#u still stay there when luci wants you to sleep over!! just keep me there!!

[otome-on-the-side]

there’s something deeply funny about being Not Allowed to stay at the HOL, only to peer into the demon nanny cam and IMMEDIATELY seeing the boys fucking around in Your old room Specifically 

[littledollll]

Okay so I’m like massively over excited over getting more little r and lucifer and I’ve got a list of prompts to send your way. This one is one of my favourites of my list and I can’t help but send it to you rn😂 I’m honestly throwing so many at you I apologise but you just write so beautifully I can’t contain myself.

Prompt} wings. All I need to say. In their little space the angel is absolutely star struck with lucifers wings, traces them with their fingers giggling at the way they flex underneath their fingers. Lucifer worries because his wings aren’t what they use to be but the angel is absolutely fascinated by them and loves when they wrap their little up in their wings rocking them to sooth them into a slumber.

Okay I will try to contain myself now and give you some time. Your work is my new addiction and I’m not mad about it.

~ all the love shy anon

Rest, my little angel (pt.3)

(Before this, Sweet little angel)

Lucifer Morningstar x little!angel!reader

Other requests in this:

- “lucifer could be the most adorable being when dealing with his angels nightmare, lucifer would internally panic but keep their kind calming persona for his angel.”

- “R requests that luci lays on them so they can feel lucifer weight helping to ground them in their little state. However lucifer worried their weight would be harmful to the r but when they hear the little cute noises coming from r and see r fighting exhaustion they can't help but smile at the fact they can bring r comfort just from being them.” ~ shy anon🕊️

A/n: I fell asleep 3 times writing this, ya boy is tired. I feel like I followed the requests but not to a T so tell me if it’s any good, I know Lucifer was supposed todo more of the comforting from nightmare part but I felt like this was a good way to introduce Morpheus into the story!

Warnings: nightmare but like that’s literally it

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

You were still shaken up when Lucifer decided that today had been such an exhausting day, their little angel just needed to get to sleep, you complained (of course) but eventually gave in, on one condition. “mm fine but u stay with me?” Lucifer pretended to think about it for a second too long making you pout and poke their face to get their attention. “Very well no need to get violent, tiny.” As much as Lucifer’s comfort helped you keep calm in your waking hours you knew the dreaming would not offer the same kindness, stressful days came backed up by nightmares. You knew why, you understood the function and didn’t disagree with it, still you didn’t want to wake up alone.

You hurried over to settle into bed dragging them along with you, they chuckled at this. “Considering you were fighting me on not going to bed about two seconds ago I have to consider something changed your mind here.” You quickly grabbed your stuffed bear, emery, from the group of others around the room and jumped into bed. “Luci?” They hummed in response as they settled in bed readying for you to jump in their arms. “Can- could u maybe-“ you sighed. Giving up on talking you laid on the bed and pulled them to lay on top of you.

This confused Lucifer. “Little dove, what are you doing? Aren’t you a little too small for me to lay on you?” You giggled and nuzzled into their chest. “Oh alright, you promise to tell me to move when you need, yes?” You nodded and sighed happily, snuggling impossible closer to them blocking any and all light in the room, you always did this, hide away from the light yet refuse to actually turn it off. You can’t remember when you dozed off, Lucifer’s hand gently brushing through your hair and their weight over you keeping you grounded and comfortable.

________________

You woke in a dark room. Not just dark, pitch black, you couldn’t see where it ended, no sight of walls , you couldn’t even see the floor under you, it was all just darkness, you’d guess you were in the center of this odd room. After a beat of silence something or someone lunged at you from the dark, missing you by an inch you felt them move past you. As you were helpless to move from your spot, your arm was grabbed and you let out a scream at the feeling of being dragged. Then the point of view changed.

Still you couldn’t see anything. But now instead of physically feeling it you could hear. Your own screams of terror and the snarls form what you would guess was a demon. The demon. A chill ran down your spine as you tried to get away from the scene, but what’s the point of running in a void of nothingness? It only tired you out, you couldn’t breathe, your legs were sore and your heart pounded, yet the screams and growls still felt like they were only two feet away.

You curled into yourself sobbing until the screams faded and all you were left with was an unsettling silence. And then a voice you recognized very well, careful and calculating, gentle. “Hello, little star..” Morpheus. You opened your eyes to be met with the sight of him knelt in front of you. “over?” You asked in a shaky voice. Morpheus nodded. “It’s been a while, little one. Has Lucifer been treating you nicely?” You nodded, a smile making its way to your face. “It’s time to wake up then, I have nothing to worry about I see, Lucifer is worried for you. I will visit you again, little star.”

You missed him. Morpheus found you through your dreams, sometimes you’d go to sleep little and wake up in the dreaming just the same, he promised to take care of you whenever you did, and that he did. Every night in heaven, but stopped when you came to hell, you guess he knew you were in capable hands now, the check in was nice though, he truly did care.

_________________

Lucifer woke to your whimpers and the slight twitching in your body, like you were trying to get away from something. They panicked, and Immediately moved off you and sat on their knees to get a good look at you. Your brows were furrowed and you looked about to cry, every so often your arms would tense, your breathing was uneven.

They decided to wake you as gently as they possibly could, their hand caressed your face, thumb going between your worried brows they sat against the headboard and pulled you into their arms, sitting you up against them. You relaxed in their hold and then your eyes fluttered open. You hid into their arms. “I don’t wana leave again..” your shaky small voice worried them. “What did you see, my little angel?”

“dark” you stated simply and chose to continue. “It grabbed me, I- then attacked I think-“ as you spoke their wings wrapped protectively around you, distracting you from your words. As your hand lightly traced over them, you giggled when it twitched under your touch. Lucifer seemed worried for reasons you couldn’t pinpoint. “Your wings won’t turn into this. I made sure of it, little angel.” you hummed in a questioning tone. “pretty! n cool like- like dragon” “You think so, angel?”

You nodded a little too fast making Lucifer chuckle. “Thank you, sweet dove. Are you alright?” You nodded again. “Scary but morphy came n stops it!” you felt so protected under their hold, it was safe and warm, you started to feel sleepy again but fought it since you wanted to keep talking. “Morpheus, my love? I wasn’t aware you two knew eachother.” “uh-huh! Morphy take cares in dreams back in silver city!” you yawned.

“You never thought to tell me, little one?” Shaking your head you nuzzled into their chest. “he stop after I came here” Lucifer seemed lost in through for a moment. “Did you know he and I are good friends? I could extend an invitation his way if you wish to see him, little dove.” You were too tired to do anything besides hum in confirmation, Lucifer smiled rocking you lightly in their arms. “Rest, my little angel, we can talk more in the morning.”

[belphies-wife]

What Naps Are Like With Them (Everyone)

In celebration of my first post kinda blowing up, I wrote a little something for all the characters, including Luke! (platonically for him, of course)

Again, thank you guys for all the love on my Satan Reacting to Montero fic <3 I’ll be working on requests after this.

Also, no beta we die like Lilith.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Lucifer

➼ Never sleeps, e v e r

➼ His brothers would destroy the House of Lamentation in his sleep

➼Took a while to convince him to take a nap with you because of this

➼ His brothers listen to you more than they listen to their older brother, so you begged them to behave for a few hours so that their older brother can rest for once

➼ You will use your pact if you have to, just please let this man sleep

➼ You made sure to pick a day where you know Lucifer hadn’t slept the night before due to his workload

➼ Seriously, you had to talk to Diavolo about that

➼ You both got into your comfiest pajamas and played some soft classical music for ultimate relaxation

➼ You thought about taking a picture of hm while he slept

➼ He saw it coming and had you sleep facing away from him with his arms wrapped around you so you couldn’t turn around

➼ Smart bastard

➼  If you complain about it he’ll laugh at you

➼ Hey, at least you get cuddles

➼ Luci here looks so calm and peaceful while he sleeps, it’s adorable

➼ No wonder everyone tries to take a picture of him sleeping

➼ He’s a heavy sleeper, so you end up having to wake him up after a few hours

➼ He thanks you

➼ He’s well-rested and in a good mood for the rest of the day

➼ His brothers obviously take advantage of that

»»————-　♔　————-««

Mammon

➼ Unlike most of his brothers, he actually has a decent sleep schedule (most of the time)

➼ However, if you wanted to take a nap with him, he wouldn’t say no

➼ Well, he’d say no, but then say yes immediately after

➼ “Whaddya mean you wanna take a nap with me? Do I look like Belphie!?”

➼ Blushing like crazy while complaining, as usual

➼ “Fine, I’ll go nap with him, then.”

➼ “Oi! Come back here! I changed my mind, I wanna take a nap!”

➼ Tsundere baby

➼ Obviously, you tease him about it

➼ “Jealous, huh? I thought that was Levi’s thing.”

“Shut up! Are we gonna cuddle or not?”

“I said nap, not cuddle.”

➼ Cue the pout

➼ The definition of the 🥺 face

➼ Please love this child

➼ “I’m kidding, of course we’re gonna cuddle.”

➼ Usually a little spoon

➼ Unless he’s in a jealous mood

➼ If he is, he will hold on to you like his life depends on it.

➼ More teasing, obviously

➼ If you think about it, Greed and Envy are very similar

➼ Poor baby wants love

➼ New drinking game: take a shot every time I call Mammon a baby

➼ I shot of water, I know you’re dehydrated

➼ Anyways, naps with Mammon = cuddles

➼ Either you’re holding him to you or he’s holding you to him

➼ f o r e h e a d  k i s s e s

➼ Mammon gets nightmares about what happened with Belphie sometimes, so lots of comfort cuddles

»»————-　♔　————-««

Leviathan

➼ “Levi, did you sleep at all last night?”

➼ Obviously not

➼ He was up all night binge watching the latest season of “The Magical Ruri Hanai: Demo Girl”’s  spin-off series

➼ Why would you even ask?

➼ “Levi, did you stay up all night?”

➼ He looked away, a little embarrassed. “Uh, yeah.”

➼ “Levi, honey. You need to sleep. It’s not good for your health to be staying up so late.”

➼ Leviathan.exe has stopped working

➼ You’re worrying about him?????

➼ And you’re calling him honey?????

➼ Are you trying to kill him?????

➼ “You must be exhausted. Wanna take a nap?”

“Oh, uh. Yeah. I guess I could use a nap.”

“Alright. We should go to my room, since there’s more room on my bed than in your tub.”

➼ Wait you meant a nap together????

➼ You’re really trying to kill him.

➼ Usually, he’d make fun of you and call you a normie.

➼ But he was currently too busy dying.

➼ If somehow you managed to resurrect him and get him to your room to nap, then you’d know this shy boi is a little spoon.

➼ Does this really come as a surprise to anyone? It shouldn’t.

➼ He’s blushing like crazy the whole time.

➼ “Levi, if you can't sleep with me here, I can leave.”

“No!”

➼ He does sleep eventually.

➼ Sweet baby cuddles you in his sleep.

➼ Wholesome af

»»————-　♔　————-««

Satan

➼ As the most responsible one in the family, he has a pretty good sleep schedule, so he doesn’t normally take naps.

➼ However, if you ask him to, he’ll agree. 

➼ If it makes you happy he’ll do it <3

➼ He’s not really touchy-feely and won’t initiate any cuddling.

➼ Dude that you asked to nap because you were tired and wanted to sleep.

➼ Nah bro, you just want cuddles.

➼ While he won’t initiate any cuddles, if you make it more obvious that you want some, he’ll give them to you.

➼ Big spoon

➼ If you want him to be the small spoon, he will, but he’ll be flustered af.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Asmodeus

➼ “Asmo, wanna sleep together?”

➼ Could you have made a poorer word choice?

➼ No, you could not.

➼ This boy literally made the lenny face.

➼ “Asmo, I meant a nap.”

“Well, I suppose that’ll satisfy me for now.”

➼ You then proceeded to smack him with a pillow.

“Hey! Don’t mess up my hair!”

➼ You had to wait for him to take off his makeup and change his clothes and stuff.

➼ It’s a process.

➼ Cuddle’s tf out of you.

➼ He’ll be the big spoon or the little spoon. It doesn’t matter to him, so you can decide.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Beelzebub

➼ Takes naps with Belphie a lot and thought it was cute that you also wanted to nap.

➼ Pre-nap snack first, though.

➼ Then he’s ready.

➼ Sweet boi will enjoy the nap whether he’s a big spoon or little spoon.

➼ If you’re happy, he’s happy <3

➼ You kiss his face a lot.

➼ He thinks you’re the cutest little human ever when you do that.

➼ I’d say soft Beel, but when is he ever not soft?

➼ Not counting the custard incident

➼ He Likes to kiss the top of your head while you sleep.

➼ He definitely snores.

➼ It takes some getting used to, but you’re not gonna let keep you from cuddling your big boi.

➼ It honestly feels really safe and comforting to just be wrapped up in his arms.

➼ Equally comforting to have his head resting against you.

➼ Overall just really soft.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Belphegor

➼ You don’t even need to ask. He’s the king of naps.

➼ Being around Belphie for an extended period of time makes you sleepy.

➼ You’re not sure if it’s because he’s sleep or if it’s because he has some sort of sleep-power.

➼ Any time you cuddle you end up taking a nap.

➼ Do I even have to say it?

➼ S m a l l  s p o o n

➼ The smallest spoon.

➼ As the youngest, he’s the most spoiled, so he’s really really clingy and just expects you to drop whatever you’re doing at any given time to nap with him.

➼ I mean, you’d probably do it even if he didn’t expect you to.

➼ He does this adorable thing when he’s sleepy and he sees you nearby where he’ll go up to you and wrap his arms around you and rest his head against your shoulder and just say “Sleep, please.”

➼ You will stop whatever you’re doing no matter what and go up to the attic to nap with him.

➼ Not an exaggeration. It’s happened while Lucifer was talking to you before he he was p i s s e d.

➼ It was obviously intentional

➼ But how can you say no to his cute face?

➼ He seems to be able to keep you from having nightmares and you sleep 100x better with him than on your own

➼ Softest boi

»»————-　♔　————-««

Simeon

➼ While he may dress like a stripper, this man is an angel and is pure™

➼ Anything you want, you’ll get. How can he ever deny you a thing?

➼ He can’t.

➼ You want naps? You get naps.

➼ You want cuddles? You get cuddles.

➼ You want sleepy kisses? You get sleepy kisses.

➼ Hotel? Trivago.

➼ But seriously, sleepy kisses are definitely a thing.

➼ Especially forehead kisses.

➼ Big spoon. He likes to hold you.

➼ Sweet boy loves you so much 🥺

»»————-　♔　————-««

Luke (Platonically)

➼ Purgatory Hall has weekly movie nights, and they invite you over a lot to join them.

➼ You and Solomon have a very long list of human world movies you want Simeon to watch, but the poor man can’t figure out how Devilflix works for the life of him, so group movie nights are the only way.

➼ Not that any of you mind, of course.

➼ Luke begged Simeon to let him join you guys (he has a pretty strict bedtime)

➼ Simeon lets him occasionally if the movie is appropriate.

➼ Luke insisted on sitting next to you and sharing any treats he made that day.

➼ Poor baby ended up falling asleep not even halfway through the movie.

➼ Solomon obviously made fun of him.

➼ “Looks like it’s naptime for the little chihuahua.”

“Don’t tease him!” You say, defending Luke.

➼ At some point, Luke shifts so that he’s leaning against you in his sleep.

➼ You coo at how cute the ‘lil cherub looks.

➼ Aaaand then you proceed to fall asleep as well.

➼ You woke up the next day still on the couch. You were pretty confused since Simeon usually carries anyone who falls asleep to their bed (or the guest room, in your case).

➼ Then you realize Luke still asleep and wrapped around you.

➼ HE IS THE MOST PRECIOUS BABY EVER

➼ You assumed Simeon didn’t want to attempt moving one of you and risk waking the other so he just left you too

➼ Whatever it was, you went back to sleep with the little cherub snuggling you

»»————-　♔　————-««

Solomon

➼ Purgatory Hall sleepover!

➼ Everyone had already fallen asleep, so you asked Solomon if he’d be alright with you two sleeping together.

➼ Not a good idea.

➼ You’re both settled in his bed and you’re about to drift off to sleep when this silly little sorcerer decided to tickle you.

➼ You  s h r e i k

➼ “Solomon!”

➼ “Keep your voice down, dear. You wouldn’t want Simeon hearing and getting the wrong idea, now. Would you?”

➼ The  s m a c c  you gave him though-

➼ “Can I sleep now, or are you gonna keep bothering me?”

“You know you love me.” He grinned.

“Well, duh. But I also love sleep.”

➼ He does let you sleep after that.

➼ You fall asleep first, and one look at your sleeping face and he falls in love with you all over again.

➼ You’re so  p r e c i o u s.

➼ He held you close to him as you slept, pressing soft, featherlight kisses against our forehead and nose, careful not to wake you.

➼ He’s a bitch until you fall asleep, pretty much.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Diavolo

➼ It wasn’t intentional for you to fall asleep, really.

➼ You’d had a long day, and you had been sitting with the demon prince at his palace as he told you about his day over a cup of tea.

➼ It wasn’t like what he was saying was boring.

➼ No, it’s just that you were so tired, and the sofa you were sitting on was so comfy, and Diavolo was talking so much.

➼ It didn’t help that the tea that Barbatos had prepared was especially soothing.

➼ You couldn’t help yourself. You dozed off.

➼ Diavolo continued talking, and probably would’ve gone on for a long while without even noticing if Barbatos hadn’t cleared his throat and gestured towards your sleeping form.

➼ If it had been anyone else, he would have deemed it disrespectful. 

➼ But it was you, and he had realized a long time ago that he was incapable of being upset with you.

➼ “It seems they’ve had a tiring day, my Lord. I suggest you let them rest.” Said Barbatos.

“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of disturbing them.” Carefully, he made his way over to you and pried the teacup from our hands so that you didn’t move and break it in your sleep.

➼ Then, he removed his suit jacket and draped it over you like a blanket.

➼ Not gonna lie, even Barbatos was a bit shooketh. 

➼ He didn’t say anything, though.

➼ Diavolo kissed your forehead lightly and had Barbatos bring him the last of his paperwork for the day, which he finished quickly while remaining by your side.

➼ After that he picked up our still sleeping form and brought you to his room where he tucked you in.

➼ He sent Lucifer a text saying that you would be staying the night at the palace then went to sleep after answering a few emails.

➼ He snores loudly, but you somehow managed to sleep through it.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Barbatos

➼ Diavolo set up another palace retreat (because I said so)

➼ You had been assigned a room with Luke and Beelzebub that time.

➼ It went good at first, and everyone was sent off to sleep at around 10 p.m.

➼ At some point in the middle of the night, you awoke from a particularly nasty nightmare.

➼ You were more scared than usual when you woke up, since the room you were in was not your room at the House of Lamentation.

➼ It took a while for you to realize where you were and calm down, but even then you were to afraid to sleep.

➼ Slowly, you exited the room, careful not to disturb Luke and Beel.

➼ You made your way to Barbatos��� room and knocked softly.

➼ Briefly, you wondered if he was asleep, but then he opened the door.

➼ You silently panicked when you realized your hair was a mess and your clothing was rumpled from sleep, but your disheveled appearance didn’t seem to faze him.

➼ “Hello. I was just about to prepare for bed. Is something the matter?”

➼ Suddenly, you felt very, very silly to come to such an ancient, powerful being for help with a little nightmare.

➼ “Sorry, it’s nothing. I apologize for bothering you. I’ll leave.” You said, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“You never bother me, my dear. Would you like to come in?” He asked, opening the door wider and stepping aside.

“Yes. I would like that.”

“Is something bothering you?”

You blushed. “I had a nightmare. I couldn’t go back to sleep after that. I know, it’s silly.”

“Of course it isn’t.”

“Can I... Can I stay here with you tonight?”

“If it would make you feel better, you may.”

➼ Barbatos tucked you in then sat next to you, gently running his hands through your hair. He began singing an old song in some ancient, forgotten language. His voice was soft and soothing as he sang, and you found yourself unable to stay awake even if you tried.

➼ “Goodnight, my dear.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Thank you so much for reading!

Request a Fic/Headcanon || Obey Me Masterlist

[otakusheep15]

SFW Alphabet - Barbatos

I know I haven’t posted in a while, but since today’s Barb’s b-day, I decided I would

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

The thing is, he actually really loves giving affection. He’s usually just busy, so he never has the time. But when he does have time, expect him to be all over you (respectfully of course). His favorite form of affection is when one of you is cooking and the other will come up and give a hug from behind. He melts no matter which position he’s in. 

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Most of y’alls hangouts include baking or having tea. He also likes when you follow him around while he works so that he has company. In his free time, he likes to take you to different stores and restaurants in both the Human World and the Devildom so that you two can sample what they have. He’s also lowkey chaotic, so he might drag you into pulling pranks every now and then. 

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Again, he’s actually really affectionate, so cuddles aren’t off the table. For him, cuddling after a long day is a great way to unwind. It’s also one of the few times he lets his guard down a bit and actually begins to relax. Basically what I’m saying is, please give this man cuddles. He deserves it. 

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

He’s honestly one of the best choices if you want to settle down. He can cook, clean, and any other chores you so desire. And he also loves the idea of settling down. He’s been working for so long and, while he loves his job, it can be pretty taxing on him sometimes. The idea of just leaving it all behind to settle down with the one he loves sounds like a dream to him. 

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Probably the bluntest out of anyone. Like, he does not care about how the other will react. He’s more used to people breaking up with him since he cares about his job more than them in most cases, so if he’s the one initiating the break up, then it’s for a reason. And that reason is probably not a good one. He will probably make the person cry. 

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Marriage isn’t all that interesting to him. he doesn’t find it all that necessary like others do. To him, just being together is enough, so he doesn’t need anyone to certify it for him. However, if you wanted to get married, he would never refuse.  

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He’s surprisingly gentle. He understands how sensitive emotions can be, so he’s super careful with the one’s he cares about. The last thing he wants is to hurt someone he loves, so he’s super gentle. He’s also aware of how physically strong he is, so he tries his best to control himself so that he doesn’t accidentally lash out and hurt you. 

