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jobean12-blog · 1 year

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Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Pairing: Joel Miller x reader (Biker!Joel AU)

Word Count: 2,228

Summary: Joel’s been away on a trip and when he returns you’re the only thing on his mind (just like you were the whole time he was gone).

Author’s Note: He’s baaaaaaack because I’m in love and while this is related to my other two Biker!Joel stories you can find on his Masterlist HERE you don’t need to read them for this one. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always! ❤️❤️❤️Divider by the sweet @firefly-graphics thank you love!

Warnings: lots of fun, flirty fun and soft fluffy fluff

Thank you to Esquire for these amazing photo! 🥰

Joel Miller Masterlist

“Are you ever going to give that back to him?” your friend Dan asks as you shrug on the soft leather jacket.

You press your nose to the collar and inhale, lifting your shoulders with a contented sigh before replying, “nope!” with a pop of the p.

“He’s already outside” your other friend and coworker, Jade exclaims excitedly.

It had been a long and boring week of work at the bar and no Joel. He had been away on a trip and had only just returned today.

His first stop was you.

You grab your small bag and rush out the door of the backroom, waving goodbye before nearly running to the front door of the bar.

You can already hear the rev of engines and when you step into the afternoon sunshine you immediately look for him.

When at first you don’t spot him your eyes move to the row of bikes and you scope them out, certain you’ll be able to find his quickly.

Then your eyes land on the black and sleek bike, big, but not overly decorated and with giant shiny tailpipes off the back.

“Hi sunshine.”

You spin around and meet his eyes.

A week was too long.

His broad shoulders and muscular arms are on full display and his thick thighs are straining against his tight dark wash jeans.

His eyes hold you hostage and you feel a rush of warmth all over your body before you launch yourself into his arms. He catches you easily and buries his face in your neck.

“Joel,” you whisper, finally releasing your tight grip and sliding down his body.

He wastes no time kissing you and you hear the loud whistles and whoops of the rest of the guys behind you.

Your fingertips slip into his vest and you brush them over his warm skin, toying with his chain. You give it a light tug and he moans against your lips, sliding his hands down to your ass.

The hollers get louder.

“As much as these fuckers would love a show, I ain’t givin’ it to ‘em darlin’,” he grumbles, but his expression is warm. “Been waiting to see you all week. Let’s go.”

You wave at the guys over his shoulder and get nods and winks in return before Joel grabs your helmet.

“Thank fuck we’re back,” one of the guys yells in Joel’s direction. “We’ve had to deal with his grumpy ass for a week!”

You barely contain your giggle but try to hide your face in Joel’s chest.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up fuckers,” he scoffs and then dips his head to kiss your smiling lips.

When you lift your head he plops his helmet on top and throws you a lopsided smirk.

You ignore the guys and the rest of their playful jabs and ask, “how come you never wear one?”

“I do,” he says, “for longer rides.”

“Then how come I have to?” you pout.

“Because if anything happened to his beautiful face I’d never forgive myself,” he simpers before grabbing your chin and kissing you again.

“And we need to zip this up, the wind is chilly.”

He pulls his jacket more tightly around your body and takes the zipper between his fingers, slowly dragging it up.

“Dan asked if I was ever going to give his back to you…I’ve been wearing it all week and I plan on keeping it.”

You smile with feigned innocence and he tugs you closer until his lips are brushing yours and whispers, “good, this way everyone knows you belong to me.”

His words send a shiver down your spine and you press yourself against him with a kiss.

When you break apart he gives your waist a squeeze and chases your lips before throwing his leg over his bike.

He adjusts himself and revs the engine, your breath hitching at how good he looks straddling it.

“Darlin’” he warns, throwing you a no-nonsense look. “Get on.”

You get on behind him and wrap your arms around his stomach.

You’ve gotten used to riding with him but even so nothing compares to when the bike first roars to life and he gets out onto the road to really open the throttle.

You don’t even know where you’re going but it doesn’t matter as you press yourself against his back and enjoy the ride.

He slows when you reach a familiar spot off road and when he pulls down the dirt path and kills the engine your whole face lights up in a smile.

“Are we having another picnic?” you ask when he takes off your helmet.

“Yea we are sunshine,” he answers as he opens one of the saddlebags and pulls out a blanket and a small cooler bag.

You follow him to a spot behind the trees, shady but still sprinkled with the sun’s rays that filter through the leaves. Rolling hills lay in front of you, the pale yellows, vivid greens, and colorful flowers giving them texture and depth.

“It’s so beautiful,” you whisper. “I’ll never get tired of looking at it.”

“It is darlin’,” he replies softly, “and neither will I.”

Feeling the heat of his eyes on your face, you turn to look at him and feel the breath leave your body at the intensity of his stare and when you realize the implication of his words it almost makes you sway on your feet.

He tears his eyes away and lays out the blanket, unloading the bag of goodies.

The moment he settles on the blanket you sit and crawl over to him until he has you in his lap, his arms circling you and his hands smoothing along your back.

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” he groans against your lips.

Your fingertips comb through his hair and you wiggle in his lap, feeling just how true his words are.

“Actually I do,” you answer with a grin.

He growls playfully and grabs you around the waist, making a smooth move to flip you over and lay you on your back.

“Mm but now I’m gonna show you just how much darlin’.”

And with desperation you match, he kisses you, hungry and with intention as his fingers dance along your inner thigh.

The late afternoon sun is still warm but your bare skin pebbles in the cool breeze. Joel grabs his jacket and drapes it over you, cradling you closer to his chest.

“I need to feed you,” he whispers but doesn’t move.

His free hand is resting behind his head and his other is wrapped around you, his features soft and his eyes closed.

You stare and reach out to stroke his cheek, feeling the welcome soft bristle of his beard against your fingertips.

He catches your hand and brings it to his lips, pressing a sweet kiss to the back of it. When he releases you, you can’t resist the urge to brush your fingers over his mouth.

Drawing your thumb down his lower lip, you ask, “what’s your favorite color?”

“What?” he asks, bemused.

“Your favorite color? What is it?”

“Hmm,” he muses, looking up at the sky.

Then he lifts a finger and points. “That color.”

“Sky blue,” you say. “Good choice.”

“Yours sunshine?”

“The color of the ocean…turquoise I guess you would call it.”

“I love being by the ocean,” he says softly.

Your fingers move down to his chest and you trace his tattoo before curling them around his chain.

“Favorite book?”

This time he doesn’t wait a moment in answering and says, “The Count of Monte Cristo. I love a good adventure book.”

“That’s one of the best,” you agree, mulling over your answer as he waits to hear it.

“This is a hard one for me,” you explain. “I love books.”

He tucks you closer and ghosts his fingers over your skin, not seeming to care if you take all afternoon to decide.

“The Princess Bride,” you finally say.

“Another adventure and a love story” he adds.

“You’ve read it?” you ask excitedly.

“Definitely. It’s on my top ten list,” he answers.

You settle into him and think of another question as you fingers continue to move over his bare skin.

“Do you want another tattoo?”

He quirks a brow and silently watches your fingers as they smooth over the outline of the ink on his skin.

“I’m sure I’ll get another,” he says, “’specially since you seem to like ‘em so much.”

He grins at you before he winks and gives you a soft kiss.

“What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken on your bike?”

He considers the question for a few seconds and then turns to study your face.

“This trip. This is the best.”

“Joel,” you whisper, your lips parting to say more but he silences any further words with his mouth, the kiss soft and tender before he pulls away and asks, “favorite food?”

Your lips turn up into a smile and you tap your chin.

“Probably pizza…no! Pancakes! Well, maybe waffles? Chicken wings!”

He starts to laugh and rolls you over so he’s settled between your legs and has you pinned to the blanket.

“I think you’re hungry sunshine. Time to eat.”

“But what about you? What’s yours?” you ask as you start to get yourself dressed.

He watches you, his lips twitching with a grin.

“Dessert.”

Once your stomach is full and Joel’s had his dessert, you stretch out on the blanket with a happy sigh.

“You ready for a riding lesson darlin’,” Joel drawls as he absentmindedly runs his calloused fingertips along your arm.

You sit up with widened eyes.

“ME? Ride…your bike?”

“You want to learn right?” he teases. “And I have one more place I want to take you before the sun sets.”

“Maybe you should just ride…it’s probably safer.”

“Nah, come on darlin,’ you can do it.”

He packs up your things and secures them in the saddlebags before helping you into your helmet. His leather jacket is already cocooning you in his warmth and smell but you don’t budge from the spot next to his bike.

“You know how to get on,” he says lightly.

You let out an exhale and look down at your feet.

Strong fingers grip your chin and he lifts your eyes. “Sunshine, you’re gonna be fine and I’m going to be right there with you. I wouldn’t let you ride if I thought it wasn’t ok.”

You nod with renewed determination and swing a leg over the bike. It’s harder to get situated without Joel’s body and it takes you a minute to find your balance.

“Ok, so now what?” you ask, staring at the handlebars.

No answer.

“Joel?”

You turn to catch him staring at you, his eyes dark.

“Sorry darlin,’ but fuck if that isn’t hot as hell…hang on.”

He pulls out his phone and snaps a picture before he drinks you in one last time and saunters over to help.

He explains what all the necessary buttons and levers are and shows you how to start the engine and walk the bike around a bit.

It’s much too big and heavy for you but he’s at your side the whole time and he’s patient and sweet.

“You’re doing so well darlin.’ Gonna have to get you your own bike soon.”

You beam under his praise and he slides on behind you, cradling you between his thighs and resting his arms on either side of yours.

“This isn’t the safest,” he starts, “in fact it’s illegal to ride this way, but it’s just a short trip to where we’re going and it’ll give you a feel of what it’s like to be in the front seat.”

He kisses your neck and holds you securely between his muscular thighs before starting the engine and taking off at a slow speed. You squeal in delight and put your face to the wind.

The short trip takes you uphill until you hit a secluded and narrow road that leads to a dead end.

You don’t hear it until Joel shuts the engine and you take off your helmet.

The smell of the salty sea air and the crash of the waves takes over and you walk to the edge of the small cliff to look down.

The ocean sweeps out to the horizon, it’s blue color dotted with sparkling diamonds every time the sun catches a wave’s crest. Rugged rocks line the shore below and the pink and orange hues of the setting sun glow brightly against the darkening sky.

“It’s not quite turquoise,” Joel whispers as he slides up behind you and wraps you in his arms, holding you against his chest.

“But it’s so beautiful,” you finish as you snuggle closer.

“You’re so beautiful,” he says as he turns you in his arms and draws you closer.

“I don’t know why all the guys say you’re so grumpy,” you tease lightly. “You’re such a softie.”

He leans in close, his nose bumping yours before he catches your mouth in a long, slow kiss that leaves you breathless and shaky.

When he pulls away he holds your gaze and it’s like a warm caress that sweeps over your skin. Something sparkles in his eyes, something familiar and his voice is rough with emotion when he murmurs, “I love you sunshine.’”

@sstan-hoe @blackwidownat2814 @justkinsey @laineyreads @beccablogsthings

#joel miller x reader #joel miller #joel miller x you #biker!joel miller #joel miller x female reader #joel miller x y/n #biker!joel miller x reader #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller imagine #biker au #joel miller au #pedro pascal #pedro pascal x reader

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bullet-prooflove · 4 months

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Life on the Ranch: Dan Miller x Reader

Tagging: @kmc1989

Dan is a terrible rancher, he’s known it since he took that fence down and almost poisoned a bunch of horses by letting them eat hemlock. He’s an excellent rider but he doesn’t know the nuances of the land, how to manage something on this scale. He was a realtor before Bonham Walker had given him a few acres of land, managing a ranch, it isn’t in his skillset. He enjoys the life, the graft of it, being around the horses, but the rest he doesn’t have a fucking clue.

Thankfully you do.

Your daddy owns Rosewood Ranch up the way, you’ve been working the land since you were knee high. The two of you had got to talking one night in the Sidestep, he was recently divorced and you’d just returned to town after a stint up at the Four Sixes Ranch with Travis Wheatley. You’d been lending a hand for the past six months whilst he recovered from a liver transplant.

The first time he lays eyes on you, he thinks you’re just the prettiest damn thing. Glossy hair that falls over your shoulders, a red summer dress and worn cowboy boots. There’s a little wildling in you, he can tell from the way you hustle the boys at the bar whilst playing pool. That’s ok because before Denise, there was a little wilding in him too.

When he approaches you at the pool table, he isn’t looking for anything more than a game a pool. He’s bested most the people in this place so he’s looking forward to a new challenge. He thinks it’ll be just one game, at worse you’ll make a little money out of him, but one turns into three and before he knows it, the two of you are making out in the cab of his truck, his hands in your hair as your thighs straddle his waist. You’re both a little silly, a little tipsy. It doesn’t go any further than heavy petting but it’s still the most fun he’s had in years.

The next morning you turn up at his ranch in worn jeans, a plaid shirt and those same cowboy boots from the night before.

“You said you needed a little help.” You say, tucking your hands into the back pockets of your jeans as your rock on your heels.

It’s you that ends up putting him to work. You spend the morning sipping coffee at his kitchen table, helping compile a list of the things Dan needs to do before the spring rolls in.

During the afternoon the two of you head out to check the pastures in order to work out which ones are suitable for grazing and which ones need a little time spending on them.

That night he cooks while you devise a business plan, he’ll rent out the additional land to other ranches that require grazing space. He has a small herd and a couple of horses, nowhere near enough animals for the space he has. That way he’ll make passive income while he’s still figuring his shit out. You’ve already got his first client lined up, your daddy’s livestock about to double in size during calving season and due to a clover problem he’s looking for a space to turn out a couple of his herds.

“You’re a lifesaver.” Dan tells you as he sets down a plate in front of you, you pick up your fork and begin to eat as he pours a glass of wine from one of the more expensive bottles he inherited in the divorce. “When I met you last night I didn’t expect any of this. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to repay you.”

“Cook for me again.” You request, gesturing at your almost empty plate. “This cowboy casserole is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

A blush creeps up his cheeks because it’s been a while since he’s been complimented, since he’s experienced any positivity. He’s used to being needled, spoken down to, he isn’t used to praise. It emboldens him. His fingertips trace along the line of your jaw, tilting your chin up so he can look into your eyes.

“Stay the night.” He requests. “Help me break in the ranch a little.”

“Oh Danny boy.” You smile, your lips brushing over his. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Love Dan? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

#dan miller #dan miller x reader #dan miller walker #walker #walker texas ranger #dave annable

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dayurno · 4 months

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i think it would be so cool and delicious to read renee from your point of view. anything. jeanee. kevjeanee. dean/renee. anything. please.

ive written dan/renee before actually!!! it was for a writing game and its in the same verse as my burlesque au :) its a very old piece so please be mindful of that, but here u go:

2 — A small, fleeting kiss — which is immediately followed by a passionate, hungry kiss.

Burlesque is a pompous, smoke-filled, luxurious industry — one that Renee has been part of for too long.

From the years of shiny costumes and coy music, Renee had compiled a lifetime of purple bruises on her thighs and knees, a small fortune made up of tips, and one too many fleeting crushes on the just as fleeting dancers Renee had the pleasure of working with. It is certainly ironic, in a way, that though Renee's job is by the most part making the men fall in love with her — an easy task, really —, it is the women that she trails after at the end of the day.

It is just as ironic that, with Kevin and Matt as exceptions, it is women that Renee works with. Burlesque performers are in their majority female, which might be the most pleasant part of the job once money is not on the table: Renee had lost count of how many hours she'd spent watching her fellow coworkers prim themselves for a performance, everything from Katelyn's discreet lip gloss to Allison's over-the-top rhinestone craze, each more beautiful than the other as they align themselves in the dressing rooms.

Renee Walker loves women. It was not news to anyone — certainly not news for some of her coworkers, whose warm hands Renee had felt on her for more than just rehearsal —, and it could never be contested, however blind the men who come to the Foxhole may be.

So it made sense, of course, that the moment Danielle Wilds walked into that dressing room was the moment Renee's train of rational thought came to an abrupt stop. The rest, as one might know, is history.

A Friday night has the Foxhole dripping from head to toe in visitors, the anticipation of the audience rumbling through their small dressing room as the first performers of the night finessed the last details of their performances near the exit, coached by a rather unamused Nicky. From the other corner of the room, Neil — newest addition to their line-up, nearing his debut stage but just inexperienced enough to be Kevin's prodigee — is being thoroughly handled by the aforementioned, who was just as impatient at styling their fellow performers as he was meticulous at it.

Renee couldn't see what Neil looked like over Kevin's wide shoulders, but she doubted there was anything to worry about: Burlesque is not all talent, and as long as Neil is able to sell himself to the audience, he'll be finer than most.

