Willow held up his palms to her, “WE WANT TO DO EVERYTHING.”  

“Everything?” He nodded with an eager smile, fingers curling into happy fists that were shaking from tension as he withheld pumping them excitedly.  He watched her look up to the ceiling in thought before shrugging, “Alright, so I’ll just wash up for now and save my long soak for later.”  She was thinking aloud as she picked up her bag and held it out to him, “While I’m washing, why don’t y’ll pick out some products we’ll use?  Mainly focus on the scent for now.”  

He took the bag with a nod and a surprised little rep as he felt how hefty the bag still felt.  “Yeah, we probably went overboard, but Blue figured it’s better to be over prepared than under,” she explained and he could only nod in stunned silence as he turned and started to finally leave.  

“Oh!” He paused in the doorway and looked back at her.  She had only managed to turn on the shower to start warming it up and though she wasn’t looking at him kept speaking, “You guys also need to figure out how and where we’re going to wash my hair.”    

Willow’s skull tilted and he lifted a brow bone in question, “ARE WE NOT DOING IT IN HERE?” He thought the bathroom was where humans took care of all their hygiene needs.  And shouldn’t she know how to wash her hair?  She’s supposed to show them after all.  

She just hummed and took a long look around.  “I guess we could, but…” she trailed off.  

“BUT?” he pushed, genuinely curious.

“The tub is a bit tall for me to be leaning over for a long time and I know your back wouldn’t appreciate it either, plus it would require a cup or something to dump water over my head.”  She wasn’t wrong about his back.  So, that was out.  Plus, it didn’t sound pleasant to have water dumped over one’s head over and over.  “The sink in here is higher, but that would be difficult for me.  Plus, it’s a bit shallow and once again, we’d need a cup.”  Sink was out, too, then.  

“And last, the shower.  That’s usually where I wash my hair, but it’s a bit difficult with multiple people.. At least it is if you’re not comfortable being naked or in swimsuits together,” she laughed and he blushed a bit at the intimate, domestic scene it summoned in his mind.  “Other than that, the only ways I think we could make it work up here is if I leaned over into the shower or knelt down and we used the removable shower head,” she put out the idea, but he immediately knew it wouldn’t work out.

“THE WATER PRESSURE WOULD RESULT IN A VERY MESSY… WET EXPERIENCE,” he lamented and she just nodded sagely with a little shrug.  How would they get this done?  Was it even possible?

“If it helps,” she piped up, holding a hand under the spray and feeling the temperature of the water, “We usually use the kitchen sink or a utility sink.  Ylls is still tall, but I think if I stand on a chair, it might work.”  She sent him a confident smile as he perked up at the idea, “Y’ll have time to think it over.  Plus, I want to show you all something before that anyway.”  After that, she had shooed him out and he left with a promise to talk it over with the others.  He couldn’t help wondering what she wanted to show them. 

o0o0o0o0o0o0o 

Once the door closed behind Willow, she couldn’t get out her clothes fast enough.  This bath has been due for a bit and my god it already felt heavenly on just her palm from touching the water.  Leaving her clothes on the floor right where she shed them, she went to dive into the shower before remembering she needed her soap and other supplies to actually get clean.  One naked dash to the counter to scoop up what she needed and back again,plus she tossed a shower cap on at the last minute; finally, she was able to enjoy her shower.

She debated rushing as to not keep the boys waiting, but she rarely gets to experience a rain shower like this.  It was dampened-heh-by the plastic shower cap, but overall was pleasant.  She took a moment to just bask and relax, but her mind began to wander and shower thoughts filtered in.  

Namely how all the skeletons she had interacted with today had been surprised that she was letting them do anything with her hair.  Well, they hadn’t expressed their surprise with words, but their body language and facial expressions spoke volumes.   That had been genuine surprise and shock she had seen.  Add in their eagerness to help her with her hair--adorable--and it’s obvious they’ve wanted to possibly touch her hair or ask about it for a while.  

Had she done something to make it seem like she didn’t want anyone touching her hair?  At all?  She mulled over all the time she had known the skeletons and the only things she could think of is maybe they witnessed someone touching her hair without permission and she snapped on said person.  It happens less now, but it has happened.  Even that would only make sense if they didn’t hear everything she says to the person.  She always mentions consent when she gets on people with wandering, overcurious hands and fingers.  So, they would know they just need to ask? Right?

Brow scrunching, she sighed and stepped from under the rainfall to finally start actually cleaning up.  Going through the familiar motions, she continued to turn over and pick at the mystery.  It wasn’t until near the end of her shower when she was rinsing off the suds, something clicked… “Cash.”

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

“we were startin’ ta wonder if doll changed her mind, will o’ the wisp,” a skeleton dressed in mostly black with a fur lined hood and a single gold fang jeered from his seat on the living room sofa just as Willow reached the bottom of the staircase.  A disappointed grunt followed as the taller skeleton purposely ignored his comment.

“RED, I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO WORK TODAY?” Willow inquired as he stepped into the living room, only after hearing Blue and Papyrus’s voices reprimand the gold fanged sans.  Standing in the doorway, he could now see that the two were sitting on cushions on the floor before the tv.  From the characters running and bouncing around the screen, it looked like they were playing Smash.  Leaning over the arm of the couch opposite the one Red was sitting on was Coffee.  He spared a little wave to Willow, but went back to watching the other two play.  He was probably waiting to jump in and play whoever wins. Stretched across that same couch with his fur lined hood up and obscuring his face was Mutt.  His long legs hung over the remaining arm of the couch and his arms were crossed over his chest.  He truly slept like the dead as he didn’t budge or even twitch.  His chest didn’t fall and rise in simulated breath either.   The last skeleton in the room was Willow’s brother, Oak, and he was currently snoozing as well, leaned back against the couch with his skull lolling to the side.  

“wha’, i’m not invited ta y’lls lil’ wash day thing,” Red growled, but his crimson eyelights avoiding Willow’s gaze hinted he was simply dodging the question and not offended.

Before Willow could call him out on this, Mutt surprisingly beat him to it, “him n’ sansy had a lil’ lover’s spat.”  Ah, so he wasn’t sleeping.

“would ya’ quit callin’ it that!” Red barked, scowling as chuckles only rumbled from Mutt.      

Coffee’s soft voice just barely spoke above the noise of the other two, “Red wanted to test the machine…”

Willow just arched a brow bone as he set down his hefty load on the coffee table, “AND SANS, I’M GUESSING, DID NOT?”  He looked to Red for confirmation and said skeleton huffed, crossing his arms with a frustrated scowl marring his features.

“dun know how he expects us ta know if the damn t’ing works w’itout testing it!” he mumbled, “coward doesn’t even like ta turn it on most times…”  

“WELL, IN HIS DEFENSE, THAT MACHINE IS THE REASON ALL OF US ARE HERE RIGHT NOW,” Willow’s attempt to play mediator only resulted in Red grunting and sinking more into the cushions.

Blue had handed off his controller to Coffee who eagerly vacated his spot on the couch and took Blue’s place on the floor.  “HE’S GOING TO POUT (“m’not poutin’!”) FOR A WHILE,” he stated as he moved to kneel by the coffee table.  His eye lights were glued to the bag he remembered bringing upstairs not that long ago, “WHY DO YOU HAVE HER BAG?”  He hoped she had everything she needed upstairs.

His question had Papyrus perking up behind them, but the prime doppel refused to take his sockets off the tv, “I’D LIKE TO KNOW AS WELL!” He wished he could turn and investigate, but Coffee took his games seriously and he had yet to beat the younger skeleton at any.  Maybe today would be the day.

Willow sat in Coffee’s empty spot on the couch to ease his back so he wouldn’t be bent over as much.  His weight displaced the cushions more than Coffee had and resulted in Mutt slipping down a bit further, closer to his hip and pulling at his hood.  Said skeleton didn’t complain and just let it happen, opening his unscarred socket so a rusty blood orange eyelight swiveled to look at the bag in question.  “lil’ missy plannin’ ta stay fer while?” he inquired as he took in how full it seemed.

Blue laughed, “NEVER KNOW! WE JUST WANTED TO BE PREPARED!” he chirped.

“BETTER TO BE OVER PREPARED THAN UNDER!” Papyrus joined in before squawking in surprise and muttering a little curse.  Coffee could be heard giggling softly and whispering how Papyrus had to put money in the swear jar now, on top of his impending loss.

Mutt just nodded and Willow hummed as he unzipped the bag, “SHE WANTS US TO PICK OUT WHAT PRODUCTS TO USE.”  He plucked a jar from the bag to examine.

“why’?” Red had sat up and scooted to the edge of his seat so he could see the bag’s contents better.   “shouldn’t she be tellin’ us what ta use?” he mumbled as his eyelights expanded at the amount and variety of products in the bag, “she bought da’ whole store?!”  

Blue just snickered and those snickers were growing into laughter as Mutt finally gave in to his own curiosity and sat up.  Both sockets now open and eyelights mirroring Red’s own in shock, “never thought i’d be so thankful ta not have hair.”  He rubbed a hand over his skull, “exhausted just lookin’ at all this.  No wonder they got a whole day just for washin’ hair.”  

Willow shook his head at the two with a withered sigh as he could hear Papyrus joining Blue in poorly hidden laughter.  “THEY DON’T USE ALL OF IT,” he resisted burying his face in his hands in exasperation, “HENCE WHY SHE WANTS US TO HELP CHOOSE WHICH ONES TO USE TODAY.”  He lifted the product he had already taken from the bag and wiggled it for emphasis, “WE’LL JUST PICK OUT BASICS… SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER…”  he trailed off.  It hit him that he didn’t know what exactly could be considered basics beyond that.

“We could look up the rest…” Coffee spoke up, tilting his head towards the conversation, “...there should be something about this on the internet right?”  A harsh click of a button and snap of the joystick could be heard before an anguished cry belted from Papyrus as his character went flying to the edge of the edge of the screen.   A flash of light then the announcer chiming in loudly: GAME!  He had lost once again.  “Good game, Pap…” Coffee patted the defeated monster’s back as he dramatically sobbed into his hands.

“I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THAT FROM YOU!” Papyrus whined and they could practically hear him pouting as Coffee just giggled.  

“GREAT IDEA, COFFEE!” Blue wasted no time whipping out his phone and holding it up proudly as his eyelights formed to stars, “MWEHEHEH!  WITH THIS WE WILL PICK OUT THE PERFECT ASSORTMENT AND HELP HER HAVE THE BEST WASH DAY EVER!”  

Papyrus bounced back from his crestfallen state as heard Blue’s declaration.  He joined them at the coffee table and clapped for Blue who just beamed more.  Coffee offered his own shy clap of support as he wandered over as well and settled into an empty spot on the other side of Blue.

Red’s eyelights couldn’t roll any harder at their antics. A frown still pulled at his teeth as something wasn’t sitting right with him about this situation, “thought doll didn’t like anyone messin’ wit’ her hair?” Why the sudden change of heart? The others went quiet at his question and Mutt just hummed along, the sound giving way his curiosity about this as well.