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

He doesn’t have a lot of time, so hugs are usually rare. But he loves them anyway. they’re a great way for him to recharge throughout the day. Just pop in every now and then and give him a quick hug and he’ll just die but you won’t know that.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

It takes him a long time to say it. Not necessarily because he’s scared or not ready, but just because he doesn’t see the point in rushing it. He knows you love him and that he loves you too, so he knows the words themselves aren’t needed. When he does say it, it’ll be absolutely perfect. 

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

He may seem like he doesn’t get jealous, but he does. In fact, he gets insanely jealous, especially of the brothers. You spend so much time with them, and he never has any time to spend with you since he’s always working. He hates that you two never seem to have time to be together, and that ends up making him jealous. Just give him some attention and he should calm down some. 

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

His kisses are so amazing. He always knows just what to do and when/where to do it. You will always be satisfied with him. His favorite place to kiss you is the nape of your neck since he likes the reaction it gets out of you. He also likes when you kiss his cheek since he finds it cute. 

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Oh, he hates kids. Absolutely despises them. The only exception is Luke since he is tolerable for the most part. But other than that, kids are one of his least favorite things. They’re messy, loud, and distract him from his work like Dia and the brothers lol.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

He usually has to wake up pretty early in the mornings, so they can go one of two ways. If you’re an early riser like him, you two will get ready and go to the kitchen to have breakfast together before he has to start work. If you tend to sleep in, he’ll get out of bed without waking you and send in another servant to bring you breakfast in bed with a schedule of where he has to be today so that you can come find him. 

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Night time is pretty much the only time he ever gets to just relax and not have to worry about work. Expect to be pulled away to his room and not leave until morning. This is maybe the only time he can spend with you without the fear of being pulled away from you, and he’s going to enjoy it damnit. 

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

I doubt he’d ever reveal everything about himself. After all, he is quite mysterious. Obviously, he’d trust you enough to open up about some aspects of himself, but mostly just surface level things. If you really want to know something about him, your best bet is going to Diavolo, and even then it’s most likely a lost cause. 

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

This man is the definition of patient. It takes a lot to rile him up enough to actually snap. He’s been working a Dia’s butler forever now, so he knows how to keep his emotions under control. He may feel irritated or annoyed fairly often, but he will not let it show unless he is truly angered. 

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Of course he remembers absolutely everything about you. You so much as mention something you enjoy, he already has it to give to you. He has a great memory, and that’s only enhanced by how in love with you he is. 

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He isn’t one to have any one specific favorite, but he does love any time you two bake together. It’s such a calming thing, and you two can simply just have fun alone without having to deal with Dia or the brothers. It always brings such a smile to his face when he remembers all of the baking sessions you two have had. Even if you don’t know how to bake, that’s fine with him, cause he’s with you. 

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

He’s very protective, but in a subtle way. He’s never one to be bold or over the top, but he still feels the need to protect you if he ever feels you’re in danger. Honestly, he’s scary enough on his own, so most other demons tend to leave you alone if you’re with him. And because you’re always around him, his scent started to rub off on you, alerting other demons to stay away even when he isn’t there. 

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He’s used to planning huge events, so he can go as all out as you want. You want a party with every demon in the Devildom? It’s done. You just want a lowkey date alone with him? He can do that to. It all depends on what you want him to do. 

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

He has a hard time separating himself from his work. After all, he’s been working for Dia for so long, so it makes sense that it would be hard for him to leave it alone, even for a few hours. Sometimes, you may have to pull him away from his work and force him to rest. If that doesn’t work, you might have to talk to Dia about getting him some time off. 

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

He is concerned with his looks, but only because of who he works for. He knows that he has to keep up appearances lest he embarrass Dia at all. Other than that, he could honestly care less about his looks. 

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Quite honestly, he was already incomplete before he even met you, and he’s still somewhat incomplete now. He’s never once felt whole, and that didn’t change very much when you arrived. Yes, he loves you, but you didn’t change much of how complete he feels inside. So, yeah, he’d feel incomplete without you, but he feels incomplete regardless. 

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

This isn’t so much a headcanon as just me being an angsty mess, but I just love the idea of him being lowkey jealous of Lucifer. I mean, ever since Luci fell and started working for Dia, he’s been getting so much credit for basically everything. I like the idea that maybe he gets a bit jealous of Luci and the attention and praise that he gets despite doing the same amount of work. (and yeah, I know this totally isn’t the case at all, and I’m sure he gets plenty of attention, but I love the idea of jealous, and kinda sad Barb). 

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

He doesn’t like someone who's lazy and doesn’t take work seriously. he also doesn’t like anyone who consistently distracts him from his work without legitimate reason. Also anyone who insults Dia or presents any possible threat to him. Other than that, he’s surprisingly chill with almost anyone. 

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

More like lack of sleep habit honestly. I genuinely don’t believe that he sleeps. And if he does, it’s for a couple hours at the most. Really, he just works too much to sleep that much.  

[notgalaxii]

May I pls ask for a headcanon of when the brothers or undateables are sick and MC looks after them pls

I wroteee guys! Be proud of me! Oh and I'm also super kinda sorta upset because my new manager wants me in at like 5:30am - 1:30pm?? And that's tiring. Oh welllll, thats how it beeee.

Another thing! I kind of wrote a self-indulgent Satan smut but I didn't know if I wanted to post self-indulgent NSFW cause I feel like a HOOEEE so if you're reading this, you should leave a reply letting me know what you think~

Pride

Bold of you to assume Lucifer will willingly stay put in bed to be taken care of

He puts up one of the biggest fights

"MC, I have paperwork to do."

"MC, Lord Diavolo requested me for a meeting."

"Calm your shit, Luci. You know Diavolo would give you the devildoms entire supply of tissues and medicine if he knew you were sick."

After he gets over his fit of needing to do anything and everything, he's quite easy to take care of

Will tell you exactly what he wants, needs, how much it is, and how to get it

Lucifer would probably be more of a medicine person than soup or tea

Definitely gets very fever high and it'll slowly chip at his wall

"Thank you for bringing me my meals, MC. It means so much to me that you'd go out of your way to take care of me. I appreciate you every second of every day."

Sick Lucifer likes it when you run your fingers through his hair, it'll lull him to sleep

Definitely wouldn't mind if you crawled next to him in bed and fell asleep to him, but I feel like if you do it a few times, fever high Luci will get pretty clingy.

"Why didn't you stay with me longer last night, MC? You left me cold."

Greed

You thought Mammon was already clingy?

Sick Mammon is the textbook definition of clingy

And it's even worse because he feels too fucking miserable to put up a fight with his tsundere self so all of his neediness is right there in the open

"MCCCCC Where ya goin!?!? I wasn't done with you yet! The Great Mammon wants to be fed soup."

Whiny. Very whiny. Oh my god so whiny.

"Why do I feel like my head is floatin' away from my body, huh? It's all foggy up here! Make it stooop"

And if you take a few seconds too long to say something,

"Oi! Are ya listenin' to me!? Pay attention, human!"

But will definitely make it up because sick Mammon is ✨lovey✨ Mammon

"I love you, human. Don't forget that, 'kay? I wouldn't let any other dumb little human take care of me like this. I feel like I can trust you."

Sicky Mammon loves soup. He wants the soup to be fed to him every time too.

Will aggressively feed it to himself if you deny him

"Dummy human, don't know what ya missin' out on, yanno!"

Absolutely melts under a n y touch that you give him

Likes it when you rub his chest a lot, it's very soothing

And as per usual, absolutely loves his hair being played with

An ideal night for sick Mammon would be cuddled up to his human with their hand in hair, watching movies and having soup fed to him until he falls asleep

He's a baby, protect him. Please.

Envy

Leviathan is very confused about why you're trying so hard to take care of him

He's holed up in his room all day anyway, what's the difference when he's sick? He can take care of himself!

But oh god when you bring him food and pets, he can't deny how loved it makes him feel

Anime Marathons! Anime Marathons!

Adores being all wrapped up in the blankets with you watching his favorite shows to make him feel better.

Brush his hair out of his face to check his fever. Do it. It'll break him.

Kiss him on the forehead afterwards if you really r e a l l y want to break him

Levi wouldn't care too much what you bring him, but he would like it to be hot to sooth his throat

He can't yell at his game with a sore throat.

Rub his chest and shoulders, it makes him feel like a big boy

Play with his hair that's usually in his face

Wrath

Angy boy is angy

Doesn't get why you're trying to take care of him, he's a big boy

At first he's a little annoyed by the gestures. Satan likes to do things for himself, he wants to feel capable.

If you're romantically involved with him though, he'll be nicer about it

"I don't know why you're bringing me my meals, kitten. I can still walk. Its just a small cold" proceeds to fall into a sneezing fit

When he's in his demon form, his tail sticks straight up when he sneezes-

Y'all gonna make me write an entire headcanon about how they sneeze I fucking swear.

Back on topic, Satan would like to have a book read to him while he's sick. Sometimes his vision gets a lil foggy and his head gets cloudy

Let him lay his head on your lap by the fire place. Run your hands through his hair and read him a novel.

After his initial fit of "fuck you i'm a big boy," he was by far the easiest to take care of

Any time you tell him to take a medicine, eat something, drink something, blow his nose, or get some rest he listens

Well now that he knows you have best intent in mind

And deep deep deep down in his aggressive heart, he kind of enjoys being bossed around by you

Lust

Asmodeus would be almost Mammon levels of whiny

"MC, am I still beautiful even though my nose is runny?"

"MC, I feel too heavy to walk to the bathroom and do my skincare. Can you do it?"

"MMMCCCCC~ come give me cuddles"

"MC! Feed me my medicine~"

On that note, Asmo doesn't care what you bring him as long as you feed it to him

He'll make it sensual as hell too

Will still try to kiss you all the time if you're okay with it

And you bet he'd be like, "You know what would make me feel better?" And definitely try to get in your pants.

Touch him literally anywhere. He won't care if its his face, dick, or left pinky toe. Just give him your love

Cuddle sessions will be a lot more loving.

Don't get me wrong, Asmo cuddle sessions are already very loving and sensual, but when he's siiiick

He's so so so SO soft

Professes his love for you at least once a day

Wants gentle kisses on his forehead, cheeks, and nose

Honestly, Asmo overall just wants to be held, loved, and taken good care of

You wouldn't be allowed to sleep in your room anymore. He wants your attention and care at all times.

Gluttony

How did you even get sick!?

You're h u g e man, and an athlete, you think you'd have more of a tolerance?????

Okay so on the slim chance that Beelzebub is sick

He is sO GOOD about letting you take care of him

You want him to take this medicine when the alarm rings? He'll down it before dismissing it!

You want him to drink this tea you gave him? It's delicious, MC~

Eat the soup? S a y l e s s

No Beel- you have to drink it slowly or else it won't help as much

Okay so he'll struggle a little bit on that part but he will do his best because he loves you and wants to make you proud.

Beelzebub would like it if during your sick cuddles, you laid on top of him while he had his arms around you

You take so much care of him, he wants to feel like he's caring for you too

Fever High Beel is chatty, honestly when you know Beel personally hes chatty anyways but he's worse under a sick spell

Will ask you literally every philosophical question that settles in his brain for at least a second

Some of them are straight up weird though man

"Why is there a D in fridge but not refrigerator?" Is one he has asked m u l t i p l e times.

Beel is a good puppy 💕

Sloth

Like his twin, Belphie is veryyyy easy to take care of when he's sick

He doesn't... Do much so it's not like he's gonna hop out of bed and run away from the medicine

Just opens his mouth with a little "ahh~" sound and drinks or eats whatever you shove in his face

He's moody sick though

Well he's always a little moody but when he's sick he's probably a grumpy ass boy

"Ehh, MC why am I sick again? All I smell is snot" he would huff

Likes to pick at your brain a little bit when he's sick

Just really loves listening to you talk all the time and it keeps him occupied enough when he feels like shit and you're there to go on the cute little rambles he loves

Being groggy helps him sleep better, so expect this beautiful little cowboy to pull you in for some more naps with him~

[rose-lord-of-simps]

5 Times Mammon Interupted Levy. 1 Time She Didn’t.

Levy x reader! GN reader! Fem Levi! Hi! Uh- NSFW. Also cursing is included! I wanted to write something funny though and this popped in my brain! Enjoy!

Note: normally my stuff doesn’t have many NSFW themes and typically I prefer to keep it more romantic and fluffy but not this time. However this is not smut and is a comedy piece. Enjoy!

Dialogue is colored this time around! Levy Mammon Asmo italics is the person on the phone.

1. When Levy told Mammon to shut up.

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

“So close!”

“Almost- almost there!”

“Keep going!”

“Come on, come on!”

Mammon heard Levy through the walls. That’s how loud she was. Mammon didn’t like to be a cock block or anything, especially not to Levy who- wait when was the last time she got laid? Wait... did she ever-? No they’ve been alive for centuries she’s had to! Wait never mind back to the problem at hand.

Mammon normally didn’t care if Levy was loud or not. She usually had her headphones to block out the noise. However, a certain sister was using them without permission and broke them. Stupid Satan, Mammon definetly didn’t steal your headphones.

Without her headphones she was left unprotected to Levy’s loud gaming nights until she got a knew pair. As much as Mammon loves her sister, the noise is getting annoying.

So here Mammon was, bathing into Levy’s room to embarrass her for being so loud then-

“FUCK YEAH EAT SHIT LOSERS EAT MY DUST YOU TWELVE YEAR OLDS!”

“LEVY WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?”

“SHUT UP IM PLAYING MINECRAFT! Mammon? GET OUT OF MY ROOM! GO! LEAVE!”

“OKAY OKAY BYE!”

Of course the only logical thing when you find your sister in the middle of a game is to leave as she throws various empty soda cans at you.

2. When Levy was on a phone call.

Mammon didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Again. Honest!

But when she hears her shut in sister say the words “I love you” and then another VOICE respond “I love you too” she’s gotta know what’s going on.

“I miss you so much darling, I can’t until I can see you again.”

“I miss you too my star, so much.”

Levy missed someone? Since when!?

“Remember last summer when all we did was go on picnics and have tea? You always found the perfect spot for us to sit.”

“Under the willow trees. Anything for you my star.”

When did Levy leave her room- Wait last summer!? Does Lucy know?

“And next time we see eachother I promise there will be absolutely no interruptions what so ev-“

Mammon just couldn’t take not knowing any longer. She had to know who-

Oh.

Oh she should have expected this.

“MAMMON GET OUT IM ON A PHONE CALL WITH RURI~CHAN!”

It was a game. It was a texting game. Of course it was.

3. When there was almost a first K word.

It was an average day.

Well I mean, they sisters’ new average.

It’s been a few months since the start of the exchange program and you finally managed to worm your way into Levy’s circle of trust.

You two were just in her bedroom binging a new sports anime called “that time sports all changed my life and I had a giant crush on half my team but the one who I ended up loving was my rival the whole time.” Or something.

It was nice. The anime had you two clinging to eachother in excitement.

The emotions each character displayed had the both of you tearing up at points.

Levy was so distracted, it wasn’t u til after the season finale she realized just how close you two were.

Oh boy.

Here we go.

Levy’s brain has been fried, once again, by how cute you are.

She started to move but when you held your grip on her she couldn’t bare to move away from you.

She looked you in your eyes that she always thought were just the perfect color. Not too light or too dark but always the eyes she adores.

She didn’t notice herself lean in. She didn’t notice pulling you closer.

Her hands were cold against your skin, they always were, they always left a chill on you.

One that made you lean into her more and somehow managed to light your soul aflame with want for her.

Levy’s face was closer to you than she’d ever had the courage to keep it before.

And then a pounding on the door.

“MC are you in there! I need your help with something!”

And there the mood went.

Levy realized how close she was to you and backed away immediately, leaving you truly cold.

4. When Levy was having a conversation with Asmo.

“Asmo! This time I have a power point presentation about why you should-... what is going on here?”

Mammon had walked in on a blushing Levy and an elated Asmo.

“Am I... inturupting something?”

“Yes!”

“Not at all!”

“Asmoooo! No we can’t tell her we absolutely can not.”

“But Levy Mammon knows how to do this too and honestly with the me there is no way you could go wrong but a little extra help isn’t a bad thing. Mammon is good at this too!”

“Good at what?”

“Nothing.”

“Sex.”

“ASMO!”

“Oh no Asmo’s right I can help what’s up?”

“No it’s nothing go away you stupid older sister!”

“Levy and MC are getting kinda serious so Levy wanted to talk about how to be more confident initiating intimacy so she came to her dear expert little sister!”

“Awww Levy I’m hurt you didn’t come to me for advice first!”

“SHUT UP I HATE YOU BOTH!

5. When Levy was kinda in the middle of something here.

Levy doesn’t know how she managed this.

She doesn’t even think it’s real.

Here was this gorgeous human kissing her of all demons when there are plenty of others who are a much better choice. Here you were, crawling on top of her and asking her if she wants to go further.

Here you were, asking her if she wanted more.

Clothes were forgotten on the floor.

Hands were desperately feeling for the other’s touch.

This was something new.

And no amount of anxiety or over thinking could of made her pull away.

She adores you with everything she is.

Her confidence was just starting to come to her when-

“Hey Levy did you ever- WOAH WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING TO MY HUMAN”

Thankfully pants were still on.

However Mammon’s head was about to be off.

+1. When Mammon finally learned.

Since then nothing but snuggles and cuddles has happened between you and Levy.

And to be honest?

You were fed up.

Every time you two would even so much as kiss something would interrupt you.

Levy was going insane.

Everytime she got comfortable and let her guard down, something spooked her.

And you could tell.

But not today.

No to-fucking-day Mammon!

Levy had been out for hours to get a new game she had been wanting forever that was only available in one store.

You stayed home this time, feigning sick. You were fine, obviously, and just told her you are too much.

You got her room ready.

Anime to binge - check.

Fluffy blankets - check.

Nerdy playlist because you’re both in love with anime dorks - check.

No interruptions - working on it.

This is the part where you bursted into Mammon’s room. Blackmail in hand.

Here we go.

“Mammon! I am going to have a nice evening with my girlfriend, Levy, ALONE. And if you so much as think about trying to get to either of us, I will personally hand this folder of evidence to Lucy.”

“Woah human, what evidence and for what crime? You got no proof I did anything.”

“Oh really? Tell me, what was the one prank Lucy never caught you on?”

“The cups in her office. Why?”

“So you admit you were the one who put all those cups in her office and made her lose hours of work time, ultimately making her sleep less and be extra cranky the next day?”

“Yes and it was hilarious! I wish I could’ve seen her face!”

You pull the recording pen out of your pocket. Yes. Yes you did just pull a Judy Hopps.

Mammon’s face looked pail as a ghost.

“Now you’re going to stay out of my room and out of Levy’s room and I will see you tomorrow at breakfast, or this pen will be hand delivered to Lucy.”

“O-Oi you don’t have to go that far! You could of just told me ta leave you alone!”

“Good.” And with that you left.

————

Mammon was bored. Very bored. There had been multiple times she almost got up to go look for you but then she remembered the pen.

And she sat her ass back down.

[theladyofdeath]

In the Bleak midwinter {17}

A Throne of Glass Period AU: 1920s.

Summary: 2 years after Arobynn Hammel is killed by Rowan Whitethorn, Maeve has returned from Eyllwe with a vengeance. Meanwhile, Rowan is getting married, Lorcan is a father, and Lysandra is finally ready to give her heart away. There’s been peace in The Cadre’s Orynth for 2 years, but peace never lasts.

A/N: Coming in close to the end!

All characters belong to SJM. I am no more than a fan with a plot.

**Warning: mature content - language, alcohol use, drug use, sex, murders and shit.

Links & masterlists:

Fanfic Masterlist

Ask me

The Cadre - 1920s AU {TOG}

In the Bleak Midwinter {The Cadre, Part 2}

Aelin didn’t know how long she and Lucy had been in that room, but she knew that she was cold, achy, and terrified. It took a while for Lucy to notice. She was a curious one, and pretty independent, so she could make herself comfortable in most places, especially once they had food. But, now, Aelin was running out of comforting conversation topics to have with a toddler as anxiety and fear thrummed through her veins. 

The food they were given hours ago had made her sick, although she tried to keep everything down, for Lucy’s sake. Meanwhile, every horrible outcome of what was taking place outside of the four concrete walls she sat inside had her heart beating faster. 

“Ae Ae,” Lucy began, and Aelin looked over at her, trying her best not to cry.

“Yes, Luce?” she replied, quietly. 

“Dada,” Lucy whispered, her lip wobbling, but before she could cry, the door was unlocked, and pushed open.

Aelin quickly snatched Lucy up as she stood and held the toddler tightly in her arms. 

Cairn stood there, looking as deadpan and serious as ever. “Come with me.”

“Where to?” Aelin asked, not moving a step.

Cairn showed no emotion. “Come with me, or I’ll lock you in here, again. It’s your choice.” 

Aelin hated that she didn’t hesitate. Instead, with Lucy in her arms, she followed Cairn out of the little room and through the winding hallways. 

The rest of the building wasn’t any better than the little room they had been trapped in. The stone walls continued, and Aelin didn’t feel comforted at all as they followed Cairn through the narrow hallways. Lucy was whining, which didn’t comfort Aelin either. Aelin should have been the one to comfort her but her own nerves were spiraling out of control.

Their walk seemed to last forever, but eventually, they came to a door. Lucy clung to the neckline of Aelin’s dress, and Lucy was grateful for it, it was the only thing that was keeping Aelin connected to reality.

Even though that reality was horrifying. 

Cairn pushed open the door and gestured for Aelin to enter. She was smart enough not to fight back or be stubborn, even though she so desperately wanted to both be stubborn and fight back. 

Maeve knew it, too, judging by the horrific smile on her red-painted lips as they entered. Aelin, Lucy in her arms, stopped just inside of the door with her chin raised high. 

“Mrs. Whitethorn,” Maeve crooned, as Cairn shut the door behind them. “How are you enjoying your stay?” 

