#(also my husband is not the one we're complaining about here today

[viksalos]

you guys like the battle jacket story huh. what you have to imagine here is that i was effectively stirring a boiling cauldron (/large plastic bucket) of black dye and the ashes of that letter, listening to this woman wail “HIDE YOUR HUSBANDS” (while my husband looks on in bemusement), giggling at the piano slams. like i *was* blindingly angry at the time but it was also *so* on the nose and over-the-top that i couldn’t also not laugh at myself for being ridiculous. but it felt like the thing to be doing at that moment, and again 1 thing about me is that i Commit To The Bit. (nobody knows what bit i’m committing to but i’m committing to it.) goes to show that even when you’re processing a bunch of painful stuff you can still find humor and joy if you get kinda weird with it. or something

(completely unrelated but my lemaine flesh corset just got here. might drench myself in stage blood and do a photoshoot about it, as one does with such an item. yknow for the drama or whatever)

[antiquatedplumbobs]

Spring 1916

~an excerpt from Elsie Sewell's private diary~

Spring has arrived! The calendar has been saying it had been here for weeks, but today it really and truly made its presence known. The east field is awash with flowers and I simply had to stop and pick a bouquet, they had the sweetest scent and the most delicate yellow petals. Mamma was rather irritated that it made me a bit late coming home, but I can't very much see why. I was back with plenty of time to prepare supper (she had an Aide Society meeting) and the house smelled ever so sweet as I did. No one complained about my victual offerings either.

I am quite pleased to be done with the schoolhouse; sums and grammar were always ever so boring and pointless. It is ever so much better to spend the day with work that actually has to be done, rather than made up to torture us. I enjoy most housework, cooking and sewing in particular, but laundry... There's something about that specific task I have not yet resigned myself too.

I think we all have that particular chore that we dislike more than the others, though none of the adults will admit so to my face. Laundry is a necessary evil though, or we should all go around naked, as Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden, and the climate her could never allow such an indulgence, so laundry we must do. 

It does feel good to be helping around the house more and take some of the burden off Mamma; I can't imagine how she did all this work on her own for years, it's quite a lot between the two of us. Despite my continued propensity to "dawdle" as Mamma puts it, she still sends me on all the errands, I think she likes having the house to herself just as much I like the walk into town. Sometimes Lydia accompanies me if her mother also needs something fetched.

The general store is the best store in town, it's filled floor to ceiling with everything you could ever need. Dottie's always mighty pleased to see us and if she's busy Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield are always so sweet to me. Sometimes Mr. Greenfield slips me penny candy in with my orders with a little wink.

Dottie, Lydia and I don't see each other as much as when we were in school, but now that we're older when we're finished with chores and housework we have so much more freedom to go on walks or sit down by the inlet. The sun hits the old dock down there in the afternoon and it's so pleasant, especially if there's a breeze coming off the water.

We chat about anything and everything; Dottie always has all the news of the town since she talks to just about everyone at the general store. Mamma says it's wrong to gossip, but she always says that after I've given her all the news. Lydia is such a hoot, she has the strongest opinions on everything and everyone. Just the other day she was informing (lecturing one might say) us on the proper etiquette for accepting a proposal; according to Mrs. Parr proper young ladies should never accept their first proposal, they must refuse and wait for the man to ask again, that's how she'll know he's serious and will make a good husband. Apparently she turned Mr. Parr down thrice. Dottie and I both thought that was completely silly. Mamma said yes to her first proposal and she seems quite content with her lot.

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

next / previous / first

[renjunniex]

Thank You, For Being You

Isaac Lahey x Fem! Reader Series

Raving

Omega Part 1 | Omega Part 2 | Shape Shifted | Ice Pick | Abomination | Venomous | Frenemy | Restraint | Party Guessed | Fury

Prompt: Joining forces with Derek was difficult to say the least. Not only because he wanted to do things differently but it also meant you had to spend more time with Isaac.

a/n: heyyyy everybody! another chapter is here! super grateful for all the love you guys have been giving me seriously, thank you guys so much! ALSO YALL I DIDNT REALIZE I WAS SPELLING MR. HARRIS AS MR. HARRISON UNTIL JUST NOW. WHY DIDNT YALL TELL ME!?!? i went back and changed them so we should be good now lol

*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧

"Oh, what the hell is this?"

You and Stiles were sitting at the station with food for Sheriff, who was very unhappy with what he had been given. "Veggie burger," sang Stiles as he rearranged the contents around the table. He handed you yours before setting his salad in front of him.

"Stiles, I asked for a hamburger," complained Sheriff his mouth still full.

"Well, veggie is healthier. We're being healthy," Stiles argued. You nodded along as you rustled your fork through your own salad to mix the contents around equally. Sheriff sighed but went back to unpacking his food, when he uncovered the basket of carrots and celery his face took on the look of disappointment once more, "Oh, hell, why are you trying to ruin my life?"

You gave the older man a pointed look, "That's very dramatic, don't you think? We just do this because we care." You weren't lying, Melissa may have been the one that took you in permanently but the Sheriff had always been like a father to you just as Melissa had been like a mother.

"I'm trying to extend your life, okay? Could you just eat it, please? And tell us what you found."

Sheriff disagreed, "No! I'm not sharing confidential police work with teenagers." That didn't stop you two from looking behind the man and at the wall. You pointed to it as Stiles called attention to the board, "Is that it on the board behind you?" He turned to look at it, "Don't look at that." Stiles continued to not listen, his eyes glued onto the wall.

"Avert your eyes. Hey!"

"I see arrows pointing at pictures," Stiles said move about in his chair.

He finally gave up when he realized that you two were not going to listen. "Okay, okay, stop! Fine. I found something." Both you and Stiles brought your attentions to him, instantly satisfied with his words.

"Mechanic and the couple who were murdered. They all had something in common."

"All three," you and Stiles asked.

"Yeah. You know what I always say. One's an incident. Two's coincidence-."

"Three's a pattern," Stiles finished for his father.

"The mechanic, the husband, and the wife- all the same age. All twenty-four."

Your eyebrows scrunched together, "Then what about Mr. Lahey?" Stiles looked over at you and agreed, "Isaac's dad isn't anywhere near twenty-four."

Sheriff had stuck his finger out, stopping your questions, "Which made me think either 'A,' Lahey's murder wasn't connected or 'B,' the ages were a coincidence, until I found this," he rolled his chair backwards a little and turned. Grabbing the file and handing it you, you opened it so both of you could expect the contents.

"Which would be 'C.' Did you know that Isaac Lahey has an older brother named Camden?" Even though the question was in general, meant for both of you, Sheriff did make the most eye contact with you. You shook your head, going back to reading the words.

"'Died in combat,'" whispered Stiles.

"But if he were alive today, take one guess as to how old he'd be."

"Twenty-four," you said.

Eating was apparently going to have to wait, since both men stood up and began to go over the board. "Man, I really just wanted to eat," you whined begrudgingly getting out of your chair. Your complainants were completely ignored as they started to plot.

"Now what if same age means same class- I mean did you think of that?" Sheriff brushed off his son's question with a slight wave, "Yeah, yeah." There was a brief moment of dead air until Sheriff confessed he hadn't thought of it.

"Well I would've. I mean- look I just got Lahey's file two hours ago." Even though the statement made sense to you, Stiles didn't accept that.

"TWO HOURS? Dad, people could be dying!"

"Yeah, I'm aware of that, thank you."

You placed a hand on Stiles' shoulders to make your presence known, "He can only keep looking at this stuff for so long, Stiles. Sometimes you need to step back to refresh your eyes."

Both guys settled down at your words, before turning towards the photos, "Same class," murmured Stiles. You all shared a look, "Do you have any old yearbooks, Sheriff," you asked.

Like on cue, they scrambled to get any old yearbooks and school files they could get their hands on. To be honest, your glad they didn't need your help on that because truth be told, you really were hungry. You only got a moment to stuff your face with food because they came rushing back soon after slamming all contents on the desk.

Stiles had found the file he was looking for, "Okay this is it, class of 2006. They all went to Beacon Hills."

"Including, Isaac's brother," stated Sheriff.

"Meaning they could've, theoretically, known each other," you said finishing your carrot before standing up once more.

"Two of them were married- so maybe they all just hung out."

Sheriff shook his head lightly, "Well, they could have had the same classes together. They could've-." You saw the man's face fall into a look of recognition. Stiles had caught it too, "What?"

"Same teacher." Mr. Harris' picture was on the page, clear as day.

"All four. Now I don't know how Mr. Lahey fits in, but this- kids, this is definitely a pattern. Alright, get me the 2006 yearbook. These names, we need faces."

"Which ones," you asked as Sheriff went to make a phone call. "Everyone in that chemistry class," he answered, "If the killer's not done killing..."

"One of them is next," Stiles said.

"Yeah."

~

Later that night, you had promised to meet Scott at the clinic to relay everything you just found out. He wanted you there though because Derek was planning to show up and he figured a three versus one when it came to opinions would work better in his favor.

"So, you weren't able to get tickets," you asked currently perched on the half wall in the lobby. The boy confirmed your question, "Nope, but we need to find some because Jackson seemed very hell bent on getting them."

You nodded slowly, "Meaning whoever is controlling him, desperately wants to be there." Scott agreed and then his head perked up, looking at the clinic door. You figured it was because he heard Derek so you felt no need to stand up from your position.

Scott walked over, unlocking the door letting Derek in, "What's he doing here," you heard him asked.

You looked up and felt your breath get caught in your throat, you weren't expecting Isaac to come. Guess it was only fair since Derek wasn't informed of your presence either. "I need him," the Alpha said bluntly.

"I don't trust him," Scott shot back. Mean while all you could do was stare and the Beta made eye contact with you for just a second.

"Yeah, well, he doesn't trust you either," you would be lying if you were to say that his voice didn't make your heart flutter. Once he finished his sentence he walked passed both the other werewolves standing close to where you were sitting on the wall.

"You know what and Derek really doesn't care."

You raised your hands as you blurted out, "Oh my god, one more person talks in third person and (Y/N) might just punch you all in your throats." You heard Isaac snort out a quiet laugh as he turned his head to look at you. His eyes gleamed like stars when they met yours.

Derek had interrupted your little moment, "Now where's the vet? Is he gonna help us or not?" You scoffed at the Alpha, "What great patience you have there, grumpy." You hopped off the wall and crossed the little group to stand next to Scott, just in time for Deaton to come out of the back room.

"That depends, your friend Jackson. Are we planning to kill him or save him?"

"Save him," you and Scott synced.

"Kill him," Derek had said at the same time.

You and Scott both whipped around looking at the dark haired werewolf in disbelief, "Save him," Scott argued once more before looking at you. Your eyes both met and stared at each other for a moment, like a form of silent communication. You nodded at him once more before both of you turned back to Deaton and synced again, "Save him."

Deaton had a small smile on his face and nodded, gesturing for you all to follow him. Derek had silently walked passed definitely grumpy of being out numbered. Scott followed a second later, leaving you and Isaac alone for just a moment.

You turned to him quickly whispering, "Derek made you come?" He nodded in response, "And now I'm glad he did because I get to see my favorite girl." He stood next to you, throwing his arm around your shoulder, keeping you from walking towards the back room door. You chuckled lightly, rolling your eyes, "You're never gonna stop with the nicknames, are you?"

You moved passed him, his arm falling back to his side and you spoke once more, your voice still lowered, "Fine but we still need to talk everything through. After this is all over." He nodded with a smile on his face following behind you and into the room with the others. He took his place in between the other two werewolves and you stood next to Deaton and helped him lay everything out. The sound of Derek's voice made you look up.

"Watch what you touch," he said with Isaac's arm in his hand. Deaton had picked up a jar reading it then showing you the label and pointing to the ingredient in the book laid out in front of you. He had become some what like a teacher to you, every chance you got you were here, learning, reading, practicing and he would guide you. Seems like he thought now was still a good time to show you some things.

Isaac had leaned down resting his arms on the table and now at eye level with you. He smirked when he saw your attention on him before asking his question to Deaton, "So, what are you, some kind of witch?"

"No, I'm a veterinarian."

Deaton's reply made you shake your head in amusement. You saw Isaac process the answer with his lips taking an "oh" shape silently, before he looked at you again. It felt like every chance he got, his eyes were stuck on you.

"Unfortunately, I don't see anything here that's going to be an effective defense against a paralytic toxin. Except for when (Y/N) is able to learn healing abilities, but even then, that could take time we don't have and it would really only be effective after the fact." Your head shot up, your body still leaned over from reading the pages. You glanced at everyone in the room before meeting Deaton's eyes.

"Wait, I can do that?" Deaton chuckled at your astonishment and nodded, "Well that's news to me," you said looking at your best friend.

"We're open to suggestions," Derek continued to conversation. "What about an effective offense," asked Isaac.

"Unlikely," you scoffed as Derek began speaking again, "We already tried, I nearly took its head off. And Argent emptied an entire clip into it. The thing just gets back up."

You mumbled lightly, "I'm really glad I haven't had to fight this thing." The boys looked at you, a certain Alpha showing a very obvious annoyance, "What? I'm sorry, okay. Stiles isn't here to voice my thoughts like he always seems to, I can't help it."

Deaton looked at all of you, "Has it shown any weaknesses?"

Derek answered his question, "Well one- it can't swim."

"Does that go for Jackson as well?"

"No," Scott interjected as you shook your head, your posture now straight and your arms crossed. You continued for the Omega, "He's the captain of the swim team." Deaton nodded along at both inputs, "Essentially, you're trying to catch two people."

He turned grabbing something from a drawer, he show you an amulet, "A puppet... and a puppeteer." He set it on the table and continued, "One killed the husband but the other had to take care of the wife, do we know why?"

Scott piped up gaining everyone's attention, "I don't think Jackson could do it. His mother died pregnant too, and she was maybe murder. I think he couldn't let the same happen to someone else."

"How do you know it's not part of the rules?" Isaac's eyes were slightly glazed over as he stared at the table. When his eyes blinked and his attention was no longer stuck, he continued, "The Kanima kills murderers. If Jackson kills the wife, then the baby dies too."

He looked at Scott and when he did, you felt your body jolt. It was the weirdest sensation and you didn't understand why it happened. It wasn't a normal reaction so your only guess could've been it was something supernatural. You checked to see if anyone noticed and when you confirmed no one did, you made a mental note to ask Deaton about it later.

"Does that mean your father was a murderer," Scott questioned.

"Wouldn't surprise me if he was." His eyes were back in your direction only his focus was on the wall behind you; you were okay with that though, you didn't want him to see the frown you had.

"Hold on. The book says they're bonded, right?" Deaton's hand was held out as he hypothesized, "What if the fear of water isn't coming from Jackson, but from the person controlling him." You nodded along adding to his words, "Like they're not only bonded as in partners but mentally." Deaton pointed to you grabbing a small jar.

"What if something that affects the Kanima also affects its master." He circled the sand like substance around the amulet on the table, "Meaning what," Isaac asked.

"Meaning we can catch them," Scott started.

"Both of them," you finished.

~

The next morning consisted of both you and Scott telling Stiles everything on the way to school. "There's got to be some other way to get tickets, right?" Scott hopped out of Roscoe as he finished his question, helping you out as well. Stiles met you both on the sidewalk, "It's a secret show, there's only one way, and it's a secret." You adjusted your bag onto your shoulders, "Real helpful, Stiles," you joked.

"Hey!"

All three of you turned to find Matt, "You guys know why no one's getting suspended after what happened the other day at school?"

"Just forget about it, nobody got hurt," Stiles tried to convince him. Matt gave him a confused look, "I-I had a concussion." You turned your head and laid it into Scott's shoulder, hiding your small laugh threatening to come out.

"Okay well no one got seriously hurt."

"I was in the E.R. for six hours."

"Okay, do you want to know the truth, Matt? Your little bump on the head is about this high on our list of problems right now." Stiles had proven his point even more by leaning over and placing his hand just inches from the concrete. Your cover of your amusement was taken from you when Scott moved forward to ask if Matt was alright.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, now. So, you didn't get any tickets last night either."

"Are they selling?"

"Uh, no, but I managed to find two online. You should keep trying. Sounds like everyone's going to be there." He gave Scott a friendly fist to the shoulder before walking away.

"I don't like him," You and Stiles both said, once he was far enough.

"Hey, are you sure about this," he asked Scott. "Last time, whoever's controlling Jackson had to kill somebody because he didn't finish the job," Scott said.

You chimed in, "So, what do you think he's going to do this time?"

Stiles sighed, "Be there to make sure it happens," He shook his head before both boys turned, taking their places beside you as you walked in the school.

~

"Can anybody tell me where the hell Jackson is and why he missed morning practice?"

Coach was right, practice was already over and there was no sign of Jackson. Everyone shook their heads and Stiles leaned over so you and Scott could hear him better, "I thought I told you to keep an eye on him."

"STILINSKI!" You three straighten and looked at Coach, "Jackson!" Stiles shrugged, "Sorry, Coach I haven't seen him since the last time I saw him."

"Oh, and when was that?"

"The last time I saw him was definitely the time I saw him last."

"Again, Danny, tell Jackson no missing practice this close to the championships, okay," Coach was leaned over in Danny's eyesight. The boy nodded, "Sure, Coach." Coach started to back up into his office, "That goes for all of you. I should be coaching college." He started to close his door but just before he did, he looked at you, "(Y/N), I'm going to need to see you later for game plans."

You nodded, "You got it." He finally closed his door, which allowed the boys to go back to talking to Danny. "Sorry, but I only got two myself," Danny said.

"What- do you even have a date, yet?" Your head snapped to Stiles, your arm shooting out to smack him in the stomach, "Really?"

Danny's tone changed, "I'm working on it."

"Okay, okay, hear me out. You give us the tickets, and you devote your life to abstinence and just-." Before Stiles could finished both him and Scott were pulled away and you felt someone right behind you, "How do you two losers even survive?" It was Isaac, you looked behind you to see him looking between the two boys, his hands still gripping their shirts.

You scoffed and pointed to yourself, "That would be thanks to me, actually." Isaac looked at you and smirked, acknowledging your answer. Scott huffed, "What are we supposed to do? No one's even selling." He gestured to the whole locker room, where all the boys stood around, probably waiting for you to leave so they could begin changing.

Isaac's eyes were focused somewhere in the distance, you felts hands lightly place themselves on your waist guiding you closer to Scott. The tall werewolf patted Stiles on the chest, moving passed him, "Wait here, boys."

All of you gave each other looks of confusion, Scott asking, "What is he-?" But he never got to finish, thanks to the crash caused by Isaac. You guys flinched at the loudness, "Ow," you commented.

"Yup, that's excessive," Stiles added on, the sounds only getting louder as Isaac continued his actions. "That'll bruise."

"Ow," Scott repeated your first comment.

