#(for anyone wondering if the wifes do anything else while sitting in the cart. they watch their husbands play and slide into the driver's

[fucktheroyals]

I just want a dreamling fic of Hob getting Dream to do terribly human and mundane things. Sometimes Hob's just inviting Dream to do something he was already going to do. Sometimes Hob realizes Dream hasn't done something boring human thing and wants Dream to do it so bad. Sometimes Hob doesn't know whether Dream has done a boring human thing before but he just wants to see Dream doing it. It'd be so cute if whenever Hob doesn't have access to something, upon becoming better and better at navigating the dreaming, he just dreams up the situation there.

—OKAY WAIT THIS LITERALLY JUST FLEW INTO MY HEAD!!! Okay, you know how wives sometimes go with their husband's to golf courses and they literally just sit in the cart. CAN YOU IMAGINE— Dream's with Hob at Hob's place of work and Hob's coworkers/work friends invite Hob to play golf with them and Hob agrees for whatever reason and then Hob's work friends invite Dream along too and Hob didn't even think about it but now he NEEDS Dream to go and Dream reluctantly agrees. In true wifey fashion Dream shows up in full golf attire like he's going to play but just sits in the cart the entire time. I think it could be hilarious.

[cinnamon-girl-writes]

cowboy like me . . . levi x reader

life with levi. part 2/4

angst, post-war, PTSD, emetophobia, panic attacks, mentions of death (+ spoilers)

by @cinnamon-girl-writes

now I’m waiting by the phone / like I’m sitting in an airport bar

“Okay love . . . you’re sure you’ve got everything?” Levi questioned as you wheeled your suitcase towards the door. “Toothbrush? Socks?”

You giggled at his chiding. “Yes, my love, I’ve packed everything I need. Besides, it’s just three days, and if I need anything I’m sure there'll be shops on the way.”

Three miserable days, Levi thought. You were taking a trip to the ocean cities of Marley with a few of your new friends you’ve made since the end of the war. Levi was absolutely supportive of you taking this time for yourself, but a selfish part of him longed for you to stay. However, he pulled himself out of his trance and reminded himself that he was a grown man and that he could take care of himself for three days; he didn’t need to rely on the support of anyone else.

Levi nodded, giving you a reassuring look. “Okay. Have fun, darling, and don’t forget to write,” he said, hugging you tightly.

You laughed. “Levi, it’s only three days! I’m going to miss you so much, but the letters wouldn’t even get here before I did.”

He responded only by hugging you closer. He was partly joking about the letters, but mostly not.

You kissed him goodbye, once passionately on the lips and then on his cheek. Saying your goodbyes, you headed out the door to the carriage your friends were waiting in.

Levi inhaled deeply, watching you get into the horse-drawn cart and start down the dusty countryside street to make sure you at least made it that far safely.

He decided to make himself another cup of tea, taking it out to the balcony when it was finished steeping. He sat out there for a while, watching the world go by. He wondered what you were up to at that moment. Were you talking to your friends about your upcoming plans? Were you admiring the Marleyan ocean? Were you thinking about him?

Levi hoped that, at the very least, you weren’t as worried about him as he was about you.

The rest of his day passed by uneventfully. He cleaned the kitchen, ironed his clothes, and finished the last of his paperwork for the latest shipment to the tea shop. By the time evening came, he was worn out from his day of trying to distract himself from thoughts of you. He had to constantly remind himself that you were fine, that there was nothing wrong.

He was ready for bed by 10 pm, lying down in the blue quilted sheets of your shared bed. His thoughts were all centered around you, and it didn’t help that he was surrounded by your scent in the bed and your things in the room. God, this woman has turned me soft, he thought to himself, pulling the bed sheets up to his chin. 

He drifted off a few minutes later, only to wake in a fit of screams. He gasped, cold sweat dripping down his body. Closing his eyes, he recounted the events of his dream: Hange. Erwin. Petra.

He ran to the bathroom, barely making it in time to empty his stomach contents into the toilet. Shaking and miserable, he cleaned himself up, staring blankly at his reflection in the mirror. Why do you have to be like this?He thought to his reflection. I can’t even make it through the night without a ptsd attack. My wife deserves a man who’s whole and able to support her, not a broken mess of a person who only weighs her down. He wished you were there so he could talk to you and get everything off his chest while you massaged the knots out of his back, a routine that became familiar to the two of you on nights like these.

If you were there, you would’ve told him that none of that is true, that you want him for who he is. But you weren’t there, so he sank further into the deep pit of thoughts that corroded his mind.

He tried to shake the thoughts of his fallen comrades, but he couldn’t. He made his easy back to the bedroom and sat shaking and crying for what felt like hours until he eventually drifted off to sleep. God, I wish you were here.

Takes one to know one / you’re a cowboy like me . . .

[hotchscvm]

hoe hoe hoe - part one

Warnings: dark!Steve, student/teacher relationship

Word count: 2.2k

Pairings: Professor!Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary: Your dad's best friend isn't exactly who you thought he'd be.

chris evans masterlist

Walking in the front door, the smell of eggnog, and pine hit your nose, mixing in with the warmth of the newly cooked food in the kitchen. Looking around the house, you registered how much decorating you had left your father to do, pondering whether or not he strained his back putting up the Christmas tree. You'd have to make it up to him somehow.

"Dad! I'm home." you yelled out, stepping out of your shoes. Even with the amount of work he had done, he still had the time to shovel the driveway despite the heavy amount of snow that had precipitated last night. The mixed-breed boxer pawed his way to you, the dog panting as he snuggled himself against your leg. "Hey, cutie."

Your father stuck his head from the kitchen, motioning for you to come into the room. "In the kitchen. I was getting worried that you got stuck in traffic. It's an absolute nightmare coming into the city from 122 right now."

Entering the kitchen with Dodger, you went to hug your dad, your arms wrapping around his waist. The man chuckled, giving your cold body a hug back before kissing your forehead. You sighed, pulling away, looking around the kitchen to see the dining room covered with food. "Traffic was a bitch, but I managed to get out of it. Although, I may have made a couple of people mad, but you gotta do what you have to do, right?"

"You got that right, pumpkin." he replied. For someone with a 20 year old daughter, the man was young, having you with his high school sweetheart at 19. He gestured at the food. "You hungry? I made all of this and I'm not sure that everyone at the party will eat all of this."

"Jesus, Dad, were you drunk when you made all of this? This is enough to feed the whole country." you commented, walking up to the table to grab a mini quiche off the plate. Your tongue swirled around the food, relishing the flavor. It was a gift having your father as a successful chef.

"I may have went overboard with the cooking, but I got excited." he explained, chuckling. Pouring some eggnog in a mug, he offered it to you, taking a sip of his own before announcing his news. "An old friend of mine is coming for the party. My best friend in college. He's in town for the holidays, and he'll be staying with us for a few. That okay?"

You nodded, washing the remaining quiche in the eggnog, swallowing it down. "Yeah, that's fine. Who's this friend of yours? Have I met him before?"

"You used to call him Uncle Steve, but he left for Brooklyn when you were four. I doubt you'd remember him but he gave you that necklace last year when he couldn't make it. He's a professor in Brooklyn now, but he wanted to come to Boston, spend the holidays with us."

"Wait, he gave me this necklace?" you asked, holding up the golden angel wings between your fingers. Your dad nodded, untying the knot on his apron. "Oh, wow. Hey, I officially get to thank him for it."

You dad agreed, nodding again as he popped a mint in his mouth, his teeth grinding down on it. "Yes, you will. He'll appreciate seeing you again. He's been talking about seeing his favorite girl—shit."

"Something wrong?"

"I forgot to pick up the ham today. I've been so busy making everything for today that I completely forgot about the main course for tomorrow." said your father, rubbing the bridge of his nose, mentally slapping himself. He sighed. "Can you take the pie out of the oven when it's ready? I have to run to the store really quick and get the ham."

Shaking your head, you stopped him, pushing his clearly exhausted body into the nearest chair, shaking a finger at him when he tried to stand back up. "No, no, no. You're tired and you need to rest. I'll get the ham, and anything else you need. Text me a list."

"Pumpkin, you don't have to do that. You just got home—" he was cut off by your insistent expression, the man relenting. "Okay, fine. Go to the Costco, they have a better selection there. And drive safe, it's supposed to be snowing tonight but with Massachusetts weather, you never know if it'll start early."

"Gotcha. I'll be back soon. In the meantime, you sit, rest, and text me a list of things I need." you said, grabbing the keys from the table. The cold air hit your face, your cheeks stinging from the impact. You winced, wishing home was somewhere warmer.