Allison had just left the seat near Renee unoccupied to practice her routine for one last time before going up on stage when Dan slipped into it, her dark skin shimmering with glitter under the artificial lights as she leant her elbows against their shared vanity, bright pink wig falling over her shoulders in waves.

They had a shared number, today — Renee's wig, though a pastel blue in contrast with Dan's bright pink, reached under her chin in a graceful bob cut, matching with the naturally short nature of her dress, as sparkly blue as her makeup. In front of the mirror, they looked like a matching set; someone's wildest dreams come true.

Dan's red lips open in a smirk, all white teeth, and Renee hates every inch of her, from the dangerously short hem of her skirt to the thigh highs that draped all over the dark skin of her legs, an image Renee couldn't forget even if Dan allowed her to.

"Already got your good luck kiss from Reynolds?" Dan hums, brushing through her wig with carefully manicured fingers, her tanned hands part of Renee's most common daydreams.

Renee hums back, running a hand through her wig's blue fringe. "Jealous?" she asks, the glossiness of her lips only as heavy as the glossiness of her eyelids. "A woman like you has no need for jealousy."

"Not jealousy," Dan disagrees, turning to consider Renee in her entirety. Dan's eyes are so dark they're almost black, molded by eyelashes so long and thick Renee felt the urge to reach out and touch — it was the kind of stare no one could turn away from. Her tinted lips moved slowly as she said, "I have no one to be jealous of."

"Oh?" Renee replies, averting her eyes from the way Dan's skirt riled up ever so slightly as her legs crossed. "And why is that?"

Dan motions dismissively, the nonchalant depiction of arrogance. "Our girls are pretty, but they're not me," she clarifies, "and you don't do boys."

In spite of herself, Renee's lips tug into a smile. "No, I do not," she answers, leaning back on her chair. "If Allison heard you saying that…" Renee smacks her lip gloss-filled lips together, trailing her sentence into the ground.

"Allison can have anyone else she wants," Dan hums, in that ruthless way of hers Renee can only hope to keep for as long as Dan lets her have it, "as long as it's not you."

Renee leans closer — just to see what she would do, really; how far Dan was willing to show just how much no one else could have Renee —, and Dan's fingers close around her chin immediately, manicured long nails brushing against the soft skin of Renee's cheeks. "See?" Dan asks, almost in a purr. "I don't have to prove a point. You're about to break your neck for just a kiss."

She hums in agreement, hands coming to rest against Dan's exposed knees, the warm skin singing under her palms. "One kiss, Wilds," Renee drags out as Dan leans in, "and just one. You wouldn't want to ruin your makeup."

"Not mine," Dan agrees. "Yours, I would."

"And survive Kevin's scolding?" Renee brushes her nose against Dan's, feeling the fingers on her chin tighten. "Aren't you eager?"

"Aren't you?"

Renee presses a kiss to Dan's inner wrist, letting her mouth drag through Dan's pulse. "Self-restraint is a virtue."

Dan makes a sound of agreement. There is a lipstick mark on the inside of her wrist, courtesy of Renee's dark makeup, but she doesn't bother to wash it off as she tips Renee's chin back for a quick, short peck.

She's about to pull away when Renee's hand closes around her wrist, keeping her close. Dan's red lips close around a smug smirk, and Renee barely cares that they're in the dressing room. "Where's your virtue now?" she prompts, infuriatingly arrogant. "I don't see it."

Renee tugs her close, and Dan follows.

Their mouths brush, lipstick against lipstick, and Renee snarls, "Shut up," before pulling Dan into a heavier, deeper, longer kiss, her hands coming to rest against Dan's neck to keep her close, thumb dragging up and down her jugular.

#asks #whats their ship name anyway. i quite liked them at some point #danee #I DO WANT T OWRITE from her pov though. im cooking up some kevrenee i got you anon

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godlizzza · 2 years

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Prompt: Dan tries bottoming

It was a spur of the moment thing.

If Dan's head hadn't been clouded by the desperate need to get off, he might have stopped to consider or out-right refused. But Herbert asked him nonchalantly while they were shedding their clothes and Dan was reaching for the half-empty lube bottle he kept in his bedside drawer, if they could switch for the night.

Dan instantly nodded, popping the cap off the bottle, but then his brain caught up with his dick and he realised what Herbert had just said. "Wait, wait- You want to...?"

"Fuck you," Herbert supplied, plucking the bottle from Dan's hand. "Yes, very much."

"Uh..." Dan watched, mesmerised, as Herbert squirted the lube into his palm and went about slicking up his fingers, rubbing up and down to warm the liquid up. Dan shook his head to clear out the stab of arousal the sight stirred in him. "You know, I've never done...that before."

"And I've never done this before," Herbert quipped, shoving his underwear down. He offered Dan a dash of a smile, his eyes hooded with desire as he surveyed him up and down. "It'll be a new experience for both of us. Isn't that what you're always saying? 'Try new things'?"

"I meant that for things like, eating new foods, or watching a movie you don't know if you'll like," Dan argued.

Herbert frowned, his hands, still slick and glistening with lube, held aloft. "Do you want to or not?"

"Yes," Dan surprised himself by saying, but finding it to be irresistibly true. "I- I do. Want to."

The smile returned to Herbert's face and he gestured for Dan to lie down. "Good."

Swallowing against the dryness in his throat, Dan laid down on his stomach, crossing his arms beneath his chin. Lying there like that, he thought he looked more ready for a massage than anything else, but he kept quiet. The mattress dipped as Herbert shuffled up behind him, and Dan's skin prickled at the thought of Herbert raking his gaze along Dan's ass. He felt exposed in a way he never had before while naked.

He heard Herbert sigh and tried to peer over his shoulder. “What?”

“Oh, nothing,” Herbert said, caressing his fingers up Dan’s thighs to palm at his asscheeks. “Just admiring the view.”

Without further warning he pressed a finger to Dan’s entrance and pushed inside. Dan ducked his head down to bite at the pillow as Herbert worked his finger in and out. The sensation was more odd than anything. He tried to adjust and relax but then Herbert was adding another finger, increasing the stretch. As he squirmed against the mattress he wondered if this was how it was for Herbert every time. Did he also feel like he was being slowly plied open from the inside?

Then Herbert bent his fingers in just a way, brushing against Dan’s prostate, and sending him crashing back to reality. He cried out and bucked back against Herbert’s hand, almost shooting his load against the sheets right then and there. But Herbert kept a steadying hand on his hip and withdrew, leaving Dan feeling suddenly empty.

“Fuck,” Dan breathed into the pillow. “How do you not instantly come every time I touch you there?”

“Resilience and fortitude,” Herbert replied, his own voice sounding unsteady. “Now, be good and settle down, will you? You’re no good to me spent too soon.”

Dan scoffed, but his retort died on his tongue as Herbert’s hands found his hips. He pulled insistently at him until Dan shuffled up onto his knees. He propped himself up on his elbows, breathing hard as he felt the head of Herbert’s cock press against him. He thought after having Herbert’s fingers inside him, bending and pumping, that he was prepared for his cock, but when he slid inside him he gasped at the stretch.

“Oh, fuck,” he gasped, screwing his face up, forehead pressed to his knuckles. He tried to breath through the burning ache, but before he could adapt to the feeling, Herbert was bucking his hips forward. Dan scrambled to grab at the sheets, a wordless noise bursting from his throat.

“Ah, Dan,” Herbert moaned behind him, thrusting without any pace or rhythm. He seemed totally lost to his own pleasure as he fucked Dan, his grip on his hips tightening to a vice. “You feel- Agh-”

Dan shot his hand out to grab at Herbert’s wrist, making him pause. Dan inhaled at the reprieve and tried to lock eyes with him, but at the odd angle he was bent in, he could only see half of Herbert’s face. He was flushed, the eye he could see blown wide behind his glasses.

“Could you-” He broke off to drag in a ragged breath. “Could you take it easy?”

Herbert blinked, his grip on Dan’s hips loosening slightly. “Ah. Right. Yes, okay.”

“Okay,” Dan echoed, his heart slowing to an acceptable rate. He rested his weight on his elbows and settled into a more comfortable position. Now that Herbert wasn’t ploughing him like a wheat field on harvest day, he was getting used to the feel of his cock pressed deep inside him, his ass clenched tight around his length. “Okay, come on.”

Herbert didn’t need to be told twice. He started thrusting again, keeping his movements to an acceptable speed. Dan closed his eyes, biting his lip against the hot drag of Herbert’s cock around his rim. That Herbert was inside him, pushing into his body struck him, sending a shiver up his spine. His mouth fell open as Herbert brushed against his prostate, the intense spike of pleasure making his toes curl.

“Yes,” he panted. “Right- ah!- there.”

Herbert repeated the motion, pounding into him with blinding accuracy. Dan’s own pleasure quickly mounted, all the nerves in his body seeming to zero in on the spot where he and Herbert were connected. He fisted his cock, desperate for relief, and only lasted a few seconds before he was lurching forward and coming.

His breath was snatched from his throat at the intensity of his orgasm. His hips stuttered weakly against the sheets, the head of his cock dragging against the fabric and making him moan. Herbert continued to fuck him with vigour, even after his arms buckled and he face planted into the pillow.

“Dan. Danny,” Herbert was chanting.

His hands roved up and down Dan’s back, past his hips and over the swell of his ass. He squeezed and kneaded so hard Dan suspected there would be bruises left behind, Herbert’s fingerprints implanted on his skin. Herbert thrusted in hard, making Dan grunt, but then he stilled and groaned in a deep, guttural way Dan had never heard him sound like before. He could feel him coming inside him. It was a little strange, only made stranger when Herbert slid out of him, leaving him clenching at nothing but a squelching wetness.

Dan fell onto his stomach, letting the mattress take his weight. Herbert flopped down beside him, and folded his hands over his stomach as he stared up at the roof. The flush was still in his cheeks, creeping down his neck, and colouring the pale skin of his chest.

“Shit,” he said simply, making Dan laugh.

“Yeah,” Dan agreed, gingerly rolling onto his back. “That about covers it.”

“We’ll be doing that again,” Herbert said solemnly.

Dan fought back a smile but nodded. “Yeah, so long as you don’t go ham on my ass again.”

“It’s a testament to how nice your ass is, Dan.”

“I appreciate that, but I’d also like to be able to sit down tomorrow.”

“Good luck with that.”

Dan snorted and rolled over to throw an arm over Herbert. Herbert caught his arm and sidled up to his chest, snuggling closer. Dan knew he’d have to get up and take a shower, but his heart was thrumming with contentment in his chest, and with Herbert laid out beside him, he just wanted to melt. He resolved to just close his eyes for a few minutes, but soon found himself comfortably asleep.

#we love to see dan getting dicked down hell yeah #n/ sfw #sauce #dan cain #herbert west #danbert #re-animator #asks #my fics #writing prompt #bottom dan

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6gumi · 10 months

Text

mating season.

synopsis ﹒the title gives it away!

pairings ﹒neuvillette x f!reader x il dan heng (separate)

cw ﹒MDNI. unprotected s3x 、 use of pet names 、 monsterfucking (they r described 2 have two cocks here so goodluck!) 、 double penetration 、 mentions of squ!rting 、dan heng yapping abt hot shit but it’s okay cuz it’s dan heng !

note ﹒wowow other fandom works! anyways i love how i jus dipped for like two weeks to try n survive my last year of hs jus to come back w 900+ <3 here’s a gift for that! i love you all sm, mwah!

୨୧ 𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄

a look of worry crossed neuvillette’s face as tears ran down your puffy cheeks, filling your eyes with a flood of emotion, he tenderly brushed away your tears and pulled you closer, his cocks penetrating your holes just right. your cunt sucking in his hardened dick, emitting small grunts and groans from him here and there. “fuck.. hush my love, do not cry,” he whispered in a gentle comforting voice. “i . . i apologize.”

as your warm tears flowed down from the side of your face to the pillow beneath your head, you grabbed onto neuvillette’s horns for stability as your legs twitched in overstimulation. neuvillette cupped your chin and tilted your head upwards, giving you a soft smile. “is it okay if i’m not gentle tonight, love?” neuvillette coos in your ear, his voice soft and filled with need as his lips trailed small yet soft kisses along your cheek and neck. neuvillette’s lust grew the moment he saw a nod of approval from you, his eyes sparkled with admiration, conveying the depth of his affection for you. his fingers caressed your face lovingly, careful with his nails as if he’s trying to memorize every curve and angle of your features.

neuvillette pressed his finger gently against your lips, trying to silence you as he looked deeply into your eyes. his thrust's gradually grew more and more intense as his nails dig deep into the flesh of your hips, keeping you in place as his cocks bullied themselves inside your walls.. your previous orgasms forming a sticky mess in between your inner thighs and one of his cocks.. coating them just right. he held you close, wanting to provide you with comfort and reassurance in this situation. a small whimper left your lips as the tip of his cock brushed against your deepest areas, just like he wanted.. his pace was rough, his large hands could even leave a mark from how tight he was holding you.. desperately trying to keep you in place while he slams his hips against your own.

"look at me, love. look at me while i fuck you." his voice was tinged with desire, your face filled with pure ecstasy. you nodded shyly, your fingers fading into white as they tightened their grip against his horns. neuvillette's eyes gazed deep into yours with affection. "just look at how crazy you make me. the way you're clenching around me.. fuck your body's too perfect. perfect for me to claim and fuck, right? such a beautiful expression, mh.. so small, so cute." oh right.. you had almost forgotten. it was mating season.

୨୧ 𝐈𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐆

dan heng's thrusts were enough to tell you one thing. it was mating season alright! dan heng's teeth dug deep into your shoulder, not enough to hurt you.. but enough to apply pressure. his breathing grew heavy as his cock was desperate to feel more or you, each thrust.. each kiss, was laced with nothing but need and desire for you. he couldn't help but whisper sweet nothings in your ear, his voice deep and full of lust, you could feel that lust within his body, waiting to devour you as a whole. "oh, you're going to give me the best dragons. all of them will be mine." he lets one of his fingers trail down your chest, ending up by your breast. "if you think you're full of milk now... just wait 'til they're all suckling on you." his tail swished to his other side, pushing one of your thighs down to your chest to keep your breasts from bouncing further.

"look at my angel, so beautiful like always.. so cute taking my cocks.. sucking me in so easily, huh?" his arms wrapped around you as he stares at the shape of your body, his dick twitching at the mere thought of filling you up tonight unlike any other. "like a goddess. the goddess of maternity." dan heng kissed your neck, running his fingers over her stomach.. biting his lip when you squirt and release all over his pelvis once more, making a mess beneath the sheets, yet he couldn't care less! tonight, he wanted to take you, he needed to take you, he needed to claim you as his and his alone, just with his seed and his dick.

"your breasts will be so full.. your body.. your body will change.. i can't wait." your face reddened at the mere thought, you had almost forgotten about his cock pounding into you. "i got you filled up.. i got this pretty pussy filled up, filled up with my dragons.. just how i want it.? your body was shaking against his, your face filled with pure ecstasy. his words, his thrusts, his touch, his everything. dan heng knew he was driving you crazy, thrusting deeper and deeper against your pussy. you found yourself craving more of him, more of his cock.. more of his touch. tonight is gonna be a looong night.

#millie’s writings ✔︎#genshin smut #hsr smut #neuvillette smut #dan heng smut #neuvillette x reader #dan heng x reader #genshin x reader #hsr x reader

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zcorners120 · 2 years

Note

can we please have part 3 of the bracelet

ab-solute-ly PART ONE PART TWO MASTERLIST

arthur leclerc x verstappen!reader

synopsis; you and arthur have officially become a couple, after being each other's sworn enemies.

warnings; none

Walking into the crowded paddocks, you were hand in hand with Arthur. His big hand consumed your small one whole, as he swung both your arms back and forth like a child.

It was the first time you two were out publicly, with much fan speculation and media attention. You could hear the small gasps and whispers around you, along with the expected camera clicks.

"Arth, I'm getting nervous, there's so many people over there." You whispered over to him, as he leaned down for you to talk into his ear.

"You'll be okay, I'm here with you. We're only here to watch Charles and Max, so the attention won't even be on us for long." He reassured, giving your hand a small squeeze as you walked in.

Arthur loved this kind of attention on the both of you, as he can finally show that your his. However, even with you being a driver as well as fashion model, these kinds of crowds bring slight anxiety for you.

"Snoepje you made it!" Max called out, as Charles looks up next to him.

"Hallo, hallo!" You responded, giving him a big hug.

"Hey petit frère" Charles greeted his brother, smiling at him.