Papyrus fiddled with his hands, braiding and unbraiding his fingers, before breaking the silence that had fallen on the room, “WELL, AS YOU KNOW--from the group text--WE CONVINCED HER TO LET ME-US TAKE CARE OF HER.”  He inhaled and looked up, looking at each skeleton in the room, “I ASKED IF WE COULD HELP WITH HER HAIR…”  A soft smile lifted the corners of his teeth, “AND SHE SAID YES.”  

Nothing was said for a bit as Papyrus’s words sank in before Mutt hummed once again, “well… let’s get ta pickin’ then.”  Nods were shared in agreement.  It didn’t answer why, but it would do for now.  

Willow started them off with the product he had already.  He read the label aloud, “HAIR HONEY?”  before unscrewing the lid.  He didn’t need to lean in to get a whiff of its scent.  Not only because his naturally more sensitive sense of smell, but it was potent and the others around perked in curiosity as well.  It was sweet and warm, but not floral.  Maybe a bit fruity?  It reminded him of a tropical drink… the color of it certainly looked like honey though.  Before he could even question what it was for, he could hear Blue’s distals tapping at his screen to look it up.

“HAIR HONEY IS A BALM FOR STYLING, MOISTURIZING, AND ADDING SHINE TO HAIR,” he read, along with a few details about ingredients.  Surprisingly, the product had very little to no actual honey in it.  

“WHY CALL IT HONEY IF IT HAS NO HONEY?” Papyrus voiced the question they were all thinking as Willow replaced the lid on the jar and set it aside.

“‘n they say monsters are bad at namin’,” Red grumbled before jumping as the cushions beside him shifted and sank.  He could hear a long, loud sniff and scowled at Oak as the larger skeleton was literally following his nasal cavity to the now closed jar. “Fuckin’ ell when did you wake up!” he griped.

Oak ignored him for picking up the jar and opening it again to take a deep sniff.  A moment later they could hear purring.  

“Missy might not be gettin’ that one back,” Mutt chuckled as he took his turn digging in the bag for a product.  They continued like this.  Taking turns picking a product, reading and looking it up, sniffing, and eventually sorting them into piles at Papyrus’s insistence.  They had started with two: YES and NO.  But the YES pile was now organized by scent.  The “tastier”--as Oak put it--scented products had been more or less hoarded by said skeleton.  It was obvious what his vote was for.

“is it really smart ta have her smellin’ all yummy and shit,” Red had scooted to the far side of the couch away from Oak.  It was too much being next to the giant while he was purring with the volume of a freight train. He swears the cushions were vibrating.  Willow’s sockets narrowed on the smaller skeleton, “I HOPE YOU ARE NOT INSINUATING WHAT I THINK YOU ARE.”  His still crooked teeth pulled into a frown.  His braces were slow to fix them.  

“THAT WAS VERY UNCOUTH, RED,” Papyrus agreed and Willow sent his duplicate an appreciative smile.  

Mutt shrugged as he watched Blue repacking the NO pile, “‘m fine wit her smellin’ like a snack~”  His gold fangs glinted as he smiled, a teasing lilt to his voice.  “‘sides it’s hard not to considerin’ half this stuff has some sort of ‘butter’ in it...” he muttered.  He had no clue what exactly cocoa or shea butter was or what it did, but it smelled amazing.  

Red agreed with the butter comment.  Hell, he was still trying to figure out how they got butter from something like olives, hempseed… MANGOES?  A god damned fruit… how?  Not too mention the different oils… it was like they were trying to purposely seasoning themselves.

Blue choked on a cut off laugh and Red had cracked a smile, snickering.  Willow had tilted his skull back with a far away, tired look to the ceiling, but couldn’t hide a light flush to his cheekbones.  Papyrus had slapped a hand to his forehead with an exasperated sigh.  

Coffee giggled quietly, “...I have a bit of a sweet tooth as well…”  That was an understatement.  He had the biggest sweet tooth out of all of them. A golden blush flushed his cheekbones as all attention had turned to him in mild shock that he had said something even slightly close to a double entendre.    

A barked laugh burst from Red and Mutt.  The taller of the two recovered first with a satisfied sigh, “well, now we really gotta go with Oak’s choice.”  

Red wiped a tear from his socket as he conceded with a shrug and amused huff, “fine, fine…”  Blue and Papyrus agreed since they were outvoted either way, but Willow had yet to speak.  He was staring down Red, frown still in place.  The skeleton currently under his harsh gaze began to sweat, eyelights wobbling and shrinking as he refused to make eye contact.  The trio on the floor shifted awkwardly and after a subtle glance between the two, they busied themselves with packing up the products they wouldn’t be using.  “what?!” he finally snapped, turning sharply and glaring up at the towering monster.

“ya still owe us an apology…” Oak rumbled, his bloated red eyelight focused on Red.  His brother crossed his arms over his chest and hummed in agreement.  

“seriously?” Red looked between the two in disbelief.  Neither held an expression that they were joking and Mutt was offering no support for him.  The trench coat clad skeleton instead was looking at the ceiling with the utmost concentration.  Traitor… Red tried holding out stubbornly and debated simply shortcutting away, but even he knew he had overstepped.  Maybe that therapist was worth the money.  “m’sorry…” he grumbled, scrunching up in an effort to hide further in the fluff of his hoodie.  

Oak looked to his brother to see if he approved of the apology.  It was a piss poor one even by his standards, but he knew they probably wouldn’t get much more than that right now.  Willow’s expression definitely said the apology wasn’t up to standard, but let his shoulders fall and his arms uncross.  It was enough of an acceptance for Red as the smaller skeleton sighed in relief at the tension easing in the room.  

Papyrus, Coffee, and Blue had finished packing by now and Papyrus clapped his hands, a bright smile lighting up his face.  “WITH THAT AND OUR CHOICE OF HAIR CARE PRODUCTS COMPLETED, I’D SAY WE’VE DONE GOOD!” he boasted and Blue nodded along.  Oak just hummed and purred happily; he turned his attention back to the products on his lap.  

“BUT WE’RE NOT DONE YET,” Willow interjected and confused, curious eyelights and sockets were aimed his way.  He was grateful the more prim and proper and strict of their household were not in for this particular conversation.  “YOU SEE, WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE’RE GOING TO WASH HER HAIR…. OR RATHER, WHERE?” he continued on to explain that they had already scratched off the upstairs bathroom she was using, plus pretty much any other bathroom at that.  “ACCORDING TO HER, THE KITCHEN OR UTILITY SINK IS BEST FOR WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO ASSIST,” he finished.

Pensive, thoughtful looks adorned most of the occupants, except for Oak and Mutt.  Oak was distracted by his hoard and Mutt was still staring at the ceiling.

“USING THE UTILITY SINK WOULD APPEASE CERTAIN SOMEONES,” Blue noted, but he didn’t sound certain.

“it would, but knowin’ how many of you are gonna wanna hang around, it’ll get crowded real quick in that little room,” Red inputted and shot down the utility sink idea.  While his brother or Black might get huffy about the kitchen sink, it wouldn’t be anything worse than some harsh words.  Black was soft on the woman and his brother held a torch for her.  They’d be fine.  

Tipping could be heard and they half expected it to be Blue typing on his phone again, but instead it was Coffee.  A few more clicks and they could see the light of the screen shining off his pearly face and gold braces.  Blue leaned to peek over his shoulder and Papyrus followed suit.  The two sharing looks of awe and understanding.  

“ey!” Red snapped and two of the trio jerked their attention from the screen, “don’t just keep it ta yaself.  show us what ya found!”

Coffee was the only one still looking at his screen and he swiped his finger across the glass surface before turning his phone around for them to see.  On the screen was a video of a woman that had curly hair and skin like their friend.  She was leaning over a sink with a woman standing just beside her.  The other woman had short, dark coils and her skin was a deep, cool brown.  She was currently using the pull down sprayer to wet the other’s hair  and working the water into her curls with her other hand.  

“OH, WE HAVE A SPRAYER LIKE THAT!” Willow nodded, “IT WILL MAKE THIS SO MUCH EASIER THAN USING A CUP OR BOWL TO DUMP WATER OVER HER HEAD.”

“you were plannin’ ta waterboard doll?” Red joked as he continued to watch the video.  “only problem ya have left is that our kitchen sink is built fer the taller than average…” he pointed out.  It sparked new ideas to be put forth.  Suggestions that they could use a chair or stool for her to stand on.  This was shot down as Coffee reminded them that she was physically exhausted and her neck and back wouldn’t appreciate being bent over for so long after the workout Edge and Papyrus had put her through.

Papyrus sighed, “IT SEEMS MY ENTHUSIASM YESTERDAY HAS PRODUCED YET ANOTHER PROBLEM…”  

Blue patted his shoulder comfortingly,  “WE HAD NO CLUE ANY OF THIS WOULD HAPPEN.  PLUS, THINK HOW PROUD SHE’LL BE WHEN YOU SHOW HER THE CHARTS OF HER PROGRESS YOU MADE!”  It helped cheer up the positive skeleton and he nodded, mumbling a thank you to his ever supportive friend.

A deep rumble pervaded the living room and gradually morphed into amused, pleased chuckles.  All attention moved to Mutt, the source, with inquiring gazes.  Pushing his hood down and leaning forward, resting his elbow on his knee and his cheek against his knuckles, he grinned at his companions, “...think I have a solution fer that~”

[theladyofdeath]

The Arrival {part II}

The Arrival {Modern AU ACOTAR 2nd gen PART I}

So many of you have asked, and part two has finally arrived! Make sure to read part I before diving into this bucket of fluff.

Written, of course, alongside @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty​

Enjoy. :)

Rhysand cracked his eyes open and saw the sun peeking through the blinds. He knew it couldn’t be later than 7:00, but having to be at work at 7:30 every morning had him awake with the sun almost every day. He decided he deserved just a bit more sleep and rolled over.

He found Lily asleep in Feyre’s arms, her precious hand pressed to his wife’s cheek as it always was in sleep.

He laughed, quietly, kissing them both on the forehead before quietly slipping out of bed and into the hallway.

The scent of bacon was already filling the house.

He wasn’t too surprised to find Cassian and Azriel already in the kitchen.

Both stood there in nothing but sweatpants and Rhys looked down at himself and laughed. He was clothed identically. Cass raised his mug of coffee in greeting.

“Where’s mine?” Rhys asked, sitting at the bar and letting his head fall into the cool marble.

“Hungover?” Azriel asked, not turning from the stove.

Rhys only lifted his hand in a vulgar gesture. He heard a mug set down in front of him and he reached up and wrapped his hand around it without looking up.

Cass laughed. “Coffee usually only helps if you drink it, Rhysie.”

“I need food first,” he mumbled.

As if on cue, Azriel set a plate piled high with bacon on the island. Rhys’ head snapped up and he grabbed a piece.

Sleepy foot steps had them all turning towards the hall. Lily poked her head around the corner, still clutching her stuffed kitten.

“Good morning, Princess,” Rhys said and she ran over to him, reaching up for him to pull her into his lap. “You’re up early.”