The drive to Costco was nostalgic, the familiar buildings and roads bringing back memories so deep you forgot they existed. The little ice cream place reminded you of your first kiss with your first grade boyfriend. You had immediately broken up with him the next day, claiming it was the way he walked when he asked if it was his sloppy peck on the lips. You had lied through your teeth.

Slosh was fun, it made it that much gross to walk through the barely shoveled parking lot, nearly slipping as you reached the entrance. One of the employees by the door handed you a cart, giving you a curt smile before returning to his spot.

Pushing the cart down the aisles, you immediately head to the grocery area, getting a text from your dad of all the food to get. With how short the list was, the cart had been unnecessary, but you decided to get all the last minute Christmas shopping out of the way, grabbing a Christmas card to match the present you had gotten for your father.

You had just bent over, reaching for the ham when you heard your name called, the familiar voice making you look up. A few feet behind you stood your history professor, a surprised smile on his face as he took you in. You returned the smile, stunned by the sight of you professor. "Professor Rogers? Hey, what're you doing here?"

The blond raised an eyebrow, his piercing blue eyes flickering to the necklace visible. He smirked inside, his heart warming at the thought. "I'm in the city for the holidays. I'm staying with a friend, catch up with them. What about you? Any exciting plans for Christmas?"

"Just spending it with my dad." you replied, reaching behind you to randomly grab a ham, not looking at the brand, and dropped it in the cart. "To be honest, I didn't think you could even leave Brooklyn. I mean, you practically worship the city, it's a surprise seeing you outside of it."

Professor Rogers laughed, his laughter was what you imagined angels to sound like. To say you had a tiny crush on the hot professor was understandable, although, so did everyone who had eyes. The professor leaned against the freezer, his eyes never breaking from yours. "Brooklyn's nice but it's nice to get out once in a while. That's a beautiful necklace you have there."

"Thanks, I got it from my dad's friend." you said, blushing slightly at the compliment. Taking a quick look at your phone, you noted you had everything your dad had asked for. Glancing back up at the Professor Rogers, you noticed how close he was, barely a few feet away. You gave him a smile. "It was nice seeing you, Professor. I'll see you in class."

Before you could move your cart, the professor placed a hand on it, motioning for you to pause. The blond scratched the back of his head, rocking back and forth on his heels. "Do you need help with anything? I can help you load this in your car, if you want."

"I didn't realize you worked at Costco, Professor." you teased, earning the cutest blush from the blond. Giggling, you shook your head, enjoying his company a lot more than it was allowed. "Don't worry, it's fine. It's not a lot, and I wouldn't want to bother—"

"You're not." he interrupted, sheepishly staring at the floor. The professor made himself look up, smirking when he realized you were blushing. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to. Humor me?"

Call it stupidity or side effects of Steve Rogers' presence, but you wanted to spend more time with him, no matter how domestic the chore. Your smile widened, if possible, and you nodded. "Alright, if you insist. I've gotten everything I need, so I can tag along with you."

"All I really needed was some coffee," Professor Rogers held up the little plastic container filled with coffee grounds. Your thoughts immediately went to his hands wrapped around the cylinder, mentally slapping yourself for finding the simple action hot. "I'm ready to go if you are."

"Oh, okay. Let's go then."

The wall from the grocery area to the checkout was rather fun, the professor making you blush too many times to count, the smile on either of your faces never leaving. It wasn't a secret how many people fought to be in his class, guys included, mostly trying to "bond" with the professor only to get turned down every time someone had the balls to ask him. But it never stopped anyone from trying. It was almost pathetic, but very amusing in a sadistic way.

Professor Rogers held your grocery bags in his hands, effortlessly carrying them while you tried to take them back, feeling bad for having your professor help you out. The man would wave away your pleas, and you gave up as soon as you neared your car, unlocking the doors, and opened the trunk, Professor Rogers unloading all the bags inside. You bit back a smile, admiring the view, jealously wondering who would be lucky enough to end up as his wife.

He closed up the trunk once he was done, shifting his weight between his feet. "So, are you staying in Boston for the whole break or...?"

"Yup. I haven't spent much time with my dad since summer, and I've been guilted to stay in the cold since he's too stubborn to go somewhere warmer." you answered, playfully rolling your eyes. Professor Rogers walked you to the driver's side while you played with your keys, not wanting to say goodbye to him already. "What about you?"

"Me, too." said the professor, tucking his hands in his winter coat. He sighed, the smile dropping. "It was really nice to see you. I'll see you soon, sweetheart."

You nearly swooned at the nickname, cursing your heart for being so easily affected. "You, too, Professor. Happy Holidays and all that."

He laughed, walking off with a wave, the smile that had fallen now impended on his face as he walked back to his car. Steve turned around to see you get in yours, unsubtly staring at your ass. He sighed once again, a wave of sadness washing over him, the feeling he got every time he had to say goodbye to you. It would only be a couple of minutes, but it didn't make him hate it any less.

You drove off after a few seconds of getting your shit together; seeing your unbearable hot professor made you feel like a disgusting head-over-heels in love teenager. Or in other words, it made you the same as those desperate girls back on campus. You scoffed at the thought, starting your car. Hopefully, you'd see him again before class starts, but you highly doubt it.

Snow was falling, the little flurries making it harder to see through the windshield, only to stop suddenly when you reached your house. You grabbed the groceries from the trunk, easily carrying it into the house, so focused on not slipping that you hadn't noticed a very familiar car in the driveway.

Opening the door with ease, you entered the house, almost getting knocked out by the eager dog, jumping up on you. Laughing, you placed all the bags in one arm, reaching down with your free one to pet Dodger. The dog panted happily, his tongue sticking out of his mouth as it dismounted it's paws off your legs. The house had gotten awfully warm, even for you, and you immediately set the bags down to take off your coat. You hadn't noticed the shoes besides the door.

"Dad, I'm back." you announced, picking up the bags and headed to the kitchen, your gaze on the floor, careful not to slip.

Your father clapped Steve's back, the broad blond's presence gone unnoticed by you while you dropped the bags on the kitchen island. Your dad smiled. "Thanks, pumpkin. Honey, this is Steve, my buddy from college."

You turned around, facing them, a grin on your face, only to drop slightly when you saw who Steve was. There, standing in the middle of your kitchen, stood your history professor, all six feet of him, nonchalantly grinning at you. He engulfed you in a hug, leaving you breathless. "Professor?"

"Hello, sweetheart."

next >

[thefloorisbalaclava]

Hello lovely! So a friend and I have been talking about Frankie lately and how damn adorable it would be if he were his kids little league baseball coach. Like, he passes down his old mitt to them from high school days (even though it’s comically too big for them) because it gave him good luck, and of course all the guys would come to support them (possibly Benny or Santi even trying to hit on the single moms because of course they would LOL) could possibly be in the neighbor!frankie universe with Gabi in their future some time? We just thought you’d be perfect to write these random ideas into something beautiful. If you have time or even like the idea of course!! ❤️❤️❤️

I hope you don’t mind me putting this in the mechanic!frankie AU! I think it’s a great way for reader and Frankie to bond a little more!

A/N: You run into your favorite mechanic while out running errands.

[mechanic!frankie masterlist]

You wandered aimlessly down the aisle of the store, randomly grabbing a box of cereal to throw into your cart as you whistled along to the song playing in your ear. As you rounded the corner, you ran into someone else’s cart. You quickly removed your earbuds to apologize.

“Oh! I am so- Frankie?!” It came out a little louder than you expected, making a few heads turn.

“I thought I was Frankie,” he joked and you rolled your eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“Just picking up a few things.” You looked at his cart. “You look like you’re picking up enough to feed a small army.”

“I kinda am.” He held his jacket open to show you his baseball jersey. “Got a game tonight and we’re gonna have a party after--win or lose. You’d be surprised how much those kids can eat.”

“Wait, are you telling me you coach little league?”

“I do, yeah.” He smiled proudly. “I used my own money to get the league started. I buy the uniforms and everything.”

“You didn’t tell me this last night.”

“Well, I was focused on other things,” he said and you giggled like a schoolgirl. “I had fun.”

“Me too and the food was delicious. Remember, next time I’m cooking for you,” you told him.

“Are you doing anything later?” he asked.

“Oh, wow, trying to get me to cook for you already, huh?” you teased.

“No,” he chuckled, “I was wondering if you’d like to come out and watch the game. Cheer us on a little.”

“I’ll be there. Where is it?” you asked and he told you. “Coach Frankie...it fits you.”

“Thanks.” He stood there silently for a moment. “Why is it always so hard to say goodbye to you?”

“I was just wondering the same thing. How about this? We won’t say goodbye just...see you later.”

“Okay then. See you later.”

“See ya, Coach Frankie.” You winked and pushed your cart past him and he watched until you were out of sight.

