#they eat cereal on their porch together in silence every morning

[jayjay-thejet-plane]

GOOD MORNING

I havent actually gone to sleep yet (tis 4am)… but tis a good morning nonetheless

[limerental]

ficletvember 2021 - day 10

aroace dad geralt taking care of his weird family, from the suburban neighbors au, because you animals brought back this post

These days, Geralt had a new routine.

He woke well before anyone else in the house, taking care to slip from bed without waking his two bedfellows. Though he knew even if he did, it would be many hours before either surfaced from the bedroom. The dogs, Roach the borzoi and Buttercup the miniature poodle, showed no such care, leaping from their spots in the bed to race Geralt down to the kitchen.

Buttercup begged on his back legs, and Roach stood patiently at her dish as he portioned their food. While the dogs ate, he brewed a small pot of coffee and sat out on the back porch to drink it while the dogs rushed out into the garden to do their morning business and sniff the whole length of the fenceline.

He woke Ciri for school just as the sun began to crack over the horizon, his daughter begrudgingly fumbling out of bed with much grumbling and grouching. She and Yen had picked out her outfit the night before, and Geralt helped her into overalls and a yellow sweater, then brushed her sleep-frazzled hair in the bathroom mirror, his deft fingers easily coaxing twin braids into her blonde hair.

He poured the both of them a bowl of cereal, and they ate together at the kitchen island, Ciri still grumbling over being conscious and the dogs begging to lick the milk from the bowls afterward. 

Geralt stood his daughter in the entryway of the house to run through their usual checklist of things she could not go to school without. Backpack, lunchbox prepared the night before, pencils, folders, shoes on and laced, a meager attempt at a smile, and they were off down the street to the bus stop, the leashed dogs trotting happily beside them. After he saw Ciri off, waving after her hunched form in the bus window, he took the dogs on their usual neighborhood stroll.

Sometimes, by the time he made it back to the house with the sun well up and the dogs ready for their first of many naps of the day, his partners were awake and up to something, but he was just as likely to hear only silence from the master bedroom. Geralt cracked the door to peer inside and saw Jaskier as nothing but a ruffle of brown hair amidst a mound of blankets and Yennefer sprawled out fully nude on her stomach beside him, both still dead to the world.

Geralt returned to the kitchen for another cup of coffee, which he drank while checking his work email. He had sorted through the junk to set aside a few potential contracts by the time he began to hear signs of his partners' wakefulness drifting from the upstairs bedroom.

More precisely, the familiar moans and erotic whispers signalling that they had roused themselves in more ways than one, the same as they did every morning. 

Geralt sighed, listening to the whines and yelps and dirty talking rise in volume. He would be unlikely to get more work done until they were through with their activities, so he switched his attention to his newest mid-morning ritual of preparing his partners a nutritious post-sex snack.

He had no desire to join them in the midst of whatever strange affair seemed to be going on upstairs, Jaskier's groans of oh fuck, yes, daddy, please interspersed with the occasional loud spank and Yennefer's firm orders echoing from master bedroom.

He would, however, not mind curling up with them in bed afterward, two bodies curved soft on either side, a platter of prepared snacks shared between them. Lovingly delivered with the ulterior motive of perhaps getting either of the overgrown children he shared a home with to eat a vegetable for once. He had seen their food selection before moving in. Dino nuggets and mac and cheese paired with boxed wine got old fast.

Shaking his head in amusement as the sounds overhead shifted to a more frantic height, Geralt sliced several wedges of celery and slathered them in peanut butter, carefully pressing several raisins atop the sticky surface. The dogs licked their chops at his feet. Above him, Jaskier began all but wailing as Yennefer's voice slurred into calling him scathing insults that somehow ended up sounding more like praise.

And then, at last, silence.

Platter in hand, Geralt climbed the stairs, pleased in some deep part of him with his strange, warm life. 

[boldlyvoid]

Amoreena | Chapter Three

Chapter Three

summary: Heaven is a real place and it's located exactly 14.6 miles away from the FBI, Quantico Headquarters. Off behind a small park, under a fantastical willow tree surrounded by wildflowers, in every colour young minds can imagine.

Don't forget, heaven also comes with angels.

Warnings: fluff, hurt/comfort, depressed spencer, reader has a daughter, falling in love, strangers to lovers

word count: 2.8k

from the beginning <3

Y/N set him up with a pair of her father's old pyjamas, giving him a spare room to sleep in for the night instead of the couch, she figured he'd need privacy in the morning and not a 7-year-old attacking him at the crack of dawn. He was so grateful for their day together, hugging her goodnight and slipping away into the room to think about everything.

He took a moment to just sit on the bed, looking around at how she decorated. It was pretty plain, just a bed and some light green walls. Books gaining dust in the corner, clothes and blankets folded on top of the dresser against the wall, the only personality was the photo on the night table and the quilt on the bed.

There was a reason it wasn’t used anymore. The photo on the table was of her grandparent's wedding, it was black and white and older than him. They looked happy and in love, her grandmother was a spitting image of her, no wonder they were so close.

It made him feel a little emotional to know he was in this room. The memories it had with her, the connection to her grandma that she clearly wanted to keep. Otherwise, this room would be used for something other than housing the man they met at the park for a single night.

She was trusting him in this space, leaving him alone for the night to deal with his brain on hyperdrive, giving him the opportunity to stare at the ceiling as he remembered the day in glorious detail.

Drifting off into a peaceful slumber quicker than he figured he would.

—

He awoke to the feeling of someone holding his face, the soft touch of flesh on his cheeks. He fluttered his eyes open into the early morning sunshine, “good morning cutie,” Y/N whispered.

“Am I dead?”

She smiles as she laughs, leaning down to press her forehead against his shoulder, he wraps his arms around her on instinct, holding her as close as the night before.

“You looked like an angel,” he whispers an explanation.

She pulled back then, returning her hand to his face as she looked at him, “you’re beautiful in the mornings too.”

“What time is it?”

“7:30,” she confirmed with a small smile. “Amoreena is feeding the baby goats with her poppy, she’ll be in for breakfast in a few minutes if you want some cereal. My grandpa’s stuff is in the closet if you wanted something cozy, it’s a foggy one out there.”

He was so in love with her at that moment, nothing but happiness and wonderful words left her mouth. She was more euphoric to him than any drug, rushing more serotonin to his brain than any one-night stand managed to do, and he hasn’t even kissed her yet.

He noticed then she was in her pyjamas, a cute nightgown like his own mother would wear when he was a kid. Cows jumping over the moon displayed on the chest, it was adorable. She was everything to him.

“I’ll see you downstairs?” She says as she stands, removing her hand from his face as her fingers lingers on his skin, he didn’t want her to leave.

“Yeah,” he smiled, watching her leave as he sat up.

He put his slacks back on making sure he had his lactose pills in the pocket, a red sweater from the closet and a brown ranch hat. Wanting to fit the part of Farmhand while he was with them, and to see if it would make Amoreena laugh at him.

He kept a travel toothbrush in his satchel for times when he was sleeping in places he didn’t belong. Using the bathroom and making himself look as presentable as possible, he really, really wanted them to like him enough to keep him around.

Y/N was packing Amoreena’s lunch in the kitchen when he finally wandered in, taking a moment to look at what he was wearing. She smiled at him, placing her hand on her heart, “My grandpa loved that hat, you look great.”

“Thank you,” he says softly as he takes a seat at the counter, watching her carefully cut the crust off a sandwich.

She has a special sandwich cutter, pressing it into the bread and revealing the two dinosaur-shaped halves. Putting them in a little baggie and adding them to her pile of healthy snacks in Amoreena's lunch box.

“You’re the best mother,” the compliment rolling off his tongue without his permission.

She blushed lightly, “thank you, I try.”

Like a herd of elephants, Amoreena was running up the porch steps and swinging the door open, causing the chimes to bang off the wood before it eventually smacked the house.

“Gentle!” Y/N called down the hallway, “don’t get mud on the floor.”

Amoreena took her boots off neatly, hanging up her coat and cowboy hat before joining Spencer at the counter. “Good morning, Spencer!”

“How’s the kingdom this morning?” He asks out of pure curiosity, greeted with the purest response from her.

Amoreena’s eyes lit up like she didn’t expect him to believe in her fantasy world. What she didn't know was how easy it was for him to call this the kingdom, a far off land of true freedom and happiness. It was a little perfect world that didn’t feel real to him yet.

“It’s great, you’re so nice,” she sighed, laying her head on the counter. “Can I have some lucky charms?”

Y/N smiled, “sure, you know where all the bowls are big kid.”

Amoreena stormed around the kitchen, pulling out two bowls and spoons, not asking if Spencer wanted any but placing a bowl in front of him any way. “You need breakfast, it’s important.”

“Of course, Lady Amoreena,” he said softly, digging the pill from his pocket and placing it on the placemat. “Can I have something to drink?”

“Orange or apple?” Y/N smiled, opening the fridge door and waiting for his choice.

“Orange, please.”

“See,” Y/N looked at Amoreena, “even adults use manners.”

It made him laugh as she rolled her eyes at her mother with a fake sigh. It was nice to see that they had a mutual respect that was strong enough to play around like that, It was admirable to see them be friends, not just family.

“I’m going to get changed for the day,” Y/N announced then as Amoreena got situated back at the counter. “Be good, shout for me if you need me.”

Then it was just him and Amoreena eating cereal in silence.

She picked out all the marshmallows first, eating them before the cereal, and then finally drinking all the milk from the bowl, he has never seen a kid eat that fast.

“Was it good?” He laughed to himself, watching her wipe her mouth on her pyjama sleeve.

“The best,” she smiled back at him. “Are you going to be here a lot?”

“I don’t know yet,” he was honest. “But I’d like to be.”

“It would be nice, I've never had a dad,” she said it like it was nothing. Like the weight of the words weren’t supposed to knock the wind out of him.

“You know,” he speaks before he even thinks it over. “I never had a dad either, my mom raised me all by herself. She's my best friend in the whole world, she is the reason I love books and why I love the world, you’re lucky to have someone who has a heart big enough to love you for both parents.”

“You’re lucky too then,” she smiled back. “But you’d still make a good dad regardless.”

“Thanks,” he whispered, smiling softly as she put her bowl away and ran up the stairs.

—

Amoreena gave him a big hug at the bus stop, waving to him from the window as he stood with Y/N at the end of the driveway, his phone non-stop vibrating in his back pocket trying to take him away from the most perfect moment in his whole existence.

He finally looked at it when the bus pulled away, 8 texts from Penelope and 4 calls from Derek. It looks like they all knew he quit, and they want to see if he was okay. He sighs, putting his phone back in his pocket, taking Y/N’s hand instead, walking back to her house.

“I called to take the day off when I was changing, told them Amoreena got me sick,” she says lightly as she bumps her shoulder into his.

She was now wearing a light green sundress, it flows in the breeze as she walks, stepping in front of him to skip lightly, twirling around as they walk, she makes him smile uncontrollably. Then she’s letting go of his hand and running off into the field, Spencer chasing after her cautiously. Rubber soles of his shoes slipping on the dewy grass as he follows.

There’s an open field behind the barn, cows wandering around the far edges as the fog starts to settle its war with the sunshine. She stops then, catching her breath and waiting for Spencer with an arm out for him to walk into her embrace.

Holding him in the sunshine in the middle of her kingdom.

“Whatever the light touches is yours,” she whispered the words from the lion king, “If you’d like to be mine?”

He wanted to answer, but his phone wouldn’t stop buzzing against her hip. She reaches into his pocket and takes the phone out, answering it without breaking eye contact.

“Ex fed, Spencer Reid’s phone,” she smiled.

“who is this?” A males voice asked.

“Spencer’s girlfriend,” she answered, “he’s fine. If you’d like to see for yourself and join us for tea in the garden?”

“Um, sure, you’re at some farm right?”

She looked at Spencer confused, “yes?”

“We’re pulling up now.”

“What?” Y/N turned around as she noticed the line went dead, a car rolling down the driveway and following the path all the way towards the barn.

“FBI remember,” he laughed. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she leaned in and kissed him softly, he held her there for a moment, knowing his friends would be staring at the display of affection they were putting on.

He almost wished he could have seen it from their point of view. How she pulled him in, dipping under his hat, holding his cheeks in her hands as she pressed her lips to his softly. The view behind them was impeccable, the fields of wheat blowing in the early sunlight as he held her hips.

When she pulled away he could swear he saw a halo around her head, smiling at him with love in her eyes, matching his own. He pushed his hat up as he rested his forehead on hers, “I’ll be yours.”

“I figured,” she smiled, taking his hand and walking with him towards his friends.

“Hi,” he waved at them.

“What has happened in the last week since we’ve spoken?” Derek didn’t skip a beat, holding his arms out as he shook his head.

Penelope rushed around the car towards him, “why did you quit?”

“I’ll go put on some tea, meet me out back?” Y/N said softly, tapping his shoulder as she slipped out of his grasp and passed them all.

“I can’t do it anymore and you know why,” Spencer whispers. “I’m done, Derek, I need a life, a family, something to make me actually want to get up in the morning before I whiter away to nothing.”

“Okay,” he nods, reaching out to pull him into a hug, “you deserve that.”

Penelope hugged him too, the both of them wrapping their arms around him in the middle of Y/N’s land, he knew they’d understand. He just wish they all didn’t have to feel like this, like he was letting them down.

“Come on, you’re going to love Y/N,” he changed the subject, fixing his hat again as Derek laughed at him.

“Since when did you want to be a farmer?” Penelope teased him.

“Cowboys are like FBI agents right?” He smiles, leading them towards Y/N’s backyard. “Um, seriously though, I met her at the park on Saturday.”

“It’s Monday…” Derek added in a concerned tone.

“I know, it’s insane but we’re both tired of waiting for the right time, so we’re making it the right time, she has a kid and a life and she works at a library, she’s calm and beautiful and everything I need,” Spencer explains, stopping abruptly so that Y/N wouldn’t be able to hear him. “Fuck it, y’know?”

Derek’s face lit up, Penelope shook his arm as she giggled, “yes! I support this, fuck it and be happy.”

“Way to go pretty boy,” Derek patted his back, “I always knew you’d do it.”

It was nice to introduce them, Y/N sat close to Spencer as she learned all about the last 15 years of his life. Funny stories like the time they scared him in the dark at a crime scene, how nervous he used to be, even showing Y/N photos of him from over the years with the weirdest haircuts, she couldn't believe how cute he used to be. Gushing to his friends about how perfect their weekend together had been so far.

He got to know her more than too, learning with Penelope and Derek as she shared parts of her life. She was only 35, she actually has 7 siblings who have so far produced 4 nephews and 11 nieces for her, Amoreena being the oldest of the bunch. She’s lived here since she was a baby, born in the room she sleeps in actually.

Her whole life existed in this kingdom full of love and life. She had a huge family and enough love to keep it growing forever, it was her perfect world and now it’s his too.

It was the best morning of his life, watching his best friends and the women he knew was going to become the love of his life, mingle so gleefully. They were all free now, living in the real world where things were good and happy.

He wanted to stay there forever, but they decided to head out around 9:30, leaving Spencer and Y/N alone in the backyard finally. He turned his phone off then, tossing it onto the table and pulling her into his lap.

“I think we need to talk about this,” he said softly.

“About what?”

“How it’ll work, the rules for me being around Amoreena, I don’t want to jump right into stepdad mode and piss you off or be too distant and make you think I don’t want to be here,” he worried out loud. Giving her a glimpse into his mind and how it worked.

“I don’t mind you falling into the role of her father, you are a lot like Steven,” she looked at him softly as she spoke, her fingers trailing along his jaw lightly.

“Her father?”

“I tell people that yeah, but I don’t know,” Y/N admitted, not a care in the world about who he really was.

“You’re a literal ray of sunshine,” the words fell from his tongue.

“I don’t like being unhappy, so I choose not to be,” she admits, biting the inside of her cheek as she smiled at him. “And I think I’d be the happiest with you.”

“I'm glad you feel it too,” he whispers, leaning in and pressing his lips against hers again, softly as the first time.

“I’m also scared,” her words touch his lips ever so softly, “I’ve already lost too many people, please don’t leave me.”

“My girlfriend died in front of me,” the words are harsher than he expected them to be. but she had to know that he understood. Loving someone, planning a life with them, and watching them get ripped out of existence is the hardest thing someone could recover from, but they were doing it.

She pauses, “so you know what it’s like?”

He can only nod, “I understand wanting to keep something special and safe and failing.”

“Seconds are just as good as firsts," she whispers, leaning in close enough to kiss him. Resting her forehead against his, "if not better because you value what it can become.”

“I’m falling in love with you,” he announces without a second thought.

“Good,” she finally kisses him, resting her lips against his lightly before speaking again, "because I think I fell in love with you a few days ago."

He can't help but kiss her again and again, holding her in his lap as he spread kisses over her face. Her cheeks, her forehead, her chin, the tip of her nose, both eyelids and finally her perfect lips. It's soft and gentle like the first one, holding him softly as their lips brushed together.

Kissing in the sunshine for as long as they wanted without a single distraction or care in the world. She was exceptional, her life was perfect, he was so unbelievably happy to be sharing it with her. To be granted access to the happiest place on earth, his own little slice of Heaven with the two angels that kept it running.

tag list: @shemarmooresfedora @spookyspence @spencers-dria

[wave0fg00dvibes]

Baby - Spencer Reid x Reader

Request: Spencer’s daughter tries to tell him that she’s “not a baby anymore.” He doesn’t take it too well.

A/N: I’M FREAKING BACK, BABY! It has been so long and I’m so very sorry. Here is some tooth-rotting fluff for y’all because I love you. I actually wrote this for the lovely @thekatherinewinchester​ as a part of @imagining-in-the-margins fic swap, and it was SO fun to write. It also really helped me to have a deadline. I think I’m going to try to do that more often!

Please leave feedback if you have any! Lots and lots and LOTS of love, as always.

Category: FLUFF

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 1.7K

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

The first time our daughter attempted to assert her independence, she had just turned 6 years old.

A morning routine with two young children was often chaotic, to say the least. However, the first day of school was always a special one. For some reason, something about this particular September morning made me extra grateful and reflective, even among the disarray. 

1 ½ year old Grayson sat in his highchair, babbling nonstop. Though he had only just started eating his applesauce, it completely covered his face and arms. Before I knew it, he was using his spoon to fling the food onto the floor. 

Was that an issue on the top of my priority list right now? Nope.

Ava sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and eating her cereal with the enthusiasm of an excited 1st grader. Her polka dot dress and matching headband were neatly and meticulously adjusted, revealing the hidden nerves within her initial excitement.

The small TV on the counter was tuned into the local news, though no one ever really listened. Even if anyone wanted to pay attention, Grayson’s babbling would probably drown it out anyway. It was mostly just background noise. But, selfishly, I liked to know the state the world was in before my husband left our home each morning to go make it better, safer. I liked to at least have some idea of what he was going to encounter, even if it meant certain days were filled with anxiety and worry. 

Dealing with the unease and stress was a small price to pay for the unceasing love and immeasurable happiness.

To be honest, I never imagined a world where I’d be simultaneously getting our children ready for the day and scrambling eggs for Spencer as he slept in after a long night of work. I never imagined his severe, draining job would let us have even a sliver of happy domesticity. But, as I scraped the last of the eggs onto his now-full plate, I reflected on how lucky the universe had deemed us. This shouldn’t be a reality, and yet, I couldn't imagine our life together any differently.

“Mama?” The voice of my sweet girl snapped me out of my reflective moment. 

“What is it, Ava?” I asked, momentarily pausing my motions. She turned around in her chair to face me, eagerness lighting up her small face.

“I’m really excited to go back to school.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She truly was her father’s daughter in every capacity.

“I’m so glad! You’re going to have an amazing day!”

Her bright, golden eyes sparkled, and she turned back to finish her cereal.

Spencer would definitely be up soon. There was no way he was going to miss the sendoff of his favorite girl on her first day of 1st grade.

There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that Ava was going to blow all of her teachers away. I insisted on keeping her in kindergarten for her first year of school so she could make friends and get used to that type of social environment, but now that she was starting more difficult content, I knew all bets were off. She was absolutely going to skip grades, make breakthroughs, and undoubtedly change the world. 

But, thankfully, that was a conversation for another day, and one Spencer was undoubtedly going to have to help me through.

At that very moment, my sweet husband rushed into the kitchen, fastening his tie as he jogged. Even in his disheveled haste, the elation in his face and pep in his clumsy steps revealed that he was just as excited about this day as Ava, if not more.

Grayson babbled in the happiest tone he could muster at the sight of his daddy, and I couldn’t help but smile right along with him.

“Good morning, buddy!” Spencer smiled, crouching to meet Grayson’s eye level and pinch his chubby, applesauce covered cheek.

The tiny gesture took me back to a time when Spencer’s cares and worries were much different. Back then, he would never have thought to voluntarily reach for the grubby face of an infant, no matter how cute. But, six years and two kids later, this was a beautiful reminder of how much we had both changed, and how lucky we were to grow together and not apart. 

However, in true Spencer Reid fashion, as soon as he was done making silly faces at our son,  he padded over the sink to rid his hands of the sticky, grimy applesauce.

Everything may be different now, but some things never change. 

As I packed Ava’s lunch, I felt his eyes on me from behind. Before I knew it, he lightly turned me away from my task and wrapped his arms completely around me, leaning down to rest his head on my shoulder.

“Thank you.” He softly whispered.

Forgetting the rush of the morning for a moment, I let myself sink into the embrace. For though our lives plowed forward at seemingly a million miles an hour, moments like these kept me grounded, sane. 

“For what?” I asked.

“The extra sleep. The food. The babies. Everything.” 

The case they returned from last night must have been a nasty one. Spencer was a very affectionate person, but something about this profession felt heavier. 

Nevertheless, even after so many years, he still had the ability to make my heart skip a beat.

I pulled back from the hug to smile up at him, running my hands up his arms to get lost in his hair. His eyes reflected utter joy and gratitude, despite the fact that he had undoubtedly seen some horrifying things for the past few days. 

“I love you so much.” The words flew out before I could stop them. Of course, I meant them with my whole heart, the phrase just seemed so mundane compared to my ever-growing, aching love for him. 

The love in his eyes and sparkle in his smile told me he knew. He always knew.

He pressed a slow, firm kiss to my lips, hands coming to rest gently on my hips as we slowly swayed together. 

“I love you too.” He whispered, and before I could fully savor it, the restless world started turning again. 

Stealing moments with him would forever make my heart sing, but today needed to be about our sweet girl and nothing else. After all, according to her the first day of 1st grade marks the “beginning of the true educational journey.” Lord knows we couldn’t miss a second of that.

Spencer quickly walked over to the plate I had ready for him, setting it across from Ava at the table and kissing her head as he passed.

“Good morning, baby! Are you excited for your first day?”

Ava was silent. I felt the air in the room change as she put down her spoon and looked up at him, features completely serious. Somehow, I knew what was coming before she even opened her mouth, and Spencer was not going to like it.

“Daddy. I am not a baby.”

As expected, Spencer choked on the small piece of egg he had just attempted to swallow. In spite of the sad punch of the reality that my sweet girl was growing up, I nearly snorted, covering my mouth with my hand so as to not offend her.

Spencer looked absolutely dumbfounded.

“But, you are technically my baby-” He attempted to explain.

Ava was not having it. She took a deep breath, pushing her bowl of lucky charms aside so she could fold her hands in front of herself on the table. 

“The term ‘baby’ is applied to infants from birth to the age of 1, and then sometimes to toddlers from ages 1 to 4. I am 6 now, daddy, so technically I have already let you get away with it for an extra year.”

Oh, my girl. What a little firecracker she was. No one in the entire world besides her could silence Dr. Spencer Reid with one sentence.

Spencer sat there at a loss for words, fork still in hand, clearly trying to formulate a coherent sentence. 