Of his three children, Lillian was the most like her mother, valuing her sleep and never saying no to her afternoon nap. She rubbed her eyes, his violet eyes, and rested her head in the crook of his neck and shoulder. “Hungry, daddy.”

Rhys handed her a piece of bacon and she ate it, not moving from where she was nestled against his chest. After a minute, he heard her breathing even out and knew she was back asleep, especially when her little hand pressed against his neck.

He sighed and softly rocked her in his chair. “So,” he asked, taking a sip of his coffee, careful not to let any drip onto his sleeping daughter. “Try to induce labor again last night?”

Cassian just grinned. “No, that was this morning.” Rhysand only laughed and shook his head. “She’s soaking in the bath right now, she said she might actually join us on the boat later, as long as we promise not to go too fast.”

Azriel sat a plate down with dozens of scrambled eggs. “So she’ll come out while the kids are tubing, but not while we’re wakeboarding? Got it.” He laughed.

“Basically,” Cass chuckled. “She brought her camera, I think she wants some new shots of them all.” He looked at Rhys. “Want to finally teach Bennett how to board? Thorn is doing it completely on his own now.”

Rhys took another drink of coffee. “If he wants, sure. He’s seven now, when did you start teaching Thorn?”

Cass smirked. “Five.”

Azriel laughed lightly. “Luna is dying to try, but the girl can barely walk on flat ground without tripping over her own feet.”

Rhys laughed. “Elain is the most graceful woman on the planet, yet somehow you two ended up with the clumsiest one of all the kids. How?”

Azriel shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine. We went to the playground with Lucien and his daughter last week and somehow, Luna ended up with a knot on her head from the bar above the slide.” When his brothers said nothing, he added, “The bar is 6 feet above the opening. I have no idea how she managed to get her head that high up.”

They both chuckled and shook their head. “Where’s Elain at? Still asleep?” Rhys asked.

Azriel pointed over his shoulder out the back door. “Morning yoga. Every. Single. Morning.”

Rhys glanced over his shoulder and saw Elain bent over on the mat, yet also reaching for the sky.

Azriel mumbled, taking a drink of his coffee, “If she doesn’t put something else on aside from those tight leggings, we’re trying for baby number 3 again before we go out on the boat.”

Cassian laughed loudly and Lily sat up, looking around, startled. She began to cry.

“No, no, no, Lily Love.” Cass came around the island and took her from her father’s lap. “No tears. Not allowed this weekend.” She stopped crying but sniffled and nodded, rubbing her hands over her eyes. Cass pressed a kiss to her dark head. “Still hungry? Want Uncle Cass to make you a plate?” She nodded and wrapped her little arms around his neck. He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Go sit at the table and I’ll bring it over to you.” He set her down and she made her way over to the table. He looked over at his brothers. “Who’s waking up the rest of the kids?”

They all looked at each other. Azriel asked, “Rock, paper, scissors?”

They nodded.

Azriel lost.

————

“They really are just a bunch of grown ass kids, aren’t they?” Nesta asked, sunglasses on, sitting on the back porch with her sisters and a glass of orange juice after breakfast.

Cassian, Rhysand, and Azriel were playing football with the kids- or, against the kids. And they were not showing the kids any mercy.

As Azriel hurdle jumped over John’s head, Elain sighed. He was giggling and chasing his uncle, but the girls saw how close Az’s bare foot was to John’s head. “This entire vacation is a hospital trip in the making.” Lannan was milk drunk and sound sleep on her chest. She patted his butt with her hand as she slowly rocked.

“Any luck with baby number 3?” Feyre winked, taking a sip of her margarita, even though it was 8:15 in the morning. Elain blushed and looked down at her sleeping baby, opening her mouth to answer.

She was cut off by the roaring of loud music and a green boat sped by the house.

Nesta groaned. “I see the Tool still has his lakehouse.”

“Seriously, what are the odds that you’d marry the guy who’s vacation house is next door to your ex’s?” Elain mused, looking back down at Lannan, making sure the roar of the boat hadn’t woken him.

As one, they all looked over at the house “next door”. It was clear that even though they were all grown, Tamlin still used his lakehouse to throw parties. Beer cans littered his backyard and the house wasn’t kept up well.

“Did you know he’s dating Ianthe?”

Feyre spit her drink out at her sister’s words. “How did you hear that?”

Nesta was smirking. “Cass arrested her for public intoxication last week. He was the one to come bail her out. Said he made a big show of kissing her and calling her baby and his light.”

Elain and Feyre glanced at each other and burst into a fit of laughter.

Lannan woke up and started to cry at the sudden sound.

The game stopped at the sound of that little wail and Azriel was instantly running for the porch.

“What’s wrong, buddy?” He took him, resting him against his bare chest, gently bouncing him.

Elain signed. “You’re sweating all over our infant.”

Cassian grinned from the makeshift field below. “Just be glad we’re not making him join the game.”

Elain threw her hands in the air. “He can’t even crawl! He just learned to roll over!”

Azriel was pressing kisses all over their son’s face and his cries were turning into squeals of delight. He lifted him in the air and his giggles only grew louder.

“Daddy,” Livy cried, running for Rhys. “Do me, do me! I wanna fly too!”

Rhys picked Livy up and tossed her over his bare shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“I wanna get in the boat,” Thorn begged. “Can we, dad? Please?”

Cass raised his eyebrows. He looked around the eyes staring up at him, all various shades of blues and browns and hazel.

“First one to go change and be back here with your life jacket on gets to help me drive the boat.”

They scattered in an instant, Thorn and Bennett shoving each other as they ran into the house.

Rhys stood with his hands on his hips and watched. “You just incited mass chaos in one sentence.”

“Literally his favorite thing to do,” Nesta muttered.

Cassian just grinned in triumph.

“I think I’ll come on the boat,” Nesta said. “Ladies?”

“Where’s the infant life jacket?” Elain asked.

Lannan grabbed Azriel’s bottom lip and tugged as he said, “Down by the dock.”

Elain ran a hand down the back of Lannan’s dark head. “Let go of Daddy, baby.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

Feyre and Cassian began howling and Rhys was smirking.

“I hate all of you,” Az muttered, carrying Lannan down the dock to where they’d left the life jackets the night before.

Bennett was the first one out the door and he raced down to the docks, shoving his arms in the holes. “I win, Uncle Cass!”

“Good job, bud! Let me and your dad go get changed. Will you help the little kids when they get down here?”

He nodded and started separating the jackets into sizes. He lifted the biggest one in the air. “Who gets the big one? It’s huge!”

Nesta looked at the maternity life jacket in his hands, then at Feyre and said “I swear, I’ve never hit a kid, but right now, yours is pushing it.”

Feyre just laughed. “He’s not wrong, though.”

Nesta rolled her eyes before slowly rising into standing position and heading down to the dock, snatching the jacket from Bennett.

Bennett just watched his aunt climb into the boat with wide eyes. She took her spot in the seat behind Cassian’s captains chair and put her sunglasses on.

Lily and Livy bounded out of the house hand in hand. They wore matching swimsuits.

Nesta called, “I can’t believe you still make them match. Didn’t they outgrow that at, like, three-years-old?”

Rhys follows behind, holding a bunch of towels in his arms and a cooler. “They do it on their own. We’ve let them pick out their own clothes for about two years.”

Feyre said, “Yeah, so…”

When none of the kids were looking she threw a vulgar gesture her sister’s way. Nesta returned it without even looking up.

Azriel laughed, under his breath, as he strapped Lannan in his life jacket. “Our family is crazy. Yes they are. Mhmmm.”

Lannan giggled, kicking his feet wildly.

“Stop with the baby talk, man,” Rhys said, lifting the cooler up into the boat. “You’re gonna knock Elain up again just with that shit.”

Cassian came out of the house, Luna thrown over one should, John over the other. “Alright, mamas. Your turn to change.”

Nesta shook her head. “If I get in that water, I’ll sink.”

“Come on, Nes.” He sat Luna and John down by Rhys and Az who began buckling them into their life jackets. “It’ll be fun.”

Her tone was clipped as she crosses her arms over her belly. “No. Thank. You.”

He raised a brow. “Fine, no induction later.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You’ve never turned me down.”

He shrugged. “Guess you better go get that sexy butt in a suit so I don’t tonight.”

Her brows furrowed. “A baby is going to pop out of me any day now. You did this to me. You’re asking me to get out of this boat, walk all the way back in the house, change my clothes, only to come all the way back here and plant my ass where it’s currently planted?” 

He squatted down in front of her, whispered something in her ear, and Nesta blushed. She glared at him, spit out, “I hate you,” and carefully stepped off of the boat, accepting Rhysand’s hand to balance her. She took off the life jacket, dropped it on the bench on the dock and began to waddle into the house. Walking was no longer an option, only waddling.

Feyre and Elain looked at each other with raised brows, looked at Cassian and followed their sister into the house. The rest of the kids flooded out and were pulling their life jackets on, with Rhysand’s help.

Azriel hopped into the boat, grabbed a couple beers out of the cooler, handing one to Cass and asked, “What did you tell her?”

Cassian’s grin was wicked when he said, “Let’s just say that I know what she likes.”

Azriel blinked. “As a couple, the two of you scare me. I just want you to know that.”

“Keep in mind, there are two mini versions of us running around and there will be a third soon.”

Azriel put the beer to his lips. “God help us all.” They fell into a comfortable silence. “You ready to have a daughter?” Azriel asked.

Cassian glanced over at him. He answered quietly, so none of the kids could hear. “Fuck, no. I’m fucking terrified. Having boys is easy. We’re boys, we know what boys like. Girls, especially an Archeron, are an absolute mystery.”

Azriel gazed lovingly at Luna, who was being chased by Lily and Livy. “I love Lannan, I do. I’m glad I have a boy to carry on the family name, but there is no love like a daddy has for his little girl. She’s my princess, I would do anything for her. Anything.”

The finality of his words had Cassian worried for any boys she may bring home in the future.

“Shit,” he mumbled. 

Azriel just grinned, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

Nesta had finally made it to the back door and basically tumbled inside.

“She really is a lovely pregnant woman,” Azriel said, under his breath.

Cassian chuckled. “No need to lie.” Azriel laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m thoroughly enjoying the daily sex I get in the afternoons, but I’m honestly fucking her as often as I am so she can have Scarlett and won’t be so miserable.”

“How chivalrous of you,” he laughed.

Cassian grinned and went back to getting ready to go out on the water.

_____

“You’ve gotta stand up, bud,” Rhys called from the boat. Bennett was on his 4th try, but it seemed wakeboarding was not in his future. At least not this summer. “Once Uncle Cass starts moving, you’ve gotta twist and stand.”

“I can’t, daddy,” he cried, clutching the handle in front of him tightly.

Rhys sighed, grabbing his shirt and pulling it over his head, getting ready to jump into the water and pull his oldest back to the boat. But he heard a splash and when he pulled his shirt off, he saw Thorn swimming out to his cousin.