“Food is shit,” Aelin said, plainly. Lucy’s whines had turned into a silent cry, her face buried into Aelin’s shoulder. “Is my husband on his way?”

Maeve’s eyes narrowed. “To the old train station, yes. In fact, he’ll be leaving that ungodly mansion of yours shortly.”

“Whatever you’re asking him for, he won’t give it to you,” Aelin said, shaking her head, but even as the words left her mouth, she knew she was wrong. For his wife, and his niece, Rowan would give Maeve whatever she wanted. 

As her dark eyes lit up, Aelin knew that she knew it, too. 

“I plan to test that theory,” she said, at last, her nails clicking on the hard desktop she sat behind. “Cairn.” 

Lucy was being removed from Aelin’s arms before she could even have a second thought. The second she was in Cairn’s arms, she was wailing. 

“No!” Aelin cried, taking a step forward to fight for her niece back, but a gun was cocked, and Aelin froze. 

Maeve didn’t hesitate as she pointed her pistol at Aelin’s head. “One more step, and you die, which would just be awful for all of us, wouldn’t it?” 

Aelin put a protective hand over her stomach, then looked at Lucy, who was being held by Cairn at Maeve’s right hand side. Aelin couldn’t help the tears that lined her eyes as she listened to Lucy cry. 

“Edward!”

The door opened and a man Aelin had never seen before entered the room and took Aelin’s arms behind her back. 

“Fuck you!” Aelin yelled, spitting at Maeve.