It was a nice day out so you decided to walk. The game was already underway by the time you got there, and you didn’t know it but Frankie had been scanning the bleachers for you. This time when he looked up and spotted you, he beamed and waved then turned back to all the kids that surrounded him. Once he was done, he walked over to the fence and waved you down.

“You made it,” he said.

“Yeah, sorry I’m late. I walked,” you told him.

“No umbrella?” he asked then looked up at the sky. “It’s gonna rain, you know. Can’t you smell it?”

“The weatherman said nothing about rain today.”

“He could be wrong...” Someone called his name and he turned. “I’ll see you after the game, okay? Don’t sit alone. My friends are up there.” He nodded to the group of guys sitting at the very top of the bleachers.

“Okay. Good luck, Coach.” You smiled and made your way up the bleachers.

“So you’re Frankie’s girl, huh?” one of the men asked. “I’m Benny, by the way.”

“Hi Benny. And I’ve met you, Santiago...right?” Santiago nodded and shook your hand.

“This is my brother William,” Benny said. You shook his hand too then sat down to watch the game. It made you smile to see Frankie enjoying himself, surrounded by children who obviously hung on every word he said. You didn’t hear him shout once aside from cheering for his team. At one point you got so into it that you stood up and cheered louder than anyone else. The guys snickered as you cleared your throat and sat back down.

They ended up winning the game and you all went down to congratulate them.

“What a win, Coach Frankie,” you said, giving him a high five.

“I think I might have had a good luck charm out there in the crowd,” he said and you looked down shyly. The guys came over and you stood back while they talked to him. Afterwards, Frankie reminded everyone of the little party he had put together in the park for them so you all walked over and enjoyed pizza and snacks with the team and their parents.

Frankie told you that you didn’t have to help clean but you wanted to. You weren’t exactly ready to say goodnight just yet. His friends said their goodbyes and his players all gave him a high five and a hug before leaving with their families.

When the last of the mess was thrown away, Frankie turned to you, lifting his cap to scratch at his head. “You mind if I walk you home?” he asked.

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Oops...almost forgot my umbrella.” He sprinted over to where he left it then made his way back to your side.

“You really brought an umbrella? It’s not going to rain,” you repeated.

“Yeah, it is. Here...let me show you. This is what my dad taught me.” He led you over to a tree. “You see when the wind blows and the backs of the leaves show? That means rain.”

“I see but...” You felt a raindrop on your head and Frankie shrugged.

“Told ya. Come on.” 

You two walked slowly through the park, taking the longer way around. “Maybe it won’t rain too bad.” No sooner had you said that than the skies opened up. You squealed and Frankie opened his umbrella as quickly as he could, pulling you under there with him.

“Think we can make it to the bridge?” he asked over the rain.

“I don’t know...” Suddenly he took your hand and pulled you along as he ran under the bridge then leaned against the stones to catch his breath.

“I...told...you,” he teased.

“Don’t rub it in,” you breathed. You smiled at him and he smiled back. He took his hat off and slicked his hair back before replacing it.

“At least it waited until after the game,” he said. He saw you hugging yourself and shrugged his jacket off before draping it over your shoulders. “There.”

“Thanks.” You pulled it around you tighter and were hit with a delightful smell. You closed your eyes and let yourself be surrounded by it. “Sandalwood,” you said out loud.

“Hm?”

“Your jacket...it smells like sandalwood,” you said.

“Oh yeah. One of my favorite scents,” he told you.

“Fits you. Very earthy and...” Your breath hitched as you noticed how close he was to you. “...you.”

“Very earthy and me?”

“Y-Yeah.” You two just stared at each other for awhile and you felt yourself being drawn to him, your body leaning towards his.

“Looks like it’s letting up,” he said suddenly, breaking the spell you were under.

“Oh...yeah, it does.” You tried to hide your slight disappointment.

“Shall we, my lady?” He offered his arm while he used the other to hold the umbrella. “Not my lady,” he amended, “I meant like...”

“I know what you meant. Let’s go.” You took his arm and moved as close as you could to get under the umbrella with him.

“I’m not used to this, you know,” he said after a few moments of silence. “I haven’t walked through the park like this since my wife died...” His words trailed off.

“Thank you for sharing something so special with me, Frankie.”

By the time he got you home, the rain had stopped and the sun had started to go down.

“Thank you for letting me walk you home.”

“Thank you for walking me home,” you countered and he chuckled.

“Can I call you tonight?” he asked.

“Of course. You can call whenever you like.”

“Great...awesome.” He walked backwards down the path. “Talk to you soon,” he said before turning away. As he walked along, he noticed he had started whistling I’m Singing in the Rain. He twirled his umbrella playfully and purposely jumped in a puddle.

“What a glorious feeling, and I’m happy again...” he sang to himself.

frankie taglist: @fakenoods @oldstuffnewstuff @the-bird-suit @lestrange2703 @findhimfives @windfallss @rach7 @surfsup666 @theghostwiththemost-babe @marshmallow–3 @mrschiltoncat @aplaceofpeace @josepedropascal @mitchi-c @jeeperky @allthingsnarcos @laymegentlytorest @stanfordscrush @fangirlingss @nathan-bateman @darthdumbasss @helga1031 @master-obi-wan-kenboneme @heythere80sbaby @deserttastesbitter @dindjstarin @mandodjarinn @frankie-stein18 @funkylittlebisexuall @16boyfriends-and-me @marvelousmermaid @slugbuggie @ladyblogger-margie @queenbbarnes @dodgerandevans @terrormonster55 @queridopascal @hells-bells-x @allmahfeels @elizabeth-von-winken-universe @blackberries45 @darnitdraco @nemo-my-name-forevermore @dindjarinneedsahug

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i hope everyone is where they want to be! let me know if you want to be changed around! join a taglist here!

[pascalls]

Are We Running Out of Time?

Helen is out of town and Charlie has an idea for a fun night out. Sometimes, the reverend just has to live a little.

{ Charlie x Lovejoy fic }

Playlist:

Running With the Wolves - AURORA

Pools - Glass Animals

despair - leo.

Stranded Lullaby - Miracle Musical

Dinner & Diatribes - Hozier

Tomorrow Never Came - Lana Del Ray/Sean Ono Lennon

Read it beneath the cut!

He felt a little like an opportunist.

Perhaps he was. When he’d heard that Helen was going out of town with her daughter - Jessica, he remembered - Charlie hadn’t wasted much time in formulating a train of thought that would eventually take him right to the reverend’s front door. It was a bold move that he hadn’t done before, especially since he’d been sleeping elsewhere for the last few weeks. Very few and far in between were the nights that he spent underneath Tim’s train table. Maybe that’s why this felt so nerve wracking.

But with Helen gone, what was the harm? She’d never be the wiser, so long as Charlie was smart. And he’d done his homework; made sure he knew exactly when Helen was leaving and bide his time until he was certain she would be long gone, leaving the reverend alone in his large and not-so-humble abode. It was only when the evening sun began to sink beneath the distant horizon that Charlie made his way to the home and gave the front door a knock. He fought the urge to pace while he waited, ears swiveling forward as the sound of footsteps neared. Straightening up, the hybrid did his best to hide any sign that he’d been at all nervous as the door opened and he was met with the less-than-enthused Timothy Lovejoy, decked from head to toe in his ‘conductor’ garb. He’d been interrupted, obviously. But Charlie didn’t let it faze him.

“...You really should be wearing something to hide those,” was all Tim said, pointing at Charlie’s long rabbit ears.

“It’s getting dark out. They’re fine,” Charlie replied without skipping a beat. “I came to get you outta your train hole for a while.”

“What makes you think I want to get out of my…” Lovejoy shook his head. He wasn’t going to dignify train hole with a response.

“Oh c’mon. The wife’s gone and you’re just gonna sit and do what you would’ve been doing anyway? Let’s go out! Go do something that she would pitch a fit about if she was here, huh?” Charlie’s mischievous grin and slight tail waggle gave away his enthusiasm. Internally, he wondered, if Lovejoy would have the gall - or the courage - to take him up on the offer. But he wouldn’t let the man see him doubt.

Tim sighed, glancing from Charlie back into his house and then back out at the giddy hybrid. A ‘no’ lingered on the tip of his tongue, but it was snatched away from him when he looked out, spying a sporty-looking bright red motorcycle sitting out in the middle of his driveway.

“Is that yours?” He asked, not answering Charlie’s invitation, but stepping out onto the porch and venturing out onto the driveway, eyeing the bike with skepticism - and interest.

Charlie fought the urge to lie, shaking his head. “Just borrowing it from a friend. Told him I’d bring it back in one piece, but I wanted to make sure that I’d make you an offer you couldn’t refuse.” The hybrid elbowed the reverend gently in the side, allowing Tim to circle the bike and make up his mind, in the process.