"Wow, okay." Isaac walked back over, tickets in hand, he handed you each one before turning around his hand in his pocket, "Enjoy the show."

You guys were in shock until you broke it with your words, "That was... so hot." Both boys looked at you, wide-eyed, when you saw them you just shrugged, "What? He's on our side now, I can say that."

Stiles pointed at you, "I thought you were mad at him?" Scott nodded in agreement.

You rocked your head from side to side, "I was and still kind of am, but that doesn't mean I can't find that," you circled your hand motioning to the boy walking away, "Extremely attractive." Scott and Stiles both scoffed, the spastic both pushing you slightly, "Get out of here, you dummy, let us change."

You laughed and walked out the room, only making it a few steps out the door before you heard your name once more. You turned to see the boy you were just talking about leaning against the wall, "I heard you." You smiled as cluelessly as you could and walked closer until you were inches from his figure, "Heard what, exactly?"

His arm came around your waist again, this time turning you so your back was pressed up against the wall and his body was trapping you. "You find me attractive, huh?" His eyes were on you, glancing at your lips before reaching your eyes once more, "Always did," you answered. You leaned a little closer missing his lips and bringing yours close to his ear and whispered, "See, isn't it so much more fun when you're on our side?"

You grabbed the wrist of his hand that was laying itself on your waist, removing it gently and sliding out of his grip, "I'll see you tonight, Isaac."

~

"Ketamine?"

"It's the same stuff we use on the dogs, just a higher dosage."

Deaton set down the syringe and bottle, "If you can get close enough to Jackson, it should slow him enough to buy you some time." He turned picking up a jar with that same sand from the other night, "This is some of what you will use to create the barrier. This part is for you, Stiles. Only you." He placed it down and Stiles picked it up his eyebrow raised, "Uh, that sounds like a lot of pressure. Can we maybe find a less pressure-filled task for me?"

"It's from the mountain ash tree, which is believed by many cultures to protect against the supernatural." He gestured to the walls, "This office is lined with ashwood, making it difficult for someone like Scott or (Y/N) to cause me any trouble."

We turned back to Stiles to see him still confused, "Okay, so then what? I just spread this around the whole building and then neither Jackson or whoever's controlling him can't cross it?"

"They'll be trapped," Deaton confirmed.

"Doesn't sound too hard," Scott reassured.

"Not all there is," Deaton said. You sighed and slumped your posture, "There's always something."

"Think of it like gunpowder. It's just powder until a spark ignites it." He pointed to Stiles, "You have to be that spark, Stiles."

"If you mean light myself on fire, I don't think I'm up for that."

Scott looked at Stiles worried and then you to which you rolled your eyes. Deaton gave a silent chuckle, "Let me try a different analogy. I used to golf. I learned that the best golfers never swing before first imagining where they want the ball to go. They see it in their mind and their mind takes over. It can be pretty extraordinary what the force of your own will can accomplish."

Stiles mumbled, "Force of will." You grabbed his hand, "You got this, no sweat."

"If this is going to work Stiles, you have to believe it."

~

The night had finally arrived, your nerves were definitely getting to you. It also didn't help that the car ride over seemed really awkward. Stiles was oddly quiet and you could tell that Scott noticed as well.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, why?"

You and Scott shrugged lightly and you spoke, "You didn't say anything the whole way here." Stiles grabbed the bag out of the Jeep and looked at you both, "No, I'm fine. Let's grab the other bag."

Scott looked at Stiles, "We can't, remember Deaton said you have to do this alone."

"Okay, this plan is really starting to suck."

You smiled, "There's our Stiles."

"No, not here, not now."

You turned to see Scott running off, panicked you looked at Stiles who was just as bewildered as you. "What," Stiles said.

"Scott!" You called as Stiles continued on, "What am I supposed to- plan officially sucks!" He looked at you and you just shrugged. "I'm going to go look for Isaac and Erica, you got this Stiles." He waved his hands at you in frustration, "Yeah, whatever, go make out with your boyfriend." You gasped, "He's not my boyfriend!"

"Yet."

You pointed behind him, "Go play with your sand." He huffed a laugh and you turned to make your way into the building. The music could already be heard from inside but still it was quite a shock on how loud it actually was. The lights were blinding, you squinted to try and find the two Betas but to no avail they were no where to be seen in the sea of people.

Deciding that staying on the outskirts was your best course of action, you began to make your way to the side where a line of pillars were. You leaned on one of them as you scanned the area again, looking for any signs of any werewolves.

"You planning on dancing tonight?"

You jumped at the sound of Isaac's voice right in your ear. You turned and you were sure you looked like a deer in headlights considering the boy only started laughing when he saw your face. You punched his shoulder and he faked a wince, "Don't do that! Where's Erica?"

He nudged his head in the direction of the crowd behind you, "In there, thought I would come look for you while she looked for Jackson."

"Me?"

"You and Scott."

You scoffed, "You said me." He smiled making the motion to press his forehead against yours, "Okay, it was mainly for you." You laughed and moved your head away, leaning back on the pillar, "My, you're quite the flirt these days." He shrugged leaning against the pillar with you, one hand in his pocket. He looked down and crossed your pinky with his.

"You're not as mad at me as you have been, it's a little easier now."

You chuckled and nodded, "True, true."

You saw Scott come around the corner, you let go of Isaac and that caused him to look where you were looking. You dashed towards the Omega and hugged him quickly, "Where did you go?"

"Allison's here."

You looked at him, "That means her dad is here." He nodded and started making his way to Isaac, who was still leaning against the pillar watching you guys. Scott handed him the syringe, "Why me," Isaac asked. They were standing side by side while you stood just slightly off from them.

"Because I got to make sure that Argent doesn't completely ruin the plan. Okay, look, you gotta do it intravenously, which means in the vein. When you find him, you pull back on this plunger right here. The neck is probably gonna be the easiest, so you find a vein, you jam it in there, and pull back on this trigger right here. Be careful."

Scott had given him a whole lecture on the plan, Isaac chuckled, "Oh, I doubt it'll even slightly hurt him." Scott shook his head, "No, I mean you. I don't want you to get hurt." Isaac's head shot to the side in surprise. There was this moment of silence between them and that's when you felt it... another jolt. This time it was stronger.

What was going on? Why has it happened twice now?

Your thoughts were broken when hands grabbed your shoulders. You blinked and refocused on Scott, "And you be careful too, okay? Stay out of the way." You scoffed, "Okay, Mom."

"(Y/N), I'm serious."

You laughed and pushed him away, "Yes, I know, I'll be careful. Now go growl at middle aged men." He smiled at you before running off. You and Isaac were left alone once again. He seemed to still be in shock at the conversation he just had.

"I told you so."

"What?"

"I told you, we care about you guys." He turned to see your smirk wearing face. He snickered, "You always have to be right, don't you." You gave a bright smile and a quick nod, "Yep," you grabbed his hand, "Seriously, be careful."

He used the grip you already had on his hand to bring you closer, his forehead back to resting on yours, "I will but it would be nice to have some incentive." You let your eyes lock with his, "Okay, you get out of this alive and I'll forgive you completely." His face practically lit up and he tried to hide it but you saw the bright expression just before he went back to his usual resting smirk.

"Now that's what I like to hear," his head shifted upwards and you felt his lips on your forehead. He pressed them there ever so gently before letting them leave your skin. "I'll see you soon, beautiful," he made the move of leaving first but was stopped by you grabbing the front of his shirt.

"You do anything too sexual with Erica and I'll kill you, Lahey, understand?"

He smirked, "Yes, ma'am."

~

You went to find Stiles after you had set up the area you guys were planning to keep Jackson. You guys had caught each other at the front entrance and you were now making your way towards the room, listening to Stiles excitement on how he had done his task.

You two had made it to the door and when you opened it you had startled the two Beta wolves. "Uh, no, no, no, just us. It's just us. Don't freak," Stiles rambled. You let out a breath of relief when you saw Isaac was alright and it looked like Isaac had done the same when he saw you.

"Is he okay," your best friend asked.

Isaac walked over to Jackson, raising his claw up, "Well... let's find out." When he went to swipe at Jackson his hand was caught as the lizard boy started to crush his hand. Isaac let out a groan of pain and he pulled back as hard as he could. He backed up to guys and you instantly grabbed his arm, "Are you okay?" Even when he was still grunting in pain, he nodded.

"Okay, no one does anything like that again, okay," Stiles pointed to everyone and he received unanimous nods. Isaac groaned one more time, "I thought the ketamine was supposed to put him out."

"Yeah, well, apparently this is all we're gonna get, so let's just hope that whoever's controlling him just decided to show up tonight."

Almost as if on cue, Jackson's eyes opened. You erratically began tapping Stiles and Isaac, "Guys, guys. Something's happening." Everyone watched Jackson as he started to speak, "I'm here." His voiced echoed and you could hear not just Jackson but someone else. It had to be the person controlling him.

"I'm right here with you."

You and Stiles looked at each other and slowly stepped towards the boy in the chair. "(Y/N), come back here." You ignored Isaac's words and crouched next to Stiles.

"Jackson, is that you," you asked quietly.

"Us. We're all here."

Stiles was taken aback by the answer, glancing over his shoulder at the werewolves behind you. "Are you the one killing people," Stiles questioned.

"We're the ones killing murderers."

His voice was full of venom and it was nearly as paralyzing as his actual toxin. It made you shiver out of fear. "So all the people you've killed so far-."

"Deserved it." He cut off Stiles violently.

"We got a little rule book that says you only go after murderers."

"Anything can break if enough pressure is applied."

You looked at Stiles again and took over the questioning, "Alright, so the people you're killing are all murderers then?"

"All. Each. Every one."

"Well, who'd they murder?"

"Me." His reply to your question truly stunned you, "They murdered me." Jackson's eyes rolled into his slitted ones and his head turned straight, "They murdered me." You and Stiles got up and started to back your way to the other two. Isaac had a small grip on your hip, keeping you close. You started to see Jackson's hands move, breaking free from its previous stillness.

"Alright," Stiles panicked, "Ketamine, the man needs more ketamine."

Isaac picked up the bottle, "We don't have anymore." Your best friend whipped around, "You used the whole bottle?" You saw Erica tap Stiles and you all looked to see Jackson standing, he hissed and his head began to shake violently.

"Okay, out, everybody out," you pushed Erica and Stiles forward. They needed no help from you though, all four of you rushed out of the room, bumping into each other until you closed the door. Everyone pressed their back on it and Stiles gave out instruction, "Okay, (Y/N), make a barrier hurry." It was too late, Jackson had busted through the wall and had made a break for it.

You guys all ran for the front door as everyone began leaving, you and Stiles made it outside and he crossed the line meeting Derek who was jogging over.

"Hey so we kind of lost Jackson inside, but it's-," Stiles' attention was on you and the two Betas who had also just walked out. You three were right on the line, they looked at you for reassurance and you raised your hand coming in contact with an invisible wall, it glowed a blueish color as you put more pressure on it.

"Oh, my god! It's working! Oh this is- yes! I did something!"

You heard a roar, it was so guttural. You felt the heat in your eyes, this time it was intense, if you weren't used to it by now it might have actually bugged you.

Scott

"Scott?" Derek had voiced your thought, he looked at you, he saw your eyes glow and he heard it too. The roar of a dying Scott.

"What," Stiles turned to Derek.

"Break it."

"What? No way!"

"Scott's dying!"

"What? How do you know that?"

"Oh, my god, Stiles! I just know! Break it!" Stiles broke the line and Derek took off. You could feel your feet moving before you could even think as you started to try and run too. You were stopped, however, by Isaac grabbing you, both arms wrapped around you.

"NO! LET GO! ISAAC! LET GO! SCOTT HE- HE'S HURT! YOU HAVE TO LET ME GO!" It was almost manic how much you thrashed to try and get out of the boy's hold. He held on tighter, "(Y/N), no, okay you can't, you can't fight yet. Derek will save him, okay, Derek will save him."

Your eyes were pouring tears at this point, "No, no, Scott he needs help, he needs me," you whimpered as you fell to the ground, Isaac coming with you but his arms never leaving their position around you.

His lips pressed against your hair and he just continued to comfort you, "I know, baby, I know. But he's gonna be okay. Derek's gonna save him. You have to stay here, okay, baby?"

You nodded still crying now holding onto Isaac like your life depended on it, muttering the same thing over and over again, "Scott he's- he's dying. He's dying- he's-."

*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧

"It's okay, baby, it's gonna be okay."

a/n: I finally gave you guys more isaac and y/n, aren't you guys happy with me? lol anyways hope you guys enjoy! let me know what you think!

taglist: @somiaw @vvicaddiction @mushroomelephant @breadbrobin @traumverloren-anderswelt @fandom-princess-forevermore @vanessa-boo

[wexhappyxfew]

Hi! I love your Silver Bullets girls, and Carrie x Douglass has a special place in my heart (even more since your last writing with them). So, for them I'd like to ask 35. (kissing their bruises and scars) from the Touch prompt list or 5. (the last thing they're thinking about before falling asleep is always the other) from the Subtle love list. 💗

HI FRIEND!!!! thank you so much for sending this and i am so so glad carrie and dougie have meant a lot, alongside the Silver Bullets girls (it seriously means SO MUCH and i always say it but its true!!!) THANK YOU FOR THE OPTIONS TOO!!!! i couldn't help myself and went with the second prompt (5) and decided to focus on some of their earlier meetings with one another and how they've developed into the people today. let's just say, i had a lot of fun! thank you SO MUCH!!!!! :D this was so much fun! <3 (and sorry for the wait for this....the semester was its usual chaos haha!)

greenland

(a/n): safe to say, for my carrie x dougie enjoyers, this was FUN to write. we get a bit into life before the annie bradshaw era of silver bullets! WITH captain birdie faulkner. BUT, because i am a sucker for someone who haunts the narrative and is simply talked about, we don't actually meet birdie here, just hear about her as a leader and all (a running theme!). we also get a bit into the storyline of what dougie means when he said he wanted to ask carrie to 'dance in greenland in THIS PIECE. and also carrie's dislike for greenland lmfao. please enjoy!!! <3

Greenland was anything but green, it seemed.

Maybe that's why the Vikings called it that - to freak the living fuck out of any sort of enemy that was bound to come this way and make them mistake what was actually a stupid ice block for well - 'green land'.

The landing had been less that superb and Captain Faulkner had dismissed them all to the bar to the left of the tarmac for the rest of the evening off.

Birdie Faulkner was everything, including a realist, and she seemed to understand that the rather harrowing conditions of their landing was something that required at least a drink or two before bedding down for the night.

With a half-finished beer, Carrie was sure that she could've fallen asleep in that very chair for the time being, but she had to present herself a best she could. With the newest B-17 group collected, Silver Bullets was formulated and crafted by that oh-so-brilliant mind of Birdie Faulkner, and they all had her to thank. And Carrie had to look a bit more put-together than usual - prove she's not just a wash-out bombardier with lackluster experience. That she deserved the spot in Silver Bullets more than anyone else.

"So?" a voice came from her right, settling into the other plush, leather seat at her side, the smiling face of Bessie Carlisle appearing as she popped open her own beer bottle, "Greenland, huh?" Carrie smirked and rolled her shoulders and glanced around.

"It's cozy, really," Carrie offered, "I'm considering taking a swim in the river, suntanning-"

"Okay, smart ass," Bessie said with a chuckle, her boot nudging her own foot, "can't say I'm complaining. Finally out of those training cycles, working towards the war. Maybe, we'll actually put ourselves to use instead of waiting just to go on a practice run." Carrie watched Bessie and then smiled widely.

"Love it so much that I may tell my future husband that 'Hey, we're moving to Greenland!', pack up the truck, babe, forget Brooklyn, home is where the grass is a solid as a fucking rock," Carrie said, sipping her beer, "not to mention the weather. I love to freeze."

"Someone's happy." a new voice chimed in, as Francis settled into a chair opposite them, sucking down a portion of her beer and grinning, "I've never seen you so enthusiastic about something." Carrie deadpanned.

"I'm really jumping for joy over here, Monty." Carrie told Francis, raising her glass of beer up in mock ceremony, "You know me so well." Francis and Bessie burst out into laughter as Carrie leaned back in her chair with a sigh and looked towards the ceiling.

"When the hell are we going to England?" Carrie asked, counting the flecks of rotting wood in the wooden ceiling, her eyes tracing the pieces that stuck out of the ceiling panels before losing her spot and recounting, "If I could just get another beer started, I'd be ready by tonight to head out. No pit-stops for me, I'm just fine with a beer stop and then jetting off to England and calling it a day."

"I wish I had the same energy towards that, Bergie, I really do," Bessie said, "afraid to say I'd ask for a few hours of sleep thought over that."

"Sleeps overrated half the time!" Carrie admonished still staring up at the ceiling, "How you gonna get a thing done when sleep's-"

"Exactly what you need." Carrie blinked a few times and into focus above her head came James Douglass - fellow bombardier, with whom Bessie had introduced on one of Carrie's first days after her transfer on base.

Carrie remembered first time seeing him coming towards them, with that carpet on his face he called a mustache, a sharp smirk, a rather loud, somewhat obnoxious voice, a quick hand-shaking, before he was wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pointing out to various areas along the base like they'd been friends for years - something that had caught her completely off guard. And ever since then, with their few chance meetings, they'd been nothing but a trifle of teasing jabs and somewhat good-natured fun.

Key word: somewhat.

Because she could never actually read James Douglass unlike Benny DeMarco or Hambone Hamilton who were just about as sweet to her as her grandma's hotcakes. He'd see her and beeline, make a few jokes, flirt shamelessly, and then go dance with the next girl who'd take his hand. He was quite the character and Carrie usually didn't engage in much conversation past when he'd come to seek her out.

Except now, he was hung above her like a hyperactive golden retriever, like the dog, Kering, that had lived down the street from the Achterberg's in Brooklyn all her life. Running out of the Wilkes house anytime the door opened, barking and sniffing and tearing around the neighborhood like a lunatic. Yeah, Kering the golden retriever who looked like he was a lunatic reminded her exactly of James Douglass.

Nice to know home was never far.

"What are you trying to say, huh?" Carrie asked, still slouching in the chair and staring up at him hovering over her. Douglass grinned at her, showing off his pearly whites and that charming look on his face and he let out a chuckle.

"You know, a little sleep never hurt a soul. Only reason we're even alive," Douglass said, reaching forward to rub her shoulder, "makes the brain happy or some shit. Makes people less….cranky."

"You calling me cranky, now?"

"Cranky. Now that's just one of many words-"

"Oh, you little-"

"Alright!" Bessie said standing and shoving Douglass pack from where he currently was occupying Carrie's headspace, "Nice to know some things never change." Carrie glanced at her as she sat up and Bessie raised a brow with a smirk.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Douglass said from behind Carrie, before he moved around her chair and took the other open seat in the grouping of four, and kicking back to relax. Carrie watched Bessie before looking at Francis, who was rather interested in her cup of beer, before glancing at Douglass, who was already looking at her.