“But…”

The school bus pulled up in front of our house with impeccable timing. 

“Ava honey, the bus is here!” I gladly interrupted, shoving the lunchbox into her backpack and zipping it up.

Her poor father. I had never seen his jaw drop for so long before. 

But, as always, there was no time to unpack in the current moment. That would have to be a later conversation. 

Ava excitedly got down from the table, running to put her dishes in the sink before grabbing her backpack and putting it on with complete elation. I lifted Grayson from the highchair, quickly wiping off his applesauce-covered face with the ratty old t-shirt of Spencer’s I was wearing. By that time, Spencer had slightly snapped out of his trance in order to help Ava put on her sparkly converse shoes and matching coat. 

The four of us were greeted by the autumn breeze as we stepped out onto the front porch. Spencer and I instinctively bent down to simultaneously kiss her cheeks, and she hugged our necks with the fervor of all the love in the world. She gave Grayson a small cheek kiss as well before turning away to start her new educational adventure.

“Have the best day, sweet girl!” I yelled after her as she sprinted down the driveway to the bus. She waved in reply. Though I couldn't have been prouder of her, I couldn’t help but notice the new missing piece of my heart that seemingly got on the school bus with her. 

It was at that moment that I realized Spencer hadn’t said a single word since his baby proclaimed otherwise. He still looked like he had seen a ghost.

“You alright there, old man?” I playfully nudged him with my shoulder, bouncing Grayson on my hip. 

“But she… she is my baby…”

I smiled, knowingly, trying to hide the small pain that struck my heart at the thought of Ava growing up. There were no words I could say that would calm his racing heart in the moment. So, I held our smallest baby a little bit tighter and leaned up to lightly brush my lips against Spencer’s.

“I know. Me too.”

[alfredosauce50]

Island Escapade [Ex-con! 2p! America x reader x Denmark] 07

Island Escapade - 07 - She's my collar Wordcount: 2, 877 The reader is referred to as she/her.

"Mathias is missing."

"Save your jokes for dinnertime, Allen. It would've been better to laugh in front of him." You snorted. Without sparing him so little as a glance, you leaned forward to crush a few cloves of garlic under the blade of a knife. He stood at your side with his eyes narrowed into a troubled glare—you could brush me off every other time, just not today.

"I'm not kidding, dollface." He set down the missing man's phone on the countertop in a light clunk. "He's been gone since noon. Dude went awol the second he finished eating. And it's nearly seven."

You lifted your gaze to the device, then to him. It wasn't the first time he did something like this, but now that he mentioned it, his cloud of worry seemed to float right over.

"... Hm. That's weird." Giving your hands a quick wipe, you marched out to the porch overlooking the surrounding beaches. Allen appeared from behind. "You don't think he went to someone else's house, do you? It's getting dark... And the rain's setting in."

"He's not stupid enough to not bring an umbrella, right?" He asked.

One of your eyes narrowed in thought. "Doubt it." Redirecting your line of vision to a spot on the fencing, your words manifested into reality when you saw that your umbrella was untouched. Immediately, you frowned. "What on Earth could he be up to?" The other shrugged with his lips pursed together.

"Maybe he's trying to get your attention by making you worry."

You cracked your neck. "Well, he always was one for theatrics. He'll probably come back soaking head to toe to be dramatic."

You couldn't put it past him to do something like that. Again.

"Ouch." Allen chuckled, following you back inside. "You do this every time he runs off?"

"Yeah, because I'm usually right." Mathias was either straightforward and demanding or didn't say anything at all. Like being dramatic.

There was no compromise whatsoever, but you doubted he knew what the word meant. The man had the communication skills of an egg. "But if he proves me wrong, we have something to be scared of."

Making your way back to the kitchen, you scraped up the chopped-up vegetables and dropped them into a frypan for a satisfying sizzle. Despite your silence, the worry was visibly setting in your downcast eyes. Even he could see it, but he never brought it up until it was time to eat—the last and ultimate test.

If he was late he might as well have been dead.

He never missed dinner or any meal for that matter. And yet, there you sat, halfway through your stirfry. Allen already finished his, now watching you with his cheek resting on his hand. "... You good?"

His brows were slightly furrowed.

You kept your head down to prod around your plate absentmindedly.

"Yeah... He’ll turn up."

As the minutes droned by without him, the plate next to yours grew colder and colder. What was once hot and piping had cooled off and hardened. The generous serving of what you made—double of what you had—was no longer as appetizing as it used to be.

"Listen. He's not showing up."

He watched you glance up slowly. What he blurted was disheartening, but he couldn't take how depressed you looked.

"... You're wrong. He always shows up." You murmured faintly, unable to return his steely gaze. As you continued, your trust in your own words completely disintegrated.

"It doesn't matter how late it is."

Your stubbornness was just a front. Allen saw right through it. Digging his hands through his dark maroon hair, creases formed between his eyes as he hesitated to continue. But he had to do what had to be done. "Sorry, it had to be me, doll."

He raised an index to point at himself. "Look me in the eye and tell me he's gonna show up." You didn't budge. "That's what I thought. And what did you say his bedtime was? Nine. It's nearly eight."

A brief silence fell as you both shared the same thought.

Mathias was like a kid.

Allen felt worse to know you used to date him. Even now, he could see you worrying yourself to death, but you made no effort to admit it.

"Look, if you’re scared, then you’re scared. But he’s a hardy guy, ain’t he? If I can fit into his clothes, then he’s got a good chance of surviving without eating his veggies for the night."

There it was—the glimmer of hope in your eyes as you lit up to what he said. It was exactly what you needed to hear. The comfort you couldn't bring yourself to ask for. After all, Mathias's absence impacted the atmosphere more than you and Allen cared to confess.

But for you, it hurt more than you could fathom.

A few hours later, there was still no sign of him appearing. You were patient, however, and continued to sit in the living room. But desperate was the better word as you fixated on the door. Where was he? Was he okay? The muffled sound of a toothbrush stopped, which was followed by the hum of the faucet turning on.

Out walked Allen in his pyjamas. His underwear. You had long given up on telling Mathias to not do it. And you were too exhausted for Allen's antics. "You should get some sleep, doll. We'll sort this out tomorrow." The couch dipped to your right. "Or do I gotta sit here all night too?"

You bit your lip for a deep frown.

"No, you go to sleep. I'm not letting you do this because my stupid ex can't look after himself." A sigh fell from your lips. "You're not responsible for anything, and I wouldn't be able to sleep, anyway."

He rose a brow. "Okay, fine. But who said you had to be responsible?"

"Me."

Allen clicked his tongue. "I know you care about him, but I have to be frank." He turned to you with a softened gaze. "There's nothing you can do but wait til' morning. We can look for him when we can actually see."

Why did he have to put it like he was already dead?

You practically launched yourself into his arms, much to his surprise. Tightening your coils around him, it didn't take long for you to feel his strong arms around you. He wasn't used to being appreciated, but damn, did it feel good. "Aw, haw haw. Gimme some. Let's hug it out."

"If he comes back alive, I'm gonna kill him." Your voice was no higher than a whisper to stop it from cracking. When you realized what you were doing, bile rose in your throat.

"You can kill him all you want when he gets back, and he will." Allen pet your hair softly. Given the height difference, he could rest his chin on the top of your head. "Don’t cry over that dumbass. He doesn’t deserve it."

"But you don’t understand—" Pulling away to rub away some stray tears, the effort ended up in vain as more streamed down your face. "—we were still fighting today."

His eyes drooped in sympathy as you finally spilled. "Why did he have to fucking disappear when I was already ignoring him? He was trying to talk to me for days but I never even looked at him...!"

You sucked in a sharp breath to hold back a sob, then to replace it with a laugh. "About how good his cereal was, or how bad the weather was—or, or a funny video or something just as stupid."

All Allen could do was dab tissues over your face, so he huffed out a soft sigh. Hearing it only made bottling everything in harder. And it showed in the tremble that seized your body.

"C’mon... Don’t be like that." He pulled you in again, unable to bear the sight. Hearing it was bad enough.

God, were you a mess.

He’d never say it out loud, but it turned him on more than anything. Hugging you tighter as the warmth flurried more in his chest, he felt something wet spread over his tank. You were so vulnerable, and to be here when you needed someone—he never felt closer to you than now.

"I'll be however I wanna be. This is just how it's always been with him." You admitted bitterly through a glare. "He pulls something, but I'm the one who ends up feeling bad. I can’t win arguments! And you have no idea how many times it’s happened."

Never had he witnessed such raw honesty and ugly emotions from you. Allen just never imagined Mathias to be the cause of it. But then again, you had a history with him he was never privy to.

For just a moment, he felt like crying too.

"You gotta stop beating yourself up. Shit happens. But I promise he'll show up. I got a feeling we aren't getting rid of him this easily."

You sniffed. "You really think so?"

"I know so."

The next morning, you were awakened by the buzz of your phone. Rummaging under your pillow to find the source of those obnoxious vibrations, you pulled out the device to find yourself staring at the line, "No caller ID" across your screen. With little hesitation, you answered it. Inside, you prayed and prayed it was who you thought it was.

"... Hello?"

"(F/N)! It's me!" The voice piped. "Gah, thank god you picked up!"

Your heart soared as you sprung up.

"Mathias?! Is that you?"

"Who else could it be, kæreste? Of course, it's me! I just wanted to let you know I'm okay! A little lost, but okay!" He spoke breathlessly. Now, the Danish pet name and unnecessary amount of shouting? You couldn't mistake it for anyone else.

Immediately, a huge wave of relief washed over you. But it was short-lived.

The fear burned away into a livid kind of fury.

"What the fuck, Mat? I was worried to death!" You screamed. You could practically imagine him holding the phone away while cringing at the volume. But it was merely a taste of his own medicine.

He laughed. "Sorry, sorry. It's a long story, but I promise to tell you everything."

"Sorry? I thought you died!" A few knocks sounded on your door. Sliding yourself off the bed, you unlocked it without a second thought. In walked a disgruntled Allen with his face scrunched up.

He was never a morning person, but today was a special occasion.

"I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to worry you, I swear!"

You scowled, putting him on speaker. "Then you better start talking."

A weight settled on your head—your companion decided it to be a perfect resting place for the meantime while he listened in. He then wrapped himself around you. As tired as he was, he still managed a wide, floaty smile. So he was right, wasn't he? Rather than crying over the dumb Dane, you were about to give him the lecturing of a lifetime.

So rather than telling Allen off, you let him do as he pleased. You even held onto his arm that found its place on your waist.

"Uhh, so... I'm kinda stranded."

You expected him to say, on a random island on the Spanish archipelago. Maybe he had gone out for a swim to sulk by his lonesome after you forgave Allen. It was understandable, considering he was genuinely convinced he was trying something. And because he broke safety protocols, he managed to get swept away without anyone realizing it. How he didn't drown was beyond you.

Little did you know, he took swept up to a whole other level.

"Well, spit it out! The faster you tell us where you are, the easier it'll be for you, me, and the coast guard."

Mathias 'uhhed' again.

"... Erm... I think I'm in New York?"

New York.

The Big Apple.

It was where Allen was supposed to be—his home. How did they end up switching places?

If you could, you would have gone on and on about how impossible he was. Even Allen was shocked at how red you were as you shrieked into the speaker. Unfortunately, the displaced man was borrowing a phone from a random passerby on the street, so he had to hang up. Before he did, you relayed to him that you were breaking up with him twice out of spite. It didn't really make sense, but it incited a huge reaction from Mathias nonetheless.

Wha~at! But you already broke up with me! You can't break up with me again! He'd pleaded. But he was wrong. Anything he humored you on, you could use against him. And that included made-up dating culture. He deserved that, at least.

It wasn't just the random location he wound up in that troubled you, even if he was across the North Atlantic Ocean. It was how he ended up there in the first place. Apparently, he decided to do some vigilante work and sneak onto the ferry that stole the turtle eggs. But he wasn't Batman.

He was Mathias.

So he was stranded in a foreign country with no money. And like Allen said, it was strangely hard to get rid of him. Before the call ended, you told him to go to the Spanish consulate for help. He didn't even realize he could do that. So Allen was right. How he wasn't dead was beyond you! Fucking around with animal smugglers, then actually considering sleeping outside on the streets of New York?

He'd be killed faster than he could say Ferrari.

The next day around noon, Mathias glided in on a yacht accompanied by Antonio. Inhaling the fresh salt of the Mediterranean waters, he giddily stepped down onto the pier. How he missed this smell. Before he could get far, the rapid thudding of your footsteps came charging at him at unprecedented speed.

"Mat!"

There were bags under his eyes, but the sight of you running at him was the greatest injection of energy he could ever ask for. "(F/N)!" Outstretching his arms just in time to catch you, he stumbled back from the sheer force of the collision. "Hey! Did you miss me?"

"Fuck you...! I always thought you were stupid, but not that stupid!" You exasperated in the hug. Mathias responded by holding you tighter and nuzzling into your neck. He could listen to you scold him forever, but the opportunity to breathe you in was rarer than a blue moon. "What did you think you could accomplish, huh? You’re not special! We were gonna call the cops, you idiot! You weren’t supposed to trespass and try and save the day!"

He sighed contentedly. "Mm, I’m sorry. I only ever meant to go in for a quick look. But I had to hide when people came. So I hid for like..." His voice was low with huskiness, a sure fire sign he was fatigued. "Half a day. In an empty crate. I stole one of the labels and shipped myself out so they wouldn’t find me."

Pulling away with a huff, you reached up to cup his cheeks. There was untold fondness in how you held him, even if your words didn’t reflect it. "Just shut up and take nap. I’ve had enough of your idiocy." You flickered your sad eyes over his roughed up features. There were more bruises than you could bear, and it broke your heart to see them.

Mathias picked up rather quickly for once, so he gave both your hands a reassuring squeeze. Then, he gleamed. "Don’t worry! I heal super fast! And even faster if you kiss it better," The blonde winked.

If it weren’t for the bruises, you would have pushed his face away. "I would have given you a punch, but it looks like you were punished enough."

He began to walk with you back to your house.

"Oh? So are you saying you’re not mad at me anymore?" He chimed hopefully.

You shot him a glare. "Far from it. I was gonna have your ass on the couch, but I’ll be nice since you spent a night in a box." Mathias’s smile widened, but you were pleased to say he was jumping the gun. "You can sleep in my bed. But I won’t be using it."

He pouted.

"You’d rather sleep on the couch than with me?"

"No, I’d rather sleep in a different room than you." Grinning at that, you ascended the small flight of stairs to your front porch. Allen just walked outside to greet you both. Speak of the devil. "I’ll be crashing this guy’s room."

"Wait, you are?" The said guy blinked.

Mathias’s jaw dropped. You’ve never seen him this horrified in his life. "What? No way! You—you can’t!"

You hummed delightfully. "My house, my rules. Don’t like them, you’re free to leave. You have a home to go back to, you know?"

"I think I’ll stay." His cheeks blew up in discontent.

Allen shared your mischievous grin. "Heh. It must suck being a loser all the time. But I can’t really say anything when I can’t relate." He shrugged.

"Hey! I’m not!"

[thinkingaboutyoungroyals]

True Heaven

Summary: Dean wakes up from a dream about heaven. As he goes about his day, he realizes what his true heaven looks like.

AO3

The sun was beating down on him but he felt no heat, just warmth. Everything was warm here.

The trees were tall and green. The sky was the bluest he had ever seen. The water trickling down the stream was as clear as glass.

It was heaven… or so they say.

Dean smiled to himself as he gazed at the view from the bridge in his memories. There was only one thing that could make this heaven truly his.

“Hey, Sammy,” he greeted, as he turned his head to see his smiling brother.

Sam stepped forward, arms open and Dean didn’t even hesitate to pull him into a hug.

Together, the two brothers looked out into their heaven, side-by-side, as they always have been.

It should feel right. His head was telling him it should be right. That this was his true heaven.

The sky.

The trees.

The bridge beneath his feet.

His baby brother by his side.

Yet, something still felt missing.

And there was a strange buzzing sound blaring in his ear.

Dean closed his eyes, trying to block it out. But, the sound kept going, refusing to stand down and give him peace.

Heaven shouldn’t be so loud like this...

With a gasp, Dean opened his eyes, heaving as the alarm on his phone continued to buzz him awake.

He was in bed. At home. Lying on soft sheets and pillows. The sun streaming in from the curtained windows.

He was okay. He wasn't dead. He was alive. Living. Breathing. Blood running through his veins.

His hand reached out to tap the ‘snooze’ button, silencing the buzzing for at least another ten minutes.

Still in a daze, Dean continued to lay in bed, blinking at the ceiling as he tried to hold on to the last vestiges of his dream.

He had died. He went to heaven, apparently. And heaven was different.

Bobby was there. Apparently, everyone else he knew and loved was there, too, though he didn't see them. He went for a long drive with Baby. Then, Sam had joined him. They were on a bridge, that same bridge from their first hunt together after Dad went missing.

Was that what heaven was like now? He wouldn’t know. Jack wouldn’t tell him – secretive kid.

“Dean! I heard your alarm! You better not still be in bed! We have plenty to do today!”

Dean smiled, shaking his head before sitting up and stretching. He could feel his muscles popping, his back twinging in that familiar ache.

Damn, he was getting old.

“I’m awake!” he called back as he moved the blankets aside.

He could smell the eggs and bacon.  

Castiel was making breakfast.

Without wasting any more time, Dean slipped into comfy slippers and made his way down the stairs to the kitchen.

As a habit, his eyes roamed the simple beige wallpaper, the framed photos, the snug carpets, and the random pieces of furniture that didn’t match because they found them at different online listings.

Damn, he loved his house.

Lazily running a hand through his fair to give it some semblance of order, Dean entered the kitchen with a loud yawn.

“Morning, Cas,” he greeted, settling himself at the table where a mug of coffee already waited.

Their dog, Miracle, raised her head from her own breakfast to bounce up to him with a happy bark. He ran a hand through her fur, fondly scratching her favorite spots. Her tail wagged even faster in delight. She was getting on in years but was still the same beautiful and affectionate dog she was when Dean first found her.

“Good morning, Dean.”

Castiel turned his head away from the stove to flash him a smile before turning back to finish cooking.

With one hand still on Miracle’s fur, Dean lifted the mug to his lips and took a sip, letting out a contented sigh when he tasted the slightly bitter coffee. It warmed him up from his head to the tips of his toes as the caffeine woke his brain up.

He needed it today. Sam and Eileen were coming over tonight and there was a lot to get done around the house.

Plates of eggs and bacon were laid in front of him as well as an empty dish and a fork. Castiel passed him the salt and pepper shakers before sitting down across from Dean.

“Thanks.” Dean stabbed into the eggs and grabbed a couple of pieces of bacon.

Castiel hummed in response as he did the same.

Silently, the two men ate.

The forks clanged against the plates accompanied by the sounds of chewing. Every now and then, Miracle would whine, hoping to get a piece of bacon. (Dean snuck her a few when Castiel went to refill his coffee mug.)

Outside, birds sang their morning song and the squirrels chattered as they went about their business. Castiel said there was a nest of robins residing in the tree by their porch.

(He didn’t want Dean to cut the tree, even though it would give them plenty of space for a nice front garden.

“It’s their home, Dean!” he had insisted when Dean tried to argue his stance.

He had looked so distraught that Dean ended up giving in and leaving the tree alone.)

It had been five years since Castiel returned to the Winchesters from the Empty, graceless and human. Even if he was technically God now, Jack still had to make a deal – and the cost was Castiel’s grace. Castiel was no longer an angel and never would be again, even if he stole another angel’s grace. He was fully human, would live a mortal life, and would return to heaven as a human soul when he died.

After a close call with a vampire nest and almost dying from a nail in the back in Ohio (Sam managed to clear out the bodies, call 911, and get him to the hospital in time), Dean had decided, right there and then, that he was done hunting. He wanted stability.

He had his Free Will back and he was going to use it to create a new life for himself and Castiel. So, after looking around the area, he got a job as a mechanic at the town garage – he was always pretty good at fixing up cars. The money wasn’t much but at least it was legal this time. No more stealing credit cards and identity theft for him.

Not wanting to be a burden, Castiel applied for a part-time job at a convenience store. They had to forge his papers and create a new identity (Castiel insisted on taking Jimmy’s last name “Novak”, to honor his vessel) but that was the easy part. Because even though he had lived as a human before, the former angel still struggled with basic human needs. He’d forget that he needed to eat and would only be reminded if his stomach was growling and tightening in protest. And he’d forget to sleep until he lost consciousness while on his feet, wherever he was. But, soon, he got used to it, even if he found bathroom breaks so inconvenient.

For the first two years, Dean and Castiel continued to live at the bunker with Sam and Eileen, helping the couple with finding, researching, and solving cases.

Dean’s brother never truly left the hunting life. Sam was good at it and loved it more than Dean ever did. Besides, he had Eileen as a partner, this time, in more ways than one. They worked together like a well-oiled machine, Dean was loathed to admit. But, Sam was happy and Eileen took good care of him and always had his back – that was enough for the older Winchester.

Dean found the old farmhouse for sale at a cheap price three years ago. It was practically falling apart but still held a certain charm. Dean fell in love at first sight and when he showed it to Castiel, the former angel loved it, too. They bought it and fixed it up, renovating where they could. It took a year and all their manpower just to repair the roof, the front and back porch, and the kitchen.

When the farmhouse was ready and livable, Dean and Castiel officially moved out of the bunker and into their new home.

Dean continued to work as a mechanic, doing the best work for his clients and impressing the garage owner so much that he showed Dean the ropes of running the business. And he was an attentive student. Dean may not have graduated high school and gone to college like Sam but it didn’t mean he was uneducated. And he had even made friends with the other mechanics, learning their techniques and sharing his own. And, maybe someday, when he saved up enough, he could open his own garage.

Meanwhile, Castiel quit the convenience store when he discovered a Honey Farm nearby. He learned how to be a beekeeper – the bees always did fascinate him. He was good at it. He talked to the bees like he talked to people. Whether he could actually understand them or simply made up their conversations, it didn’t matter. He was a hoot among the older ladies and the kids.

(Sam and Eileen still lived at the bunker, finding it more convenient with all the resources they needed for hunts. When they weren’t on the road, they would come to dinner.

And, sometimes, even Jack popped in to say “hello.” Castiel always kept a box of Cookie Crunch cereal for him in the pantry.)

Their house was small. Their jobs were mundane. They had an everyday routine.

Their life was simple. But, it was theirs. Finally theirs.

“I’m going to the store after breakfast,” Castiel finally spoke up as he cleared his plate. “Do you have the list of things you need for dinner?”

“Yeah, it’s upstairs, I can grab it.”

“No need.” Castiel stood up to put his plate in the sink. “I’m going to get dressed so I'll get it. Where did you put it?”

“Dresser.”

Dean continued to eat while Castiel headed out of the kitchen, pausing for a few beats to fondly scratch behind Miracle’s ear. When he disappeared down the hallway, Dean tossed the last of the bacon to the dog before getting up and doing the dishes.

As he placed the last plate on the rack, Castiel returned to the kitchen, dressed in a polo shirt, jeans, sneakers, and a tan leather jacket. He had stopped wearing the trench coat a while ago, but the sight of him without still made Dean pause.

“I’ll be back in half an hour,” Castiel said.

Dean flicked the last of the water away before wiping his hands on a rag. “Okay. I’ll walk Miracle while you’re out.”

Castiel nodded. Then, he smiled shyly before leaning in and planting a chaste kiss on Dean’s lips.

“I’ll see you later.”

Dean squeezed his hand, offering a loving smile of his own. “See you later, Cas.”

Just like their life, their relationship was simple. Mundane, sometimes. But, if Dean was honest, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Gone were the days of one night stands and denials of how he felt. He was getting too old for all that. He had gone through hell and back (quite literally) plus purgatory. He deserved this, damnit.