The girls and the rest of the kids were back at the house, taking naps and getting lunch ready. Rhys, Azriel and Cass were still out on the boat, wakeboarding, letting Thorn have a chance and really opening up the throttle and flying across the water. Luna sat on Azriel’s lap and giggled mostly, not ready to learn how to wakeboard, not wanting to be with the big kids.

Thorn bobbed next to Bennett in the water, quietly talking with his cousin, helping explain to him things that when Rhys or Cass explained just frustrated or confused him more.

Thorn swam back to the boat, climbing out and looking back at Bennett. He gave him a thumbs up, which Bennett nervously returned.

“You ready, bud?” Cass called, glancing between the two boys. Bennett nodded, adjust his grip on the rope’s handle.

“You sure?” Rhys asked, looking at a smirking Thorn. He was so much like his father, genuinely wanting to help, but also full of mischief.

Bennett nodded, once again, as he took a deep, unsteady breath. 

“He’s got it this time,” Thorn assured them all.

Cassian smiled at his son’s all consuming passion for those he loved as he started moving forward.

Rhysand, on the other hand, couldn’t tell if Thorn was being honest or if he knew that they were about to watch another failure unfold. 

Cassian accelerated, gently, careful not to go too fast, and just as he looked over his shoulder to see if Bennett had gotten into standing position, Thorn, Luna, and his brothers were cheering. 

He wasn’t up for long. Bennett soon hit a little wave and flew into the water, but when he broke the surface, he had a huge grin on his face and his little arms were tossed into the air in victory as he bobbed in the water. 

“You sure you don’t wanna try?” Azriel asked Luna.

She shook her head. “No, I want to go play with Lily and Livy. Girl stuff.”

Azriel chuckled. “I see.”

“Wakeboarding is girly, too,” Cassian assured her as Bennett was lifted by his father into the boat. “Just ask Aunt Nesta. She kicks ass on a wakeboard.”

Luna just sighed and looked up at Azriel. “You really need to tell him to watch his mouth.”

When they made their way back into the house, they found the youngest siblings crashed on various parts of the living room, an episode of Paw Patrol long ignored on the tv.

Feyre was scrolling through her phone and looked up when the door opened. She put her finger to her lips, a look in her eye that dared one of them to wake one of the sleeping children.

“Lunch is after impromptu nap time,” she whispered, gesturing to the sleeping children around her. Lily’s head was lying in her lap and John was curled up against her other side. Olive was face down on the floor and Rhysand chuckled softly, as he picked up his daughter. She didn’t stir and he blew Feyre a kiss before carrying her down the hallway towards the room. Cassian instructed Thorn and Bennett to take turns taking a bath and sent the boys off to their task. He collected John from Feyre’s side and pressed a kiss to the top of his head when his son gripped his t-shirt tightly. “Nesta napping?”

Feyre shook her head. “Soaking in the tub.”

“Oh, is she?” He said, raising an eyebrow. “I think I could use a bath, too.”

He turned and headed back towards the room Rhys had just gone to lay Livy down in.

Azriel brushed Luna’s hair back off her face and she looked up at him. “Why don’t you go take a quick nap, too, bug?” She nodded, looking as if she might yawn at any second and climbed the stairs to the second floor. When she was out of earshot, Azriel rubbed between his eyes with his thumb and forefinger and sighed. “It’s literally like he forgets that my 6-year-old is standing right here,” he whispered.

Feyre just chuckled and shook her head. She cleared her throat. “Speaking of naps, I’m pretty sure your wife is in there pretending to take one.”

She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen Azriel move so quickly.

Feyre laughed, picking up Lily and carrying her down the hallway, alongside everyone else. Once she laid her down next to Olive, she meandered into her and Rhysand’s room. He was in the shower, singing softly to himself - extraordinarily off tune.

Feyre laid back on the bed, listening to her husband showering. Aside from his off key singing and the water running, she couldn’t hear another noise in the house. In that silence, she began to think.

When Rhys got out of the shower, he found Feyre laying on the bed, facing the far wall. He assumed she was asleep, so when he rounded the bed and opened the top drawer of the dresser, he was surprised to look over and find her eyes open.

“Hey,” he said, seeing a look in her eyes that often unnerved him. He sat on the edge of the bed, wearing just his towel. “What’s on your mind?”

Feyre didn’t seem to even notice his near nakedness. “I only got to be pregnant twice.”

An eyebrow raised and Rhys quickly did mental math. “We definitely have three kids, babe.”

“No, I know that,” she said, and he could tell she was fighting the urge to roll her eyes, even as she chuckled. “I mean, I was pregnant and then I had Bennett. And then I was pregnant and had Liv and Lily.” She gnawed on her lip. “Nevermind, don’t worry about it. It’s stupid.”

He rested a gentle hand on her cheek and pulled her lip from between her teeth. “Not a single thing you’ve ever said, done, or thought is stupid.”

Feyre smirked and said, “Not even that time I decided to break into the fraternity house to get your things out of Tamlin’s room?”

He recalled the memory and could still hear the sound of the police sirens as they pulled up in front of the house next door. Feyre came out in handcuffs and it was his quick thinking and sharp tongue that convinced the officers to let her go. It was his charm that convinced her to go out on a date with him for saving her ass.

“Okay, maybe that was a little stupid,” he admitted, laughing. “What is it, baby?”

She sighed and said, “I just see Nesta, as miserable as she is right now, and Elain, trying for another baby, and I just… I liked being pregnant.”

Rhys blinked at her, trying to remember how to use words. “Are you- Feyre, please tell me you aren’t saying you want another.”

“Cauldron, no!” She said, a harsh laugh leaving her in a gust. “Of course not, three is more than enough. God, I’m not explaining this well.” She sat up and ran a hand through her hair. “I love the twins, they’re the best surprise I’ve ever been given. But we went from an only child to three. Most women get to be pregnant twice before that happens, but not me.” She ran a hand over her flat stomach. “I just wish I could have gotten to experience it one more time.”

Rhys leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Maybe one day, you can. It’s not like your childbearing years are gone.” He laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead as he pulled her down to the bed again and wrapped her up in his arms. “Maybe one day, when the twins are a little older, when Bennett is old enough to babysit, we can think about this again. I would never say ‘no’ to growing my family with you. But for now, I’m happy.” He kissed her again. “I’ve got the three most beautiful girls in the world and the best mini me I could ever ask for.”

“I love you,” Feyre mused, closing her eyes and leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. Her hand lingered on his chest where it was resting, while his reached down to grip her hip.

He didn’t break the kiss to tell her he loved her, too. Instead, he took the time to show her.

_______

Lunch went by quickly, as soon as all the littles woke from their naps bright eyed and chipper. With all the newfound energy, Cassian, Azriel, and Rhysand decided to come up with a new game. So, after collecting a series of thick, oversized garbage bags and an unopened bottle of dish soap, they were outside making the world’s longest homemade slip-n-slide down the grassy hill. 

“Okay, as awesome as this looks, it’s going to turn out really bad, isn’t it?” Elain asked from where she, her sisters, and Lannan sat on the porch.

“For the kids? No,” Nesta said, then pointed to the three overgrown children. “For those three? Oh, yeah.” 

“Whose testing this thing out?” Feyre yelled, to the men at the bottom.

Azriel and Rhysand, without hesitation, pointed to Cassian.

Nesta rolled her eyes. “Do you know how much that man weighs? He’ll shoot off the bottom of that thing like a cannonball.”

Feyre chuckled. “I’d pay good money to see that.”

“Be careful, Uncle Cass!” Livy shouted.

The children sat, in their swimsuits, in a line next to the slip-n-slide, buzzing with excitement.

Cassian grinned as he jogged to the top of the hill.

The makeshift slide was nice and soapy once Cassian was at the foot of the porch.

“Don’t die,” Nesta sighed. “I’m not raising three kids alone. You die, I’m instantly remarrying without any regret.” 

Cassian looked over his shoulder. “It’s a slip-n-slide, Nes. I’m not jumping out of a plane.” 

Nesta just sat back, humor dancing in her gray-blue eyes. “We’ll see, old man.” 

Cassian frowned, turning his bare, inked back to his wife. “I am not old.”

“Go, dad!” Thorn yelled, as Cassian hesitated.

After taking a bracing breath and shaking his arms out, Cassian started running at the long makeshift tarp. Right before his feet left the ground, Azriel called, “Shit, Cass, STOP!”

But an object in motion stays in motion and there was no slowing him down as he leaped, hit the slick surface, slid, and-.

Skidded to a halt, pulling the garbage bags with him.

Luna cried, “Mommy, Daddy said a bad word!”

But none of the adults were paying attention, all of them, save for Nesta, were on their feet, faces shocked, as they stared at Cassian lying on the grass.

No, Nesta wasn’t staring, Nesta was howling.

“Oh, my god,” she said, trying to breathe. “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen.”

Cassian sat up and glared at the men at the bottom of the hill. He was covered in dirt, grass, and soap; his face, chest and stomach red and splotchy. “Which one of you assholes forgot the water?”

Luna stomped her little foot and said, “Uncle Cass, LANGUAGE!”

Nesta’s laughter began anew and he even heard Elain snicker from behind him.

Feyre was bent over, hardly able to breathe through her laughter.

The only one shaking his head, face in his hands, was Azriel.

Cassian, still sitting in the grass, groaned.

“Poor baby,” Nesta said, tears spilling from her eyes.

Thorn rose to his feet, arms crossed. “Old people shouldn’t slip-n-slide. Now it's ruined!”

It wasn’t. Azriel and Rhysand quickly fixed the issue and the kids were sliding down the hill, having a grand old time, in no time. Even Rhysand and Azriel flew down the hill a few times, followed by a slightly tipsy Feyre.

Cassian, on the other hand, laid on the porch with his pregnant wife.

“You didn’t have to laugh,” he mumbled, head lying on her lap.

“Yes, I did,” she clarified, “because it was hilarious.”

Cassian, despite himself, chuckled. “Not so funny being sore as hell.”

“Don’t let Luna hear you,” Nesta whispered. “She’s been very upset with your language.”

Cassian turned his face and kissed her stomach. “Wanna rub my back?”

“I’m eight months pregnant,” she said. “If anyone's getting rubbed, it's me.”

“Oh, I’ll rub you,” Cassian grinned.

“Oh my god. I’m sitting right here,” Elain said, covering Lannan’s tiny ears. “Do you two have no boundaries?” 

“You can say that all you want, Lainy, but we all know how kinky you and daddy are,” Cassian winked.

Elain’s cheeks turned a dark shade of red. 

“How’s the whole, uh, impregnating thing going?” Cassian asked, closing his eyes and reaching his arm out to rub one of Nesta’s swollen ankles. “Azriel need any tips? I’d say I’m basically a pro at this point, I’m pretty good at it.”

Elain scoffed and cleared her throat. “No, Cass, I think we’re good.”

Nesta ran a hand through his hair and said, “He really is, though. I can prove it.” She gestured to her large stomach.

Cassian, eyes still closed, pressed another kiss to her belly. “Yeah, I can tell him about all the positions I used to get it real deep in there.” He slightly moved his body to demonstrate what he meant. “And I mean, it’ll be in there. I can personally guarantee you’ll be knocked up in four to six weeks.”