"What?" she murmured, before he made a face and she rolled her eyes.

"How was the flight over, Douglass? Invigorating?" Bessie asked Douglass, with a smile - leave it to Bessie to be sweet as cream on any given occasion.

"You woulda thought Greenland would be, well, fucking green-"

"That's what I said!" Carrie butted in, getting looks from the other three, before settling on Douglass who was watching her, with a mixture of interest and annoyance, but she couldn't seem to decipher the two and sank back in her chair, "Greenland's cold as fuck, not some East Coast paradise I'll give ya that." She heard Douglass chuckle at that as Carrie took in more sips of beer.

"With the way we were flying in, I wasn't even sure we were gonna make it at first, I'll tell you that," Douglass said, "you sit in that nose and you swear to God that you'll smash right into the tarmac. Good ole Ev Blakely don't let that sorta stuff happen though."

"Yeah, a real crap shoot." Carrie muttered, "Thought Birdie was gonna bring us in sideways." Douglass raised a brow as he sipped his beer.

"Guess you can say they lied about the fucking weather, too," Douglass offered, "really nice place here. Could barely move my fingers and toes when I actually stood up fully." Bessie let out a chuckle and started sipping her beer again as Carrie narrowed her eyes at her.

"Hey, they're putting on some music to dance, y'all wanna come?" Judy Rybinski's joyfully said as she appeared behind Francis, "C'mon Bessie, I know that look anywhere, you wanna!"

"You know me too well, Jude," Bessie said, getting to her feet and finishing off her beer.

"I'm coming with! No shot I'm missing a chance at good music and good company." Francis said getting to her feet, "The company part may be a stretch-"

"Oh c'mon!" Judy said, taking Francis' hand before looking at Carrie and Douglass unmoved in their chairs, "You two coming?"

"I'm going to continue working on these beers, Jude, but I appreciate it," Carrie said, "Greenland's officially fucked me up." Judy let out a chuckle.

"You enjoy that then, Bergie," Judy said before looking at Douglass, "Dougie?" Carrie glanced sideways at Douglass who sat quietly, before glancing over at Carrie and then Judy again.

"Maybe next time," he said with a nod, "I promise you a dance, got it?"

"Sounds good! Don't have too much fun!" Judy called before she disappeared and some Artie Shaw began playing over the speakers.

"Good to know we have one thing in common, Bergie." Carrie slowly looked over at Douglass, that annoying nickname rolling off his lips like it had before, "We both hate Greenland." And he grinned at her and couldn't help but smirk back.

"First off, don't call me that. Second, you might be right about that," Carrie said, sipping her beer again, "you know that it's called Greenland because of the Vikings?" Douglass let out a chuckle and shook his head.

"Nah, you're fucking with me," he said, "the Vikings? The guys with the horns on their heads?"

"I'm not kidding," Carrie said sitting up and fully meeting his gaze for the first time since he had hung overtop her, "I swear to you, they did it. Tricking their enemies. For the sake of how much can they fuck a person in the head." Douglass watched her for a moment, before letting out a laugh and sipping his beer again, before smirking.

"Maybe they were just being smart," Douglass countered, "before they knew that it was just one sheet of ice for miles on end. Then they realized what a shitty name Greenland was." Carrie stared at him for a moment, before smiling slightly, unable to hold back her grin.

"You really know how to get under my skin, don't ya?"

"Guess you could say I know what makes you tick."

"Oh so now you suddenly know everything about me, huh?" Carrie said, leaning over to give his shoulder a playful shove, "Well, go on, what's my favorite color?" She watched him and noticed him glance at her lips - surprisingly - before moving back to her eyes.

"I don't know….blue probably." Carrie watched him and stilled for a moment.

"Uh….yeah, actually." she said quickly, and forced down the way her cheeks flamed (and for what she didn't know), "Alright, well, where do I come from?"

"Brooklyn." Douglass said, laughing at the look on her face, "Look, sweetheart, that New York accent ain't just a voice with Southern twang. I know if I was walking down the streets, and I heard your voice, it'd be you."

"God, what the hell." murmured Carrie as Douglass chuckled, "You won't get this - school subject." Douglass looked at her and then smirked before leaning forward.

"Something with math, right?" he asked her confidently, "You don't just get interested in this sorta shit without having some interest there." Carrie watched him and tilted her head.

"Are you mind-fucking me or something?" she asked him, "How the hell-"

"Just good at reading people I guess." Douglass said with a smirk, "Contrary to popular belief, Bergie, I usually know what I'm talking about. There's a reason I'm a bombardier and not just some journalist or something." She watched him and licked her lips.

"Is that why you joined?" she asked him, "The Air Force? Flying in B-17s?" Douglass glanced at her and nodded.

"Had to join the fight somehow, couldn't just sit back and let the fucking Nazis think they could walk all over us," Douglass said, finishing his beer, "that sorta stuff just don't fly around here. Well, except us. We fly." The two burst out into laughter, before they both died down and looked to one another. For a moment, they were quiet regarding one another with somewhat hesitant gazes as Carrie finished off her beer.

"Well, I'm gonna head-"

"Did you wanna-"

They both watched each other, before breaking out into laughter and righting themselves.

"You go." Douglass said.

"I was gonna head out. Get some rest. Pretty tired." she said quickly, her heart racing as she smiled at him with a nod, "You?" Douglass stared at her and for the first time, she saw the sudden shyness in his gaze as he glanced away from her and then back.

"Just…was gonna get another drink, but you head out, get some rest," he said, before smirking at her, "you need it."

"Oh, you asshole." grumbled Carrie knocking his shoulder before standing to her feet, Douglass following suit. The stood there for a moment, looking at one another - usually, if this were a Silver Bullets girl, she'd give them a hug, but with Douglass, she felt frozen in place. She stuck out her hand instead, to shake, and he shook her hand, and she felt more awkward than ever before, as she shook back. His handshake was firm though, and confident and suddenly made her feel like some 16-year-old girl in high school and balked.

"Well, I'll see you around." she said, stumbling back a bit, "Night!" And she disappeared quickly - like she always did. She found the barracks, promptly settled into bed, and then stared at the ceiling, counting the dried pieces of wood hanging from the panels again.

And she replayed the look in James Douglass' eyes - over and over.

And for the first time in years, all she could think about was James Douglass' eyes that had watched her like that, as she tried to fall asleep.

To say the least, it was the best sleep in months.

[russellsppttemplates]

Idk if my request came through but I thought about a fic where any driver enters airplane dad mode when he and the reader and their kids go on vacation? 🥰

(Hii! I'm so happy to see that you still follow me, and I say this because I have your dad!driver idea in my inbox still because I wanted to do a series but realistically I don't think I'll do it, but I kept it just in case! I swear I wasn't ignoring it! (And sometimes I looked at it and thought "yep, this person is no longer here for it!". Also, the other one did come through, I just had it in my draft and I was so sure I had posted it already, my apologies!)

"Do you have everything?", Charles asked, "yes, the bags are in the car, the kids are ready, but are you sure you should leave now?", you questioned, "I agree that we need to be in the airport earlier, but maybe not his early", you tried to reason, "the airport is not that far way either".

"Better safe than sorry, we might get traffic", your husband reasoned back, grabbing his wallet, "C'mon, off we go so I can close the water in case something goes wrong and we get a flood when we come back", Charles urged, "mama, is everything alright? Papa is a bit... rushed today", Hervé pointed out, grabbing his backpack, "yes, he's worried we won't make it on time to the airport, but I think we're fine", you noted, "but we will do as he says, yes? No need to rush him some more", you smiled at his attentiveness.

Arriving at the airport, it wasn't busy so checking the luggage in was fine and rather quick, Charles ushering you to the lounge so everyone could use the toilet once again, "Amélie, don't you need the bathroom?", her father asked her, "I already went at home, papa. I don't need it yet", she simply said, carrying on and playing with her notebook, "okay. Where are all the passports?", he asked for what felt like the millionth time, making you open your small bag and show them, "let me keep them, okay? Maybe it's better since we have these grabby hands here and we don't know what his curiosity might get out of him", your husband playfully teased Thomas, who you were holding on your hip, kissing his head before looking at the other two kids, "Papa seems to have forgotten that I usually travel to race weekends with you kids on my own, and we do just fine", you to your youngest tapping his nose and getting a sweet giggle out of him.

"C'mon, guys, the gate is opening now! Here, I'll take this", your husband announced the second the number appeared on the screen, grabbing the small piece of luggage you kept with you in case something happened to your bags and you couldn't get to them right away when you got to your destination, so it contained a change of clothes for everyone, basic toiletries and chargers.

"Papa, wait! My legs can't keep up with you!", Amélie yelped, seeing her father walking faster than what she could, "mine too!", Hervé complained, "it's not like the plane is leaving without us", your eldest said, breaking you out of your serious expression and giggle, "your papa is in airport mode, my loves, I'm afraid we can't do much", you said, walking alongside them so they felt secure enough.

"Is everyone strapped in okay?", Charles checked once you were all on the plane, "yes, papa. Now sit here next to me, you don't need to be worried. We're on the plane, see?", Amélie said, cuddling up to him as soon as he sat down, "I know amour, I just wanted to make sure we got here on time", he smiled, kissing the top of her head and smiling when he saw that Thomas was napping on your chest, "papa, you were running through the airport, it would be impossible to not be here on time", Hervé forwarded. Looking at you for some back up, you shrugged your shoulders, "they're right, you're an airport dad, mon amour".

(Thank you for submitting an ask 🤍)

[unknownfacelessfanfictions]

Romulan Summer

Pairing: Chairman Koval x fem! Reader Fandom: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Words: 1.7K Summary: Koval knew that Humans we're fragile, however he was not aware of the extent to it. A/N: I recently fell in love with Romulans. It is summer. Et voilà. I know he's not that known or liked, but I like him.

Koval looked at his wife with a raised eyebrow. She had her hands folded as if in prayer and looked at him from begging eyes.

"Please." Koval massaged the bridge of his nose. "E'lev. Do you think it's a good idea to do this? Can you even remotely imagine the risks involved?"

"It's a trip to the beach. Not to a war zone."

"And you're the wife of the chairman of the Tal Shiar. Even a walk in the park comes with risks."

Sighing, she looked to the side. "Of course. I forgot, forgive me. It's just-" Her gaze out the window seemed almost wistful. "It's summer, it's hot, and I used to just lie on the beach or swim or do something with my friends or family for weeks at a time sometimes. It's been years since I've been able to do it, which is why it sounds a bit ridiculous now, but it almost feels like... like homesickness. Which is silly because my home is here, right?"

She smiled at him, however Koval could see that her smile did not reach her eyes.

"You know what. Just forget I asked." She stepped towards him and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "Excuse me, darling, please. Cetax let me know earlier that he wanted to try his hand at human cooking today. Again. I may not be a master chef, however, unlike him, I know you don't make spaghetti in the oven." She laughed lightly and then left the room with a light step and scurried down the corridor.

Koval gazed sadly after her and a heaviness spread in his chest that almost took his breath away. Guilt.

She had given up everything to be able to live a life by his side. She had left her home, was hardly able to see her family or friends, and with him as her husband she was exposed to constant danger, which often robbed her of even the last bit of freedom.

In all that time, she had never complained, had accepted every disappointment with a smile, and all that because she loved him.

Koval closed his eyes. What was a little trip to the beach? He was one of the most influential and important people in the Empire. Such a thing really shouldn't be a matter of concern to him.

He owed it to her.

Concerned, Koval paced up and down the corridor, a certain anger at Doctor Onduk.

This was ridiculous, absurd. He was the chairman of the Tal Shiar! He should not be ordered around in his own house!

Instantly, however, his anger fizzled into nothingness and he wiped his face. It had been his own fault that he had been thrown out. Koval should have done nothing but sit still instead of pacing like an animal in a zoo, but he had not been able to pull himself together.

After all, it was his wife who was lying there in their marriage bed, pale and weak, and who had fainted in his arms not even an hour ago.

It was his right to be nervous and upset.

Apparently, however, it had distracted or annoyed Doctor Oduk too much, because he had unceremoniously thrown the chairman out of his own bedroom.

Koval leaned back on the spread towel and watched with a gentle smile as his wife splashed in the waves, squealing with delight. It was an unusual sight, as she was usually quieter and more dignified, but he feasted on the view.

As expected, he had not found it particularly difficult to have a part of a beach near her house cleared for the afternoon. This order might have seemed strange to others, but he didn't care what others thought about him.

What he did care about was the enthusiastic expression on his wife's face as she dug her feet into the sand for the first time in a long time.

In the last four hours she had frolicked as much as Koval had ever seen her do. Although she had mostly been busy swimming in the sea, an activity he was not particularly fond of, she had also returned to him under the sunshade for a short time.

As a Romulan, which, as much as he would like to forget it, he was related to the Vulcans and accordingly highly resistant to the sun, however, he had learned a long time ago that most humans should not stay in the sun for too long, especially in summer, as this could lead to unpleasant consequences.

Cetax had given them drinks and food, Koval had made sure his wife had some regularly, and she had enjoyed aiming grapes at his mouth.

With her aim, she would not even be able to become a cleaner in the Romulan Senate, but Koval had simply let her do it and enjoyed the joyful glint in her eyes.

As Koval emerged from his reverie and looked over at her, a worry furrow began to form on his brow.

His wife came walking towards him, though her walk lacked the vigour of the previous hours and in general she looked more tired.

Koval brushed his worry aside and stood up.

She was probably just exhausted, nothing more. After all, she had hardly rested today.

"Tired out, e'lev?" His words were teasing, yet his tone was gentle as he placed his hands on her arms.

"I'm a little woozy," she mumbled and Koval's worry crease returned at the slurred tone.

"E'lev?" His voice sounded concerned, even to his own ears, yet he could say no more as in that moment her legs gave way beneath her and her eyes twisted before she fell, caught by his arms.

The door opened and instantly Koval's gaze shot up.

Doctor Onduk stepped out and towards him.

"Well?" Koval made an effort to remain calm, though he had to admit, ashamedly, that he did not manage to hide his emotions as well as a Tal Shiar member should.

"She is fine so far. She did suffer a heat stroke, though."

Koval frowned. "A heat stroke?"

" Heat stroke is an occurrence among humanoid species, humans most especially, in which the person is exposed to too much sun and heat, especially in humid environments. Normally, as the body temperature rises, the human body regulates the cooling of the body with sweat.

However, when the humidity is too high, the sweat does not evaporate and makes it much more difficult for the body to cool down.

The rising body temperature can damage the central nervous system in particular, which can then lead to fainting, as we have seen."

Koval swallowed. "Symptoms?"

"Mostly weakness, nausea, headache, thirst and coordination problems. Heatstroke can be quite dangerous once it is not treated immediately by a doctor."

He gave Koval a sharp look. "Your wife is still not perfectly adapted to the Romulan climate and is often unable to assess her abilities and resistance. Take better care of her next time."

Koval's jaw worked sullenly in the face of the Doctor's rebuke, however, he nodded.

"What can I do?"

"Fortunately, because of today's medicine, she doesn't need to go to hospital. However, I have left some medicines which she must take three times a day, morning, noon and evening, one hundred milligrams each. In addition, make sure she doesn't move around too much, it's best to keep her lying down, her legs raised and to drink plenty of fluids. I will check on her again the day after tomorrow."

Koval nodded stiffly. "Khnai'ru rhissiuy Ihhai."

Onduk bowed his head slightly. "Dhaemnasi."

As soon as the doctor had left the house, Koval quietly opened the door and entered their shared bedroom, where the lights had been dimmed. His heart grew a little heavier at the sight.

His wife lay in their bed, a little more central than usual, her feet propped up on pillows and still looking pale, though not as much as before.

For a moment he thought she was asleep, but he quickly noticed that her eyes were half open and looking at him sleepily.

With brisk strides he was at her side, kneeling beside their bed and gingerly taking her hand in his, pressing a gentle kiss to its back.

"E'lev. How are you feeling?"

"Better." Her voice was still a little slurred, however he sensed that she was already feeling much better. She tugged lightly on his hand and after a moment's hesitation he complied with her request and settled down on the bed beside her, where she sleepily leaned her head against his shoulder.

"You scared me to death," he whispered in her ear and pressed another kiss to the back of her hand. "I knew humans were weaker than Romulans, however I was not aware of exactly how fragile you could be."

"Hey," she protested faintly and Koval thought he saw a smile on her lips. "We are not that weak. We can be very tough too."

Despite the circumstances, he chuckled slightly and kissed her forehead gently. "I know, e'lev. I know."

Gingerly, he took her hands in his and looked into her eyes, which made him twist his head a little. "Promise me you'll take better care of yourself next time. I'm an old man. I can only take so many heart attacks." His teasing brought the familiar sparkle he loved back into her eyes.

"Next time? We're going to go again?"

Koval frowned. "Don't you want to?"

"Yes, I do!" She tried to sit up, however Koval pushed her back into the pillow with low murmurs of reassurance. "However, I thought that after today-"

She didn't finish her sentence, but she didn't have to.

Gently, Koval put his hand under her chin and lifted it.

"E'lev. I admit that today did not go as I had hoped. However, I saw how much you enjoyed yourself." He stroked her cheek. "I have rarely seen you so happy. However, I certainly plan to do it more often." The smile on her face was all the reassurance he needed to know his decision had been the right one.

A yawn escaped his wife and gently he kissed her forehead one last time. "Sleep, e'lev. You need to rest."

She snuggled a little closer to him.

"Stay?"

"Of course."

[sasusakucoded]

Sakura: Anata, do you want me to cut your fingernails?

Sasuke: They're already short. *shows them*

Sakura: Oh, okay.

---

Sakura: Sarada, did Papa ask you to cut his fingernails?

Sarada: No, Mama.. Why?

Sakura: Nothing. I thought you were the one who did it for him.

Sarada: No.. I've only done it twice when you were not here.

---

Sakura saw Karin, Suigetsu, and Jugo walking around in Konoha.

Karin: Sakura!

Sakura: Hey!

Suigetsu: We are summoned by Kabuto so we're heading there..

Sakura: Oh, okay. Sasuke is here too.

Jugo: We've been informed too.

Karin: Yeah. Hope his hand is okay now. He was complaining about his fingernails the last time we saw each other. The guy doesn't like them long. *giggles*

Sakura: Yeah..

Jugo: We'll go on our way. Say hi to Sasuke for us.

Sakura: Sure! Will do.

---

Sasuke: Can I have a glass of water, Sakura.

Sakura: *puts the glass on the table*

Sasuke: I heard Suigetsu and others are here.

Sakura: *whispers* Of course, you heard..

Sasuke: Hmm?

Sakura: Forgot to tell you that they said hi.

Sasuke: ...

Sakura: ...