Sure, Dean still had trouble expressing his feelings (thanks for that, Dad). He rarely even said the words that Castiel freely expressed. But, the advantage of them having their so-called profound bond was that he didn’t need to really say anything for his partner to know how he truly felt about him.

Castiel already knew. He had always known. And he didn’t expect Dean to change.

Besides, Dean was more of a man of action, anyway.

Miracle barked, looking up at him with excited puppy dog eyes. She was anxious to get out and walk and chase squirrels and get the occasional pets from excited kids.

“Alright, alright, give me a sec.”

Dean took one last sweep of the kitchen to ensure everything was fine before bounding up the stairs to the bedroom. He swapped his pajama pants for sweatpants and tugged on his worn brown leather jacket over his sleep shirt. (He could shower later.)

Downstairs, he grabbed his house keys, clipped Miracle’s leash to her collar, and led her out of the house, locking the door behind him.

Baby was still parked in her usual spot so Castiel must have taken the Corolla to the store. (He wouldn’t take the Impala out without Dean’s permission, anyway.)

The air was chilly but the sun was out and bright, making their walk pleasant. Miracle led the way, her head swiveling around as she sniffed the familiar surroundings. She chose a spot under a tree to do her business and Dean cleaned up after her. He tossed the bag into a nearby trash can before continuing on their way.

“Morning, Dean!”

He lifted a hand to greet their neighbor who was out on a morning walk. “Morning, James.”

He stopped for a few seconds to chat about the weather (“Nice weather we’re having”), about James’ wife and kids (“The missus told me Castiel gave her a large discount on a crate of honey. Thanks for that, it really means a lot”), and what Dean and Castiel’s plans were for the holidays (“It’s always nice to see family”).

Miracle began to whine and tug on her leash so Dean said his goodbyes and went on his way.

They stopped two more times, both for the neighborhood kids who were Miracle’s regular admirers. Little 5-year-old Emma who Miracle would stay still for as the little arms hugged her right. Then, there were the Ross triplets, who always had a treat for their furry friend. (This was why Castiel had been trying – but failing – to put her on a diet. She kept getting spoiled with treats!)

Once they made it to the end of their usual route, Dean gently tugged on her leash, signaling that it was time to return home.

The Corolla’s spot was still empty so Castiel hadn't returned yet.

Dean released Miracle from her leash and she immediately padded over to her pillow by the fireplace. Meanwhile, Dean went back upstairs and finally jumped into the shower.

By the time he was finished cleaning up and getting dressed, noises downstairs and a cooing of Miracle’s name indicated that Castiel was back from the store.

Dean made his way to the kitchen, pausing for a moment at the entrance to watch his partner put away the groceries. But, never one to miss a thing, Castiel turned to him and smiled.

“Hello, Dean. There was a sale on pie so I got you two.” He gestured to the kitchen table where two boxes sat.

Dean whistled, finally entering the kitchen to take a look. One box was labeled “apple” and the other “blueberry.”

“A man after my own heart, Cas!”

He took the few steps towards his partner, who was putting the meat in the freezer, and pecked his cheek in appreciation.

Castiel blushed, simply replying, “You’re welcome.”

With a happy grin, Dean helped put the rest of the groceries away. He didn’t need to start cooking until after lunch.

“By the way, Jody called while I was at the store,” Castiel said, putting a box of cereal away in the pantry. “She’s asking what we’re bringing to Thanksgiving.”

“I was thinking mac and cheese,” Dean replied as he folded up the grocery bags to be re-used for later.

“Claire’s cooking this year.”

“On second thought, maybe we should just bring the bird.”

“Dean.” Castiel was scolding but it was in a fond tone.

“The last time Claire cooked, Alex got to practice her nursing skills on us.”

“That was years ago.”

“My stomach has never forgotten, Cas.”

“It was her first time cooking, Dean. I’m sure she’s improved since then.”

Castiel always made good points.

“Fine. But we’re bringing our own Pepcid.”

Castiel simply chuckled in response.

After finishing with the groceries, they both went upstairs to get the guest room ready. Sam and Eileen always stayed the night. Castiel dusted while Dean changed the sheets to fresh ones and sprayed some air freshener to get rid of the dusty smell.

When that was done, they went back downstairs. Dean retreated to the living room to catch up on some of his shows. Meanwhile, Castiel picked up his book from the coffee table and went outside to the back porch to read the morning away. At some point, Miracle got up from her pillow to follow him outside.

At 11am, Castiel went back in and settled on the couch next to Dean.

“What should we have for lunch?” he asked, snuggling to his side.

“Maybe something light since we’re having a big dinner.” Dean placed an arm over his shoulder as he pursed his lips in thought. “PB&J?”

Castiel’s eyes practically sparkled at the suggestion of his favorite food in the entire world.

After lunch, Dean went back to his show and Castiel to his book. This time, both were in the living room. Miracle interrupted them at some point, begging Dean to play, to which he obliged and they played a half hour’s worth of fetch. Then, it was back to his show.

At 4 o’clock, Dean shut the T.V. off, Castiel marked his book, and Miracle napped, still exhausted from playtime.

The next two hours were a flurry of activity in the kitchen. Pasta simmered in the pot. Chicken baked in the oven. And leaves and veggies were chopped for a salad (because Sam would complain if there wasn’t some kind of healthy food on the table).

Dean liked cooking. And, don’t tell Sam, but he especially liked cooking for his brother. At the end of the day, Dean was still a big brother who wanted to take care of his baby brother, no matter how old they both were now. (But, even if he had a gun pointed at his head or was back at Hell’s gates, he would never confess to it.)

It was a little past six when the rumble of a car outside alerted them to their visitors. The table in the dining room was already set and the warm food arranged neatly by Dean.

Castiel opened the door and was immediately greeted with a hug from Eileen followed by Sam. Dean went out to meet them, practically jumping on his giant of a brother to receive a hug.

“Heya, Sammy!”

“Hi, Dean. The food smells great! I’m starving!”

They wasted no time settling into their respective seats and passing the food around. Sam and Eileen had brought a bottle of sparkling cider, which was opened and poured into everyone’s glasses.

“When did you guys get back?” Dean asked, passing the basket of dinner rolls to Castiel.

“Yesterday,” Sam answered, helping himself to a generous amount of salad. “We were pretty beat so we ended up sleeping until noon.”

“What was the case?” Castiel asked as he tore into his roll.

“Wendigo,” Eileen answered, pausing in cutting her chicken to sign. “In Iowa. It was luring kids from a small village to the forest. Took us three days.”

“Nice!” Dean signed. “Those bastards don’t stand a chance against Sam Winchester and Eileen Leahy!”

Everyone cheered, toasting to the success of the two hunters.

The conversation continued.

Dean shared updates on his work at the Garage and how he might be up for a promotion pretty soon. Castiel talked about his bees and how smart his co-workers were for their ideas of honey flavors.  

As they finished up dinner, Sam loudly cleared his throat as he took Eileen's hand in his.

“So, uh, we have some news,” he began, flashing his girlfriend a look. She nodded at him, in encouragement. “And we wanted you two to be the first to know.”

Dean frowned. “This sounds serious. Is someone sick?”

The couple laughed.

“No, no, this is good news,” said Eileen.

Sam cleared his throat. “So… We wanted to tell you… that… we... well, Eileen… is… pregnant.”

The couple beamed while Dean almost choked on his wine.

“For real?!”

“Congratulations!” Castiel exclaimed.

Hugs were exchanged and Dean broke out a bottle of wine to celebrate his new status as Uncle.

“You should name it after me, Sammy!”

“Not a chance!”

Dean tried to act offended but he was much too happy to really argue.

Sam deserved this. He had a woman he loved, a job he was passionate about, and now a kid on the way. There was no doubt that he was going to be an amazing father. And Dean and Castiel would definitely be the favorite uncles.

After partaking in the apple pie for dessert, Sam volunteered to help Castiel with the dishes while Eileen spent quality time with Miracle.

Feeling stuffed and full of dinner and happiness, Dean took the opportunity to grab a beer and go out into the back porch for some fresh air. He leaned against the wooden column of the front porch, just taking it all in.

It was a peaceful night. The cicadas were loud, as always. An owl hooted from somewhere. Above, the clear evening sky was littered with bright stars, as if the heavens, too, were celebrating the addition of another Winchester in this world. Maybe they were. Jack would be aware of the news by now. Dean hoped he would come to visit soon. It had been a while and Castiel missed the kid. (Dean did, too, but don’t quote him on that.)

The door behind him opened and, soon, familiar arms wrapped around his waist.

“Hi.”

“Hey, angel.”

Castiel tucked his head on top of his shoulder. He was warm and Dean savored the feeling.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Just… thinking.”

“About?”

“How happy I am.”

Castiel hummed. “It is indeed happy news to find out you are having a nephew. A new addition to your family.”

“Our family, Cas,” he corrected, squeezing the hand at his stomach.

“Our family,” Castiel agreed.

Dean lifted the hand to his lips, pressing a light kiss to the knuckles. “I had a weird dream last night. I just remembered it again.”

“Weird in what sense?”

“It was… heaven, I think. But, it also… wasn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Well… for one… you weren’t there.”

Damn, that was so cheesy. The apple pie life was making Dean soft.

But, then Castiel pressed an affectionate kiss to his temple and Dean was reminded why he didn’t mind the occasional softness so much anymore. (But, again, he wouldn’t admit it, even with a gun to his head.)

“But, I think my dream got it wrong,” he continued. “That wasn’t heaven. Not to me. My heaven is down here. With Sam. Eileen. Miracle. And everyone we found along the way.” He turned his head, meeting Castiel’s pretty blue eyes. “And, you, of course. There’s no heaven without you, Cas.”

“Dean…" Castiel's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You are getting better at expressing your feelings.”

Dean laughed, softly. “Yeah, well, it only took five years and the news that I’m gonna be an Uncle. So, don’t get used to this, Cas.”

Castiel’s arms tightened around him. “I’m sure Jack has turned heaven into a wonderful place again. But, promise me, Dean, that you won’t go there yet. Not until your hair turns gray and your skin turns wrinkly.”

Dean patted his hand. “I’ll do my best if you do the same for me.”

Castiel chuckled and kissed his cheek before pulling away. “Come inside, Dean.”

“Give me a few more minutes.”

“Okay.”

Dean kept his gaze on the sky as Castiel left.

It didn't take long for him to have company again.

“So, why are you out here and not in there?”

Dean laughed. “Heya, Sammy.”

Sam leaned on the column opposite him, clutching his own bottle of beer.

“Just thinking,” Dean repeated his answer. “Just… did you ever think we’d be this happy, Sam?”

“Honestly? No. But… we deserve it… right?”

“Yeah, we do!”

For a moment, they were silent, simply listening to the night sounds and enjoying the warmth in their stomachs brought by the beer.

Then, Sam broke the silence.

“So, I was also thinking…”

Dean met his brother’s gaze, curious.

“Since Eileen is pregnant, we’re probably gonna take a break from hunting.”

Dean’s brows rose. “Yeah? That’s good. Focus on the health of the mom and baby and all that jazz.”

Sam hummed. "We talked about moving out of the bunker and getting a house and everything. Maybe get married, officially.” Sam took another sip of beer. “But, cases don’t end just ‘cause a hunter takes a break, right?”

“Yeah…”

His baby brother wanted to get married. Dean couldn't be happier.

“So, remember one time when we talked about creating a Hunter’s Network out of the bunker? You know, to help other hunters. Provide them with resources they don’t need to literally sell their soul for?”

Dean nodded, recalling a conversation they had about it a long time ago, right around the time he decided to retire.

Sam’s eyes flickered with hope.

“Well, maybe we could get started on that… if you’re willing to still be a part of it, I mean. I get that you have a different life now and you don’t want to hunt anymore, but you’ll be mostly hands-off in the cases. And Cas has some angelic and holy knowledge that maybe we can write down and turn into some kind of guide… if he’s willing to help out. You don’t even have to come to the bunker, I can just come here and we can work on plans and-.”

“Sammy.”

Sam broke off, taking a sip of his beer and avoiding looking at Dean, as if he was afraid of the answer.

And, to be quite honest, Dean hadn’t thought about being involved in hunter life. But, it wasn’t like he was out of touch with it. He still listened to Sam’s stories of his hunts. He had conversations with Jody when she called to ask for advice on dealing with some creature. He and Castiel still had some books on the supernatural on the bookshelf in their bedroom. And, he can’t forget about the guns and knives and other hunting apparel stored in a box under their bed and in Baby’s trunk. Heck, he and Castiel still carried a flask of holy water with them!

Hunting would always be in his blood.

He may no longer want to be directly involved but, maybe he could still help.

“Sure, why not?” Dean finally answered.

Sam’s head jerked towards him in surprise. “Really?”

Dean shrugged. “I may not be holding the gun anymore but I can tell another hunter how to kill a vampire in ten different ways.”

“Dean…” Sam looked like he was about to start crying.

“Saving people, hunting things, that’s the family business, right?”

He held out his beer bottle again.

Sam smiled and met it with his own. “Yeah.”

The brothers drank to that promise.

And Dean coulnd't help but think that, in his own way, he had found his own heaven on earth.

[primatechnosynthpop]

It's A Sad Webisode, But We Film It Anyway

(Aka, the things I write when I should be doing schoolwork...)

It was a cold, gray morning. The coldness was due mainly to the fact that Neil had left his bedroom window open the previous night, and the grayness was due to the fact that he hadn't cleaned the house in a while, leading to his walls being covered in a gray film of dust. Both those oversights were due in part to his natural aversion to housework, but also to the deep depression that was hanging over him lately, much like motes of dust. And that particular morning, his cold gray surroundings provided the perfect backdrop to his sullen morning routine.

It had been a whole week already. That was hard to believe. The sound of screams still rang in his ears sometimes when he closed his eyes, and he couldn't pass by that old house without shuddering (that much was already true beforehand, but now it was a deeper shudder, often accompanied by the prick of tears in his eyes). Worse still, he was hit with an overwhelming sadness every time his gaze landed on that urn… which happened often, because the urn was sitting right there on the kitchen table. He would have put it away somewhere where he didn't have to see it as often, but that would feel disrespectful. It was so weird to think that the little pile of dirt inside that urn had once been one of his best friends. It seemed like too small a container to fit someone so brave, so kind-hearted, so loyal. But there it was--all that was left of the true-blue American hero.

Neil heaved a weary sigh which turned into a yawn halfway through as he trudged into the kitchen. He rubbed sleep out of his eyes and pushed his bedraggled bangs out of his face, but his vision remained slightly blurry, so he took off his glasses and winced at the realization of how smudged they'd gotten. That wasn't even related to him being depressed about Kevin; he was just a mess that morning for no particular reason. But after wiping his glasses off on his pajama top and splashing some cold tap water on his face, he was all fired up for another day of wallowing in grief… just as soon as he had a nourishing bowl of stale cereal that just didn't taste as sweet these days.

As he was pouring his cereal into the bowl, though, something unusual fell out of the box--a little rectangle of shiny paper. Neil blinked, befuddled. His first thought was, did I just win a prize? He checked his cereal box for anything mentioning prizes or contests, but all he could find were nutrition fact charts. In fact, after tilting the box every which way, he finally found a line of text on the inside flap reading There are no fun prizes in here, just cereal. Eyebrows knitting together, Neil looked back at the scrap of paper tucked neatly amongst his cereal. Well, either the box was lying, or this piece of paper was something else altogether. Something like…

*

"It's a message from the studio!"

Neil's eyes were startlingly bright, and he had a grin to match. He was illuminated in the doorway by the rising sun behind him, which was just beginning to crest over the horizon. Did he usually get up and about so early in the morning? Moreover…

"They want us to make another webisode?" Ryan frowned as he examined the piece of paper Neil was shoving in his face. "Can we do that? I mean, you know, without…"

He trailed off, gaze dropping. Neil, naturally knowing exactly what he meant, sighed and scuffed his shoes against the porch. A moment of silence passed between them, during which they both thought of the missing member of their team. Making webisodes would be a lot different without Kevin, and probably not in a good way.

Then Neil suddenly brightened again. He stepped across the threshold into Ryan's house without an invitation--he didn't immediately object to it, so it was fine, probably--and shut the door behind him, not wanting anybody to listen in.

"Yeah, they want us to make a Greek mythology inspired webisode this time." He cleared his throat, adjusted his glasses, and read out the note he'd received:

Dear New Kids on the Rock, sorry for your loss. We will be sending in a new team member to replace James sometime in the next month. In the meantime, you need to continue making movies if you want to keep getting paid. For your next webisode, we'd like you to make an adaptation of a Greek myth.

Sincerely, Plymouth Rock Studios.

"I see…" Ryan stroked his beard, eyebrows raising. "Perhaps we could adapt the myth of Erysichthon eating himself to death, or Lycurgus of Thrace being cursed with madness and mistaking his son for a plant, or…"

"No, no, don't you get it?" Neil interjected, shaking the paper furiously in Ryan's face. "This is our chance! We can do the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and that way--"

Ryan realized what Neil was getting at just in time for them to exclaim it in unison:

"We can get Kevin back!!"

"You go fetch the filmmaking equipment," Ryan told Neil. "I'll open a portal to the underworld."

"Alright!" Neil enthused. "Be right back!"

He scampered off, grinning wider than he had all week--which wasn't a high bar to clear, because he hadn't smiled whatsoever all week, except for in the fleeting moments when he forgot what had happened to Kevin, only for that momentary forgetfulness to come crashing down and plunge him back into misery at the sight of the urn on the table. But that was all going to change now. Heck, he may as well just throw out that dusty old urn, because he wouldn't be needing it anymore after this mission.

*

Somewhere far below the aboveground realm of the living, in a dark field of ash that stretched forever, a soul wandered amidst countless others. He couldn't remember who he was when he was alive. He couldn't even remember his name. And worst of all, he couldn't see a thing. In fact, the only reason he knew he was in a dark field of ash was because all the other souls kept moaning about it.

Time here didn't flow the same way it did in the living world. He could have been there for an hour or for a century. It felt like the latter. But he had no way of checking, because even if there were any clocks around in this barren field, he wouldn't be able to see them. And he couldn't hear any ticking, so probably no clocks. But hey, on the plus side, no ticking meant no pipe bombs either. At the very least, he didn't have to worry about dying a second time.

And he was definitely dead. That was the one thing about himself that he was sure of. The one scrap of memory that lingered in his mind was the sensation of a tentacle piercing through him, severing his major arteries. Although he couldn't look down at himself to be sure, it didn't feel like this hole was still there when he patted himself. But he didn't have a pulse either, so… yeah. Definitely dead.

He'd like to say it wasn't so bad, really. He had all those other souls for company, right? But all of them were a drag to talk to. Most of them could only moan and groan, and those he encountered who could actually speak were too caught up in emotional turmoil to carry on much of a conversation with. So it was just an eternity of wandering blind and aimless through a desolate field of his fellow ghosts, then. Great.

*

"Geez, this place is giving me the creeps," Neil muttered, trying and failing to suppress a shiver as he surveyed the barren wasteland. "It's so… ghost-y."

Ryan flicked a clump of ash out of his hair with a disgruntled huff. "I'll say. Who would have thought the land of the dead would be so dull and gloomy?"

"Yeah, our webisode isn't going to turn out very visually appealing…" Neil shrugged. "Oh, well, I guess we can edit it in post."

They lapsed back into silence then, with the only sounds being the ash crunching under their shoes and the low moaning of the pale ghostly figures that weaved here and there around them. Then, after a little more walking, Neil stopped, struck with a realization that was accompanied by a pang of dismay.

"Wait. How do we know which of these guys--" He gestured at the countless ghosts milling around them, all featureless save for the vague outlines of indistinguishable faces-- "is Kevin?"

"Oh, yeah…" Ryan turned to look back the way they'd come. Keeping the portal between worlds open was expending a lot of his energy, so he hadn't been paying much attention to all the ghosts… "Maybe we even walked past him already and didn't notice."

"W-well, he'd recognize us, wouldn't he? I mean…" Neil shook his head, unwilling to even consider the possibility that they could encounter their friend and have him not know who they were. That was the kind of thing that happened in movies when people got brainwashed, and it usually led to some kind of big fight. He didn't think he'd be able to take Kevin in a fistfight.

Ryan prodded Neil to snap him out of his troubled thoughts. "Hey, maybe you could get his attention by playing a song."

"Oh, that's right!" Neil held up his trusty keytar, which he'd been carrying with him the whole time. "That is how the myth goes, isn't it? Let's see…"

He ran his fingers along the keys, playing a scale. A cold wind stirred in the previously stagnant air, blowing clouds of ash around--Ryan coughed and swatted the dust away from his face--but most of the ghosts didn't seem to notice, with only a couple of them slightly raising their heads before carrying on their aimless trudging. Still, Neil was encouraged. He kept playing, eventually branching away from scales and into the basic pop song chords.

According to the myth they were adapting, that was how it was supposed to go: someone goes down into the underworld, plays a song, finds the person they came for, and then they leave. At least that was the gist of it. Neil was too eager about this mission to bother poring through any dusty old tomes of mythology beforehand. He knew the basics, and that was the important part; everything else he could just make up as he went along.

Ryan nodded, satisfied with this development. He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and took out the video camera that he'd also been carrying with him the whole time, and started filming Neil playing his song.

"You're doing great," he called in encouragement when Neil's playing faltered. "Keep it up, and we'll lure Kevin out in no time!"

"I don't know…" Neil sighed, shoulders slumping. Looking around, he still didn't see any ghosts that looked like they might have been Kevin. "If this is where everyone goes when they die, then there must be hundreds of souls here--maybe even thousands. Do you really think we'll find him?"

"I'm sure we will," Ryan replied, but only because he knew that was what Neil wanted to hear. Truth be told, he was pretty skeptical about the prospect of them actually finding Kevin. And even if they did, he just had a bad feeling about this whole mission… he couldn't shake the feeling that there was some important factor they were forgetting.

Neil could sense Ryan's thinly-concealed pessimism, and it put a damper on his spirits, which were already pretty damp to begin with. Still, he wasn't ready to give up just yet. If nothing else, they had to complete their webisode so they could get paid. And so he straightened up, looked into the video camera, and launched into a bona-fide performance.

*

After an indeterminable amount of time spent trudging aimlessly around the void, music rang out through the ash-crusted air.

It was a rhythmic keytar beat, reminiscent of 80's synth pop. Surprisingly catchy. The lost soul raised his head and turned to face the direction the sound was coming from, and although he couldn't see, an image flashed through his mind. The mental image vanished before he could pin down what it was, but it left him with a sense of inner warmth--a sharp contrast to the desolate cold of the field. The music was good, then. He should go toward it.

At as brisk a pace as he could manage while maneuvering around the countless other wandering souls, he followed the source of the sound. A palpable excitement began to thrum through him as he ran. Somehow, this felt like coming home.

As he grew nearer, a voice spoke over the music--not singing, but a whisper edged with what sounded like concern.

"I don't know how much longer I can keep that portal open. Maybe we should leave."

Panic spiked through the lost soul, not unlike the phantom sensation of the tentacle piercing his body. Another mental image flashed through his mind: two men turning their backs on him and walking away.

"N-no!" he cried. "Don't leave me here!"

As soon as he spoke up, the music stopped. Disoriented by the silence, the soul staggered to a halt. If he still had a beating heart, he was sure it would be pounding frantically, and if he had lungs he'd be panting to catch his breath. As it was, he just stood still, staring sightlessly ahead and praying that he hadn't just been abandoned.

Then another voice spoke, quiet and shaky as though with disbelief.

"…Kevin?"

*

Well, you sure wouldn't know it was Kevin just by looking at him. He looked no different from any of the other countless translucent gray figures wandering around the field. The only notable difference was in his behaviour. Unlike all the other souls, only a few of whom displayed the slightest interest in Neil's keytar performance, this one was standing stock-still and appeared to be staring right at them.