"Good luck to you both today, though I must admit Charles that just because I'm dating your brother, it doesn't mean I'll start rooting for Ferrari." You cheekily said, hearing Max and Arthur start laughing as Charles smiles in defeat.

"That won't be necessary, I have my own little clone who will support me, right Arthur?" Charles retorted, swinging his arm around Arthur's neck, ruffling his hair up.

"Ugh, I'll support you if you get off me, you're ruining my hair." Arthur dramatizes, his accent prominent.

"You two are the exact same, love your looks a bit too much." You howl out, laughing loudly as Max joins in with his animalistic laugh, hitting you gently on the shoulder.

Both Leclerc brothers give a blank stare, but crack out into smiles.

"Cmon' Y/N, let's go settle down and they can argue in peace." Arthur starts, putting his hand around your waist as you say your goodbyes', and goodlucks' to the pair.

"Place your bet, I know you're dying to tell me who you think it is." You say excitingly, as you watch his face contort into fake wondering.

"Hmmm, oh I know! Charles Leclerc in P1, easily." His face looking stoic as ever, as he brushed his chin with his fingers, pointing his answer out easily.

"No way, it's almost as though I thought you were going to say Max Verstappen! I'm sure that's what you meant, it must've gotten lost in translation." You laugh, teasing him as he tuts at you, before breaking out into fits of giggles.

"Real athlete sweat. Kikiki! Oh shit, look over there! How's my favourite little couple doing?" You can hear Daniel yelling out, averting his attention to the two of you that were snuggled up laughing.

"Hey Dan! Good luck on the race today." You both smile up at him, as he stares at the both of you.

"No funny business I assume. But thank you my little love birds." His demeanour turning serious before he bursts out into his usual silly personality, and fist bumps the both of you before prancing away to his garage.

"Oh look it's starting." Arthur points to the large screen in front, as the presenters start talking. He used this tactic as a lame way to slowly stretch and put his arm onto your shoulder.

"You're such a loser." You hid your face in the crook of his neck, laughing at him.

"Yeah, your loser." He kisses the top of your head gently, smiling at how both of you can still insult each other like before, but in such a different way.

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imthebadguyyy · 3 years

Text

You're My Future

Where Daniel realizes that his future is right there, playing with his nephew.

A/N - slight smut.

The new F1 season was about to begin, but before he was consumed by endless races and training and traveling, Daniel wanted to spend some time in Perth with his family, since he didn't get much time to spend with them on a regular basis. The two of you had bought a house in Australia a year ago, but it wasn't always lived in, if you were traveling with Dan, and when you weren't you preferred staying with Grace and Joe at their home finding the huge house you had lonely. Since they loved you like their own daughter, they had no issue whatsoever, and you were incredibly happy with the relationship you shared with your boyfriend's family.

But now here you were in you guys's backyard, having a barbecue with his family and yours. Your dads were standing together, manning the grill and passing everyone food and drinks. Your moms were sat at a table, catching up on news and how cute you and Dan were as a couple. Even now, after nearly 3 years of dating Daniel, it was hard not to flush when someone joked about how wedding bells and babies were on the way soon enough.

Looking around, you couldn't help but smile. Surely, this was bliss. This was what people said was the whole point of being in love with someone. Familial bliss, two families joining because two people fell in love and were destined to be together. Smiling as your eyes swept the backyard and the massive field beyond it, you caught sight of Daniel, with your niece. He had her perched up on his bicep, and had put his cap on her head. Your niece looked like she was having the time of her life, as Daniel imitated sheeps and cows, and occasionally tickling her tummy, making her giggle. A fond smile spread across your face, the sight filling you with pure happiness. For a second, you stepped away from reality, mind reeling with images of Daniel with a mini him or a mini you, playing with them in the same way.

You hadn't talked about babies. But, god, a woman could dream, especially when her lover was amazing with children. But brushing aside the longing and warmth your imaginary family brought to you, you walked up to him, resting your chin on his back. "Hello darling" "Hi bubs" "How's it going?" He asked, bouncing your niece as he spoke. "Pretty great,but it looks like the real party is right here, isn't it bubba?" You replied, leaning forward to press a kiss onto your niece's head. "Yeah we're having fun over here. You're at the boring side of the party, hun" your boyfriend replied, grinning at you, and nudging his hip against yours. "Shut up" was all you said, gently taking your niece from his arms, and setting her down. As soon as she ran away, you wrapped your arms around his neck, maneuvering his head down to reach yours, as he pressed his lips against your own. His arms circled your waist, as his tongue pushed past your lips, to encircle your own with his. You couldn't help the soft moan that left your mouth when the kiss deepened, but the sensible part of your mind knew that making out in front of your little family members probably wasn't the best choice. So you pulled away, letting your forehead rest against his (and he had to lean down, because Danny is tall) and whispering a soft "I love you" to him, before his dad called out.

"Oi! Come on then lovebirds. You can smooch all you want later, but the ribs will get cold and I'm too tired to cook some more" "Dad.." Daniel groaned, burying his head in your shoulder, while you giggled and intertwined his fingers with yours,and made your way to the table. About halfway through the meal, Daniel's nephew ran up to you and said "Auntie Y/N Auntie Y/N, can I stay with you tonight, pretty please ?!" With puppy dog eyes that were incredibly hard to say no to, so you said yes. "Yes of course you can ! What do you say, Uncle Dan?" "Hmm, let me think. Will you sleep with me and Auntie Y/N, and give us lots of cuddles?" "YES i will ! Lots and lots and lots of cuddles" "well then thats a deal!" You said, bending down to kiss his cheeks, as he blushed and ran away to Michelle and Grace.

"Danny, are you sure you're okay with him staying with you?" Michelle asked, turning to look at her brother. "Of course its okay, we love him way too much" "And Y/N, are you okay with it ?" "Of course I'm okay with him. I love him too you know" you joked, leaning forward to hug her. Laughing, the two of you broke apart, and soon, everybody, except Daniel's nephew bade you goodbye, with Daniel promising to bring him home sometime the next day. "But not before I feed him" you had said, making everyone laugh. As everyone made their way home, his nephew grew more and more excited.

"Can we go for a run ? No, can we play with legos? No no can we play with our bikes, NO! Can we play in the pool ?" He asked talking nineteen to the dozen, practically bubbling with excitement. "Hey, little man, you need to calm down first. Then we can do whatever you want" Daniel said, swinging the boy up to his shoulders, "yes, but first we need to rest for a while, because we've just eaten, and I dont want anyone throwing up in here" you said. "No, I want to play now" he said, looking up to you and curling his bottom lip. "I know, bubba, but you need to rest before playing or you'll get sick. I'll tell you a story, and we can watch a movie for a while. Deal?" You said, stretching out your pinkie towards his. "Deal!" He replied, twisting his little finger around yours.

Watching the little interaction, Daniel couldn't help but feel his heart melt, seeing clearly how well you dealt with his nephew. It warmed his heart and sent a warmth spreading through his body, and consumed in momentary bliss, he let his thoughts run wild, images of you with a baby girl Ricciardo or baby boy Ricciardo flooding his brain, sending his heart racing at how right it felt to see you with kids. Your kids.

It sounded so right. It looked so right. Why was he feeling this way ? Why did the sight of you with kids make him want to cry tears of happiness, and why did it make him want to drag you upto your bedroom at once, to get a headstart on the baby making process? Shaking his head free of the urge that was setting in to just grab you and take you on the kitchen counter, he walked up to your shared bedroom to put on 'Despicable Me'

~♡~

"No way ! He's gonna build a rocketship to steal the moon ! That's so cool!"

"I know! But I like the moon in the sky don't you?" You replied, gently running your fingers through Daniel's hair, who was watching his lovie and nephew interact with each other with a running commentary of the movie. He couldn't help but smile. The three of you were lying down on the bed, his nephew sitting by the foot of the bed with his legs in the air, and a small tub of icecream next to him. He was sitting with his head on Y/N's lap, and Y/N was leaning against the headboard, a tub of cookie dough icecream being shared between the two.

"Yeah, but how cool would it be if we had the moon in our room?!"

Laughing, Daniel looked at your smiling face, and then turned back to his nephew,"if the moon was really in our room, none of us would be able to sit here" "why's that unca dan ?"

"Well," you said cutting in for Daniel, "the moon is very very big bubba. Its just a little smaller than the whole earth ! Can you imagine the earth being in our room? It would be gigantic" you said, spreading your arms out for effect. The little boy had been completely engrossed in watching you speak, little mouth opening softly as he stared in awe. From his spot on your lap, Daniel smiled softly, feeling that rush of warmth and familial longing once again. You were absolutely perfect. Holy hell, were you perfect. When he had fallen in love with you, he didnt think he could love any harder. But after watching you with some kids, he felt his heart positively burst with adoration and love.

"I'm sleepy Auntie Y/N" the boy said, rubbing his eyes softly, and crawling over to where you were sitting. Eyes shifting over to the clock, you felt a slight startle as you realized it was nearly 6:15 in the evening. Pulling the covers off of yourself, you picked up the little boy, and said to him in a soft voice, " I know, so how about you go and have a bath with Uncle Danny, and I'll quickly whip up some pasta and dino nuggets for dinner. Then you can go to sleep. You've had a very long day my darling. Time to start winding up,hmm?" Too sleepy to argue, he simply nodded, stretching his arms out towards Daniel.

"Come on little man, I'll give you a bath"

~♡~

The three of you were sat down at the table, eating pasta(into which you had snuck in some veggies), dino nuggets, salad, wine for the two of you juice for your nephew. The meal was full of laughter and happiness, with Daniel cracking jokes, and your nephew entertaining you with his childlike humour and funny anecdotes. It was so different compared to your usual meals, and although you loved your dinners with Dan, you couldn't help imagining dinners with a mini Ricciardo. You couldn't understand why you had been feeling such familial pulls on your heartstrings. Maybe it was because you were more and more sure of the fact that you wanted Daniel to be the one. The one you'd come home to. The one who'd hold your hand through everything. The one that would be there.

Soon enough, it was bedtime, and the three of you walked up to your bedroom after putting the dishes in the washer. Your nephew climbed into the bed, leaving space for both of you on each side. You walked into the walk in cupboard you shared, pulling on a pair of black night shorts and a dark red sleeveless night shirt, pulling your hair up into a knot at the back of your hair (alt. for short hair - you ran a comb through your hair) and went back out to the bedroom. Daniel was in the process of getting ready for bed, standing near the bed, and talking animatedly to his nephew. Smiling to yourself at the sight, you swallowed a sigh, feeling a melancholic emotion rising up in your heart. Blinking away the sudden tears that you felt rising up in your eyes, you climbed into the bed as well, lying down next to the boy, and gently playing with his hair.

"Auntie Y/N will you sing to me please?" He asked, looking at you with puppy dog eyes. "Which song do you want to hear baby?" You asked, running your fingers along his tummy, coaxing a giggle out of the boy. "Sing All Of Me please!"

Clearing your throat softly, you pulled him closer to your body,and tried your best to sing John Legend for him

What would I do without your smart mouth?

Drawin' me in, and you kickin' me out

You've got my head spinnin', no kiddin'

I can't pin you down .....

Daniel was watching you, and as he watched you sing, it hit him. You were the one. You had always been the one. The one he wanted to wake up to everyday. The one he wanted to say "I Do" to. The one he wanted to have children with. The one he wanted to be his forever. Watching you sing to his nephew had intensified his love for you deeper than he could have ever imagined.

Snapping back to reality, he noticed that you had managed to successfully put the bubba to sleep. As you gently stood up from the bed, he walked over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist, and pulling you flush against his body. Wrapping your own arms around his torso, you mumbled a soft "I love you", before Daniel pushed his pointer finger under your chin, to bring your face level with his, and pressed his lips to yours, with a certain fierceness and intensity that made your legs go weak for a moment. Kissing him back with the same fervor, you leaned up on your tiptoes, desperate to be closer to him, as his hands traveled down to your ass, squeezing slightly, making a soft moan slip past your lips, as your hands slid up to the back of his neck, pulling his head down even more.

Caught up in the moment, his lips made his way to your neck, kissing softly, while your head dropped back, mouth opening softly as his lips sucked a mark onto your neck. Just as his hands slid lower, your nephew stirred, and you jumped back, mind heavy and clouded, but registering the fact that having a hot n heavy night was not the best idea with a toddler in your house. "Not now baby. Tomorrow" you gasped out, leaning your forehead on his. "Fine. But tomorrow, I'm going to put a baby in you"

~♡~

A/N - thanks for reading ! ❤

#Spotify #daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo x reader #daniel ricciardo imagines #f1 imagines #f1 #babies #danny ric #danny ric x reader #smut #f1 smut #daniel ricciardo x reader smut #imthebadguyyyfics

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itsonlydana · 3 years

Text

"Lovers behind closed doors" ➷ jschlatt

↳ part ⅰ

➛ pairing: c!Jschlatt x gn!reader ⁞ c!Tommy & gn!reader (platonic & on the side)

➛ summary: winter came to the DreamSMP and besides ice skating, jealousy and soft mornings together, you and Schlatt are forced to think about the state of your relationship. Surely that can't be too hard?

! warnings/tags: fluff, angst, dark, swearing tw: near-death experience, alcohol, a lot of hurt but comfort in the end, dark thoughts caused by a wither just be warned that it's heavy

➛ words: 10,1k (im sorry)

♬ song: bloc party - the pioneers & when i was done dying - dan deacon

➛ a/n: hello guys, this is a "small" thank-you for 300 followers! I already posted it on ao3 in the beginning of the year so maybe you already know it. There should come another serious announcement tonight.

Soft lips kissed your bare shoulder blades, rough beard stubble accompanied them on the way to your neck and brought you back from your dreams to your big, warm bed. With your eyes still closed and a sleepy smile on your face, you stretched your arms upwards and met tousled curls. The bed sunk on your right side as he sat down next to you and put his hand to your cheek to turn your head to him. By stroking his thumb over the skin, which was graced with the footprints of the pillow, you opened your eyes. "Good morning", you mumbled and moved on the bed, so that you could use his thighs as a new pillow.

Schlatt looked down at you, brown curls falling into his face, and you brushed them behind his ear. "It snowed again.", he murmured, at which you sat up, the blanket that had warmed you so far sliding down your shoulders onto your thighs. He took advantage of the moment, wrapping his arms around you from behind and thus pulling you backward against his chest.

Although you looked forward to mornings like this, you knew they usually didn't last long and so you relaxed, letting yourself fall against him, enjoying the feel of his heartbeat in your back, his fingers dancing over the bare skin of your arms and the kisses behind your ear, on your neck and every area he could reach in this position. You almost let yourself go, lost in the silence of the room broken only by the gentle rustle of the covers and your breathing.

"I have to go.", but all good things must come to an end. Not wanting to let your disappointment show, you forced a smile.

At least you had a little longer today than the rest of the week. Still, he seemed to have noticed the change in mood, because he didn't break away from you. More like he pulled you closer. "I'm sorry, my love. I wish I could take a day off, however, negotiations with the Farlands are taking much more time than planned and we are dependent on their coal supply; we did not expect such a severe winter." "It's all good, of course, I understand how important this is.", you whisper, and your heart tightens. You didn't want to seem selfish; the residents of L'Manburg needed the coal, and you were complaining about a few minutes you spent together.

You watched silently, your chin propped on your knees, as Schlatt stood in front of your mirror, gradually putting on his suit that had landed carefully folded on your dresser as it did every evening. His nimble fingers tied his tie, ran through his thick curls until they showed no trace of your night. His eyes met yours in the mirror and teasingly he wiggled his eyebrows, eliciting a laugh from you. Then he reached for a small brown casket on the dresser and came back to the bed. He knelt down in front of you at the edge of the bed and lowered his head. Carefully, you opened the red velvet-lined box and took out the first necklace. Skillfully you put them around his horns, in his hair, then the second one followed and within seconds his horns were adorned with the beautiful jewels shining in the light of the lanterns outside. It had become your little ritual, a sign of mutual trust.

After standing back up, putting on his shoes and long black coat, he stepped in front of you one last time. "I'll see you later?", he asked. You nodded in response and reached out to him. With a chuckle, he leaned down and finally kissed your lips.

You chased after the far too brief kiss when it was long gone, eyes closed and only after the front door had slammed shut behind him, its lack of warmth replaced by the ever creeping cold, did you pull the covers around you as best you could and lay down on his side of the bed. Since he disappeared every morning before the first neighbor could wake up, fatigue quickly caught up with you and you dreamed of a never-ending morning between the sheets.