Sasuke: Sakura, can you cut my hair later? I think it got longer again.

Sakura: /thinks/ Maybe you should ask Karin to do it.

Sasuke: Sakura?

Sakura: I don't have time today. Maybe next time.

Sasuke: Okay.. By the way, can you buy some saury when you go to the market tomorrow? Please broil it and put it in a container.

Sakura: What for?

Sasuke: A thank-you gift.

Sakura: Do you want me to wrap it nicely too? *sarcastic*

Sasuke: Yeah. If you have time.

Sakura: /thinks/ How sweet.

Sasuke: Is everything alright?

Sakura: Yes. *without looking*

Sasuke: Hn.

---

Kakashi: Sakura!

Sakura: Hi Kakashi-sensei!

Kakashi: Thanks for the broiled saury. It was good!

Sakura: I-It was for you?

Kakashi: Yeah. Sasuke asked me to cut his fingernails last week. Told him he owe me one.

Sakura: Y-You did what?

Kakashi: He said he couldn't wait longer because long nails irk him so much. Just your classic husband—

Sakura: I have to go, Sensei. Sorry!

---

Sakura: Where's your Papa?

Sarada: In the kitchen—

Sakura: Anata! *panting*

Sasuke: Are you okay? *takes out containers from the paper bag*

Sakura: Yes.. Anata..

Sasuke: Sit down. I just got here too.. Here.. *gives her anmitsu and dango*

Sakura: Anata..

Sasuke: You were in a bad mood yesterday, so I thought you needed desserts.

Sakura: *hugs him* I'm sorry, Anata. I'm really sorry.

Sasuke: It's okay to have mood swings.

Sakura: No.. I-I was.. I was.. I was jealous..

Sasuke: Of whom?

Sakura: I thought Karin cut your fingernails—

Sasuke: Sakura.

Sakura: I know! I was so stupid. Karin and I have been okay for a long time.. But still I can't forget the fact that she really liked you once. I'm sorry.. *still hugging him*

Sasuke: So, you thought the saury was also for her?

Sakura: Yeah. I was overthinking that I forgot it's Kakashi-Sensei's favorite. I'm so disappointed with myself.

Sasuke: *laughs*

Sakura: *looks at him* Sasuke-kun! It's not funny!

Sasuke: *taps her forehead* Even so, it's just fingernails. Nothing to be jealous about.

Sakura: I can't imagine someone other than me or Sarada touching your hand.

Sasuke: Sakura, you touch your patients all the time and it's fine. Because there is no malice.

Sakura: Right. But—

Sasuke: Same thing goes for me. I don't really like asking for help but sometimes it's necessary.

Sakura: Sorry.. All my logic and rationality went down the drain because of jealousy.

Sasuke: *hugs her* I told you it's alright. I understand that. Sometimes I feel that way too.

Sakura: Y-You get jealous too, Anata?

Sasuke: Go eat your anmitsu while it's still fresh.

Sakura: Anata!

Sarada: *peeks* Everything I've learned today has been against my will. *sighs*

[hazbinextgeneration]

Demon Bride Ch43 The Things Between Us

Secondly Ok everyone! Time for the poll results! And the votes are-

Aizetsu: 33 votes

Sekido: 6 votes

Urogi: 10 votes

Karaku: 2 votes

And the winner is Aizetsu!! Thanks to everyone who voted!!

Warnings!! Douma and Enmu ARE their own warnings. Possibly some innuendos.)

You were so happy to spend time with Rui if given the choice between him and Douma. You couldn't get out of there fast enough. Zig zagging this way and that down random halls speed walking before quickly diving behind one corner and pressing your back against the wall dragging Rui with you. Ever so slowly you perked just enough out to look down the hall from where you came from..and sighed in relief seeing no one but a few confused servants there. And more importantly no Douma. Thank the GODS he didn't follow you. Good gods that experience was unsettling to be in. You weren't expecting Douma to literally show up early in the morning on your doorstep and try to ...to...woo you?? It felt more as if he was trying to convince someone to make an investment in a business than swoon a woman. What was he thinking?! ...Maybe he wasn't? He seemed so arrogant ignoring you despite stating he heard everything you told him. You didn't know what it was exactly about him..but it didn't really scare you, at least not a whole lot. It was more of a really unsettling feeling and a feeling you had to be weary around him. 

You were pulled out of your thoughts by a tugging on your sleeve. "I want to go to the book store today. One of the students at school mentioned it to me. I want to go somewhere for once."

... Actually that sounded like a good time to get out of here. If Douma was running around here then it'd be a good idea to leave while he was. But...you still didn't know where everything was. How could you take Rui to a bookstore if you didn't even know where to begin without getting lost?

"L-Lord Douma."

You froze... slowly turning your head back towards the corner.... You moved towards the edge and slowly looked out. Guess who was right there at the end of the hallway? At least three women servants were gathered around a rather tall individual who smiled down at the fancily dressed servant girls casually fanning himself with a golden fan. All three looked frozen in...shock maybe? Did they feel unsettled by him too? A hand of his reached out to the middle girl and tilted her frozen head up.

"Yumi...You look so beautiful since I last saw you. Such lovely jawlines and soft skin.~" He sighed deeply. "I heard you're getting married soon. You're husband is so lucky." 

He removed his hand making the middle girl blush deeply under her make up and her two friends giggling and squealing next to her.....Nope. The rumors about him were right. You deadpanned at the sight and frowned. What was wrong with this guy?

"W-What are y-y-you doing here, S-Sir?"

"I'm going back to my room to rest before my meeting with Hairou about security issues in the Infinity Castle. However I was also visiting my beautiful fiance?~ She's such an interesting character.~" you grimaced at his words used to describe you. 

"She's one really lucky woman," one lady swooned staring at Douma starstruck.

He chuckled again. "She is.~ In fact I'd say her luck is right around the corner." Rainbow irises tilted towards the end of the hall-

You snapped back around and Rui yelped as he was quickly yanked along with your running feet. CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!! THIS GUY WAS A LUNATIC!! You could faintly hear boisterous laughter of a man as you ran and it sent a cold chill down your spine. You had to get out of here..But how are you-.... THAT'S IT!! Your feet steered back towards your room but the long way around.

"Mother, why are we heading back to our rooms?" Rui easily was able to keep up with you.

"We're not going to our rooms!" You smiled. "We're going to someone else's."

Rui tilted his head curiously but otherwise didn't complain about it. A few hallways and confused stares from servants later you stood in front of Daki's room panting from running and ramming your knuckles into the sliding door. Over and over and over again until a flurry of angry stomps came from the other side and you stood back as the door S L A M M E D open so hard it shook the frames and there she was in all her tired morning glory.

"W H A T-"

DAKI paused. ..And you fought the urge to not instantly laugh. She stood there with another one of those mud mask things dried on her face, her hair in messily placed curlers, her surprised eyes blinking tiredly, and a robe tied around her body. It looked like she just literally woke up. 

"Hi, Daki! Is Gyutaro here?" You greeted with a smile and wave.

...She slowly and tiredly blinked again processing what she was looking at before frowning. "Yes. He's dead asleep the lazy ass." She then yawned a hand rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"This is Rui." You pulled the child in front of you making Daki blink down at him. "You might've seen him at the meeting with me. He's got the day off from school today and I brought him to meet you both."

"...Huh?"

"He's my son." The shock was instant on Daki's face. Looking between you then Rui before looking back at you. "I wanted to introduce him to the ones trying to court me. He's already met most of the others so this would be a good time to know you both too."

Daki's has dropped. Looking shocked between you and Rui over and over again like a gold fish before a wide smile broke out on her face and she honestly squealed. "ILL GO WAKE HIM UP IMMEDIATELY!! DON'T GO ANYWHERE!!"

The door was then slammed back shut leaving you two standing there silently... before Rui looked up at you. "Why do I need to meet these people?"

"Because you're going to meet them eventually and I want your opinion on them all." That was one thing you wanted in this if and only IF you picked anyone, they had to prove to be a good provider for Rui. As a father and as a person. Rui seemed to get along well with Kyogai, Kaigaku, and especially Akaza. Enmu...Not so much but he seemed to at least tolerate him. But you had no idea what he'd do with everything else. This would be a good way to get away from Douma and get Rui's opinion on the siblings."If you're going to have a father dont you want to meet everyone who might be a father to you?"

Rui stared at you... before back at the door. "How many fathers are you trying to get me?"

You blinked. "What? Rui. You don't have lots of fathers. I just want your opinion on the ones courting me is all."

Rui paused before his eyes widened. "You mean I can have as many fathers as I want!?"

You did a double take at Rui's awestruck face. Like he just witnessed a miracle. "What? Rui, I didn't mean it in that regard-"

"I can have more fathers in my life than anyone else!" He went on thinking more and more about it. "So many birthday gifts. Father would be the best one of course but it never occurred to me that I could have the most powerful family in the world!" ....He nodded."Very well. We will see who's worthy and who's not." He blinked. "Mother, why are you hiding your face?"

You pressed your face into your hands and hid your face. "Rui...No. I just wanted your opinion on who's trying to court me. I never said I was marrying anyone let alone more than one!" 

"Ah! Then it's up to me to decide how many fathers I have! Very well. I shall help you in securing a suitable amount of fathers for me. It's very considerate of you to give me this task-" He paused as you thumped your embarrassed face into a wall. "...Mother?"

You had a feeling you goofed again and would have to explain it to him later. From inside the room and much shuffling about and cursing from Daki as she ran about and assumedly woke her brother up from where he was sleeping. 

"WAKE UP!!....I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE TIRED!! GET THE HELL OUT HERE!! SHE BROUGHT HER CHILD TO MEET YOU!! THAT MEANS SHE SEES YOU AS A CANDIDATE FOR HER AFFECTIONS!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HUGE OF A STEP THIS IS?!......GET OUT OR I'LL MAKE YOU!!"

You heard her yelling at Gyutaro most likely but strangely enough you didn't hear Gyutaro's voice at all. Guess Daki's yelling was too loud for you to hear him. 

"Go answer the door! I can't answer the door looking like this!"

"Didn't you just did?"

"JUST DO IT!! And don't let them see me until I'm dressed! I'm not going out looking out like this!"

There was a man's voice grumbling finally heard from the other side of the door before footsteps approached and a moment later the door slowly slid open again only this time revealing a grumpy man's face. Gyutaro's face. Said demon looked tired but then his yellow eyes widened in surprise at you standing there smiling at him. Looking you up and down- Then stopping at Rui who also blinked at him. 

"Gyutaro!" He jumped looking at you again as you smiled widely. "Hi! I hope this isn't a bad time."

....He slowly blinked again. "You...came back? To see.." A hand pointed at him. "Me?"

"Of course I did, and for good reason. Gyutaro, this is Rui." Your hand patted Rui's shoulder. "He's my son." Gyutaro snapped back to you. ''Adopted son. I brought him here to meet you both and to go out today."

"Go...out?" Eyes widened more. "To-... Together?"

"Yes. We haven't been on that shopping trip yet remember? It was kind of interrupted by Sakura. I was thinking maybe we'd all be able to go out today and Rui here can get to know you better." It'd also give you a chance to get out of you're able to find an exit somewhere in here. "Only if you're interested in it. I understand if you do-"

"NO!" You jumped from his shout but he quickly back tracked. "I-...N-No. It's fine. I just.. wasn't expecting you to want to go with..." He didn't answer that sentence.

"Why wouldn't I? I think you're a wonderful person to be around, and you saved my life at least twice and I want to repay that back even just a little." You chuckled as he stared. "And you're pretty cute.~ Can you blame me for coming back?"

"I-IM NOT CUTE!!," He squawked a red hue coming over his face.

"Uh...Yes you are. That's why I'm going to kiss every single one of those markings on your cute face."

He blanked as you giggled. "...What? AH!!" He jumped as two hands nearly grabbed his cheeks. Falling backwards and landing on the ground with a thud and scrambling back as a giggling figure approached. "N-Nonononononono!! Get back, get back!!" 

The figure didn't and giggled again as the powerful Upper Moon Six... squawked a sound out that sounded like a dying Turkey and fled...to safely hide behind his younger sister...who squealed as she was literally picked up by her shoulders in the middle of putting on make up and held out like some shield between the flustered demon and giggling woman.  

"Brother, what are you doing?!"

"Keep back! She's trying to attack me!"

"No I'm not." You leaned left- He shoved Daki to the left between you two. "I only want to kiss his cute face. He needs more love."

"THE HELL I DO!! AH!!" You leaned right and Gyutaro again shoved Daki between you both. "BACK! BACK Y-Y-YOU VILE WOMAN!!"

"She's trying to kiss you?...Let her!" Daki barked looking over her shoulder at him. 

"WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?!"

"The side that gets you a wife! Now get over there and pucker up!!" She grabbed her brother by his arms and began trying to wrestle the yelping man towards your giggling form. "THIS IS A GOOD SIGN!!"

"LET THE HELL GO!!"

Rui was still standing still watching as they fought each other while you giggled at them.. before tilting his head and calculated something. "....He seems to make her happy, and comes with an Aunt....I will consider this fact as I go forward."

Eventually you stopped and allowed the siblings to calm down enough to allow Daki to get herself ready. And by that you meant painstakingly doing her hair and makeup and nearly taking an hour to decide what to wear and then taking another twenty minutes to do YOUR hair after insisting that you couldn't go out with your bed head. All the waiting put you on edge. What if Douma happened to come by? With his connection to the siblings they might let him tag along or something. Thankfully he didn't and you were able to get them out the door with little trouble. Hopefully by the time you get back, Douma would already be gone again. Right now you could focus on spending some time with Rui, and looking for an exit without trying to attract a lot of attention to you. With Rui holding your hand and Daki dragging you by the arm excitedly, you all left the same way you went last time you were out although with all the shifting buildings and rooms it was hard to tell. 

"Where are we going?," You asked as Daki continued to pull you along.

"To my favorite stores of course!," She squealed excitedly eyes wide in the promise of getting a whole lot of things she probably wouldn't use more than once in her lifetime. "This is perfect! There's so many places I want to go! There's the clothes store, Yuma's Hairpins and Galore- OH!!" She looked back to her brother whom already looked exhausted. "Can we go to that one place where they measure you for custom jewelry fits?"

Her brother sighed tiredly. "You're the one leading the way."

That seemed to satisfy his sister enough as she continued to babble to herself something about fitting a custom anklet for herself since she didn't have one of those yet. However you blinked behind you at him. 

"Hey. Isn't there somewhere you'd like to go?" He hummed at you. "It wouldn't be fair for us to just go where Daki wants."

He blinked surprised you'd ask that before shrugging. "I don't really care where we go. I'm not really one to hoard useless objects. I never want anything anyways."

"You must want to go somewhere. How about a sword smith? He might be able to sharpen your sycles."

"I don't need any smith. My blades never need sharpening."

"Alright. How about a clothes store? You might like some of their  clothes." He grunted in annoyance. "Well...What about a black smith? Maybe you can find a new sycle?" You only got the same response. Well this was awkward. You were starting to run out of places that Gyutaro might be interested in going. "Well..." You carefully eyed his body. "..Well you can pick where we have lunch then!"

He turned to you lifting a brow. "What? Food?"

You nodded "We haven't eaten yet so you can pick where we eat! It's only fair since we're kinda dragging you everywhere."

He opened his mouth... before turning away. "Tch. Fine. If it'll make you stop nagging me about it."

"Whatever! We're going to MY favorite spots first!"

"But I wanted to go to the book store, and a toy store!"

Daki glanced back to Rui. "We can go after I make a few stops. I've been waiting longer than you have."

Rui looked back up at you. "Is she always this stubborn?"

Gyutaro snorted when Daki snapped him a look and you just smiled at her. Eventually she dragged you four along to your first stop which wasn't surprisingly a clothing store. Daki practically gushed and squealed as she dove head first into the maze of displayed fabrics and dresses. You Right behind her. It was maybe one or two hours of Daki just literally throwing anything she didn't like away from her (those poor ladies who worked there) or trying on something every two seconds before grabbing you and practically forcing you into anything she thought would look nice on you. You were surprised to find most of the dresses that she forced you into weren't something you'd trip over or something too tight. You could probably run in them if you wanted despite them obviously being expensive fancy looking. Did Daki actually listen to your opinions on dresses? Gyutaro only looked on boredly and by the end of it all he was forced into carrying four giant bags of dresses for his sister. Rui also managed to find something he liked rummaging around-

"Mother, I want this." He held up at least three kimonos that was white with spider web print..just like..every other outfit he owned.

Whatever made him happy. You carried Rui's and your items (which Daki INSISTED you get) to not burden Gyutaro with them. From there it was pretty much a predictable run through. A store that sold shoes. A store that sold hair pins. A jewelry store- You hadn't seen so much sparkling diamonds and gold and silver and pearls and rubies and other things in your life. Each and every store Gyutaro looked on boredly and just stood there watching his sister coo over everything and of course force you to try things on.

...He nearly went red when she smiled at him face lit up. You...we're having fun with his sister? That was good. Right? He didn't think anyone other than him or Douma could tolerate Daki's personality. But she seemed to genuinely like it when Daki forced a ruby studded choker around her throat before forcing a mirror into her face..and she smiled. Before looking at him..and also smiling.

Bu-BUMP

Oh no-

"I want that one." He blinked as a voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Oh. It was just the kid. He was pointing at one cabinet with glass doors used to display what looked like mainly bracelets. His pale hand pointed at one near the middle. A beautiful pink pearl bracelet. "Give it to me."

The store front, an old lady, just stared at him. Ah. She must've been the one he was looking at. She stared at him with a confused face. "Um... Young Sir, you are aware these are women's bracelets correct?"

"They don't have labels. Give me it. I want  that one."

"Sir. That is a woman's bracelet made to be worn by a woman around a woman's wrist specifically." She frowned narrowing her eyes. "Which means it would be most unbecoming of a man to wear such an item. What would your parents think if they saw you in it?"

The kid stopped and stared at her..then looked over his shoulder at the two women too busy shopping to notice. "... They'll be fine with it."

"What will others think about you or your parents then? It'd be a bad stain on their reputation if they allowed their son to wear such things," she chastised with a sneer at the boy who visibly flinched at the words and yellow eyes glanced at them both. "What would happen if you ruined their status in society b-"

"Get the dam bracelet."

Both were silenced surprised that another raspy voice spoke up and turned to find almost sickly yellow eyes staring daggers right back at her. "I-... W-What?"

"Did I stutter?" She didn't move. "GIVE HIM THE FUCKING BRACELET!!"

The angry shout had the woman squealing in fright and running back into the wall and the other people in the dam place turned their eyes towards the noise instantly including two familiar faces. However strangely the boy didn't flinch and just stared at him then at the woman whom fearfully scrambled at the cabinet the door squeaking wide open. Shaking hands grabbed the pretty pink pearl bracelet and little eyes widened in awe as it was delivered to him on a silver platter. The tiny perfectly round beads feeling cool in his pale hands as he all but held the bracelet before looking back at the tall angry demon whom snorted at the woman.