The woman snorted and set her gun down on her desk. Then, she nodded her head, and Aelin was hit in the back of the head, the rest of the world going dark around her. 

~~~~~

“They’re late,” Lorcan grumbled, his hands opening and closing at his sides. 

Rowan pulled the pocketwatch out of his breast pocket. Lorcan was right. It was two minutes past. 

“They’ll be here,” he snapped. 

Gavriel stood just behind them, watching the other side of the old abandoned platform, waiting, calmly. Fenrys was there, too, his jaw locked. They had left Aedion at home, watching and waiting in case anything happened there. Lysandra was with him, along with a hysterical Natalia. 

Just as Rowan’s patience was running short, he saw them coming. A sleek, black car was driving up, followed by one that was nearly identical. Rowan had no doubt to whom the cars belonged to.

No one moved, no one said a word as those cars pulled up to the other side of the broken tracks. 

They waited for a moment, and Rowan was about nearly to combust as the door to the first car opened and Cairn came out. He ascended the platform, and met their gazes as he approached.

Alone.

Before Rowan could open his mouth and spit out a retort, Cairn said, “Maeve sends apologies. She couldn’t make it, she was otherwise occupied.” 

“Where are they.” It wasn’t a question, but a demand. Rowan’s voice was low, calm. He didn’t want to even start thinking about where Maeve’s attention was.

“Depends which one you’re asking about,” Cairn replied, simply. 

Rowan froze, and it was Lorcan that growled, “Stop dancing around the subject, tell us the fucking conditions so we can get on with it.” 

Cairn stared at them, perfectly happy with Lorcan’s outburst. It’s why he let the silence ensue before saying, “Mr. Whitethorn comes with me.”

Gavriel’s shoulders tensed as Fenrys snorted. Lorcan had begun to say no, but Rowan interrupted them all, saying, “And Lucy and Aelin come back?” 

“I have Lucy in the car,” Cairn replied, simply, and when he didn’t go on, Rowan asked, “And my wife?” 

Cairn just smiled, slowly. 

“Well?” Rowan asked, after Cairn said nothing. 

“Lucy comes back to you now,” he said, quietly. “Aelin will be sent back to the estate when Rowan is safely delivered to Maeve.” 

“No,” Lorcan breathed, even though Rowan knew it hurt him to say it. “We find another way.”

“Lucy needs to be safe now,” Rowan said, quietly. “And Aelin needs to be safe now. I’ll be fine, and I’ll figure something out, but they need to be home, where I know they’re okay.” 

Lorcan stilled, but Rowan said, “Bring Lucy to Lorcan and I’ll come willingly.” 

“That undoes everything that we’ve fought for so far,” Fenrys muttered.

Rowan closed his eyes, knowing full well he was thinking of Connall. But Rowan wouldn’t have another death on his hands. Not his niece. Not his wife. He was done watching those he loved die, those that his family loved die.

He was over it.

Done.

Cairn waved a hand and the door to the second car was opened. A man in a suit came out, carrying Lucy, who was looking around with big, round eyes. The moment she spotted Lorcan, she began to cry, scream for him, but the second Lorcan took a step toward her, a gun was pointed at him.

So he stilled, and waited, even though it killed him to do so. The second Lucy was in his arms, though, he was clinging onto his daughter for dear life. 

“Dada.” She wept his name, and if Rowan had any sort of hesitation, Lucy’s little voice pushed him over the edge. Without looking back at his men, he took a step toward Cairn, then another, and another.

Before anyone could say anything otherwise, Rowan was shoved into a car and being driven away from the abandoned train tracks. 

Toward his aunt. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[mamaskillerqueen]

Maybe a song fic with Ben Hardy to the song "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift?

A/N: Hi anon!! So, I’m firstly going to apologise for how long this took me to get out. I just haven’t been loving it. I think I started over at least three times. I still don’t think that it’s my best but I do hope that you enjoy it!!

Four Years Ago: 

Is there anything worse than house parties?

If there was, it was house parties where you didn't know anyone. Your anxiety had already gotten the best of you, but to top it off with the only person you knew having left to be a host... this was not your ideal night. 

You'd met Joe the day you moved in next door. Having come a long way from your hometown to take up residency in New York, you were alone to unpack. That included all the furniture you had brought along to furnish your new townhouse just outside of the city limits. You were contemplating just sleeping on the hardwood floor because carrying your mattress up by yourself didn't sound appealing, when Joe came to your rescue.

Since struggling to get the furniture up the stairs, and yelling very loudly "Pivot!" at each other, you'd become pretty close friends. He was sitting on your couch during a FRIENDS marathon one day when he mentioned that his Borhap family was getting together at his later that week. Ben and Gwilym were supposed to be coming into town, and they were all going to be having dinner at Joe's. He extended an invitation and you immediately declined. 

The thing about your friendship with Joe was that he never let you turn down things that you'd later beat yourself up for. He insisted you be at his house, promising it was just a small get together. Somehow you didn't believe him... and here you were, standing in his foyer ready to bolt because this was not what you signed up for. As a good friend though, you elbowed your way further into the house, hunting for the kitchen. If you were going to stay, you were definitely going to need a drink.

"Y/N!" 

If it was possible to slur just a name, Joe was definitely doing it. Despite yourself, you smiled as your friend pulled you into a hug. He was drunkenly telling you how happy he was that you were here, vaguely pointed to his friend beside him but didn't actually introduce you two. Before you could even say anything else Ben, as you recognised him from all the Instagram posts, was pulling Joe away from you.

"Nice to meet you, love." 

He called it over his shoulder, even though you weren't actually introduced. How rude. 

Deciding that he wouldn't notice if you didn't stay, you quickly slipped out the way you came. The house reeked of smoke and sweat and booze, the combination of smells turning your stomach. It was good you were leaving, you wouldn't be missed because everyone was so out of their mind they wouldn't notice. Not to mention, you literally knew one person. He saw you, that was all that mattered. 

The next day you woke up earlier than usual, having gotten to sleep far earlier than you had anticipated. After your morning coffee, yoga, and a shower it was time to adult and go to the grocery. If you could get by just eating food delivered to your door step, you would. That would be the life, however, you couldn't. What even is a delivery expense if the driver doesn't actually see that extra money?

The day was nice, far too warm for being so early but you weren't going to complain. Much. With your purse over your shoulder, you locked the front door and started down the steps. Movement caught your eye on the steps next to you and that was when you got a really good look at Ben. Photos didn’t do him justice. 

Despite the direct eye contact, you completely ignored him as he started to wave. You came to the sidewalk as he was calling your name, trying to catch your attention. Without a word you looked up at him, a brow raised in question.

“Hope we didn’t keep you up too late last night.” 

There was a smugness to his tone that made you roll your eyes. It was a playfulness you hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“Slept like a baby.”  

You yelled over your shoulder at him, and went on your way. Most of your interactions went like this. A playful banter, and he often left you rolling your eyes. You didn’t see him too often though, only when he was out for a smoke at the same time you were passing by. Joe mentioned that Ben was crashing at his for a while, something to do with work. Anytime you were invited to hang out, you quickly declined. 

There was no way you were getting caught up in that party scene again. 

At least that was what you thought. Joe came by your place, insisting on squeezing in a few episodes of FRIENDS because it had been far too long. There was no refusing that but, that was your first mistake.

He swore it wasn’t going to be a huge gathering. Ben was wrapping up the project he’d been working on the last few months and Lucy and Rami wanted to say congratulations and goodbye before he hopped a flight back to England. You’d already missed your chance to meet Gwilym, and you weren’t going to lie, meeting Lucy sounded like a blast. 

One could always use more girlfriends. Or just a girlfriend, as you hadn’t made any since moving to the city. 

“Fiiiineee...”

The dramatics made him laugh, and despite yourself you laughed too. When the day finally came, you couldn’t help but feel kind of nervous. Even as you knocked on the door, it felt more like the first day of school than anything. You’d been playing this game with Ben for weeks now, almost like a cat and mouse. There was no denying you were interested though. 

If you were being completely honest, you may have completely stalked him on the internet. Probably more than once.... okay, definitely more than once. Something about the playful banter made you want to know him more. The only problem was, you didn't want to lose the light fun you always had when you interacted. We'll just pretend anxiety didn't play a part. 

In very Joe fashion, the party started out just the five of you but quickly developed into quite a bit of people. It was like every friend any of them had ever made ended up at Joe's house. The music was loud, because how else can one dance? They all just wanted to have fun, and sure after a few drinks that was definitely what you were having. You still barely knew anyone but it was a lot more than just one person now. 

Even with all the fun, you felt the need for some fresh air. The backdoor was much closer than the front, with far fewer people between you and it. You'd been back there a few times, loving the fact that your neighbour had a pool. Summer days were always great by the pool but as autumn was giving way to winter, the pool was the last thing on your mind. Or so you'd thought. 

"Hey." 

Ben's deep voice startled you as you closed the door behind you. You were probably a sight as you jumped, clutching your chest as your heart tried to jump out of it. After a moment you caught your breath and took a seat on the lounge chair beside him. 

"What are you doing lurking out here?" 

You were responded to with a laugh as he held up a cigarette. You nodded your head in answer and then turned to look over the pool. Joe hadn't closed it up, saying he was going to have a heater installed so that it was usable all year round. That was something you'd have to see to believe. 

Silence stretched out for a while but it was surprisingly comfortable. Until Ben finished his smoke, that is. He was over the silence, apparently, and ready to annoy you again. He quickly shed his jacket and pulled the beanie off his head.

"What are you doing?"

"We are going swimming, get up."

"Are you insane?" 

"Maybe. Let's go love." 

He had already taken off his shirt and shoes and was working on his belt by the time you gave up arguing. You just sat there and watched him as he dropped his pants. He looked over his shoulder at you once and then offered a wink before jumping into the pool. Clearly, he'd lost his mind.  

"What are you waiting for?"

"Summer, like a sane person." 

"You're so boring." 

The chuckle made your roll your eyes, a comeback wasn't going to help you. You slid from the seat, quickly removed your sweater and pants before quickly jumping into the pool. It was far more freezing than you had anticipated and when you surfaced again you couldn't help but gasp.  

"This was a stupid idea!" 

You were shivering but you weren't alone, no matter how much he tried to hide it. 

 "I didn't think you'd actually do it." 

"You thought wrong." 

 Three Years Ago: 

You were more than surprised to see how quickly your friendship with Ben grew from that night on. He left only two days after the pool night but you didn't go a day without talking. It was weird for you but somehow through the distance you'd grown closer. So much closer that you found yourself hopping a flight to London and crashing on his couch. 

It was that trip to London that ended in a relationship. 

Trips back and forth weren't a rare occasion. You often found yourself in London, and if you weren't there, it was a guarantee to find Ben in your bed in New York.

"I know you were planning on coming back to London with me this week but I've had a change of plans." 

You were laying in bed, the chill of winter crippling your little town house. It was late, the midnight sky leaving just a soft moon light coming through the blinds. You were wrapped up in Ben's arms, your head resting on his bare chest. It had been nearly a year since the party at Joe's house. Nearly a year of being together. 

"And, what kind of change are we talking?"

"I've gotta get a flight home to see my brother. He and his wife are expecting a daughter any day now." 

A smile pulled the corners of your lips up, your eyes transfixed on the finger that was drawing mindless patterns on his chest. He always spoke so fondly of his brother, and he'd been so excited to become an uncle. It was all he'd spoke about since he found out.

"I promised to help paint the nursery." 

You hadn't realised how long the silence had stretched on until he'd spoken again. 

"Sounds like a lot of fun." 

He hummed and silence stretched again. It was so long this time you'd nearly fallen asleep. 

"Come with me." 

You were surprised, the thought of meeting his family was crazy. It was probably way over due but it still made you quite nervous. You still agreed to go, and you both got there with perfect timing. The day you landed his sister-in-law went into labour, leaving the two of you to get the finishing touches done on the nursery. 

It was so much fun, getting to paint the walls and move all the furniture back in. You'd gotten to meet his parents when they dropped by before going to the hospital to meet the baby. It was a great time, and you weren't sure what you had been worried about before. Ben insisted on staying behind and waiting to meet his new niece until she made it home. 

Something about him seemed off after his parents left. He wasn't as excited, it seemed like something was bothering him. You waited until you had everything in its rightful place before you even attempted broach the subject. 

"You wanna talk about it?"

He looked up with a raised eyebrow, as if he didn't know that he was completely obvious about his feelings. For someone who often wanted to hide the way he was feeling, and for being an actor, he was terribly unconvincing.  

"It's nothing." 

Normally, you weren't one to push. When you uttered the same words you wanted enough respect from someone to be left alone for you to deal until you were ready to talk. Today seemed to be an exception.

"It's not nothing. This should be a happy occasion right?" 

It was after the words left your mouth that you felt maybe you were the problem. Maybe he felt as though he wished he hadn't brought you along? 

"Do... is it... I mean, is it me? Do you not want me here?" 

You stuttered as you got the words out and when you finally managed a coherent sentence you were immediately soothed with a 'NO! Of course, I want you here'. He sighed and then motioned for you to follow him. You made your way down the stairs to the kitchen where coffee was immediate set to make.

"I just look at all of this, and you deserve this one day." 

He motioned around the house and as you looked around your brow furrowed. This was just stuff, and with how well his career was taking off, he could more than afford to give you stuff. Not that you wanted any of it. For you, all that mattered was that you had him. 

"You're going to have to elaborate, darling." 

He chuckled at you before explaining further what was bothering him. 

"One day, when it's time for you to have a baby.. if that's what you choose, you should know that your husband is going to be there with you." 

"And you can't provide that?" 

The confusion was clear in your voice as well as on your face. Ben always told you that you were such an open book, and easy to read. You never took that as a compliment until times like these when you wanted to convey your genuine feelings.

"Not if I'm on a set thousands of miles away from you." 

He seemed so genuinely upset but all you could do was scuff at this. When he heard your reaction his head shot up to look at you. Now it was his turn to be confused. 

"I don't need any of this. I need you. It doesn't matter if your thousands of miles away or not. I would marry you with paper rings. All of the ex's, the fights, the flaws, we wouldn't be here. I adore you, if that hasn't been abundantly clear the last year or so. As for the rest of it... we can figure it out as we go. You and me. We got this."

Your shoulder bumped against his, and he couldn't help but break out into a smile. You could tell almost immediately that he felt much better. In return a smile lit up your own face, your head falling to his shoulder as you hugged his arm. 

"I think you're pretty great too, just so you know." 

Present Day: 

The mosh pit that was happening in your stomach was becoming rather annoying. You just wished your baby knew what night and day time were. The clock on the bed side table flashed a ridiculously early time at you, informing you that sleep wasn't happening any longer. 

Nights like this was when you found yourself reminiscing. It hadn't been very long after sitting in Ben's brother's kitchen that you ended up engaged. Even shorter time frame from that you were married. The shotgun wedding was only six months ago, and here you were five months pregnant. Sometimes it all felt so fast but then you looked at the snoring butt head beside you and you didn't mind one bit. 

You found yourself marveling at the fact that when you first met, you kind of hated him, and then you stalked him on the internet, and now you watch him breathe. Kind of crazy how life works out. Who knew moving into that small little townhouse in New York was gonna change your life so drastically, so quickly. Not that you were complaining.

"You're staring darling, and quite frankly it's a bit creepy."

His thick and sleepy voice startled you, making you jump before chuckling. Normally, he would have been laughing with you but he was clearly too tired for that. 

"Can't sleep?" 

"I'll get there eventually, go back to bed. I love you." 

His hand reached over, finding your growing stomach and rubbing soothing circles. They were slow and lazy, but they seemed to do that trick as the summer salts that were happening came to a slow and then a halt all together.

"I love you too. Both of you."

[regrettablewritings]

How They Spend the Quarantine (Tadashi Hamada, Lucifer Morningstar, Dewey Finn, Wade Wilson, Harley Quinn, & Benoit Blanc)

Just a fun (?? is that even responsible to say?) little thing I’ve been thinking about while slogging through this neverending hellscape of an extended lockdown.

Tadashi Hamada

When San Fransokyo was ordered to go into a lockdown, there were mixed feelings.

At first, Tadashi had a hint of optimism that this would mean more time to work on his prospective projects . . . But then he quickly realized that his projects mostly required tools and space offered by the campus. He could technically make do at home, but it wouldn’t quite be the same considering the garage was considered Hiro’s space.

Somberly had to clean out his lab and take whatever he could home.

Cue the rest of the group (sans Fred and Hiro) griping that at least his style of science could travel well enough to be somewhat continued off of university grounds.

Helps do delivery for The Lucky Cat. It helps him get out the house, and it’s simply helpful altogether.

Uses Baymax frequently to make sure everyone down to Mochi is sanitized, and nobody’s running a fever.

Nearly as frequent a sanitizer as Aunt Cass.

He starts most days prepared to be productive, only to stop and poke fun at Hiro, who’s almost always got his eyes trained on a video game.

Tadashi realizes three hours later that he, too, has been playing the game as Player 2.

Learned how to make facial masks with Aunt Cass. He already knew how to sew a little but frankly, making the masks made him realize he could have a new hobby on his hands. He’s currently trying to figure out how to make Mochi a little vest . . .

Lucifer Morningstar

B o r e d. A s. F u c k.

At first, he thinks everyone being forced to go home would work in his favor -- surely some rule-breakers would sneak out and try to bunk up with the Devil, right?

Well . . . Kinda? Once Chloe found out and scolded him about it, the idea died real fast. Plus, he realized he wasn’t quite fond of the possibility of being around someone who could pop up with a disgusting human sickness at any point during their time with him. Smearing their snot all over, coughing into his Egyptian cotton sheets . . . Nope, never mind, he is perfectly content having the penthouse to himself, thank you very much!

Except he’s not.

The poor bastard is going crazy by himself -- he’s just not used to being without some kind of company!

“At least in Hell, you could tell there were people around you based on the screaming!” he’d whine at his phone during his hourly video chat with Chloe.

Oh yes: The video chats. He tries to make them hourly with anyone he can get a hold of (namely, his long-suffering detective) but this clearly never plays out as he would like for it to: If he had it his way, everyone would respond in an instant and let him bounce mainly one-sided conversations off of them -- basically, what he did before all this went down.

What usually winds up happening is he gets hung up on or nobody answers him at all out of sheer annoyance over his clinginess.

Ironically, he’s not exactly crazy about when Amenadiel initiates those “family calls”. He insists it’s healthy and normal for them to do this and even calls Luci out on the hypocrisy, but let’s face it: Lucifer finds it obnoxiously gushy and weird.

He works his way into Linda’s video appointment books to help him cope with his boredom and admitted need for interactions. She doesn’t mind offering him counsel, but once Lucifer starts attempting to butt in during others’ appointment calls, it becomes an issue.

Has, at some point, gotten buzzed down in Lux and streamed himself attempting to pole dance. It drew quite a bit of attention.

He’s managed to gain a bit of a following and some companionship by streaming himself playing piano and singing. It’s not the same thing as having an actual audience, in his opinion, but it will have to do for now.

He’s never been one to binge with regards to TV shows or movies, but after the first week, he decided to binge watch every work action star Wesley Cabot was ever in.

Makes sure his staff still gets paid well. After all, he’s pretty well-off; there’s no need to make an innocent bartender’s life a living hell just because some other rich bastard fucked up, yeah?

Going off this, should he need to order to-go or anything, we already know he tends to tip as handsomely as he looks.

Dewey Finn

Kids were being sent to Horace Green on tuitions worth more than what some people saw in half a year -- of course the school was going to continue classes online!

While technically an afterschool instructor, the program is popular enough for parents to expect it to continue, and for Dewey to be kept on payroll.

Initially, he was pretty smug: He’s one if, if not, the youngest teacher-figure at Horace Green, so surely that means he’s more tech savvy than his older, stiffer coworkers, right? For once, he’s ahead of the curve!

Wrong: Figuring out Zoom was a headache, and then there was the realization of just how dependent his classes were on actual physical presence.

Plus, let’s be real: Dewey’s Internet connection was decent on its own, but craptastic when compared to those of his wealthier students. The lag is strong with this one.

Has definitely accidentally messed up the background on his screen. Somehow wound up with the Beetlejuice background and got so frustrated, he wound up keeping it there for two whole sessions.

In spite of the slight issues regarding lag, they pull through and try to resume lessons as best they can.

Tries to keep optimism by pointing out how this is a new form of entertainment they could be pioneers in.

Some days, it’s just going so wack or everyone’s so bleh that Dewey just assigns for them to watch a music documentary or something.

“Okay, kids, Mr. Finn’s hungover and clearly Summer is the only one who went to bed before 3am. So what I’m gonna have you do is watch . . . Prrrbbbb . . . Amadeus.” “How is Amadeus rock-related?” “It had a rock single, shut up. Anyway, we meet back next class and talk about what we saw, m’kay? M’kay. Over and out.”

Next class, he’s filled with dread as Summer produces an in-depth analysis of the relationship or lack thereof between character and the presence of talent as evidenced by Mozart’s abilities juxtaposed with his immature presentation and -- Dewey just can’t keep up. Sure, Summer, why not?

When he’s not busy teaching, however, he’s using the lockdown to work on some new material. Or just screwing around.

Otherwise, let’s be real, Big Boy’s living the high life in a place of his own: Playing video games (Animal Crossing, recently got back into Team Fortress 2, is trying to finally finish Ocarina of Time); eating a not very great diet; staying up late, napping at weird times; all in the name of quarantine.

If he orders delivery or to-go, he tips the best he can.

Wade Wilson

On one hand, murking never goes on lockdown. But on the other . . . He’s already technically not well, why risk that even with his mutation?

Oh, fuck I just remembered he lives at the X Mansion, never mind turn back turn back oh god give us free --

The situation is tense to say the least. There’s Wade, who’s sensible enough to know why the quarantine is in place . . . and then there’s everyone else, who knows Wade’s full of shit.

And by everyone, I “coincidentally” mean Colossus, Nega Sonic, Yukio, Domino, Cable, and Russ because the already small world of the sequel just got smaller by the fact that everyone is bound to a large but nonetheless single estate whose size has probably decreased from that of the First Class timeline.

You know those videos of the usual Quarantine Characters? Wade is somehow yet still unsurprisingly all of them, save for the frequent sanitizer. He raids the pantry frequently, sleeps at all hours, considers scooting a swivel chair down the halls exercise for the thighs, blasts video games, and so on.

Going back to the sanitizer thing, it’s not that he’s just not exactly known for being tidy. Colossus occasionally does drag him out of bed at a decidedly decent time (read: any time before 11am) to try and get him excited about cleaning up around the mansion, but it rarely ends well. At this point, the safest option is to just remind Wade to wash his hands for 20 seconds as necessary.

Has acquired a Switch and visits everyone’s island, often to bonk them on the head with a net or gift them with weird crap they don’t necessarily want. For the “friends” from Sister Margaret’s, he has somehow acquired their Dodo Codes. Nobody knows how he did this. 

Facetimes Dopinder frequently.

“Precious, you’re the beacon of light in this cold, cruel world.” “I miss you, too, DP --” “Sshshsh! I’m having a moment . . .” *weeps*

On the many occasions he orders delivery, he tips by giving the delivery person something expensive from the mansion that they can sell. Prof. X is loaded, after all. Plus, he more or less isn’t even present in this universe, it’s not like he’s gonna miss anything he can’t see/probably doesn’t even know exists in his house. The problem is, Colossus does exist and does notice and does care when things go missing. Leading to many a delivery person getting caught up in shenanigans at that weird school in the boonies that they either don’t get paid enough to deal with or couldn’t pay to make up.

“Oh, pawn shops are closed?” asks the man who looks like a skinned avocado if avocados had human skin. “Don’t worry, lemme hook you up -- I know some guys --” “DEADPOOOOOLLL!!” roars a Russian accent from inside the house. “WHERE IS THE BRONZE BUST OF THE PROFESSOR!?” The poor delivery person’s eyes widen as they realize that the odd cargo they’ve been presented with apparently holds some value of some kind. But before they can flee, the avocado man blurts, “Shit! Leave the pizza in the bushes, look me up on my Youtube page, byyyeeee!!”

In his defense, Wade does hold up his end of the deal. Much like the Dodo Codes, nobody knows what strings he pulled. They just accept it and move on.

Harley Quinn

Surprisingly compliant.

She’s crazy, not stupid: Staying at home may suck, but what sucks more is making things harder on people who may not fair so well. Besides, she’s spent time in a maximum security prison -- she can handle staying cooped up in her own home. At least home has TV, books, and snacks.

When she hears people are still going out without masks or plotting to have a protest, she strongly considers firing up the old Fun Gun and popping the next sign-carrying Karen she sees with a tit full of cadmium yellow powder.

Seriously, stay the fuck home and fuck up your own hair; this is the perfect time to make mistakes with your looks, it ain’t like you got anywhere to be or anyone to impress.

“STAY THE FUCK HOME, BITCH!” P O W!!! “JUST GO GREY ALREADY, WE ALL KNOW YOUR HAIR AIN’T THAT COLOR ANYMORE, YOU’RE THREE YEARS FROM BEING IN THE GODDAMN AGE-BRACKET!!!” P O W!!!!

Only leaves her new apartment to grab groceries and to take Bruce on a walk. She actually refuses to steal or cause a scene during this shitshow because she may be a bad guy, but she sure ain’t evil.