“You know, I really don’t like walking up and hearing you say that to my wife, while you’re doing that with your hips.” Azriel��s voice was amused but there was a slight edge to it.

Cassian's eyes shot open and he sat up. “You caught the tail end of a really weird sentence.”

“I’d say so,” Az said, sitting in the spot Elain had offered him by scooting forward in her deck chair. His legs straddled her and she leaned back against him. He rubbed her shoulders softly and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. He looked down at Lannan, asleep against Elain’s chest. “But I think I’m pretty good at what I do.”

“Oh, you are, baby,” she said, twisting to kiss him.

His lips still brushing hers, he breathed, “You mean, daddy.”

“That’s going to haunt me forever, isn’t it?” Elain groaned, just as Feyre slid down the slip-n-slide with her twins, causing a one-man cheering section from Rhysand at the bottom of the hill.

Cassian snorted. “Oh, most definitely.”

Azriel whispered something into her ear that made the color her pink cheeks deepen. 

“Elain!” Rhysand called from the bottom of the hill. “Your turn!”

Elain, shaking off whatever impact Azriel had just left on her ovaries, shook her head. “No way!”

“Come on, mama!” Luna clapped. 

“I’ll go with you, Aunt Lainy,” John offered, running up the stairs and holding out his hand.

Elain sighed, fondly watching her nephew. “Well, I can’t say no to that, can I?”

She handed Lannon to Azriel, who cradled him against his chest, and took John’s hand. The two sat at the top of the hill, hand in hand, and went down the slide.

“You should go down,” Cassian said, looking up at Nesta. “Scarlett will shoot right out of you as soon as you hit the bottom.”

Nesta flicked him on the side of the neck. “Why do you say the things that you say?”

“You’re the one that married him,” Azriel whispered, careful not to wake his son. “You should know better by now.”

Her eyes rolled over to him as she said, “His stupidity amazes me every day, but at least my life is never boring.”

Cassian opened his mouth to jab back at his wife, but his words were cut off by a cry that filled the backyard. All three sets of parents quickly took tally of their children, seeing that they were still playing safely in the water hose.

Elain hollered to Azriel, “Is that Lannan? It sounds like a baby.”

Azriel stood, letting her see the still sleeping infant in his arms. Rhys and Feyre jogged up the hill and met them at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the deck.

“You failed to mention a very important fact when you told us about Ianthe getting arrested,” Feyre said, voice low.

Cassian walked down a few steps until he could see the yard next door. He leaned to get a better view. “What are you talking-?”

Tamlin was standing on the back porch, a plate in one hand, which he sat on the side of the grill and in his arms-.

“Is that a baby?”

Rhysand quickly clasped a hand over his son’s mouth, but his loud question carried over to Tamlin. He looked over at them, catching them all staring. Bennett quickly ran back to where the other kids were still playing. Azriel awkwardly raised his hand to wave, but before he could, Tamlin flipped them the bird and went back inside.

“Aaaand go fuck yourself then,” Azriel mumbled, letting his arm drop back down. “Prick.”

Elain and Nesta quickly looked to Feyre.

“They had a fucking baby?” Nesta asked.

“Language,” Cassian warned.

“Says you of all people,” Azriel mumbled.

“Apparently so,” Feyre said, looking in the direction in which Tamlin disappeared.

Rhysand was watching Feyre.

“That baby will be a damn mess,” Cassian muttered.

Elain’s eyes grew wide. “Cassian.”

Cassian just shrugged, “It’s true.”

Even Azriel had to agree.

“Let’s head inside and start cleaning up for dinner, yeah?” Rhys said, eyes still on Feyre, who had gone unusually quiet.

Cassian nodded and whistled, getting the kids attention. “Last one inside has to lick Uncle Azriel’s foot!”

“Dude,” Az chuckled, but Cassian’s method was effective. The kids all came sprinting towards the house, Livy and John bringing up the rear. It was agreed that since they tied for last, no one would lose, just to be fair.

Thorn thought that was full of shit, which he announced to Bennett as they were making their way towards their room.

“Thorn!” Both Nesta and Cassian said at once.

Good thing Luna didn’t hear, because she would have destroyed him and his use of profanity.

Thorn groaned, as he approached his parents.

“What?” He asked. “It’s true.”

“You can’t swear,” Cassian whispered.

“You swear,” Thorn mumbled back.

Nesta rolled her eyes. “Do as your father says, not as he does.”

Thorn groaned, following his cousins inside.

When Nesta looked up, Elain was shaking her head.

“What?” She asked.

“I do not want to know what goes on in your household,” Elain said.

Azriel, infant on his chest, howled.

“You’d be scandalized,” she smirked, and pointed at Cassian. “Watch your mouth in front of him. You know he wants to be just like you.”

“He is just like me,” he said, holding out a hand to steady her.

“Exactly.” She leaned up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. “You’ve proven my point. Now if you’ll excuse, all five pounds of this ridiculously huge baby you put in me is sitting on my bladder and I’m about to piss myself.”

Cassian watched her walk in the house and sighed. “God, she’s a peach. How did I get so lucky?”

“Is that a rhetorical question or…?”

Cassian flipped his brother off and Rhys chuckled as they all headed inside.

Everyone got changed into dry, comfy clothes and piled into the living room, deciding to watch a movie before dinner. It wasn’t long before they realized that the sun had tired the kids out, and even some of the others.

Cassian was asleep with one arm draped across the back of the couch, the other wrapped around his firstborn. Thorn was fast asleep, his head resting against Cassian’s chest. Elain was on the other side, her head on the arm of the couch. Luna was snuggled safely in her mother’s arms, under a fluffy blanket. Bennett was asleep in one of the oversized bean bag chairs, while Lily dozed on top of Rhysand, who was stretched out in the recliner. Even Nesta had fallen asleep, her head propped in her hand, John curled up in her lap.

Feyre looked around the room, taking in her family. She smiled and pressed a kiss to Liv’s head, her little arm wrapped around her waist. She looked over at Nesta and John, how he was clinging to her like his life depended on it.

Once again, she was struck by how differently her pregnancies were from her sisters’. Bennett was an only child. He went from being the only boy to completely outnumbered. He never got to experience life as the baby, something Feyre knew all too well.

John, though, he’d never known anything but being the baby.

She glanced over at Elain, knowing she was about to go through the same situation as Nesta.

Lannan was so young. His little personality was still coming to life in front of them.

She looked over at the youngest member of the family, expecting Az to be asleep as well, but instead was met with his hazel eyes.

“You okay?” He asked, softly rubbing Lannan’s back.

Feyre nodded, looking back over at John. She noted how his little fist was clutching at her shirt, how he tried to be as close to her as he could, yet his head was carefully resting on her round belly. But it wasn’t just John. Nesta's arm was wound tightly around her soon-to-be middle child. It was as if they both were taking advantage of his being the baby for just a little bit longer.

Azriel’s gaze followed Feyre’s.

“His life is about to change completely,” Feyre said, softly. “He’s about to be a big brother, and he’s never been anything but the baby.”

Azriel nodded, a smile on his face. “You’re right, and it’s probably not going to be the smoothest transition for him either. Nesta’s spoiled him a bit.”

Feyre chuckled quietly. “A bit?”

Az shook his head, quiet laughter coming from him. “Okay, a lot. But he’ll be a great big brother. He’ll have an awesome teacher.”

Feyre smiled and looked at Thorn. He’d moved, pulling himself out of Cassian’s grip, and now he was the mirror image of his father, down to the arm draped across the back of the couch.

Feyre shook her head and laughed. Silence settled in the room.

“Feyre?” She glanced up at him. Concern was written across his face. “Are you okay?”

She looked away. Azriel was always too observant for his own good. Of course he’d noticed her change in mood.

Her eyes grew teary, and she wasn’t sure why. “Look at us all. We’ve known you three since we were kids. Rhys used to pull on my ponytail, Nesta used to push Cassian down on the playground, and you and Elain were best friends since preschool. Now look at us. Married, kids.”

“And that makes you sad?” Azriel whispered.

Feyre chuckled, shaking her head. “No, it makes me really happy. But time passes too fast, you know? Just yesterday, Bennett was a baby. My baby, my only baby. Then two more popped out of nowhere, and I love them all so much, Az, but it got really different really quickly. Now, they’re almost four. Bennett is seven. Nesta’s having her third baby. Elain wants to have an entire heard of children.”

Azriel smiled, patting her knee gently. “I never thought I’d have kids, you know.”

Feyre lifted her brow, glancing at him sideways. “Really?”

Azriel shook his head. “My parents were such shit, the entire idea I had of family was miserable.” 

“What changed?”

Azriel’s eyes found Elain, soundly asleep with Luna. He watched her, lovingly. “I fell in love with the most beautiful, gentle woman… She always knew she wanted kids, and I had no doubt that she would be an amazing mother. She was my family. And I wanted to give her all the babies she wanted. Then, we had them...and I’m so in love, Feyre.” 

Feyre laid her head against his broad shoulder. “You’re a great father, Az.”

“And you’re a great mom. A quality that runs in the family.” 

Azriel and Feyre silently watched the rest of the movie, laughing quietly when one of the kids would snore (it was mostly Nesta, honestly) and as the credits were rolling across the screen, she softly woke Olive up and told her to go wake her daddy up.

She did this by climbing up onto the recliner and dropping herself into the small between his body and the armrest.

He woke up with a huff and Azriel and Feyre chuckled. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, clearly trying to decipher what time it is. He carefully extracted his arm from the Lily vice grip she had on it and looked at his watch.

“Shit, it’s only 5:20?” He said, dragging a hand down his face. “We still have to cook dinner.”

Thorn sat up slightly, blinking sleepily. “Dinner?”

My God, Feyre thought, he truly is a tiny version of Cassian.

“Want to help me grill?” Azriel asked, watching Thorn with the same humored expression. 

“No,” Nesta said, adamantly, eyes still shut. “Do not let that child near flame.”

Azriel didn’t protest, even if Thorn instantly pouted. 

Feyre got her Lannan snuggles in as Azriel padded into the kitchen, Thorn sneakily on his heels. 

Cassian and Elain were still knocked out as the kids all got up and began to do their own thing. Nesta moved to the recliner and read her book quietly, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Azriel stuck his head through the door, searching for his wife, not expecting her to still be asleep.

Feyre gently rubbed Lannan’s back as she glanced at the two figures on the couch and then back to Azriel and Nesta. “How much sex do you have? They’re both exhausted!”

Azriel just grinned and walked away, but Nesta snorted. “Do you truly want to know the answer to that question?”

Feyre debated. “No, I really—.”

“The man is a freak,” she went on, turning the page. “Can’t get enough of me.”

Feyre shook her head. “Elain would be appalled of you speaking like this in front of the baby.”

Nesta peeked over her book at Lannan. “Considering his mother refers to his father as daddy, I’m sure he’s heard much worse, no matter how much she denies it.”

“I heard that.” Azriel’s muffled voice carried back to them from the kitchen and they heard the fridge door fall shut.