"Is that… me?" The soul's voice was low and distorted. It didn't sound exactly like Kevin. But it didn't sound like someone completely different either. "Am I Kevin?"

Neil and Ryan exchanged an anxious look. What were they supposed to say to a question like that? After a moment, Ryan cautiously stepped toward the ghostly figure.

"I don't know… are you?"

"You…" The soul shook his head, his transparent outline of a face twisting into a pained grimace. "I know you, don't I?"

Looking at him up closer, Ryan noticed one physical difference that set this apparition apart from the others. Where all the other souls had the pale outlines of eyes, this one did not. Pulse picking up in excitement, Ryan glanced over his shoulder at Neil and waved him over.

"I think it's him."

"Really?" Neil made his way over to the soul and tried to pat it on the arm, but his hand just phased through it. "How can you tell?"

"Its eyes are missing, see?" Ryan poked his fingers through the empty part of the soul's face where eyes would normally be. "Just like what happened to Kevin."

"Oh, yeah…" Neil shuddered at the memory, which he'd spent the past week trying to put out of his mind. "Well, if it is him, then we should get him a new pair of eyes. He'll need them if we're supposed to keep making webisodes."

Throughout this exchange, the soul took in the achingly familiar sound of those two voices. He knew them, he knew he did! A series of mental images flashed through his head in quick succession, each vanishing before he could properly take them in. He clutched his head and shook it with a growl of frustration.

Then that last word stuck in his head. Webisodes… Yes, that was a familiar term. Another image flashed through his mind, and this time it lingered just long enough for him to identify it: two men--no, three men, himself included--hunched over a laptop, watching a little progress bar labeled "uploading…" tick slowly forward. He remembered drumming his fingers against the arm of the couch they were sitting on, chewing his lip, anxiously awaiting their newly made video to finish uploading to a certain website…

"H-hey, guys," he said slowly, incorporeal body trembling with the weight of the question, "What's that website called again?"

Eyes widening, Neil immediately snapped to attention, and began instinctively rattling it off.

"Http://--"

And suddenly the lost soul remembered, with the force of a tidal wave crashing over him, who he was. The three of them shouted it out together, in perfect unison.

"Hollywoodeasttv.com!!"

"Kevin," Neil gasped, tears of joy welling up in his eyes, "It really is you!"

"Yeah," he replied in a shaky voice, breaking into a grin. "It's me."

He flung his arms around Neil and Ryan, and although his ghostly form just phased right through them, he could feel their warmth, and it made him feel warm and alive as well. They stayed like that for a moment, huddled in a tearful quasi-embrace, until Ryan gasped and pulled back.

"Guys, the portal is closing. We've gotta run!"

Neil grabbed at Kevin's wrist. When that obviously failed, he got another idea. "C'mon, Kev, follow the sound of my instrument. We're gonna get you out of here."

They took off at an urgent pace, heading back the way they came. Ryan walked in front; Neil walked close behind, playing an improvised melody on his keytar; and Kevin took up the lead, only occasionally stumbling over one of the other spirits before righting his course and hurrying to catch up. When they got to the portal, it was still most of the way open, with easily enough room for them all to walk through. On the other side of that portal was the familiar interior of their clubhouse. Just a few more steps, and…

Ryan suddenly stopped walking, causing Neil to bump into him. At the sudden pause of the sound of his friends' footsteps, Kevin stopped as well. Neil prodded Ryan in the back with a puzzled frown.

"Hey, why'd you stop? We're almost out, we just have to--"

"…But that's not how the story goes."

"What?"

"We're adapting the myth of Orpheus, aren't we? He doesn't get Eurydice out of the underworld," Ryan said. Although he kept his voice level, a sharp pang of remorse squeezed at his heart as he spoke. "If we don't adapt the myth correctly, the studio won't be happy."

"Oh…" Neil gulped. "You don't think they'd fire us, do you?"

"I don't know, but we probably wouldn't get paid."

"What are you guys talking about?" Kevin asked, putting his hands on his hips. From his position a few feet behind them, he couldn't hear all of what they were saying over the groaning of the other spirits, but judging by their tones of voice, it couldn't be good.

Neil, beset by guilt at the prospect of leaving his friend behind, tried to glance over his shoulder at Kevin, but Ryan grabbed his head and twisted it back in place. If Kevin saw Neil looking at him with those plaintive puppy-dog eyes, he'd know something was up.

"Oh, nothing," Ryan said way too quickly and loudly. "Just saying how great it's going to be, you know, when all three of us are back in the world of the living…" He leaned in to whisper to Neil. "Listen, I don't like this any more than you do, but we can't take him back with us."

"But we came all this way," Neil objected. "Can't we just turn the video camera off now and edit it in post?"

"Are you talking about the video we're making this week?" Kevin interjected, walking up closer so he could hear them better. "What's it about?"

"It's, um," Neil stammered, "it's a--an inspiring sports movie?"

"Well, it's a good thing you guys came to get me, then," Kevin replied cheerfully. He slung an arm over Neil's shoulders, or performed as close an approximation to such a gesture as he could when he was still incorporeal. "What've you got so far?"

"O-oh, yeah, um… hang on, I've got it somewhere…"

Ryan tugged on Neil's sleeve and motioned toward the portal, which was now gradually growing thinner. "We should go," he reminded him in an urgent hiss.

"…Right, yeah… um…" Biting his lip, Neil gave a shaky nod of acknowledgement in Kevin's general direction without turning to face him. He couldn't bear to look him in the eyes (or lack thereof) just then. "Well, it's been nice seeing you again, Kev."

"Wait, what? You guys aren't taking me with you?"

The confusion and distress in Kevin's voice brought tears to Neil's eyes. Ryan drew in a sharp breath and held his head upright, forcing himself to retain his composure despite the crushing feeling of guilt pressing down on him. They thought back to the way they'd lost Kevin in the first place: running away from the ghoul without stopping to look back, thinking only of preserving their own lives, not realizing Kevin wasn't with them until they'd made it halfway down the block away from the manor, and by then it was too late. If they had stopped and looked back then, and seen that they were inadvertently leaving their friend behind, would they have run back to save him? Well, probably not. That ghoul was pretty scary. But they had another chance to save him now, and… well, they'd be a couple of real jerks if they left him behind again, wouldn't they?

They exchanged a glance, and the agreement passed unspoken. So maybe we won't get paid by the studio this week, Neil thought. So what? It'll be worth it as long as we've got Kevin.

"Of course we're taking you with us," Ryan said, and this time he meant it. He turned to address Kevin as he made this declaration, and Neil concurrently turned to face him as well, no longer ashamed to look him in the weird transparent eyeless face. "We came all this way to get you, didn't we?"

But as soon as they laid eyes on Kevin, a magnetic force took hold of him and yanked him backward. He yelped in surprise and tried to tug himself free, but was powerless to resist the supernatural pull. That was the very important thing they had forgotten--the reason for Orpheus's mythological failure. You weren't supposed to stop and look back at the person you were taking out of the underworld.

Realizing what was happening, Neil sprung into quick-thinking mode. "Ryan, hand me the video camera!"

"Alright, but what are you going to--?"

Neil answered that question before Ryan could finish asking it. In a fluid, decisive motion, Neil reached into the camera and pulled out the long roll of film from within. The film was instantly ruined upon exposure to the ashen air, but that was the last thing on his mind at the moment. He hastily tied the film reel into a makeshift lasso and swung it forward with all his might. Kevin just barely managed to grab ahold of it.

But the forces of the underworld wouldn't loosen their hold on Kevin that easily. He continued to be pulled backward, and holding onto the film reel lasso caused Neil to get pulled along with him. Just before the force either dragged him away or forced him to let go of the film strip, Ryan grabbed Neil around the waist. Steadier on his feet now with his friend holding him in place, Neil began reeling Kevin back towards them.

With their combined efforts, the three of them managed to break free from the pull of the underworld. As soon as Neil had pulled Kevin in close enough that it looked like they'd be able to make it, Ryan released his grip on Neil and darted through the portal. A moment later, Neil slipped through it himself…

And then Kevin stumbled through, just milliseconds before the portal closed. In a reality-defying ripple, his flesh resolidified, ghastly blue-gray transforming into skin flushed with exertion, short messy dark hair, and the slightly rumpled clothes he'd been wearing when he died. He gasped, filling up his newly reformed lungs with fresh air.

Then his legs buckled with exhaustion after such an ordeal and he fell forward. Neil and Ryan were there to catch him before he hit the ground. Kevin sobbed at the sensation of their hands grabbing hold of him--no more phasing; he could feel them, solid and tangible. And they could feel him in just the same way. Driven by the sheer ecstasy of the moment, he lifted them off the ground--prompting a yelp of surprise from Neil--and swung them around in a clumsy circle before setting them back down.

"Oh, man," Kevin half-laughed, half-cried. "I missed you guys so much."

"Aw, gee, we missed you too," Neil replied, patting Kevin on the shoulder.

"Say, you won't be needing that urn anymore, will you?" Ryan asked. "Can I keep it?"

"Of course you can. In fact, I'll throw in an extra one, on the house."

With that declaration, he clutched his friends close to his chest and made a mental vow to never die again.

*

"So, how are the new eyes holding up?"

Kevin blinked and experimentally rolled his eyes up and down and from side to side. His vision was about as good as he remembered, and they were staying in their sockets securely, so…

"Pretty good," he said. "Thanks again, Ryan."

"Oh, it's no trouble. I'm just glad I was finally able to put some of the eyeballs I've been collecting to good use."

Neil wandered in just then, holding up a blank check. "Well, we didn't get paid by the studio," he announced with a sigh of resignation. He flipped the check over to show them the stern note scribbled on the back. "In fact, they're saying we'll rue the day we dared to defy their orders."

It was two days after their underworld rescue mission, and aside from the aforementioned threat from the studio, everything was going great. It was safe to say that the status quo had been effectively restored, and although the lack of payment was a drag, neither Neil or Ryan regretted their decision, at least not enough to go back on it. Having Kevin with them was worth more than one week's salary. And now that they were a trio again, they'd be able to make more movies in the future, unfettered by grief.

"Let me see that." Kevin walked over and took the paper out of Neil's hands. After giving the note a cursory glance, he crumpled it up with a dismissive scoff and tossed it over his shoulder. "Ah, who needs them?" he said, voicing what the others had just been thinking. "As long as we've got each other, we'll be fine."

And it was true: going forward, they all made more of a conscious effort to look out for each other, and through this newfound devotion, they persevered. After all, mortals were only allowed one free trip to the underworld. It was a good thing they didn't waste it.

[writemywaytoyourheart]

Onsra- Chapter 20: The Falling Angel

Pairing: vampire!jungkook x female reader

Genre: romance, drama, horror, angst

Word count: 4.6k

Warnings for this chapter: none^

Tag list: @jjungkook99 @rubinora @ditttiii @fekitza @xxxanimangxxx

Onsra: ML, Previous

a/n: she a long one so enjoy ^-^

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

You shove another spoonful of cereal into your mouth at Yuri’s urging, insisting that you still need to build up your strength. It feels like it’s stuck in your throat as you try to swallow it, eventually getting it down with a gulp of water.

“I have some unfortunate news for everyone.”

Seokjin speaks up and the rest of you at the table look up at him. Everyone is here but Jungkook, you’re not sure what he always does in the mornings when the rest of you are eating breakfast. Seokjin clears his throat and sets his fork down before continuing.

“We can’t ignore the fire that happened. It could have just been some prank, but I highly doubt it. The others aren’t planning on stopping their hunts, in fact they’re getting bolder. I want everyone here to be ready at a moment’s notice to get out of here when someone sounds the alarm. Understand?” He looks each one of you in the eye until you nod. You like that he is straight forward with everyone, not trying to downplay anything that’s going on. If there’s something you need to know, Seokjin will tell you.

“I want to talk a little later, when everyone is here. I will explain to the girls what’s going on and we’ll come up with some plans after that. I don’t think we can stay here for much longer, but we’ll see.” Everyone nods and Seokjin’s pretty smile comes back, “Alright then! Enjoy your food now and we’ll discuss this more later.” 

Just then you see Jungkook step into the kitchen, “Why does everyone look so gloomy?” He asks before crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. Jin looks up and seems genuinely surprised to see the younger vampire standing there, but he smiles nonetheless, “Hey Jungkook, nice of you to join us. Would you like some food?” Jin offers nicely. Jungkook just shakes his head and makes eye contact with you. 

You can tell he’s wondering if you’re finished with breakfast yet and ready to go and see what he said he wanted to show you last night. You give him a subtle nod and he sends everyone a tightlipped smile before turning and leaving.

“That was weird.” Yoongi says blankly while he takes another bite of his scrambled eggs.

Hoseok nods in agreement, “Yeah, he’s been acting strange the past couple days. I don’t know what to think.” You see them all look at each other, and you can tell they’re thinking about the fact that they were sure they’d lost their little brother.

Maybe he wasn’t as lost as they initially thought? You think hopefully as you clear your place and excuse yourself.

~

After you quickly pull your shoes on, you find Jungkook standing on the front porch waiting for you.

“Took you long enough.” He mutters.

You roll your eyes and let yourself smile a little, knowing he’s just trying to get under your skin. Jungkook turns and walks down the steps, heading in the direction of the forest. You follow him but your footsteps slow down the closer you get to entering that blasted forest again.

“Jungkook, where are we going?” You speak up hesitantly when he reaches the edge of the tree line. He turns and looks at your anxious face, then he walks the few steps between you and stops in front of you.

“It’s okay. We aren’t going very far, and I know the way out again.” He laughs lightly and you smile at the sound before swallowing and nodding.

“Alright then, lead the way.” You gesture out with your hand for him to keep going and he bows slightly before turning and continuing his way into the trees. After a couple minutes of walking, you see Jungkook slow down as he approaches what appears to be a giant hedge. He turns to you, excitement lighting up his eyes and making your heart pinch at the sight. 

“It’s in here. Come on.” Then, Jungkook pushes some branches of the hedge to the side, tilting his head in a gesture meant for you to walk ahead of him. You nod in thanks for him holding the branches out of the way, then step through the hedge.

A gasp leaves your lips at the sight in front of you; a mini waterfall trickles down the sides of a tiny hill of rocks, little white flowers surrounding the small pond that the waterfall pours into. The waterfall is only a little taller than you, and by the looks of it, you could stand in the little pond and it wouldn’t be any higher than your ribcage.

You feel Jungkook come through the hedge behind you, passing by and walking to sit at the edge of the water. You follow him, sitting crisscross on the ground next to him.

“What do you think?” He asks it so quietly you almost don’t hear him.

“It’s beautiful. How did you find this place?” You whisper as well, feeling like you don’t want to disturb the reverent silence. You’re still trying to get used to the change in his personality, feeling like you are constantly getting whiplash every time he’s being sweet.

“I was just walking around the woods and stumbled upon it one day. No one else knows about it.” You raise your eyebrows in shock at his words. Now you’re really confused. Why would he share this with you? Of all the people in that house.

“You haven’t even told Taehyung or Jimin about this place?” You say softly and he shakes his head. “No, it was my special place to get away from everyone.”

Wait a minute, is he actually opening up to you right now?

“Why did you show me then, Jungkook?” You can’t help but ask him gently, watching as he seems to think about his answer, biting his lip and blinking a few times. Then he turns to you, he smiles a little but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I’m not sure honestly, maybe because I feel bad.”

You shake your head vehemently at that and say, “Jungkook, you already apologized, and I forgave you. You didn’t have to share your special place with me. Don’t worry, I won’t come back without asking you first.”

Jungkook looks back at the tiny waterfall, a silence falling between you two. You lay back on the ground, letting the sun warm your skin as it peeks through the trees. The grass is so soft and smells so sweet you’re questioning if you two didn’t just step foot into some magical garden. You open your eyes for a second when you feel Jungkook lay beside you on the grass, sighing and closing his eyes.

You notice he’s moved his body in a way so that the sun doesn’t shine directly on him, his face mostly in the shade of a big tree.

You smile and close your eyes again, “So, what do you think Seokjin will have us do? You think we’ll have to leave?” You say after a minute of silence.

Jungkook doesn’t answer right away, instead he takes another breath and sighs before turning and laying on his side so that he’s facing you.

“I’m not sure. There’s not really anywhere to go.”  You open your eyes at his words, your stomach dropping at the short distance between the two of you. Suddenly Jungkook shifts to sit up on his elbow, still looking down at you. Your heart is racing as he leans in closer.

“Jungkook-“ You say weakly, not sure he can even hear you. He’s about three inches from your face when you lean backwards, the panic finally making some sense come into your head. That seems to make him realize what he’s doing as he slowly stops advancing.

“Sorry…” He mumbles and moves to lie back on the grass, acting like he wasn’t just about to kiss you.

Your breathing is erratic as you turn to look at the sky, your cheeks a deep crimson while you try to steady your heart.

~

When the two of you return to the house, Jungkook goes back to his closed off ways like before. You have a feeling it isn’t about what happened in the woods though. It seems like he always distances himself around you when the others are there.

You’re not sure why he cares if they see him talking to you, but you don’t push him. You just give him a small smile in thanks for showing you the beautiful hidden gem, hoping he understands how much it meant to you. Then, you head to the kitchen to help Jin with lunch.

You catch Jungkook watching you as you help Seokjin put the sandwiches together. Each time you see him, he quickly looks away. When the table is set and everyone sits down to eat, you notice Jungkook only eats a little before excusing himself from the table. You frown at that, worried that you never really see him eat.

Jin also seems to notice, sighing to himself when he sees Jungkook leave the dining room. You try not to think about it, knowing it will only drive you crazy, since Jungkook will never open up about it.

After lunch, you manage to get Seokjin out of the kitchen so you can do the dishes while he gets a break from it. He only agrees after you promise to not lift a finger at dinner tonight. He probably knows you’re lying, the way he gives you the side eye as he leaves the kitchen convinces you he knows. But, it’s fine, as long as he can get some rest.

You fill the right sink with soapy water, dunking all the plates and cups in it before scrubbing them. While being so caught up in getting the dishes done, you almost scream when you feel someone touch your shoulder. Then your heart starts racing for a different reason when you turn and see Jungkook smirking at you.

“Doing the dishes, Cinderella?” He raises an eyebrow cockily at your sweaty and soapy appearance. You smile back at him and nod, “Indeed I am. Would you like to help?” Jungkook hesitates, then nods slowly. You feel a smirk building inside you at catching him and making him pay for teasing you.

“Stand on this side and dry the dishes when I hand them to you.” You tell him while pointing to your left.

“Yes, ma’am.”

You quickly develop a routine of scrubbing the dishes, rinsing, then handing them to Jungkook who stands there with a towel, ready to dry and put them away. You’re scrubbing the last cup when Jungkook speaks up again.

“Why do you do this?”

“Mm? Do what?” You ask while rinsing the cup, then handing it to him.

Jungkook takes it and starts to dry it, leaning his hip against the counter. “This. Constantly helping around the house, doing the food and dishes.” You tilt your head to the side in confusion, “Well, why shouldn’t I? I live here for now, and I’m grateful for being saved. The least I can do is a couple chores.” Jungkook doesn’t let up at that though, shaking his head while he puts the cup in the cupboard.

“No, it isn’t just that. You help outside, you do the laundry, even stupid little things like wiping the windowsills. It’s like you’re up to something.”

He squints suspiciously at you, which just makes you shake your head and laugh, “Ok, Jungkook. You can think whatever you’d like. I didn’t know trying to be helpful suddenly implies I’m up to something, but whatever.”

“You sure you’re not trying to convince Seokjin you’re just an innocent little angel?”

“A what?” You laugh and he smiles lightly.

“An angel, y/n. That’s what you’re acting like.”

“Well, I’m flattered you think of me like that, Jungkook.”

You turn and leave the kitchen before he can respond.

After dinner, which you ended up sneakily helping Jin out with, ignoring his warning glares for you to sit down, you’re all in the living room waiting for Jin to give you the rundown of what’s going on. The three of you girls sit on the couch, Tae sitting on one arm of it next to Ga-In and Jimin sitting on the other arm next to Yuri, leaving you in the middle. Namjoon and Yoongi are sitting on chairs they brought in from the dining room. Jin also sits in a dining chair, where his old recliner used to be. Hoseok and Jungkook are leaning against the wall, their arms crossed over their chests.

Jin starts immediately after everyone has quieted down, clearing his throat and getting straight to the point. “Ok, first things first. This is not to make anyone panic, you’re all perfectly safe for now. And you girls will be safe as long as you’re with us. This is only for precautions and to help everyone be prepared. Understood?” Once he gets a nod from everyone, he continues.

“I want everyone to pack a bag. Put some essentials in it and leave it where it’ll be easy to grab in the case of an emergency. For now, all you need to know is that there is another group of vampires out there, and they’re sending out hunters each night to gather people. We’re guessing it’s to turn them, not kill them. As of right now, this group is miles from us, so we’re going to stay put until further notice. No point in running around blindly.” Seokjin states everything simply and clearly.

“Again, just stay alert and don’t panic. I will let everyone know if anything changes. Are we all clear?” Everyone nods again and Jin claps his hands. “Alright then, I’m gonna hit the hay. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Up in your room, you sit on your bed and talk with the other girls about everything that’s going on. No one else seems very worried, so you try to play along and wave off the anxiety. Sometimes you wish you could be braver than you are. Then Ga-In giggles and you look at her, a question in your eyes.

“What’s so funny?” You ask before Yuri giggles too. You look between the two of them and frown, “Why are you laughing at me?”

“Oh, nothing. Just wondering what’s making you zone out, y/n. Is it Jungkook?”

You turn pink and duck your head, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Yuri joins in and continues to poke you on the arm, “Oh come on y/n. Everyone can tell you’re totally into him.”

Everyone?

And who said you were into him?

You just got flustered because he was nice to you. That doesn’t mean you’re into him.

“And he definitely likes you too, y/n.” Ga-In points out, making you turn a deeper shade of pink.

“You guys are idiots. Get off my bed and let me sleep.” You push at them, making them giggle some more before finally moving to their own beds.

That night you dream of Jungkook following you around the house while you try to tidy up, poking fun at you and messing up what you just cleaned. You keep ignoring him and wipe the bookshelves of dust, trying not to blush as he leans against it and continuously calls you ‘angel’.  

The next day, you’re taken by surprise when Jungkook invites you to join him in the forest again. You agree, trying to hide your emotions the entire time as he teases you.

“So, a lot of dishes at breakfast, angel?”

“Why are you calling me that?”

“Would you rather I go back to Idiot? Or maybe Stupid?” You turn to him in annoyance. The way he calls you angel makes your heart flutter and that upsets you. You can’t fall for him! You barely know him!

“Never mind. Call me whatever you’d like.” You mutter before turning to walk into the woods. Jungkook just chuckles, then does exactly what you gave him permission to do.

~           

It goes on like this for the next two weeks.

Seokjin reminds everyone to stay close to the house and be ready for anything. The way he pulls the oldest boys aside almost every night into the living room to talk, you feel like he’s preparing for everyone to leave. Maybe Yoongi and Namjoon found a place during their scouting? You’re not sure, but you keep quiet and wait for Jin to tell you himself. Nothing happens with any other vampires, it’s almost scarily calm. The holes in the house have been repaired and the roof is almost done.

It’s become a routine for you and Jungkook to meet outside after breakfast and walk to the little hidden waterfall. You really want to come up with a name for it, seeing as Jungkook told you it belongs to you as well now. You don’t go there without him though, you’re too scared to go in the woods alone. Besides, it’s fun to have someone to finally talk to. Ga-In and Taehyung are stuck together like glue these days, always talking or looking for little creatures to catch and name before letting them loose again. Yuri and Jimin are constantly in the library, talking about books and bickering back and forth.