Your life had changed after the ball night. Summer and fall came and went, cocktails became hot chocolate, breezy clothes were exchanged for warm coats and boots, and instead of going to the beach, everyone now regularly gathered at the ice skating rink you had built and where you also would meet up with your friends that day. After Schlatt had disappeared, you'd retreated back to bed with a cup of tea and your favorite book and gotten ready around noon.

You'd just taken a step out the front door, hands shoved deep into your favorite coat, you'd seen it. A little snow-shaped heart on your mailbox.

Since then, you had a dreamy smile on your face, which did not miss Niki when you met her in her bakery. You had just entered the small shop, and you were already critically inspected. "Will you ever tell me who makes you so happy?" asked the blonde, as she sorted a fresh load of steaming buns into a basket. She had braided her hair as well as she could, but the small, darkly colored strands still hung in front of her view. Groaning, she straightened herself up, pushed them behind her ear, and put her hands on her hips.

You would have loved to tell her about Schlatt, and part of you guessed that she must have noticed the change between him and you. How you'd love to tell someone how you'd snuck out in the summer and gone swimming at night, or how you'd taken walks through the colorful woods in the fall, how he'd surprised you with picnics where you'd lain side by side for hours in the middle of nowhere, loving each other and he'd told you stories about his travels before L'Manburg. The urge to tell Niki about the way he kissed you, held you, looked at you was growing by the day. You wanted to scream out to the world that he had awakened feelings in you, that you had fallen in love with him, but you had to keep it to yourself. Not only because you and Schlatt agreed on it, but also so it was easier to forget when he stopped having fun and wanted to end your fling.

Because that’s all it was, as much as you wanted it to be more.

"I’m just happy to go ice skating with you; are you done yet?" you lied and suppressed the sad thoughts that came up.

"Any minute. Take one of the buns!" Gratefully, you reached into the basket, which was filled to the brim with Niki’s famous baked goods. The bun smelled inviting and you took a bite. The dough was still so warm and soft, it felt like you were biting into a summer cloud. Cinnamon, sugar, followed by Tonka bean and cardamom spread in your mouth and enticed your taste buds. "Nik, they are heavenly.", you hummed and broke off a piece to pass it to Niki, who had been busy cleaning up before. Appreciatively, she accepted it and slipped into her coat.

On the way to the city center, you met Will and persuaded him to accompany you.

"Will, isn't Tommy with you?", you asked him after a while of talking about the upcoming winter festival. The boy had been following the Brit every step of the way lately, which was most likely because he practically adored Will and admired everything he did. The two could often be found in a small trailer with Will writing songs or telling Tommy and Tubbo about heroes’ stories, reenacting events with them and running across fields and meadows. It was all the more surprising that Tommy wasn't glued to his side now.

"No, we had a little argument and he said he didn't feel like coming here anymore." Even though Will seemed relieved at first glance to be able to breathe in peace for once without worrying about Tommy imitating him, you could see that he was still worried.

Compassionately, you nudged him. "He's a teenager Will, you know how stubborn you were at that age." He frowned, "For that reason, I hope he doesn't screw up." "It'll be fine." Niki gently placed her hand on Will's upper arm and smiled.

"I hope so."

. . . . . . . . . .

The skating rink was well visited, with residents and many of your friends standing together in small groups. Every time you passed by this place, you felt a sense of pride, proud to have implemented this project as well as it was.

In the middle of the large meadow next to the trailer, the ice rink had been set up, the wooden partitions on the sides were decorated with colorful fairy lights and fir branches, just like the high entrance gate, in the arch of which was a small sprig of mistletoe for the coming Christmas season. While on one side there was a small grandstand, on the others there were single benches for resting. Your favorite feature were the floating lanterns that bathed the area in a golden light towards the evening, making skating all the more beautiful.

After you had arrived and Niki had put down her backpack on the stand, you had taken your skates out of a box at the side; you had left them there the day before yesterday because nobody would steal them anyway and they became cumbersome to carry in the long run.

The shoes were quickly put on, the daily dressing and undressing happened by itself and it didn’t take long before you stood at the small gate that adjoined the ice rink right in front of the grandstand. You first entered the ice, your feet automatically slid apart and you just grabbed Nikis arm.

"Shouldn’t you be able to skate well after all these days?" asked Will, who closed the door behind you and put his curls under his hat. You breathed, your breath rose up in a small cloud. "Of course I can! Probably the ice was only recently smoothed and not really driven in."

Knowingly, Will nodded. "That’s right, it’s the ice. And if the fish can’t swim, it’s because of the water?" With a provocative grin, he passed you by. "See you soon!", he laughed and drove to the other side, where Dream was leaning casually against the wall, one skate against the wood behind him, and George driving up and down in front of him.

Shaking your head, you clung more firmly to Niki: "Come on, let’s ignore him."

"He’s right, (y/n)", Niki started with a quiet giggle, "we’re definitely not as good as he is."

"What?" you drew the ’a' almost comedically. "Never! Take a look at him" with your chin you nodded to the man skating in circles "he consists of 80% long legs, which must be tangled eventually!" At first you could only hear a giggle, then Niki burst into loud laughter.

"I bet he only takes two steps and he’s on the other end of the lane.", Niki added, which made you laugh. You drove a few laps, made fun of Will and his bragging about driving backward, and then climbed back to the grandstand where Niki conjured up some drinks and snacks from her backpack. A short break to strengthen had never harmed anyone, especially when Nikis pastries were present.

You had made yourselves comfortable on the wooden steps, wrapped your jackets tightly around you, as it had not stopped snowing since the morning and the cold, despite Niki’s hot chocolate, slowly made its way through your clothes.

Curious, you watched the ice rink where Karl, Sapnap, Dream and George finished their final round of hockey against Will, Techno, Fundy and Phil. It was 7:7 and you could smell the testosterone all the way to you. None of the boys wanted to be part of the losing team, each one had the desire for victory written on their hard-fought, wrinkled foreheads, while they played the little puck, tricked each other or shoved away one or another time or another. "One more minute!" yelled Quackity, who stood at the railing with a stopwatch and played the referee.

Your gaze shifted from Will, who played to Phil, who got the puck off Dream and chased after George to deflect the pass, to Karl, who blocked Fundy and was then pushed away by Techno, who took the puck, played it through Sapnap's legs to Will, who raced forward for the goal.

The tension mounted as Will bent under George's outstretched arm and entered the opposing side of the field with the puck, getting closer and closer to the goal.

Your whole body leaned further forward, your fingers gripping the hot pot of chocolate tighter, and you watched as Will turned one last time, threw a kiss of his hand in Niki's direction, lifted the hockey stick, and-

And all of a sudden, you noticed Schlatt. Niki’s loud cheering and the screaming from the field, Quackity’s victory announcement anyway, were muffled through the pounding of your heart. Schlatt stood on the side of the field, one arm leaned on the fender, the other around Tubbo’s shoulders. He was bent down to the boy, pointing again and again at the field and seemed to explain the game to him in more detail.

You couldn’t describe the feeling that was flowing through your body at the sight, but you had to smile automatically. Your heart was beating faster, pictures were pushing into your imagination. Scenarios where you and Schlatt were actually together, grew older together, lived together in your little house. Loud kids laughing in the hallways, little shoes next to yours, colorful fingerprints on the wall in the living room.

No, you shouldn’t have such thoughts.

You detached yourself from the sight that made those forbidden desires rise up inside you and got up with Niki to go down to the ice, where the chaos was great. Techno and Phil had lifted a loud yelling Will on their shoulders and stood right in front of the gloomy Dream-team, Fundy jumped up and down next to the three to high-five Will again and again.

However, as soon as you and Niki had left the final step behind, Will slid down from his throne, came towards you with outstretched arms and pulled you two tightly to his chest. "You saw the goal, didn’t you? At the last second, I put that thing right under Dream’s nose, HA! Suck it, Dream-boy!" He shouted the words over your heads to the angry Blonde.

"That’s called luck, Wilbur." you heard Dream call and you turned out of the hug. In frustration, Dream had stuffed his hands into the pockets of his green sweater and you could see his fists pressed against the fabric. "You were just lucky.", he repeated and Will laughed.

"Of course it is! Have you seen my two lucky charms here?" He leaned down, pressed first you, then Niki a kiss on the cheek.

Dream curled his nose. "Next time we’ll win, I promise you this!"

You looked over him and had to grin. "If you can prevent Sapnap from hitting Quackity on the head."

All turned their attention to the loud shouts, which had hitherto been drowned in cheering, but could now be clearly attributed to Sapnap and Quackity. The two of them ran across the meadow, Quackity in front, Sapnap with his hockey stick and "You timed it wrong!. I'll shove your stupid stopwatch down where the sun never shines! They bought you, didn't they!" roaring after the distraught Mexican and behind him Karl.

"Oh God, oh God, SAPNAP!" George threw his hockey stick on the ground. "I hate him", he mumbled to himself as he tried to catch up with his friends with Dream.

You watched them until a clap sounded behind you. As soon as had you turned Tubbo had rushed to Will and wrapped his arms around his middle. "You were great Will! I didn't understand much, but Schlatt always told me when you guys did something well."

Looking up from Tubbo to Schlatt, you found that his gaze was already on you. He had his hands shoved into his black coat pockets, his chin buried deep in a red scarf. You wanted to suppress a grin and you bit your lower lip, but the corners of your mouth twitched upwards anyway.

"Come on, Tubbo", you heard Will say softly "Let’s go to the rest of the team and celebrate our victory. If you congratulate George on a great game on the way, you can even have my hockey stick." "What? Really?" The boy tapped you on the shoulders and you looked at him again. "Will you come with me, (y/n)?"

If Niki hadn’t stepped in and hugged him, you wouldn’t have been able to resist those big eyes of the child, despite the man waiting for you. "(y/n) and Schlatt still have something to talk about. Maybe they will come afterward" Before the boy could disagree, Will had already held his stick in front of him and Niki led him away from the court.

For a second you watched them go, your brain wracked over whether Niki actually knew about you and Schlatt, when you felt his hand on your shoulder. "Will you do me the honor and join me on the ice?", he asked and you nodded.

"I'd love to."

You were the only ones left, you noticed, as Schlatt changed his boots for skates at the stairs before joining you on the ice. As you slowly lead off, he once again amazed you with how elegantly he held and presented himself. While heat rose in your cheek after only a few seconds and you occasionally tripped over your own feet, Schlatt looked like he always did; or didn't let his mask fall. He slid almost silently across the ice, hands clasped behind his back. It was as if falling or stumbling was not even an option for him.

It was ridiculous, of course Schlatt could skate perfectly. He could do everything perfectly. You were focused on not getting out of balance, all your thoughts were focused on your legs, and how you would take the next step, that you hadn’t noticed that Schlatt had adjusted to your pace and was watching you closely. Half a lap later, he seemed to have seen enough and drove a little closer to you. As soon as his blades had moved into your field of vision nailed to your feet, your head rushed up in alarm. Your concentration turned to the man next to you, his chains glistening in the sun, the golden light of the lanterns resembling the dots in his dark eyes, snowflakes caught in his dense hair, and then there no longer was a ’one foot in front of another'.

Your body seemed to act faster than your brain could have registered and your right foot slid away from you. This was followed by an unfortunate reaction, the fall of the dominoes, starting with you trying to keep yourself on your feet as your two legs slid in two different directions, the ground getting closer and closer to you, not helping your less than relaxed state. Your arms flailed in the air in search of some kind of hold, which they didn't find at first.

"Schlatt, help", you said dreadfully, you could already feel your butt on the ice, the wetness and the cold that would follow, and the shame that you were so embarrassingly easy to get out of the concept, because it didn’t suit him and his already too big of an ego, so he slid to you until he could put his arm around your side, stabilizing you.

His hot breath hit a vacant spot in your neck, resulting in the feeling in your legs that all the bones and joints had been removed and you were sure if it weren’t for his arm, you’d have made your acquaintance with the ice surface by now.

Schlatt held you back, waited for you to have a firm foothold again, and then moved away from you gently. "You have to stop thinking." He started, and in anticipation of a nasty comment, you rolled your eyes. Schlatt smiled, "That’s not what I meant, darling. What I meant was that you can trust yourself. You’re a fast learner and I’m sure that if you turn off your beautiful head, your muscles will have memorised the steps and posture and everything will just happen."

You didn’t have time to enjoy the compliments, Schlatt had already grabbed yours with his hand. This surprised you more than compliments from him ever could. Schlatt was not one who showed his affection for others openly. Yes, privately, he poured it on you, showed you how much he liked the secret between you two. That was it now and still here, a secret that only your beds and you knew.

Still, you stood on the icy surface, snow falling silently from the sky upon you, you could hear the laughter of your friends from behind one of the hills, and Schlatt intertwined your fingers like it was the most normal thing in the world. Silently, secretly, you grinned into your scarf. Your heart beat faster, your cheeks grew hot.

Why did being in love have to feel like an uncontrollable monster that controlled your body and thoughts? Nothing you thought about helped stop the butterflies and rockets in your stomach; his nearness made you feel like you could fly.

"I told you you could do it, love!"

Without you really noticing it, you and Schlatt had set off, and in fact you skated over the ice without any problems. The uncertain wobble and the fear of falling had simply gone away. Schlatt even made you feel so confident that you put more strength into your steps, leaned further forward. Schlatt laughed as he let himself be pulled much more by you and his hand slipped out of yours. With a challenging smile, he caught up with you. "Catch me."

That, he didn’t have to tell you twice.

Soon after, your laughter had stopped and instead of chasing each other over the ice, you two stood in the middle of the ice surface. When Schlatt noticed that your steps had slowed down, he drove towards you until you fell against him exhausted. Silently, he had opened his coat so you could press your face against his dark green sweater and had his arms around you. You were at peace. With your arms around his neck, and his around your middle, you drove so slowly over the ice that the scratching of your skates was lost in the silence between you. You were in your own little world, where only you existed, where your political views divided no one, your little love adventure strengthened, and where Schlatt seemed to forget its rough corners. But every high is followed by a fall.

His hands lightly lifted your top and you looked at him warningly,but he already placed his cold fingers on your skin, eliciting a soft cry from you and resulting in a gentle punch to the back of his neck. "You're such an idiot", you murmured, whereupon he laughed warmly and blew a kiss on your hair.

"Will would never make you that happy." Since his lips were still hovering over your head and you could literally feel the words, it was actually impossible to have imagined them and yet you were unsure, though they sounded much more like Schlatt had been trying to say them to himself. They hovered between you, growing larger and larger until they drove you apart.

With his hands behind your back, Schlatt tried to stop you, hold on to him, but you pushed away from him. You stared at the man in front of you without understanding. "What did you say?" Your voice sounded insecure, fearful he would repeat the same thing and at the same time hopeful you had been wrong.

Schlatt’s hand wrapped around your arm, his eyes ran over your defensive posture. "(y/n)", he tried, his voice gently and quietly.

You shook your head. "No, Schatt. I want to know what you meant. What has Will got to do with all this?"

His fingers pressed harder into your jacket, trying to hold you while you slid away from him. "You know what I mean."

Suddenly, it was too tight in your jacket, too hot. The scarf around your neck got tighter and tighter and you jerked it off, looking for a liberating breath that would loosen the knot in your lungs. "What are you talking about?"

"About the stupid kisses on the cheek, the giggling and his arms around your shoulders, (y/n)!", Schlatt shouted and his whole attitude changed. His face became gloomy, he tugged his eyebrows and his right corner of his mouth twitched upwards. For the first time in a long time, he reminded you of the young man who trampled everything in his path when it brought him to his destination. It scared you. And with the fear came the anger that he thought he could twist everything to suit him.

"How I maintain my friendship with Will is none of your business.", the air in your lungs stung with every word. "Why are you even comparing yourself to him?"

Schlatt took a step toward you, the jewelry in his hair jingling menacingly in the dead silence around you. "You're mine. This boy has nothing on me!", he yelled loudly and your stomach turned. He came closer, you jerking back until your skates hit the wooden blockade.

The sight of you resembled that of a predator that had driven its victim into a hopeless corner, so much did he tower over you.

Anger grew over fear and you tightened your jaw. "You're crazy."

This made the little spark between you grow bigger. It was no longer the spark of excitement that usually accompanied you. This one resembled a fire, its heat licking at you, its smoke choking you, burning you.

It took more of your emotional strength as you pushed him away and skated past him across the ice to the side of the stands. You could hear the crunch of ice beneath you, as if it might break through at any moment. You were surprised Schlatt didn't follow you. The rift in your heart grew. A moment ago his jealousy towards Will had shone through and now he didn't even seem to want to fight.

"Then get lost!", he yelled after you and you flinched. Tears burned in your eyes, blurring everything before you. "That seems to be the only thing you know how to do!"