The two girls started laughing and the sudden noise startled Lannan, who began to cry.

Instantly, Elain was up and moving across the room before she was fully awake and coherent. She slumped back onto the couch and leaned her head on Cassian’s shoulder. “Az, baby, take him, please.” She nudged him.

Cassian, still dozing hard himself, took Lannan and leaned back, settling deeper into the couch and an arm falling around Elain.

Feyre and Nesta once again looked at each and were laughing once again.

Cassian began to rouse and he blinked a few times, seeming to notice he was holding Lannan right about the same time he found his arm around Elain. He looked up at Nesta and his look of genuine confusion had her chuckling.

“What are you doing, babe?” She crooned.

“I don’t, uh — I really have no idea.”

“Our bun is still in the oven,” she clarified. “Not your kid, not your wife.”

Cassian yawned, and shrugged, and closed his eyes, once more. It was Elain, who woke up ten minutes later, who had the audacity to turn a deep shade of red.

She stood quickly, the fluffy blanket falling to the floor, and stumbled over both the floor and her words. “I don’t — That’s not my — Huh?”

Nesta chuckled. “Yours is in the kitchen,” she said, inclining her head towards the kitchen.

Elain nodded her thanks and turned to take Lannan. He woke up as she cradled him in her arms and began to babble up at her.

She cooed to him the whole way into the kitchen where she found Azriel putting a tray of chicken nuggets and fries into the oven. “Who is that?” She asked, turning so Lannan could see Azriel. “Is that daddy? Is that daddy?”

The chubby cheeked baby started to giggle, his hazel eyes sparkling as he looked from his mother to his father.

Elain was grinning, her smile breathtaking, as she turned to gaze up at him as well.

“You are...the most amazing mother.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips.

She was blushing when he pulled away, her eyes lined with silver. “Azriel…” she trailed off. Leaning up on her toes, she kissed him again. She still held Lannan to her chest and he began to squirm. “Where did that come from?”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a kiss to both her forehead and the top of Lannan’s head. “Talking with Feyre during everyone’s naps. I realized I don’t tell you near enough how amazing you are. The best mama I could ever want for my babies.”

He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. His hand reached down and gripped the curve of her ass. She giggled, loving how in love with this man she was.

“Ma… ma…. Mama…”

Elain jerked back, eyes wide open. “Did he...did he just...he said mama. Didn’t he? You heard it, he said mama.”

Azriel’s smile widened. A full fledged smile, that he only saved for a select few. Around Elain, he couldn’t help but letting out that smile. He didn’t bother to tell his wife that Lannan was only babbling, as it had become his favorite activity lately, and his saying mama was definitely a fluke.

Instead, he pulled her closer and took her face in his hands. He kissed her forehead, then her nose, then her lips. “Maybe he wanted to let you know that he thinks you’re an amazing mom, too.” 

He wiped away the tear that slid down her cheek. 

“I love you,” she smiled, “so much.”

“I love you,” he repeated, “so much.”

“Azriel,” she whispered. “How long is that in the oven for?”

He arched an eyebrow, before taking Lannan from her arms and bringing him to Feyre in the living room. When he got back to the kitchen, Elain was already walking up the stairs to their bedroom.

——————

“Uncle Cass?”

Cassian turned from where he was eating at the bar of the kitchen island, towards the table of cousins sitting behind him. “Yes, Luna Bug?”

“Is my mommy sick?”

Feyre choked on the drink she was taking and Nesta sniggered from the other room. Only Rhys was able to keep his composure and keep eating.

“No, baby, she’s not sick,” he said, chuckling. “She needs some sleep, that’s it.”

“Is daddy taking care of her?” she asked.

Cassian nodded, slowly. “Yes, yes he is.”

Elain and Azriel joined them downstairs half an hour later, and Luna had many questions about her mother’s quick nap.

After dinner, once the sun began to set, the boys started a bonfire down by the lake. The littles went to bed, while Thorn, Bennett, and Luna stayed up, making s’mores alongside their parents. 

“So, Thorn,” Feyre asked, breaking a s’more in half and handing it to Bennett. “Are you excited to not only be the ‘big brother’, but the ‘biggest brother’?”

Thorn, who had been laughing with Bennett and already eating his own s’more, paused and swallowed before he answered. “Uh, yeah.”

Feyre smiled at him and began asking Nesta questions about what to do what when she went into labor, but Cassian, who probably should have been taking notes, wasn’t paying attention to his wife’s words. Instead, he was keeping an eye on his son.

Thorn, just like his father, was usually the life of the party; the one cracking jokes and making everyone smile. But now, he sat quietly eating his gooey treat, absentmindedly drawing circles in the sand surrounding the firepit with his feet.

After a few minutes, Cassian stood, announcing he was going up to the house to get another beer. After most in attendance asked for a second as well, Cassian rested a hand on Thorn’s shoulder, startling him from his thoughts. He looked up at his father, with his mother’s eyes, and Cassian could see the emotion that roared inside, just like their stormy hue. “Come walk with me.”

He nodded and stood, tossing what was left if his s’more into the fire.

Instead of walking towards the house though, Cassian led him towards the dock, where the boat still waited for one more day of fun. He walked down the dock, sitting down once they were completely obscured from their families’ eyes, letting his bare feet skim the water’s surface. Thorn awkwardly followed, clearly not sure why they had come over here rather than into the house as they’d planned.

Cassian fished a small box out of his pocket and then there was a flash of a lighter.

Thorn’s eyes went wide and he said, “You smoke?”

Cassian chuckled. “Not normally, no. Only when I’m really stressed or when I’m drinking.” He took a long drag off the cigarette, pausing. “Your mom doesn’t know though.” Cassian looked up at his eldest son and grinned at him. “This is our secret, okay?”

Thorn nodded and came and sat next to him. Rather than letting his feet hang off the edge, he crossed his legs and rested his elbows on his knees, propping his chin in his hands.

“So here’s the deal,” Cassian said, taking another drag on the cigarette and flicking the ash into the water. “I told you a secret and now you have to tell me one.”

Thorn looked up at him. “That’s not fair, I didn’t ask you to tell me you smoked! You just pulled them out and lit one.”

Cassian couldn’t stop his chuckle as he was once again reminded of just how much like himself his son was. “Sucks, doesn’t it? Now fess up, what’s going on? Why’d you shut down when Aunt Feyre asked if you were excited for Scarlett to get here?” He flicked the cigarette into the water, hearing it sizzle as it hits the surface and extinguished.

Thorn once again stared down, this time at the water instead of the sand earlier. “Nothing, I didn’t. I’m excited for her to get here.”

‘Thorn,” he said, turning to him and placing his hand on his shoulder again. “What’s wrong, bud?”

He was floored when Thorn turned to look at him and found tears lining his son’s eyes.

“You’re not going to have time for me anymore,” he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Cassian only blinked at him for a moment, not understanding. “What?”

A quick intake of breath was the only indication of the fear that he truly felt. “When Mama had Johnnie, I had to go over to Uncle Rhys and Aunt Feyre’s all the time. He’s still a baby and now there’s gonna be another baby.” A little sob broke from him and Cassian felt his heart break as he listened to his firstborn, so much like him that it scared him sometimes.

“Being the oldest is bullshit,” he muttered, wiping angrily at his eyes.

“Yeah,” Cassian agreed, pulling his son into his chest. “It is.”

Cassian was the oldest of four and his parents were shit. So, yes, he knew all too well the difficulties of being the oldest. 

“We’ll still have time together,” Cassian promised. “Newborns need a lot of attention, but we’re a family. Me and mom are going to spend just as much time with you and John. Alright? Just… we may need a little help with Scarlett every now and then. And sometimes, that means going to play mini-golf or going to see a movie with your cousins.”

“I hate mini-golf,” Thorn said into his father’s chest.

Cassian snorted. “Liar. Anyway, Scarlett won’t be a newborn forever. She’s going to get to be Lannan’s age, then you and John can start helping her get into all kinds of trouble.”

Thorn, despite himself, smiled. But, that smile soon faded. “Don’t forget about me. Okay?”

Cassian kissed the top of Thorn’s head. “You’re the oldest, bud. My firstborn. You made me a dad. I love you. Alright? Don’t ever worry that I don’t. Mama does, too. We love you more than you’ll ever know.” 

Thorn nodded, his tears dried up. “Okay.”

“I guess we should go get everyone a drink, huh.”

Thorn nodded. “Don’t tell mom I swore.”

“Oh, I’m definitely telling mom you swore.”

“Then I’m telling her you smoked and threw your cigarette into the lake.”

Cassian and Thorn stared at each other for a long minute.

“Call it even?” Cassian asked.

Thorn grinned, wildly and mischievously, before nodding. “Race you to the house?”

Just a couple of hours later, Rhys and Cassian were carrying their sleeping sons to their room, while Luna explained to Aunt Nesta how girls were smarter than boys and their brains didn’t have to work as hard.

“That’s why I’m not as sleepy as them,” she said, holding her hand as they walked into the house. Azriel chuckled as he headed into their room, to check on Lannan. Finding him fast asleep still, he came back out and Luna was in the middle of pleading a very strong case against going to bed. She even had counter arguments planned for everything Elain said. His wife threw him an exasperated look and he picked Luna up from behind, surprising her and causing her to begin to giggle.

“It’s bed time, Luna Bug,” he said, tossing her over his shoulder and walking back towards their room.

“But I’m not sleepy,” she said, trying to turn her giggle into a whine but failing. 

“If you don’t go to sleep now you’ll be too sleepy to do anything fun with everyone else tomorrow, and you don’t want that, do you?” he asked, as Luna threw her arms around her daddy’s neck. 

“No,” she sighed. “Can I sleep with you and mommy?”

Azriel chuckled, kissing her cheek. “Not tonight. You’ve got your own bed here, and Livy and Lily will be sad if they wake up in the morning and don’t see you in your bunk.”

Luna agreed. “Okay, fine.” 

Elain had already slipped back outside with her sisters as Azriel walked Luna into her bedroom. He could see them all sitting around the fading fire, Elain laughing brightly at something her sisters had said. He was so captivated by her beauty, so blown away by that heart-stopping smile.

He kissed Luna goodnight before tucking her in, then slowly shut the door behind him before making his way downstairs.

Cassian and Rhysand were in the kitchen, having put the boys down in their room.

“I suppose I should grab my pregnant wife and put her to bed,” Cassian said. Yet, he was cracking open another beer and putting the can to his lips.

Rhysand shook his head. “Is it even possible for you to drink too much? When was the last time you’ve been hungover?”

Cassian thought about it, then shrugged. “Don’t remember. High school. Maybe college.”

Azriel laughed before bidding them both goodnight and stepping out onto the back porch.

“Going to bed!” he called to his wife. “Goodnight!”

“That’s a hint to follow him,” Cassian said, stepping out onto the porch behind him, still sipping on his new can of beer. “You know, so you can procreate.” 

The three sisters rose and walked back up the hill, Nesta holding her lower back as she did so.