“...Alright, but not a word to anyone. And if you even run a single red light, I’m driving.” It was a reluctant agreement, but one nonetheless, and Charlie did his best to not grin like a fool as Tim retreated back inside to change, donning his usual pink shirt and tie affair. One that Charlie didn’t think altogether appropriate.

As Tim approached, Charlie went right ahead and reached out, tugging the tie off of the reverend and rolling it up gently, shoving it right into his own pocket.

“You’ll get it back at the end of the night, you big square. C’mon.” It was a tease - and a challenge - as Charlie clambered onto the bike and kicked it to life, the deep rumble of the engine sending tingles up his clawed toes. It had been a considerable time since he’d driven anything, but he’d always preferred vehicles of the two-wheeled sort over four. So he had no problem offering a hand to Tim as he awkwardly positioned himself on the back of the bike, embarrassed and bothered, but only huffing once or twice before settling in.

“Where are we going?” He asked, the words nearly choked from his throat as Charlie pulled away from the Lovejoy household and roared steadily down the street. The hybrid didn’t kick into high gear just yet - they needed to get a little further away from suburbia for that. Instead, he pointed to a backpack which hung off the side of the bike, bulging with the weight of its contents.

“First, there’s a helmet in there. Your head needs more protecting than mine,” Charlie called over the sound of the engine, pleased that Tim didn’t seem to argue. The last thing he needed was to cart the reverend home with a head injury. It wasn’t until he’d placed the helmet snuggly over that nicely coiffed hair that Charlie provided him with an answer. “I want you to see the kinds of sights I get to see all the time!”

Lovejoy frowned to himself. He didn’t know what that meant, but he was given precious little time for a verbal back and forth with the hybrid as they flew out of the subdivision and headed for the highway. As the road opened and the traffic flow ebbed with the approach of the night, their speed steadily climbed. It was clear that they were not staying nested within Springfield. And there was no real insulated space for them to have a conversation. All the man could do was hold tight to the hybrid and try not to regret his decision to come along. He wondered, absently, if it had been better to just stay with his train set.

But as he felt the slight flexing of the hybrid’s midsection in his arms, he lost his train of thought.

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

It felt like almost an hour had passed before they slowed again, the feeling of zipping in and out of lanes still making the reverend’s stomach do a few interesting flips as Charlie steered them away from the main roads and down what looked to be a sandy, almost hidden path. The sound of the engine’s roar was quickly replaced by the roar of a different kind, and before too long, Lovejoy’s vision was filled with dark, flowing waves, illuminated only by the light of a sparse assortment of street lights and the glow of the rising moon.

“The beach? Charlie, it’s the middle of May. And it’s night.”

Charlie could only allow himself a little huff of amusement. “Yeah, I got eyes too, Tim.”

The hybrid veered off the path and down onto the sand, though he was careful not to get too close to the water. The tires struggled enough away from the smooth concrete and he was quick to turn the engine off, leaving the ambient sound of the nearby waves as their only soundtrack.

“I really don’t understand what you wanted to do here,” Tim mumbled, a bit sourly, as he stepped away from the bike, removing the helmet and trying to smooth his hair back down with some frustration. Though the salt air would likely not do it much good either; he gave up after a few moments.

“‘Tis not simply enough to see a sight, my friend?” Charlie replied with an overly dramatic flourish. His own hair was already a bit tousled with the breeze, but he didn’t seem to mind. It was never very finally pinned in place to begin with. “Get away from the fluorescents and stained glass once in a while. It’s good for you.” He beckoned Lovejoy over as he drifted down the sandy dune and towards the water, breathing deeply. It had been some time since he’d stepped away from Springfield and towards the ocean. He was a good swimmer… he simply had little opportunity to do so.

Not that he thought that Tim would take him up on a somewhat chilly night time swim.

Tim followed, though he took his time, sighing upon realization that he’d need to figure out how to get the sand out of his shoes before returning home. This all seemed so silly, but he got down the dunes nonetheless, stepping to Charlie’s side and grumpily staring at the hybrid. Like he expected more of an explanation.

“Well? Did you see it?” He asked, impatiently, not bothering to look out at what they’d actually come to see. It took Charlie all of two seconds to shoot back that impatient stare right at him, though it faded into something a little more… sympathetic. Or piteous? What would the hybrid have to pity him for? Lovejoy was almost offended, but the thought was significantly jostled off of its track as Charlie reached up with a scaly hand and gently pushed it against the reverend’s cheek, steering his face out towards the water.

“Look.”

Charlie said nothing else for the moment as Tim allowed his gaze to fix forward and out to the shifting waves. At first, his irritation threatened to return, but as he felt the hand leave his cheek and he took his first deep breath in, his protests remained swallowed. There was a dark and moody beauty to the scene, driven to a relaxing swell as he listened to the water lap against the shore. He almost didn’t notice that Charlie had sidled up right to his side, watching him with a little smile. But the hybrid’s gaze only lingered for a moment before returning out to the sea.

For a time, neither of them said anything. Until the hybrid finally murmured, a bit dreamily, to Lovejoy.

“Y’know. If there is a God up there… who… y’know, made all this- I’d like to believe that he made this for me.”

Blinking, Tim glanced over at the hybrid who didn’t look away from his fixed stare on the waves.

“...The whole ocean?” That was silly. God would have created it for everyone- all of his believers. And Tim had been about to say as such, but he would get no chance.

“Nah. Just this moment.”

There was a ‘that I’m sharing with you’ in there that remained unspoken, but Lovejoy wasn’t stupid enough to miss the implication. Awkwardly, he shifted his feet, though he found himself unable to dispute the belief, even if he felt heat rising in his face.

He always did say that God worked in mysterious ways.

“Hey! Check this out.”

Surprised by Charlie’s sudden shift into his usual, playful self, Lovejoy watched as the hybrid skittered closer to the water, his tail lifted high enough to keep from dragging in the sand. With a little shiver, Charlie dipped a toe into the waves and then another. Lovejoy stared at him strangely. The idiot would freeze if the water was cold enough.

“Charlie, really.” He said dully, but the hybrid was not swayed. Instead, Charlie only went deeper, pausing only to roll up the cuffs of his pants to prevent them from getting soaked entirely. The water was halfway up his shin when he stopped, locking eyes with the reverend as he waggled his tail once again. Like a child, Tim thought.

“Watch.”

With a strange precision that he didn’t think the hybrid was capable of, Charlie sunk the tip of his tail into the waves, and with a quick spin, dragged it in a circular motion. The water swished around him, and where his tail had been, tiny, microscopic beads of light appeared in its place. The water glowed with bioluminescence, illuminating the dark waves with an eerie aura that was also strikingly beautiful. Lovejoy had little to say as he ventured closer to the water, though made certain to keep his shoes from being splashed with the salty waves.

“...That’s not you is it?” The reverend asked, skeptical about the source of the glow and wondering whether or not Charlie had received more ridiculous radiation in Burns’ factory than he thought…

“No!” Charlie replied with a laugh. Dummy. “It’s plankton. They light up at night. Come and see!”

Another temptation - another invitation. Lovejoy seemed to be trapped in a never-ending series of challenges from the hybrid. But his curiosity was piqued. He’d never been able to see something like this before, save for, perhaps, on TV when he stayed up late channel-surfing because he couldn’t sleep. How stupid would he have to be to pass up on something like this? Besides… he could probably frame it in a sermon later on.

Yeah. That was his justification.

Though he huffed in faux-agitation, Lovejoy eventually stepped back and away from the water, removing his shoes and socks, nesting them neatly in the sand nearby and returning to the water’s edge where Charlie waited eagerly. Though there was hesitation in his movements, he was already halfway there. Eventually, he goaded himself into the water, similarly rolling up his pants and staring - with half-hearted annoyance - at Charlie who only returned his look with an excitable grin.

“Go on. Give it a try,” Charlie said, glancing from the water back up to Lovejoy who stood, awkwardly, not wanting to look foolish, and yet…

He sighed.

Reaching down, he dipped his fingertips into the water - then his hand. No light gleamed from beneath the frothy water and he frowned.

“You gotta wake ‘em up a bit.” Charlie’s encouragement was genuine.

It was enough so that Lovejoy didn’t feel… too put out when he gave the water a bit of a swish with his hand. And though the glow that emanated from the creatures within was fairly weak, it was a reaction nonetheless. He stared, a bit wide-eyed, moving his hand a little faster to strike up a better, stronger glow.

“See? Easy.”

“I know how to stir water,” Lovejoy replied, his gaze venturing back up to the hybrid who had carefully plodded over to where he was, glancing down at his plankton-stirring handiwork.