"Scary father could strike fear into others for me....Yes. That's good," Rui mumbled quietly before the older demon snapped down to him.

"What?"

"Nothing but observations." Rui continued to stare in awe at him. "Very helpful ones for my family. You'll fit in."

Gyutaro blinked. "...Eh?'

"BROTHER!!" "Gyutaro!! Rui!!"

Both looked up as two women stared at the demons. Uh oh. Looks like he would be getting an earful.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

He was lucky to avoid his sister making a scene in the store by you insisting that you all just gather whatever Daki wanted and leaving to the next store which just so happened to be where Rui wanted. So everyone could calm down. Luckily Daki was satisfied with just putting everything on 'Douma's Tab' and skidaddling onwards. You weren't sure where these stores were but thankfully Daki seemed to be an expert on shopping enough to lead the way when asked and to a small book store you all went. It looked similar to the small library you had back in your village only there was many more scrolls and books lying about. Rui was like a child with a new puppy. You couldn't ever remember seeing him light up and smile so fast before taking off between the shelves and out of sight. You blinked ... before slowly walking around and viewing at everything around you.

"What's so fascinating about a bunch of books and dusty scrolls?," Daki asked looking bored already at the shelves around you.

"If you want you can just wait with Gyutaro until we're done here. It's only until Rui's finished looking  around." 

She mumbled something but pouted and poked at the books on the shelf. You smiled and continued on your way around the place glancing at titles. Some were ones you didn't understand some were ones you did. A Guide To Poisonous Plants. To Join A Cloud. Historica Demonca Vol. 7. One Hundred Ways To Cook Grasshoppers-

You paused... Blinking widely as a book cover was shoved into your face by paled hands. "Look Mother. I want this one!"

You blinked again registering the book in front of you before reading the book cover in front of you. "White Rose And The Creature and Other Fairytales Of Romance and Adventure?" Quite a mouthful of a title. "Where'd you get this?"

Rui pointed at a random shelf. "Between the books on hunting deer and practical uses of rocks." Well ..that was a strange place to find a fairytale book. "I want it! Please!"

"Well..I suppose so. As long as you take care of it!"

Rui seemed delighted to be getting what he wanted and he ran off to grab a few more books he wanted. You found a few you found interesting too. A few romance novels and one or two books on edible wildlife. If you ever got out of here they might be useful for traveling and living in the woods. You weren't sure how long you were in that store, but if you thought Rui went bonkers for the books then you had to literally drag him by the collar out of the toy store. The place was beautiful. Many trinkets and expertly carved out toys lined the shelves with painted faces or stitched up from beautiful cloth. Rui kept on grabbing and grabbing and grabbing things to the point you had to stop him before he tried to leave with the entire store. In short he only left with two toys max.

"But Mother! I want that plush tiger!" Rui squirmed in your hold as you deadpanned dragged him away. "And that music box and that wind up horse-"

"You're going to have to earn those before you can get more young man," you said pulling him along. "If you keep up your good grades and behave yourself then you can come back."

"But it's not ffffaaaaiiiirrrr!!" He pouted frowning. "I don't want to wait."

You groaned again. Being a mother was hard work. Gyutaro almost laughed at the entire scene. Now this definitely reminded him of someone else who acted like a spoiled brat too.

"Well I'm hungry. Let's eat! We've been walking around all day."

"That's a good idea." You turned to Gyutaro. "So where are we eating?"

He paused blinking at you. "Eh?" 

"You're picking where we're eating at." You smiled. "After all, I'd love to eat with you." He blinked as you tilted your head at him. "Do you know anyplace?"

"I-...Um.......Food?"

Smack! Daki groaned facepalming herself as her brother just dumbly looked at you before she inhaled. "I remember this really great place that cooks meats right before your eyes. Remember?" Gyutaro let out an 'Oof' as his sister sharply kicked his left leg. "Douma brought me there to celebrate my first successful mission as a Kizuki." Her brother stared at her. "It's a REALLY nice place to EAT."

"Huh? OH! yes." He pointed at Daki. "T-That place!"

"Great! Where is it?"

"It's..Uh..Well I mean-"

"It's just to the right of here past the candy store."

"Yeah! There!"

"Great!" Oh dear gods he almost fainted right then and there when you looped an arm around his. "Lead the way!"

"T-T-The way? I-.." he just stared at your pretty face. "...Who are we talking about?"

"Oh for Muzan's sake!" Daki threw her hands up in defeat and walked off in the direction of the place. "Just follow me."

You did. Gyutaro nearly sweating himself to death and his face lighting up a bright pink as you leaned your head on his arm. Oh be still his beating heart. Daki lead you all to a massive moving building and you literally had to jump onto the moving platform attached to the storefront just to get to the door. These demons sure had a strange home. You weren't sure you were ever going to get used to living here. It only made you miss the outside even more. But.. otherwise you weren't complaining. Your senses were attacked by the smells of juicy meats and spices of all kinds and there in the middle of the entire place was a massive open fit full of hot burning coals, and skewered over it was two massive pigs with miniature skewers of chicken or fish varying around them. Around the massive room was other demons eating but all stopped and stared wide eyed as you all walked in. Well you couldn't blame them you guessed. Between Daki's beauty and Gyutaro's looks you supposed there would be a few stares sent their way. However you couldn't tell that most looks were actually on..

You.

An employee greeted you, offering to show you four to a table Daki immediately pointed at the one right next to the meats. You guessed she was really hungry. You and Rui made no objections to following them as you walked in the quiet place now your mind on the promise of food for your empty stomachs. 

"Is that her?" A whisper asked catching the perked up ear of a particularly skinny demon. 

"Yes. She's a lot smaller than I thought she would be." Another whisper answered.

"I'll say. But she's rather.... alluring. I can see why so many men would want her to themselves. I certainly wouldn't mind having her as a wife."

"Yes. So Beautiful...Do you think she would accept other suitors?" He felt his hands ball into angry fists.

" I could try my luck. I have more of a chance surely than the creature she's clinging to-"

"*HHIIISSS!!*"

Everyone practically jumped as Gyutaro snapped his head behind him and hissed rather loudly shutting down anymore conversation those two men were having and stared at him in horror. Before a soft hand gently tugged him along still growling and baring teeth at everyone.

"Here, Gyutaro. Come sit by me. You'll be calmer with food in your stomach."

In the end you just might've spared those demons' lives.  As soon as you four sat down, plates of food were descended upon you from all sides probably in an order to please a Kizuki Lord and Lady. However you were a little concerned about Gyutaro's lack of appetite while eating. Despite the massive amount of food being placed in front of you all Rui and Daki seemed to be the only ones digging out bigger pieces while he just picked out bits and pieces. There was also another thing. If Gyutaro picked up something Daki showed interest in something he wouldn't take anything or make a move until his sister picked as much as she wanted picked off which left little for him. It happened with a chicken. Then another dishes. Then a rather large tray of dumplings.

"Gyutaro." He hummed looking at you as Daki again grabbed another dumpling off the tray he held out for her. "You're not eating anything and letting Daki take all the food." Daki stopped halfway through eating another one as they both looked at you. "You're not going to get enough food if you don't eat anything."

They both seemed surprised by your blunt observation but Gyutaro hummed. "She needs it more. Food's precious and there was times when there wasn't enough to go around. She needed it more than I ever did."

"But.. don't you two have access to all the food you want now?" They both just...stared at you.

"I-..." He looked back to the plate he held. "It's... always been this way." But flinched when you gently grabbed his hands and pushed the plate back to him. 

"Gyutaro. Eat. Don't deprive yourself of food anymore. Eat. Ok?" He nearly passed out when a hand grabbed a dumpling from the plate and held it up to him. "Here. Start with this and eat until you're full. For me?" He continued to stare until his jaw dropped in shock and the dumpling was placed inside before gentle hands closed the jaw and ran across his mouth gently. "There. Now you have to start taking care of yourself. How are you supposed to care for someone else if you don't care for yourself?"

His face burnt a red as he continued to stare at you.....Gods. Was this what it felt like to die?  If yes never let him leave this moment!! 

After a while it was time to go back. Back following Daki all the way back to the Kizuki Dwell with arms full of bags and stomachs full of food. Rui happily examining the pink pearl bracelet around his wrist and fiddling with the giant plush bear he managed to make off with out of the toy store. It was a really good day, and most importantly absolutely no Douma! You just hoped he wouldn't be around when you got back. 

"Thank you for showing me around. I really had a nice time, and I'm sure Rui did too." You smiled at Gyutaro outside of his room.

"Uh.." Daki gave another kick to his leg. "Ow! Uh!...I meant Y-Yes. Nice day! Good."

You smiled again. "It's getting late. Rui has school tomorrow so I should probably get him to bed. I'm happy to spend time with you and Daki. Let's go out again sometime. This time maybe I can decide where we go."

"Um. Sure. O-Ok."

"Good night, Gyutaro. Make sure you eat your fill from now on. Ok?"

"Yeah."

He mumbled out watching as you turned with a smile on your face. Walking away and taking Rui with you disappearing around a corner. A hammering in his chest and tightness in his heart he was sure Daki could absolutely feel. Perhaps...this wasn't too bad after all. You made it back to your room and almost had to fight Rui to sleep as he didn't want to go to bed after the fun day he had. However he changed his tune when you threatened to not read him anymore stories from the books, he got quiet real quick and almost dove into his room to his bed. At last...peace and quiet. You didn't spot any exits but you did however not have any interactions with Douma again so that was a plus. With a triumphant smile, you climbed back into you bed and sighed as sleep slowly took you into it's embrace. Safe from empty rainbow irises.

Oh. How fate loved to toy with you.

The next morning you had no problems with waking up when Rui was sent off to school again. Just smiling and contently getting up from your bed when all good feelings were whisked away as something jabbed your side under the covers. Annoyed, you fished your hand under the blankets until you plucked it out but nearly dropped it as soon as you saw it. Sitting there in your hand was a beautiful lotus bloom hair comb. The same one Douma gave you. You sat there stunned looking at it. What the- WHAT WAS THIS DOING HERE!? You gave this back to Douma! What was it doing IN YOUR BED?! You must've not noticed it because you were really tired last night. Purple eyes looked up and stared stunned at what they saw. A perfectly wrapped pink box stood in one corner of the room pushed aside. What the- Why was THAT still here?! You thought he would've taken the box with him!! Why did he leave it here?! Didn't he take the hint you bluntly said?!

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!

You paused in the middle of throwing the comb as a couple of loud knocks came from the door making you pause and blink. ...No way that was Rui. He was already off to school. Maybe it was one of the servants coming to deliver your breakfast or maybe it was one of the siblings or Enmu? That had you perking up and walking over to the door as the knocks continued. The door slid open and you peered out...only to blink as you met the red shirt covering a toned chest and looked up at two rainbow irises.

"Ah.~ Good mor-"

SLAM!! 

The door was slammed shut right in his face as he blinked...and closed his mouth. "...-ning." More loud knocks were heard as he knocked again. "My darling fiance.~ Dearest!~ Oh my darling, please open the door.~ I have a wonderful meal waiting for us in my room. You'd love the view. Let us talk and discuss why you're so cranky all the time. You'd find me super helpful like everyone else does."

There was silence inside the room .. before footsteps approached and he smiled as the door was slid back open- Something hard was shoved into his chest he fumbled about to catch the pink box and he blinked at the now slightly smashed in box in his hands. Before he looked back up to your scowling, tired face- Something else hit his chest just above the box, before it tumbled down to thud onto the floor by his feet. A lotus flower smiling up at him. 

SLAM!!

The door was once again slammed shut in his face without even a word and leaving him to stand there holding the box in his hands. Silence rang out as he just stared at them both blankly, tilting his head confused....she still didn't like what he got her? But he made sure to pick them very carefully this time AND with other women's help. Huh. ...Did he come at a bad time again? He thought surely if he let her sleep in and get plenty of rest she'd be less cranky. Was it something someone else did? He should find out the exact problem.

"Darling, if you were unhappy with the gifts then you should've said something." More knocks tapped on the door. "We can discuss what you'd really like me to grace you with if you'd just open the door." The door was slid open and he poked his head inside. "Dear?..Where did you wonder off to?"

Down the hallway a different sliding door slowly and quietly slid open just enough for you to poke your head out. Douma seemed confused by your sudden disappearance and entered your room. Once he fully walked inside you slowly slid out of the doorway making sure to close it behind you to cover your tracks and turned to quickly tiptoe run your escape down the hallway. Thank the GODS Rui's room was connected to yours! All you had to do was slip into his room and exit out his door leading out into the hallway. Wasn't a perfect plan but it was enough for you to get away for now. Quickly you ran around the corner and down another hallway trying to put as much distance between you and Douma as possible. What the hell was that guy doing back here?! Couldn't he take a hint?! What if he was already chasing you?! Against better judgement you peered behind you-

"AH!!"

You collided with something hard but also soft-ish causing both you to loose your balance and fall to the floor. Someone else stumbled back but didn't fall. Instead the other person blinked as you groaned on the ground.

"Oh my. What a pretty fall you took.~ I do hope you didn't hurt yourself too much.~"

You blinked looking up and staring into familiar teal eyes. "Enmu? " you sighed. "Am I glad to see you." You pushed yourself up from where you fell down and brushed yourself off. "What are you doing here?"

"I just returned to grab a few things before I check my railways. I'm in charge of them you know, so as such I have to be sure my little worker ants of Conductors and workers are doing well in my absence." He tilted his head at you. "What are you doing here so early? You're usually still in your room."

"Uh.." you glanced behind you. Still no signs of Douma but that didn't mean he wouldn't be here any moment. "I was.. Looking for you actually." You looked back to him calmly.

He seemed to perk up at this. "Oh. Did you perhaps have a question about your blood?~ Or perhaps you're experiencing another change in your body you wished to tell me?~"

What he wasn't expecting was for you to grab his shoulders, narrow your eyes, and in a serious voice say- "Take me with you."

He blinked. "I beg pardon?"

"I want to spend time with you. Take me with you to see your trains. I haven't really ridden on one until Kaigaku made me so it'd be nice to just see what they're like." You saw him perk up with a hum. "Besides...you said I need to lower my stress levels. I'm not going to do that cooped up here. So let me go with you."

He seemed to think about that for a moment before humming and looking at you. "Well...I shouldn't really take you out of the Infinity Castle..but if you promise to stay with me and come back later then I can make an exception just this once."

"Done! I wouldn't leave Rui behind anyways!" You nervously looked behind your shoulder again. Douma could show up any moment. "When are you going?''

"Well I was going to drop off a few things at Master's lab first, maybe take care of some paperwork. I suppose I could wait until I get back to do those things but they're pretty important. I don't think-"

"We're going now!"

He again blinked at you. "Begonia. You don't seem to realize how this works." You narrowed your eyes. "I don't have any other choice."

"Oh I disagree."

"You don't understand again. There's no way you can ma- HHHAAAAHH!!"

He squealed out as you leaned down and just did what you usually did back when something needed to be moved back in your village. Just throw it over your shoulder and move it. Which was literally what you did to Enmu. He squealed finding himself thrown over your left shoulder and your arms gripping onto his legs before you stomped off down the hall quickly. Immediately his face lit up a red.

"We're going NOW...Hm." You gently went up and down on your knees a few times weighing him on your shoulder. "...Wow. You really are lighter than you look....Enmu?"

His face burnt a red as he maniacally giggled. "If it's wrong for a woman to sweep a man off his feet then never let me call myself a man again.~"

[compassionatereminders]

howdy hi kat, i wanna vent abt something if thats alright

its not major im just very frustrated, im in a household with an abuser (my mums husband, 10+ years now of this bullshit) and i cant get out due to my disabilities. as well as my brain being a fucky illness hellhole because of him

what im coming here to complain about honestly is so minor, cause hes physically attacked me and my siblings (he actively choked out my brother one time it was fucking nuts) but specifically today me and my 2 older siblings, my brother who was choked and my sister, FINALLY got to hang out for the first time in literally a decade cause this fucking prick has made it impossible for me and my family to just relax together and hang out. FINALLY we got to hang out for 3 measly hours and he sent a bunch of texts to my brother about how dare we be so fucking loud, how we made him late to work (we didnt. he left the same time as usual) he's gonna take the only phone in the house to work with him (which we watch his two kids while he and my mum are at work?? which would make it impossible to call for help if there were an emergency its so fucking stupid hes so stupid it baffles me)

and.. to prove he was super serious.. that his threat was SOOOO for real... he sent 🤬🤬.. and i'm literally more caught up over the emojis!! who sends two swearing emojis to show their threat is serious? it was paired up with a threat to beat us all too - mind you we're all adults now, not that its okay to beat children but im pretty sure you cant argue to police you were attempting some kind of corporal punishment if its a fully grown adult you don't even have legal family ties to? that's just assault.

im just frustrated at his audacity and also the emojis, ironically the emojis are whats getting me!! thats like being threatened to be shot with a confetti canon, ooouguh im gonna stab you with this here balloon animal buster type shit!! i'd expect that from a 12 year old hate anon not a 34 year old man

anyways thanks for letting me get that out of my system, i hope you're having a good day kat <3

When you're being abused, there's honestly no such thing as a "minor issue not worth complaining about" because it all ties up in and reinforces a greater pattern of abuse, even if, on its on, it wouldn't be that serious. So you get to be angry about all of it and you get to complain all you want! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this and your abuser is a pathetic asshole ❤️

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch43 The Things Between Us

(Warnings!! Douma and Enmu ARE their own warnings. Possibly some innuendos.)

You were so happy to spend time with Rui if given the choice between him and Douma. You couldn't get out of there fast enough. Zig zagging this way and that down random halls speed walking before quickly diving behind one corner and pressing your back against the wall dragging Rui with you. Ever so slowly you perked just enough out to look down the hall from where you came from..and sighed in relief seeing no one but a few confused servants there. And more importantly no Douma. Thank the GODS he didn't follow you. Good gods that experience was unsettling to be in. You weren't expecting Douma to literally show up early in the morning on your doorstep and try to ...to...woo you?? It felt more as if he was trying to convince someone to make an investment in a business than swoon a woman. What was he thinking?! ...Maybe he wasn't? He seemed so arrogant ignoring you despite stating he heard everything you told him. You didn't know what it was exactly about him..but it didn't really scare you, at least not a whole lot. It was more of a really unsettling feeling and a feeling you had to be weary around him. 

You were pulled out of your thoughts by a tugging on your sleeve. "I want to go to the book store today. One of the students at school mentioned it to me. I want to go somewhere for once."

... Actually that sounded like a good time to get out of here. If Douma was running around here then it'd be a good idea to leave while he was. But...you still didn't know where everything was. How could you take Rui to a bookstore if you didn't even know where to begin without getting lost?