“We all need to go to bed,” Nesta said, taking the can from her husband. “I’m cutting you off.”

Cassian snatched it back and chugged until the contents were gone. He was sure to lean close to his wife before letting out an obnoxious belch. 

Nesta just blinked and put her palm against his face, pushing him back. “Someone remind me why I let him be the father of my children.”

Elain and Azriel had already slipped away for the night.

“The rest of us wonder that daily,” Rhysand laughed, holding out his hand as he leaned against the doorway. “Come to bed, Feyre, darling?” 

“Of course,” she smiled, intertwining her fingers with his. 

Once they were gone, Cassian sat back on one of the lounge chairs and patted the space in front of him. “Come sit.”

Nesta, rolling her eyes, sat in front of her husband and leaned back against him.

“You smell like beer,” she said, yawning. 

Cassian’s massive, calloused hands were instantly caressing her baby bump. “I can’t tell if you think that’s a bad thing or not.”

She huffed a laugh, looking up at him behind her. “You’re an idiot. I love you.”

He kissed the back of her neck as his arms around her tightened, “I love you, too.”

[cutieodonoghue]

dark gray (13/?)

summary: Killian Jones operates a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere, preferring a life of isolation, until one day a woman and a baby wash up on his little island and change his life forever.

read it on: ao3, ff.net

and also catch up on tumblr!

///

Thirteen

Emma wakes up to the sound of low laughter. Confused, she turns toward the noise.

Beside her in bed, Killian sits up with Henry. His feet are flat against the mattress so that Henry can lean against his knees, giving her a good view of the happiest smile on Henry’s face. 

Killian leans in and blows noisy raspberries to his skin, making the boy erupt with delightful noises.

Henry's fever had broken at some point before they had gone to bed- probably around one in the morning- and now things are better, things are good.

She's going home today. They're all going home today.

Maybe it's the reason she'd allowed things to escalate the way they had the night before. 

Flashes of memories come back to her, enough to warm her cheeks and ears as she contemplates the feeling of joy in her chest that's almost enough to make her giggle like Henry is.

Killian's hook is somewhere on the dresser across the room and his chest is still bare, though his necklace clings to his neck for a while before Henry latches onto it.

Killian chuckles at the interaction and Emma hums, reaching out to tug at Henry's foot.

"Good morning," Killian says with a wry grin on his lips.

Emma smiles at him. "Hey."

Killian turns to Henry. "Look, Henry, Mummy decided to join us."

Emma smiles a little, her heart jumping at the unfamiliar nickname. Henry babbles, turning to see her after a short while. He looks excited at the sight of her and they laugh when he holds his arms out to her.

Emma sits up beside Killian and takes Henry from him with ease, setting him on her lap in a familiar fashion to Killian. She holds his tiny hands and kisses his forehead, nuzzling her nose against his hair so she can smell the scent of baby on him.

"Hey, baby," she smiles, leaning back again.

Henry reaches for her lips and she kisses his palm, faux biting on his fingers when he insists upon having her eat him. She rolls her eyes playfully and tugs his hand away after a moment, then turns to see Killian.

He's gazing at her with a lopsided grin. His hair is matted and it's almost as if this is the last time he'll ever get to see her. 

It's then that she knows he's definitely coming with her, that he's not going to chicken out and stay because it's easier to. Clearly, his feelings for her, and for Henry, are true.

Emma bites on her lip and presses her chin to his shoulder. She searches his eyes.

"Last night was really…" Emma pauses, a laugh bubbling up in her chest.

Killian hums cheekily. His eyes light up and his ears burn red. He reaches up to scratch the spot behind his ear as he searches for the right words. Having found none, Emma giggles and kisses his shoulder.

"I certainly enjoyed it." Killian agrees warmly and honestly. His dimples pop forward as he turns his attention to Henry. He looks at her again. "I'll go make breakfast. We've a long day ahead of us."

Emma nods. "Okay."

She accepts his kiss, quick and tender, and before she can say anything else, he's out of bed, pulling on his jeans and shirt, and leaving her alone with Henry.

Emma sighs at Henry, shaking her head to make him giggle. "Are you ready to go home, kiddo? Huh? We're going to have so much fun when we get home. And we can get you a real bath and real food. And a nice bed and stuffed animals and blankets-" She smiles at the ideas she has. "And your grandparents are going to love you so much."

Unable to contain herself, she kisses his forehead again before pulling herself out of bed with him on her hip. 

She is far too excited that they're going home.

She's half-dressed already, having slipped into Killian's sweater for bed, and she pads out into the living room to carry Henry into the kitchen.

"Hey, so I was thinking and-" She looks up and away from the baby in her arms to see Killian standing by the door with his coat and boots on, looking at them with sad eyes. "Is everything alright? Is it- is the weather... or the lighthouse-"

He shakes his head, cutting her off. Emma braces herself and holds her breath. Killian's jaw clenches tight and he turns to look out the window for a long moment. "Pirates."

Emma's eyes widen and her heart plummets into her belly. This revelation has a very distinct potential of derailing their plans, and all she wants today is to go home.

"What should we do? What about the boat that's coming for us?"

He closes his eyes and sighs. "I don't know."

Suddenly, the world is on its head. She reaches up instinctively to protect Henry and her chest heaves as she glances out the window. 

There are ships, she sees them, with big, terrifying black sails.

Fear runs cold in her blood.

At that moment, a knock at the door jars both she and Killian to action. Emma moves Henry out of the room, going straight for the bedroom where she closes the door behind her.

Tears burn in her eyes and she chokes back a sob. This was supposed to be a happy day. A good day.

She cradles Henry close to her body and paces the bedroom for a moment. She can't hear anything coming from outside of the room, except for footsteps.

The door opens before she can act and she glances around for something to use as a weapon, but she stops short when she sees it's only Killian waiting for her.

"It's Smee." Killian explains, as if that name means anything to her. He holds a bag in his hand that he extends to her. "Hurry. Pack this bag with whatever you think you’ll need for the trip."

Emma goes blank for a second before she sets Henry into his crib and scrambles to grab everything she thinks they might need. She stuffs them into the bag and then grabs Henry.

She's breathless as she walks out into the kitchen where Killian waits for them. He's armed with his gun and a nervous smile.

She isn't sure how to feel about this. She should be happy, because it's her way home, but there are pirates threatening the island and possibly their ride home. Is it even safe?

"Okay. I packed the bag. Let's go."

Killian stands there, silent and unmoving, and suddenly dread fills the pit of her stomach. It feels like a bad dream, but she most certainly isn't sleeping.

"Emma, I have to stay.” No. No. No. “You and Henry can go, as long as we move quickly-"

Her eyes widen and she shakes her head. "Why?"

"I have to protect the island," he says. He doesn't seem happy about it, but at least he remains calm and cool headed. "It's my job."

"No. No." Emma shakes her head. "Killian, you have to come with us."

She has a lot of questions and fears, but all she can think about is the fact that they'd gotten so close, and now they're being forced apart.

"It's not just the island or the lighthouse," he tells her. "I'm… protecting you and Henry. You know how dangerous it is when they come 'round. I don't want you in danger more than you have to be."

Her heart breaks at his words and she meets Killian's eyes with tears in her eyes. "Just… come with us. You don't have to stay-"

"As long as I can keep them busy, you and Henry can get away without any problems." Killian says firmly, though he has tears in his eyes. She can sense fear in the way he looks over his shoulder, out the window. "I'll make contact with Smee once it's over and he can come get me. And we can go home together."

It makes sense, but it doesn't help her feel any better.

Emma forces a smile and nods, despite the lump in her throat and the tightening in her gut that tells her she's about to make a huge mistake.

Killian smiles weakly and she knows he is just as broken up about this as she is. 

As if he can sense that the battle to come isn't going to be easily won. He sets his gun down on the table and moves toward Emma. 

His attention goes to the baby on her hip first. He reaches in to smooth his hair before he kisses Henry's forehead.

“Be a good boy, Henry. Keep a close eye on Emma for me."

Emma releases a quiet shaky breath, her limbs suddenly weak and her heart heavy.

Killian presses his nose against Henry's forehead, just breathing him in, and finally pulls away.

“We’ll see each other again soon.”

Emma knows it's already a broken promise. It just is.

She takes a deep breath and steadies herself before she manages to meet Killian's gaze again. She didn't think she'd be saying goodbye to him today.

It's the last thing she wants to do, but she also knows it's the right thing to do. If she wants to get off this island in one piece, to home, to her parents, then she has to take the ship waiting outside and get the hell away from here. He’s right about that.

Killian stares at her apologetically, words that should be kept unsaid resting on the tip of his tongue, and she stops them with a kiss.

It's heartbreaking and passionate. She's pressed up on her toes and he has a hand against her elbow, her hand on his neck and in his hair, desperation in the way she closes her eyes. She doesn't want to let go.

Emma presses her nose against his after, his forehead pressed into hers. Their breathing is heavy and she curls a fist against his chest where she can feel his beating heart. 

This is the hardest thing she has ever had to do.

"Emma," he whispers, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Emma says, taking a half step back. She wraps her arm around his waist and rests her ear over his heart so she can hear its beat one last time. "Don't be sorry for being brave."

She feels his chin against the top of her head and she takes a breath of him to remember him by. His fingers curl in her hair and she clamps her eyes shut.

This was just always going to be for a few weeks, wasn't it? They weren't ever going to make it past the island. He was always going to stay and she was always going to go.

“We’ll buy a house in Storybrooke and adopt a dog.” Killian tells her, squeezing her tighter. Her heart reaches out of the helpless place it had been, instead swelling at the idea of a happy life with him. “We’ll give Henry a few brothers and sisters. Your parents will adore me. And we’ll spend far too much time forgetting that any of this ever happened.”

She wants to capture this moment and hold it forever, knowing that it’s possible that hard days lie ahead. 

“But, I do reckon we’ll argue about paint chips while we’re working on remodeling the house. Unfortunately.”

Paint chip arguments sound so normal and insignificant, all things considered, and the idea makes her laugh, fighting the tears already streaming down her cheeks. 

She sniffles, burying herself closer to him for just another moment longer. When she pulls away, she meets his eyes. “Come back to me.”

With a small smile, Killian nods. It’s not a promise, but she knows he can’t make a promise like that, not knowing the stakes are as high as they are. 

"We best get going."

He walks with her outside and he introduces her to Mister Smee. The man is short and sweet, a little red cap on his head and a nervous tick in the way he seems to just fall to Killian's commands. The boat is kind of small and she is assured by Killian that it will be sturdy enough to take them to the mainland.

She smiles a little and nods. Mister Smee excuses himself to start the engine and Emma sighs, looking at Killian one last time so that she can never forget this man who took her in when he didn't have to.

Somewhere, in the near distance, pirates loom, and she knows it's only a matter of time before they're here and Killian will need to defend himself. Alone, on this island.

She doesn't know what else to say. With the pressure mounting with each passing minute, she realizes they need to hurry and leave.

"Killian, I…"

He's staring at her with sadness in his eyes and he shakes his head slightly before wrapping her in a hug that lasts only a few moments. He pulls away after a second, much to her chagrin, and gestures to the boat behind her.