“Do you? Because you seem like you’re having kind of a hard time with it,” the hybrid shot back with a little smirk. Teasing, as he was wont to do.

Tim prickled at the implication, chasing a sudden urge and reaching down into the water. He scooped a bit of it into his hand, shifting his stance a bit so he didn’t sink too far into the sand, and flicked the water at Charlie in a meager splash. It was enough to significantly surprise the hybrid who hopped away in a little shake, droplets splattered onto his glasses as he stared dully back at the reverend.

“You are so rude,” Charlie said, his gaze turning devilish as he lowered his tail back into the water once again, circling Tim mischievously.

“...Okay- look. Now- Don’t go too far with this. This is my good shirt-”

Charlie didn’t wait for Tim to come up with more excuses, his tail lashing against the waves and sending a spray of sea water towards the reverend which the man tried and failed to dodge. Now they were both wet. And the thought seemed to strike both men at once. Now it was a war.

Charlie bolted away from the reverend as the man gave chase, both eagerly trying hard not to face plant into the sand and still spray the other with a considerable splash of seawater to consider it even. Charlie didn’t bother trying to disguise his laughter, amused by the grave expression on Lovejoy’s face, even though he too was trying not to chuckle under his breath. It was only when their back and forth nonsense caused Tim to nearly topple backwards into the waves that their game came to an end, the hybrid reaching out to snag Lovejoy by the wrist and tug him back to his feet. They didn’t need to play chicken with the current.

“Don’t drown on me now,” the hybrid said as he steadied Lovejoy, hands drifting to the man’s hips to keep him rooted in place, though he caught himself quickly, returning his grasp to himself and clearing his throat. “You good?”

Tim, for all of his alarm at the thought of losing his balance, was not thinking about that so much as the press of those hands on his body. Though the water was chilly, he was feeling impossibly warm, his hair wet and plastered to his head in what was undoubtedly a mess. His gaze quickly flitted from Charlie, to Charlie’s scaly hands, and then down to his own feet.

“Uh. Yes. Just fine.”

The water around them was teeming with bright, illuminated creatures, but he was having a hard time focusing on that. Even if it was beautiful.

“Good. I’d really rather not have to call the coast guard out here to rescue you a mile off shore,” Charlie replied with a little smile. Lovejoy stared at him for a moment before reaching up to snag the glasses from the hybrid’s face. Bringing them down, he attempted to wipe them clean with his shirt, but to no avail. His shirt was fairly soaked through. A rare kind gesture, foiled at its inception. Lovejoy frowned a little, moving to return them to the other, but not before he felt a sudden drop of moisture from above.

Were the waves growing?

No. That was rain.

Charlie glanced up to the sky and flinched as another drop of water hit him square in the face.

“...Maybe I should’ve checked the forecast,” he said sheepishly as the clouds above them opened and began to shower them both with light, cool rain that stirred the bioluminescence below and lit the water as far as they could see.

“Probably,” Lovejoy replied with a gentle sigh. Their earlier attempts at keeping the rest of their clothes dry seemed fairly futile now. But at least they weren’t amidst a torrential downpour or anything.

“I’ll pay for your dry cleaning. No worries.” Charlie kept his gaze on the other, a friendly apology in his eyes. The words were reassuring to Tim, in some way. Had he been worried about that at all? He wasn’t sure. He owned a dryer. It wasn’t a big deal, even if he made it out to be. But… Charlie was still concerned nonetheless.

“It’s… fine.”

The word tapered from his lips as he met Charlie’s eyes, the rain coasting along the waves and the light below bathing them both in the ghostly glow. From where he stood, he realized that, without his glasses, the other man’s eyes were…

Interesting.

No, that wasn’t the right word. But he couldn’t find the correct one. And for a moment, he didn’t seem to care, their eyes locked on one another’s as the sound of the water rushed around them and the cool relief of the rain kept Lovejoy’s face from getting too hot for him to handle.

Before he knew what he was doing, his body was moving towards the other, the pair of glasses still in one hand as he closed the distance between them. His other hand reached to find the hybrid’s chin, keeping him in place as he inspected - really looked at Charlie’s eyes. Like he was looking for something… specific.

“...What…?” Charlie asked, his breathing somewhat short as his heart hammered in his chest. He was not… used to being handled this way. And part of him wanted to run. But he stayed put, allowing Tim to do… whatever it was that he needed to do.

There was a stretch of a few long seconds before they both understood. But it was Lovejoy who finally pulled Charlie closer to him, pressing his mouth to Charlie’s in a heated, nearly desperate kiss. His fingers gripped tightly to the glasses in one hand and to Charlie’s wrist in the other. But Charlie needed no rooting to keep him in place. His own hands were free, reaching up to frame the other man’s face and deepen that kiss as though his life depended on it. Truly, he told himself, this had not been his intent. He’d been making progress - convincing himself that there could be nothing - would be nothing - between he and Tim. But this…

He drank it in like he’d been deprived of water for his entire life, his eyes shut tight against the sweeping rain and the mist that it kicked up beneath them. Lovejoy’s chest clenched painfully at the warmth of the kiss; at the obvious days, weeks, months of mutual pining between them. Where would this go? Where could it go? Nowhere but down. Down into the depths like so many microscopic bits of plankton which disappeared when the sun rose once again.

But they had time yet - the moon was still full despite the clouds framing it in a gentle embrace. The rain still shrouded them both as the kiss was broken, only for it to be reconnected once again. More than once, Lovejoy almost dropped the hybrid’s glasses into the waves, but he held tighter onto them each time. He had let Charlie down in so many ways… at the very least, he could keep his damned glasses safe.

Sadly, the hybrid knew that such a tender, sweet moment was only destined for brevity. Despite the aching in his chest and the churning, bubbly discomfort in his stomach when he thought of pulling away, he forced himself to. Even if it was slowly; gently. His hands on Lovejoy’s face remained there briefly before they too fell back to his sides, claws digging slightly into his own palms as he watched the reverend place his glasses back in front of his eyes. Behind the glass, Lovejoy was blurry and spotty. Somehow… out of reach.

As he often was.

But Charlie didn’t let his sadness pierce the veil of the moment, offering Lovejoy a soft, encouraging smile. There was nothing wrong. It was fine. Everything was fine.

“Come on. We should probably get you back home before you get sick.” Concerned, as always, though he knew that the morning would bring the crushing loneliness that he knew stemmed from Lovejoy’s apparent lack of concern from day to day.

It was fine.

Charlie led the way back to the shore, fruitlessly trying to shake the water from his hair and climbing back up the damp dunes, turning to offer his hand to Tim as he followed behind, much more slowly, and seemingly lost in thought. Charlie wouldn’t blame him, patience in his eyes as he allowed Tim to take his time. He arrived at the bike first, pulling the helmet out again and doing his best to shake it free of the rain as the shower tapered into a light drizzle. He offered it to Tim, watching as the reverend distractedly placed it on his head and climbed onto the bike behind the hybrid.

They would drive home more slowly, the sting of the drizzle against Charlie’s face an almost jarring reminder that all he would have to show for his bold night out was memories and wet clothes.

--------

Lost in thought as they drove back to the Lovejoys’, Tim had said nothing as soon as they left the water. Though his grip on Charlie tightened when they increased in speed and he’d - at some point - rested his head against the hybrid’s shoulder, his silence persisted as they returned to the quiet, stifling air of the suburbs. His house loomed ever closer, his fingers gripping the fabric of Charlie’s shirt which clung to his somewhat-skinny frame as if he could slow down time and make the trip last longer. But it was not to be.

The bike turned gently into the reverend’s driveway, the engine quieting to a purr and then silencing altogether as Charlie parked, hopping stiffly off the bike and allowing Lovejoy to follow. Tim peeled off the helmet, unaware and uncaring that his hair had flattened against his head during the ride, setting it down on the seat of the bike and leading the way up to the doorstep. The hybrid followed, albeit with hesitation, not venturing up and onto the porch step, even as Lovejoy opened the front door, greeted with a dark, lonely front hallway.

“Make sure you get dry and warm,” Charlie said from behind him, his voice muted and lacking the earlier eager energy that he’d had when they’d left for the shore. Lovejoy didn’t look back, nodding and opening the door wider, prepared to go in and shut it behind him. Charlie had clearly found places to stay. He didn’t need Tim anymore.

But-

As the door seemed to creak to a close behind the reverend who disappeared into the house, Charlie turned away with a gentle exhale. He’d spent the long drive back preparing himself for the disappointment of pretending as though the night had never happened. Resignation was all he had left as he drifted back over to the bike. Lifting up the helmet, he stared into the visor for a moment, seeing his tired, weary expression staring back at him in the reflection.