You stumbled down from the ice to the wooden benches, trying as best you could to untie your shoelaces with your trembling hands. Hot tears dripped down onto your reddish fingers, onto the shoes you flung onto the ground with a force as soon as you put on your normal shoes. Upset, you trudged up one of the hills, towards the coast, your hands clenched into fists. Your nails pressed into your palms and it hurt. It hurt so much.

One last time before you went down the other side of the hill, you turned around. The clouds had become thicker, snow fell down in thicker and thicker flakes, so that it was almost impossible to see the hand in front of the eyes.

Still, you recognized Schlatt’s figure in the middle of the ice. His black coat was blowing in the strong wind, he had pushed his hands into his pockets and was staring at you.

A shiver came over you again. How could it be the same man who woke you up this morning with gentle kisses? Who weighed you to sleep last night with one of his stories? The one you felt safe with. The butterflies in your stomach suddenly felt infinitely heavy, pulling you down. You would have been willing to settle the argument, even if it was incomprehensible to you that Schlatt was so jealous.

The conversation after your first night together had been clear, the memory of scattered ball clothes and the taste of red wine on your lips crystal clear before you.

"This is going to be nothing more than a fling.", Schlatt had murmured as he had pressed you against your bedroom door.

"No one can know about us, remember. It's our secret.", Schlatt had whispered as he had laid you gently on the pillows.

"Lovers, but only behind closed doors? Sounds like an exciting adventure to me.", you'd grin and had let yourself fall.

All these beautiful memories seemed to have been drawn out the love and warmth. They left nothing more than a tug in your heart. Were you that wrong about him?

. . . . . . . . . .

The surrounding air grew colder, the snowfall heavier. The clouds gathered over you and it felt like all your energy was leaving you. Every step you took was harder and the closer you got to the wooded area on the coast, the emptier you felt. What was the matter? You wrapped your arms tighter around yourself and lowered your head to shield your eyes from the harsh wind. Suddenly, a wobble went through the earth that nearly knocked you off your feet. Snow crashed down on you from the tree branches, burying the bushes around you in a thick blanket of white. Startled, you jerked your head up as a bang was heard.

Then a scream. It was a cry you had heard many times before when the boys had fought duels in the fields.

Tommy

You ran as fast as the heavy snow would allow you to run in the direction from which the cry had come. The cold air slashed your lungs like razors, your sides burned, but you ignored the signs of your body and continued to run through the woods until you approached a loud hiss. Blond hair shone through the trees, you were about to call for the boy when something rose up in the air. You were frozen. Tommy was pressed against a tree, his hands around a sword, which he held to protect him, and behind him a creature you only knew from scary stories.

On the other side of the tree floated a gigantic -about three meters tall-, black, three-headed skeleton. It had no real body, consisting mostly of a musty-looking rib cage with rotting scraps of skin dripping down it, turning the snow beneath it into a tar-like liquid, and ending in a drooping spine. At the collarbones, the two smaller skulls were fused; both had their jaws wrenched open to deafening screams. The middle and larger skull was split down the middle, a blue vapor flowing from it, bathing the entire being in a bright haze of mist and causing throbbing pain in your forehead area.

The worst was the smell. It smelled of rotten eggs, burnt meat and at the same time you couldn’t really assign it; the swaths of smoke from the wither clouded your senses. Your knees threatened to bend, any sense of balance had left you and you fell to one side.

A second later, a black bullet flew from one of the smaller skulls to the point where you had just stood and blew the floor. Earth, snow, gravel and branches were shattered in all directions, stones hit your ankles.

Then Tommy spotted you. The boys face now left the remaining color from the already calcareous face and he put a foot out from behind the tree, which triggered something in the being. You could watch one of the bullets fly out of the right skull and hit two yards in front of Tommy.

The fear of the boy awakened power in you that you used to crawl behind the bushes to Tommy. Your pants were soaked instantly and it felt like you had no feeling left in your hands.

"(y/n), help", Tommy shouted. His screams went through your marrow and bones, spurred you on to speed up, and while the Wither turned the opposite direction and fired there, you got up and stumbled the last few feet to Tommy.

You threw yourself at the boy, you pulled him down with you. Immediately he clung to you, dirt-smeared fingers grabbed yours. Before you could speak, it burst out of him: "I didn’t want this. Will said it was too dangerous, but I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t hear, and now I don’t know what to do. Please, I didn’t mean to!" He leaned his head against your neck.

Anxious, you saw over his shoulder to the Wither, who continued to turn the area into a minefield. You knew the two of you could never escape together or even fight the Wither. Tommy had his sword with him, but it would only help in close combat, and the explosions and the fog kept you out of range. In your mind, you went through all the possibilities, you couldn’t stay behind that tree for much longer.

The longer you hid, the weaker you became and the more damage the Wither did. There was only one way, you started to realize, and you knew Tommy would never approve of it.

. . . . . . . . . .

The ice cubes clanged quietly against the glass, as Schlatt swayed it back and forth, lost in thought. His gaze was directed out of the window, at the heavy snowfall that had colored the whole city white, and yet he seemed to have no interest in it.

After arguing with you, he had retired to the White House, pulled out his best bottle of whiskey and tried to mute the noisy thoughts, numb the pain in his chest. He couldn’t get rid of the picture, your tear-filled eyes, watching you escape from the ice, shouting those ugly words, as you vanished behind the hill, wrapped in snow and wind. He didn’t know where this jealousy of Will, one of his closest friends since childhood, came from, why he couldn’t restrain himself and why he let you go.

The weather was ruthless, the wind ripped through the trees and the snow continued to fall merciless. The shaking of the shutters tore Schlatt out of his fixation. The hybrid ruffled his nose before lifting the glass to its lips, where he stopped. Outside, down the road, there was something going on.

Curiously, Schlatt got up from his chair and stepped closer to the window, his glass in one hand, hoping to see you. Instead of his lover, he saw Tubbo standing with his hands in the air, gesticulating wildly in front of Will and Niki.

A bad feeling spread in Schatt’s stomach area; something was wrong, he knew it. Hastily, he put his glass back on his desk and hurried to his office door, tore his coat off the coat rack along the way, and called for his right hand Quackity.

. . . . . . . . . .

"We'll have to split up." you whispered into the blond mop of hair.

Tommy looked up at you, eyebrows drawn together, and shook his head stubbornly. You were still huddled together on the floor with the boy half sitting on your lap. "I don't want that.", he reacted firm and ran the back of his hand over his reddened nose. Looking deep into his eyes, you raised your hand to his cheek. A smile played around your lips as you stroked the boy's furrowed brow.

"I should have known you'd pick up that stubbornness from Will, I see him in you a lot by now, you've grown up so much." Now Tommy had to grin too, though he tried to hide it. The grin immediately fell off his face, however, as the Wither skulls screamed loudly and his lower lip began to quiver.

You couldn’t stand to see him like that. He was so young. In this weather, he should sit inside with a hot chocolate, play games and not hide in the woods from a wither to fear his life.

"Shh, it’s going to be okay.", you tried to calm him down, but the trembling in your voice could not even convince you. "You have to get the others, Will, Dream, Techno- all fighters.", you began to explain your plan a second time, this time with more urgency. You wouldn’t let Tommy die today, you’d make sure of that.

Another squeal of the wither. Tommy turned around, but you shook him on his shoulders until he looked at you again, his blue eyes were wet with tears. "Listen to me!" you whispered as forcefully as you could in the volume.

"You have to run now, Tommy, faster than you’ve ever run. Don’t look back, keep on going till you get to town. Get everyone together, explain what happened, but waste as little time as possible. You will describe to them where I am, where the Wither is, and then you will stay in the city."

"I want to help! It’s all my fault, I have to fight him!"

"No! You will stay in the city, you have to promise me that!" You pulled him into a firm hug one last time and whispered, "I’ll make sure you get back safely." Unseen by him, tears ran down your face as you tried to memorize the feeling of him in your arms one last time.

. . . . . . . . . .

His guess was right, something was wrong, Schlatt realized when he and Quackity left the White House and went down to the street. Unfortunately, he also noticed that the whiskey couldn’t appease his jealousy towards Will, because all he had to do was look at the Brit and he saw himself again at the hockey game, where he had to watch from a distance, how Will had put his arms around his lover , had put a kiss on your cheek, which you had commented only with laughter.

Will noticed the gaze lying on him, his finger tapping his lips thoughtfully towards him, and Schlatt gritted his teeth. The mood was too tense for his jealousy to be right in place.

"What happened?", Quackity broke the awkward eye contact between the two old friends, and only then did Schlatt notice Tubbo shifting uneasily from one leg to the other. Instantly he pulled the boy to his side and ran his hand through his brown hair.

"Tommy has been missing since this morning and I'm worried, with the weather we've been having- he may have got lost and can't find his way back." The boy explained, his voice breaking over several times.

"I'm sure we can find him, we can start a search party.", Niki suggested and Schlatt was about to agree when his eyes fell on Will who continued to pace back and forth, his hands now clasped behind his back. Anyone else would have attributed this behavior to pure worry, concern for a missing child, but Schlatt had known Will too long not to recognize an inner conflict in his best friend.

"Will?", he asked and the brunette looked up, his eyes wandered restlessly from Schlatt, to Niki, to Quackity.

"Tommy and I had a fight.", he started and Niki sighed. "Nothing will have happened Will, it’s not your fault." Schlatt watched carefully as Niki put her hand on Will’s cheek and turned his head towards her.

He missed the feeling of your hand in his.

Will tore himself away from Niki with an unusual roughness for him. "That’s not it. We had a fight, Tommy wanted to try something he found in one of Techno’s books, but I told him not to. Tommy wouldn’t listen, he got mad and pushed me away, and I walked out like the fool I am! I thought he was old enough to know his limits, but I’m afraid the exact opposite has happened." He was silent for a second. "He wanted to spawn a wither."

Although the snowstorm had already swept temperatures to unknown depths, Will’s words left a much worse cold in Schlatt’s heart. He stared at Will, hoping it was just a joke and he missed the punchline. However, he evaded every eye contact.

"A wither? You left him with the thought of summoning a wither?" Quackity repeated next to him, he did not believe the Brit in any way. Not even when he nodded.

"Oh Will, why didn’t you tell us about this earlier?" asked Niki and Will ruffled his hair. "I don’t know! I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily. How would I know that the boy is so caught up he won’t come back in a blizzard?"

"Would he be able to have spawned the Wither?", Schlatt interjected, while he continued to stroke Tubbo's shoulder reassuringly with his hand. He could only guess how scared the boy must be. First his best friend had disappeared and now they were talking about one of the most dangerous beings he had possibly summoned.

Ever since Tubbo had shown an interest in politics and had roamed the White House over and over again, Schlatt had taken him under his wing, looked after the boy, gave him a place to retreat, knowing how tempestuous his family could be at times.

Over the months, he had grown so fond of the boy that he was determined to protect him from the dangers of the world. If it were up to him, Tubbo wouldn't even be there now, but waiting in the White House for the blizzard to pass or playing a round or two of chess with Schlatt in the fireplace room.

"I don't see how Tommy could have gotten the materials. The only ones who own something like that are Dream, Techno and Phil. Dream, he would never ask about it and Techno and Phil locked them away in the house. If he did, he'd have to have stolen from them, and I don't want to imagine that.", Will replied, and Schlatt nodded considerably.

"We should still go looking, the weather isn't necessarily getting any better, and once the sun has fully set, our chances won't get higher."

Quackity was right, there wasn't much time left until nightfall and everyone was aware of what could happen if Tommy had actually gotten lost or something had happened to him.

"Quackity, take Tubbo to the White House and notify everyone on the emergency system. We expect everyone here in ten minutes at the latest and then we'll split up!" At Schlatt's command, Quackity turned and ran back down the gravel path to the house.

Tubbo did not leave Schlatt's side. "I want to help find him, he's my best friend."

"I understand you”, Schlatt squatted down to look the boy in the eye.

"You’re worried about Tommy, and we’re very grateful to you for coming to us, but if Tommy actually spawned a wither, I can’t take you into the fight. You will stay in the city, you have to promise me that!"

"Promised.", Tubbo hesitantly agreed and Schlatt pulled him into a short hug.

"We’ll get Tommy back safely, I promise you." He whispered to him before he got up and sent Tubbo Quackity after him.

As soon as the tall dark doors behind the two had closed, Schlatt turned to Will and Niki, his look stone-cold.

"You’re pissed that I didn’t say anything.", Will noticed and Schlatt raised his eyebrow.

"A little, but now there’s nothing we can do about it. Let’s just hope nothing bad has happened."

"If you’d just told us what’s going on at noon today, me and (y/n) would have been able to find Tommy and talk the nonsense out of him.", Niki muttered into her scarf.

Schlatt flinched at the mention of your name. "(y/n) knew about the dispute?" His heart started beating faster as he realized what might have happened.

Niki and Will nodded. "Yeah, I bumped into them after I broke up with Tommy."

"But the two of us knew nothing more than that they were having a fight.", added Niki. "Why?" Her voice sounded critical, and Schlatt could tell from her questioning look that she must have noticed his concern for you.

Schlatt felt his heart stop beating for a moment and the queasy feeling spread further. He felt like he was about to throw up, his environment began to spin slightly and he rubbed the side of his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. "After the game there was also a dispute between the two of us, I hurt them so badly that they disappeared over the hills towards the coast."

With each word, his voice grew harsher, his eyes hurt worse, and he could feel a twinge in his chest. Will's and Niki's reaction confirmed his fears and tears gathered in Niki's eyes. "Will came from there, what if.." That was as far as Niki got, Schlatt had already started running.

The wind howled so hard around his ears that he could barely hear Will and Niki's shouts behind him. The raging of the storm tore at the gold chains in his hair, nearly jerking him off his feet. The cold ate through every layer of his clothes until it gnawed at his bones. It was the images his brain projected that spurred him on and gave him the strength he needed to push his physical limits. His thoughts rolled over as he ran to the hills that made for a bitter taste in his mouth. What if Tommy had actually managed to summon a Wither? What if you wanted to help him and now both-, he refused to elaborate on that thought.

The situation was so unrealistic that Schlatt escaped a desperate laugh; why did he have to send you away? None of this would have happened if he had stopped you, apologized for those words. When he was finally man enough to tell you honestly how he felt.

"It’s going to be nothing but a fling" , he had whispered to you in the heat of the night, as if his heart had not already beaten for you alone. He wanted to love you, hold you, to have you to himself. Fulfill you every wish, show you how much you meant to him and that he couldn’t live without you. You gave him strength, in moments like these, when you were not even present, but he felt it in his heart and that was enough to ignite his hope.

Even if he had to defeat a wither with his bare hands

He had just passed the abandoned skating rink, where a lone pair of ice skates lay next to the bleachers, when he could make out a figure through the flurry of snow. Again he laughed, this time with relief, and he almost fell to his knees in the snow, thanking the gods, until the figure approached and he looked into the dirty, and tear-stained face of Tommy. And Schlatt collapsed.

. . . . . . . . . .

The world around you had become gloomy after Tommy and you broke up. The last light he had carried in his pure heart had disappeared with him among the trees when you had put your plan into action. Until the end, Tommy had resisted leaving you, didn't want to let you go, and certainly didn't want to let you risk your life. Your plan had sounded simple in your head, you would run towards the beach, drawing the wither's attention to you and thus giving Tommy a chance to run into the woods. But as the boy disappeared and you ran across the frozen ground, further and further away from the spot in the woods, you found it harder and harder to look forward to a happy ending.

The fight against the wither was much more a fight against yourself and the rational part of your brain that was screaming at you to give up. The other part wanted to see Schlatt again, love him, hold him, have him for yourself. You didn't care how he saw your relationship- you wanted to tell him how you felt about him and that you didn't want to have an affair anymore. You wanted him, all of him, or not at all.

And ’not at all' seemed to get closer and closer, you had to realize frightened after a quick glance over your shoulder. The wither approached you at a nonadjustable speed and tore apart every tree that stood in its way. You left a trail of sheer chaos, death, and perhaps an easy-to-find trail for the help Tommy was supposed to get. You just made it to the dock, when one of the wither balls hit the ground right in front of you. The shock seemed to make your body realize that all the reserves were more than exhausted and you just couldn’t take it anymore and with a wheez you fell on your knees first to the snow.

At the same moment you were ready to give up, the blue mist slowly enveloping you and all the pain in your body disappearing, the wither turned around.

If you had been able to shout out your joy, you probably would have, however, at the sight of the shining armor you could just barely make out with blurry vision, you could only manage a twitch of the corners of your mouth, and as a flurry of arrows drove the Wither further towards the water, an infinite sense of peace flowed through you.