"Go," he tells her. "We'll be in touch soon."

Emma nods. She climbs onto the boat with the help of Mister Smee's extended hand, and stares after Killian as they pull away from the island. 

She sees his gaze switch from her to the horizon, to the ships drifting near, and Emma nervously watches him go inside the house.

She turns to go deeper into the boat, through an outside door that leads to the place where Smee controls the small ship. As soon as she enters the area, they're rocked by an explosion of a sort. 

Emma holds the back of Henry's head and widens her eyes as she stares at Smee. "What's happening?"

Smee shakes his head. "Nothing to worry about, milady. We'll be alright. We're almost out of their proximity now."

Emma feels uneasy, so she walks to the door and peers outside, looking toward the island.

She should have stayed. She should have fought with him.

"He'll be alright, Miss." Smee says over the roar of the boat on the waves. "Jones is the strongest man I've ever known."

The words should be soothing, but the only thing on Emma's mind is that she should have told Killian that she loves him while she had the chance.

/

With Henry finally asleep against her, Emma watches as the land draws ever closer through the windows all around the small cabin. 

She can see a crowd of people waiting for them, a curious thing.

Emma furrows her brow and stands up, moving to stand beside Smee in order to see what awaits them. "What's happening?"

Smee smiles a sheepish smile. "The world's been looking for you. As soon as Jones told me you were with him, I couldn't help but tell somebody."

Emma's eyes widen and a nervous feeling sits heavy against her chest. Her belly flips. What if her parents are here?

"Oh."

Smee gives her a smile. "Nothing to worry about, Miss."

They've come alongside the dock now, and Emma can hear the voices of the people outside, many of them calling for her. She adjusts Henry and grabs her bag.

"Are you ready?" Smee asks.

Emma manages a smile and takes a breath. She isn't ready, but there's no other choice, is there?

"Yeah."

Smee leads the way outside, his gentle kindness something that she clings to, alongside the comfort of Henry in her arms, squirming as he starts waking from his nap.

Initially, all she can see is reporters and cameras. An absolute roar of questions and the snapping of lenses entirely fill her ears, creating a sense of claustrophobia. She's overwhelmed in an instant.

"Emma, where did you go?"

"Is this your baby?"

"Are you alright?"

Emma blinks, her jaw falling open as Henry stirs against her and fusses, drawing her attention for a second as she tries to soothe him. Mostly, she wants to make sure that the cameras can’t catch his face.

She looks up and brushes her hair behind her ear. "I- I'm fine."

"Emma!" a voice calls, as if light piercing the darkness. It's her mother, and she swears she's never been happier to hear the woman in her life. "Emma! Emma! Oh, my baby!"

Emma turns, finally finding her parents moving through the crowd of reporters and bystanders. 

They're anxious and relieved, both of them teary eyed and moving as fast as they can. Her father looks like he might hit a reporter or two for crowding her, but then again, so does her mom.

She gasps and tears find her eyes as she rushes toward them. When they meet, her parents both reach out to touch her as if they're worried she isn't real.

Emma knows the feeling. She finds herself overcome with the need to be held by them, to quell the overwhelming feelings that have made her mind go entirely blank.

"Mom. Dad." Emma says as she accepts their embrace.

"Oh, Emma, you're here." Her mother whispers. "You're here."

Her father holds the back of her head like he always does, a gentle comfort after weeks apart.

"Who's this?" her father asks as they separate.

Emma smiles, looking at her little boy. He's awake now, his cries stopped. He holds himself close to her, as if she's a lifeline. 

"This is Henry."

She looks away after Henry takes her finger and smiles at her parents nervously.

"Emma, he's so sweet," Mary Margaret awes, reaching over and stroking over his hair. "How are you, Henry?"

Henry burrows closer to her and she smiles a little more. "We've had a really long day, haven't we, buddy?" He whimpers a little. "Yeah."

From around them, she feels the cameras burning into them, watching their reunion. Reporters are still asking questions, she hears them ever so faintly, but they're drowned out by Emma's sheer relief to be with her parents again.

Her father has his hand already on the small of her back and she sighs, pressing her head against his arm a little.

"Emma, we brought someone with us."

She hardly has time to register what her mother's saying when suddenly, Neal Cassidy's walking toward her, a huge, happy, relieved grin on his face.

"Hey, Em."

"Neal."

He wraps his arms around her and she has no choice but to accept. When he pulls away, he turns his attention to the baby.

"Hey, dude," Neal says with a kind smile. He looks up at Emma, who truly can't believe her own eyes, that Neal would be here- that he'd be acting like a total hero and nice guy. "So he just… washed up with you or...?"

Emma nods dumbly. "Yeah. He…" She looks down at Henry, who stares up at her. "He washed up right next to me."

"Wow," Mary Margaret says breathlessly.

Nervous, she looks up at her dad, who smiles at her. “I didn’t think we’d get a grandson out of our vacation, but I can’t say I hate the idea.”

Emma can't help the tears that come. She'd been so worried about Killian that she hadn't thought about what would happen when she came to the real world with a missing baby in tow.

Her parents both wrap her up in a hug again before they walk with her away from the dock.

"I'll get your bag." Neal says. He takes it from her gently. He moves ahead of Emma and her parents, holding a hand upright. "Alright! Get out of the way!"

It works, blessedly, people moving out of their way as they move away from the ships and the water.

They reach a car that they climb into and Emma sits alongside her parents in the backseat, both of them seemingly not interested in separating from her for more than a car's ride to wherever they're going. She can relate, comforted by their warmth and gentle words as Neal drives them away from the ocean.

Emma stares back at the water for as long as she can, just trying to adjust to the feeling of being on land again, much less make her peace with having left Smee and Killian behind. 

There's so much going on that she isn't sure where to put her focus.

From her lap, Henry coos and murmurs. He presses his head back against her chest and his fingers hold onto hers tightly. As much as her own parents are her comfort, she is his. It's something that makes her stay stronger than she wants to be right now.

"Are you hungry?" her mother wonders. She's holding her arm with one hand while another brushes her damp and grimy hair behind her ear. "Should we stop for food?"

"Cheeseburger?" Neal suggests.

Emma's stomach grumbles and she salivates at the suggestion. She nods. "A burger sounds amazing."

Neal smiles softly at her in the rear view mirror and she smiles back.

He came all this way just to see her. It means something. 

What exactly, she isn't sure yet, but she knows that her ideas about Neal Cassidy are turned on their head. Much like pretty much everything else in her life at the moment.

[miqojak]

🍒, 🍑, ⭐ :D

Woops, this got long. Sorry? :P

🍒 What kind of things do they expect from their relationships? Does this differ between platonic relationships and romantic ones? Is your OC “demanding” or a door mat? What kinds of things do people expect from them in a relationship? She’s demanding of anyone she keeps close - friend, or lover. You reflect back on her, and if you’re a fool - she looks a fool. She sets a high bar for friendship, and sticks to it. She’s as loyal as they come, once someone matters, but...sometimes that manifests in annoying ways. Much like a cat knows its routine and will lose its shit at you if you’re five minutes late on dinner...well, she’ll ride your ass for self-improvement just as hard as she stays on herself. She may grow over protective - it’s happened once before, after all, and she rather made a mess of things by trying to ‘help’. She expects that people give their all in whatever it is they do, and don’t ‘waste’ their lives. What people expect from her I have no fuckin’ clue, ha! I mean, if they need someone to hold them accountable, or help them sift through a matter to find a more logical answer or outcome (she’s rather insightful, and logical, actually). Or maybe they just want a good verbal spar! 

🍑 Where is your OC’s favourite place to relax or calm down? Recount a story of their time spent in this place! What makes it so special to them?

Well, normally it’s just ‘in her bath’ - as of yet, very few things can slow her down and chill her out as fast as a soak in a hot tub. Her mind is constantly spinning with the next step, and the next - getting that to stop is a welcome relief. Somewhere else she slips off to is Little Ala Mhigo - now and then she gets homesick, or she’s hit by painful memories of a family she no longer has...and she’s not sure she’ll ever have what it takes to actually return to Gyr Abania, but Little Ala Mhigo helps settle that feeling that stirs. It helps to see people like her, to hear an accent from her homeland, to eat the food she knows, and just exist in the midst of the activity as if she were amidst a bustling tribe, again, for just a little while. Sitting up on a ledge and drawing people that go by is a good distraction. That, or sometimes she’ll take off into the desert from there, and find a good place to watch the sun set, maybe stargaze a while.

⭐ What is your OC afraid of? Any crippling phobias or some such? How do they act when scared and what helps them calm down? Does anyone ever find your OC scary? Why?

She doesn’t like small spaces - or seemingly enclosed spaces with no readily available, easily accessed exit; she’s also terrified of levin - these are big ones for her. She’s incredibly suspicious of magitek, as well. These all stem from her time stuck in a Garlean facility, and aren’t going away any time soon. (Right now, that old fear is being stoked with all those Garlean towers. It’s a pretty crippling phobia at present.) There’s also just...some triggers that can set her off at times - and last time she was set off, it just sort of...sent her into an almost manic state. Trying not to show fear, trying not to show unease - it tends to usually manifest in anger, but it can lead to a lot more quick, jerky movements, stuttering, and ever more noticeable fidgeting (anxiety manifests this way). Being faced with real, genuine fear (like levin) can absolutely see her cower, pin her ears, whimper - she gets quiet, and small. Calming her is a task - a long, hot bath always helps, after the fact; listening to some piano music; sitting down to draw in her sketchbook; going on a run; getting out in nature, or...just getting some violence out of her system to feel more in control (she used to smoke a lot of somnus for her issues, but a little moko now and then helps instead, these days). That, or if Ketsuchi is around, he’s gotten pretty good at assuaging her fears - she’s gone to him in her time of need, before, and he doesn’t mock her for what shakes her. That, and his presence is more reassuring than not, anymore - if he’s the scariest thing in the room, what can hurt her, after all? 

Which, to address the last point as well - isn’t to say that she’s not scary, as well, when she’s inclined to be. There’s a boundless fury coiled tight in this tiny little woman, and when she takes the lid off of it, things get ugly. Just because she’s bottling it all up doesn’t mean that it’s not coming out eventually - and woe betide whoever earns that wrath. (One of her ex’s even named a spicy whiskey after her: Dragon’s Wrath...because of her notable dragon tattoo...and, well, her notable temper.) The DRK soul crystal certainly gives her an edge in being ‘scary’, when she can manifest a horrifying canine shadow monster with too many teeth and eyes - though even without the Jackal, she often uses her crystal-given power to instill fear in people, rather than butcher them outright. She’s lived a lot of her life in fear...and takes a special delight in visiting it upon others. That she’s not caving to such violent urges/impulses these days is also a testament to the influence her Wolf has over her; with someone around that matters, and who’s voice she’ll heed...society is a lot safer from her moods. (Without the magic, she’s still got her knives, and poisons - and a sharp little tongue backed by an insightful mind prone to picking apart people’s insecurities just to watch them squirm.)