The eldest boys always talk about things you don’t understand, other times they’re in the living room with the door shut, discussing matters that don’t involve you right now.

You think of Seungwook every day, hoping he made it out of whatever happened that night. It makes you sick to think of anything else happening, so you only spend a short time sending up a quick prayer for his safety before distracting yourself with other things. Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder if you’ll ever see him again, but that thought turns your insides to mush so you just tell yourself over and over again that he’s okay.

It seems like Jungkook really doesn’t hate you. You’re convinced now that when he first met you, he just had his guard up. Sometimes, you think the other boys were afraid they’d lost Jungkook when his behavior changed, when in reality maybe he was just traumatized and shut himself off from them? Either way, you’re glad he’s opening up to you now.

It’s been two and a half weeks since Jungkook first took you to his special spot. You’re walking through the forest after breakfast, Jungkook by your side as you chatter away about life before everything happened. Right now, you’re discussing the pets you had, or wanted to have.

“I wanted a goldfish. I mean, I really wanted a dog or cat, but the landlord said no. So, I decided I was going to get a goldfish and name her Goldilocks, but I never got the chance.”  

“A goldfish? Lame.” Jungkook scoffs and you look at him, offended.

“What’s the matter with a goldfish?”

Jungkook looks at you and as he laughs his fangs show, making your heart tickle, “They don’t do anything! They just swim around all day and eat. A snake would be a lot cooler than a fish.” 

A snake doesn't do anything but slither and eat, you think bitterly.

“Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind a fish because I can relate to them. I don’t do anything but sit around and eat either, besides they’re cute.” You say while you pout and look ahead, waiting to come up on the hedge.

“Oh yeah, I can see that.” Jungkook muses.

You turn and glare at him, then feel your stomach tighten and cheeks blush at his next words.

“I mean, you’re cute too, right angel?”

Ohhhhhh shoot.

Never has a boy ever called you cute.

Over the past couple weeks, you’ve found yourself in a dangerous place. After talking more with Jungkook, you can feel your heart starting to really open up to the idea of letting him in. It terrifies you.

“Shut up.” You mutter and turn your face away from his. Jungkook just laughs and steps ahead to hold the hedge open for you to walk through.

“Why?” He asks slyly when you pass him and walk into the little area. You shake your head, moving to sit on a rock and watch the waterfall as it cascades down the rocks. “Because we both know you’re just teasing me.”

You feel Jungkook sit beside you, then his fingers brush against yours and you feel the panic in your chest again. You’re not used to this; you have the urge to just get up and run away as fast as you possibly can. His next words make it even worse.

“I’m not though.”

What is happening? It feels like your head is going to explode.

You jump off the rock, startling Jungkook as you run to a patch of the little white flowers that you love so much. You crouch down and stare at them, reaching out a finger to gently stroke the petals of one.

“We need to give this place a name.” You say nonchalantly, trying to keep your head straight. “It’s so beautiful, it deserves a really good name.” You state matter-of-factly.

Jungkook sighs and leans back on the rock, “Ok, what do you want to name it?” He decides to let you get away with ignoring him just this once.

You rack your brain for anything to say, not wanting him to change the subject back to the previous one. “Uh…Do you have any ideas?”

Jungkook thinks for a second before shaking his head, “No, sorry. I’m no good at that kind of thing.” You nod, petting the little flower and trying to think of a name.

Suddenly an idea pops into your head and you leap up in excitement.

“Komorebi!”

Jungkook looks at you like you’re crazy, sitting up on the rock and staring silently while you jump up and down.

“That’s perfect!” You squeal and clasp your hands together, turning to Jungkook to explain, “I heard it once in class. Our literature teacher used to teach us random little facts every day. Once he told us about a Japanese word, Komorebi. It combines the words light, trees, and escape.” You brighten when Jungkook smiles widely and stands up, “It’s perfect, angel.”

You feel the nerves shoot through your chest again when he walks over to you. So, you turn and look in the pond; a few fish swim here and there and you grin at them, crouching to see them closer. You spot a little orange fish; it isn’t a goldfish but it reminds you of one. “Jungkook, look! I’ll just name this little one Goldilocks.” You laugh in delight as you point at the fish to show him. Jungkook smiles at you, nodding when you turn to him.

“You should name one too.” He crouches next to you at your words, looking into the pond. A little red and white fish zips around the orange one, then darts away before repeating the action. “I like that one.” Jungkook points at the tiny hyper fish.

“What do you want to name him?”

“Hmm…how about Fin?” Jungkook asks, studying the fish.

You laugh and smile at the fish, bringing your hand up to wave at it. “I think that’s perfect. Hello Fin, nice to meet you.”

Fin just continues to tease Goldilocks, darting every which way around her. You laugh at the two of them, reminded of how Jungkook always takes each opportunity he can to irk you. Then, a little white fish comes into view, slowly passing by the other fish and minding its own business. It swims behind a rock before you can get a good look at it. “Aww, that one was cute.” You pout and wait for it to come out again. When it does, Jungkook points at it and says, “That one’s name is Angel.” You look at him in surprise, “How come?”

“Because it acts just like you. It’s a little scaredy-cat and the white color is like your giant white t-shirt.” You laugh at his logic and nod, “Ok, fair enough.”

After a minute of silence and watching the fishes swim, you’re suddenly pulled to your feet. Jungkook has you by the arm as he gently pulls you closer to him. His red eyes glint with that same look you’ve yet to figure out the meaning to. His gaze is unflinching as he looks into your eyes. You know your own eyes are bugging out of your head as you stare back. Jungkook’s tongue peeks out when he wets his lips, his fangs catching your attention before they once again hide behind his lips.

What is going on?

What are you supposed to do?

This is all extremely new to you and it’s all happening so suddenly.

This is uncharted territory for goodness sake!

Your heart is pounding so hard you’re ready for it to fly right out of your chest. You swear you can hear it hammering away when Jungkook leans closer.

“Y/n, do you like me?” Your eyes bug out further at his sudden question, your throat going dry as you try to answer him.

“I- what do you mean? I, of course I like you, you’re my friend.” You say quietly, not even believing it yourself. You need to cough. Like, right now. But his face is so close, and you don’t want to end up coughing all over him like the idiot you are. So, you try to make do with clearing your throat to get the sudden tickle out of it.

“You know that isn’t what I meant.”

“Jungkook-“

“What would you do if I said I like you?”

I would fly into the sun and implode is what I’d do.

“I-I-I-“

Why can’t you talk??

What a time to lose your words.

“Y/n?”

Think y/n! Say something. Anything.

You shake your head, unable to speak.

Jungkook leans in even closer, his lips two inches from your own. By now your panic is reacting by freezing you where you are. You can’t move an inch, your body won’t let you.  

“May I?”

At those words, your mind is completely shot. An awkward squeak leaves your throat, but you nod your head.

You’ve never been kissed before.

This will be your first kiss.

Oh goodness.

You see Jungkook smile and your heart melts. You can’t bear to look at him though, so you close your eyes just as he moves closer. You can feel his breath on your lips, your stomach full of frantic butterflies. The anticipation is killing you.

But, it doesn’t come. Your brows furrow in confusion, maybe he’s just teasing you as long as he can. You’re about to open your eyes when you hear him speak, the tone of his voice makes your stomach twist when something clicks in your mind.

“Oh no.”

You open your eyes to see him smirking at you, still extremely close to your face. His voice has turned into something far from kind. Far from the Jungkook you’ve come to know over the past few weeks.

It’s mocking as he tilts his head, faking a sad smile as his next words tear a piece of your heart that you’d kept closed off for so long.

“Did the little angel actually fall for me?”

a/n: Jungkook you mother*cker...0_o

[foundfamilie]

Sleepovers at the Diaz House

Prompt: Buck sleeps with Eddie (he falls asleep after getting him into his bed after a night of drinking) Christopher says buck had a sleepover with his dad leading everyone to think they had sex but the weirdest part is everyone is acting like that's completely logical and normal which buck and Eddie find weird until they realize everyone else knows about their not so secret feelings lol

@justsmilestuffhappens this one’s for you :)

Buck woke up feeling like he would throw up. He looked around. He was not at home, not in his bed, he was in … fuck, he was in Eddie’s bed. Oh shit.

It wasn't that he had never slept over at the Diaz’ house before, it was just that he normally slept on the couch. Why was he in Eddie’s bed? Had he …? Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit. 

A noise at the door made him realise why he woke up. “Dad, we overslept!” Chris’ voice echoed through the room. 

Next to him, Eddie sat up in shock. “What time is it?” 

Buck looked at the alarm clock on the bed side table. “07:30.”

Pausing when he spotted Buck in his dad’s bed, Chris stared at them in confusion. “Hey Buck,” he said slowly, “What are you doing here?”

“I um…” In return Buck stared at Eddie, helplessly.

“We um,” Eddie tried, looking down at Buck, glad to see that they were both wearing shirts and boxers. So, nothing had happened, right? He hadn’t been that drunk. 

“Oh!” Chris said excitedly, “Did you have a sleepover?”

Eddie finally got up. “Yeah, something like that,” he said and scooped Christopher up into his arms, “Now let’s hurry and get you in the shower or we’ll be late for school!”

Buck got up as well. He didn’t know whether he felt nauseous because of the alcohol he’s had the night before or because of his nerves getting the better of him after spending the night in Eddie’s bed. He was obvious enough with how much time he spent with Eddie and Chris, how often he’s been with them in the evenings, he really needed to be more careful or Eddie would catch onto how Buck felt for him. That Buck felt more for him than platonic friendship. That Buck wanted to be more for him than just his best friend. And mostly, he needed to be careful to not make Eddie oversleep on a school day. What was he thinking? Nothing in Eddie’s life was more important than Christopher and Buck couldn’t just make Eddie fail his responsibilities for his son.

Responsibilities. Right. Buck needed to think straight. What could he do to make up for this? How could he help? This was an emergency, and he was a firefighter, he should be able to think straight in emergency situations. He looked around the room and his eyes fell on the alarm. 07.40. School started at 08.00. There wasn’t enough time for breakfast, not for Eddie and Chris’ usual share of cereal. Maybe he could help with that.

He looked around the kitchen to see what he could work with. Only a few minutes later he put a second piece of bread on top of an excellent ham, cheese and fried egg sandwich. Then, because he wasn’t sure what Chris would be in the mood for, and because Eddie and Chris were still not ready to leave, he also made a PB&J sandwich, just in case.

Chris was beside himself with joy when he saw them. Leave it to Chris to be so happy over sandwiches. He thanked Buck about a million times and Buck was so happy himself that he didn’t notice the look Eddie was given him.

“Thanks for helping out,” Eddie said appreciatively, “Yet again.”

“It’s the least I can do,” Buck said and hugged Chris goodbye, wishing him a nice day at school.

“How about you make us some breakfast as well and we eat when I get back?” Eddie asked cautiously. 

Buck’s mouth went dry. “Sure,” he said and nodded, internally beating himself up over getting excited. It wasn’t the first time he and Eddie would have breakfast together. They were best friends.  Of course, they liked having each other around and spending time together. Nothing special about that.

-

When Carla and Chris came by the station in the late afternoon, the whole team greeted them with big smiles on their faces. Everyone loved to have Chris around. He didn’t distract them from work, Eddie would never allow that to happen, but he sure did make work a whole lot more fun.

“How were the sandwiches, Chris?” Buck asked when Chris threw himself at him for a hug.

“Soooo good! The best!” Chris answered, “I ate both of them!”

Buck glowed with pride. “Both of them, really?”

“Buck made me breakfast this morning,” Chris explained to Hen, Chim and Bobby. 

“Oh, did he now?” Hen asked and sent a teasing look to where Buck and Eddie were standing. 

“Yeah, they were having a sleepover last night!” Chris went on and on about something that happened at school, not noticing that his comment made both Buck and Eddie want the floor to open up and swallow them wholly.

The team shot each other knowing looks, visibly pleased with themselves and neither Buck nor Eddie knew what to do with that. 

-

“Chris is inside with your abuela,” Carla greeted Eddie outside on the porch when he arrived at his house. “I’m sorry, I have to leave on time today.” It was Saturday now and Carla had stayed the night with Chris while Eddie had been on his 24 hours shift. 

“Of course, Carla,” he said, “Have a good weekend!”

She smiled and waved and went over to her car before turning again. “Oh, before I forget, congratulations for finally getting some Buckaroo!” She cheered.

Eddie frowned a bit at the wording of that but he felt far too worn-out to care. He really wasn’t good at hiding what he felt for Buck when even Carla noticed, even though she barely even saw them together. “How did you know?”

“I have eyes, Eddie dear,” she said with the kindest smile on her face.

Eddie heaved a sigh. “Yeah,” he said, his expression turning from worn-out to downright miserable. “I know I’m not good at hiding my feelings.”

Carla stopped short, turned to face Eddie directly and put a hand on his arm. “Why would you hide them?”

Eddie looked at her disbelievingly. “Because he’s not feeling the same for me?”

“Excuse me?” Carla yelled with a laugh on her lips. “I have two working eyes but you sure don’t. Have you not seen how this boy looks at you? How he looks at your son? He is so in love.”

The expression on Eddie’s face changed from disbelief to doubtfulness. “Do you really think so?”

Carla slapped his arm. “Of course! Or why would you sleep together every other night?”

“We…” Eddie started but then stopped, horrified when Carla’s implication settled in. “It’s not like that, Carla! We don’t sleep with each other. We sleep in the same bed, yes, but not… we’re not having sex.”

This time it was Carla to stare disbelievingly. “Now that’s too bad! What a waste of time.”

“Carla!” Eddie exclaimed, torn between laughter and shock.

Carla reached up to cup Eddie’s face. “Get it together, Eddie. Buckaroo loves you. I know him, I know him well. I know what he’s like when he’s ready to commit to someone.” By the way she said it, Eddie somehow knew, she really meant it. He just really couldn’t wrap his head around it.

-

“Don’t you have something to tell us? Chim told me what happened at the station today.”

Buck looked up at Maddie who was pouring him a second glass of wine. He didn’t even like wine, he was more of a beer kind of guy. Eddie liked beer too, and they’ve had a lot of it the night before. Two nights before actually. 24 hour shifts didn’t really count as nights. 

“What are you talking about?” Buck asked confusedly trying to get out of his head. 

“You and… Eddie,” Chim said celebratorily and clearly confused as to why Buck was confused.

“Me and Eddie what?”

Maddie looked at Chim in exasperation before turning back to Buck. “Well, are you official now?”

“Official?” Buck just parroted, having no idea what was going on. 

“Jesus, Evan,” Maddie exclaimed, “Officially a couple.”

Buck looked at her in shock. “Eddie and me?”

“Of course Eddie and you, who else?”

The stab Buck felt at this heart showed on his face. “Thanks,” he said drily,  “You can stop now.”

“Stop what?”

He looked at them accusingly. “Mocking me.”

Now it was Chim and Maddie’s turn to be confused. “Buck!” Maddie exclaimed once again, “We’re not mocking you, what are you talking about?”

Buck felt like coming out of his own skin. The last two days had been too much for him. Waking up at Eddie’s, spending time with Eddie, Chris’ comment at the station, having to go through a whole shift on Eddie’s side… this was getting more and more unbearable. He needed vacation to take his mind off Eddie Diaz and his adorable son. “I know I’m not good at hiding my feelings for him. I tried, okay, but I’m not.”

Maddie and Chim looked at each other once again. “Why should you? You’ve been sleeping with him for months now. I’m sure he’s feeling the same for you. You should just seal the deal.”

Buck’s eyes grew wide in shock. “I’m not sleeping with him! What are you talking about?”

Maddie and Chim looked at him, laughing humourlessly, not sure whether now he was mocking them. 

Chim was the first to break the silence. “But… you’re over at his the entire time!”

Buck nearly downed his wine. When he put down his glass, he felt dizzy and it was too soon to be because of the alcohol. He hid his face in his hands. “Yeah, to be there for him and Chris. We have dinner, we play games, we watch movies, we go to the park… stuff like that.” He rubbed his face and looked at the others. “Wait, did you guys really think we were having sex? Eddie isn’t even into men!”

Now Maddie was laughing for real. “Sorry, Buck, but this is bullshit, do you know that? How can you not see how into you he is? Everyone else sees it. Hell, we were convinced you were together for what, at least two months now?” She looked over at Chim who just nodded, evidently lost about what was going on right now.

For a while, Buck was speechless. “Really?” He then asked weakly and he looked so shattered that Maddie got up and hugged him tightly. 

“Yes, Evan, really,” she said sympathetically. “You guys should talk to each other.”

“I don’t want to ruin what we have.”

“I really don’t think you will.”

-

After that conversation Buck wanted to drink at least another three glasses of wine but he decided not to. What he really needed was a clear head. He drove home pretty much right after dinner and went to walk around a bit.

His whole body was buzzing with nerves when he finally found the courage to text Eddie.

Buck: can I come over? I would like to talk to you after Chris is asleep

Eddie answered almost immediately.

Eddie: yeah I would like that too. come over at 9?

Buck: will do

[wososage]

Big Sister Tobin

Word count: 1257

Prompt: Tobin Heath gets over protective of R during the holidays when Tobin finds out that R had a girlfriend (sorry in advance for the tears). Christen steps in and helps. Some Thorns show up for comic relief. Got some Pinoe and Harry too. There is brief mention of suicide.

(Y/N) POV:

“Do you want to join me for morning yoga and meditation?” Christen says pulling me out of my trance.

“Yeah sure,” I say. “I’m sure Toby doesn’t ever join you.”

She pulls out some yoga mats and goes through her routine. I follow along doing the best I can. I do yoga for recovery, but never really for relaxation. After stretching out what seems to be every muscle in my body, Christen finally breaks the silence.

“I usually meditate for five to ten minutes now,” she says. “But you can meditate for however long you want.”

I lay down and close my eyes and just take deep breaths. I think about everything that has happened in the past year. I got called up to the USWNT and now I play with my sister and all of her closest friends. Both of my dogs died, my girlfriend died, and we qualified for the world cup. So much has happened and I have been bottling it up. At first, I was talking to people about everything but it got hard. I don’t connect well with anyone on the national team and I am away from school so much that I don’t have any friends there. I feel bad for shutting my family out, but it so hard to connect to them because I am so young. My family tries to understand me, but I am so much different from all of them. I am the most like Jeffrey and Tobin, but it is still hard for us to connect. Tobin tries so hard, but she gets busy with soccer and living in different time zones does not help. I don’t think any of them even know that I had a girlfriend. Let alone that she died.

“Are you okay?” Christen asks interrupting my thoughts.

I open my eyes to see her staring at me with concern.

“Why are you crying?” she asks me. I didn’t even know that I was crying. She pulls me into a hug and lets me cry into her shoulder. Once I’ve calmed down I pull away. “You don’t have to talk about it if you aren’t ready. But you can always talk to me and you can always talk to Tobin.”

“I’m not ready right now,” I tell her. “But maybe later.”

“That’s fine,” she says. “Do you want something to eat or do you want to wait for Tobin to wake up?”

“I’ll wait for Tobin,” I say. “She gets a little cranky when we don’t wait for her to wake up. I can’t eat this early anyways. I’m going to go outside and call my friend.”

Tobin’s POV:

I wake up to kisses being placed up my back.

“Mmm Chris,” I moan. “What time is it?”

“We need to get some food going,” she says. “And I think you should talk to (Y/N).”

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“I don’t know,” Chris says. “We did yoga this morning and she started crying. She said she wasn’t ready to talk about it but, I think she will open up to you.”

“Yeah where is she at?”

“Outside. It’s been awhile. She said she was going to talk to her friend, but I think she is done now. Also take some food she said she wanted to wait for you to eat.”

I go into the kitchen and make us both a bowl of cereal. I go out to the back porch and find (Y/N) drawing in her sketchbook. I set the bowl in her lap and she starts eating. After a while I realize she is staring at me.

“I had a girlfriend,” (Y/N) says.

“Had?”

“She died at the end of August. I don’t know if mom told you. She had cancer. After a while, it became too much and she didn’t want treatment anymore. I spent all my time with her after Tournament of Nations. We knew that even if she did treatment I wouldn’t get to see her much because she wouldn’t be able to come to school much and I would be busy with qualifiers. I just wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.”

“How long were you guys together?”

“Two years. I know we are young, but I saw myself being with her the rest of our lives. I’ve never wanted children, but I could see myself of kids with her. I think she saw the same thing. It just sucks that she died before she could turn 18.”

“It’s not crazy to fall in love so young.”

“No, but no one really understood. No one our age is in serious relationships like this. Her family understood it though. God, I feel so bad for her family. They have to go through their first holidays without their oldest. And I feel so bad for Peyton. Today is her birthday and all she can think about is how her sister isn’t here.”

“(Y/N), listen to me. You are allowed to be emotional. You are allowed to mourn. These are your first holidays without her too. You have to deal with the love of your life dying before you were old enough to get married. Don’t invalidate your emotions.”

“I didn’t deserve her. I put her through some shit. I don’t deserve for her to love me.”

“(Y/N) look at me. I don’t want you to ever say that again. You absolutely deserve the love she gave you. Every relationship goes through tough times. Everybody goes through tough times in their life. Just because you tried to end it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve love. So many people love you unconditionally. I know you don’t always see your self-worth, but we all do. Every person who is coming over today, everyone on the national team, we all love you (Y/N).”

“I love you guys too.”

“I know it is hard for you to talk about these things, but we are all willing to listen.”

“I’m sorry I have been shutting everyone out.”

“It’s fine it’s something you have to work on. But you opened up today. You didn’t have to tell me about this, but you did.”

The door opens and Christen comes out.

“Megan and Sue are here. And so is Emily and Lindsey. Everyone else should be here soon so you guys should come in and get ready so they don’t get impatient.”

“Thanks for sending Tobin out here,” (Y/N) tells Chris. “And thanks for not forcing me to talk earlier.”

“No problem kid,” Chris tells (Y/N).

(Y/N) gets up and hugs Chris and then hugs me.

“I know I don’t say this often and I probably don’t show it well, but I love you guys and I don’t know where I would be without you guys,” (Y/N) says.

“Stop being such a sap (Y/N) and go get dressed,” I tell her.

A little while later I am helping Chris in the kitchen enjoying the sounds coming from the living room. Lindsey and Emily are fighting with the Aussies about who was supposed to bring the dinner rolls. Sinc and Harry are mad because (Y/N) keeps beating them at Mario Kart (“Harry! Baby Harry cheats, just like you!” “I can’t believe I said you are my favorite Heath?”). Pinoe and Sue are out back playing a game of pick up with the rest of the Thorns who are in town.

“What are you thinking about?” Chris asks.

“How much I love this crazy family.”

[chilling-seavey]

Anything But Mine (d.s.) - Chapter Ten

A/N didn’t end up moving out of residence...WDW better come back to keep me sane I sweAR. You’ll probably get novel updates every day because I won’t have anything better to do ay ay

Monday, October 28th, 2019

Meeting Emilio was one of the best things that had happened to Florence. At least that’s what she thought every time they were together. Every time they met up after she finished her short shift and he finished his classes. As time went on, Daniel was busy with school and Grayson was staying late at work, leaving plenty of time for Emilio and Florence to spent the evenings together. She was drawn to him in so many ways. He showed her what it was like to be young and reckless. Even grocery shopping was an adventure with him, as he pushed her around the store in the cart, tossing random items - that she definitely didn’t need - at her playfully. They would dance down the aisles to the cheesy pop songs that played through the speakers or sometimes he would push her against the shelves and kiss her until an old lady would come into view and glare at them. Life was so much more fun with Emilio around.

Florence gripped the end of the grocery cart, the metal rattling in her hands as it barrelled down the parking lot. Emilio ran behind it, as fast as he could go.