You’re a fool, Charlie Dean Walker.

“Wait,” called a voice from behind him. Charlie’s ears twitched with curiosity, turning to see that Lovejoy hadn’t quite shut the door yet. The hybrid blinked, confused.

“...It’s too late for you to be driving around looking like that,” Tim said in his usual chastising tone, though his eyes betrayed his harsh words.

They were pleading. Desperate.

“Come in and let me throw them in the wash. Otherwise they’ll never get clean, knowing you.”

Charlie stood upright, staring at Lovejoy in disbelief. He knew an implication when he heard one. And this time… he really didn’t need to be asked twice. Placing the helmet back on the bike, he pulled the key from the ignition and carried it up with him to the porch. Hesitant, at that first step, he fought the urge to run. But here it was. The invitation that he’d wanted. He knew that Lovejoy would not ask him to stay just to toss him back into the basement.

This was something different.

Something new.

Something… exciting.

Oh, he was still a fool. And he always would be. But Charlie chased his foolhardy desires up those steps, snaking his way into the front hallway of the Lovejoy residence and disappearing behind the door.

What Helen didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

[thiswasinevitableid]

Apple, Delight (Sternclay)

Prompt for the fourth was: Apple Orchard

Barclay has cinnamon sugar in his pores, he’s certain of it. The first of October means the crowds arrive in earnest to Amnesty Farm which, from late September to mid-November, becomes a center for fall fun. They don’t serve tons of food, but Barclay is in charge of what they do offer, his pride and joy being their apple cider doughnuts, which he’s made by dozen since eight that morning.

He’s ready to settle in for the night when he discovers he has less firewood than he thought. Ah well, Sass needs to go out anyway, a trip to the wood pile won’t kill him. 

Except, as he’s gathering an armful of chopped logs, Sass goes tearing off towards the orchards, dark fur disappearing into the shadows under the trees.

Barclay sighs, sets the wood down and starts off after him. It’s not like he can get too lost, since the farm is fenced in on all sides, but it’s supposed to rain tonight and he’d hate for him to be out in it. Plus, if he gets into the garden display again, Dani will be pissed. 

He passes the petting zoo, then the goat and sheep pens, smiling when soft clucks come from the chicken coop. They’re on a country road, so at night there’s no traffic to drown out the sounds of the farm and the nearby woods. Maybe some people find it eerie, but hes’ grateful for the relative quiet after a day of being in the kitchen. 

Skirting the end of the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch brings him to the apple orchards. There are also pear and cherry trees, but the apples make up the bulk of what they grow, and visitors are welcome to pick from designated sections. 

Now if only he could spot a wagging tail or hear a jingling collar in the midst of them. 

“Sass!” He whistles, but no shape comes bounding towards him. Usually when the dog fails to come when called, it’s because he’s chasing some poor squirrel or rabbit into the underbrush.

Which is why, when he hears a  distinctly human cry of alarm, Barclay jumps out of his skin before taking off towards the subsequent barks. 

He finds Sass directing his deep woofs at a man about Barclay’s age, with dark hair that was slicked back at some point but is now mussed, and a sweater and jeans that are far too clean for him to be a farmhand. When he gets closer, he realizes he recognizes the guy; he’d been in with his family earlier that day, and Barclay had just enough time to think he was hotter than the fryer before a new wave of visitors came to the counter. Given that he was there with a woman and  young girl, he’s gonna assume the guy is off-limits for flirting. 

“Sass, c’mon boy, heel.” 

The dog turns, lopes over to Barclay as he steps to the man and offers a hand. 

“Sorry, he’s a surprisingly good guard dog for something that gets distracted by butterflies.”

The man takes his hand, stands and brushes leaves from his sweater, “and he's terrifying to have bolting towards you out of the darkness.”

Barclay raises an eyebrow, “that's kind of the point of a guard dog. Y’know, keeping intruders out?”

“I’m not an intruder, I am a visitor who misplaced something.”

“We’ve been closed for two hours.”

“I’m aware. But the front gate was locked and I couldn't get anyone’s attention.”

“Because the staff who live here live out towards the back. That's why we put that phone number on the gate. '' He turns them back towards the cottage, Sass trotting happily in front of them. 

“Which would have worked perfectly. If the thing I was missing wasn't my phone.” The man holds up a smartphone.

“I mean, guess it’s good you found it, but you coulda used someone else's and let us know to look for i in the lost and found. Folds are good about bringing dropped stuff back to the main farm.”

“I considered that option but I might not have a job come morning if I did it that way.”

“Jesus, where do you work?”

“The FBI.”

“Ah.”

“Yes, pretty much.”

“That how come you were able to scale the fence so easily?”

The man nods.

“What kind of work do you do in the FBI?” He may as well make the most of having a cute guy walking with him. A little practice flirting can’t hurt. God knows he needs it. 

“I work for the, um, the UP.”

“....Holy shit, I didn’t know that was real, I thought they made it up for the X-Files.”

“No, though it involves far more dead ends than that show portrays. Oddly, Twin Peaks is more accurate to what I do.”

“Man, that’s fucking cool agh, shit” rain patters on the leaves, “please tell me you moved your car away from the gate?”

“Only a little.”

“Shit. Okay, you probably figured it out from wandering around, but we are literally on the other end of the property right now, and the golf cart is in the shop.”

“It’s, um, it’s alright, if you get me to the main route through the farm, I can walk back on my own and climb the fence. Again.” His tone suggests he’s already working through the logistics in his head. 

“Uh, if you aren't in too big a hurry, at least let me swing by my place and get you a raincoat?”

“Oh. Um, that’d be great. Thank you.”

They veer right and soon the cottage comes into view. He grabs some dry firewood while Sass waits on the step and the man rubs his hands together. 

Once they’re inside, the man turns to him and Barclay has to work to keep his focus on his words rather than the blue eyes and handsome face.

“May I use your restroom? I got a bit muddy.” He holds up his hands. 

“Just down the hall.” 

The man smiles, and Barclay starts building a fire as he walks away. There’s a ding, and he goes to check in case Mama needs something. But it's not his phone, it’s the other man's, glowing where he set it on the table. 

Hayes: I expect better than technical mishaps from you, agent,

Shit, he wasn’t kidding about work. And his other notification is showing thirty unread emails.

The water shuts off in the bathroom and he hurries back to the fire, is just getting it caught when there’s a groan behind him. Turning, he sees his guest running a hand through his black hair, staring defeatedly down at his phone. 

“I’m moving to the bottom of the sea.”

Barclay chuckles and the man looks a little embarrassed at being heard.

“If you want something closer to home, we're hiring seasonal help.”

“I’m sure it’d do wonders for my physique, if you’re anything to go by, but I doubt I’m cut out for it. I’m white-collar through and through, unfortunately. Sorry” he looks at the hardwood floor, “probably shouldn’t whine about my job, since you’re helping me stay dry instead after I committed at least two misdemeanors on your property.”

“It’s Mama’s, I just work here. And it’s okay. Though, uh, kinda surprised you wanna talk to some random dude on a farm about it instead of, like, your wife.”

“Wife?”

“The woman who was with you today? You came into the restaurant at one point.”

“Oh! No, that’s my sister, I came with her and my niece. Her opinion on my work troubles is to get a boyfriend so I’ll have someone to complain to.”

Barclay closes the fire grate slightly harder than he means to at that last sentence.

“Did, uh, did you all have a good time?”

“Very. Ellie, my niece, adored all the animals, and Lily comes here every year to pick out pumpkins for decorating the house. I, um, my favorite part was the food. Those doughnuts were amazing, as were the pumpkin scones.”

Barclay blushes; a cute guy complimenting his cooking tends to make him all fluttery.

“You thought those were good, then I got something you need to try. Uh, I mean, if you want to stay a little, if not I can get the coat and we can go.”

The man looks at his phone, then back to Barclay, “what the hell, things are under control until the morning. I’d love to stay. Um, may I dry my sweater by the fire? It got pretty wet just in the few minutes we were out.”

“Sure thing uh, Mr-”

“Joseph is fine.”

Barclay smiles, heading for the kitchen, but not before watching Joseph's shirt catch on his sweater and ride up, revealing honest-to-god cut muscle. Instead of asking if he can lick apple butter off his abs, he grabs the jar of said butter, the loaf of bread, and starts a kettle for tea. 

Soon he’s setting a plate and a cup of cranberry-apple tea un front of Joseph, who inhales appreciatively.

“Let me guess; you made all of this?”

“Yep, the apple butter is an old family recipe.”