"L-Lord Douma."

You froze... slowly turning your head back towards the corner.... You moved towards the edge and slowly looked out. Guess who was right there at the end of the hallway? At least three women servants were gathered around a rather tall individual who smiled down at the fancily dressed servant girls casually fanning himself with a golden fan. All three looked frozen in...shock maybe? Did they feel unsettled by him too? A hand of his reached out to the middle girl and tilted her frozen head up.

"Yumi...You look so beautiful since I last saw you. Such lovely jawlines and soft skin.~" He sighed deeply. "I heard you're getting married soon. You're husband is so lucky." 

He removed his hand making the middle girl blush deeply under her make up and her two friends giggling and squealing next to her.....Nope. The rumors about him were right. You deadpanned at the sight and frowned. What was wrong with this guy?

"W-What are y-y-you doing here, S-Sir?"

"I'm going back to my room to rest before my meeting with Hairou about security issues in the Infinity Castle. However I was also visiting my beautiful fiance?~ She's such an interesting character.~" you grimaced at his words used to describe you. 

"She's one really lucky woman," one lady swooned staring at Douma starstruck.

He chuckled again. "She is.~ In fact I'd say her luck is right around the corner." Rainbow irises tilted towards the end of the hall-

You snapped back around and Rui yelped as he was quickly yanked along with your running feet. CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!! THIS GUY WAS A LUNATIC!! You could faintly hear boisterous laughter of a man as you ran and it sent a cold chill down your spine. You had to get out of here..But how are you-.... THAT'S IT!! Your feet steered back towards your room but the long way around.

"Mother, why are we heading back to our rooms?" Rui easily was able to keep up with you.

"We're not going to our rooms!" You smiled. "We're going to someone else's."

Rui tilted his head curiously but otherwise didn't complain about it. A few hallways and confused stares from servants later you stood in front of Daki's room panting from running and ramming your knuckles into the sliding door. Over and over and over again until a flurry of angry stomps came from the other side and you stood back as the door S L A M M E D open so hard it shook the frames and there she was in all her tired morning glory.

"W H A T-"

DAKI paused. ..And you fought the urge to not instantly laugh. She stood there with another one of those mud mask things dried on her face, her hair in messily placed curlers, her surprised eyes blinking tiredly, and a robe tied around her body. It looked like she just literally woke up. 

"Hi, Daki! Is Gyutaro here?" You greeted with a smile and wave.

...She slowly and tiredly blinked again processing what she was looking at before frowning. "Yes. He's dead asleep the lazy ass." She then yawned a hand rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"This is Rui." You pulled the child in front of you making Daki blink down at him. "You might've seen him at the meeting with me. He's got the day off from school today and I brought him to meet you both."

"...Huh?"

"He's my son." The shock was instant on Daki's face. Looking between you then Rui before looking back at you. "I wanted to introduce him to the ones trying to court me. He's already met most of the others so this would be a good time to know you both too."

Daki's has dropped. Looking shocked between you and Rui over and over again like a gold fish before a wide smile broke out on her face and she honestly squealed. "ILL GO WAKE HIM UP IMMEDIATELY!! DON'T GO ANYWHERE!!"

The door was then slammed back shut leaving you two standing there silently... before Rui looked up at you. "Why do I need to meet these people?"

"Because you're going to meet them eventually and I want your opinion on them all." That was one thing you wanted in this if and only IF you picked anyone, they had to prove to be a good provider for Rui. As a father and as a person. Rui seemed to get along well with Kyogai, Kaigaku, and especially Akaza. Enmu...Not so much but he seemed to at least tolerate him. But you had no idea what he'd do with everything else. This would be a good way to get away from Douma and get Rui's opinion on the siblings."If you're going to have a father dont you want to meet everyone who might be a father to you?"

Rui stared at you... before back at the door. "How many fathers are you trying to get me?"

You blinked. "What? Rui. You don't have lots of fathers. I just want your opinion on the ones courting me is all."

Rui paused before his eyes widened. "You mean I can have as many fathers as I want!?"

You did a double take at Rui's awestruck face. Like he just witnessed a miracle. "What? Rui, I didn't mean it in that regard-"

"I can have more fathers in my life than anyone else!" He went on thinking more and more about it. "So many birthday gifts. Father would be the best one of course but it never occurred to me that I could have the most powerful family in the world!" ....He nodded."Very well. We will see who's worthy and who's not." He blinked. "Mother, why are you hiding your face?"

You pressed your face into your hands and hid your face. "Rui...No. I just wanted your opinion on who's trying to court me. I never said I was marrying anyone let alone more than one!" 

"Ah! Then it's up to me to decide how many fathers I have! Very well. I shall help you in securing a suitable amount of fathers for me. It's very considerate of you to give me this task-" He paused as you thumped your embarrassed face into a wall. "...Mother?"

You had a feeling you goofed again and would have to explain it to him later. From inside the room and much shuffling about and cursing from Daki as she ran about and assumedly woke her brother up from where he was sleeping. 

"WAKE UP!!....I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE TIRED!! GET THE HELL OUT HERE!! SHE BROUGHT HER CHILD TO MEET YOU!! THAT MEANS SHE SEES YOU AS A CANDIDATE FOR HER AFFECTIONS!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HUGE OF A STEP THIS IS?!......GET OUT OR I'LL MAKE YOU!!"

You heard her yelling at Gyutaro most likely but strangely enough you didn't hear Gyutaro's voice at all. Guess Daki's yelling was too loud for you to hear him. 

"Go answer the door! I can't answer the door looking like this!"

"Didn't you just did?"

"JUST DO IT!! And don't let them see me until I'm dressed! I'm not going out looking out like this!"

There was a man's voice grumbling finally heard from the other side of the door before footsteps approached and a moment later the door slowly slid open again only this time revealing a grumpy man's face. Gyutaro's face. Said demon looked tired but then his yellow eyes widened in surprise at you standing there smiling at him. Looking you up and down- Then stopping at Rui who also blinked at him. 

"Gyutaro!" He jumped looking at you again as you smiled widely. "Hi! I hope this isn't a bad time."

....He slowly blinked again. "You...came back? To see.." A hand pointed at him. "Me?"

"Of course I did, and for good reason. Gyutaro, this is Rui." Your hand patted Rui's shoulder. "He's my son." Gyutaro snapped back to you. ''Adopted son. I brought him here to meet you both and to go out today."

"Go...out?" Eyes widened more. "To-... Together?"

"Yes. We haven't been on that shopping trip yet remember? It was kind of interrupted by Sakura. I was thinking maybe we'd all be able to go out today and Rui here can get to know you better." It'd also give you a chance to get out of you're able to find an exit somewhere in here. "Only if you're interested in it. I understand if you do-"

"NO!" You jumped from his shout but he quickly back tracked. "I-...N-No. It's fine. I just.. wasn't expecting you to want to go with..." He didn't answer that sentence.

"Why wouldn't I? I think you're a wonderful person to be around, and you saved my life at least twice and I want to repay that back even just a little." You chuckled as he stared. "And you're pretty cute.~ Can you blame me for coming back?"

"I-IM NOT CUTE!!," He squawked a red hue coming over his face.

"Uh...Yes you are. That's why I'm going to kiss every single one of those markings on your cute face."

He blanked as you giggled. "...What? AH!!" He jumped as two hands nearly grabbed his cheeks. Falling backwards and landing on the ground with a thud and scrambling back as a giggling figure approached. "N-Nonononononono!! Get back, get back!!" 

The figure didn't and giggled again as the powerful Upper Moon Six... squawked a sound out that sounded like a dying Turkey and fled...to safely hide behind his younger sister...who squealed as she was literally picked up by her shoulders in the middle of putting on make up and held out like some shield between the flustered demon and giggling woman.  

"Brother, what are you doing?!"

"Keep back! She's trying to attack me!"

"No I'm not." You leaned left- He shoved Daki to the left between you two. "I only want to kiss his cute face. He needs more love."

"THE HELL I DO!! AH!!" You leaned right and Gyutaro again shoved Daki between you both. "BACK! BACK Y-Y-YOU VILE WOMAN!!"

"She's trying to kiss you?...Let her!" Daki barked looking over her shoulder at him. 

"WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?!"

"The side that gets you a wife! Now get over there and pucker up!!" She grabbed her brother by his arms and began trying to wrestle the yelping man towards your giggling form. "THIS IS A GOOD SIGN!!"

"LET THE HELL GO!!"

Rui was still standing still watching as they fought each other while you giggled at them.. before tilting his head and calculated something. "....He seems to make her happy, and comes with an Aunt....I will consider this fact as I go forward."

Eventually you stopped and allowed the siblings to calm down enough to allow Daki to get herself ready. And by that you meant painstakingly doing her hair and makeup and nearly taking an hour to decide what to wear and then taking another twenty minutes to do YOUR hair after insisting that you couldn't go out with your bed head. All the waiting put you on edge. What if Douma happened to come by? With his connection to the siblings they might let him tag along or something. Thankfully he didn't and you were able to get them out the door with little trouble. Hopefully by the time you get back, Douma would already be gone again. Right now you could focus on spending some time with Rui, and looking for an exit without trying to attract a lot of attention to you. With Rui holding your hand and Daki dragging you by the arm excitedly, you all left the same way you went last time you were out although with all the shifting buildings and rooms it was hard to tell. 

"Where are we going?," You asked as Daki continued to pull you along.

"To my favorite stores of course!," She squealed excitedly eyes wide in the promise of getting a whole lot of things she probably wouldn't use more than once in her lifetime. "This is perfect! There's so many places I want to go! There's the clothes store, Yuma's Hairpins and Galore- OH!!" She looked back to her brother whom already looked exhausted. "Can we go to that one place where they measure you for custom jewelry fits?"

Her brother sighed tiredly. "You're the one leading the way."

That seemed to satisfy his sister enough as she continued to babble to herself something about fitting a custom anklet for herself since she didn't have one of those yet. However you blinked behind you at him. 

"Hey. Isn't there somewhere you'd like to go?" He hummed at you. "It wouldn't be fair for us to just go where Daki wants."

He blinked surprised you'd ask that before shrugging. "I don't really care where we go. I'm not really one to hoard useless objects. I never want anything anyways."

"You must want to go somewhere. How about a sword smith? He might be able to sharpen your sycles."

"I don't need any smith. My blades never need sharpening."

"Alright. How about a clothes store? You might like some of their  clothes." He grunted in annoyance. "Well...What about a black smith? Maybe you can find a new sycle?" You only got the same response. Well this was awkward. You were starting to run out of places that Gyutaro might be interested in going. "Well..." You carefully eyed his body. "..Well you can pick where we have lunch then!"

He turned to you lifting a brow. "What? Food?"

You nodded "We haven't eaten yet so you can pick where we eat! It's only fair since we're kinda dragging you everywhere."

He opened his mouth... before turning away. "Tch. Fine. If it'll make you stop nagging me about it."

"Whatever! We're going to MY favorite spots first!"

"But I wanted to go to the book store, and a toy store!"

Daki glanced back to Rui. "We can go after I make a few stops. I've been waiting longer than you have."

Rui looked back up at you. "Is she always this stubborn?"

Gyutaro snorted when Daki snapped him a look and you just smiled at her. Eventually she dragged you four along to your first stop which wasn't surprisingly a clothing store. Daki practically gushed and squealed as she dove head first into the maze of displayed fabrics and dresses. You Right behind her. It was maybe one or two hours of Daki just literally throwing anything she didn't like away from her (those poor ladies who worked there) or trying on something every two seconds before grabbing you and practically forcing you into anything she thought would look nice on you. You were surprised to find most of the dresses that she forced you into weren't something you'd trip over or something too tight. You could probably run in them if you wanted despite them obviously being expensive fancy looking. Did Daki actually listen to your opinions on dresses? Gyutaro only looked on boredly and by the end of it all he was forced into carrying four giant bags of dresses for his sister. Rui also managed to find something he liked rummaging around-

"Mother, I want this." He held up at least three kimonos that was white with spider web print..just like..every other outfit he owned.

Whatever made him happy. You carried Rui's and your items (which Daki INSISTED you get) to not burden Gyutaro with them. From there it was pretty much a predictable run through. A store that sold shoes. A store that sold hair pins. A jewelry store- You hadn't seen so much sparkling diamonds and gold and silver and pearls and rubies and other things in your life. Each and every store Gyutaro looked on boredly and just stood there watching his sister coo over everything and of course force you to try things on.

...He nearly went red when she smiled at him face lit up. You...we're having fun with his sister? That was good. Right? He didn't think anyone other than him or Douma could tolerate Daki's personality. But she seemed to genuinely like it when Daki forced a ruby studded choker around her throat before forcing a mirror into her face..and she smiled. Before looking at him..and also smiling.

Bu-BUMP

Oh no-

"I want that one." He blinked as a voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Oh. It was just the kid. He was pointing at one cabinet with glass doors used to display what looked like mainly bracelets. His pale hand pointed at one near the middle. A beautiful pink pearl bracelet. "Give it to me."

The store front, an old lady, just stared at him. Ah. She must've been the one he was looking at. She stared at him with a confused face. "Um... Young Sir, you are aware these are women's bracelets correct?"

"They don't have labels. Give me it. I want  that one."

"Sir. That is a woman's bracelet made to be worn by a woman around a woman's wrist specifically." She frowned narrowing her eyes. "Which means it would be most unbecoming of a man to wear such an item. What would your parents think if they saw you in it?"

The kid stopped and stared at her..then looked over his shoulder at the two women too busy shopping to notice. "... They'll be fine with it."

"What will others think about you or your parents then? It'd be a bad stain on their reputation if they allowed their son to wear such things," she chastised with a sneer at the boy who visibly flinched at the words and yellow eyes glanced at them both. "What would happen if you ruined their status in society b-"

"Get the dam bracelet."

Both were silenced surprised that another raspy voice spoke up and turned to find almost sickly yellow eyes staring daggers right back at her. "I-... W-What?"

"Did I stutter?" She didn't move. "GIVE HIM THE FUCKING BRACELET!!"

The angry shout had the woman squealing in fright and running back into the wall and the other people in the dam place turned their eyes towards the noise instantly including two familiar faces. However strangely the boy didn't flinch and just stared at him then at the woman whom fearfully scrambled at the cabinet the door squeaking wide open. Shaking hands grabbed the pretty pink pearl bracelet and little eyes widened in awe as it was delivered to him on a silver platter. The tiny perfectly round beads feeling cool in his pale hands as he all but held the bracelet before looking back at the tall angry demon whom snorted at the woman.

"Scary father could strike fear into others for me....Yes. That's good," Rui mumbled quietly before the older demon snapped down to him.

"What?"

"Nothing but observations." Rui continued to stare in awe at him. "Very helpful ones for my family. You'll fit in."

Gyutaro blinked. "...Eh?'

"BROTHER!!" "Gyutaro!! Rui!!"

Both looked up as two women stared at the demons. Uh oh. Looks like he would be getting an earful.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

He was lucky to avoid his sister making a scene in the store by you insisting that you all just gather whatever Daki wanted and leaving to the next store which just so happened to be where Rui wanted. So everyone could calm down. Luckily Daki was satisfied with just putting everything on 'Douma's Tab' and skidaddling onwards. You weren't sure where these stores were but thankfully Daki seemed to be an expert on shopping enough to lead the way when asked and to a small book store you all went. It looked similar to the small library you had back in your village only there was many more scrolls and books lying about. Rui was like a child with a new puppy. You couldn't ever remember seeing him light up and smile so fast before taking off between the shelves and out of sight. You blinked ... before slowly walking around and viewing at everything around you.

"What's so fascinating about a bunch of books and dusty scrolls?," Daki asked looking bored already at the shelves around you.

"If you want you can just wait with Gyutaro until we're done here. It's only until Rui's finished looking  around." 

She mumbled something but pouted and poked at the books on the shelf. You smiled and continued on your way around the place glancing at titles. Some were ones you didn't understand some were ones you did. A Guide To Poisonous Plants. To Join A Cloud. Historica Demonca Vol. 7. One Hundred Ways To Cook Grasshoppers-

You paused... Blinking widely as a book cover was shoved into your face by paled hands. "Look Mother. I want this one!"

You blinked again registering the book in front of you before reading the book cover in front of you. "White Rose And The Creature and Other Fairytales Of Romance and Adventure?" Quite a mouthful of a title. "Where'd you get this?"

Rui pointed at a random shelf. "Between the books on hunting deer and practical uses of rocks." Well ..that was a strange place to find a fairytale book. "I want it! Please!"

"Well..I suppose so. As long as you take care of it!"

Rui seemed delighted to be getting what he wanted and he ran off to grab a few more books he wanted. You found a few you found interesting too. A few romance novels and one or two books on edible wildlife. If you ever got out of here they might be useful for traveling and living in the woods. You weren't sure how long you were in that store, but if you thought Rui went bonkers for the books then you had to literally drag him by the collar out of the toy store. The place was beautiful. Many trinkets and expertly carved out toys lined the shelves with painted faces or stitched up from beautiful cloth. Rui kept on grabbing and grabbing and grabbing things to the point you had to stop him before he tried to leave with the entire store. In short he only left with two toys max.

"But Mother! I want that plush tiger!" Rui squirmed in your hold as you deadpanned dragged him away. "And that music box and that wind up horse-"

"You're going to have to earn those before you can get more young man," you said pulling him along. "If you keep up your good grades and behave yourself then you can come back."

"But it's not ffffaaaaiiiirrrr!!" He pouted frowning. "I don't want to wait."

You groaned again. Being a mother was hard work. Gyutaro almost laughed at the entire scene. Now this definitely reminded him of someone else who acted like a spoiled brat too.

"Well I'm hungry. Let's eat! We've been walking around all day."

"That's a good idea." You turned to Gyutaro. "So where are we eating?"

He paused blinking at you. "Eh?" 

"You're picking where we're eating at." You smiled. "After all, I'd love to eat with you." He blinked as you tilted your head at him. "Do you know anyplace?"

"I-...Um.......Food?"

Smack! Daki groaned facepalming herself as her brother just dumbly looked at you before she inhaled. "I remember this really great place that cooks meats right before your eyes. Remember?" Gyutaro let out an 'Oof' as his sister sharply kicked his left leg. "Douma brought me there to celebrate my first successful mission as a Kizuki." Her brother stared at her. "It's a REALLY nice place to EAT."

"Huh? OH! yes." He pointed at Daki. "T-That place!"

"Great! Where is it?"

"It's..Uh..Well I mean-"

"It's just to the right of here past the candy store."

"Yeah! There!"

"Great!" Oh dear gods he almost fainted right then and there when you looped an arm around his. "Lead the way!"

"T-T-The way? I-.." he just stared at your pretty face. "...Who are we talking about?"

"Oh for Muzan's sake!" Daki threw her hands up in defeat and walked off in the direction of the place. "Just follow me."