"(y/n)!"

Your head snapped up as a swinging light moved through the snow towards you. Despite the commands being shouted around, you recognized the voice immediately and you struggled back to your feet to run towards the light.

With a relieved sob, you let Schlatt catch you and hold you close. His arms wrapped around you so tightly that you thought for a moment he would take your breath away. After all you had experienced in the last few hours, you knew you were safe with Schlatt and so you snuggled up to him, running your hands over his body, feeling completely secure that you had finally arrived home. He trembled under your touch, and as you ran your hands over his cheeks, you saw the tears in Schlatt's dark eyes.

"I thought I’d lost you.", he whispered and pressed his forehead against yours. His lips chased after yours and a faded taste of whiskey spread on your tongue. It gave you the last push.

"Schlatt, can we take the next step?" you asked unsurely against his lips and you felt his breath stunted. His hands pressed you slightly backwards by the shoulders until he was able to take a look at you, his mouth forming a quiet "baby?". When you realized what he was implying and that it wasn't a nickname, your eyes opend wide and you shook your head. "Not that!"

It was unmistakable how relieved Schlatt took a deep breath, but after that, he wore an even more confused look. He tilted his head slightly, started talking, and then fell silent again. Questioningly you looked at him until he carefully took your hands in his. "Am I wrong, or are you just asking for my hand in marriage, or do you want me to ask you to marry me?"

"What?", your voice slipped into high pitch. "I want a relationship with you! A real one, not just this bed jumping!", you shouted so loudly that it could be heard over the ongoing battle against the wither. Schlatt wrinkled his nose. "Wait."

He pulled you closer again by his hands after you took a step backwards and lifted them to his lips to breathe a kiss on your knuckles. "You thought we were- we weren't in a relationship?"

"Now I feel stupid"

"You thought that after all these months you were still just a scratch on the edge of my bed and not the most important thing in my life? I mean, after myself." He added the last part with a grin, which took away your tension a little.

Then you realized."Oh my God, that's why you were jealous of Will!"

With a "What!" Schlatt took aside your hand, which you had struck in front of your forehead. "Yes, you were! You really had no reason though- Will and I are good friends, nothing more." you calmed him with a smile.

Once again he kissed the knuckles of your right hand and fixed you with his gaze, which made your knees soft. "Very good, because now that we are on the same page, I would like to tell the whole world that you are mine."

You placed your free hand on the place of his chest right above his heart. "That’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever said to me."

"Then what was my comment about your butt?"

"That was the second most beautiful thing."

At the same moment, a gust of ice-cold wind swept over to you from the sea, passing through your body as if it were nothing, leaving a tremor that made Schlatt pause anxiously. He immediately took off his coat to put it over yours, which by now was just as wet as your socks.

You couldn't even contradict that he was now only wearing his dark green sweater; a loud death scream interrupted you even before you could have finished your thoughts.

Spellbound, you stared at the spot a good twenty yards away where Techno and Dream were pulling their swords from the motionless skeleton. The blue mist still played around their ankles, but steadily seeped into the ground until there was nothing left of it. Something about the wither skeleton seemed to draw you in and you took a step towards it.

A hand grabbed yours, held you back. "Are you sure you want to go there? After all that could have happened to you?", Schlatt asked.

He was right, who knows what would have happened if they hadn't shown up in time. "But you're with me." You continued to look at the skeleton that everyone had stood around, blocking your view. "You help me fight the evil."

Your hand in his, you walked the meters to the group and tried to ignore the pitying looks from all sides. You would stay strong, Schlatt helped you do that. Shoulder first, you pushed past Eret and Puffy to step into the inner circle, in whose midst laid the black bones.

"Techno? What powers does the Wither have?"

Your question was not unreasonable, the last few hours had burned themselves into your brain, every step was repeated again and again, and an unrealistic presence had embedded itself in your heart that seemed to feed on your fear. The situation was too unrealistic, and if Tommy had learned everything he knew about the wither from Techno, he would be able to tell you more. The man continued to poke around in the bones while talking about the wither, as if it still was a mythical creature and would not be laying in front of all the eyes of the world.

"The Wither is one of the representatives of death. It has many features, such as the smoke, which causes headaches or nausea for many. However, the most dangerous or interesting thing about him – depending on how you feel about this fantastic being – is the effect on the psyche. Affected people report that they have only felt an emptiness in his vicinity, and it is believed that he can withdraw positive feelings and thoughts in order to be able to defeat his victims faster and, ah" Techno pulled up his black fabric trousers at the waist and knelt down in the snow, with the protective armor crunching the snow to the side. To the amazement of all, he drew a shining star out of the earth. The pink-haired man put on his golden glasses, which had been hanging around his neck, and looked at the star from all sides.

"Here we have him; the Nether Star or that thing which kept the wither ’alive'. I would take it, after all, it was my materials that Tommy had used without consent." When the boy was mentioned, Schlatt’s grip became firmer.

You were too busy thinking about Techno’s words about the Wither, though, then you could react to it. It was scary how you yourself were about to give up. The ice-cold tightness in your entire body reminded you of that, and you knew it wouldn’t go away so quickly.

The experience had stripped the beach of the purity you had previously associated with it, and instead, there seemed to be this dark cloud hovering over it that would remind everyone of that day.

Not really noticing what was happening around you due to your tiredness, you noticed too late the two people who had appeared at the edge of the beach. It wasn't until Schlatt grumbled, "That he even dares coming here," under his breath and his hand clenched which shook you out of wither's trance and you followed his gaze.

Your heart skipped a beat.

You tore yourself away from Schlatt and dashed through the crowd to meet the boy, who had already started running at the sight of you. Tommy fell around your neck with a force that sent you both reeling. His arms wrapped around you and he pressed his face into your neck, just like the last time you hugged.

"I'm so proud of you Tommy, you were able to get them all.", you laughed and let the boy spin you around. "You really are the bravest hero anyone could ask for." Gently, you brushed the hair from his face and stroked the bridge of his nose with your finger. "Thanks Tommy."

"Oh sure, I'm only known as a lady hero!", he grinned his cheekiest boyish grin that stretched from ear to ear.

"Can you please tell me what you were thinking?" it thundered behind you and you two drove up. Schlatt stood, arms folded in front of his chest, next to Will, who also mustered Tommy. Under the strict gaze, the blonde seemed to shrink a few inches, his head disappeared between his raised shoulders. "That was unforgivable, Tommy, I hope you know that! Summon a wither? I knew right from the start that there were limits to you and your childish behavior." The man now turned to Will, who put a lock under his hat and, unlike Tommy, did not seem to be affected by Schlatts anger.

"I should exile the boy for his behavior, you know that."

"What?" You and Tommy shouted in fright, but Schlatt silenced your protests with a movement of his hand. "He has endangered the lives of everyone, he stole from Techno, and what is not so bad, yet worth mentioning: he has destroyed half the forest and parts of the beach. These are of course things that we can repair and in a little time the stolen material will be recovered, but I cannot and must not overlook the fact that (y/n) almost"

It was easy to see how Schlatt had to pull himself together saying the words and it drove tears into your eyes, "(y/n) could have died."

"I know, and I will feel guilty for like forever." Tommy interrupted him, and Schlatt’s gaze softened for a second until he put on the role of mayor again. "You’re still going to help make it up.", he warned with a raised finger. Relieved, you sighed as the boy scrunched his face. "So you want me to clean up? Aw man, I don’t feel like doing that."

"That’s the least you can do" Will nudged his shoe against Tommys. "Now you come along and apologize to Techno; let’s see what you should do as compensation for him."

Once again Tommy moaned annoyed and stared at the named man, who seemed to continue searching through the remains of the wither. "He’s gonna turn my neck around, please, no Will...Will!" begging, Tommy drew up the name of the Brit in the length, who didn’t care and consistently walked away after giving you a warm smile.

"Wonderful to see you alive, (y/n)."

"I am very grateful to you for giving him another chance; who knows what would have happened if you had actually exiled Tommy or Will.", you said softly and saw Will put his arm around Tommy's shoulders.

Schlatt next to you smiled. "Darling, do you really think I could exile Tommy after what we did back in the day?"

Tired, you looked up at him and pressed yourself closer to him. "Let’s go home, Schlatt, who knows what will happen tomorrow."

thank you for reading <3 please take care of yourselves and drink some water, eat smth and take a deep breath

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soyouthinkucanwrite · 3 years

Text

The money thing (part 2/2) - Daniel Ricciardo

Warnings: SMUT! angst, confrontation... and more SMUT!

This is it, guys! Buuut... I think I'm gonna keep this story going, what do you say? Shall we find out about how shopping with Charlotte goes, and the party, and just how (y/n) handles this new dynamic overall? As always, let me know what you think! Read part 1 here!

When you got back at home, you were barely inside the apartment and Daniel was already pushing you against the door, kissing you passionately. You go down the corridor half kissing, half walking, Daniel chasing you all the way. You run to his room and then inside the shower, taking off your sweaty clothes on the process. You guys get under the shower and the feeling of the chill water along with Daniel’s kisses on your skin is just too good.

“You’re unbelievable” he says, letting your feet touch the ground again. You wash each other clean after that, running your hands through each other’s body and memorizing every curve, every detail.

After a while, you get out of the shower, dry your hair quickly then wrap yourself in a towel. You go to your toiletry bag on the sink and take your toothbrush out, brushing your teeth while Daniel finished showering. Then you take your hair cream and put some on, your hair is really starting to feel the damage with all this boy’s shampoo, you think. Then you take some skin serum and apply some drops on your face, spreading lightly. Man, you missed skincare and it missed you. Last step: body lotion. Daniel gets out of the shower and you know he's watching you.

“Why you’re pampering yourself all up?” He asked coming behind you and kissing your neck.

“I’m doing what I was supposed to do the last two nights…but got distracted” you smirk at him. He lifts his hands in mock defense. Then you open the towel and start spreading the cream on your stomach, then your legs, then your butt. He’s watching you still, so you smile. “You say you like my skin, well it takes a lot of creaming to maintain it”

“I thought that was my job, love” He says in a low voice from behind me, putting his hands on my hips.

“Not like-” you start but decide it’s not even worthy, he knows what you meant. You just swat him on the shoulder and he laughs, going back to the room.

“By the way” he says putting his head back through the door. “You smell amazing, so finish up and get your ass back in the bed so I can properly cream you up”

“Daniel!” Little shit. He laughs even louder.

When you go back inside the room Daniel is sitting on the bed, looking through his phone. You pass him towards the closet and decide to take a look at the clothes you brought with you, to see if there's anything you could wear to this party tomorrow. What do you even wear to a yacht?

You take a few outfits and place them in front of your body, testing them on the mirror, but nothing seemed appropriate.

"You want a shirt baby?" Daniel asks you out of nowhere.

"Hum? Yeah, sure" you answer him, hanging the clothes back in the closet.

"Are you looking for something for tomorrow? Just buy something with Charlotte" he said simply while putting sweat pants on.

"Yeah... I..." you took a deep breath, "It's just..." you tried to say, but nothing seemed to come out. You were scared he was gonna think you're being ridiculous.

"What?" he looked at you.

"Nothing, never mind" you gave up, putting on his shirt with your underwear and going back to his room. He followed you, wearing nothing but his sweat pants.

"I'm just guessing here, but I have a feeling it's a good one" he started, "It's the money thing, isn't it? You don't want to spend money buying an outfit for this party?"

"It's not that I don't want to, Dan. I just can't afford it!" you said raising your voice tone a bit. He just stared at you for a while. "I don't know if you've noticed, I'm not on a million dollars contract but I'm still living like I was!" you sat down on the bed, eyes filling with water. "I just can't do this anymore, sorry. It's killing me and it's so stupid, so petty, but again, it's not! Cause what would the solution be? You paying for everything? Me just becoming a leech? A gold-digger?" he was watching you quietly, but let out a laugh at that last part.

"Don't laugh! I'm serious!" you continued.

"Baby, listen to yourself. What do you want me to do besides laughing?" he smiled sympathetically at you.

"Well, I'm glad you're finding it amusing because I feel sick everytime the subject comes up. The clothes, restaurants, plane tickets... I can't be living like that, and it's not just that. It's also because I know there's only one way this is going"

"You finally understanding this is ridiculous and accepting the credit card I made on your name months ago?" he said sitting by your side.

"Us not being together anymore. We're just from too different worlds, it's not gonna work. You need someone that can keep up with this lifestyle" you said getting up and walking towards the bathroom.

"No, you're not!" he said pulling you back down to his lap by your waist. "Enough with this bullshit" he said kissing your face and wipping your tears away. "Tell me what the real problem is. This is not about money, money is only a tool, a means to something, we can't let it have this much power over us. There's always more where that came from" you just looked at him. He had a much more healthy relationship with money than you, maybe because he had so much to spare. "This is not about money. You're not greedy, I know you. You're just the polar opposite of it. The most generous person I know. Is that it? You're feeling guilty?"

"I think... kind of. It's not fair, how can I have so much, knowing that most people have never even seen that much money. We’ve spent the average person's paycheck on a meal, Dan!" you said.

"(y/n), baby... it's not your responsibility. You can't carry this weight on you. You already do so much for people, you volunteer and donate all the time... you can't deprive yourself because other people don't have the same opportunity, that wouldn't be fair either" he tried to reason with you.

"But what about you?" you asked.

"What about me?"

"I just... listen, I know, rationally I mean... that I don't handle the idea of money very well. If you must know, I couldn't even take money from my parents as a kid. I just can't help but think it wasn't fair to them and it's not fair to you, to spend it with me. It's yours! You worked hard for it! I’m literally leeching on you!"

"So, you agree? The money is mine, so I can do with it what I please?" he said.

"Yes, but-"

"Why can't I spend it with the person I love most in the world? Huh? What is so wrong with it? Even if I was choosing to spend it on you instead of on myself, which I'm not, why couldn't I?"

"I feel like I'm taking advantage of you"

"Baby, we're taking advantage of this life. I was given this unholy amount of money for doing my dream job. Can you see how rare and fucking blessed this is? I mean, I thought so, until I met you. I thought I knew what a good life was until you were in it. This is a good life, with you enjoying this fucking lottery ticket with me" he said pecking your lips and rubbing your back, while you leaned on him. "Is this why you wouldn't come to London with me?" you looked at him and nodded.

"Sorry about that..."

"No, I'm sorry I didn't push more on the subject earlier. This has been going on for long enough now. It's just money, (y/n). Just it. Just a tool for the wonderful life we lead together. You understand?"

"Yeah"

"Look at me" he said turning your chin to look at him. "Do you really? Will you let me pay for stuff now? Tell me whenever you have an expense or even better, will you accept the credit card I made for you?"

"I don't think that's necessary"

"Please baby. Let's try it my way? Will you use it from now on?" he asked again pecking your lips. "Say yes. Say yes, or I'll give you a minimal monthly spending goal as well" he smiled and you looked at him like he was crazy.

"I'm not comfortable with it"

"Just try, please? You can start by buying something tomorrow for the party" the look on his face changed and you knew he was about to tease you. "If you'd prefer, we can say you're buying something for me... you wanna be my sugar baby?" he laughed.

"Too soon to joke about it" you said but laughed anyway. "Okay" you said after a while, "I'll use it. But you have to promise me you'll tell me if you change your mind"

"You're scared I'll go in debt?"

"I know you would"

"Good. Because I would. For you. But I know you don't need me to, so if we run out of money we'll just be poor together. Good thing you have experience, huh?" he laughed.

"Asshole!" you swatted him on the chest.

"You know I'm joking. But you get it now, don't you? We're lucky enough we don't have to worry about it, so let's not worry about it. It shouldn't even take a second of our day, it doesn't matter. Us, being together and our happiness is what matters. Okay?"

"Okay. Thank you, for being so understanding. Sorry for being... you know"

"I love you. And I don't expect you to simply go on a shopping spree, although I do expect you to buy those plane tickets soon. But the thing is, I'm here for it, I'm here to solve every little obstacle that gets in our way, no matter what, no matter how silly you're being"

"You're being so mature about this" you smirked at him.

"Well, what can I say? Being the perfect human I am, I understand that other humans are not, I'm just humbled that I can guide you on your path of enlightenment" he laughed and you rolled your eyes. "In all seriousness now, you know why is that, don't you?"

"Why? Because you're just better than everyone else?"

"Well, yes. But also because I have it really clear in my mind what really matters. And that's you. Us. It's all that matters to me. Being good for you" he said looking into your eyes.

"I love you, so much. I don't deser-" he cut you out by kissing you deeply and pulling you closer to him.