“I swear if anything in those bags break you’re a dead man!” Florence shouted over the noise of the wheels on the pavement. Emilio only laughed, skidding to a stop next to his car, the sudden change making Florence fly forward and tumble in the cart. She laughed loudly, pushing her hair back from her face.

“Who said grocery shopping can’t be fun?” Emilio asked, leaning in to grab some of the bags, stopping to kiss her on his way back up. Florence watched him load the bags in the trunk of his car, smiling peacefully. He closed it and then turned to her, raising an eyebrow at her staring. She glared back at him. Emilio leaned in slowly, pursing his lips in a mock judgmental expression. The two kept their staring contest, until Florence pressed a quick kiss to his lips, making him startle, blinking once in the process.

“You lose!” she chanted, getting to her feet inside the cart.

“You cheated.” Emilio scoffed, holding the cart steady as she climbed out.

“I am no cheater.” she tisked, pinching his cheeks in her hand. “You’re just fucking irresistible.”

Emilio pulled her into him, hands falling to the back pockets of her jeans. When he squeezed, she gasped and pushed him back.

“Stop that. That’s no way to treat a lady.” Florence jabbed.

“A lady?” Emilio laughed. “You weren’t acting like a lady last night.”

“Emilio!” Florence squeaked, looking around them to make sure no one heard. “Shut up!”

He pulled her into the car and headed off. They had to stop by the boys’ house to pick up Clementine; the Clifford’s were busy and couldn’t watch her while Florence was at work that morning. Emilio waited in the car as Florence went up to the porch.

Corbyn answered the door, an open textbook in one hand and a highlighter between his lips. He tucked it behind his ear when he saw her.

“Here for Clem?” he asked.

“Yeah.” Florence smiled.

“Jack and Zach have her upstairs. One sec, I’ll grab them.” Corbyn took a few steps back to the stairs and leaned up. “JACK. FLORENCE’S HERE!”

“5 more minutes?!” Jack shouted back.

“No!” Corbyn yelled.

“Ok, coming!”

“Is Daniel home?” Florence asked Corbyn as they waited for the two youngest to bring down the baby.

“No he’s still at school.” Corbyn eyed the car in the driveway. “Who’s that?”

“A friend.” Florence shrugged.

Corbyn accepted that answer, looking back down at his textbook. Florence peeked over the top.

“Whatcha reading?”

“The Science of Stars.” Corbyn held up the cover to her, still scanning the page.

“Interesting.” Florence rolled her eyes.

“Very interesting.” Corbyn agreed, not catching her sarcasm as he was distracted, “Did you know that-“

“Thank, God. We got here just in time before Corbyn bored her to death with space facts.” Zach said, following Jack to the door. Jack handed over Clementine and her things to Florence who thanked him with a laugh.

“Just because you don’t have brains doesn’t mean people don’t appreciate mine.” Corbyn jabbed. He said a quick goodbye to Florence before heading back upstairs. Jack and Zach kissed one of the baby’s cheeks each, making her giggle in her mother’s arms. They said their goodbyes and Florence headed back to the car. She got Clementine buckled in the backseat and then got herself into the passenger side and Emilio drove them home.

Putting groceries away was only fun when Emilio was with her. Mostly because he did the work while she sat on the island and directed him. Clementine was in her high chair, feeding herself Cheerios, watching the two adults work their way around the kitchen. Emilio had offered to make a traditional Spanish dish for her that night; Florence happily agreed, letting him add things to the grocery cart and now he lined the ingredients up along the counter.

“You know,” Florence said after a bit of silence, “I’m basically giving you permission to poison me.”

Emilio turned to her, with a cheeky smile, “How did you know that’s what I was doing?”

He moved to stand between her legs, his hands on her thighs. Florence smiled warmly at him, taking his face in her hands and kissing him deeply. Emilio wrapped her legs around his waist and parted her lips with his own. When his hands fell to the button on her jeans, she pushed him back.

“What?” Emilio pouted.

Florence gestured towards Clementine, who was staring at them intently, a Cheerio stuck to her cheek. When they looked at her, the baby giggled, the piece of dry cereal falling to the floor.

“We can’t do anything with a little chaperone around, can we?” Emilio said in a high voice, leaning in to Clementine and tickling her tummy while pressing kisses to her chubby cheek. The baby shrieked gleefully, pressing her tiny hand to his mouth. Emilio stopped for a second before taking her fingers between his lips, pretending to eat them. Clementine laughed loudly, pulling her hand back.

“Hurry up and make dinner.” Florence clapped her hands. “I’m starved.”

“Your kid distracted me!” Emilio protested.

“She distracted you?” Florence said in fake offence.

“Both of you distracted me! You’re the definition of double trouble.”

Florence got off the island and went to get Clementine into bed as Emilio started dinner. She had enough time to bathe her as well as read her a short story before tucking her into her crib. By the time she was done, Emilio was setting the plates at the small dining table, a candle lit between their place settings.

“Well aren’t you a gentleman.” Florence chuckled.

Startled, Emilio looked over to her, then broke out in a smile, “Oh, of course.”

He pulled out her chair for her and she sat down, sending him a small ‘thank you’. Emilio handed her a glass of wine from the counter before seating himself across from her.

“I never was much a wine person.” Florence stated before taking a small sip.

“Me neither but I thought it would look fancy.” Emilio chuckled.

Dinner went on nicely. Florence was surprised at how good of a cook Emilio really was; not something you see often from a college student. It was special to sit there under the dimly lit kitchen lights and the single candle flame together, Florence’s smile not leaving her face. She felt spoiled, even if this was almost the equivalent of her daily routine of her childhood. This was different and she felt so special. Emilio took her hand in his over the table, smiling over at her.

“What?” Florence chuckled.

“You’re beautiful.” Emilio whispered.

“Shush.” Florence blushed, turning her attention to the cityscape.

The sound of the door opening had her head turning abruptly the other way. The lowered kitchen lights left the room almost in the dark but the city lights from windows allowed Florence to see Grayson walking into the kitchen. Florence froze as he caught her gaze. Grayson stopped in his path, grocery bags in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in his other. His eyes fell to the table top where Emilio’s hand rested on hers.

“Gray-“ Florence started, taking her hand back quickly. Without speaking, Grayson placed the groceries and the flowers on the kitchen island and walked briskly back to the front door. The sound of it slamming had Florence on her feet.

“Fuck.” she breathed, grabbing her purse from the coffee table. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” She told Emilio over her shoulder, who was left stunned in his chair.

The elevator doors just closed as Florence reached them but she didn’t hesitate to run for the stairs. Twenty flights weren’t easy but were worth it as she burst out the door as Grayson was approaching his car in the parking garage.

“Gray!” Florence shouted after him, her voice echoing over the concrete walls. “Grayson!”

“Don’t.” he said plainly as she approached.

“Grayson, listen to me.” Florence grabbed his arm. He let her turn him around. 

She could have sworn she could see tears in his eyes.

“Who is that?” Grayson asked before she could speak.

“Callum’s boyfriend’s brother.” Florence said.

Grayson scoffed.

“It’s true.”

“It might be true but it doesn’t hurt any less. He was holding your hand over a romantic candle lit dinner! What am I supposed to think?!”

“I-I don’t know! I don’t think it’s much of your business to be honest.” she blurted it out in her panic.

“Any of my business?!” Grayson raised his voice. “You’re sitting there cheating on me-“

“Woah.” Florence held up her hand, stopping him. “I’m not cheating on anyone. I’m not dating anyone.”

Grayson fell into silence. His gaze fell to the ground.

“Gray.” Florence sighed. “Why...did you think that we were together together?”

“Yes!” the hurt in his voice was apparent. “I took you out places and got you a really good job and we were having sex!”

His bluntness in the echoing parking garage made Florence clear her throat awkwardly.

“What made you think that we weren’t?!” Grayson asked loudly.

“We never talked about it.” Florence said plainly.

“Well, fuck, Florence!” Grayson laughed humourlessly, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “I thought it was pretty obvious.”

“I just got brutally dumped literally the day before I met you.” Florence spoke slowly. “I wasn’t ready - I’m not ready - for anything serious right now.”

“You kissed me that day.” Grayson pointed between them.

“I know. I-“

“And nothing serious?” Grayson continued. “So you’re planning on playing these guys for who knows how long until you’re finally ready to settle down?”

“Grayson, that’s not fair.” Florence crossed her arms.

“I’m sorry. That was too far.” Grayson sighed, putting his hands up in surrender.

“And guys? Plural?”

“Yeah. Me and that guy upstairs-“

“Emilio.”

“I don’t give a shit what is name is - and Daniel.”

“Daniel’s my best friend. That’s it.”

Grayson scoffed, “You keep telling yourself that.”

Florence frowned at him.

“I’m just so hurt right now.” Grayson sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“I know.” Florence frowned. “I’m sorry. But I really like you. And I don’t want to stop what we have.”

“I can’t.” Grayson took a step back. “I just need some space right now.”

“Gray, please.” Florence almost begged.

“I’m sorry.” Grayson opened the door to his car and got in. “I’ll see you at work.”

He drove out of the parking garage without another word, leaving Florence cold and alone.

[missbellaswan]

Twice Bitten Half Turned - Chapter 3

Full Fic on AO3

When I woke up, Edward was gone. I found a note on my desk in his delicate cursive. I’ve gone to help Carlisle with the research, see you soon. I love you.

I didn’t mind that he was gone, I knew that he and Carlisle were doing their best to help me, but now I was unsure of what I was going to do with myself for the day. I didn’t want to get in their way or be a distraction, and I definitely didn’t want to sit around and listen to them talk about all their theories for what could possibly be happening to me.

Charlie had already left for work by the time I made my way downstairs for breakfast. I made myself a cup of tea and pushed my cereal around in the bowl until it was soggy. I got ready slowly, opting to wear a long sleeve shirt, even though judging by the sun streaming through my window it was going to be warm again today. I sighed as I eyed my small, and now almost entirely obsolete, wardrobe I had brought from Arizona.

Since it was summer and there was no school for me to distract myself with, I ran out of things to do sooner than I had hoped. I didn’t want to stay home and mope all day, so I grabbed my keys and started the truck before deciding where I was going.

Once I was on the road, I found myself heading out of town. I didn’t really want to wander around in the gloomy woods by myself today, so I turned off the main highway and headed toward the coast. A few miles later I hit the reservation and headed towards the Black’s house.

I wasn’t sure how welcome I would be there. Jacob and I hadn’t spoken much since his dad forced him to crash my prom. I wasn’t upset because I knew Billy was just trying to protect me. And I knew Jacob didn’t mean any harm, but my association with the vampires made our friendship a lot more complicated that I had anticipated. And now things were only going to become even more complicated than before.

I pulled up the dirt lane that lead to their small red house. I saw Jacob on the porch before I had even parked the truck. The engine of the truck must have given me away as soon as I hit the reservation.

“Bella!” Jake called as he jogged up the driveway to meet me.

“Hey Jake.” I said as I climbed out.

“What brings you to the res?”

Oh, nothing. I’m just avoiding the fact that I’m turning into some weird half vampire hybrid. “Just wanted to see you. Thought maybe we could do something now that I’m out of the boot.” I lifted my foot up to show off my newly freed lower leg. I wobbled a little as I tried to balance on one leg.

Jake laughed and tried to grab my arm to steady me. I pulled away instinctively, trying to keep my newly vampire-like appendage away from anyone it might hurt, but the movement caused me to tip backwards. I landed firmly on my ass and Jake busted up laughing again as he leaned down and pulled me back to my feet. I dusted myself off and frowned at him.

“Oh yeah, back at the top of your game I see.” He joked.

“You know it,” I said. I felt dumb for recoiling from him, but he didn’t seem to notice. Or didn’t seem to mind. He led me over to the garage around the other side of the house.

“Did you have something in mind for today?” Jake asked.

“Well what were you going to do before I crashed in on your plans?” I asked. I hadn’t spent any time here since I was a kid, so I really had no idea what I was doing here.

“I’ve been spending most of my time this summer putting the finishing touches on the Rabbit, but I know you’re not big on cars, so we could do something else,” he said, “we could go to the beach—”

“No.” I interrupted. I didn’t want any more contact with the sun than necessary. “Don’t change your plans for me. Let’s get this car finished.” He pushed the doors of the garage open and led me inside. I picked up a wrench and started waving around, threatening to start fiddling with things.

“Okay, but only if you put down the tools until you know how to use them.” He laughed and held his hand out for the wrench. I handed it over and found myself smiling wildly. His laugh seemed to have that affect on me.

“I don’t know anything about cars.” I admitted as I sat down on one of the rickety stools in the shop. Jake was already grabbing the tools he needed and heading over to open the hood of the car.

“That’s okay, I know lots.” He winked at me and bent over the engine. We sat in comfortable silence for a few while, and I found myself more relaxed than I had felt since the revelation in the meadow yesterday. I felt human here. I sat and listened to Jake hum to himself and bang around under the car for a while.

“Bella?” Jake called.

“Yeah?” I wandered over and found a seat next to where his feet were sticking out from underneath the car.

“Can I ask you something?” He slid out from under the car and looked up at me with big brown eyes.

“Yeah, sure.” I wasn’t sure where this was going, but I had no reason to suspect Jake was going to start asking questions I couldn’t answer.

“What happened in Phoenix?”

“Oh.”

“It’s just that I’ve only really heard from what Charlie told Billy, and while they can gossip with the best of them, they’re not the most reliable of sources.”

“There’s just not much to tell.” I said. Jake seemed to sense that he should drop it, and I knew he would it I asked, but I found myself wanting to tell this very human lie. “I fell out a window. You know how clumsy I can be.”

“Yeah, I know that, but why did you go?” Jake paused. “Don’t you like it here?”

I wasn’t prepared for that question. “No, I do. I was just missing my mom, and the sun,” I winced, “and I think I just went a little crazy. But I do like it here.” I assured him.

“Good, I like that you’re here,” he said shyly.

“Thanks.”

He went back to inspecting the car. He seemed happy enough with that response, and I was glad that that was all he was looking for.

“I have all the parts I need now. I got the master cylinder, thanks to you, so I just have to put it all together and I should be able to get this thing driving again.”

“That’s awesome, Jake.” I said. I had gone back to sitting and he was about to roll himself back under the car, but he stopped and looked up at me.

“Thanks, again, by the way.” He said. “For letting me crash your prom. My dad means well, he just takes all those stories really seriously. About the Cullens and all that.”

“I know, it’s okay. He’s just trying to look out for me.” I said. I tried to sound casual so I wouldn’t give away how my new skin was crawling as we discussed Billy and his hatred of the Cullen’s particular brand of supernatural, which I may or may not be a part of now.

“Yeah.” Jake seemed to sense I was done talking about that too and slid back under the car.

He tinkered around for the rest of the morning. Occasionally he would ask me to hand him a tool or hold something while he worked on it. I spent most of the time sitting on a stool by the car fumbling through different static filled stations on an old radio I found on the work bench. Every once and a while I would get the signal of a song that Jake knew and he would make me turn it up loud so he could sing along.

The sun was high in the sky when Jake appeared from beneath the car and wiped his hands off on an old rag.

“I need to get some food, do you want to come inside and have lunch?” He asked.

“I think I should probably head back home actually,” I said. As much as I was enjoying my new safe haven away from vampire drama, I had a feeling eating lunch with Billy wouldn’t be the relaxing escape I was looking for. And I couldn’t avoid my new condition forever, as much as I wanted to.

The decision to return to reality and head home reminded me of my promise to Carlisle I had made the day before to meet with him today.

“Shit,” I said under my breath as we headed back towards my car.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just remembered I was supposed to do something today.”

“Well I guess you really better get home then.”

“Yeah, I should,” I said, “thanks for hanging with me today.”

“You’re welcome here anytime Bella, so you should come back soon. Or when this is done, I can come to you.”

“Yeah, definitely. I want to see this thing run.” He opened my truck door for me and gave me one last bright smile. I hopped in my truck and waved as I pulled back down the drive.

He waved back and then I saw Billy appear in the doorway and call him inside. I waved at Billy, but he just turned and went back inside.

I drove a few miles over the speed limit on the way back. I decided to head straight to the Cullen’s house. I felt guilty for forgetting about my meeting with Carlisle that I agreed to yesterday, but I found myself enjoying the humanness of my forgetful brain. I hummed a song that Jacob had got stuck in my head and squinted down the dim highway trying to find the turn off to the Cullen’s drive.

Once I found the turn, the drive was easy. The dirt road was always damp enough that it stayed smoothly packed down, and with the partial reprieve from the rain that the summer granted us, it wasn’t muddy and my truck had no trouble.

Edward was standing on the porch when I pulled up to the house. Just like Jacob, he could hear me coming from miles away.  He opened the door of my truck and pulled me into his arms once I had parked and turned off the rumbling engine.

“Where have you been?” Edward asked as he pressed a kiss into my hair.

“I went to the reservation to see Jacob.” I said, looking up at him. His eyes were darkening slightly and he seemed tired, if that was a thing that a vampire could be.

“Oh, I went by the house and you weren’t there. I was worried.” He said.

“I just needed a break from everything.” He took my still human hand and led me inside. I looked around, but if anyone else was home they were giving us the appearance of privacy.

“I understand, but I wish you would have told me where you were going.” Edward said. I wanted to be annoyed by his demands, but with everything that had happened since yesterday I understood the anxiety he must be feeling.

“I’m sorry, but I needed some space to process all this.” I held my hands up, indicating to both my own arm and the vampiric nature of our surroundings. He just smiled and nodded.

“Did it help?” He asked. I could tell he was still bothered by my disappearance, but I appreciated that he was listening to me.

“Yeah, it did. Did you and Carlisle find anything that might help?” I asked.

“We’re not entirely sure yet. Carlisle is in his study waiting for us, why don’t we go discuss this with him.” He said.

We walked up the stairs hand in hand and made our way to the doorway of Carlisle’s study just like we had yesterday.

“Hello, Isabella.” Carlisle greeted me.

“Hi, I hope you weren’t expecting me earlier, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” I sat down in one of the high backed chairs and Edward stood beside me with a hand on my shoulder.

“No, of course not,” Carlisle said, “I lose track of time quite often myself.”

“Have you and Edward learned anything about my… condition?” I asked.

“Not as much as I had hoped. We have been unable to find any reliable accounts of anyone else attempted what Edward tried to do in Phoenix. Rosalie and Emmett are leaving in a few days to spend the year travelling, and I have asked them to reach out to a few of my old friends. I hope that they will be able to provide some insight. For now, would you allow me to run a few tests of my own to see if we can determine the extent of the spread?” Carlisle stood up from behind his desk and indicated that he wanted me to join him by the exam table.

“What kinds of tests?” I stood up and walked over to the table, Edward followed closely behind me.

“Just some basic diagnostics to determine to what extent your biology remains human, and what has been altered.” He started turning on machines and laying out instruments on the table beside me. “Nothing too invasive, I assure you.”

“We just want to try to understand this,” Edward said. He helped Carlisle finish setting up and then sat next to me on the table.

I nodded and sat still as Carlisle began his exam. He mostly just examined my arm. He took my temperature in various places, checked my reflexes, my heart rate, blood pressure, he ran as many tests as he could think of all while making idle small talk with Edward and I. When he had done as much as he could, he looked up at Edward and Edward nodded in return.

“Bella, would you be okay with giving a blood sample?” Edward asked. Carlisle had clearly run it by him first, silently, and he had agreed to ask me.

“Sure.” I said. I held out my arm again and Carlisle prepped the needle. When he was ready he inserted the needle into my arm near the crook of my elbow. My skin seemed to resist the needle at first, but it gave way and Carlisle was able to draw a few vials.

“Your skin is clearly still vulnerable, though not as fragile as most human skin.” Carlisle said. “Most of the differences I have recorded would not be noticeable if one were not looking for them with a trained eye, but I must admit there are several definitive differences.

“Such as?” I asked. Edward already knew everything that Carlisle knew, but I was still out of the loop.

“The pale translucent appearance and your reaction to sunlight are the most noticeable, but the temperature of your arm seems to be dropping slightly and your reflexes and strength in the arm have been slightly improved by the venom. I wouldn’t be surprised if you started seeing these differences continue to spread. I do not, however, think the venom is strong enough to fully stop your heart and complete the transition.”

“What do we do?” I asked. No one had been able to give me much of a straight answer to this question so far.

“We keep an eye on the progress and try to find out anything else we can. My examination leads me to believe that you are not in any danger and unless this transition becomes painful, I am of the opinion that the best solution is to let this take its course and deal with the outcome as best we can.”

“Thank you, Carlisle.” I said. It may not be the answer I wanted, but Carlisle seemed confident in his assessment and I trusted him enough that the feeling that I might just die at any moment eased.

“Of course, Bella.” Carlisle said. “You are our family now, and we will do whatever is necessary to protect you.” He cleaned up the exam table and put away all his instruments. Edward helped me down from the table and held me tight to his side.

“Let’s go to my room.” Edward whispered in my ear. I knew Carlisle could hear him, but he pretended not to notice and continued to go about his tidying. I nodded and let him lead me out of the study and down the hall to his room. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes before we made it all the way down the hall.

...

tag list: @jasondeanstwin @wishing-on-angels @yeetbean @loveofmonstersandroses @ripleythedemonfcker @big-idiot-wolf-boys @edwards-sideburns @madame-forget-me-not

please let me know if you would like to be added to the tag list so you don’t miss updates!! 

i’m also considering uploading this to ao3, so if y’all would prefer that format lmk and i can start also posting this over there

[fanfictionandmore]

An Old Friend | Helmut Zemo [One-Shot]

Description: You were friends with Helmut Zemo, you haven't heard from or seen him since a few weeks after the battle at Novi Guard. A lot has changed and something has brought Zemo back into your thoughts. You think it's guilt or maybe it's some kind of strange premonition. 

Dedicated to: @norilski I hope you like this. 

"I'm so sorry." I said to my friend Zemo. He just told me that his wife, son, and father had all died in the battle of Novi Guard; a battle between a corrupted A.I. and the Avengers. But most of the people here blame the destruction and devastation on the superheroes that were supposed to save us. Once the dust settled the residents were left to fend for themselves. No one helped us clean up. The city is still broken, and I doubt that it will ever be put back together... not completely anyway. "You don't have to be sorry for me." He said in his sakovian accent. "Their deaths will be avenged soon..." He trailed off as he stared at his illuminated computer screen. The dead, yet crazed look in his eyes made me worry about his mental health.

I know getting over a loved ones death is hard, but I couldn't imagine losing three of your family members all in one day. I stood up and walked over to where he was sitting and crouched down next to him. "Listen, if you need anything... just ask. You're my best friend, and I'll be here for you whenever you need me." I said, hoping he was listening to me. "Zemo?" I said, and he looked over at me with those dead eyes of his. "Did you hear me? I said I-" I started but he caught me off. "I heard you, y/n. I appreciate your kindness and I value your friendship, but trust me when I say this is something I need to do alone." He replied. We looked at each other for a few minutes in silence before I nodded. I respected his decision to do whatever he was doing, alone. I told him goodbye and went to my apartment... that was the last time I saw him.

The sound of my alarm clock jolted me awake. 'Christ.' I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes and face. Lately every time I go to sleep I dream about the last time I saw Zemo. For some reason he kept entering my mind; maybe it's because I did something I never thought I'd do. I joined a agency involved in super-human investigation/observation. It wasn't like I joined the Avengers, but I was in close contact with them. So maybe I was thinking about Zemo because I was full of guilt for being around the group of people who were responsible for his family's death. Eventually I got out of bed and took a quick shower before I got dressed. Then I headed down to the facility's cafeteria. A few of my colleagues were already up and eating breakfast. I looked around the kitchen and decided to have some cereal. I sat down at one of the tables and started eating breakfast once I poured myself a hot cup of coffee. "Agent, l/n." I heard a familiar voice say.