You did. Gyutaro nearly sweating himself to death and his face lighting up a bright pink as you leaned your head on his arm. Oh be still his beating heart. Daki lead you all to a massive moving building and you literally had to jump onto the moving platform attached to the storefront just to get to the door. These demons sure had a strange home. You weren't sure you were ever going to get used to living here. It only made you miss the outside even more. But.. otherwise you weren't complaining. Your senses were attacked by the smells of juicy meats and spices of all kinds and there in the middle of the entire place was a massive open fit full of hot burning coals, and skewered over it was two massive pigs with miniature skewers of chicken or fish varying around them. Around the massive room was other demons eating but all stopped and stared wide eyed as you all walked in. Well you couldn't blame them you guessed. Between Daki's beauty and Gyutaro's looks you supposed there would be a few stares sent their way. However you couldn't tell that most looks were actually on..

You.

An employee greeted you, offering to show you four to a table Daki immediately pointed at the one right next to the meats. You guessed she was really hungry. You and Rui made no objections to following them as you walked in the quiet place now your mind on the promise of food for your empty stomachs. 

"Is that her?" A whisper asked catching the perked up ear of a particularly skinny demon. 

"Yes. She's a lot smaller than I thought she would be." Another whisper answered.

"I'll say. But she's rather.... alluring. I can see why so many men would want her to themselves. I certainly wouldn't mind having her as a wife."

"Yes. So Beautiful...Do you think she would accept other suitors?" He felt his hands ball into angry fists.

" I could try my luck. I have more of a chance surely than the creature she's clinging to-"

"*HHIIISSS!!*"

Everyone practically jumped as Gyutaro snapped his head behind him and hissed rather loudly shutting down anymore conversation those two men were having and stared at him in horror. Before a soft hand gently tugged him along still growling and baring teeth at everyone.

"Here, Gyutaro. Come sit by me. You'll be calmer with food in your stomach."

In the end you just might've spared those demons' lives.  As soon as you four sat down, plates of food were descended upon you from all sides probably in an order to please a Kizuki Lord and Lady. However you were a little concerned about Gyutaro's lack of appetite while eating. Despite the massive amount of food being placed in front of you all Rui and Daki seemed to be the only ones digging out bigger pieces while he just picked out bits and pieces. There was also another thing. If Gyutaro picked up something Daki showed interest in something he wouldn't take anything or make a move until his sister picked as much as she wanted picked off which left little for him. It happened with a chicken. Then another dishes. Then a rather large tray of dumplings.

"Gyutaro." He hummed looking at you as Daki again grabbed another dumpling off the tray he held out for her. "You're not eating anything and letting Daki take all the food." Daki stopped halfway through eating another one as they both looked at you. "You're not going to get enough food if you don't eat anything."

They both seemed surprised by your blunt observation but Gyutaro hummed. "She needs it more. Food's precious and there was times when there wasn't enough to go around. She needed it more than I ever did."

"But.. don't you two have access to all the food you want now?" They both just...stared at you.

"I-..." He looked back to the plate he held. "It's... always been this way." But flinched when you gently grabbed his hands and pushed the plate back to him. 

"Gyutaro. Eat. Don't deprive yourself of food anymore. Eat. Ok?" He nearly passed out when a hand grabbed a dumpling from the plate and held it up to him. "Here. Start with this and eat until you're full. For me?" He continued to stare until his jaw dropped in shock and the dumpling was placed inside before gentle hands closed the jaw and ran across his mouth gently. "There. Now you have to start taking care of yourself. How are you supposed to care for someone else if you don't care for yourself?"

His face burnt a red as he continued to stare at you.....Gods. Was this what it felt like to die?  If yes never let him leave this moment!! 

After a while it was time to go back. Back following Daki all the way back to the Kizuki Dwell with arms full of bags and stomachs full of food. Rui happily examining the pink pearl bracelet around his wrist and fiddling with the giant plush bear he managed to make off with out of the toy store. It was a really good day, and most importantly absolutely no Douma! You just hoped he wouldn't be around when you got back. 

"Thank you for showing me around. I really had a nice time, and I'm sure Rui did too." You smiled at Gyutaro outside of his room.

"Uh.." Daki gave another kick to his leg. "Ow! Uh!...I meant Y-Yes. Nice day! Good."

You smiled again. "It's getting late. Rui has school tomorrow so I should probably get him to bed. I'm happy to spend time with you and Daki. Let's go out again sometime. This time maybe I can decide where we go."

"Um. Sure. O-Ok."

"Good night, Gyutaro. Make sure you eat your fill from now on. Ok?"

"Yeah."

He mumbled out watching as you turned with a smile on your face. Walking away and taking Rui with you disappearing around a corner. A hammering in his chest and tightness in his heart he was sure Daki could absolutely feel. Perhaps...this wasn't too bad after all. You made it back to your room and almost had to fight Rui to sleep as he didn't want to go to bed after the fun day he had. However he changed his tune when you threatened to not read him anymore stories from the books, he got quiet real quick and almost dove into his room to his bed. At last...peace and quiet. You didn't spot any exits but you did however not have any interactions with Douma again so that was a plus. With a triumphant smile, you climbed back into you bed and sighed as sleep slowly took you into it's embrace. Safe from empty rainbow irises.

Oh. How fate loved to toy with you.

The next morning you had no problems with waking up when Rui was sent off to school again. Just smiling and contently getting up from your bed when all good feelings were whisked away as something jabbed your side under the covers. Annoyed, you fished your hand under the blankets until you plucked it out but nearly dropped it as soon as you saw it. Sitting there in your hand was a beautiful lotus bloom hair comb. The same one Douma gave you. You sat there stunned looking at it. What the- WHAT WAS THIS DOING HERE!? You gave this back to Douma! What was it doing IN YOUR BED?! You must've not noticed it because you were really tired last night. Purple eyes looked up and stared stunned at what they saw. A perfectly wrapped pink box stood in one corner of the room pushed aside. What the- Why was THAT still here?! You thought he would've taken the box with him!! Why did he leave it here?! Didn't he take the hint you bluntly said?!

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!

You paused in the middle of throwing the comb as a couple of loud knocks came from the door making you pause and blink. ...No way that was Rui. He was already off to school. Maybe it was one of the servants coming to deliver your breakfast or maybe it was one of the siblings or Enmu? That had you perking up and walking over to the door as the knocks continued. The door slid open and you peered out...only to blink as you met the red shirt covering a toned chest and looked up at two rainbow irises.

"Ah.~ Good mor-"

SLAM!! 

The door was slammed shut right in his face as he blinked...and closed his mouth. "...-ning." More loud knocks were heard as he knocked again. "My darling fiance.~ Dearest!~ Oh my darling, please open the door.~ I have a wonderful meal waiting for us in my room. You'd love the view. Let us talk and discuss why you're so cranky all the time. You'd find me super helpful like everyone else does."

There was silence inside the room .. before footsteps approached and he smiled as the door was slid back open- Something hard was shoved into his chest he fumbled about to catch the pink box and he blinked at the now slightly smashed in box in his hands. Before he looked back up to your scowling, tired face- Something else hit his chest just above the box, before it tumbled down to thud onto the floor by his feet. A lotus flower smiling up at him. 

SLAM!!

The door was once again slammed shut in his face without even a word and leaving him to stand there holding the box in his hands. Silence rang out as he just stared at them both blankly, tilting his head confused....she still didn't like what he got her? But he made sure to pick them very carefully this time AND with other women's help. Huh. ...Did he come at a bad time again? He thought surely if he let her sleep in and get plenty of rest she'd be less cranky. Was it something someone else did? He should find out the exact problem.

"Darling, if you were unhappy with the gifts then you should've said something." More knocks tapped on the door. "We can discuss what you'd really like me to grace you with if you'd just open the door." The door was slid open and he poked his head inside. "Dear?..Where did you wonder off to?"

Down the hallway a different sliding door slowly and quietly slid open just enough for you to poke your head out. Douma seemed confused by your sudden disappearance and entered your room. Once he fully walked inside you slowly slid out of the doorway making sure to close it behind you to cover your tracks and turned to quickly tiptoe run your escape down the hallway. Thank the GODS Rui's room was connected to yours! All you had to do was slip into his room and exit out his door leading out into the hallway. Wasn't a perfect plan but it was enough for you to get away for now. Quickly you ran around the corner and down another hallway trying to put as much distance between you and Douma as possible. What the hell was that guy doing back here?! Couldn't he take a hint?! What if he was already chasing you?! Against better judgement you peered behind you-

"AH!!"

You collided with something hard but also soft-ish causing both you to loose your balance and fall to the floor. Someone else stumbled back but didn't fall. Instead the other person blinked as you groaned on the ground.

"Oh my. What a pretty fall you took.~ I do hope you didn't hurt yourself too much.~"

You blinked looking up and staring into familiar teal eyes. "Enmu? " you sighed. "Am I glad to see you." You pushed yourself up from where you fell down and brushed yourself off. "What are you doing here?"

"I just returned to grab a few things before I check my railways. I'm in charge of them you know, so as such I have to be sure my little worker ants of Conductors and workers are doing well in my absence." He tilted his head at you. "What are you doing here so early? You're usually still in your room."

"Uh.." you glanced behind you. Still no signs of Douma but that didn't mean he wouldn't be here any moment. "I was.. Looking for you actually." You looked back to him calmly.

He seemed to perk up at this. "Oh. Did you perhaps have a question about your blood?~ Or perhaps you're experiencing another change in your body you wished to tell me?~"

What he wasn't expecting was for you to grab his shoulders, narrow your eyes, and in a serious voice say- "Take me with you."

He blinked. "I beg pardon?"

"I want to spend time with you. Take me with you to see your trains. I haven't really ridden on one until Kaigaku made me so it'd be nice to just see what they're like." You saw him perk up with a hum. "Besides...you said I need to lower my stress levels. I'm not going to do that cooped up here. So let me go with you."

He seemed to think about that for a moment before humming and looking at you. "Well...I shouldn't really take you out of the Infinity Castle..but if you promise to stay with me and come back later then I can make an exception just this once."

"Done! I wouldn't leave Rui behind anyways!" You nervously looked behind your shoulder again. Douma could show up any moment. "When are you going?''

"Well I was going to drop off a few things at Master's lab first, maybe take care of some paperwork. I suppose I could wait until I get back to do those things but they're pretty important. I don't think-"

"We're going now!"

He again blinked at you. "Begonia. You don't seem to realize how this works." You narrowed your eyes. "I don't have any other choice."

"Oh I disagree."

"You don't understand again. There's no way you can ma- HHHAAAAHH!!"

He squealed out as you leaned down and just did what you usually did back when something needed to be moved back in your village. Just throw it over your shoulder and move it. Which was literally what you did to Enmu. He squealed finding himself thrown over your left shoulder and your arms gripping onto his legs before you stomped off down the hall quickly. Immediately his face lit up a red.

"We're going NOW...Hm." You gently went up and down on your knees a few times weighing him on your shoulder. "...Wow. You really are lighter than you look....Enmu?"

His face burnt a red as he maniacally giggled. "If it's wrong for a woman to sweep a man off his feet then never let me call myself a man again.~"

[moonfox281]

Hi Moon🌙, your pen is so beautiful, and to be honest with you, there days when the only thing that gives me the power to resume the day is your stories. I in love with Nightwing and Red hood in your writing, and I want you to know that someone across the sea always waiting for your update. English is not my first language 😊. Note: can please write a story about John and Jason take care of sick Dick 🙈

Thank you for such a beautiful heart-to-heart message. It always feels like a boost of energy getting to know that, at least, somewhere, my writting is making a small impact on someone.

And don't worry, English isn't my first language either. We're here talking anyway (´ ꒳` )

"101.4"

Dick pouted when Jason raised the thermometer to his head and forced him to look.

"No more patrol for you."

"But-"

"No but."

One night, one rain, and two hours soaking wet and cold. All of those were enough to knock Dick off his feet and bedridden him for the rest of the week.

Hated to admit, but this also might partly be Jason's fault. They shouldn't have screwed around in the shower after that, and now Dick was beet red and coughing his lungs out.

"Stay, pop." John crouched over and tugged the comforter up to Dick's neck. He had gotten so big over the years, but each time he hunched over their bed, half climbing in like wanting to join in their arms, he turned back to the little scrawny kid Jason fished out of Crime Alley that one late night.

"Get a mask, John. I'm contagious."

"I've lived on the street. Can't go down that easy."

Jason fist-bumped his boy and climbed over, joining in. They all ended up in a pile surrounding Dick. At least his husband wasn't complaining. Dick was always weak to heat, and John and Jason were practically two human heaters.

By the door, Beast came tapping his feet and claws down the wooden floor. He gave Jason those pleading eyes, whinny huffs when circling around the bed. Jason, who came up with the strict rule of not sleeping on the bed. His forth stayed strong until John started kicked his legs and Jason nodded his head, letting the dog jumped on the end of their bed and made his home there.

For the first time in forever, he was glad their bed was massive.

"Don't you boys have somewhere to go? A school to attend? A crime organization to run, perhaps?"

"I'll skip class."

"No you won't."

"I'll cancel today."

"No you won't either."

Jason fixed his place by Dick's side. He ran hotter with a fever, cheeks rose and lips red. Blue eyes sparkles on the verse of tears after each series of aggressive coughs.

He knew how to rile him up even when bed sick. Jason rolled over uncomfortably in his suit, clumsy with where to put his hands and feet. He dreaded to pull Dick closer but also not too close.

"You wear the set I gave you last Christmas." said Dick with his hands ran along the length of Jason's suit and tie. Bony fingers tuck underneath the waistcoat, down to his dress shirt and warm over the centre of his chest.

"It must be something important. You should go."

"Nothing is more important than you."

"That's not what a crime lord should say."

Jason snorted, "That's not how a husband should reply."

Dick stretched and hiked up in his arms and elbow, pulling Jason's by the tie and crawl fingers on his neck. He moved as he liked, had fun toying with people's hearts. Jason's heart in particular.

"Take John to school and go to your meeting. I'll call Jeff up."

"Nice, why don't you ring Slade over to join as well. Maybe Roy too. He'll come running a city away with champagne and flowers."

"What's with you and the people I know?"

"I don't know, what's with you and men who are eager to get in your pants?"

"Asshole."

"Your asshole," he shoved his ringed finger up and at Dick's face, "Forever!"

Dick laughed hard and it felt good to make Dick laughed in such an earnest, banal way. Even though his lungs quickly regretted it and pulled out a string of violent coughs and sneezes that left him breathless and sweaty.

John perked up from where he laid by Dick's side, "I'll got get some warm water." He was quick to his feet, hop off the bed and soon enough, they heard him clattering around in the kitchen all the way from the bedroom.

"He loves you."

"I know." admitted Dick, all swoon and putty against the impact of their son's silent affection.

"We loves you."

"I know."

"I love you."

"I know." Dick's head turned to look at him, "I love you too."

"No, you don't get it." Jason climbed over and let Dick flopped down mattress from where he leaned on him earlier.

With both hands planted by Dick's head, it was so painfully obvious how different their sizes was. Dick wasn't small but he wasn't particularly big either, but Jason? Jason was a fucking giant. And he took full advantage of his physic.

"I love you." He exclaimed again, placing his big palm down Dick's heaving chest, and pressed until Dick coughed out again. "I love you. So don't fucking die on me."

It felt nice to have Dick all ruffled up underneath him, to have the mattress sunk under his weight and Dick looked up at him with sparking blue eyes, rosy cheeks and sweaty skin.

And it felt like some certain screws must be running loose in Jason's head for him to think of a sick person this way. But since when normality was in the Bat-kin bio? None of them was supposed to be normal. Same went for the grinning devil under his mass.

Sick or well, Dick was a fucking pandora box to not be poked. He wrapped his legs around Jason's waist and- Christ all mighty- turned the table. Jason went down with a painful creak of the bed, arms and legs, muscle and guns. None mattered with a Dick Grasyon in a milky wool cardigan and sweatpants, tousled hair and shimmering in golden light, straddled him right on the crotch.

Jason found himself praising the Lord, he wasn't even religious, he just found the need to thank some god for letting him crawl out of his grave to eventually crawl into this holy man's bed.

"Don't get cocky."

"Yes sir." came out instinctively, trembly like a fucking hoarse chicken.

"Drive John to school, and when you both get back, get me some cough syrup."

Dick trailed his hand down Jason's tie, pulled it, jerked him off the bed, and automatically, his hands found their way on Dick's hips to lock their bodies tight against one and another.

"I won't die. At least not until I'm the death of you."

"Y-yes."

"What?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good boy."

If Jason could see his own face now, he must look fucking stupid. But there wasn't something wrong, because this was Dick fucking Grayson. And Dick fucking Grayson was straddling his thighs and hooking his fingers in the short ends of Jason's hair.

At the door, John stood dumbfounded, water in hands, barefoot against the floor and mouth agape.

"Go to school, chump."

"Yes, sir."

This was Dick fucking Grayson.

[bluiex]

welcome back bluie <3!!!

have a little draft from my self-insert DSMP x Empires kinda chatfic:

----

"Can I… touch you?"

When Tommy looked at her a little weirdly as words left her lips, she realized how…weird it probably sounded and hastily added, " Not like, in THAT way, of course! Just, like- maybe a hand on your shoulder, or something. You looked like you could use it,"

Tommy stared at her slightly panicked reaction toward whatever is wrong with his mind, a small chuckle escaping him unnoticed. Making eye contact with Katherine again, he nodded his consent.

Katherine got up from her seat opposite him and sat next to him. Her arm, although slowly, wrapped itself around his shoulder. They then pulled him closer to her, until his head is resting on her shoulder. "Is- is this ok, bud?" The fear of pushing Tommy's boundaries crept up on her when his body froze at the contact.

After a long, long moment of silence, he nodded, although a bit hesitantly.

"You sure, bud? I can stop if you want-"

"No no, it's fine, really! Just- I'm just not used to anyone other than them touching me…" his voice went a little…softer, almost hurt kind of tone.

She decided that she hated that tone on him.

She pulled him closer to cuddle. He yelped, but soon felt comfortable enough to melt into her touch and lazily cuddled her back.

The view up there on the second-floor balcony is beautiful, really. They watched as the villagers traded with each other--somebody just traded three whole stacks of quartz for an emerald, Tommy pointed out--, the children either making flower crowns, reading, drawing, or playing with one another. They watched as the farmers reaped today's crop to sell tomorrow, as the beekeepers locked the doors to the bee sanctuary, as everyone finally noticed that the sun was setting and they all would have to go inside now, especially the children.

"Y'know, Toms, we should also head back inside now," Katherine commented when she noticed that they were still in the comfort of the others' touches and presence.