You moved so you were straddling him now, your arms around his neck and your hands on his hair. His hands that were on your waist, keeping you closer, started to slip down your body, so he was holding your bum.

"I want you" he said against your lips. You smiled and started to grind down against him. You were only wearing his shirt, which was bunched up around your waist, and your underwear, which wasn't the sexiest piece you owned but you didn't think Dan would care. In fact, he didn't seem to care at all for your underwear, cause he was already slipping his hand under you, pushing the thin layer to the side, and sliding his fingers through your lips.

You moaned at the sensation, still sensitive from your adventures early in the shower. "I... Dan..." you begin to say, but couldn't form a full sentence.

"What is it, baby girl? You want to say something?" he whispered against your ear, sucking your earlobe lightly. Then he pressed his pointer and middle finger against your clit, circling them firmly against you and making you moan louder for him.

"I'm still sensitive from early" you said against his lips, laughing a bit.

"You want me to stop?" he asked looking at you deeply.

"No!" you answered almost too fast, making him chuckle. "Don't stop, please"

"Hum... since you asked so nicely" he said sucking on your jaw, then your neck. You took that opportunity to slip your hand down his torso, feeling his chest and abs, and then reaching for him through his sweat pants. He was rock hard already. This man is insatiable. You smiled at the sound he made when you grabbed him lightly.

"I just want to feel you inside me" you said pulling his pants down and out of the way. He lifted you both from the bed slightly to help you take them off, then you grabbed and lined him with your center, sitting down slowly, letting only the head in first.

“Babe, please,” it’s Daniel’s turn to beg now “I need you" and then you sink down on him, feeling all of his length while he bottoms out inside you. He sucks on your sweet spot, muffling the groan that comes out of his mouth.

"Oh my god Dan" you moan, dropping your head back and giving him even more access to your neck. You pull his hair a bit more, fingers clamped down so tightly you're scared you might pull his hair out. You stay like this, feeling him deep inside you, for a while. He pulls away to look you in the eyes and kiss your lips, massaging your tongue with his. It's so intimate, so truthful, like he said, the only thing that matters in the world.

"I love you" he says looking you deep in the eyes. You nod before replying because you want to make sure he knows you know. That you believe and trust him.

"I love you, so much" you say back.

Then you roll your hips, testing out the angle, and it's almost too much to handle. It feels like hours and seconds at the same time, but you find a rhythm together, a pace you can keep sitting on him, while he only worries about kissing you and keeping you both from falling from the bed.

You're sure you'll be feeling sore tomorrow. Actually, you already are. Your legs, tired from the running and all the sex you've been having lately, start to give out and you lose your strength. Luckily, Daniel seems to catch that before you have to say anything, so he brings his hands to your hips and starts to help you move up and down on him.

You sit up slightly, moaning at the different angle he hitting now and he groans, feeling you clench around him. "(y/n)" he moans your name, "baby, I'm go-" he moans, feeling you clench again.

"Me too" you reply.

"Where do want me to? Huh? I'm gonna cum for you baby" you kiss him, feeling your pussy spasm around him, making it even harder for him to keep a steady rhythm.

"Inside me. I need you to come inside me, please, please baby" and there's no time to think, to ask if you're sure. You feel his whole body tensing and his thrusts get sloppier. Then, when you feel the hot liquid spur inside you, he grabs a handful of your ass with one hand and slips his other in between the two of you, flicking your clit rapidly and precisely.

That's all it takes for you to lose it completely, your walls fluttering around him as your body trembles at the intensity of the pleasure.

You both ride your orgasms together, you rolling your hips slower and slower, and him holding you tighter and closer until you stop completely. The only sound being your heavy breathings.

After a while, you pull away to find him already staring at you.

"You are the most beautiful thing I ever laid eyes on" he says to you and you feel the warmth of his words.

"I'm yours. Forever" you say simply and kiss him lightly on the lips.

"I feel like I have so much to lose. It honestly scares the living shit out of me"

"I know what you mean. I feel the exact same, I promise. I don't know how I got so lucky to find you" you say.

"And I, you. But we're just being dumb, right? I guess it's good we know that, but also... that we're not going anywhere, right?" he asks and you can sense there's some insecurity behind his line.

"Right. We're only getting stronger" you say and kiss him again. "I love you, Daniel"

"I love you, so much" he says touching your foreheads. "Let me get something to clean you up, then we can cuddle the rest of the night"

"You're the only guy I know that likes cuddling this much" you smile getting up from him. He hisses a bit at the sensation but gets up right after you.

"You don't have to worry about other guys' preferences" he says rolling his eyes. Yep. If your thing is low self-esteem and money-related issues, his is definitely jealousy and overall insecurity.

"I don't, silly" you peck him in the lips. He seems to relax a bit and when he comes back from the bathroom his phone lights up, he goes to check on it after passing you the towel.

"Charles just texted Charlottes contact. I'll forward it to you, okay?"

"Yep" you answered and it was your phone's turn to light up. "Can I confess something?" you asked him, adjusting your clothes.

"Hum?"

"I'm really excited to hang out with her tomorrow. I kind of miss girl company during the GPs and even when I'm here in Monaco and you're busy" he smiled and put a shirt on.

"Look at you, making friends! How cute"

"Shut up" you playfully pushed him, while you guys climbed into bed. You texted her 'hello' and Daniel's address before locking your phone and adjusting in his arms. There's still a lot to figure out and you weren't sure you'd be able to handle the money thing any better. You hoped so, after all, you didn't know how much more Daniel can be understanding. But you could think about all that another time. Right now life was good in the arms of the man you loved and loved you back. You felt safe.

Tag list (this is so fancy! I've never done a tag list before haha): @scotlynaurora @your-favourite-blonde @unicornfairytail @c-d-9

@isntmadrid @lharrietg @sassybatflowerpaper

#Daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo smut #daniel ricciardo fic #daniel ricciardo fluff #daniel ricciardo fanfic #f1 fanfic #f1 fic #dniel ricciardo x reader

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terrainofheartfelt · 2 years

Note

DB + Touch

Dair + Touch

Blair doesn’t remember falling asleep. One minute, she and Dan are deep in the weeds in a debate over the cultural value of Michael Craig-Martin (or lack thereof), and the next, her eyes are opening, sunlight peeking through her curtains.

Dan is still fast asleep, on his side facing her, just as they’d been before they talked themselves to sleep sometime in the wee hours of the morning. She strokes a finger down the slope of his nose, but he does nothing more than wrinkle it, making her smile.

She should get up, brush her teeth, get her hair and her eyebrows in order, but she’s way too comfortable, and getting up would mean having to move Dan’s arm from around her waist, and she certainly doesn’t want that, so.

His hand is warm on the skin of her back, slipped underneath the silk tunic she’d worn to bed. Like kids at a sleepover, they’d worn themselves out talking before they could make time to wear themselves out doing anything else, but this touch is still warming, comforting.

Blair trails her fingertips up his arm, over his skin, the sleeve of his t-shirt, resting her hand on his shoulder, perfect form, as if they’re about to dance.

This isn’t the first time she’s woken up in bed with a boyfriend, it’s not even the first she’s woken up with Dan, but it still feels new somehow, the ease of it.

Everything with Nate had been charged with expectation, she’d grabbed onto him needing to make it more than it was. Chuck only ever held her like this as the means to an end, to getting whatever it was he wanted from her in that moment. With Louis, every embrace was like an exercise in possession, a reminder, less holding and more hanging on. She’d thought it was romantic, until it wasn’t.

Her hand drifts up from Dan’s shoulder to his face. She strokes over the hard line of his jaw, his morning stubble prickling her palm. Sharp edges, yet still so soft.

Dan feels different from the rest of them, not just because of the calluses on his hands or his five o’clock shadow, but it’s something in the way he holds her, close and intimate without the weight or urgency of expectation. It’s simple, a reassurance. A silent I’m here.

She lays her palm flat on his cheek, tries to communicate the same to him, wondering if he can feel her even when he’s dead asleep. She tries to move closer, narrowing the space between, until she’s close enough to tilt her chin up to press a kiss to his forehead.

She settles her head back on the pillow next to him, lets her hand drift down to his chest, where she can feel the slow rise and fall of his breath.

He stirs, and the hand on her back moves, sparking a shiver up and down her spine.

“Blair?” he mumbles, voice gravelly, eyes still closed. Rough edges, yet still so soft.

She thinks of what he told her last night, and how she thinks she could fit an entire universe into the way he’s touching her now, that the world outside her bedroom door could end and she wouldn’t notice.

She rubs her thumb back and forth over his chest, right above where his heart is beating. A silent I’m here.

One word prompts

#dair #a little post 5x20 drabble for ya <3 #@ this anon and the anon(s) who sent a whole batch of new prompts today: i love you #I decided I'll keep accepting through september 1st!#after that I'll cut off and write whatever is still pending #and maybe move on to other things :)#these prompts are a perfect opportunity for ~missing moments~#when i'm able to think of them that is #*prompts

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the-real-tc · 2 years

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Bad Business Chapter 2: For Better

Author's Note: Thanks for all likes and re-blogs so far, everyone! I appreciate the encouragement. Here's the next installment. Things are still relatively calm, as you'll see. This time we have a small side plot involving what I'd call Heartland magic, you know, that not quite true-to-life horse-healing stuff that's nevertheless entertaining (or at least I hope it is). While it may seem like nothing much is happening in this chapter, I can tell you it's laying a foundation, so pay close attention.

Special thanks to tnwalk7rach for her help with this chapter as she provided invaluable information. Any inaccuracies are solely my fault, as creative liberties were taken.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

"I'm so glad to get that announcement out of the way," Amy sighed after making sure Lyndy was tucked in safely for the night. "It was driving me crazy keeping it a secret. As it is, I think Lisa and Lou were getting a little suspicious."

"I'm relieved to get it out of the way, too," Ty said in agreement.

"You're not planning to bubble-wrap me again this time, right?" Amy said to her husband as they prepared for bed.

"Uh... No," Ty said, a grin creeping up on his lips. "I think I'm over that 'super-over-protective' phase."

"Well, good!" Amy said while sliding under the bedsheets. "Because bubble-wrap spooks the horses."

"Does it, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Amy replied with a mock-serious nod, brushing her fingertips across his chest. "Noise-sensitive equines could be set back weeks just by being exposed to the stuff. Snap-crackle-pop! Instant horse trauma."

"Now you're sounding like an old Rice Krispies cereal commercial," Ty said, snuggling in close to Amy. He rested his chin against her shoulder and brought an arm over her belly.

"Ty..." Amy began slowly.

"Hmm?"

"How would you feel about it if I decided to ride during this pregnancy?"

Ty hesitated before answering, leading Amy to believe he was not thrilled with the idea. "I think... if your Ob/Gyn says the risks are minimal, then I think you should follow her advice," he finally answered.

"You didn't really answer my question," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Be honest: would you or would you not be okay with it if I got the all-clear?"

Ty inhaled sharply. He knew Amy was not trying to bait him, but he felt cornered, nevertheless. "Amy, I will always have your safety and that of our baby as my highest concern. But I know I can't bubble-wrap you. I don't want to be that guy who dictates everything his wife does because he's too insecure. If you want to ride this time around, then go for it."

"Okay," she said. "I'll see what the doctor says when I go in for my check-up."

"All right," he said agreeably, but to Ty's ears, his wife did not sound as if she fully believed him.

***

"Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?"

After donning one of Jack's old shirts that she had claimed for sleepwear, Lisa looked at her husband over her shoulder with a quizzical expression. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Tonight," Jack said, moving to stand close behind her so he could place his hands on her shoulders. "You didn't make a peep about being the reason why Scott can take on Cassandra as full partner at the vet clinic."

"Why should I have? It was a group decision," Lisa said, trying to deflect any praise.

"Mm-hmm," Jack murmured, bringing his lips to her cheek. "And who was it that brought the clinic to the group's attention in the first place?"

"Well, I may have suggested it," Lisa conceded. "And though I voluntarily abstained from the final vote, the rest of them still had to unanimously choose to support Scott."

"That could not have been an easy task with Dan Hartfield being involved," Jack grunted, trying without success to hide his personal disdain for the man.

"Actually, Dan helped convince the others," Lisa said. "Some of them were concerned there was too much of a personal interest on my part since Ty is family, after all. I pointed out Ty has his own practice at Heartland with Amy apart from the clinic, and Dan mentioned how much Scott has done for all of us in the horse business in Hudson."

"Really," Jack said dubiously.

"Yes. And you'll never guess who seconded the motion."

"Who?"

"Val Stanton."

"I have to say I had my misgivings when Dan roped the two of you into this," Jack said with a shake of his head, "but I admit I was wrong in this case. This little investors' group has been doing a lot of good."

Lisa did not reply immediately, but simply gave a cold, abstract "Mm-hmm."

Jack instinctively interpreted her chilly response to mean she was thinking once again about Lanny and Paige. "I heard about the reward the group is offering in the Barick murder case," he said quietly, lowering his hands from Lisa's shoulders to encircle her about the waist. "Your idea again?"

"No. Tanner Gunn's idea," Lisa answered, turning now so she could wrap her own arms around his frame as she leaned into his chest. "It was an easy decision to put up the reward money. After all, Lanny was one of the original members of the investors' group... That poor family..."

"Yeah," Jack said, now rubbing a gentle circle into Lisa's back. "I sure hope someone out there can provide answers."

"Me, too," Lisa said with a soft sigh. "You should have heard Paige's family at the memorial and press conference today, Jack. It's been a year, but the pain there is still so raw."

"I tell you, if someone had done that to Marion, I wouldn't have rested until her killer was brought to justice," Jack said passionately. "As it is, losing her in that auto accident wasn't easy, either. But it was an accident. It was something I could come to terms with, even if it wasn't fair."

"That must have been a terrible time for you. For all of you," Lisa murmured. "I wish I had known you then. I wish I could have been there for you."

"I know. But you're here now, and I'm grateful."

"I wish I had been able to meet her," Lisa said wistfully as they separated and climbed into the bed. "I knew about her only vaguely, which is really a shame."

"The two of you would have got along very well," Jack declared.

"Really? You think?"

"Why, sure. You love horses. Marion loved horses. She would have liked the way you treat your animals and staff at Fairfield."

"Would she have liked me—with you?" Lisa asked. It was a question that occasionally occurred to her, but had never found an opportunity to broach the topic with Jack.

"Oh, I don't think that would have been a problem for her," Jack said dismissively, pulling the covers over them both.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Having a step-mother younger than she was wouldn't have been strange?"

"'Strange'? Naw. She would have loved you, Lis. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just thoughts about family, I guess," Lisa said, lying back while Jack switched off his bedside lamp. "Amy's announcement... Things are going to be busy around here again with a new little person. I love my life with you and everyone else at Heartland. But sometimes, I wonder..."

"You wonder what it would be like if you'd had kids of your own," Jack said knowingly, inching nearer to her. Lisa slid readily into his arms, bringing her head to rest beneath his chin.

"Yeah," she whispered. "But then I think, if I had been able to carry the ones I lost to term, I think: I would want them to be exactly like the family I have, right now."

"Well, good," Jack said happily, kissing the top of her head. "Because I think if Marion had been able to choose the kind of woman to look after her children and grandchildren, she would have chosen someone exactly like you."

"Would she?"

"You love them as if they were your own," Jack said earnestly. "You've been able to do things for them I couldn't, and I'm not just talking about money."

"No?"

"All right, it's true you have spoiled them more than I ever could, but it goes beyond that. You're generous with your time, your advice, and your business expertise," Jack stated. "For example: If it wasn't for you, I might not have been convinced to let Lou have her Dude Ranch on the family property."

"And see how beautifully that turned out," Lisa said contentedly, instantly remembering a magical winter's night at that same Dude Ranch, cabins strung with bright lights, and the exchange of rings and vows.

"Yes, for the most part, you're right about that," Jack said with a soft chuckle, his mind also drifting back to the same winter's night, and the joys that followed since.

Sleep came easily to the happy couple, secure in each other's embrace.

***

Two Weeks Later

"So?"

"Dr. Hawthorn has given me the all-clear," Amy said as Ty opened the truck door for her. "She says everything looks good and it's okay for me to ride during the first trimester."

"That's good, Amy," Ty said, hoping he sounded genuine.

"It is," Amy said. "Now, are we ready to take on our latest client?"

"I think so," Ty said, as he started the truck.

"Great," Amy said with a smile while she buckled her seatbelt. "Because he's supposed to be arriving with his horses just after lunch."

Earlier that morning, Amy had received a call from a potential new client named Marvin Clancy about a case of foal rejection.