They eat in silence for a few moments until Sass, roused from his spot by the fire by the smell of food, pads over to sit in front of Joseph and stare. When that fails to produce treats, he turns his puppy-dog eyes on Barclay. The cook makes him sit and shake before tossing him a small piece of bread.

“What kind of dog is he?”

“Bernese Mountain Dog and Rottweiler, we think.”

“Is his name short for something?”

Barclay smiles, “Sasquatch. He had huge feet as a puppy.”

“We have similar dog-naming habits.” Joseph pulls out his phone, “this is Nessie.” When he turns it, Barclay almost snorts tea out his nose, unprepared for the sight of a greyhound in a sweater decorated with tiny Loch Ness Monsters. 

“Believe it or not, she adores that sweater. Last time I took it off to be washed, she whined for an hour.”

“Awww” It’s an adorable image, but not quite as adorable as the thought of Joseph on laundry day, in pajama pants and one of Barclay’s shirts, hair still relaxed from a shower. 

“She’s a good girl.” He tucks his phone away, “I feel terrible whenever I have to travel for work; my sister can’t take her so I have to board her somewhere, and it’s just infrequent enough that she forgets the staff and is terrified of them anew each time.”

“We could always get her used to me and board her here, assuming she and Sass get along.” The offer is sixty percent out of the goodness of his heart and forty percent wanting to see Joseph smile. 

“You’d really do that?”

“The farm is secure, she’d have a playmate, and there’d be lots of people here looking after her. She’d sleep in the cottage, of course.”

Joseph gives him an inquisitive look, then glances down at Sass, who’s wagging his tail so hard he’s sweeping the floor.

“Sure, what the hell. Assuming they get along, the next time I have to go, she can stay here.”

They chat for awhile longer about books, cooking, and various farm mishaps, before Barclay reluctantly fetches the spare raincoat so they can get Joseph back to his car. 

“Doesn’t quite bring out your eyes the way that sweater does.” He murmurs, then tries to correct for the come-on with, “because it’s such a, uh, a nice sweater?”

Joseph stays close to him as he replies “I’d offer to trade, but I’m not sure any of my clothes could survive that broad chest.” He ghosts his fingers across Barclays shirt, “Though it could be fun to see them try.”

The walk to the gate isn’t nearly long enough, and he blushes when Joseph once again thanks him profusely for his help and his company. The walk back, however, feels like an eternity, one that gives him time to doubt the other man had any interest in him at all. 

But all that evaporates when he gets home. Because sitting on the table is a slip of paper with a phone number and a short message. 

For arranging dog playdates. And dinner next Friday if you’re interested.

-Joseph

And sitting just below the message is a small, precisely drawn heart.

[iamtrebleclefstories]

The Little Bit of Hope I Cling To - Part 3

Izzie goes to Grey Sloan looking for Bailey, Meredith, or Alex. She meets Dr. Karev instead

*takes place early s15*

Part 3:

——————

The next few months went by quickly. Izzie’s surgeries had gone well and she was undergoing IL-2 treatments again in hopes of killing the cancer. While she was working hard to fight her cancer, she hired a caregiver to make sure her mom was okay. About a month after her last surgery, Izzie was discharged from the hospital. With Maggie living with Jackson and Amelia living with Owen, Izzie, Geo, and Piper all moved into Meredith’s house. For about two weeks they’d been living there and Izzie was bored out of her mind.

“I need to get out of this house,” Izzie banged her head against the kitchen island. “I need to go to work. I can’t sit here all day doing nothing. I’m a freaking neurosurgeon.”

“Trust me, I get it,” Meredith chuckled. “Why don’t you just ask Alex for a job? I’m sure he’d be willing to move some things around for you to work at least a few hours throughout the week.”

“You’re kidding right?” Izzie picked her head up from the counter and raised her eyebrows. “He’s not going to give me privileges. Have you seen the way he’s been hovering these past three months? He didn’t want to discharge me. The only reason I’m here right now is because Jo said it was ridiculous to keep me in the hospital and that she was my surgeon, so she was the one who got to clear me to go home.”

“Maybe you should talk to Jo then? Get her to soften him up. Tell her to tell him that she’s prescribing work because mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to fighting cancer,” Meredith suggested as she readied the kids lunches for school. “Does Geo like carrots?”

“Not really, but put them in his lunch box. He needs the vegetables,” Izzie played with the hem of her sweater. “You know, I think I will talk to Jo. I need this. I need to work. I don’t care where. I’ll even work in the clinic if I have to. I’ll see if she can talk to him for me. She’s the only one he has a hard time saying no to... When the hell did he get so whipped?”

“Oh, just somewhere around six years ago,” Meredith laughed. “He’s been whipped since before they even got together.”

Izzie popped a couple blueberries into her mouth, “Tell me how they met. Every time I ask either of them, they try to change the subject. I don’t know if it’s because I’m the ex-wife or because they don’t like talking about it and being all mushy, but I really want to hear about it.”

“Well, Jo was an intern and Alex was doing his first year of fellowship. They met because Jo was on his service one day. He was a jerk the majority of the day. So, Jo told him that he didn’t have to worry about being nice to her because she had no plans on sleeping with him, since he’d already slept with all of her friends. Things obviously worked out very differently,” Meredith smirked.

“Of course he slept all her friends first,” Izzie chuckled softly. “But how did they get together? I’m still not understanding. Did they end up falling into bed together or something? Alex and I had sex in a supply closet while you had your hand in that guy’s body holding a bomb.”

“Wait, that’s happened?” Meredith raised her eyebrows and laughed when Izzie nodded embarrassed. “I can’t believe you guys... But anyway, no that’s not what happened. A few months later, they became best friends after going to Bailey’s wedding. They would hang out all the time and drink beer like old buddies. I kept asking Alex why he didn’t just ask her out already and he insisted that there was nothing going on between the two of them. Fast forward six months and a whole lot of complicated things, and Alex finally told her that he was in love with her. Then they kissed.”

“Hold on, he said I love you before sleeping with her first?” Izzie asked in surprise.

“Yup,” Meredith grinned as she nodded. “You know, they were a thing for entire week before having sex? He kept chickening out because he said he wanted it to be special. Jo on the other hand was desperate to jump his bones, haha.”

“He really did change,” Izzie shook her head in disbelief. “Jo is good for him. It’s like they were made for each other.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Meredith said as she finally sat down to drink her coffee. “I was a little worried at first when you came back. Not because I doubt Alex or anything like that. I know Alex would never leave Jo. He’s willing to die, kill, and go to jail for, in love with her. But I was worried that you would try to cause problems. And I was worried for Jo. She’d been through a lot in her life. Maybe even more than me, but she’s always smiled and been happy. I was worried that being your surgeon would cause her to lose some of that. She never did though, and she still hasn’t.”

“Honestly, I kind of fell in love with her. So I completely understand,” Izzie chuckled. She really meant it too. Jo had been wonderful in the past few months. She didn’t know how to even begin thanking the woman for all that she’d done for her.

“I’m going to the hospital. Are you coming with me?” Meredith asked.

“Yeah,” Izzie nodded. “I’m going to go upstairs and and get the kids.”

***

“Jo, come on babe. We’ve got to go or we’re gonna be late,” Alex yelled from the opposite side of the loft.

Jo sat in the bathroom staring in disbelief at the pregnancy test she held in her hands. After months of trying and receiving negative test results, Jo finally saw the answer she’d been hoping for. She hadn’t planned on taking a test this morning. She usually did one every few weeks. Today she’d seen the box under the bathroom cabinet and decided to take it.

Truthfully, as much as she longed for it, she hadn’t expected those results. She hadn’t expected the little flutter in her chest and the prickling of tears in her eyes when she saw the two little lines she’d prayed for. It was positive. She was pregnant.

“Jo, we really need to leave. Let’s go,” Alex knocked on the bathroom door, startling her out of the moment.

Taking a calming breath, she called out, “Coming! Just need to wash my hands. Wait for me in the car.”

Alex grumbled something she couldn’t quite make out. Jo waited until she heard the loft door close before walking out, the positive pregnancy test clutched tightly in her hand. She crossed over to the other side of the loft and placed the test in her nightstand, hiding it underneath a couple articles she’d been reading. Grabbing her purse, she steadied herself and schooled her expression so as not to alert Alex of her newfound knowledge.

She jumped into the passenger seat and pretended like it was any other day. As much as Jo wanted to just blurt it out, she wanted to take a blood test in the hospital first before telling Alex. She wanted to be sure, and she wanted it to be special.

They arrived just as Meredith and Izzie were walking towards the hospital entrance. Alex and Jo hopped out of the car and greeted the two women warmly.

“What are you doing here?” Alex turned to Izzie. “You should be home resting.”