So far, there haven’t been complaints about the fact that she’s walking a hyena down a public street. Maybe it’s because there’s hardly anyone out? Maybe it’s because Gothamites just can’t be bothered to be fazed by it . . . Or maybe it’s because she made him a little mask for his snout.

“In this house, we wash our hands for at least 20 seconds, kid.”

Lets the forest reclaim the earth, so to speak. She was never really shaving anything for anyone but herself before, but now it just seems especially pointless.

Spends almost every day in a kigurumi. To give her a semblance of routine, she has a pink bear one she calls her “Sunday Suit.” She doesn’t know it’s not Sunday because the days just blur but Cass just doesn’t have the heart to tell her; she seemed so proud of herself . . .

Like everyone else, she’s gotten Animal Crossing. She’s trying to create an all-preppy island with a few exceptions (Astrid = Aesthetic, m’kay?)

Tips nicely when ordering delivery.

Benoit Blanc

As young and spry in nature as the gentleman sleuth would like to think of himself, he would really rather not test the dangers of the situation and go about all foolhardy -- he’s staying home!

In theory, it’s only logical and therefore perfectly fine. But in practice . . . God, he wishes he’d invested more in things to occupy himself with when home.

It wasn’t that Benoit was never home, he just never felt too much of a need to invest in a fancy entertainment center -- the fanciest he ever got was an iHome.

The beginning of the quarantine served as the perfect time for him to read over case files, catch up on paperwork, even catch up on some reading he’d been putting on hold since God knows when due to cases popping up left and right. But that dried up quicker than he’d assumed, and that’s when he was faced with what a man of his mind dreads the most: Boredom.

Finally caved and decided to hook up Amazon Fire.

Expected to use the one-month free trial on Netflix and be just fine but once the lockdown in his area got extended and he realized he wasn’t going to be able to catch up with Crazy Ex-Girlfriend at this rate, he caves even further and buys a subscription.

Fully delights at the influx of platforms uploading Broadway recordings; when The Show Must Go On put on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, followed by The Phantom of The Opera, it was a treat, I tell you!

Sanitizes often, despite hardly ever leaving his house besides to have a smoke or to go grab groceries. Honestly, it’s less about cleaning at this point so much as it is finding something to occupy his focus when he feels there’s nothing else to so.

Takes zinc after every meal to help lessen the intensity of any ailment that might hit him.

Definitely owns a facemask. There’s a good chance it’s from Marta or one of his relatives, and there’s another good chance the pattern is as flamboyant as his clothing. He’s delighted.

Benoit tries not to rely too much on delivery,  as he’d much rather just cook. On the rare occasion where tipping comes up, however, he gives as generously as he can.

Bonus: There’s a slight chance he might have acquired a companion to foster early on in the quarantine. Benoit hadn’t had a pet since childhood, a crime of which he was admittedly melancholic of his own involvement. However, his surprisingly busy lifestyle just wouldn’t suit a four-legged friend, now could it?

Well, now there’s time to. Besides, it would certainly ease the potential feeling of loneliness to have someone or something with whom he could interact with.

Admittedly, when shelters began encouraging people to invest time in taking home a companion, he’d been looking more for a comrade on the canine side of the spectrum -- but darn, if Duke wasn’t a handsome cat.

A lovely grey-and-white cat with eyes that matched his own, Duke has become the one Benoit monologues to (because in all honesty, the man is a performer at heart, in need of an audience to speak his mind to and portray a thought before). Plus, he doesn’t appear to mind it when Benoit finds himself belting out in tone-deaf notes to showtunes while washing the dishes: The mark of a true companion.

At this rate, he’s probably not going to keep fostering Duke when things calm down -- he’s probably going to just straight up adopt him.

Stay safe & healthy!

[antomec]

i am yours, so hold me tight

i am off hiatus? who the fuck knows. anyway you can also find this on AO3 and FF.net!

words: 1409 pairing: canalu summary: "i saw you sniffing that hoodie," lucy says without preamble. "please tell me you're not giving me stinky clothes."

the first time cana is introduced to lucy, she's sporting a raging hangover and drinking far too many espresso shots to cure it. mira – what a dear – props up cana's sunglasses and shields her eyes with her hand. "this," she announced proudly, "is my best friend cana."

cana weakly waves, eyes still scrunched up. "hello." she can vaguely make out blonde hair and ribbons, and an air of nervousness. cana always been good at noticing that sort of stuff.

"cana alberona," she introduces herself once more, pushing away mira's hand. "i'm in economics, and i like drinking. you?"

mira sits lucy down and titters from beside her. "cana can drink anyone under the table. and i mean that. i think the only one she can't beat is her dad."

cana rounds on her. "hey! no mention of him. it's only because of him that i'll die early of a damaged liver."

and that's when lucy laughs. it's also when cana remembers that she falls for cute girls too easily. really. the bar is very low.

lucy digs around in her backpack and brings out a little juice box. "it's nothing alcoholic, but i figure you should hydrate yourself, what with that hangover you have," she says.

oh, the bar is so, so low.

"i told you not to over do it and then what do u do! over do it!" cana isn't furious, she's just playing the part, but lucy's sad eyes and pout makes her want to baby her, and cana just doesn't think she has it in her to get out of it feelings unscathed if she tried to baby lucy. "okay you dumbass, what's your room number?"

lucy mumbles something too quiet to hear, and cana gently jostles her. "you're so mean!" lucy wails. "i said i don't remember. i'm too drunk to remember."

cana looks heavenward. curse her heart for being weak to pretty girls.

"okay. okay." she breathes deeply. "mira is with her girlfriend, so i'm not calling her, natsu is still at the party so he's pretty much wasted." cana looks at lucy. "hey, would you be comfortable sleeping over at mine?"

and maybe it's a trick of the light, but cana swears she sees a little smile playing on lucy's lips. it's gone as quick as a flash however, and cana's left questioning herself.

lucy seems to lose any sort of inebriation however, when she looks into cana's eyes and firmly nods. cana makes a face, and tells her, "alright then. sleepover time!"

later, when lucy is in a spare change of clothes and curled up peacefully in cana's bed, cana will wonder why she didn't try calling lucy's roommate juvia instead of giving up her own bed.

the rain is so cold. cana hates the rain. it's also why she always has an umbrella and a spare shirt in her trunk. she got caught in the rain once on a day where she had a presentation in class, and she'd never been more mortified than that day, presenting in a class full of twenty something's with wet hair and a half dry t-shirt.

she shakes out her umbrella and steps out of her car only to see a blond whirlwind nearly crash into her. i'm sorry!" the little ball of hair says, and cana takes a second to figure out who it is.

"lucy? is that you?" cana ventures.

lucy looks up, and that's when cana realises that lucy's wearing white. actual white clothes on a rainy day.

"oh my god, you're drenched!" cana exclaims. "get inside the car, i'll give you some clothes to wear!" she unlocks the car and all but shoves lucy into it. "lucy bangs on the window. "this is kidnapping!" she yells goodnaturedly.

cana grins, and rounds to the back of the car. she pops the trunk open, and fishes out the pale blue hoodie she has stashed for emergencies. she closes the trunk while she discreetly sniffs the hoodie. it doesn't smell bad but it's the only change of clothes she has so it'll have to do for now.

"i saw you sniffing that hoodie," lucy says without preamble. "please tell me you're not giving me stinky clothes."

"you brat, be glad with what you get!" cana throws the hoodie at lucy in the backseat. her face softens. "if it does smell i have some deodorant in the glove box."

"oh thank goodness, i was wondering how to turn this magnificent but stinky hoodie down," lucy jokes, and cana blindly swats at her from the driver's seat. cana hands the deodorant over anyway.

"hurry up," she says instead. "i think we're both kinda late to class."

cana walks lucy upto her building even though it's a bit out of her way, because of course the little goblin doesn't have an umbrella. cana assures lucy that it's no big deal, but lucy doesn't relent and steals cana"s phone to type in her phone number. "text me, she says, " i'll treat you to dinner as thanks."

she doesn't give time for cana to reply as she quickly skips away.

"cana, stop laughing this is awful!" lucy's tinny voice comes through cana phone placed on the table. cana is mid laughter, and trying her best not to mistype her assignment due that night.

"you have to admit," cana begins. "it's kinda funny."

"no it is not! lucy says shrilly, and cana dissolves into giggles again.

the scene is this: lucy is locked out of her apartment ("that i pay half the rent for!" she tells cana) because her roommate has a "friend" over ("she had the nerve to use quotations,cana!). cana calls to ask for lucy's notes from a shared lecture, and she's now subjected to a ten minute whining of how lucy has nowhere to stay.

which is a lie of course, lucy is always welcome at cana's. lucy knows this, and cana knows lucy knows this, so this is basically lucy trying to wheedle an invitation out of cana just for the sake of it.

well tough luck if cana is going to give it to her that quick.

"aw poor baby," cana croons instead. "do you want a bandaid and a kiss to make you feel better?"

lucy sputters on the other end and lets out an indignant squawk. "no! what i want is revenge because juvia knows that i have a lab exam tomorrow and i need to get enough sleep for it!"

"wait," cana pauses typing. "your lab final is tomorrow?"

"uh huh." lucy says. cana can almost hear the pout in her voice.

cana sighs. "alright, you've cracked me open like a walnut. would you like to stay over?"

"yes of course, you're the best, thank you so much!" lucy says in a rush, and cana snickers at the change in tone.

"okay then, make your way over," cana says, trying her best to keep her smile out of her words.

lucy does treat her to dinner soon, and cana acts like a lovestruck teenager trying to decide what to wear. she throws out her whole wardrobe looking for her lucky jeans ("yes but lucky for what?," mira asks. "what exactly are you hoping for here," she adds wiggling her eyebrows for good measure until cana pushes her off the bed.)

it's a smooth affair, and while there are awkward pauses in conversation, cana thinks it's nice. lucy is an avid talker, and there isn't a thing under the sun she doesn't know a little about, and when cana tells her about the brewery back home that her dad runs, her eyes are as big as dinner plates as she says "that's so cool!"

lucy doesn't divulge much about herself, merely mentioning that her family is estranged and not on good terms with her. cana leaves it at that, and instead brings up her classes as a distraction. lucy brightens up at that, and describes all her worst teachers in the funniest way possible that cana snorts sparkling water through her nose.

and when the bill is paid and they walk back to their apartments, cana hesitates but does it anyway. she sneaks a hand through lucy's and interlaces their fingers together. lucy to her credit doesn't break stride. instead she comments, "i was wondering how long it would take for you to do that." she looks up at cana and grins widely.

and cana grins back at her too.

[nalulovelife]

Secret Santa for @petri808 !

     I’m soooo sorry this is late! I was really trying to cram a lot in, and I bit off a bit more than I could chew. So, I really put my heart and soul into this fic! It’s Christmas related and really fun. It is a modern AU, but I suppose you can interpret some things differently and make it in their time. I hope you like it!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Christmas Cuddles 🥰 

     Natsu promised! He promised to be home by Christmas. But low-and-behold, he’s not here. Ughh...I’m sure you’re confused, maybe just a bit, but let me take you back to the beginning of the week, the 21st, when all this drama started...

     I quickly shot open my eyes at the sudden loud noise that arouse from behind me. I’m generally not a light sleeper, I don’t wake up easily at all, but this noise freaked. me. out. Even though my eyes had shot open, they were still heavy and droopy. I sat up almost immediately and grabbed whatever was in my reach.

     “Who’s there!” I yelled, but in a mildly croaky, I-just-woke-up, voice. I had grabbed the big, fluffy pillow I was sleeping on and pointed it at the window behind me. It was silent for a moment and I thought ‘well, maybe it was just a dream’ as I was about to reset my pillow in its rightful position, I heard a stifled noise.

     “Pffffftttttt!!” The noise sounded. I squinted at the figure that had opened my window and was sitting on the window sill. Only ONE person would do that, well, him, and his crazy blue cat.

     “Wha- Natsu! What are you- It’s 1:00 in the morning!” I yelled at him, his voice finally breaking out into high pitched laughter. He clung onto the window above him with his hands, laughing hard enough to which he had to. I groaned and rolled my eyes, laying back down and covering my face with my fluffy pillow. Once he calmed down, he finally spoke.

     “C’mon, Luce! It’s all just fun and games!”

     “Not when someones braking in!” I yelled at him through my pillow. He stood, more like sat, in silence for a while - as did I. I quietly stared at the pillow covering my face, waiting for him to do something. I waited a few more minutes, still in complete silence. Then I heard him moving. I could feel him staring at the pillow above my face, as he did this often. W-well, I don’t cover my face w-with pillows like, all the time, he just stares at my face a lot while I’m sleeping! Now that just makes him sound like a stalker..! Well, back to reality. I then felt the pillow move, just slightly, before it was lifted from my face. My hands were like noodles, they slid off the pillow quite easily. He threw the pillow from his hands onto the floor. We were staring at one another, eyes agape. I was laying down on my bed, and he was hanging on my bed frame - like a child, might I add - in front of the window he was just hanging on. He began to lean down, - I have no idea how, but he did - as I began to lean upward, propping up my elbows on my bed. We became close enough, close enough to feel each others mild breath on each others skin. In a boldly fast, yet, hot, move, he kissed me. Of course, who was I to oppose. It was a light and gentle kiss, but full of passion. It was just one kiss, then we pulled away. He did some weird maneuver, then plopped down next to me on my bed. He let out this big, disgusting, yawn, I scoffed at his boyishness.

     “So, what’s up Luce?” Natsu spoke grinning at me.

     “Ugh your disgusting.”

     “Tell that to the cute smile on your face.” Natsu backed talked, making me realize my ginormous smile that had crept up on my face. I blushed momentarily, but when I saw him blushing, I laughed, I realized what he said.

     “Did you...Did you just say that I was cute..?” I smiled, teasing him.

     “Ummmmm...No? Yeah, no. No. No no no no-”

     “Yes you did!”

     “No I didn’t!”

     “Yes you did, and don't you say you didn’t!” We bantered back and forth, laughing when we were done. He gave me a peck on the cheek, and we both settled down a bit. 

     “So, where’s happy? You’re always, like, walking him or carrying him around in a matching backpack.” I spoke as I laughed. 

     “Oh, he’s sleeping. I want him rested in the car ride for the trip, or else he's gonna be a cranky kitty!” Natsu spoke in a little baby voice - more like kitty voice. I was a little confused, however.

     “Trip? What trip?” I asked Natsu, confused.

     “Oh, yeah. That’s what I was coming to talk to you about...” Natsu spoke, losing the happiness in his voice, sounding very lets-get-to-buisness.

     “Uh, ok?” I said, kinda weirded out.

     “So, work called. They said I need to check out some business thingy over in Clover. It’ll be a ton of meetings and it’s very urgent, apparently.” Natsu spoke. I suddenly had this feeling of dread and sadness crawl up my spine and into my shoulders. 

     “Clover?! B-but Clover is 9 hours away! Natsuuuu!” I yelled in annoyance. He very rarely has work complications, and especially not during the holidays. He’s even off on Christmas!

     “Luce, I know your upset-”

     “No! You can’t call me “Luce” right now! You’re being a...a...a butt-head!!” I yelled at Natsu. He looked at me a caressed my cheek with his soft palm. I calmed down instantly. Damn that ass knows how to push my buttons!

     “Luce, I know your upset, and we have plans for Christmas, but I promise, I promise promise promise I’ll be back for Christmas Eve. At the absolute latest, 12:00 on Christmas morning. We’ll have Christmas cuddles on Christmas! Lucy, I promise...” Natsu spoke softly. I tried to keep it together. I wouldn't meet his eyes.

     “S-so, w-when do you leave...?” I asked, obvious sadness in my voice. 

     “My plane leaves early tomorrow morning. I can stay the night if you want.” Natsu spoke, still in his soft, calming voice. I finally met his eyes and pulled out a tiny smile.

     “O-ok” I spoke. He hugged my waist and we laid down together, cuddling.

     “You promise?” I asked, my eyelids becoming heavy again against his hot torso.

     “Yeah, Luce. I promise it’ll be the best Christmas ever-” I fell asleep, as he paused his speech. I heard a light chuckle.

     “Night, Luce. Love you.”

     ‘Love you too.’ I spoke in my head.

Early Morning - Dec. 22nd

     I woke up the next morning at 8:00, and hour later than usual. Damn Natsu, probably kept me awake too long.

     “Natsu! You kept me up-” I paused. He wasn’t there. My eyes made their way into a frown. He was gone. He had left. Without saying goodbye, well, at least to my conscious mind. I rubbed my eyes and glanced over to where he had been sleeping. I saw a slightly crumbled piece of paper, he probably got it from my notebook. I turned it over and read his note. It was simple. The usual “I’m sorry, Goodbye, Love you” thing that guys - and girls - do in movies when their leaving. Usually, they don’t come back. I decided to text Levy, to see if we could hang out, maybe do some late Christmas shopping. She agreed, and we were off about an hour later. We ran into a lot of the other girls there, and we started hanging out with them too. It was a great way to occupy my time. I even got Natsu a little something, I know he’ll love it.

Afternoon - Dec. 23rd

     Today is present wrapping day. I thought I would invite the girls over again and make a day of it, they were a great distraction last time, but today their all spending time with their boyfriends. Soooo...It’s just me and Plue, he’s the cutest dog ever! I tried texting and calling Natsu this morning, but it didn’t deliver, he’s most likely in a rural part of Clover, they have NO service there whatsoever. All I just keep thinking about is Natsu! He leaves occasionally for longer periods of time and I do just fine! So, why am I like this now?

     “Ugghhhhh!!” I sighed.

     “Boys are so stupid!”

Late Afternoon - Dec. 24th

     I scrummaged through my closet to find the dress I had bought two days ago. It was perfect for this Christmas party Gramps was hosting at his giant academy. Gramps made this great academy for training of certain talents, that’s where all my girlfriends - and Natsu - and I all met! They’re my closest and best friends. We’ve been there for years, well, our studies actually ended there a while ago, but Gramps actually shut down the place because he liked us so much. Gramps is the best. It sucks that Natsu isn't here, he and gramps have a great connection. He’d also gets hella crazy and rambunctious, his specialty. I was in the middle of changing in my bedroom when I heard a knock at the door. Levy said she’d be coming to pick me up so I assumed it was her.

     “Come in! I’m almost ready!” I yelled. I heard the door open and close.

     “Good, cuz we’re- OH MY GOD!!” A voice yelled, an almost masculine voice. I looked up.

     “OH MY GOD! Gray!! Turn around!!” I yelled at Gray, who was really embarrassed. Hell, I have the right to be more embarrassed than him! He’s the one who saw me in my bra and underwear.

     “Gray! I am so so so so so so sorry!! I thought you were Levy!” 

     “U-um I-It’s ok...I should’ve...announced myself.” Gray said. I was trying to zip up my gorgeous red dress, but it wasn't working.

     “shit...” I mumbled.

    “What’s wrong?” Gray asked with concern.

     “Nothing...It’s just... I can’t zip up my dress. Could you...maybe...help?” I asked awkwardly.

     “U-um are you dressed?” Gray asked, also awkwardly. I sat in silence for a moment, dumbfounded by his stupidity.

     “Well, if I’m asking you to zip up my dress, then what the hell do you think?” I asked Gray. He cautiously turned around and walked towards me. I turned around and moved my hair. He was still awkward. Boys are so bizarre. Gray also went to Gramp’s academy. 

     “A-alright. You’re all zipped up!” Gray spoke. I turned around and looked at Gray. He looked surprisingly nice, and he hadn’t stripped yet! Although, he was missing his tie. I chuckled.

     “Gray? Where’s your tie?” I asked, still laughing a bit.

     “Uhh yeah. Juvia...sort of...tried to tie me- she just took it.” I laughed more at Grays predicament.

     “Levy’s here, by the way. She’s driving. She just asked me to get you.” Gray spoke as he lead me out of my apartment. I glanced at my phone; I felt a buzz in my hand. I looked at it with hope in my eyes, wishing it to me Natsu. However, it wasn’t. It was some notification from the local library. My eyes became filled with disappointment.

     “Hey, Gray?” I spoke.

     “Whats up?”

     “Have you...Have you heard from Natsu at all?” I asked with hope streaming through my voice.

     “W-well um no n-not really...?” Gray spoke, but in a jittery sort of way.

     “Wait! Has he reached out to you?! Is he on his way? Will he be here in time? Is he o-”

     “Lucy! He will be here. Just...trust me.” Gray interrupted me. We moved in silence until we reached Levys car. Gray opened the door for me.

     “Hey Lev!” I yelled to her.

     “Hey Lu!” She yelled back. My question to her was the same as my question to Gray.

     “Soooo...Any word from Natsu? Has Gajeel heard anything?” I asked, again, with way too much hope in my voice.

     “I’m sorry Lu, but neither of us have. He’ll show up though! I just know it!” Levy spoke to me in her usual bubbly voice. But if he’s not here yet, and no one’s heard from him, then chances aren’t likely that he’ll be here intimate for Christmas.

     “If he’s not at the party by 11:00, then you can come crash with me. Maybe the girls would like to join!” Levy spoke with excitement. I smiled, a Christmas sleepover with the girls sounded awesome.

     “Ok, thanks Lev”

_______________________________________________________

     “So...that’s the story. And now it’s 10:45, still no word from Natsu, and I’m depressed...” Lucy spoke with sadness. All the girls looked at her with sadness in their eyes, but also with a consoling touch to make Lucy feel better. 

     “Awwwee...I’m so sorry Lu. At least we can have an awesome sleepover tonight at my place!” Levy spoke with excitement, again. All the girls loved the idea, and as did Lucy. That being said, all Lucy wanted to do was spend Christmas with Natsu.

     “Ah, what the hell. If he’s not here for Christmas, screw em’! I don’t need that jerk! I’ve got you guys! Now, let’s get drunk and have the best Christmas hangover ever!” Lucy yelled with promise, snatching a beer from a waiter strolling through the party. All the girls looked at her with surprise.

     “Hell ya! Now you’re talking my language, Lucy! WoooooHoooo!!” Cana yelled, drinking out of her huge barrel of beer.

     “Cana! Don’t encourage her!” Mira yelled at Cana. 

     “And you know why...she can’t be hungover on Christmas. EEEHHHH It’s so exciting!!!!” Mira whispered at first, out of Lucys range of hearing, then yelled loudly, much to Lucy’s range of hearing. Everyone shhhed Mira.

     “What’s exciting?” Lucy spoke, intrigued. All of the other girls facepalmed at Mira.

     “O-oh just the epic sleepover we’re gonna have! Yay!” Mira spoke, saving the surprise. Lucy nodded at her good excuse, believing it.

     “As excited as I am about about the sleepover, don't you guys all have boyfriends to cuddle with on Christmas?” Lucy asked, taking large sips of her beer. Cana took Lucys bottle of beer mid-sip.

     “Hey!” Lucy yelled at Cana.

     “You’re too much of a lightweight to be drinking on Christmas Eve, plus, we could be Christmas cuddling with our boyfriends, but trust me, it’ll all be worthwhile when tomorrow comes. And no one wants you drunk on Christmas, Lucy. That would suck!” Cana spoke to Lucy. Lucy smiled. Lucy was about to speak, to say a ‘Thank you’ but then Cana started chugging the beer Lucy had once been sipping on. Lucy decided not to pipe up. Just to relax, and spend time with the girls. They laughed and talked until 12:00, and then decided to start their sleepover. The girls said goodbye to their boyfriends, and went over to Levy’s place. They played weird Christmas games and laughed for hours. at 2:00 in the morning, Lucy was handed a glass of water from Mira.

     “Have a sip!” Mira spoke. Lucy felt as though everyone was watching her take a drink. She grabbed the cup of water and took a sip, next thing she knew, she was out cold.

_______________________________________________________

     Lucy yawned loudly as she slowly opened her eyes. She looked around where she was, and came to a realization.

     “I’m in my house?! On my bed!?” Lucy yelled, very confused.

     “Did my friends drug me?” She asked sarcastically. She knew her friends would never drug her, much less drug her then bring her back to her apartment, but it sure as hell felt like it. She sat up and looked around some more. She didn't see her friends. She was incredibly confused. She got up and decided to keep on her cute Christmas PJ’s. She walked around a bit, testing the waters to make sure she and the girls didn’t do some crazy shit. She sat back down on her bed, seeing that everything was ok. She grabbed her book from her nightstand and started reading. Only then did she realize...

     “IT’S CHRISTMAS!!” She yelled, completely forgetting the date. Right as she was about to run into the living room, the heard a-

     “Meooowwww~” Lucy turned her head to see a “happy” blue cat rubbing up against her leg.

     “Happy!!!” She grabbed Happy and hugged him so tight against her face. Another realization hit. 

     “Wait a sec. If you’re here Happy, then-” Lucy stopped. She began running down the hall of her apartment, Happy cuddling up against her. She began to notice rose petals on the ground as she ran, however, the only thought on her mind was seeing Natsu.

     “Natsu! Natsu are you there!?” She shouted as she ran. She was coming up on the living room.

     “Natsu! Nat-” She paused. She stopped. Her whole world had stopped. She lightly dropped down Happy and covered her mouth with both hands. She started to tear up. In front of her, was all of her girlfriends, and all of her awesome guy friends standing around looking at her. And there was Natsu. Down on one knee, with a tiny red velvet box in his hand. Lucy fell to her knees. She started to cry. 

     “Lucy” Natsu spoke, with the absolute sweetest, calmest voice imaginable. Lucy was shaking, shivering, exhilarated.

     “U-Um, I’ve...for” Natsu spoke, nervous and stuttering, Lucy chuckled at his nervousness. Gajeel and Gray kicked Natsu in the back to get him in the right headspace. Natsu used all his strength to keep from hitting them back, well, almost all his strength. He used a lot of it to get up the courage to actually propose. Natsu breathed in.

     “Lucy, I’ve...I’ve loved you for my whole life. Well, not my whole life. I’ve only known you for a few years...b-but I’ve loved you ever since. First as a best friend, then quickly after, as a girlfriend. And now I-I hope I can love you...as my wife.” Natsu spoke, blushing and happy. Gray and Gajeel facepalmed. They had basically helped Natsu develop this big, sweet, speech(with the help of the girls), and he just skipped to the end. All the girls were teary eyed, though, especially Levy. Eventually the guys even smiled, happy for their friends. Lucy was crying along with the girls too. She couldn’t believe this was reality. She pinched her hand to see if it really was, and she was so so so so happy it was.

     “Lucy...” Natsu spoke. Lucy was anticipating the big moment.

     “Will you...marry me...?” It was silent for a moment. All that was in the air was the suspension affecting those whom were watching the proposal, and Natsu and Lucys eyes staring at each other for the longest time. Lucy arose to her feet, and walked close to Natsu. She then got back on her knees and caressed his cheeks, he was still holding the ring out.

     “...yes...Yes! Yes yes yes yes!!!” Lucy screamed as she hugged Natsu. He hugged her back. Along with everyone else in the room, Natsu’s eyes started watering too. The pair started to kiss, everyone watching was just staring at them. After a few moments of them kissing, - with everyone still staring - someone spoke.

     “Ummm we should probably leave them be.” Gray and Gajeel said in unison. Levys eyes watered magnificently.

     “You ok, Lev?” Gajeel asked Levy.