"Bring them to Heartland as soon as you can," Amy had advised. "My husband is a vet, so if there's something medically wrong with the mare, he can determine the issue. If it's something behavioural, I'll get to the bottom of it."

Now as the couple drove back home, they compared notes.

"Did you find out if it's a maiden mare?" Ty asked.

"No, but we can ask when Marvin arrives," said Amy.

"Okay," Ty said. "Is the mare showing any signs of aggression?"

"Fortunately, no," Amy answered. "Marvin told me she just won't let the little one suckle and seems to be fearful of it."

"Hmm," Ty murmured. "Could be a few things going on in this situation."

"Right," Amy said. "I can't wait for us to figure it out. We make a great team, Ty."

"I know," Ty said with a grin. "I love working with you at Heartland."

"I'm thinking it's probably still way too early for this foal to be weaned," said Amy, picking up their topic at hand.

"Yeah," Ty said. "I'm a little worried because it could be really difficult to find a surrogate on such short notice. If push comes to shove, we'll start a bottle-feeding regimen, obviously."

"You up for some late-night feedings, 'Dad'?" Amy teased.

"Practice for when Number Two arrives," Ty replied smartly, reaching over to rub Amy's belly.

"Good answer," Amy said, giggling at the ticklish sensation resulting from her husband's touch. "On a related note, I'm looking forward to having you as my birth partner this time around, Ty."

"What, your dad isn't your first choice? Didn't he do a good enough job last time?"

"Umm, let's not go there," Amy replied, rolling her eyes and laughing.

***

Due to the unusual circumstances of the mare's rejection of her foal, Marvin Clancy was obliged to trailer them separately.

"Sassy was not too pleased when I tried to transport little Windy with her," he explained. "I know it's best for the foal's first trailering to be with its mama, but mama wasn't having it."

"Well, you managed to get them both here," Ty said, "that's the important part. How old is Windy?"

"Six days old," Marvin answered.

"And have you started bottle-feeding him?" Amy asked.

"As soon as we noticed Sass wasn't feeding him," Marvin replied. "My wife and I have been in the stable pretty much since he was born, keeping an eye on things, getting him used to being around people. It's the first foal born on our farm, so it was a pretty big deal."

"So this is Sassy's first foal?" Amy asked of the Quarter Horse.

"No, it's her third," Marvin answered, "but the first she's had on my farm. I bought her two years ago from a friend. He said she'd had two before."

"Hm," Ty said reflectively. "And no indication she rejected the foals in those instances?"

"None at all," Marvin said, "which is why it's so concerning. I'd like to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, obviously."

"Did Windy at least get some of the colostrum?" asked Ty, wanting to ensure the newborn had benefitted from the early nutrients and antibodies that first milk provided.

"Yeah, he suckled just fine the first two days," Marvin said. "But by day three, Sassy-girl started avoiding him and wouldn't let him feed."

"Okay, I'll do an examination of Sassy and run some tests to rule out a few things like mastitis or something more serious," Ty said.

"And if it's not something medical?" Marvin asked, sending a knowing glance in Amy's direction.

"Then I'll take over," Amy said. "For now, we'll keep up with the bottle-feeding routine. In the meantime, we should both try putting out some feelers into the community to see if there's a mare nearby that can come in as a nursemaid—as a last resort."

"All right," Marvin said with a hint of reluctance. "I'll try."

"Good," Amy said. "We all want what's best for these two, right?"

"For sure," Marvin said with a smile. "I'll call tomorrow to check in."

"Sounds good, Marvin," Ty said, shaking the man's hand. "We'll be in touch."

***

Next Day

"We can definitively rule out mastitis or any other problem affecting Sassy's mammary glands and milk production," Ty informed Marvin over the phone. "No indication of inflammation, swelling, ulcers, or tumors."

"Well, that's good, right?" Marvin asked.

"It's a good start," Ty acknowledged. "It means Sassy isn't rejecting Windy because she's experiencing pain or discomfort due to nursing."

"Okay, so what do we do next?"

"Well, we're continuing with bottle feeding, but Amy is going to turn them out into the paddock today and observe how they interact," Ty said. "Sometimes, horses don't like being cooped up in a stable. It could be Sassy just wants some space."

"But y'all are still handling Windy and getting him used to people, right?"

"Right, when we feed him," Ty replied.

"But nothing more?"

"What do you mean 'nothing more'?" Ty asked.

"I mean, I had hoped you and your animal-behaviour specialist wife would be more pro-active with the, y'know, the imprinting process," Marvin said, an edge of irritation creeping into his tone.

The concept of imprinting was not foreign to Ty, but it was one both he and Amy discouraged their clients from attempting too early on in a foal's development.

I don't even think I need Amy to diagnose what's up with Sassy and Windy, Ty thought ruefully. Marvin and his wife have probably been too hands-on with this poor foal, and his mama doesn't like it.

"Marvin, I'm sorry to disappoint you," Ty said as calmly as possible. "It's been our experience that over-handling a newborn foal can be detrimental to the bonds it's supposed to develop with its mother in those critical early days."

"Yeah, but this horse expert guy we follow on YouTube makes the point that the earlier you imprint on your horse, the easier he'll be to train up," Marvin argued. "He's a published author. Says de-sensitizing them early makes 'em more docile and more likely to trust humans."

Ty, not wanting to sound combative, said, "Mr. Clancy, I know there are plenty of people out there on the Internet with plenty of opinions, and I'm glad you're interested in doing what's best for Sassy and Windy, otherwise you wouldn't have brought them here, right?"

"That's right," Marvin said in agreement.

"So I'm asking you to trust me and my wife," Ty said. "There's still plenty of time to get Windy to 'trust humans', and my wife can even help you with that process. She's gentled wild horses; she knows what she's doing."

Marvin huffed, and grudgingly accepted Ty's request of trust. "Fine. But if Windy doesn't train up right, you know who I'm blaming."

***

"Well, I think we can draw a very strong conclusion about what the problem is with Sassy and Windy," Ty said, as Amy came down from the loft after putting Lyndy down for a nap.

"Oh?" she asked, fully curious.

"Yep," Ty said with a curt nod. "I spoke with Marvin just now, you know, to tell him there's nothing physically wrong with Sassy, and he mentioned he and his wife bought into the whole early imprinting thing with foals. They were apparently in there handling Windy as soon as he was born."

"Oh," Amy said. "That actually could explain a lot about why Sassy is rejecting Windy."

"Exactly," Ty said. "I mean, I don't blame him for doing what he thinks is best for his horses, but in this case, it's doing more harm than good."

"Well, the good news is we can probably fix the problem because we've caught it early. Windy is due for another feeding right about now, but when that's over, it will be time to turn them out."

"That's what I told Marvin you'd be doing," Ty said.

"And it needs to be done now more than ever," Amy added. "In fact, I think I'll turn Sassy out right away. It will give her space, and maybe it will give her time to miss her baby. Her mothering instincts don't just disappear overnight; we just need to help her remember them."

To Amy and Ty's disappointment, however, Sassy showed little interest in Windy by the afternoon. The foal's full stomach meant he was not inclined to want to suckle due to hunger, but he knew his mother's scent anyway, and craved her maternal closeness. Sassy wanted nothing of it. Every time the foal neared, she distanced herself from him. The window to get Windy nursing again naturally would be closing swiftly, and the pair of horse healers fretted this might be a rare case when they would have to accept defeat.

***

By the next morning, Amy wanted to persist in turning Windy out with the rest of the horses after each of his bottle feedings. She decided to hold off introducing any sort of dry feed for the time being, just to give the foal more time to observe the adults foraging so he would get the idea. Sassy persisted in her avoidance tactics.

When Georgie arrived home from school that afternoon, she went immediately to saddle Phoenix for a round of jumping practice. She noticed Amy watching the latest arrivals on her way from the stables.

"How are they doing?" the teen asked her aunt.

"No breakthroughs yet," Amy replied. "But at least we think we know what the trouble is."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The owners were trying to do something with the foal called 'imprinting'," Amy explained. "In theory, it's supposed to help the foal become used to humans so it's easier to train later on, but instead it can really interfere with the natural bonds the baby is supposed to have with its mother if it's done too early or too aggressively. Since there's no medical reason for Sassy to be rejecting Windy, we think it's the over-handling by humans that's turned Sassy off from her own foal."

"Gee, that's too bad," Georgie said in sympathy. "Poor baby. I hope you guys can work it out."

"Me, too," Amy said with a sigh. "Anyway, I'll let you get to your practice."

"Thanks," Georgie said, snapping her helmet chinstrap and pulling it snug. Remi, upon seeing Georgie mount up, scampered from her spot on the porch to be closer to the action.

"Here comes your shadow," Amy said with a chuckle, giving the dog a quick rub around her furry jowls.

"Hi, girl," Georgie cooed. "Did you come to watch me practice? Good girl!"

Remi snuffled and gave her tail a few vigorous wags before settling down on the sidelines to take in Georgie's practice rounds. But before long, the dog wandered off towards the paddock, drawn to the pair of new horses. She yawned once with an extravagant stretch, and sat herself down next to Amy.

The dog and the human looked out upon a few of the permanent equine residents standing lazily in the paddock, grazing about. Windy the foal, having discovered other large animals not his own mother the previous day, would take a few tentative steps towards a strange horse, then suddenly prance off, as if playing a game of keep-away. The elder horses generally paid the foal no attention. His mother, though, avoided him at each playful approach, trotting off in a different direction each time he chanced to get near.

"Come on, Sassy," Amy said under her breath after observing this behaviour for close to an hour. "Take care of your baby. We stinky people aren't going to get in your way anymore."

Remi huffed and whined once, as if picking up on Amy's exasperation. She got to her feet, gave her tail a few gentle wags, then padded over in Sassy's general vicinity.

Amy watched in awe as Sassy sniffed curiously at this canine invading her space. Remi tolerated this attention with perfect calm and acceptance. Next, Sassy's large tongue came out, giving Remi's snout a long lick.

"Pals for life now," Amy said, a grin spreading across her face.

Ten minutes later, Remi was lying down at Sassy's feet, and the horse was nibbling calmly at some grass. Windy, however, was wary of the dog, its earlier curiosity around new creatures evidently forgotten.

***

"I think we've had a breakthrough," Amy said to Ty that evening after another round of bottle-feeding Windy was complete.

"Oh? What happened?" Ty asked.

"The canine companion factor," Amy answered triumphantly. "You know as well as I do that some nervous and stressed-out horses respond well to a companion animal. I mean, remember that goat Lisa had with Fairfield Flyer's clone a couple years ago?"

"Right," Ty said, thinking of how the high-strung thoroughbred had benefitted from the smaller animal's presence in its stall.

"Well, this afternoon, it was like Remi knew Sassy needed a friend. She went right over to her, and that seemed to break the ice. Sassy let Remi get right up to her and even licked her."

"You're kidding," Ty said.

"Nope. Remi just lay right down next to her out there in the paddock for the whole afternoon," Amy said. "It's the most relaxed I've seen that horse yet. I'll let her stay out tonight with the other horses, but I'd like to try turning Windy out again tomorrow and see what happens."

"That's excellent," Ty said. "Fingers crossed that Sassy will let Windy nurse tomorrow."

"I have a feeling she will," Amy said. "Gut instinct."

"Well, sure hope your gut's right, 'cause I actually forgot how tiring these round-the-clock feeding schedules can be."

"Oh, having second thoughts, 'Dad'?" teased Amy.

"Never," Ty said, stretching over to kiss her.

***

True to Amy's "gut instinct", Sassy was not on the alert when Windy's spindly legs carried him towards her early the next morning. Amy and Ty had purposely not fed the foal at the appointed time in the schedule so as to encourage it to seek out "breakfast" from its mother.

"Ty, look," Amy said in an excited whisper. "She's not running away from him."

"I see it," Ty said, his own excitement building.

The couple watched as the foal, ears flicking, crept closer, drawn by the promise of his mother's warm milk. He stretched his tongue out to the teat, latched on, and started suckling. Sassy remained in place, completely unperturbed by this activity.

"He's nursing!" Amy cried happily.

"Yes!" Ty exulted. "Marvin is going to be a very happy man when we tell him."

"He sure is," Amy said. "But make sure he knows he needs to get himself a Shepherd now, because I have a feeling Georgie isn't about to give up Remi."

Indeed, the canine was still out in the paddock, snoozing peacefully near the nursing mother and foal in the dewy morning grass.

***

Two Days Later...

"I know I said it earlier, but thanks for deciding to come to this one with me," Lisa said to Jack as they climbed into the Fairfield truck in preparation for departure to the vast Westfield estate.

"I have to admit this whole faux fox hunt deal really isn't so bad, despite the presence of certain individuals," Jack chuckled, a wry smile partially hidden beneath his generous moustache.

Both knew exactly which individuals Jack was referring to. Upon arriving at their destination, they walked with their horses on leads towards an open area before Paula Westfield summoned Jack.

"Hold him?" asked Jack, handing Lisa the line tethered to his jumper for the day, a Fairfield horse named Striker.

"Sure," Lisa said, taking the line from him. They were early still, as only a handful of participants had arrived, mostly those directly involved in a more official capacity. Moments later, she heard a voice she instantly recognized calling out a greeting, so she turned in response to it.

"Hello, Lisa! I see you managed to drag that fine husband of yours to another one of these things," Val said with a dry laugh and a half-grin.

"Hi, Val. Yes, I certainly did," Lisa replied warily. She was never entirely comfortable when Val referred to Jack in such familiar terms. But I really need to remember Jack has known Val longer than he's known me, she thought, they're just friends.

Jack was oblivious to Val's scrutiny while he stood talking with Paula about his role in today's proceedings.

"I guess he had such a great time at the last one, he couldn't stay away this time, eh?" Val laughed again, this time a little too harshly for Lisa's liking. "My, he sure does look handsome in those breeches and that jacket, I'll say!"

"Mm-hmm," Lisa agreed with a tight-lipped smile.

"Let's hope the weather cooperates," Val chatted on. "No more freak snowfalls, please and thank you!"

Lisa was about to add "And no more drinking so much you can't stay on your horse, Val," but charitably stopped herself before making such a pointed dig at her former rival for Jack's attention and affection.

"That is a very fine animal," Val stated, nodding towards Lisa's steed.

"He's something, isn't he? His name is Herring," Lisa responded, glad for the change in subject. "You remember Ben, my nephew?"

"Of course I remember Ben. I seem to recall my Ashley had an eye for him while he was staying at Briar Ridge."

"Well, Ben's horse—Red—is the sire," Lisa said.

Val sent a dubious look at Lisa. "Red's the sire of Herring? Seriously?"

Lisa tried to conceal a laugh. "Seriously. I know, it's not a very creative name. It wasn't my idea."

"I might be interested in him, if you're looking for a buyer," Val said, stroking the horse's neck.

"Well, I did have another client interested in him earlier," Lisa replied. "But why don't I have Herring trailered over to Briar Ridge next week or so? You can try him out; see if he's what you really want, and we'll see if we can hammer out a deal."

"All right, sure," said Val. At that moment Paula dismissed Jack and called for Val's attention to deal with some other matter. "We'll talk soon, Lisa."

"Okay."

"Hello, Jack," Val said huskily, a bright smile flashing across her face as they passed each other.

"Val," Jack responded cordially, about to tip a non-existent hat before remembering his head was bare. He continued on to where Lisa was waiting with their mounts.

"What was that about?" he asked as he reached his wife's side, having seen the tail end of their conversation.

"Val might be interested in buying Herring," Lisa answered while staring after the other woman's retreating figure, somewhat surprised she had not found some excuse to linger in order to chat with Jack.

"No kidding," Jack uttered.

"Jack," Lisa began tentatively, "I know these kinds of events are out of your comfort zone, but I'll say it once more: I really appreciate everything you do to make it out here with me."

"Well, I seem to recall a fly fishing date that was out of your comfort zone some years ago," Jack said with a twinkle in his eye. "Not too many ladies would have agreed to that. But you went the extra mile and even bought all the gear, just so you wouldn't disappoint me."

"I knew I wanted to spend time with you and to get to know you better," Lisa said, gazing up at him with affection. "I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by."

"And I'm forever grateful you came," he commented, remembering how she allowed him to hold her close and guide her hands and arms while holding the fishing rod. It meant so much to him that she trusted him implicitly, even at that early stage in their relationship.

I caught a real beauty, he recalled saying to the kids when he returned from that date; his meaning slowly dawning on them as he shuffled inside with a very contented smile on his face.

"We should do that again sometime," Lisa said, reaching for his hand and taking it in hers.

"Sounds like a plan!" Jack answered heartily.

*** Chapter 3: Or Worse

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