The nickname flew over in Tommy's brain as he whined and complained that, "it's comfyyyyyyyy," and "you lit up this place enough, mobs won't spawn if we stay a bit longer," the last sentence was followed by an attack with the biggest, saddest puppy eyes Katherine has ever seen when she looked at him.

"Do not fall for this trick, Katherine." The voice of a previous Guardian whispered inside her brain when her defense against the puppy eyes faltered.

"As much as I'd love to stay and cuddle here with you, rosebud, we don't wanna make your husbands worry and miss dinner, do we?" She chuckled as she lifted Tommy to put his body beside her so that she could get up and sweep the dirt off their skirt.

Tommy froze when the word "husbands" registered in his brain, face going redder than the sleeves of his shirt.

"Wh- husbands?!"

Katherine was confused, as shown by her tone when she said, "Aren't you all married to one another? You all act plenty lovey-dovey whenever you're all around one another,"

"Eh- No- no, we're not married!" He denied her statement, emphasized by the way his hands wave side to side and his head shaking frantically. "Don't get me wrong, Tubbo and Ranboo are married to each other, they're just not married to me," His tone went softer, almost… disappointed when he uttered the last sentence.

"Oh," was all she could say about this whole mutually-pining-idiots disaster. An awkward silence blanketed the once comfortable vibe hanging around them, making the atmosphere so thick you'd have some difficulty slicing it.

"Let's just- let's go inside now-" "Maybe we should go in now-" they both started, causing each other to stop mid-sentence in confusion.

After a few more seconds of silence, Tommy snorted, which then turned into small fits of laughter and caused Katherine to have some of her own giggles.

When the giggle fest finally died down, Katherine asked, "Do you wanna make some stew with me, Tommy?"

Excitement filled his chest. He jumped up and threw his hands in the air, saying, "Queen Katherine is making me her legendary stew, let's fUCKING GOOO!!!"

Katherine giggled and ruffled his hair before immediately sprinting towards an exit.

"LAST TO THE GREENHOUSE IS A ROTTEN GOLDEN APPLE, TOMMY!!"

"HEY, NO FAIR!" he yelled, chasing after them.

----

I'm a bit rusty on my writing, so I do apologize if there are any mistakes!

-<3 anon

YOUR WRITING IS LOVELY <3 ANON. THIS IS SO CUTE

UWAH cTommy deserves all the love and care in the world *holds him tightly*

[what-if-nct]

hi today's reminder is I've been playing this Pokemon game for a few days and I finally leveled up enough to find legendaries and i spent an hour looking for one and found it twice in that hour (finding it once is unlikely, twice is damn near impossible) and accidentally ended up defeating it both times why the fuck is my team so strong this has never been a problem before if i don't catch it tomorrow i will Sob

also happy birthday to my husband the loml the man single handedly carrying the reputation of the male species the romcom lead that escaped from the books i read as a teenager Qian Kun

Hiiii!! Ooh that sounds fun. If I'm honest I don't know too much about Pokemon beyond what I watched when I was six it was more my sister's thing. But how lucky you are to find it twice I hope you get to catch it tomorrow. And yaaay Kun's birthday he really is a romcom lead, like genuinely I've never seen a man more husband material than Kun. He also has the energy of a young divorced single father in a Hallmark movie who goes out of his way to help you pick a Christmas tree in the snow while his kids are home terrorizing the babysitter but to win you over he calls them his little angels meanwhile Yangyang locked the babysitter in a closet and Xiaojun and Hendery are flooding the kitchen while Winwin is on a date turned his phone off and Ten is at a singles night speed dating thing I kinda got lost I don't know how I got here. But happy birthday Kun.

Oh, okay random but I have to say this. I'm an adult doll collector. But I absolutely hate other adult doll collectors. They complain and whine about every little thing. Forgetting the target audience is kids. I may jokingly say no child is allowed to touch my dolls but I know the core audience. Mga and Mattel do recognize adult collectors and do cater to them within reason but adult collectors have to realize we're not the intended demographic it's complaint after complaint over the tiniest things. Also mga putting out they're going to make another live action Bratz movie after Barbie's success. I'm biased but the power of Barbie is unbeatable. I actually wish the Barbie movie had more Barbie.

[beesflowers]

𝒟𝑒𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓉𝒽 𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝒱𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒-𝐿𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈

Characters: Derreth

Type: OC description

Hello

Welcome dear and mighty Traveler! I heard of your achievements and of how many people you saved! So… what do you say for small deal, huh?

Chat: Counting

1, 2, 3... huh... I made only 3 thousands mora today... ehh... not much clients...

Chat: Game

Its' boring here... Wanna play a game? No? Oh...

Chat: Song

♪ I love Mora~ And Mora loves me~ Mora comes- ♪ No wait... that's not how it went... Oh well, who cares?! ♪ Lalalalala ♪

When It Rains

Wait... Did I closed my stand?! Oh let's hope I did...

When Thunder Strikes

Watch out. It can be dangerous during this time and I don't sell any medications.

When the Wind Is Blowing

Ahh, I love wind like that~ What? It's not often when you get cold wind where I come from!

Good Morning

Good morning! Eat something and begin new day! I'll go on stand a bit later... surely I can enjoy my meal!

Good Afternoon

Good afternoon there! Would you like some Zaytun Peaches? I'll give you 25% off since you're such a great companion!

Good Evening

Good evening! Are you done with your quests? If so, how about we go on a walk? It may be good to take your mind off things from time to time!

Good Night

Good nigh! I don't know about you but I'm definitely going to sleep! I don't want to be a zombie tomorrow after all...

About Derreth: Wondering

I often wonder how Dori is doing... I really hope she's having a good childhood... maybe I should visit her someday? No, others might recognize me...

About Derreth: Best School

Did you know that I attended to one of those "fancy schools" back in elementary school? Well it's actually horrible! You meet kids that are spoiled, teachers that see you as money and they have strict teaching system! Good for me I knew how to cheat... I passed that whole school and all exams with flying colors!

About Us: Travelers

So you say you come from different world? Well I just think we may not be so different after all... you got here by force and I had no other choice that to escape my region... Oh well, let's not think about it! Let's go somewhere else, okey? This place seems to take out too much memories from me.

About Us: Friends

After how much we've been through, I think I can safely call you my friend. This comes with many benefits! We can help each other with our problems and if you catch me on good mood, I may even give you small treat for free~ Don't get used though!

About Vision

I got my vision when I was escaping from Sumeru. It would've been more useful before it but... I won't complain. But Pyro Archon does have... interesting taste it seems. I'm a little scared to go to Natlan region now!

Something to Share

Okey, let me tell you BIG secret! Did you knew I had a husband? Hehe~ Yeah, I really did! But it wasn't that great... that's why I'm kinda holding back with marriage now. Heizou seems to understand tho!

About Dori

Oh Dori! How's she doing? Can you tell we're sisters? Yeah, unfortunely we had to part away... you won't mind if I use you to deliver few messages, right?

About Heizou

Oh? Heizou? Haha! Let me tell you a secret! But you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone else! Especially Heizou! Okey so... after we started dating, he started wearing shoes that make him look higher~ It's kinda cute if you look at it...

About Sean (@vodka-glrl OC)

He's great! He could be less grumpy sometimes but I guess it's only accurate looking at what he've been through... Not gonna tell you that! But did you know that he has crush on Yo- actullly no, wait... if I tell you he might ACTUALLY tell Heizou that one secret of mine... let me remain silent then...

About Arataki Itto

He's really nice guy! But the place where we met was… a jail… not great start of friendhip but hey! We're friends now!

About Kuki Shinobu

She's great!! She always helps Itto when he gets into jail and since I'm Mr. Detectives girlfriend, I can help out a lot~ I also suggest that if you ever get into jail, you can count on both of us!

About Kujou Sara

This little… Agh! Can I not do what I'm passionate in Inazuma anymore!? Honestly she needs to mind her own things!

About Yae Miko

She's amazing! We often flirt with each other for fun and some people think it's for real! I can't tell you how many times Heizou told me that he was informed that I'm cheating on him with Yae...

About Yoimiya

She's great! She's always so lively and cheerful! Honestly, if you look for someone to entertain you and I'm unavaible, she's the best option!

About Sayu

I honestly would love to sleep all day... I know she has work as ninja but just being sleep for one whole day would be perfect for me! As nice is it seems, I doubt I could stay in bed for so long...

About Sangonomiya Kokomi

I only know a little about her from Ry- Sean! She seems like very nice lady to me! It's a shame she had to go through all this... How about you tho? Did you met her yourself? If so can you tell me a bit about her as well?

More About Derreth: I

You know, Yoimiya isn't the only want you can go to when you want to escape from Inazuma! I admit, she's great but if she's busy, you can always come to me! I may or may not have some experience~

More About Derreth: II

I'm honestly really glad that I'm all healthy now! It's really a curse to lay in hospital bed through a long time... afte a week, I can guarantee that you'll get bored to death! I hope my sickness won't come back after all those years...

More About Derreth: III

You wonder how it's possible that I had a husband when I'm just 18? Well you see... there's something like forced marriage that exists... usually when both families have some benefits and they force their children to be married. Not fun... but it's important that I'm not stuck anymore! I like my freedom very much you see!

More About Derreth: IV

When I escaped Sumeru, I left my good friend there... I honestly hope he's doing alright now... life also wasn't good on him... Oh well, I believe he's a responsible guy so I'm sure he'll be just great!

More About Derreth: V

I'm sometimes not sure about Heizou... I know he loves me but I'm not a saint. I don't just mean the more... illegal trades I do. I mean my past... Sometimes we have no choice... or I was dumb and stupid... well I don't like going back to it. How about we change the topic?

Derreth's Hobbies

Now I like to go around different dark places in Inazuma and hide there. It's rather peacful, especially that one cave in Inazuma. I will take you there one day! It's really pretty there~

Derreth's Troubles

I'm kinda not used to heat anymore, as much as I was before traveling to Inazuma. I feel like even if I wanted, it would be hard for me to deal in Sumeru. Sure I can skip walks around deset... eh... I will think of it.

Favorite Food

I absolutely love Tulumba! They may be a bit unhealthy because of the amount of oil they need but it's really great! I even managed to make it a bit healthy just so I can eat it every day! I'll give you a nice treat if you'll deserve it~

Least Favorite Food

I dislike dishes that have nothing but meat. Don't get me wrong! I like eating meat but not when it's alone. I need something alongside...

Receiving Gift: I

For me?! Oh you didn't had to~ Well show me!

Receiving Gift: II

Aoooh~ I see you understood my taste~

Receiving Gift: III`Receiving Gift: III

You're so generous today! Don't mind if I take it~

Birthday

Hey there Traveler! Happy Birthday to you! Hehe~ Don't think I forgot! I prepared day full of surprises for you~ Follow me! I'll show you our first stop! And you can also find your first gift there~

Feelings About Ascension: Intro

Huh... that's a nice gift, I'll tik it! Thank you!

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up

Oh so it wasn't just one time gift... I'm a bit interested to see how far will you go...

Feelings About Ascension: Climax

Oh! I feel so much better now! Well, well, keep going and I might reward you~

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion

Traveler wins!! Hehe~ alrigth, I told you I will reward you so I did! You can choose anything from my stand for free! And I don't mean my fruit stand! You know which one I mean~ But it's not all! I wanted to thank you. At first I wasn't sure if you're just using me but now... I see that you're my true friend. Thank you for that.

[dausy]

A few things have happened recently I guess since I updated here. I again, never feel like I do art stuff. I think I'm going to order a portable keyboard for my phone so I can photodump real life photos here as well but make it easier to upload from my phone. Its just easier to type on the desktop but too inconvenient to get photos off the phone.

so I did this colorful guy the other week and this past week I decorated a pumpkin for work that actually kinda came out cute. I was actually quite aggravated with work. We had a bunch of people quit and I honestly don't know how we're still open and why am I still there? I feel like I can't really complain about it because my former coworkers before I moved tried to get me to stay in Georgia knowing my husband was about to get deployed. It kinda makes you second guess whether that was a feasible option. But I'm also kind of limited on employment options here because I'm not bilingual. I'm honestly just chalk full of excuses and hate change (as much as I love change as well). My husband assures me I don't have to work but I don't want a resume gap and I like spending money obviously.

I've slowed down my art supply purchases compared to what I've done in the past for sure but now I want to buy some new winter clothes (it was actually too cold out for me to walk my dog today, in Georgia it didn't get cold til January) and because of the Disney100 celebration theres so much Simba merch out there and I just want it T_T

My birthday was on the 27th. I had rescheduled a minor dental surgery on my birthday and had already rescheduled it once because of work needs. My coworkers begged me to reschedule again but I couldn't. They said they had plans to take me out which was nice of them. I actually had a good birthday though. I worked until 1:15 and bolted out of there so fast to make it to my 2pm dental appointment. I stole the OR scrubs and ran. Before I left they hit me with confetti cannons (which are scarily loud, I've never seen those in real life), cake, chikfila, cash, gift cards, hand written notes..it was all very nice actually. I ate my chikfila that evening my cutting it into small piece I could eat with a fork. My husband had already sent me simba earrings but he also made sure I had some simba socks on my doorstep for my birthday which was really nice. Earlier in the month my MiL sent me a simba purse she made which was really cute and my mom sent me pajamas. Also really cute. So overall a good birthday month ignoring the interesting workplace drama.

I actually finished a few books this month. Hurricane Wars and Godkiller, bless both you authors.

I also didn't think I was going to do Halloween this year but my neighborhoods exploded with decorations which makes me wonder if there will actually be trickortreaters. So I got some candy..I think Ill just leave it on the doorstep though with a sign that says "please be nice and dont take all of it" instead of passing it.

My husband is doing ok but he called me today saying he's about had it with his one coworker too lol I live for workplace drama let me tell you.

But yeah, I may update again soon.

[bre-meister]

I love the recent prompt for the greens

#1 and #7 for butchercup again

"Your child's been kicking me all day." "Oh, so now it's my child?" & "I already want more!" "Let's see how we're handling the first one."

“Ugh,” Buttercup grunted, hand moving to smooth over a spot on her round belly, “your child’s been kicking me all day!”

Butch paused what he was doing by the stove to look over at his wife. The woman in question was resting on the couch with her feet up. A movie was playing on the television in front of her but Butch could tell she was only half watching it. Most of her attention seemed to be on the life growing inside of her.

“Oh, so now he's my child?”

He handed her a bright green mug of hot chocolate with a mountain of whipped cream and marshmallows threatening to fall over on top. Buttercup beamed at the sweet treat before pouting at the mug it was held in; the words Mama Bear spelled out in swirling, glittery black lettering. In Butch’s other hand was a matching dark green mug inscribed with Papa Bear and in the cabinet with all their other mugs and cups rested a mini one that read Baby Bear. The set had been an extra shower gift from Bubbles. Buttercup had thanked her sister while somehow also managing to complain about how cliche it all was but Butch could tell she secretly loved the mugs. He’d seen her own green one sitting in the dish rack many times though she tried to hide it. 

“Mhm,” she hummed as Butch lifted her legs and replaced them on his lap once he was settled on the sofa, “I thought you knew by now that whenever he’s up to no good then it’s totally your fault.”

“Must be the Rowdy blood in the little snail. You know how mischievous we can be,” Butch tickled her bare feet as if to prove a point.

“Our son is not a snail! Stop saying that,” her laughter prevented her threat from sounding threatening at all.

“And he might not also be a he and yet you keep calling him that. I say we agree to disagree,” Butch shruged as animatiedly as possible without spilling his drink.

“Uh huh. That better also be hot chocolate by the way. If I can’t have caffeine in this house then neither can you.”

“Nothing but chocolatey goodness here my dear lady,” Butch finished off his drink. He placed his mug on the coffee table in front of them and began to massage her feet.

Buttercup signed into her mug at the welcome ministrations. While her kid had been kicking up a storm all day her feet and back had been aching from being on her feet most of the day as well. There had been a fundraiser at the elementary school the girls attended all those years ago. Every year they offer their time and services to help and, despite several people including her sisters and husbands assuring her she could sit this year’s event out, Buttercup would be damned if she missed it. She was pregnant, not terminally ill. 

“Can you rub my back for me later?” she asked a little sheepishly. 

She could tell from the look on Butch’s face that he wanted to lecture her about taking it easy again but he held back. He knew it would only escalate into an argument and with Buttercup’s hormones as wild as they were at the moment there was no telling how that would end. Instead, he just answered in an affirmative and reassured her that he would do anything she needed of him.

They sat in silence for a while watching the movie. The original one had gone off and Buttercup had picked another one although Butch could tell she was still a bit distracted. Her hand kept moving around to different spots on her stomach and a few times he even thought he saw her wince. 

“He still moving a lot?”

“Oh? Um, ya. I think all the commotion from today had got him excited.” Buttercup smiled at the fact Butch called their child a he but continued on as if she hadn’t heard it.

“A whole bunch of people kept asking if they could touch my bump. It was like he was performing or something. It’s crazy, I know. My sisters thought it was funny though. I bet it is super funny when you’re not the one whose insides are being rearranged.” 

“Well, can I feel?” His wife gave him a weird look before answering,

“You're his dad, you don’t ever have to ask me that.”

“You never know, just trying to be safe.” He joked while Buttercup moved his hand to where their child was being the most active.

“Hey there little snail,” Buttercup scoffed at the name while Butch leaned in closer, “I know you’re just trying to be super cool and all like your old man, but maybe try giving your mom a break. She's doing her best growing you and all that. She could really use the rest.”

They continued on like that for a bit - Butch carresing her bump while talking gently to their child. Every now and again he would leave a small kiss where a little hand or foot and just been on the other side of her skin. Buttercup thought it was adorable. Eventually, the child settled down and the couple decided to retire to bed before they accidentally fell asleep on the couch.

“Ya know,” Butch said quietly as he rubbed her back, using a little extra pressure in the spots he knew hurt the most, “is it weird that I kind of already want more?”

“Let’s see how we handle this one first,” Buttercup sighed as his deft fingers raked over a particularly tense spot between her shoulders.

She had no doubt in her mind that her and Butch would be good parents. However, she wasn't exactly ready to commit herself to the idea of another child. She wasn’t opposed to it either though.

“Just so you know, you’re carrying the next one.”

Butched laughed as he helped her lay down and re-arrange the pillows until she was comfortable. Once she found her position for the night, she reached behind her and pulled him as close as she could. Together they laid and Buttercup thought about what having two children with Butch might possibly look like.

“Fuck,” her curse broke through the silence.

“What? Are you ok?” Butch asked, worriedly.

“Yea, I just have to piss.”

Butch tried to suppress his laugh as Buttercup scooted her way to the end of the bed and headed for the bathroom.

“You better stop laughing. If you ever want another kid you’re gonna have to go through this yourself.” Buttercup said as a call back to her earlier joke.

Butch stopped trying to hide his laughter and Buttercup’s own chuckles were cut off as the door to the bathroom closed behind her.