     “*sniff* yeah, just *sniff* happy for her.” Levy spoke. Gajeel lead her out of the apartment, hand on her back.

     “Love you, Lu!” Levy spoke, before the two left the apartment. Just as they were about to leave, Gajeel and Levy heard Natsu mumble something in Lucys ear, then Lucy laughing, then them making out again. Gajeel shut the door. He put his arm around Levy. 

     “C’mon, shrimp. Let’s spend some time together.” Gajeel spoke. Levy nodded happily.

__________________________________________________

     Lucy laid in bed, being cuddled and hugged by Natsu. She was staring at her hand, more so the gorgeous diamond that sat upon it. Natsu, noticing this decided to speak.

     “You like it, huh?” Natsu asked snuggling Lucy even more and resting his head upon her shoulder. 

     “It’s beautiful...When did you get it? I never saw it. And I’m always snooping around your stuff.” Lucy smiled. Natsu chuckled at her cuteness. 

     “Well, I got it on that “business trip”.” Natsu put in quotations. Lucy turned her attention to Natsu, looking confused at him. Lucy had it written on her face: Natsu, explain.

     “So, when was on the plane, it was announced that the meetings were cancelled, well, more so postponed. But since I was on the plane, I never got the notification. Once I got off, I tried to find another flight back to Magnolia, but they were all booked, so I couldn't fly out until the time in which the ticket I had bought said, which was late the 23rd. So I decided that I should wait it out. I was resting in my hotel that morning, and I fell asleep. Then I woke up from a dream. I quickly got out of bed and got dressed and headed to the ring store thingy. You see, I had been planning to propose to you for a few months, but I just didn’t know how to go about it or when to do it. My dream, crazy as it sounds, told me everything I needed to know. So I bought the perfect ring, that I knew you'd love, called the boys and told them to spread the plan, then the plan was to get on the plane and spend Christmas Eve with you, then propose. But my flight got delayed, and I didn't end up leaving until late the 24th. Luce, I’m sorry I wasn’t here. But, hey. At least you got one hell of a Christmas present.” Natsu explained. Lucy chuckled at his .

     “Speaking of Christmas presents, I got you a little something.” Lucy spoke. She released herself from Natsu arms and pulled out a perfectly wrapped gift from under her, their, bed, and handed it to him. He opened it, smiling. Without finishing unwrapping it, he looked at it, and smiled more. It was a picture of the first time they met. They met outside of Gramp’s academy on their first day there, and back then, Levy was a vivid photographer, and she took pictures of everything. She took that picture of when they first, and gave it to Lucy for her to throw away, or keep, and Lucy kept it. She decided to Give it to Natsu since he never saw it before. He stared at the picture for a moment, then looked back at Lucy, who was looking at him. He kissed her, vigorously, for a while. They then cuddled for the rest of the night eventually falling asleep.

     “See, Christmas cuddles...Luce...”

___________________________________________________

The End! I really hope you like it!

[thenextchapter22]

Happy Halloween

Word Count: 2.7k

Summary: You are walking home from work on Halloween night and get taken to a party...filled with monsters.

A/N: I just wrote this yesterday and I did not expect it to be so long. I was planning on it being a drabble haha. This features all the demon brothers as different Halloween monsters, some I took from Obey Me! and others I came up with. Please enjoy! :))

Halloween night was almost nearing its end. There were no kids out, it was time for the adults to party. Saturday night and a full moon? It was perfect. But you were in no mood. Yeah, your girlfriends were out with their sexy costumes on, but you had an apartment you lived in alone you had to afford so you had to take this extra night at work when you were offered the chance.

______

The night was chilling and the moon was full. You were so ready to go home after a long shift, have a glass of wine, and then pass out watching some good scary movies eating candy and popcorn. Sadly, this would be done alone, but you didn’t really care about that much anyway.

The walk home wasn’t long but it sure felt like it was. You tugged your coat around your body to keep warm, and headed down the cobblestoned alleyway to your apartment.

“Hello, there,” a voice said behind you.

You jumped and turned. A strange man in a dark hooded outfit stood in the center of the path, and you could just see his smirk on a pale face. You took a few steps back, ready to fight. Those self-defense classes were not going to be for nothing.

“What do you want?” you asked plainly. Damn, you didn’t have your pocket knife or pepper spray. How stupid could you be, fucking hell.

“I just want… a little bite…”

You paused and tilted your head. “What? Did you follow me from the restaurant, because it’s still open for a couple hours if you’re looking to eat?”

He glided closer, and his face was more visible in the street light above you. He was stunning, and you were in awe at first. Then you saw his eyes dark red. And he had a black diamond on his forehead. What was this guy dressed up as? And he seemed a bit older to go trick or treating…

“Look into my eyes,” he said in a seductive tone.

You did, and waited. If he was going to attack you, you would defend yourself. You were not going to attack first because that would be stupid, he could have a knife or something.

He blinked a few times, and then stepped back. He pushed his hood off and sighed. Wow, he was like a dark angel. “Well, if you would have simply said something I wouldn’t have gone through all of that. Obviously my enchantment was for naught. Are you going to the party? If so, it’s this way.” The man turned, and looked back with a raised brow. “Well?”

You stumbled after him. “Uh, yes, the party…”

Well, it looked like you had something to do after all. Follow this sexy man to a party. It was Halloween.

_+_

You kept staring at him as you walked the streets, which were pretty bare. He seemed to notice it because he glanced back at you, and each time you flushed scarlet. He chuckled each time as well.

“You’re very beautiful when you blush,” he said suddenly, making you jump. “My name is Lucifer.” You introduced yourself, and he nodded and smiled. “Pleased to meet you.”

Eventually you both ended up at a large mansion. You sincerely hoped this wasn’t some elaborate trap. Also, why did you follow him? How stupid were you?

He held open the door for you, and smirked while you awed at the incredible house. “It’s King Diavolo’s property. I assume from your expression you have never been to his annual party?”

You shook your head. “N-no.” King Diavolo?

“Hm, interesting. Let me take your coat,” he said, and you gave it to him. Lucifer placed it in a closet and then offered his arm, which you took. You felt so under-dressed, but you supposed you could say your costume was a waitress (even though you were one, technically).

Once you entered the next room, you could hear and see the lights of a party in full swing. Then the double doors opened and it was booming bass and flashing lights assaulting your hearing and vision. Glancing around you saw all types of costumes. Demons, Werewolves, Vampires, Mummies, and more. Some were really well done, too. It was a rave of faux monsters and you were just in a plain every day outfit.

“What do you think?”

“It’s… wow!”

He agreed. “Come, let’s get you a drink. I didn’t get mine so I’m quite thirsty.”

You both walked around the dance floor to reach a smaller section of food and drinks where only two people stood.

“Beel, Belphie, this is my… new acquaintance. These are my brothers.” Then Lucifer turned his head sharply to the left and sighed. “Excuse me, my brother is causing problems. I’ll be right back. Beel, Belphie, you’ll stay with her. She has never been here before.”

And Lucifer left you with the two at the side table full of food. One person was wearing a stitched clothing look, and had stiches all over his face and hands as well. He was portraying Frankenstein’s monster, obviously.

He stopped chewing and spoke, “My name is Beel, and this is Belphie, my twin brother.” He ignored your suspicious glance at the term ‘twin’ and continued eating the food in front of him.

Belphie yawned. He leaned against the table, and blinked blearily. He was so pale, paler than Lucifer, even. Did he wear a costume? He just looked sickly. “Are you well?” you asked on impulse.

Belphie smirked. “You’re very sweet to ask, hm? I wonder… Are you a hum—”

“Beel, how many time do I have to tell you? This food is not all for you.” Lucifer’s voice rang out.

He was suddenly beside you, with someone else in tow. A tanned man with little to nothing on, jeans and no shirt with a dog costume featuring wolf ears and a tail. He had a sharp-toothed grin as he looked you up and down.

“Mammon, stop drooling. It’s disgusting. I apologize for his behavior, we didn’t get to train him properly.” Lucifer went to Beel, then, and was attempting to rearrange the food on the table and show him what he could eat.

While the twins chuckled, Mammon rolled his eyes. “Hey, I’m just appreciating the view, that’s all!”

You blushed. “W-what? I’m not some piece of meat, you know!”

Mammon licked his lips. “To me, sweet cheeks, you are.” He winked. How rude was that!

“Hey, I didn’t know we all were getting together! Why wasn’t I invited?”

“Because your annoying, Levi,” Belphie said monotonously.

Levi was a purple haired man with a witch hat and scepter in hand. He had ridiculous stripped tights on, too. But he was kind of adorable.

“Rude! I am not annoying, you are! Always moaning around and sleeping, so stupid!” He looked at you, then, and you raised a brow, ready to introduce yourself. But he suddenly laughed. “Wow, if I wasn’t busy I would totally do something about this normie. Okay, who wants to have some fun?” He waived his wand, sparks coming out at the tip, which you thought was a cool trick.

Mammon raised his hand. “Oh, I am in. If it involves some money I’m double in. Let’s go!” Mammon blew you a kiss, and you thought you saw his tail wagging. But that was impossible.

Beel was still speaking with Lucifer when you noticed Mammon being dragged off by the witchy-boy. “I can’t help it if my stomach is like this, you know, it’s just the parts I was given.”

Lucifer sighed. “I know. Next time I’ll make sure Barbatos knows you are coming so he can prepare.”

“No need. I have brought more food for Beel to enjoy so the other guests can as well.” Another sudden appearance, this time with a bat-ear wearing butler dressed man. He also wore a tail? Why all the tails? Seriously, though, if there were any more people popping up out of nowhere you would have a heart attack.

Beel’s face brightened. You couldn’t help but smile, too. “Thanks!” he said, and he dug in.

“Yes, thank you, Barbatos. It’s much appreciated.”

“As I said, it’s not a problem,” the so-called Barbatos said. Then he looked you over, raised a brow, and shook his head. “Not another one.” And he walked away.

You had no clue what that meant, but before you could think more on it another person showed up (you actually saw them walking over, thankfully). This man was tall and dressed in white, with white angel wings behind him.

He smiled at Lucifer. “Ah, Lucifer, I was hoping to see you. It’s been a while. I hope you’re well?”

“I am, thank you. This is my new companion.” Lucifer gestured to you.

The man frowned. “Luci, don’t tell me...”

“No, no, Simeon, she is one of us. I’m not sure what, but you know how impolite it is to ask.”

You were lost yet again, but oh well. It was a party with people you really didn’t know, there were bound to be inside jokes, right?

“Yes, of course.” Simeon smiled at you, and took your hand to kiss it. His lips were smooth and he was basically as perfect as Lucifer, only darker skin and brighter eyes. “Pleasure. Don’t let Lucifer corrupt this bright soul of yours. Enjoy the party.” And he left, asking Lucifer to contact him more.

Lucifer stroked your lower back and you shivered. “Are you cold?” He draped his cloak around you, and you could smell his scent. It was subtle, almost like breathing in cool air with a hint of spice.

He smirked. “Would you like to dance, darling?”

You blushed, but nodded. Lucifer took you out on the dance floor.

“This is so fun,” you said. “I never really go out on Halloween. Usually I stay home.”

“Well, I am glad to have you here with me now.” He leaned in and breathed in against your neck. “Hm, I would love to taste you, however. Shame.”

You stuttered. “U-uh-um…”

He chuckled. “A shy type, hm? Very endearing.”

“LUUUCIIIFERRR!”

He stopped spinning you and pulled you close, and you leaned into him. He wasn’t warm, but he wasn’t cold, either. It was like he had no heat at all to give or receive.

“Asmodeus. I am busy, bother me later.”

“But Mammon is—”

“If he isn’t eating anyone, then leave me alone.”

“Aw, who is your friend? She looks so sweet! Not your type, that’s for sure!” he giggled.

“This is my brother, Asmo. Please, if he does anything to you, let me know.”

The three of you walked to the side of the dance floor and you got a good look at Asmo. He was beautiful. There were fake scales of all colors highlighting his cheeks and neck, and he wore a tight cat-suit. You assumed he was either dressed like a snake or lizard, but you were not sure.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, darling~” He kissed your cheek, and you blushed. He giggled. “I’m a siren, but I promise I won’t sing to you. I couldn’t let this gorgeous face shrivel up!”

You widened your eyes. Wow, these party-goers were super serious on their roles. Maybe this was a huge LARP party.

“Asmodeus, is Mammon behaving himself or not?”

“Ah, yes, yes, he is not, no.”

Lucifer looked pissed. “What is he doing?”

“Oh, you know. The usual.” Asmo waved his hand around like it was noting.

Clearly it wasn’t, as Lucifer strolled away so fast you swore if you had blinked he’d be gone. “What—?”

Asmo laughed at you. “He does that a lot. Anyways, my dear, I must be going. I have a lot of fans to see and people to seduce~ Keep to the side and you’ll be safe! Oh, and call me if you want to have some fun later,” and he was gone.

Left alone for the first time, you actually glanced around. The party was stunning and so were to people. You were glad you went out. Meeting Lucifer and his brothers was fun, even if they were a little weird.

“Here, have another drink.”

You glanced over to see a blonde man dressed in a red and black cloak with striking blue eyes. He also wore false vampire fangs. He nodded at the table, and held out a red solo cup to you. “It’s from the punch bowl. Nothing too strong, no alcohol either.”

You took what the blonde vampire offered. “Thanks.” It was delicious, bubbly and sweet. “It’s good.”

He smirked. “I could tell you’d like the sweeter drinks. You reek of innocence.”

You blushed, holding the drink close to your body. “Uh, okay…” What a creeper.

“Satan. Enough.” Lucifer strolled over. “Are you all right, my dear? Did my brother frighten you? He can be a bit brash.”

What kind of a name was Satan? Also, how many brothers did Lucifer have? Six now? “No, he’s fine. He gave me a drink.”

Lucifer glared at Satan. Satan glared back. Did they just hiss at each other? 

Come to think of it, why did all these guys have strange names like Satan and Lucifer and Leviathan? And while you glanced around, you could see tiny details you had not before. Like Mammon’s fake appendages, or Levi’s wand…

“The time has come. Midnight is upon us! I present with great honor… our King Diavolo!

You were so focused on connecting dots, you barely heard Barbatos announce. Then, when a blinding golden light came from the top of the stairs, you, and other party-goers, gasped. He was stunning. Large, regal, painted in gold and with black wings expanding behind him.

“Monsters of all kinds, I welcome you to this year’s Halloween Party! I hope you all have a hauntingly good time.” Chuckles throughout the room. He grinned. “Midnight is seconds away. Please join me in counting down.”

You looked around, Lucifer at your side, Satan behind you. You saw Levi and Mammon standing together, cheering and raising glasses in time with the countdown. Beel and Belphie behind you, Belphie smirking at you in a way that was lecherous and mysterious.

“Three…  two… one!”

You expected something big, grand, like fireworks. Instead, you saw something terrifying. Firstly, you noticed Belphie. He stared you down as he evaporated into nothing. He was still there, but you could see through him! Then, you glanced around, and really took note of all the costumes.

Only, they were not costumes. You saw Mammon’s tail actually moving. You saw Levi waving his wand and making sparks and more drinks appear. Many, many other things, that you swore you did not see before. But maybe you did, and assumed it was fake and for Halloween?

“Darling, your heart is beating so loud. Are you all right?” Lucifer’s hand on your back had you jumping.

Your heart? He heard it your heart beating.

You shook your head. He looked you up and down, and frowned. “No, no, ‘m not okay,” you said shakily.

He started to lead you away, then. But you were interrupted. By King Diavolo. Oh, my fuck, was he actually a King of Monsters?

“My King,” Lucifer bowed, and you did, too, on reaction.

Diavolo grinned. “Luci, my oldest friend! How are you? Enjoying the party?” Then he looked at you, and you held your breath. He seemed to pause. “What is a human doing here? Are you doing this again, I thought we talked about this when you brought that human two centuries ago.”

You ignored the fact that he said ‘two centuries’ and panicked. “P-please, I-I’ll go now…”

Lucifer was in shock, as well. “But my enchantment did not work, so I assumed…”

King Diavolo stroked his chin. “It didn’t, hm? Strange. Yes, she is human… But that has not happened before.”

You were stuck being observed by him. Trapped in a room full of legitimate monsters. Why did you come? How fucking idiotic could you be?

“Well, it has always been a vision of mine to align all worlds together. I do want to know how she wasn’t affected by a vampire’s enchantment, too. But it’s too dangerous for her to be in this room. Take her upstairs until the party is done.”

“Yes, King Diavolo.”

[secret-engima]

So in your Naruto FF cover where Noct/Yoru is believed to be a god, what are the reactions of the families of the Chocobros? Cause their Clan member just got poached but they've also been really strange ever since their near death experience that woke up their memories (or did they always remember)? Especially the Hyuuga because they basically had Hikaru/Ignis enslaved and branded. Or even some povs from the Chocobros. (Poor Prompto, being an Aburame lol)

Ooooo tricky. Kinda depends on the family?

Lemme see- Ignis’s family are Most Displeased. They are super possessive of their eyeballs and treat their branch members as slaves anyway so they see it more like theft than a powerful man claiming a friend. Of course, there’s not much they can DO about it considering it’s Yoru and he burns Ignis’s seal off in .05 seconds and also threatens to burn the rest of the main branch to the ground if they touch Ignis again (not in so many words, but his magic does flatten a few of the members with its intensity when they got too close to Ignis.

Tbh that’s probably a blood grudge the Hyuga hold until Naruto’s time even though they stay in Konoha and Ignis is known among the hyuga not only as the blind member but the Stolen Hyuga. A warning to all hyuga of what will happen if they are not careful with their eyes and other such nonsense that only works because younger Hyuga don’t interact with Yoru enough to know that he’s a really chill dude and Ignis is happy where he is.

The Inuzuka are not too thrilled at first, but more laidback about it? Gladio still visits and they can tell that he’s Super Happy about being reunited with Yoru, and Yoru is polite and respectful to them and their dogs like him and you can never go wrong with the opinion of dogs in an Inuzuka’s eyes.

The Aburame ... are honestly the most chill about this? They aren’t too thrilled at first, but Yoru already has a Hyuga and an Inuzuka by then, so there is a precedent, and after a bit of watching it’s clear that these four are basically a Hive unto themselves and Prompto is happy to be there, is healthy and well cared for so they just kinda- shrug and move on. Maybe use the fact that one of their own is “Favored by Yoru” to their advantage during tricky Council meetings generations later.

The oddness and memories thing were long commented on, but ... mostly unnoticed in Hikaru’s case? Among the Branch Clan it was noted, but no one said anything or really thought about it because honestly I doubt the Hyuga have never had an Incident where Branch Members get a bit ... weird post Sealing and post a traumatic experience. That’s a chakra doohickey tattooed to your SKULL, side-effects are not impossible. The Inuzuka noticed it too, but Gladio was still ... himself, just a big more jaded and mature so they let it slide.

The Aburame maybe spent a good few years trying to figure out what the freak happened with Prompto though. Because they’ve never had a bug-a-phobic member before and it’s weird. They love him tho. He’s their disaster child.

Tbh in the Warring States Era nobody was really focused on mental health. If you were loyal to the Clan and could fight that was all that really mattered, weirdo personality changes aside.

Uhhh POVs but only short snips, and pls forgive any inconsistencies with previously establish AU lore my brain is tired and I may not keep all the details 100% straight. Just roll with it.:

Ignis:

After a lifetime of being blind, being able to SEE everything, all around, at any given time is unnerving. This entire era is unnerving and Hikaru has bitten his tongue more than once to keep from railing against it. Against sending CHILDREN, some not much older than toddlers out into the field, against the brand on his head and the heads of so many others that burns on the whim of a Main Branch member.

He keeps his head down, but inside ... he hates. More than a little bit. He is a fractured piece of glass and he knows too much pressure with make him snap, so he does his utmost to avoid those situations (because if he snaps children will get hurt even more than now and nothing will change in the Clan).

Then one day they go to meet Hashirama and Madara, to speak of peace, and of course Hikaru has heard of Yoru, the mysterious forest spirit that supposedly watches over the new village and ensures no fighting happens, but he does not actually think this Yoru will be all that impressive.

He never expects it to be NOCTIS. Noctis, who looks at him with hope and wonder in his eyes, who looks so very unchanged despite lifetimes, who rises and calls him brother and Ignis and friend and CLAIMS him in a way the Clan Head cannot dispute. No one can dispute against Noctis, because he is still a Lucis Caelum and a king and to him, their chakra is pebbles in an ocean.

And for the first time in a long time, Ignis is happy. Ignis has hope.

...

Gladio

Gladiolus loves his new family, and he knows they love him back. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t miss his old life like a wound in his side. Iris’s presence makes it a bit better but also not, because war is cruel and no one cares that she is still so young (older than the other Clans children sent to the field, because Inuzuka treasure their puppies, but still far too YOUNG to the mind of a Shield and Crownsguard). He loves his canine partner and the Pack, he loves that they don’t really question his memories, how his personality has matured and changed since the incident that woke him up.

Even so...

Even so, the absence of his brothers is a bleeding wound in his heart, and when the Clan Head looks at him, Gladio knows the man can see that in his heart of hearts, Gladio is not part of their Pack. He is family, but he has another Pack, another Alpha he swore to a lifetime ago, and that loyalty still howls in his soul far stronger than even the ties of blood and Pack and love that binds him to the Inuzuka.

So perhaps that is why the Clan Head does not look as outraged or surprised as he could have been when Yoru finds him, when NOCTIS looks back at Gladio from an eerily familiar yet not face. That is why, while the Hyuga sputter in shock when Gladio hugs Ignis tight and spins him in a circle for joy, the Inuzuka just watch with comprehension dawning in their eyes. Gladio looks to his Clan Head and says he’s going with Yoru and there is not request for permission. Just a courtesy of announcement. Because THIS- this is his Pack, his Alpha, his Beta, his brothers and littermates. He will follow them above all.

And the Clan Head lets him go.

...

Prompto:

Prompto wants to know who he ticked off in his past life that had a say in the next, because he HAD to have ticked off someone. Why else would he have been reborn into a clan of LIVING HIVE PEOPLE???????

He thinks he distresses them- no, he knows he does, when he flinches from the clan techniques and hives, from the little insects and their pheromones that the Clan uses as essentially an insectoid, chakra-based texting system amongst themselves. He knows he stresses out his hive for a long time, flinching from the feel of them inside him, from the skitter of their legs and wings and the whisper of their tiny, simple little thoughts in his own when they talk to him.

It .... it’s bad for a while. A WHILE. Bad enough the Clan won’t let him fight (which is fine with him) but also bad enough he loses weight and can’t sleep from the hive buzzing buzzing buzzing under his skin from his distress toward them.

It’s his great great grandma that saves him, quite literally, because an Aburame that rejects the hive is an Aburame who dies, not by any malicious intent on the Clans’ part but just- biologically. Just like starving to death will kill him, rejecting his Hive will kill him too and he KNOWS that but he can’t just- turn off his fear.

Then one day Elder Maya, the oldest living Aburame, sends for him. He comes to her private house with shivering skin and jumping senses and the hyper-awareness of the things inside him buzzing buzzing buzzing trying to remove the source of his distress and making it worse because they WERE his distress-.

Elder Maya takes his shaking hands and leads him to her garden.

It’s- it’s beautiful. It’s so beautiful he could cry for his long lost camera of another life. There are colors everywhere, blues and greens, reds, pinks, whites, and mixed splashes of yellow and purple- flowers that stand tall, flowers that droop, flowers dangling from the vines growing up tree trunks.

And everywhere there were flowers, there were butterflies. Butterflies and ladybugs, the two insects he wasn’t completely creeped out by because they were so pretty and photogenic, and for a moment Prompto is so awed his shaking stops, the Hive inside him goes quiet. A butterfly flaps lazily over to him, a glorious thing with vivid blue wings the color of magic and black dots and swirls that remind him of fire. It settles on his hand and he doesn’t flinch from it like he does the kikachu of the clan, just stays quiet and watches it with a bit of awe.

“You are not scared of these ones,” Elder Maya hums.

“U-um ... no,” he whispers as he watches it, “they’re ... pretty. Cute. They don’t ... they don’t look like they’ll hurt me.” And that’s not really his issue with the Kikaichu, but he can’t explain a phobia to ninja, not well anyway.

“Good,” says his great great grandmother, but not with her lips, with the soft splash of impression-scent-sensation from the butterfly on his hand and he gapes as he realizes THIS is her hive. These ladybugs and butterflies are Elder Maya’s hive. He stares at her and she adjusts the dark glasses she wears, “I will give you some of mine. Why? So you can cultivate a new Hive that you will not be afraid of.”

And she does. And it’s CREEPY, but also ... kinda not? It’s ... it still freaks him out to have bugs under his skin, but these ones ... he knows these ones. He chose them, he hatched them, he raised them. They are beautiful and deadly and soft looking and can strip flesh from a target in seconds and he wishes he had a camera because it would be so cool to have butterflies that can pose on command.

It’s a rocky road, but his shaking stops, and his weight goes back to normal, and his sleep schedule returns, and all the Clan breathes a sigh of relief when they see Prompto ambling around, not flinching from the glittery blue butterflies flitting on his shoulders.

And it’s not like his old life, his brothers he misses so badly, but its kinda nice to never be alone. Wherever he goes, his Hive goes, and his new Queens are kinda ... bossy almost and its endearing in a creepy kinda way. The only thing that would make life better, make it perfect (other than to not need a Hive in the first place) would be to have his brothers again.

And then they go to the new village of Konoha, and he meets the famed and terrifying Yoru, who isn’t terrifying at all, but is instead old and tired and blue eyed, and a fish lover and when he smiles, crooked and shy at Prompto all his Hive SINGS under his skin because he KNOWS.

And suddenly the world is perfect again.

[mistymazzello]

Cruel Summer | part ix

high school joe mazzello x reader

summary-they used to be best friends, but now that y/n has a boyfriend (that everyone hates), joe and y/n can’t seem to come to terms with their feelings, but it’s no secret to anyone how they truly feel.

warnings-none:-)

word count-1.9k

a/n-i’m so sorry this took so long to get out, but this is the final part. thank you so much for all of the support you have all shown me, it means so much more than you think. there will be an epilogue.

based on cruel summer by taylor swift

You were on movie number three, the sun coming through the windows in Joe’s room and illuminating it in a golden haze. Countless movies had been watched on Joe’s bedroom TV over the past week after Joe had hurt his shoulder, the doctor leaving him on bed rest. Joe had dozed off about five minutes into this one, his head resting on your stomach as you tried not to laugh too hard at The Breakfast Club, not wanting to wake him up. 