When I looked up I saw Sam Wilson walking in my direction. He game me his usual charming smile as he said good morning to a few other people. "Hey." I said as he sat down in the seat across from me. Even though his behavior seemed normal, I could tell there was something wrong. "What's up?" I asked in a hushed tone with furrowed brows. "You wanna come with me and get some real breakfast? I know you have to be sick and tired of eating this crap by now." He said with a small laugh. 'He wants to tell you something he can't talk about around everyone else.' I thought inside of my head. I agreed to go out to breakfast with him and then poured my untouched cereal down the garbage disposal. The two of us left the facility and got into his vehicle. A few moments of silence passed between us as he drove. "So... what do you have to tell me?" I asked him curiously.

"Bucky and I... ran into someone last night. We think you might be interested in seeing him." He said after a few more minutes of silence. I wondered who it was who Sam and Bucky ran into, especially since I barely know anyone in this town. It wasn't like any one here knows me by name unless it was someone from the facility. Even though I was curious to know who he was talking about, I didn't ask him anything more. I knew he wasn't going to tell me if I asked anyway. The rest of the car ride was shrouded in silence. The scenery started to change the farther we went out of the city. Wooded areas got thicker and there were less and less houses around. 'Where are we going?' I wondered inside of my head. Another question I didn't bother asking. After what felt like hours, we eventually pulled into a long driveway that lead to a lovely looking cabin. Flower beads were planted along the porch and a pond was off in the distance next to a large willow tree.

"Where are we?" I asked him as I un-buckled. "Home." He replied after we got out of the vehicle. "Come on. Bucky and Sharon are inside." I followed him onto the porch where he unlocked the door. When we entered the cabin I could smell bacon and eggs frying as well as fresh coffee brewing. Bucky was standing by the cook stove while Sharon typed away on a laptop. Bucky turned around and looked at Sam before his blue eyes landed on me. "He still asleep?" Sam asked him curiously, catching Sharon's attention. "Yeah. I checked on him a few minutes ago." Sharon replied. "I don't know if this is a good idea, Sam. Y/n is a highly sought after agent for the corporation. They'll notice y/n's absence." Bucky said, giving me a sideways glance. "True... but who else is highly respected and admired and someone we can trust?" Sam replied, and there was a hint of acceptance in Bucky's eyes.

Sam lead me through the bedroom and towards a bedroom door which he opened. I was confused as to what he wanted me to do, but then I noticed someone was laying in the bed. "Go wake him up. I'll be right here if he tried anything." Same said in a hushed tone. I stood there feeling a little nervous; I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Bucky joined us before I slowly entered the bedroom. I took a deep breath before placing a hand on the sleeping man's back. All of a sudden he sprung up and attempted to put me in some kind of hold, but I counteracted it. When the blanket settled I was face to face with someone I never thought I'd see again. He looked as surprised as I felt. "Y/n... is... is it really you?" He said in his familiar accent. "It's me, Zemo." I replied and he slowly lowered the knife he currently had aimed at my throat. As I looked into his big brown eyes, I noticed they no longer had that dead... crazed look in them. They looked sad and scared; emotions I've never seen him express. I wrapped my arms around him he did the same to me. It felt good to see an old friend again.

++++++++++++++++++++ A/N: Thanks for reading!!

[theawkwardterrier]

things left behind and the things that are ahead, ch. 29

AO3 link here

They had planned to spend Christmas up in Brooklyn, but two weeks beforehand, Bucky calls and ruefully announces that the chickenpox have gotten ahold of his kids. Steve knows that there’s nothing to be done - Steve has had them, obviously, as has Peggy, but they’re the only Carters who have that they know of, and it’s particularly important that Drea not get sick - but he still lets himself groan along with the kids when he tells them at dinner that night.

“You know,” Peggy says, brushing out her hair in front of her vanity that night, once she’s gotten home from her late meeting, “Howard mentioned that he’s giving Jarvis the week off - his first vacation in years.”

“Where are they going?” Steve asks, sitting on the edge of the bed to strip off one sock and then the other.

“He promised Ana that he would take her to some exciting ski resort.” Steve snorts, and Peggy smiles at him in the mirror and adds, “Well, I’m certain that for Mr. Jarvis, it will be closer to an exciting book in front of a fireplace. Perhaps an extreme cup of tea if he’s feeling adventurous. But regardless, it means that Howard and Maria are alone for the holiday as well. We might ask if they would like for us to host them.”

Steve calls Maria the next day and asks if the Starks would join them for the holiday.

“Oh, you know how it is with the baby,” Maria says. “I don’t know how well he would put up with the trip. Why don’t you come here? I can take care of everything.”

He tries to imagine her doing all that cooking with Tony on her hip or whining from his seat - he has no confidence at all in Howard’s helpfulness - and tries tactfully suggesting that the Stark home could be the site of the festivities with all the preparations left up to him. But Maria’s hostess sensibilities simply cannot allow for a guest to take care of things that way…

It takes a bit more wrestling back and forth before they agree that they will all travel to the Stark’s home in Maine, and Steve and Maria will do the cooking together.

(“Now we’ll both be a little inconvenienced and probably step on each other’s toes, but I guess it’s a compromise,” Steve tells Peggy the next morning.)

Christmas Day is on a Tuesday this year, and the Carters leave on Saturday afternoon, sleeping over for the night in Connecticut and pulling up to the house just before noon on Sunday. The kids know the routine and join their parents in unpacking the car; several trips ferrying suitcases and the boxes of supplies that Steve had brought, and they’re done and ringing the doorbell.

Howard and Maria step out onto the porch, Tony forced to hold one of each of their hands because of the wind and the icy steps (he keeps straining away from them and pouting when he can’t seem to best their strength). There is a flurry of greetings before the kids slip through the doorway to choose bedrooms and set up games, somehow stealing Tony from under his parents’ noses and swooping him inside with them as well.

(Steve has the feeling that Em is going to regret thinking he is going to be a discreet and amenable accessory.)

There are plenty of trees on the property, and Howard, who had offered to pay someone to cut one down, leaves his wife behind serving drinks to Peggy and reluctantly bundles up and shows Steve to the caretaker’s shed where they find a saw and round tape measure. That evening, they all have hot chocolate while trimming the tree with a combination of decorations brought from the Carters’ home and the Starks’. If Howard is proprietary about the tree, primping its branches, making sure the ornaments are properly balanced so it can look its best, commenting every so often about how he’d spotted it behind a larger, showier one and knew it was the perfect candidate, Steve only lifts an amused eyebrow to Peggy and says nothing.

Later, he is in the kitchen, taking advantage of Maria having gone to take Tony to bed by putting away the supper leftovers that she had told him she would take care of. In the hall, the phone rings. The kids have the TV up, watching Mary Tyler Moore, and he barely registers it until his wife joins him in the kitchen. Without a word, she begins covering dishes, arranging the refrigerator, judging whether the last dinner roll is worth saving on its own.

“Who was that calling?” Steve asks after several minutes of quiet. There’s an edge to this particular silence of hers, a feeling of suspended breath.

Peggy stands with the refrigerator door open, scanning over the shelves. “Mrs. Truman,” she says finally, closing the door. “Her husband wants to see Howard and myself.”

“He doesn’t have long?” Steve leans against the counter. The newspapers and broadcasters have been reporting each turn of President Truman’s declining health over the past weeks.

“He was apparently barely awake long enough to ask for us. I expect—” Her mouth pulls inward. "I expect he will try to request our reassurance about the bomb again.” Peggy’s tone does not speak to any futility she might see in obeying such a summons, especially at this particular time, when the man in question might not be aware enough to receive them, might not even be alive when they arrive. It is as if she is already preparing herself for the visit, even here with him, setting on a mask. But then she steps toward him, taking advantage of his open arms and pressing herself against his chest. “I’ll tell the children,” she says, muffled against his neck as he moves automatically to hold her. “I know they’ll be disappointed.”“We’ll do it together.”

Their kids are old enough to handle their mother potentially missing Christmas with a decent amount of grace - even Nate is thirteen, though he would likely have accepted the news with equanimity even before - and Tony is too young to really understand what is happening and too accustomed to his father’s travel besides. Still, there is an air of slightly forced cheer replacing the natural cousin of past holidays. As dusk falls on Christmas Eve, Emma bakes several trays of gingerbread cookies, the scent filling the house warmly. Rosie lights the fireplace and suggests/pressures them into singing carols; Maria has a lovely voice and somehow manages to hit some fairly impressive notes even as she must redirect a scrabbling Tony away from the flames. Steve grins at her, one parent to another.

He had revived his old skill and crocheted the stockings for each of his children, along with ones for himself and Peggy, and though he’s offered to make new ones over the years, the most they have ever agreed to is repairs as necessary. The last thing they do before the kids head to bed is hang them over the now-cooling fireplace. The Stark stockings are far more elaborate than his simple ones, but he feels a little sad seeing Maria hanging them herself, Tony having exhausted himself several hours ago.

She sits looking at them with an afghan draped over her lap, head tipped gently to one side, while he mixes a martini and gets her one of Emma’s cookies. (He would have poured some eggnog, but he doesn’t know her feelings on it.)

“Are you alright?” he asks softly once he’s settled on the couch next to her. This might be the first time they have been alone together. He likes Maria and considers her a friend, but they have rarely had occasion to talk just the two of them, without Howard or Peggy or both. He isn’t even sure that he’s correctly reading the sadness in her expression.

She breaks off a piece of gingerbread (the point of a star: Steve didn’t bring cookie cutters, so Em did the best she could with a knife; it’s resulted in some slightly lopsided but tasty shapes) and bites into it.

After a moment, she says slowly, “I know that marriage is hard, every marriage is in its own way. But sometimes being married to Howard...It’s different, and lonelier than I thought it would be.” She breaks off another point, but sits looking at it rather than eating it. “Sometimes I don’t know what he was imagining in a wife, and I don’t know that he does either. It’s hard to build a family, a life, a home, all the traditions that come with it, when it seems you’re doing it by yourself. Not that Jarvis and Ana aren’t darling, the most wonderful, and I’m so grateful for them but—I married Howard, not the Jarvises, and he’s so busy all of the time, rarely shares his work with me. I know what he does is important, but it would be—I would—I wish things would just stop, so I could have my husband for a while. I wish he would make the time, even when things haven’t stopped.”

Setting the cookie down, she meets Steve’s eye and takes a hasty sip of her drink. “You and Peggy must have had some of the same problems, though. I know that she’s different from Howard, but the things she can’t tell you, the times when she works late or has to travel and leave you alone with the kids…”

“It is hard,” he says gently, and she lets out a breath of relief, as if she feared he would say that he’s never been bothered, it’s only her. “It’s hard knowing that something urgent can call her away when the kids need her - and maybe it’s selfish, but sometimes I need her too and she can’t be there. It’s hard being the one at home, knowing that the work can be dangerous, feeling as if no story about a dry-cleaning mixup or a good sale on cereal can match up with what she deals with every day. Going back to school, finding friends and hobbies of my own, that’s helped. We’ve also been at this a long time. We’ve learned to talk about the way we feel and, as much as we can, about the work. Sometimes there isn’t anything she’s able to say, and all I can do is make her a cup of tea or settle an argument between the kids so she doesn’t have to do it. But she always knows that I’m there to listen if she needs it.”

Maria nods, looking down at the blanket on her lap. She picks a little at the stitching before seeming to catch herself and smooth it back. “You’re right,” she says, a little overly bright. “I’m glad I’m not the only one. And it’s probably different because Peggy is Peggy and not Howard, and she’s not married to me, she’s married to Captain America.”

Steve’s instinct is, strangely, to freeze, as if he might sit still enough to rewind time. When he gathers himself, seconds that feel like an eternity later, he says, very carefully, “I hadn’t realized that Howard told you.”

“Told me?” She finally pops the little piece of gingerbread into her mouth, chewing a little puzzledly. “Oh, that you’re Captain America? Well, Howard didn’t need to tell me that. I knew that he did a lot of top-secret work during the war, it’s what brought him to SHIELD now, and you knew him and Peggy from back then. The two of them never call you Grant, only Steve, just like Bucky and his family, and that crew who attended our wedding - the Howling Commandos, even if no one introduced them that way. I didn’t realize it was meant to be a real secret.”

“You’re a smart woman,” is all Steve can manage, torn between the urge to review the last twenty years for any others who might have caught on, and the urge to laugh because despite the apparently shoddy cover story and his proximity to the US intelligence apparatus, Maria is probably the only one who ever has.

“I know I am,” she says simply. From what Steve’s been told over the past few years, she had graduated top of her high school class and gone right out to work - perfume counter jobs, secretarial work, bank teller. The academic scholarships she’d earned, in and out of state, hadn’t made a difference when there were still room and board and fees to be covered, and parents and three younger siblings to support besides. “But apparently not smart enough for my husband to want to share much of anything with me, even the identity of one of his best friends, who happens to be my son’s godfather.”

He’s still a little overwhelmed by the idea that she even knows who she is - that she has for nearly this whole time, that she just figured it out on her own and it didn’t seem to matter to her - but he knows that it’s less important right now. He rests his hand atop hers. “It has nothing to do with how smart you are, or how trustworthy. With this, and of his work, Howard—He’s my friend, and I know that he loves you, but I also know how he gets caught up in things. Doesn’t always remember the value of what he has, and it shouldn’t have to be your job to constantly remind him. So if you put your foot down, if you put in the effort, and he doesn’t really change, I hope you know that whatever decision you make for yourself, and for Tony, I’ll support you. And I think I can speak for Peggy when I say she’ll support you too.” He smiles. “If anyone can sympathize with having to deal with Howard….” She smiles back, though it is bent at the corners.

“I think,” she tells him, “that nearly anyone else would have said that there was no decision to make, that it was simply my lot to stand by him, for our child or whatever status our marriage grants me, or because that is a wife’s duty. Even with all the change in the last decade, all the lectures I’ve gone to, the legislation I supported, the women who I know do things differently, it sometimes seems as if that’s only for other people - stronger women, or more exceptional ones.”

“I’d say that you’re a strong woman, and an exceptional one,” Steve says in return. “But you shouldn’t need to be. All the changes being made are important, of course they are, they’re necessary, but you don’t need to think about it as setting an example or being an inspiration for others. You can just be a person making the right choice for herself.”

She takes down the last of her drink, the remains of the ice chips tinkling in the bottom of the glass as she gestures to the mantle. “Good advice, handy with a needle - those stockings you made are darling, I saw how much the children adore them - and you say you cook too,” she jokes. “Peggy’s lucky to have you.”

And although he knows that she’s trying to change the tone of things, he shakes his head. “I’m luckier to have her. And you deserve to have the same, whether it’s Howard or someone else or no one.” She looks past him and her breath catches, but finally she meets his eyes and nods.

“And I don’t say I cook, I’ve proved it more than once,” he says, teasing now, allowing things to move forward. “But we might want to head to bed ourselves if we want to be awake enough to pull off the menu for tomorrow.”

They tidy up a bit, making sure the fire has entirely burned itself out before they walk down the hall together. As Steve goes to turn the knob on the guest bedroom where he and Peggy are staying, Maria puts a hand on his wrist to stop him.

“It’s hard finding someone who understands,” she says, coming up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Steve, for listening.”

How strange to hear her say his name. It’s been such a long time since someone new called him by it. He smiles. “Any time. Really.”

The next morning, as the kids are unwrapping presents and Tony is collecting the wrapping paper to hoard, Maria looks to see what’s been added to her stocking in the night. Along with a small box of chocolates, there are three crocheted stockings, a little hastily made and clearly with some yarn remainders patched in where certain colors have run out, but in corresponding plaids with names stitched at the top. The note inside reads, Always time to start new traditions if you want to.

Steve is bent over the open oven with a meat thermometer, listening with one ear to Tony who is ignoring his new Fisher-Price farm set and play telephone in favor of crumpling, uncrumpling, and tearing up his wrapping paper stash, when he hears footsteps entering the kitchen behind him; probably Maria coming back from showing the kids where the plates are.

“Do you want to take care of dessert, or getting the Brussels sprouts ready to roast?” he asks.

“I hope you didn’t think I’d learned to bake in just a day.”

He closes the oven and puts the thermometer on the counter before turning to see his wife standing, arms crossed, in the doorway.

“Hey,” he says, the smile coming to his face without thought at all. His chest is filled suddenly with a tenderness. He hadn’t even fully realized how much he missed her until he has her back here with him.

She steps forward and he does the same, meeting her in the middle of the kitchen tile. Her kiss is brief and sweet, so sweet, against his mouth.

“Do you want to talk?” he asks softly, knowing without having to be told that she’s come back troubled, and her head barely considers a nod. “Well, I have a lot to tell you,” he murmurs into her hair, and she steps back to look at him, seeing something in his face that makes her nod and put a hand to his cheek.

“Later tonight, we’ll talk,” she says, as good as a promise. And he feels lucky, so lucky, not just at everyone together for the holiday, the warm smells of food around them, his family laughing in the next room, but because he is able to have this woman by his side, all of their yesterdays and today and the tomorrows too. He turns his head just so, and touches a kiss to her palm, and hears her breath catch for just that second.

“I’ll—I’ll cut the sprouts, shall I?” she says, indicating the knife and cutting board on the counter. He nods, pressing one last kiss to her hair before she moves to rinse her hands and roll up her sleeves. “What exactly are you looking at?” she asks, concentrating on the vegetables, when he still hasn’t moved a minute later, still watching her.

“Merry Christmas, Peg,” is all he says. She smiles over at him before saying mock severely, “Not if there isn’t cake, it won’t be,” and he laughs and goes to gather ingredients. He’ll make her favorite, but he knows that it will be a good day either way. With their kids all safe and healthy and her back with them again, it already is.

More chapters here

[cornfields-and-bad-dreams]

SOWC19, Day 17: Vampire.

@blackirisposts

Fandom: Achievement Hunter, Vampire au.

Pairing: Jeremwood, Vampire Ryan.

Word count: 2,146

Warnings: bloodsucking.

Synopsys: Jeremy’s car breaks down, luckily he meets a friendly and hospitable man in a big old house.

It was cliche, Jeremy knew that very much, but life has a weird way of working out.  Jeremy's car broke down in the middle of nowhere and as he made his way along the road looking for a house or gas station the skies just had to open into a torrential downpour.  Jeremy had already made if so far from his car that he decided to keep heading forward, all be it at a quicker pace.  Eventually, he spotted the driveway to a home, tucked into the woods was a large house with the lights on.  Legging it up the driveway Jeremy soon found himself on the porch, soaked to the bone.

"Come on, answer the door."  Jeremy shivered as he repeatedly pressed the doorbell.

The door swung open to reveal a taller man looking down at him with confusion and annoyance.

"Can I help you?"  The man spoke through the screen door.

"I'm sorry to bother you but my car broke down and I'm stranded, could I come in?"  Jeremy rubbed at his arms as a hard wind picked up chilling him.

The man seemed to soften as he processed the situation, nodding he opened the door between the two of them and motioned for Jeremy to enter.  Stepping inside Jeremy noticed that the house was well furnished with old, yet expensive, furniture and decore.  As he kicked off his shoes by the door the man cleared his throat.

"You can use my shower to warm up if you'd like, it's the second door on the left."  The man motioned up the stairs.

"That would be great.  You wouldn't happen to have any clothes I could borrow would you?"  Jeremy smiled nervously, he felt awkward asking a stranger for clothes while he was already intruding.

"Yeah, I can get something together for you."  The man nodded lightly as he motioned for Jeremy to head upstairs.

Doing as instructed Jeremy started up with the man following behind.  Reaching the top of the stairs Jeremy turned back around.

"My name's Jeremy by the way."  He reached out his hand.

"Ryan."

As Ryan took his hand Jeremy found to his surprise that the man was somehow colder than he was.

"You can head into the bathroom, I'll get those clothes for you."

Jeremy made his way to the bathroom and got the shower started, after a moment of trying to figure out how the damn thing worked of course.  While warming up Jeremy heard a knock at the door followed by the sound of it opening.

"I'm gonna leave the clothes on the counter."  Ryan's voice called over the sound of the water.

"Alright."

The door closed and Jeremy went back to basking in the heat of the water.  Once finished Jeremy stepped out of the shower to not only find new clothes but that his wet ones were gone.

"Ryan must have picked them up."  He thought out loud to himself.

Getting dressed Jeremy made his way back downstairs where he could hear Ryan.  Reaching the bottom of the stairs Jeremy spotted his host moving around in the kitchen.

"Hey."  Jeremy leaned against the doorway as he watched Ryan jump with surprise.

"Woah, hey."  Ryan whirled around to face the other man, a nervous smile pulling at his lips.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.  I wanted to thank you for everything, you've been really nice."

"Oh, it's no trouble and I'm sorry if I seemed a bit unfriendly at first I'm not used to visitors."  Ryan leaned back against the kitchen counter, squeezing at the edge tightly.

"It's alright, I understand."  Jeremy smiled and nodded.

The two stood in silence for a moment before Ryan knocked against the counter.

"So, I figured you might be hungry."  Ryan looked around his kitchen a bit awkwardly "I usually order in so I don't have a bunch of food but I found some stuff I thought you might like.  I got soup, stuff for sandwiches, some canned vegetables,-"

"Sandwiches are fine, what kinda meat do you have?"  Jeremy smiled and made his way further into the kitchen.

"Turkey and ham, but I can make it for you, just tell me what you want on it."

"You don't have to, you've already been so helpful."  Jeremy stepped closer to Ryan and the fridge.

"No, I insist.  You're my guest, just relax in the living room and I'll bring your food out to you, please."

Jeremy felt bad about having Ryan make his sandwich for him, but the man insisted.  Telling Ryan what he wanted.  Waiting in the living room Jeremy heard the man working in the kitchen, eventually, he came in with a sandwich, chips, and a glass of water.

"No food for you?"  Jeremy asked as he took the plate and glass from Ryan.

"I ate before you got here,"  Ryan replied softly, a nervous tone in his voice.

Jeremy nodded before starting on his food.  The two men talked as Jeremy ate and continued on into the night, both of them growing closer and more comfortable around each other, finally, Jeremy's eyes started close.

"You look like you could use some sleep, I'll show you to the spare room."  Ryan stood up from his chair giving Jeremy a smile.

"I thought you didn't get a lot of visitors."  Jeremy joked as he followed Ryan.

"I still like to keep up a level of hospitality for situations like this."

"How often do you get rain-drenched strangers in need of shelter?"

"More than you think Mr. Dooley."  Ryan gave Jeremey a grin as he opened the door to the spare room.

"I'm going to bed and forgetting you called me that."  Jeremy laughed stepping into the room.

Ryan shook his head and leaned against the doorframe.

"Night Jeremy."

"Night Ryan."

In the morning Jeremy found his clothes outside his door with a note stating that Ryan had gone to work but Jeremy was free to use the shower again if needed, there was cereal on the counter, waffles in the freezer, other various breakfast foods available, and the front door would automatically lock when he left.  Jeremy also found that Ryan had left out a phone book for him to use to call someone about his car.  It took a bit for Jeremy to get around to leaving but when he did he found another note left on the front door.

I'd love to keep in touch if you want.  I could use some company.

On the note was Ryan's number, Jeremy felt pink in the cheeks but happily took the note with him as he headed out for his car.

Months later the two men had grown to be close friends, Jeremy would visit Ryan several times a week and Ryan would meet Jeremy out for a night on the town every so often.

Jeremy was on his way to Ryan's, he hadn't heard from Ryan in a few days and was getting worried.  Pulling up to the house Jeremy didn't notice anything odd, but he still had an anxious knot forming in his gut.  Jeremy knocked on the door but got no reply, he then rang the doorbell hoping that Ryan would hear that better, still no reply.  Thinking Ryan might not be home he turned to leave when he just faintly heard a noise from inside, turning back to the door Jeremy swore he saw Ryan duck down from looking out the door's window.