There was a light knock at the door, followed by Joe’s mom opening the door to stand in the doorway.

“How’s he doing?” Joe’s mom asked softly.

“He’s okay. He fell asleep like an hour ago and I’m not gonna wake him up until they get here.” You replied.

She nodded. “That’s probably best.”

You were quiet for a second as you looked down at Joe’s face that was squished against your stomach, our heart twisting with pity. “I just feel so bad.”

She hummed in agreement as she walked over and sat at the edge of the bed. “He’ll be okay. He’s got you after all. I think that’s all he cares about.”

You let out a small laugh and she smiled at you. “I’m serious! You’re all he ever talks about, I don’t think he even cares that he can’t play baseball again if he has you!”

She patted your leg and stood up. “What time are they getting here?” She asked.

A quick glance over to the alarm clock told you that they were actually a few minutes late. “Any minute now.” You said.

She nodded and walked over to the door. “Thank you for staying with him everyday. It helps him, it really does.”

“Of course.” You smiled. She walked out and shut the door softly behind her, her footsteps disappearing down the hallway.

You desperately wanted to let him sleep, you knew this week had been hell for him and he hardly slept at night. Between the excruciating pain, the nauseous feeling he got from his pain medication, and the nagging thought that he’d never be able to play baseball again, Joe felt as if he’d never sleep at night again.

Car doors slammed in the distance, followed by laughter. Just then, your phone buzzed on your chest, causing Joe to shift around with a small grunt.

Ben-Hey we’re here, can u let us in

You sighed, your hand moving to comb through Joe’s hair. “Hey Joey.” You said softly, scratching his head. His eyes fluttered open to look at you.

“Your friends are here to see you.” You said softly.

“Who?” He asked, his voice gravelly.

“Can I go get them?”

He nodded and lifted his face off of your stomach. You stood up from the bed as he rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. You passed Joe’s parents on your way to the front door, letting them know that they were here. Laughter came from the front door as you opened it to your best friends, your heart warming at the sight of their smiles and arms filled with presents for Joe.

“Sorry we’re late.” Gwilym spoke up as they all stepped in the door. “Lucy wasn’t ready when we got to her house.”

“Hey that’s not fair-” Lucy started.

“It’s fine.” You laughed. “He’s upstairs. He’ll be happy to see you guys. I think he’s getting a little tired of being around me all of the time.”

Gwilym started up the steps, Rami following him. “Yeah, because that’s a thing that could happen.” He said.

You suddenly realized that you and Ben we’re the only two left at the bottom of the steps, awkwardly staring at each other, both of you secretly cringing. You let the eye contact linger for a few seconds, Ben desperately clinging onto every second you gave him.

After a few seconds to long of prolonged eye contact, you cleared your throat and started up the steps. He watched behind you as you climbed the steps, scratching the back of his neck and then quickly following you.

You opened Joe’s bedroom door to him sitting on his bed, his chin set in his hand as he watched the TV. His eyes lit up when he saw everyone and he smiled. “Hey guys.” He said, his hair still a mess and his voice still gravely.

“Hi.” Gwilym said.

“How are you feeling?” Lucy asked.

“We brought you Chick-Fil-A.” Ben smiled.

Everyone piled into the bed, Rami groaning about the movie choice. The boys ended up eating more than half of the candy they brought Joe, but he didn’t mind. His small smile never left his face throughout the rest of the night, your arms wrapped around his waist and his best friends pushing each other around as they all tried to fit onto the big, but not big enough bed.

You began crying as the screen faded to black, not being able to help it at the sentiment of the movie. A few sniffs were heard from around the bed, mostly from Gwilym, as you wrapped your arms tighter around Joe. He set his cheek on top of your head as Ben flipped the bedside lamp on, his eyes briefly meeting yours, then watching as you adjusted your grip on Joe.

He knew this would take some getting used to, but god, it sucked.

“Oh my god, what’s going on there?” Joe laughed as he looked at Rami and Lucy. Their limbs were tangled as Lucy slept soundly on Rami’s chest.

Rami’s head snapped in Joe’s direction and he laughed awkwardly. “She just fell asleep like this…”

“Right.” Ben said.

You giggled and Gwilym shot you an amused, knowing look. Of course he knew.

“But you like her.” Joe said.

“Yeah I know, but it’s not… well we aren’t…” Rami stuttered, his eyes locking with yours and then switching to Gwilyms.

“Why don’t you just tell them? Lucy wants you to.” Gwilym shrugged. 

“Gwilym!” You gasped. 

“Woah what the fuck, is this a real thing?” Ben laughed, sitting up to turn to you. 

Lucy grumbled something and shifted on Rami’s chest. Her eyes blinked open and everyone looked away as her eyes scanned over the group. 

“What?” She mumbled. 

You gestured to Rami and she looked up and quickly realized her position. “Oh! Oh, um, sorry.” She giggled as she untangled from Rami and climbed off of him.

An awkward silence hung in the air and you couldn’t help but start laughing. Joe hit your arm, even though he was laughing too. Lucy put her blushed face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with laughter. Lighthearted, bubbly laughter filled the air while Rami and Lucy looked at each other, accepting their defeat. Even though the two of them were embarrassed, it was still funny.

The laughter quieted down and everyone sat in contentment. You decided to let Rami pick the next movie since he was so picky even though he settled on a pretty basic comedy. The rest of the snacks were eaten, and more tears were shed, even over the cheesy ending. Everyone sat in the dark, nobody bothering to turn the lamp on. It was beginning to get late, but not a single one of you cared.

Joe sat up. “Can you guys stay for a little longer?”

The following weeks were similar to that night. Everyone stopped in at least once a week, keeping a much needed smile on Joe’s face. They brought him gifts, even when he told them he didn’t want them anymore. They listened to him cry and didn’t complain when he would get tired or irritable from his pain medication.

But, in Joe’s opinion, the most important thing to him, was that you stayed with him the whole time. You talked to him about nearly everything, stayed up with him, cried with him. You were there the day that he got his letter from NYU stating they were dropping his baseball scholarship due to his injury. That was probably the worst day. 

There were good days, too, days where he was allowed to start doing things again. He was able to enjoy his last summer in his hometown with all of his friends. A summer spent taking late night drives, going to parties, and loving you.

Luckily, Ben was able to come to terms with everything and enjoy his summer, too. He would sometimes still find himself looking at you, longing, or letting his hugs linger. There wasn’t much he could do about it except take things as they were.

As the summer came to a close, Joe got his cast off and didn’t have to wear a sling anymore, something he was very happy about. As the days got shorter and the acceptance of growth and the fact that high school doesn’t last forever came along, Joe only found himself loving you more.

On a warm night in early August, you sat in your room. Scrolling through Amazon trying to find a stupid comforter for your college dorm was getting boring, so you rolled off of your bed and crossed over to your closet to continue packing your things. You were leaving in 3 days. As you walked across your room, the air conditioning almost making you shiver, you passed a shelf on your wall. It was a shelf you had passed a million times before, never phased by it, but for some reason, it caught your eye this time. You stopped in your tracks and stared at it, realization setting in.

It was a shelf filled with pictures. You looked at the first picture, a picture of you on Gwilym’s back, the two of you sticking your tongues out as Rami was giving the camera two peace signs in the background. The second picture was one from Junior year. It was you and Lucy in the school hallway on pajama day. You were hugging, your faces squished together in your matching onesies. It was cheesy but it made you smile, memories of those hallways slowly filling your brain. The third was one of you, Gwilym, and Ben at Prom. None of you wanted to go, maybe that’s the reason that the three of you were flipping off the camera. The last one was of you and Joe just this past month. It was taken at a party, his arms around your shoulders from behind as you both smiled goofily at the camera.

You hadn’t realized you’d been crying as you looked at the pictures, almost in a trance of memories. You cried with a smile on your face, showing nothing but pure love. You loved Joe more than anything in the entire world, and you loved your friends as much as anyone ever has. You were snapped out of it by something hitting your window.

‘There’s no way.’ You thought.

You walked across your room and pushed your window open, warm air spilling into the room. 

And there he was. A coy smile on his face and his red hair reflecting the moon.

“Hi.” He said.

You couldn’t help but smile, your head practically spinning for the love that you had for the boy standing in your yard. 

“Are you crying?” He asked.

You quickly realized that your face was tear stained and you wiped the remaining tears away. “No. Well, I was, but I’m not now. I wasn’t sad or anything.” You tried to explain.

“Oh.” He said. “Well… Do you wanna go on a walk?”

You looked behind you at your clock. It was almost 1am. You turned back around and looked at him again, his hands behind his back as he stared up at you with a gentle smile.

“Let me go get my shoes.” You smiled.

-

taglist- @seven-seas-of-ham-on-rhye @briarrose26 @mrsmazzello @im-an-adult-ish @iamthebeth @cobaincreates @almightygwil @timmvrphy @free-pool-trash @inlovewithaxlrose @findingillyria

[anakinthetrashking]

How’s the Heart?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26871853/chapters/65565265

Somehow I made it and it is FINISHED!!!! This is my fic that I wrote for @batfam-big-bang​ !!!!

The biggest of shoutouts and THANK YOUUUUS to my incredible betas: Ace, Skye, and Em!!! @toomanyfandoms21​, @timmydrakewings​, and  @geekinthecorner​ !!!! I’ve never actually had a beta before, but for this i had 3??? You guys were so kind and patient with me and my last minute tendencies. Thank you for all your suggestions and edits!!! [heart eyes]

and then!! ARTISTS!! you guys really put your heart and soul into the pieces you made and i just,,,, want to cry,,,,THAMKKKKK YOUUU!!!! keep being awesome! im love u: Butter, Dean and Lucy!!!!!! @heybabybird​, @greenbean-riverdean​, and @houser-of-stories​ !!!!!

Its a Tim-centric 3+1 Three times Tim is helped or comforted by his family, and one time where he's doing pretty alright. (TW: Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal thoughts, etc! full tags on ao3)

1) Here I am to Share the Fear (Tim & Damian & Dick) Bruce is back and everything seems to be going well- so of course old fears pop up again. Damian notices his absence and tries is best in his own way to offer some comfort.

2) Fly Towards the Calm (Tim & Steph & Cass) Steph notices that Tim's failing at basic self care again, so she declares Movie Night. She and Cass try to remind Tim that he needs to take the time to care for himself and not just continue pouring himself out on behalf of others.

3) Night Will Come But Not to Stay (Tim & Bruce) Turns out catching the Clench and loosing his spleen have more lasting effects than they thought. Tim tries to ignore and push past his new found limitations, Bruce notices that something is off and is there for the inevitable breakdown.

+1) Fair Winds, Another Tale (Tim & Alfred) A rare event of relaxation, the Waynes have a picnic at the manor. Alfred worries about his family, but for now, it seems like everything is alright.

Read it under the read more or on AO3 !

Here I Am To Share The Fear

Too much. Everything was too much.

Bruce was finally back, and Tim was glad that everyone was so happy - despite them all being wrong.

Wrong.

WRONG.

He shook his head and put a light smile on his face, trying to focus on the conversation in front of him, but Dick was so loud. And there were far too many people in the mansion - in the same room - Tim swallowed and grit his teeth against the feeling of his organs crawling up his throat.

There were eleven people in the room.

Ten roses in the flowered centerpiece on the buffet table.

Nine cups scattered about the room.

Eight candle flame shaped light bulbs in the chandelier.

Seven white socks (why was Dick only wearing one?) 

Six voices in variating clarity.

Five… Five? Five fingers on each hand.

Four windows, none open.

Three lamps, all unlit.

Two doors.

One exit. Viable exit, at least.

Zero people looking at him. Perfect.

It was time for him to go, so he took his exit as quietly as possible, noticing the volume of the crowd drop as he walked out. No one stopped him. No one seemed to notice. Or maybe they just didn’t care. Good. That- that was something he could deal with.

As he fled to his room, he couldn’t help but notice how alive the manor was. So many lights were on, even in empty rooms. Little things littered the place as if people actually lived here. A book on the table here, ready to be picked up and read from where they left off. A suitcase full of clothes there, waiting to be unpacked. Doors open instead of closed and locked. Bed covers turned down, ready to welcome them home.

Tim reached his door and saw the life that had flooded there as well. Posters, pictures of family and friends covered large portions of his walls. Little trinkets given to him were lovingly placed around his desk. It was more than he could take, so he ran. He ran and ran through hallways and past open doors until the warmth of the occupied portion of the Manor turned to the chilly halls of the guest wing. Back in the furthest unused room is where he finally stopped, willing his heart rate to slow down.

The room looked like something out of a book, everything covered with sheets and layered with undisturbed dust, no signs of life. The evening light cast the room in cool tones of blues and greys, shadows soft and hazy. The attached bathroom was much the same, cold tiles sucking the heat from his feet.

Sitting down, he hugged his knees to his chest, letting the lines of the sink cabinet dig into his back. Tim stared for a while, trying not to think, and letting the clock tick a rhythm into his head.

The clock sounded so loud, and his breath seemed even louder. Nothing felt ok. Exhaustion pushed at the edges of his vision while panic seemed to well up inside of him and claw into his throat. Everything felt like it was closing in on him so he pushed back, laying on the floor and stretching his arms and legs as far as they could go. The cold seeped into him and he vaguely wondered if that’s what it felt like to die. To let your warmth bleed out into the universe. Death… was a calming thought. As humourless as that was, it forced a short laugh out of his throat.

Death would be preferable, he thought, to whatever feeling this is.

Bruce had been back for a month, and for a little while the triumph of bringing him home had been, well, satisfying. Relieving. Exhilarating.

But now, somehow, he was left feeling empty. Hollow. Carved out. His skin was pulled taut over his bones and there was nothing inside. Each day was an empty victory. A consolation prize. An uphill battle against an unseen enemy.

Eating, drinking, getting dressed, sleeping, showering, all done out of the necessity of existence. But most of the time he didn’t feel like he existed at all. Just a doll or a robot - there, but not really. Tossed aside until needed again. Some sort of empty, semi-existent thing. It felt too much like being five again and waiting by the phone for that occasional Sunday call from his parents.

A single tear slipped out, unbidden. It left a quickly cooling trail in its wake.

Everything is so stupid. Tim thought, frustrated by his own stagnancy, willing himself to just do something, instead of just lying there considering the logistics of several stupidly lethal ideas. He was working on kicking out the thoughts when he was distracted by the sound of light, purposeful footsteps. Damian. With footsteps like that it meant he was trying to be considerate. Creepy.

“What do you want?” Tim sighed.

“Drake.” Tim could feel rather than see the curt nod Damian gave him. “Pennyworth brought out those blueberry scones you seem to favor. However, you were not present. So I…” His self-assured tone faltered.

Tim turned to look at him for the first time. “You came looking for me?”

“I would hardly call it looking. You frequent a few spots and the conclusion was obvious by the number of people that are currently within the Manor.” Damian sat cross legged on the floor, pushing a scone into Tim’s hands.

“But why would you…?” Tim sat up, arching an eyebrow.

“It is only natural to know your enemy, Drake. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” Damian sniffed and waited for Tim to take a bite. Then he continued. “Then you will best know how to poison them.” A (dare Tim say it) friendly smirk showed itself on Damian’s face.

Tim snorted, and for once they seemed to have gained a sort of mutual understanding.

They lapsed into silence again. Damian shifted, obviously wanting to say something but didn’t know how. The expression on his face looked so scrunched that Tim almost wanted to laugh.

Instead he asked, “Is it still unbearably loud out there?”

Damian clicked his tongue. “With Grayson in the room? Obviously.”

Somehow Damian seemed even more frustrated. There was a good chance that any moment now he would jump up and leave, but not before throwing out an insult to cover his wounded pride at having to retreat. In his own way, he was trying to offer an olive branch, and as tired as Tim was, something in him couldn’t let that opportunity pass. He could almost hear Dick’s voice in his head, telling him that if he would just talk with Damian, have a conversation, maybe they could find common ground.

For once, he could see the clumsy effort that the brat was making, and he knew deep down, more than anything they both yearned for warmth. Not the sort of warmth that contrasted the grounding feeling of the cold tile beneath him, but the warmth of human connection. The numbness that had been growing in him twisted at that thought and he decided to take a chance.

“It’s nice to have everyone around, but…” he glanced over to try to gauge a reaction, “I can’t seem to settle into it.”

A sort of recognition, reflection, sparked in Damian’s eyes at that, and some of the tension began to leave his body. Tim continued.

“I guess it’s just that there’s always been something. If I do well enough in school, maybe my parents will take an interest in me. If I become a better Robin, maybe Batman will go back to normal. If I bring Bruce back, maybe we can all be happy again… But it never works. It’s never enough, and now- now there’s just… nothing.”

A few moments passed, and Damian’s own internal battle ended as he found the words to reach out in return.

“I, too… Mother’s time was very limited. I trained and studied hard for any extra moment of time or nod of approval she could give… and after Father denied me, it was much the same, trying to rework standards and limits for his approval. Not having something specific to work towards does indeed seem… disconcerting.” Tim searched his face and found sincerity there, though his eyes seemed to be distant as he turned away.

Damian once again found himself at a loss for words, so he thought about what Grayson would do in such a situation. A hug was… out of the question, but- he lay his hand in-between the two of them, palm open. This, he supposed, he could do. Tim took it, surprising them both. Damian’s hand felt almost unbearably warm after the cold of the tile floor.

They sat again, together, in silence. It was more companionable, though still awkward and stilted in ways neither knew how to fix.

“There’s nothing more I can do for this family. There’s nothing I can think of.” The silence stretched before them, and Tim hesitated to put his fear into words.

Finally, he whispered, “ There’s no excuse for me to stay now.”

Damian’s face whipped around to face him. “As usual, you are wrong, Drake.” He scoffed, “Don’t you know you can’t choose who your family is?” pausing, he let go of Tim’s hand and stood up, turning to leave. “You’re stuck with us whether you like it or not.”

Quick but light footsteps sounded out in the hallway.

“Grayson!” Damian called, “Come fix Drake before Father requires his assistance again!” Nodding to Tim he left without another word.

Dick then came skidding around the corner into the bathroom, one socked foot sliding out against the tile. “Tim! Are you ok? What’s wrong? Why are you here of all places?”

Overly warm hands, distant eyes, honest feelings? Tim let out a deep sigh. “You should be more worried about the little gremlin. I think he’s got a fever.”

Dick tensed as if to sprint off again, and Tim held in a sigh of disappointment, knowing that Damian would be the priority, yet again. But instead of running off, Dick simply pulled out his phone and sent off a text, settling down into the spot on the floor that had been recently vacated.

“Bruce is on it.” He glanced out the doorway as if he could still see Damian storming past. “Did he-?” The question of his behavior went unsaid but not uncommunicated.

“No, we had a completely civil conversation. One might even call it a heart-to-heart, by our standards.”

“Therefore, he must be sick?”

“Other signs, too. But yeah.”

The buzz of an incoming message confirmed it, but Dick put his phone away instead of typing out a reply.

“A heart-to-heart, eh? I always knew you guys could get along if you just tried talking.”

“Don’t you dare say I told you so,” Tim shot a glare at Dick who was failing terribly at trying to look affronted at the very thought,  “but it does seem like we are a lot more alike than I realized.”

“Who would’ve known?” Dick teased.

“Never mind, just say I told you so next time.” Tim grumbled. “Anyway, it seemed like he was really trying, and that he wanted to help in some way. I guess I just couldn’t ignore that.”

“Yeah.” Dick had his proud big brother face on. “I'm glad you guys are finally getting along. What did you talk about?”

“Oh, you know, feeling worthless without having something to focus on, questioning our places in people's lives, the usual. “  

“That does seem to be a common theme in our family.”

“He called me family,” Tim murmured. “Or, well, he implied it. But for him, that’s basically saying it.”

“Tim, that’s…” Even Dick looked astounded.

“Unbelievable?”

“No, not unbelievable.” He chided. “But definitely surprising.”

“That’s one way to get me out of a bad mood, I guess. I was so surprised that it jarred me right out of my own downwards spiral.” Tim closed his eyes and took another deep breath. “Most everything still sucks, but that’s a bright spot, at least. My therapist keeps telling me to look for those. I guess I have another one to add to the list.” He turned his head to share a small smile before standing up to stretch. “That and Alfred’s blueberry scones. I sure hope there’s some left.”

Dick matched his smile with a blinding one of his own and reached over to ruffle Tim’s hair.

“You know, if you ever need to talk-“

“I know.” Tim bumped his shoulder into Dick’s. “Thanks, Dick.”

Fly Towards The Calm

“Think fast!” Stephanie’s entrance was about as subtle as a stampede.  She must have been hanging out with Jason lately. As the door behind her swung closed, she tossed a tightly, carefully wrapped package at his face. He caught it with one hand as he finished reading the last paragraph of the proposal he was looking over.

“Evidently I’m the Wayne family errand boy now,” she whined as she jumped up to sit on his desk. “I drove the brat home from school and got enlisted by Alfred to deliver food to your sorry butt.”

“You could have said no.” he muttered. Peeling back the folded wax paper revealed a tuna fish sandwich, exactly how he liked it, though a bit squished from being thrown across a room.

“Refused? Alfred? Are you joking?” she asked, over dramatically taken aback. “Besides, I was rewarded with my own delicious sandwich and not one but two cupcakes.”

“Two?” his eyebrow raised. 

“Well, he only gave me one, but generously allowed me to snatch a second. I didn’t eat yours because I’m nice.” She dropped the rest of his lunch on his now closed laptop.

“Indeed, I shall never be able to repay your kindness,” he said around his own mouthful of sandwich.

“You got that right. Anyway, Cass and I are gonna have a night on the town tonight, wanna come with?”

Tim hummed in agreement.

“Great! I’ll text her. You should probably get a nap first though. Come on, you can eat on the way.” She popped the last bite in her mouth and hopped off the desk.

Gathering his things, he glanced at her in amusement. “Alfred put you up to this, too?”

She rolled her eyes. “Do you even have to ask?”

Looping her arm in his, they headed to the door. He noticed a slight hesitation in her steps and turned to find her looking at him funny. But she just shook her head and let whatever it was, be.

Until they got in the car, of course.

Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye as she sped down the road she asked, with a tone he couldn’t quite decipher , “Did you use my dry shampoo?”

His mind ground to a halt. Of all the questions he thought she’d ask, that was not one of them, and for the life of him, he couldn’t reason out why. They constantly borrowed each others’ things without issue, and for that matter, so did the rest of their mismatched clan. Maybe he was hallucinating. Maybe he needed that nap after all.

 It had been a minute, maybe he should answer the question.

“Got my own bottle.” He said carefully, “Seemed useful.”

“Hmm.” God, now she sounded like Bruce. How many odd habits had she picked up from them? 

“Tim…” she sounded soft and hesitant, as if he were fragile. He hated when they did that. “When’s the last time you took a shower? Or ate a full meal?”

He contemplated it with a hum. “Patrol,” he said finally.

Stephanie’s hands tightened on the steering wheel for a moment. “Has it been bad lately?”

“What? …Oh.” Oh. “Not… really? It’s just been numb. Quiet. A bit like the way everything is muffled when you’re underwater.” A bit like drowning, he left unsaid.

She nodded and made a sudden U-turn. When he looked at her in askance, she shrugged. “We’ll patrol together another night. I’ll update Cass when we get to my apartment, but go ahead and text Alfred now. We’re going to have a self-care night with movies and facemasks and whatever other dumb indulgent Pinterest crap I can think of.”

Tim opened his mouth to argue but found he was too tired to care and yawned instead. “Nap first?”

“Shower first. Then nap.”

[BREAK]

He woke the moment she opened the door and turned his head to meet her gaze as she poked her head in with a grin.

“Ca-“ he broke off in a yawn, “Cass!”

With a quick glance behind her, she continued into the room, holding out a steaming mug. Tim sat up in bed, gleefully accepting it as she sat down next to him.

“Coffee,” he sighed in delight.

“Coffee.” She agreed with a solemn nod.

The silence was comforting as they sat there, leaning against each other, Tim soaking in the rare precious moments where he wasn’t rushed, or pulled this way and that. Reaching the bottom of the mug, he set it aside, wrapping his arms around his sister instead.

“You are a blessing upon humanity,” he said, “we don’t deserve you.”

She laughed and tightened the hug. The moment felt just like flying free above the streets of Gotham, and the thought of staying in for the night felt right. Cass pulled away just enough to look at him face to face, an amused twist to her lips.

“You smell like a Steph!” Squeezing him once more, she slipped away and was halfway out the door again when she turned as if she had just remembered something. “Oh!” her smile turned sly, “Decaf!”

“Hey!” He jumped out of the bed to catch up with her, but when he rounded the hall into the living room he was stopped in his tracks.

It seemed that somewhere in between dropping him off at her apartment to take a nap while she met up with Cass and “gathered necessary supplies”, and returning with said supplies, the original objective had been lost.

“It looks like you brought back half the manor’s supply of blankets and robbed a concession stand… and is that the old DVD case? I thought I got rid of that.”

“Yeah. Me and Dick saved it! Having everything digital may be convenient, but having a physical folder of DVDs just feels right!”

Tim suppressed the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose and decided to leave the debate of Digital vs. Physical for another day.

“Anyway, you’re up just in time to help us set up the blanket fort!”

An hour later found the living room unrecognizable under the piles of pillows and draped sheets. Tim and Steph stood in the kitchen sorting snacks and discussing the night’s activities.

“-and then there’s this green tea and honey one that’s really great, very soothing-“

“Steph, you don’t have to explain them all to me, you know I’ll always let you test your facial concoctions out on me,” he cut in.

“Of course I know that. I’m not rambling about them for my benefit- I’m rambling about them for yours”

A head tilt was his only reply.

“Ok, let me try to explain this in a different way.” she put down her phone to look at him. “Tonight, Cass and I are going to attempt to teach you how to take care of yourself.”

“I know-” 