"Ryan?"  Jeremy called loudly.

Jeremy wasn't one to enter someone's house uninvited but he was really scared and Ryan had shown him where he kept his spare key.  Retrieving it he let himself in.

"Ryan is everything okay?"  Jeremy called as he closed the door.

Ryan wasn't anywhere to be seen, checking the first floor Jeremy found nothing.  Making his way upstairs Jeremy headed for the main bedroom, Jeremy hesitated as he reached the door, Ryan had never invited him into his room before and Jeremy felt like he was disrespecting his privacy.  As Jeremy stood there contemplating his inner conflict he heard movement inside, Ryan was definitely in there.  Jeremy let out a sigh.

"Ryan, I'm coming in."

Entering the room Jeremy was a little surprised to find it was completely normal.  Bed, posters, knick-knacks, nothing weird or disturbing.  Jeremy really wasn't sure what he was expecting, though with Ryans secrecy he internally prepared himself for something.  Scanning the room Jeremy didn't see Ryan, suddenly the door slammed behind him and he was pushed back against it.  Ryan held him against the door eyes wild, teeth barred, and his incisors seemingly sharper than they should've been.  Ryan looked down at Jeremy's neck and grinned a sick grin, opening his mouth he began to lean in.

"Ryan!?"  Jeremy yelped.

Ryan pulled back staring at Jeremy, his eyes were still wide but they held a different feeling to them, shock and fear.  Shaking his head Ryan let go of Jeremy and stepped back.

"You need to leave before I lose it again."  Ryan pulled at his hair, looking down at the floor he shook.

Jeremy slowly took a step forward reaching a hand out for Ryan.

"It's okay, whatever's going on I want to help you."

Ryan looked up at Jeremy but quickly doubled over holding his stomach.

"No, I don't want to hurt you.  Jeremy, I can't, not you."  Ryan held tighter to his stomach and dropped to his knees wincing.

"Ryan I am not leaving you like this."  Getting down on his knees too Jeremy placed his hands on Ryan's shoulders.

Tears escaped Ryan's eyes as he looked up at Jeremy again.  Shaking his head softly he sobbed.

"You won't want to be around me if you knew the truth."

"I'll be the judge of that,"  Jeremy spoke sternly.  "Now what is this?  What's happening?"

Ryan took in a deep breath and nodded.

"I, I'm a vampire.  I haven't had any blood in days and I'm starving."  Ryan stiffened up waiting for Jeremy's response.

Jeremy blinked as he took in the new information, slowly he nodded his head, more for himself than Ryan.

"Okay, okay, you need to eat."  Jeremy gave Ryan's shoulders a squeeze.  "Do you, want my blood?"  The question was soft and bit uncertain, but Ryan knew it wasn't because Jeremy was hesitant to give up his blood.

"I said I didn't want to hurt you."  Ryan's voice broke as he blinked away more tears.

"Ryan, you're not going to hurt me.  I trust you."  Jeremy moved his hands from Ryan's shoulders to cup his face, one of his thumbs wiping away Ryan's tears.

"But-"

"Will it turn me?"  Jeremy asked as if he already knew the answer.

"No,"  Ryan spoke softly, the feeling of Jeremy's hands calming him.

"Then I want you to drink my blood."  As the words left his mouth Jeremy chuckled a bit, the edges of his mouth turning up in a smile.

"What if I take too much?  I might lose control."  Ryan's anxiety picked up again.

"Ryan, you might be a vampire but I'm pretty sure you still have the maximum stomach capacity as a regular person.  There's no way you could drink enough to seriously harm me."  Jeremy shook his head as he spoke.

"Are you sure about this?  You don't have to."  Despite Jeremy's words assuring him he'd be fine, Ryan was still concerned Jeremy might not have fully thought the idea out.

"I'm sure, I want this, I want to help you."  Although his tears had subsided Jeremy continued to rub at Ryan's face.

Ryan nodded, pulling Jeremy in closer.  His breath ghosted over Jeremy's neck right before he sank his fangs into Jeremy.  Jeremy gasped at the initial shock but quickly calmed himself, holding onto Ryans arms he leaned into Ryan's mouth.  As Ryan finished he pressed a kiss to the bite marks on Jeremy's neck.  One of Jeremy's hands shot from Ryan's arm to the hair at the back of his head.

"Ryan."  The words seemed almost strained, Ryan was suddenly worried he'd messed up.

"Jeremy, are you okay?"  Ryan's own hand's shot to Jeremy's face making the man look at him.

"I'm fine,"  Jeremy's other and came up to reach Ryan's.  "I just."  Jeremy stopped, his lips pulling into a smile as his eyes connected with Ryan's.

"What?"  Ryan's voice was laced with concern.

Using his hand on the back of Ryan's head Jeremy pulled the man in so their lips met.  Ryan was surprised but quickly melted into the kiss.  Pulling away Jeremy kept his lips close to Ryan's but far enough that he could comfortably look into his eyes.

"I love you."  The words came out as a soft whisper ghosting across Ryan's lips.

"I love you too." Ryan's words came out the same.

The two grinned before joining together again in a tender kiss.

[atc74]

The Promise

Square Filled: Slow Burn

Warnings: Character death, nudity, smut (not graphic, more implied) name calling and fat shaming (not our Dean). This is fluffy, and lovely, then...BAM!

Summary: Dean and Y/N settled in to live the life they promised Sam before he jumped into the pit with Lucifer.

Pairing: Dean x Reader, former Sam x Reader

Word Count: 4055

Written for: @spngenrebingo, @saxxxology‘s Plus-Size Challenge, @georgialouisea‘s 2k Quote Challenge - my quote is in bold italics below. 

Thank you all for hosting such great challenges for inspiration!

Beta’d by: @hannahindie - Han, you keep me going with your kind words. 

A/N: I am maybe a little sorry, but mostly I am damn proud of how this turned out. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, along with your comments and reblogs. Thank you!

None of the images used a mine. Found on Tumblr /Google - credit to the artist. 

“Dean, I won’t be coming back from this, I know that. But I need you to promise me something, can you do that?” Sam turned to his brother, waiting for his answer.

“Sam…” Dean started.

“No Dean. Just promise me one thing. That you and Y/N will go on with your lives; get out, go live a normal life. I need to know that you are going to take care of my girl. You can both live the apple pie life you’ve dreamed of, man,” Sam told him. “Promise me.”

“Sam, you know I will always take care of her. She’s family,” Dean assured his brother, but the words never came out of his mouth. Sam looked at him expectedly and Dean nodded his silent promise.

~*~

“Y/N, you gotta come out of your room sometime. Come on, please. I made dinner and if I keep eating it all, I’m going to get fat,” Dean pleaded with her through the door but was only met with silence. “Fine, it’s on you when I get fat.”

Dean returned to the kitchen, the food laid out buffet style on the counter of the little house they had rented two weeks ago. He put away all the leftovers after another quiet dinner alone. He retired to the back porch with a bottle of whiskey and a picture of him holding baby Sammy.

He spent every night drowning in a bottle of whiskey, so he didn’t have to feel the loneliness of not having his brother by his side anymore. He supposed she felt the same, except that Dean had been in love with her since they first met, but she had chosen Sam and now he was gone.

The only thing that separated them was the way they chose to grieve and her bedroom door. Only when he couldn't’ see straight, he stumbled his way to his bedroom, falling into the bed and passing out.

~*~

Y/N laid in her bed that night, surrounded by the fading scent of Sam on the flannel she wore. She felt guilty for the feelings that had been plaguing her from the day she met the Winchesters. As a hunter she never thought she would find someone to love, but then the brothers came into her life and she found herself having to choose one over the other.

Dean drove her crazy in the best ways possible, but Sam felt like the safe choice, so that was the one she made. There wasn’t a day that went by that she hadn’t thought about how different it could have been if she had picked Dean over Sam. She wiped her tears away. There was nothing she could do to change the past. All she could do was move on and hope Dean felt the same for her.

~*~

Dean woke to the smell of coffee and bacon the next morning. For a moment he thought he had died and gone to heaven. He shuffled to the bathroom and brushed the whiskey from his mouth, before following his nose through the house.

Dean froze as soon as he hit the archway to the kitchen. Y/N stood at the stove in a pair of sleep shorts and one of Sam’s old flannels. She was humming lightly as she flipped bacon. Dean must have gasped at the sight of her as she turned quickly only to find him staring.

“Come on, sit down,” she gestured to the fresh cup of coffee sitting on the table. Dean’s eyes shifted from her to the coffee and back.

He cleared his throat before taking a seat. “M’glad to see you up and around, Y/N. I’ve missed having someone to talk with.” The coffee was strong and hot as it hit his throat still raw from the previous night’s whiskey.

“Well, I have been thinking long and hard these last few days, and Sam wouldn’t want me to wallow in my sorrow,” she shrugged as she flipped the waffle iron. She turned to face him. “‘Sides, I’m not the only one here who lost someone, Dean. You lost your brother and I am sorry I haven’t been there for you.”

“‘S’okay, Sweetheart,” Dean smiled at her over his cup of coffee. If she only knew how much he wanted her to be there for him, to have her hold him at night and chase the nightmares away.

“No, it’s not. But I am done locking myself away. From this moment on, we are going do what Sam wanted and start living,” she sniffed even as she said it. “Now, I can’t have you gettin’ all fat on me now, so I’m gonna share all this food with you. Eat up.”

“Oh, so you did hear that,” Dean smirked as he forked a waffle and a few strips of bacon on his plate. “Your solution to keep me from getting fat is to make waffles and bacon?”

“Yes. Yes, it is,” she smiled for the first time in two weeks and Dean started feeling a little better because of it. It wouldn’t be an easy road for the two of them, but at least they had each other.

Dean’s face lit up when she smiled at him and she felt a warmth fill her. This could be the start of something. She sat down across from him and they enjoyed breakfast together.

~*~

Two months later

“Dean!” her scream echoed through the small house and he took the basement stairs two at time to find her.

“What’s wrong, Y/N?” he asked, seeing the look of fear in her eyes when he entered the room. “What is it?” He knew it wouldn’t be long before something found them, even though he had carefully warded the house when they moved in. He drew his gun from the waistband of his jeans.

“A mouse…” she whispered and pointed to the corner cupboard. Dean slowly opened the door, but found nothing but some chewed up cereal boxes. He started laughing. He laughed so hard he doubled over and clutched his stomach.

 “What the fuck are you laughing at Winchester?” she demanded from her perch on one of the kitchen chairs, a broom in her hands.

“A mouse?” he laughed. “We have hunted some the evilest sons of bitches on the face of the planet and you are scared of a little mouse?” He tucked the gun back into his jeans.

“Yes!” she didn’t hesitate and swung the broom out, hitting him solidly in the ass.

“Did you just hit me with a broom?” he turned to glare at her, taking a few steps towards her.

“Maybe?” she said, not breaking eye contact with him as he stalked closer.

“You hit me. With a broom,” he repeated. “Now you’re gonna get it! He reached for her, pulling her off the chair and into his arms, attempting to tickle her sides while he held her. She struggled against his strong arms.

“Dean, stop! Put me down!” she squealed, continuing to wriggle in his hold.

“Oh, okay. Right here on the floor where you saw a mouse?” He moved to put her down, but she jumped back into his arms, their chests heaving from the horseplay. He locked eyes with her and craned his neck like he was going to lean in and kiss her.

“Are you going to kill it?” she whispered, feeling her cheeks heat up under his gaze. Dean snapped back to reality and set her back down on the chair.

“It isn’t even there anymore, Sweetheart. But I’ll go to the store right now and get traps and some of that poison. I’ll be back soon.” he grabbed the keys to his work truck and headed for the door.

“No! Don’t leave me here,” she told him. “I am not staying here with that thing.”

“Okay, then let’s go,” he motioned for her to come with him, but she pleaded with him, turning on the puppy dog eyes. “Dammit woman.”

“Thank you, Dean,” she kissed him lightly on the cheek as she crawled onto his offered back and he carried her to the truck. “You’re my hero.”

Dean closed the door and ducked his head, hoping she hadn’t seen the blush run up his neck and settle in his cheek where she had pressed her lips.

~*~

One month later

“You want some popcorn, Sweetheart?” Dean shouted from the kitchen. It was movie night and her turn to pick so Dean gathered the snacks.

“Yes, please. With some of that caramel stuff!” she called back.

The movie was some action comedy and wasn’t bad, but Dean was barely paying attention. Her body was too close to him and felt too good. His eyes glanced sideways at her. She looked good, better than she had a couple months ago. She hadn’t left her room and hadn’t eaten anything for the first couple weeks they lived there.

She had put back the weight she had lost and then some. Dean had always thought she was too thin before, but Sammy had always liked smaller girls. But not Dean. Dean thought she had never looked better and she was more beautiful in his eyes each and every day. He loved the way her thighs now filled out her jeans instead of them hanging off of her. He noticed a little more how full her breasts were and occasionally spilled over her tank tops.

“Thank you,” she murmured into his shoulder. Dean had been lost in his own thoughts when she spoke. He hadn’t even noticed the credits were rolling on the movie.

“Mmmm? For what?” he adjusted his body to face her.

“For everything. For finding us this house. For taking care of me. For staying and loving me,” her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s nothing, Y/N. We both made Sam promises before he died. Even if I hadn’t, I would still take care of you; you’re family. And I love you,” Dean tried to brush off her words, but each day he knew he was falling harder and harder for her. He wasn’t sure this is what Sammy meant when he had asked him to take care of his girl. But right now, he didn’t want to think about that.

“I love you, too, Dean,” she laid her head back on his shoulder and he laid his head on hers. She knew Dean only viewed her as family, as his brother’s girlfriend that was now Dean’s responsibility. She only wished he knew how true those words were when she spoke them to him.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed. S’late,” he said a few minutes later. She simply yawned her reply. Dean picked her up, carrying her to her room and laid her on the bed. “Goodnight, Sweetheart.”

“Dean?” she reached for his wrist when he turned to leave. “Please stay.”

“You sure that’s a good idea, Y/N?” Dean hesitated.

She sat up and looked Dean in the eyes. “Dean, you’re all I have left. My boyfriend, your brother, is gone and he isn’t coming back. We are all we have left in this God forsaken world and I am not going to waste it crying about something I lost and can never get back.

“I loved your brother with all my heart, Dean, but I made him a promise, too. A promise that I would take care of you, that I would move on. And I’ll be damned, because I didn’t know I could feel the same amount of love for two men, let alone brothers. I felt it since the moment I met the two of you on that hunt, do you remember? I made my choice and I don’t regret it. But now we’re here, together and I have a second chance at love. With you, if you’ll have me.”

Dean stared at her, slack jawed. He didn’t really know what to say. He had felt it, too. And he had been devastated when she chose his brother. But this was all new information to him.

“I-I didn’t know,” he stumbled over his own tongue. Dean pretended to be a ladies man, but he was just a blob of nerves around her most of the time. He shook his head, a low chuckle verberating from his chest. “Dammit, Sweetheart, how could I not love you? I always have. I would be a damn fool if I said I didn’t. But the question isn’t if I’ll have you. Are you sure you want me?”

“With everything I am,” she stood and walked slowly towards him.

~*~

Three months later

Dean was waiting for her in the kitchen for their date. Lifting a beer to his lips, he froze with the bottle midway when she walked in the room. She stood before him, fidgeting with her hands as she looked to him, her eyes wide and sparkling.

The dress he had picked out for her was a deep midnight blue and clung to her curves like nothing he had seen before. The swell of her breasts, highlighting her cleavage, in the deep v-neckline made him want to bury his face between them. Her hips like honey, were thick and sweet where the skirt flared.

“You look stunning, Sweetheart,” Dean breathed out. They had officially been together for three months now. Although they hadn’t taken the next step and become fully intimate with each other, but Dean had never been happier. He had never seen her happier, even when she was with his brother. “I don’t know if I want to take you out and show you off, or rip that dress off and show you how much I love you right here on the kitchen table.”

“Why don’t we do both. You can take me to dinner then come home and have dessert, after dessert?” she giggled and tried to make a run for it, but Dean was still too fast for her. He caught her by the hips and pulled her tight to him.

“You’re gonna be the death of me Sweetheart,” his hot breath fanned across her face. “At least I’ll die a happy man.”

“I just got you Winchester, I’m not letting you go anytime soon,” she vowed.

~*~

Dinner was amazing and Dean held her hand as they walked through the front door. He placed his keys and wallet on the small table, then helped her out of her shoes. She turned to face him, her clutch joining his things. His gaze met hers.

“I love you,” he breathed out, like he had been holding it in. In reality, in his head, he had been. Even with everything going so well with them lately, he still waited for the other shoe to drop. He finally felt he could let his guard down a little. “I always have and I always will. No matter what happens, I will always love you.”

She turned around and grinned at him over her shoulder. “Unzip me?”

Dean didn’t hesitate and slowly lowered the zipper on her dress. His fingertips lighting up her skin as he pushed open the dress, revealing her back to him. He slid his large hands over skin and up to her shoulders, gently pushing the dress off and letting it pool at her feet. She stepped out of it, facing him, in just her bra and panties, more beautiful than anything Dean had ever seen.

“God, you’re beautiful, Y/N. I am going to spend the rest of my life worshipping you the way you should be worshipped,” Dean whispered as he gathered her face in his hands and kissed her like she was his life force. In many ways, she was. Y/N is what kept him going when he lost his brother.

“I love you,” she murmured against his lips. His mouth left hers, trailing soft wet kisses along her jaw, down to the sweet spot, just under her ear. “Dean, if you kiss my neck, I’m not responsible for what happens next,” she warned him.

“I’ll take my chances, Sweetheart,” he chuckled. His tongue darted out, lightly nipping and sucking at the exact spot she warned him about. A soft mewl, followed by a low groan left her lips.

With quick movements, she pushed the jacket off his shoulders. She had his belt off, his pants bunched around his ankles before he could even switch to the other side of her neck. She grabbed the tails of his white button down and ripped it open, buttons flying everywhere.

Y/N walked backwards toward the sofa and pushed Dean down into it. “You better be ready for this Winchester. I don’t want to take it slow anymore.” She climbed into his lap, straddling his hips. She could already feel his throbbing erection pressing at her core. She rocked her hips forward, slowly grinding down onto him. “You’re so hard for me Dean. I want you so bad. Need you more.”

“Sweetheart, I have been hard for you for years. I never thought I could have this, not with you,” Dean pulled her chest flush against him, kissing her breathless. When he finally pulled away, he saw the love he felt for her reflected in her eyes.

“Show me, honey,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Dean wasted no time in unclasping her bra, but took his time revealing her to him. He slowly slid one strap down, kissing from her bare shoulder down to the crook of her elbow. He repeated the process with the other shoulder, finally flinging the undergarment to parts unknown.

Dean lavished attention on her breasts, kneading the soft flesh with his capable hands. He ducked his head, pulling one firm peak into his mouth, tonguing it before sucking it between his lips. Dean repeated the process with her other breast, paying it equal attention. A low moan left her lips as she gathered the short strands on top of his head between her fingers and pulled tightly as if she were hanging on for her life. Dean growled low in the back of his throat before he stood, wrapping her legs around his waist.

“Our first time will not be on this couch,” Dean told her as he started toward the stairs. “I’m going to make love to you in our bed. All. Night. Long.”

Dean crossed the threshold and gently lowered her to the bed. He knelt at the edge, hooking his fingers in the waistband of her underpants. Slowly, reverently, he slid the silky fabric over the curve of her hips, kissing every inch of skin before him from her soft stomach to the milky white flesh of her thighs, to the soft globes of her ass. He couldn’t believe this gorgeous woman was all his and he spent the entire night showing her how lucky he really was.

The night was filled with declarations of love and the soft moans that accompanied their union.

~*~

Y/N slowly slid out of bed, doing her best not to disturb Dean. He looked so peaceful as he slept and she wanted him to get some rest. The pleasantly sore stretch of her muscles brought back memories of the night before. A smile and blush crept across her face. She shrugged on one of his flannels, buttoning just a few buttons to keep it on her body.

She slowly made her way down the stairs to make coffee and start breakfast. The coffee pot was filled in no time and she took her first cup out to the front porch to enjoy the crisp morning air. She sat on the swing with a light blanket wrapped around her. The morning was peaceful as she sipped at her coffee, listening to the birds as they woke for the day.

“Well, well...don’t you just look happy and content, all fucked out sitting there in my brother’s flannel,” the deep voice startled her and she jolted up from her seat on the swing, the blanket and coffee cup falling to the porch floor.

“Sam?’” her voice was quiet and she slowly sidestepped to the door. It couldn’t be Sam. Sam was dead. Sam was trapped in the cage with Lucifer and Michael. This was not her Sam.

His eyes followed her as she reached the front door. He was on her in an instant as soon as her hand reached for the knob.

“I can smell the sex on you. You reek of my brother and all his righteousness, you whore,” Sam snarled, his hand tight around her upper arm, pulling the collar to the side to see the love bites and hickeys Dean left on her. “You let him mark you up like that?”

“Dean!” Her voice was loud and pierced the early morning air. She knew Sam wouldn’t hurt her, or at least hoped. She just had to keep him talking for a few minutes. “How are you here?”

“I’m out, I don’t know how, but I am. And I have been watching you, Y/N. You and my brother, living this cozy little life without me. I thought you loved me, baby?” The anger was evident in his voice, the sarcasm dripping from his words.

Y/N heard the thunder of footsteps down the stairs and the door was ripped open, Dean had his gun aimed at his brother, shirtless and barefoot in just a pair of jeans, frozen.

“Sammy?” Dean was in awe of the sight before him, he lowered his gun

“Hey, brother,” Sam greeted Dean.

Dean rushed his brother, wrapping his arms around him, forcing Sam to let Y/N go in the process. She quickly covered herself with the forgotten blanket.

Minutes passed and they sat around the kitchen table, wary, staring at each other over the rim of their coffee cups warily. Conversation was awkward and forced, even after Sam passed all the tests Dean put him through. Still, something was off.

“You think there’s something wrong with me, don’t you? Both of you,” Sam demanded.

“Something ain’t right Sam,” Dean sighed heavily, refilling their cups.

“Damn straight, something ain’t right, Dean! I come back from Hell to find my brother fucking my girlfriend. You okay with that, Dean? Fucking this whore?” Sam voice filled with venom.

She had had enough. She stood strong and tall and faced Sam.

“Fuck you, Sam. You broke me! When you decided to take it all on yourself and not let us find another way. You fucking broke me when you jumped into the pit with Lucifer and Michael!” Her rage was evident in every word that came out of her mouth. She stood behind Dean, her hands loving on his shoulders, showing Sam that they were indeed together.

“I’m all glued back together now, I make no apologies for how I chose to repair what you broke. You don’t get to call me a whore. Now get the fuck out of our house!” she screamed at him.

“You should put your bitch on leash, Dean,” Sam sneered as he stood.

Y/N wasted no time lunging past Dean and slamming her fist into the side of Sam’s jaw. He head whipped to side, but he just smile, his teeth coated in blood.

“She’s right. You broke both of us and you don’t get to come into our house and talk to her like that. What the hell, Sam? You loved her, now you come in here and say those things?” Dean stood now, putting himself between her and Sam.

“Yeah, I did, before I knew what a slut she was and would fuck the first warm body that would have her fat ass. You’re disgusting, both of you,” Sam jeered.

This time it was Dean who threw Sam to the floor and pummeled his face with both fists. Y/N managed to pull Dean off of Sam’s unconscious body. Dean shook her off of him, dragging his brother's body across the floor and out the front door.

He came back and found her huddled on the floor, tears streaming down her face. He knelt in front of her, pulling her to him, comforting her the best way he knew how. “Shhhh, it’s okay.”

“Wh-what’s wrong with him, Dean?” she sobbed. 

“I don’t know, but that was not my brother.” Dean admitted.

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