“Not in the way that you’ve done or that you know. Your version of taking care of yourself is to fool the cameras, the public, to fool Batman into thinking that you’re at your best.” she shoots him a look. “You’re not. You’re running on fumes and you can’t fool your family.”

“Taking care of yourself is NOT finding the lowest number of hours of sleep that you can ‘function’ on.” She makes quotes in the air with her fingers. “It is not replacing a meal with a power bar, even if the calories are the same! It’s not only taking showers when you have to leave the house, or shutting yourself in to do casework all the time!” her hands fly up in the air and she huffs. 

Taking his hands in hers she looks him square in the eyes before saying more softly, “Self-care is eating full, balanced, Alfred-cooked meals as often as you can. It’s doing your laundry every week and brushing your teeth twice a day. It’s taking naps even when you would literally rather be sorting through the 5-year backup of paperwork in R&D. Or better yet, getting a full 8-10 hours of sleep regularly! It’s looking in the mirror and saying to yourself, everyday, ‘I am good enough. I am worthy of and deserve all the love me friends and family try to give me.’ 

And tonight! Taking care of yourself is having a spa night with Cass and I while we watch anime movies and eat copious amounts of junk food, because we all know that patrol burns an extra 2,000 calories anyway! Plus, we can look at the Affirmations board I have on Pinterest! Cass likes practicing saying them while she beats up bad guys. Says the look on their faces is priceless.”

“Funniest one, I said, ‘I aspire to be a blessing and an inspiration to others.’” Cass recites popping her head out from the mass of blankets, “Guy completely stopped! Then I punched him.”

Night Will Come But Not To Stay

“I cant- I can’t do this anymore! I won’t do this anymore!”

“Promise?”

“…What?” his tears paused for the barest moment, before overflowing again. Bruce was crouched in front of him, tear tracks staining his face.

A moment ago Bruce had been standing with his back to him, untouched by Tim’s words, or perhaps instead, disgusted? 

But perhaps that conclusion was wrong. As Tim searched his face now, it looked more like he was the one in pain and exhausted beyond belief.

His lips were moving, and Tim struggled to catch up.

“What?” he repeated, softly and sniffly, a cord of self-disgust lashing out within him at the pathetic sound of it.

Not just tear tracks, it seemed. Bruce was still shedding tears as he repeated himself.

“Do you promise? That you won’t do this anymore?”

Tim’s mind felt like sludge as he tried to piece together how that request could possibly fit into the context of the last few minutes.

They had been training, not so long ago. Bruce had reached out to Tim first, this time. Offered to train together like they had in the past. Tim had jumped at the chance. He should have known better.

It had been going fine, at first. Great, even.

But his insomnia had been worse than usual this past week, and his other symptoms had been acting up, too. In response to the lack of sleep, maybe, or just the continued pattern he had observed, gradually worsening over time.

Honestly, it was probably a great big mix of things.

But he hadn’t been willing to cancel - not the first thing that he had actually been looking forward to in… too long to think about.

So, he’d shown up anyway, his body begging him to just rest.

They’d warmed up and started sparring.

Well.

It hadn’t even been fifteen minutes of sparring, and his body went from begging to outright rebellion.

He went down and couldn’t get back up.

And for some stupid reason, Bruce had decided to yell at him to get up.

So, he yelled back.

Yelled.

Screamed.

He’s not even sure what all he said, just that this last added bit of disappointment piled atop the ever-building terror of symptoms and lit the fuse that exploded within him and stole the earth from under his feet. It ripped through him and tore out his throat, multiplying as his view was constrained to the back of the man he respected most, seeming to be utterly unmoved by it all.

His obvious confusion and continued silence spurred Bruce to try to explain.

“Promise me that you’ll stop running yourself into the ground. Please.” He tilted his head to try and catch Tim’s eye. “I know you’ve been struggling, and not just lately. Alfred said you’ve seemed like you’ve been having an especially difficult time for quite a while. He said he had been meaning to bring it up to me before… and that he had tried to talk to you while I was gone, but that he couldn’t get you to stay in one place long enough to broach the subject. I know something’s going on. Tell me about it. Let me help.”

“Something’s going-? Help?” his laugh was incredulous and desperate as he dug his fingers into the mats beneath him before forcing them to relax. “No. You can’t- you can’t help me.” He scoffed. “Was this-“ he waved his hand around to try to indicate this situation that he couldn’t find words for, “this, supposed to be helpful?”

“Well,” Bruce looked a bit sheepish, “when you get stressed, I know you tend to internalize all of it. Direct it all at yourself. I thought if you had something outside yourself to direct it at instead… It had worked for-“ he cut himself off. “Well.” He said again, letting it rest a moment before continuing at a different angle. “What do you mean I can’t help you?”

“I mean, you can’t. I- I already researched it. There’s nothing- I mean, I sure had enough time. I had thought, with how tired I am, that maybe it’d help with my insomnia. You’d think so, right? But no. No. I’m still awake, but now I’m lying there, and I can’t do anything. Because I’m too tired! I’m so tired, Bruce. I thought- I thought I knew what tired was.”

“Tim, you’re not making sense. What’s going on? Why are you so tired?” he shifted to sit down and lifted his arms to give Tim a hug but stopped short, holding there, offering.

Tim fell into his arms and Bruce gathered his son as best he could.

“Turns out The Clench has permanent effects that the cure couldn’t reverse. They’re only just beginning to research it, but I’ve been tracking symptoms. Chronic fatigue and pain, nerve damage, migraines- other things they aren’t sure are connected. There isn’t a cure, and it’s gradually been getting worse. I’ve tried the suggestions though it's hardly any change: diet, exercise, rest, the basics. But it’s all just maintenance, and I can’t-“  he went limp as his eyes filled with tears again. “I can’t do the things I used to be able to. I’m barely making patrol- the rest of the day I’m in bed. I can’t do classes. I had intended- I was going to finish High School, or maybe get my GED. But I have to lay down after taking a shower. I can hardly think anymore. I have to drag myself out of bed to go to the bathroom. I used to be able to do everything, and now I can’t do anything! I can’t help you anymore! And you can’t help me.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Bruce pulled him closer to his chest and rested his cheek on his head, rocking them back and forth. “It’ll be ok. We’ll figure it out.”

“No, it won’t! It’ll never be ok again! Can’t you see? I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t think! I can’t think, Dad! What use am I now?” his voice broke and Bruce felt his heart break with it.

“Tim,” he gathered Tim’s hands in his own from where they were clutching his shirt, and planted a kiss on his knuckles, smoothing over them with his thumb. “Son, listen to me. You were not born into this world to be useful.” He stopped him before he could interrupt. “I know you like being useful. I like being useful, too. But I need you to listen to me. You are more precious to me than all the stars in the sky. Nothing will change that. When I say, “We’ll figure it out”, I’m not talking about a cure, or some way to make sure you are, quote unquote, “useful”. I mean that we’ll figure out a way for you to live a happy life. A successful life in whatever capacity that it may mean for you. When I say “it’ll be ok”, I don’t mean that I have a fix, I just mean that no matter what, the others and I will be here for you, however you need us. I mean that no matter what happens, you have a place here. You are my son. I love you.” Bruce cradled Tim close again, and their tears mingled where their cheeks pressed together.

“It’s ok. I’m here”

(+1) Fair Winds, Another Tale

Despite still being in the middle of setting things up, the picnic mood was already in full swing. Large blankets were being weighed down by pillows and baskets of assorted snacks. Tables were being laid out to hold the main meal, soon to be a large potluck. No matter how much Alfred insisted on being the one to cook it all, each attendee persisted in bringing something to share. He faintly wondered if they would run out of table space again this time ‘round.

With the majority of the tasks already accomplished, and the remaining tasks hijacked by the ever-enthusiastic young people, Alfred found himself with nothing pressing to do. He made his way over to where Tim sat, transferring water bottles and pop cans from cartons to coolers.

“As much as I appreciate the help, I do so wish they’d stop flinging cutlery across the lawn.”

Tim looked up to watch Steph and Duke and Jason for a moment, trying to suppress his own smirk at the sight of them gleefully tossing said cutlery to each other.

“I mean, it's just plastic, right?”

Alfred sighed as he sat in a camping chair set up next to the coolers. “Yes, but that’s not quite the point. The job is getting done, though, I suppose.”

They sat a moment in pleasant silence, watching as their family milled about, more relaxed than Alfred had seen in years. He hated to break the quiet, but with the entire family around lately and as busy as ever, he had hardly had a decent conversation with any of them. He worried about all of them, of course, and their shared inability to ask for help, but Timothy was an especially quiet lad, when it came to facing problems.

“How are things?”

“Well, all the drinks are already chilled, and we have plenty of ice.”

He shrugged a little at Alfred’s pointed look. “I think they’re ok.” He fiddled a bit with the boxes and tied a fresh garbage bag to the back of a cooler. “Not great, but ok. The weight, the fog… It’s lessened, somehow?”

“Your medication is helping?”

“Yeah, I think that’s a big part of it. But more than that, the way that I think about things now, it’s- I mean, obviously, it’s taken months, and ‘better’ isn’t a word that I’d use- but there’s been progress. And for once? It’s like I can let that progress just, be? I’m not sure how to explain it, really.” He leaned back to stare at the sky. “ I’m still working on things, and putting effort into it, but I guess I’m not expecting things to be fixed completely and immediately.”

Alfred hummed in response encouraging him to continue.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s still frustrating to no end. Trying to ‘let go’ of perfectionism and the control issues… Sometimes I feel more like I’m chopping off parts of myself with the issues rather than just ‘letting them go’. But I’ve been finding new ways to define myself, and it’s been more manageable lately. I can work with manageable. And when it’s not, I have people who make it bearable.” He looked off to where Bruce was welcoming their first guests. “That’s more than enough for me.”

“Master Timothy,” Alfred waited until Tim met his sincere gaze, “I am so proud of you.”

The small smile Tim shot at him reminded him so much of the shy grins that were common when young Timothy had first entered their lives. Alfred’s heart ached for the many children whose smiles he had seen stolen over the years. The moment was cut short as Jason stormed over demanding,

“Tim, Steph is insisting that the 2005 Pride and Prejudice is better than the 1995 version. You have to tell her she’s wrong.”

Steph came bounding over with Duke. “What's wrong with you? Do you hate Kiera Knightley or something?”

Jason took a dramatic step back with his hand on his heart. “You should know better than to ask that question! But the 1995 version is still the better version. It's more faithful to the books! The delivery is stunning! The banter is unsurpassable! And it has Colin. Firth.”

Duke breaks in, “I mean, he’s got a point. They took the time necessary to keep as many details as possible from the book. Elizabeth’s take down of Darcy is unparalleled. When it comes to banter that’s definitely the one to watch. Also, the 2005 Mr. Bennet is kinda creepy, not gonna lie.”

“See? Duke here is a man of taste.”

“But the aesthetic!”  Stephanie cried, “The finger twitch! Darcy looking like a sad puppy in the rain! Elizabeth kissing Darcy’s hand!!! 2005 is a masterpiece! Tim, you tell them!”

“Don’t look at me, I think they’re both great. Besides, I like Jane Eyre better.” Tim says.

The other three stop and stare.

“You know, that makes sense.” Duke said with an assessing look. “Personally, my favorite is the Count of Monte Cristo.”

Jason threw up his hands in defeat. “You guys aren’t even talking about Jane Austen anymore!” They all turned as another car came up the drive. “Oh thank god, Babs is here! She’ll take my side.”

Their conversation faded into the distance as they paraded back across the lawn, dragging Tim into their argument as they went.

Bruce  watched them fondly out of the corner of his eye as he approached in turn.

“The Kent’s are here, save Clark. Lois says he tried a new recipe and wanted to run it past Martha first. Diana’s running a bit late, but for the most part it seems that everyone else will be here in an hour or so. How are things coming along?”

Alfred knew he was asking about more than just picnic preparations. “All is well, Master Bruce. For once, all is well.”

[pinkpeonyprincessblog]

Deliverance| A Werewolf Shawn AU

Part Two

In my dream I was running, running as fast as I could and yet the wolves that were chasing me were only gaining on me.

I knew that I only had a matter of seconds before it was all over, before I was dead and so I welcomed the wolf as he lunged forward to kill me.

...

I woke with a start, breathing heavily as I looked around realising that I was safe, I wasi n Shawn's room still, but it was light out now, morning light reflecting like diamonds off the lake in the distance.

There was a soft knock at the door, causing me to jump before Shawn appeared dressed in a t-shirt,and track pants, his feet bare.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he apologized, coming to sit at the end of he bed. "Are you okay?I heard you whimpering in your sleep,"

I nodded, still half asleep. "I'm good, bad dream I guess," I shrugged, not wanting to go into it anymore.

"You can go back to sleep for a while, it's still early and I have a few things I need to do with the pack before the day starts," Shawn offered with a soft smile. I turned looking at the cosy hole of pillows and blankets I'd left.

"Thank you, I murmured, stiffling a yawn.

"Sleep well Pup," he spoke getting up and leaving the room, closing the door softly behind him.i Kay there from a while, just watching the world out the window, just this simple act felt so luxurious, the mountains, everything was so pretty, so green, so vibrant compared to my old life.

How different my life was now I thought as I shut my eyes and drifted off again.

When I woke again, I could tell several hours had past from the angle of the sun, and the fact that I was no longer fighting the urge to sleep.I sat up and stretched,before getting up and heading to the door. I had no idea where I was going, but I was hungry and I had this weird yearning to be near Shawn. It made me uneasy after everything that had happened to me that I needed someone, especially a male so much, but I couldn't deny the feeling I was having, maybe it was something to do with this mate connection that Shawn had been taking about?

I made my way through the house, heading down corridor after corridor,down several staircases and into finally into a massive living room with several oversized couches and a fire place.

"Lucy?" I turned at the sound of the familiar female voice. Karla, was standing at the other side of the room watching me inquisitively."Are you okay?"she asked, making her way towards me.

"You know my name?" I asked surprised.

"Shawn told us," she smiled registering the confusion which I felt. "What are you doing up?"

"I woke up and Shawn wasn't in his room, I came to find him," I explained, still somewhat distracted by the sheer size and grnadure of the room.

"He's in the kitchen making you breakfast, he loves to cook. I'll show you the way if you want," she offered.

I nodded and she took my hand without hesitation, leading me through an archway which opened out into the kitchen. Like the living room before, he kitchen too was huge, a massive marble island taking up the centre part of the space,several stoves and counters, Karla smiled and left.

"Morning Pup, sleep well? Shawn asked when he spotted me standing there, coming over and laying a ghost kiss on my temple." Sorry I shouldn't have done that," he frowned.

"It's okay. It feels nice," I smiled, he beamed back. "It'll just take some time for me to get used to everyday things again." I was saying it more to my self than him. But he answered.

"We've got nothing but time, however to fill that time how about we eat, you need nutrients Pup. What do you like to eat?"

It was a simple enough question, but it had been so long since I had been asked it, that I didn't know how to respond.

"How about pancakes and fruit?" he asked, helping me out.

I nodded, thankful I didn't have to make a decision for myself.

"Want to watch?" he asked.

"Yes please."

He nodded "Since your so short, how about you sit on the bench?" he suggested.

"How am I meant to get up there?" I asked eying the jump, there was no way in hell that I'd be able to make it on my own.

"Can I help you?" he asked coming to stand in front of me. I nodded, still a little unsure. "I'm going to lift you okay?" he checked.

I nodded again and he placed his hands on my waist and lifted me with ease onto the bench.

"Ever made pancakes before?" he asked reaching above him to the hooks which held a bunch for saucepans, grabbing one down.

"Yes, but not in a long time, not since-" I stopped shuddering as memories flooded back.

"Do you want to stir the batter?" he asked, breaking me free of the silent torture.

We went about the process quietly, I was greatful for that, because I still wasn't feeling particularly verbose. Not used to being allowed to talk, let alone anyone actually being interested in heat u had to say.

When the food was ready he helped me down off the bench and led me back the way I'd come and out onto a secluded balcony overlooking the sound. It was stunning the morning sun reflecting like one big dimond off the water, the sound of birds and the breese filling the air.

"How come we haven't seen any of the pack, except for Karla?" I asked as I sat down.

" Because this part of the house is only for the Alpha and his immediate superiors," he answered, taking a bite of his food."Plus, I asked them to keep their distance, I figured you'd need some time to adjust."

"But Karla?", I stopped confused.

"Is my Beta Connor's mate," he explained.

"Oh,"

We lapsed back into a comfortable silence. giving me a chance to take a bite of my own food. It was hands down the most delicious thing I'd ever eaten, and I was overcome by a hunger I didn't know I had in me, finishing my plate miles ahead of Shawn.

"You still hungry Pup?" he asked looking over at my now empty plate with a smile.

I shook my head no, smiling back at him, I was fuller than I could ever remember.

I sat watching the sound for a while as Shawn finished his pancakes, but my peace was suddenly interrupted by an odd and unnerving sensation in my stomach, almost like nervous butterflies, but way more intense.

"Shawn," I panicked.

"What's wrong,?" he demanded, standing up and coming to squat in front of me, searching every inch of my face.

"The feeling?" I asked, desperately hoping he'd understand. "Like butterflies," I gasped as they ramped up when I grabbed his hand squeezing it as hard as I could. "What is it Shawn?" I asked again as I took in hus huge grin.

"It's your wolf Lucy." he let out a breath." I was so worried she was repressed for too long, but she's alive," he chocked on his words.

"Is that good?" I asked confused, still squeezing his hand.

"That's great, it means you'll be able to live like the rest of us, to change,to mate." I blushed at the last part.

"But why this feeling?"

"She's restless," he explained. "She knows she's in the presence of her mate, my wolf and she wants out. When youre well enough I'll teach you how to let her free," he added.

"Will it hurt?" I asked suddenly worried.

"It might be a bit uncomfortable the first time she takes over, it's kind of like having to share your head, your thoughts and feelings with someone else, but trust me, there's no better feeling than running free in the woods, your wolf able to do as they please without restriction.

I nodded, still not entirely sure, but I trusted him.

We sat just watching the water for a while, not needing to talk. It was strange to me, being able to just sit, not having rules to follow, people coming to use me for their own personal gain, not feeling pain. But it was also welcome.

"Are you ready to start the day?" Shawn asked, as he stood half an hour later, grabbing our plates off the table with one hand and holding his other out for me to take.

I nodded, standing up slowly,taking his hand, and following him inside.

"What are we doing today?" I asked as he dumped the plates in the sink bad led the way back to his room.

"What would you like to do today?" he asked as we stepped into his now familiar room once again.

I stood there,thinking. Again not used to having the freedom to make choices for myself.

"A few of the girls like to paint," he suggested as he rummaged around in his cupboard, pulling a pair of trainers out and sitting on the end of the bed to put them on. "I could get you some paints or different art supplies if you like, or you could read, we could even go for a shirt walk around the grounds of you're feeling up to it later," he added with a smile coming over to stand in front of me.

"I'd like to paint?" It came out as more of a question, but he nodded.

"I'll get you the stuff you need," he murmured, placing another soft kiss against my forehead,causing me to all but melt into him. I couldn't get over the way he made me feel. It was like everything in my head told me to keep my distance, to stay clear, to protect myself. But my body and heart were saying the opposite- wanting nothing more than to be as close as possible to this man, it was almost as if my body needed the physical contact with Shawn to function now. It wasn't that that was a bad thing, it was just such a change from two days earlier when I would have done everything in my power to stay clear of any and all males.

"How about you have a shower, get ready for the day, I'll go and do what I need to do- check in on the younger ones, do a perimeter run and then we can go to the pack meeting together?" he suggested, moving around me to pull a towel and a new oversized hoodie off his dresser which I hadn't even realised was there.

The first 10 minutes of the shower were heavenly,the hot water helping to unknot my still aching muscles,the steam clearing my senses, but as I relaxed into it, listening to the sound of the water beating down on the tiled floor my mind started to wonder, and soon I was feeling anything but comfort.

I could feel the familiar rush of adrenaline,the way my hands and feet went slightly numb and shaky, my chest heaving as I gasped for air, collapsing in a heap in the corner of the shower, head against the damp wall as image after image of my old life haunted me.

I sat there for what felt like forever, the water drowning out my pathetic attempts to choke back the sobs that were now wracking my tired body.

"Lucy, are you okay in there?" an alarmed voice spoke, slightly muffled by the door.

"Help, please, help me," I whispered,hoping that whoever it was would hear me.

"I'm coming in," the person spoke and a moment later the door to the shower was ripped open revealing Karla, a look of deep worry on her face.

"Lucy, what's the matter?"she asked, reaching in to turn the water off.

"Ca-can't breathe," I stuttered, holding my hand over my chest.

"Oh, God, here, I'm going to help you get out," she rushed out of the room, coming back moments later with another large towel."Can you stand up?"she asked watching me uncertainly.

"Think so," I nodded. She stepped into the shower wrapping the towel around me, before helping me carefully to my feet.I didn't even care at this point that she'd seen me without anything on, I was just desperate for this feeling to stop.

"Just take slow deep breaths," she encouraged with a soft smile as I made my way slowly to the bed. "Have you had panic attacks before she asked?" Sitting on the bed beside me,grabbing the sweater that Shawn had set aside for me and helping me to pull it over my head, instantly engolfing me with the warmth and scent of Shawn.

I nodded, still feeling extremely shaky.

"Do you think you'll be alright if I go and get Shawn?" she asked. "I promise it'll take me 2 seconds.I just think Shawn will be able to help you more than I can," she told me.

I nodded.I didn't want to be left alone, but I wanted Shawn more.

She left in a hurry, looking over her shoulder at me with pity.

As I sat and waited, I tried to stay calm, but my the time the door opened again, I was once again struggling to breathe, my chest heaving.

"Oh, Pup, what's the matter?" Shawn asked coming to sit next to me as Karla had, before laying a very gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Don't know, just feel scared," I shrugged, not looking up at him. I hated the idea that he was seeing me so vulnerable.

"Lucy, honey, can you look at me," his voice was barely a whisper.

I looked up reluctantly, knowing that he'd be able to see the tears, not yet dried in my cheeks, the puffy redness under my eyes nodoubt making me look like a chipmunk.

"We're going to do some grounding excercises okay," he smiled softly. "Take a big breath in, and I want you to hold it until I count to 10."

I did as he,said, feeling my lungs expand with the air they so desperately needed.

"Good," he praised, and slowly breathe out through your mouth," he instructed."I'm going to lift you up okay?" he asked. I nodded, letting him know I was okay with it.

He lifted me quickly and easily, sitting me in his lap, not seeking to care about the fact that I still had dripping hair.i curled into him instinctively, as I hiccupped, my tears slowly slightly now, my chest just a little less tight.

"You're okay Lucy, I'm here, I've got you," he murmured, resting his chin on the top of my head.

"I'm sorry,"I croaked out, when after a few minutes neither of us had spoken.

"For what?" he asked, looking at me with confusion in his eyes.

"For me" I said, as if it should be obvious.

"Lucy, please don't apologise, none of this is your fault," he responded, rubbing soothing circles up and down my arms.

"I just feel useless sometimes," I admitted, more to myself than to him.

"You are anything but useless," he replied, "and to prove it," he added,"I'm going to take you to meet the pack,if you're up to it," he smiled. "They're all so excited to meet you, and we have a pack meeting dinner thing tonight so I thought it might be nice if you joined."

"Why if they don't like me?"I worried, ringing my hands nervously.

"They will trust me," he smiled again,shifting me off of his lap before standing up and holding his hand out for me to take, which I did gladly.

There were already several people waiting in the living room when we made it downstairs and I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated at the thought of all these new people.

Shawn squeezed my hand reassuringly as he lead me to a large armchair where he sat, before pulling me down to sit on his lap without seemingly a second thought.

"Everyone," this is Lucy," Shawn introduced. "This is Dave, Brian, Connor, you know Karla," she shot me a warm smile "Beth and Angie," Shawn pointed them out one by one. They all smiled warmly, waving at me.

"So what's on the agenda for tonight?" Connor, I assumed from the way Karla was snuggled into his side much like I was with Shawn, asked.

"We need to be putting protective measures into place, since Lucy's been here other packs are getting restless, and given the circumstances, I don't want to take any risks."

The others nodded in silent agreement before Shawn went on.

"When I found Lucy-" he paused to look at me, shaking his head, " she was mere moments from having her life cut short, it was just lucky, I happened to be doing a run of the grounds, it who knows what would have happened," he trailed off. I felt myself shudder and Shawn's arms tighten around me ever so slightly as we simultaneously re- lived those horrific few seconds.

"You know we're all behind you man," someone else spoke up, causing everyone to nod.

"Thank you," Shawn replied sincerely, "At this stage there have only been a two attempts at breaches, don't seem bold enough to actually enter our lands, but they're hanging around the fringe,getting more game everyday," he frowned as he spoke.

At this point I chose to time out the conversation, sometimes ignorance was bliss and I already had enough on my mind without fretting about what was going on around me too much.

As wesat on the sofa hours later, cuddled up as the television played re-runs of friends couldn't help but voice my fears.

"Am,am I safe?" I asked nervously,looking up at Shawn who was half dozing, arms wrapped lazily around me.

He sat up slightly, stretching before resting his hands on either side if my face affectionately,

"We're doing everything we can to protect you," he spoke fiercly, reaching for my hand and squeezing gently."You are my life now," he added,pulling me protectively into his embrace again. For the first time in a long time,the sense of fear that was ever-present disappated somewhat, and I felt safe knowing that regardless of what happened I had Shawn,I had a home and I had a family.