“I came to talk to you about letting me work,” Izzie gave Jo a pleading look. “Jo said that my mental health is very important to my reconvert and she suggested that I do things I love and get back to as normal of a routine as possible.”

Understanding what Izzie was trying to tell her, Jo nodded, “Yes. That’s right. She should be getting back to her normal routine, which includes work. Not as many hours as she was working before, but she definitely needs to do what she loves. She needs to work. Doctors orders.”

The three women looked over at Alex expectantly. His eyes flitted back and forth between them and he eyed Jo skeptically, “I feel like you guys are ganging up on me.”

“Come on, Alex. Let her work. She’s okay and she needs this,” Jo looked at Alex with wide eyes that she knew he wouldn’t be able to resist.

“Fine, you can work in the clinic,” Alex sighed as she addressed Izzie. “But no heavy lifting or exerting yourself. And I’ll grant you privileges to work on simple neuro cases that come into the ER, like clipping aneurysms.”

“Ah! Thank you!” Izzie jumped in excitement and gave Alex a brief hug. “Best chief ever!” She turned to Jo and smiled, “And you are amazing! I get to put on some scrubs for the first time in months.”

Alex rolled his eyes, “I’m going inside. See you guys later.”

The ladies walked over to the coffee cart and got in line to place their orders. Once up at the front, Jo asked for her coffee, “Hi. Can I get a a regular coffee, two creams, two sugars? Actually make it decaf.”

“Decaf?” Meredith looked at Jo quizzically. “Why are you getting decaf? You live off of expresso shots.”

“That’s true, every time I saw you with a cup in your hand, it was always something with expresso in it,” Izzie tilted her head in confusion. “You thrive off of caffeine.”

“I just... didn’t want it today,” Jo shrugged, hoping that would be a good enough explanation to distract from the fact that she’d only ordered decaf because she may be pregnant.

“Since when do you not want caffeine?” Meredith questioned.

Izzie gasped, “Oh my God! Are you pregnant?”

Jo froze in surprise. She’d always figured that if she were to get pregnant, Meredith would be one of the first to know. Ever since she and Meredith got closer, the order of people finding out would be Meredith, Alex, Link, Ben, and Bailey. She never once expected that her husband’s ex-wife would be on that list, let alone figure it out before anyone else. So, that’s why she just stood there in shock, I unanswering.

“Oh God, you are pregnant!” Meredith exclaimed.

“Shhhh! Keep it down. I don’t need everyone to know that the chief’s wife is pregnant before I even tell him,” Jo looked around frantically, hoping that no one else heard what happened.

“Wait, he doesn’t know?” Izzie asked.

“No. I found out this morning as he was rushing me to get out of the house,” Jo scanned the area and spoke in a hushed voice. “The car on our way to work didn’t seem like the appropriate time to share this life changing news. I want it to be special. Plus, I really want to take a blood test first to be sure.”

“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go do the test right now,” Meredith urged.

“We can go to the clinic and do it in one of the private exam rooms. It doesn’t open for another hour, but I can take the test for you and no one will ever know,” Izzie grabbed Jo by the hand and started walking away from the coffee cart, motioning for Meredith to follow. “Come on, let’s go!”

***

“You know what I just realized?” Izzie wondered out loud.

“What?” Meredith and Jo said at the same time.

“Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time I’ve run a pregnancy test for someone Alex may have knocked up,” Izzie chuckled as she thought back to events of over a decade ago.

“Alex knocked someone else up? Alex has a kid?” Jo’s eyes widened and her voice raised in pitch.

“What? No! No, no, no... when we were second year residents his ex-girlfriend Rebecca thought she was pregnant and I ran a pregnancy on her that came out negative. She was having a hysterical pregnancy,” Izzie explained as she removed the needle from Jo’s arm and disposed of it.

“Ooh, I forgot about that,” Meredith gasped. “That girl was insane. Actually crazy.”

“Wait, is this the same girlfriend that peed on your couch?” Jo turned to Meredith.

“Yup,” Meredith nodded. “Ava—or Rebecca was her real name. She was a patient that Alex saved and she fell in love with him... and then she went crazy.”

“I’m not crazy,” Jo looked back and forth between both women. “I know I have had my moments, but it was really was positive.”

“Jo, we know you’re not crazy,” Izzie laughed. “Trust me, we know crazy—I was crazy for a minute there. I had a brain tumor that caused me to hallucinate my dead fiancé.”

“I’m going to take these to the lab and put a rush on them. Go about your day like normal and we’ll meet for lunch to give you the results,” Meredith squeezed Jo’s shoulder as she walked out.

Jo watched as Izzie cleaned up the supplies they’d used for the blood draw, “I’m sorry. This must be really weird for you. You just ran a pregnancy test for your ex-husband’s new wife. It’s not exactly something I’d be thrilled to do. But then again, my ex-husband was a horrible human being, so let’s be glad he never procreated.”

“You were married before?” Izzie paused and looked up at Jo.

“Uh—yeah... it’s a very long story, but I was in an abusive marriage with a man who almost killed me on multiple occasions. I ran away, changed my name, and never divorced him. But then a little over a year ago, he died after being hit by a drunk driver, and I was free.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine what that must’ve been like for you,” Izzie frowned sadly. She felt like there was still so much she had left to learn about the woman Alex married. The resilience after so much hardship and the ability to smile after enduring so much pain were encouraging. “If you are pregnant, this baby is going to be very strong.”

“Thanks,” Jo smiled as she stood up. She looked over at Izzie and opened the door. “Come on, let’s go get your scrubs.”

***

Hours later, the three women met outside the ER to read the results. Jo was fidgeting nervously. Everything within her was on edge. She knew she was pregnant. She had to be pregnant. The stick she peed on this morning had two lines and she was almost positive her labs would reflect the presence of child in her uterus. Sure, she didn’t really have any symptoms yet, but the entire morning she thought back and realized that her last period was over six weeks ago. She’d been so busy with Izzie’s case and her fellowship, that she’d failed to notice.

Meredith held the paper in her hands, “Do you want to read it or do you want me to do it?”

“You do it,” Jo bit her bit anxiously. She watched as Meredith slowly unfolded the paper, Izzie leaning over her shoulder to see the results. “I think I’ll chicken out if I do it. Which sounds stupid because we want this. We’ve been trying for months, now. But for some reason, I just feel like I want to puke.”

“Well, that might just be the morning sickness talking because you’re definitely pregnant,” Izzie shared, a wide grin dawning her face. “Congratulations!”

“Yup,” Meredith nodded, an equally large smile gracing her features. “Your hCG levels indicate that you are pregnant. Probably six to seven weeks along.”

Jo took a deep breath, “Oh my God... I’m pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant,” Meredith chuckled and gave Jo a hug. “You two are going to be the very best parents to this baby.”

“I need to tell Alex,” Jo finally said, some of the shock beginning to wear off. She got up from the bench she’d been sitting on to go to his office when Izzie stopped her.

“Woah, hold on a minute. You can’t just go barging in and say ‘we’re having a baby.’ You gotta do something cute,” Izzie insisted. “And you’ve got to plant a camera to record his reaction when you tell him because we definitely want to see that.”

“You’re right,” Jo nodded. “That’s why I didn’t tell him this morning. I want it to be special.”

“It’s going to be special no matter what you do,” Meredith placed a hand on Jo’s shoulder. “It’s special because the baby is special, and your love is special. However you decide to tell him will be special.”

Jo took in Meredith’s advice and decided that it was true. But it didn’t make her want to abandon the thought of a sweet gesture any less. Deciding what she wanted to do, Jo made arrangements to set her plan in motion.

By the time she and Alex got off work, there were only a couple things she had left to do before telling him about the baby. Meredith had stopped by the loft early to plant the items she’d need for her pregnancy reveal. As they pulled into their parking space outside the loft, Jo felt her heart begin to beat rapidly.

She turned in her seat to look at Alex, “So, I have a surprise for you inside the house. It was delivered early so you’ve got to keep your eyes closed until I tell you. Promise you won’t open them until I say so.”

Alex sighed. He was tired and really just want to shower and go to sleep, but his wife had taken the time out of her day to surprise him. The least he could do was be grateful, “Okay. I promise.”

Jo led him up into the loft with her hands covering his eyes, much like the first time she’d surprised him with their couch. She stopped him right in front of that very piece of furniture and removed her hands, “Ta dah!”

“It’s our couch... the couch you already surprised me with six years ago,” Alex made a face.

Jo slapped his arm, “Not the couch you dummy. Look at what’s on it.”

“It’s a box of pizza. Not that I don’t love pizza, but why?”

Jo released an exasperated sigh, “You have to open the box first, you dummy.”

Jo watched as Alex leant down and slowly opened the box up, revealing the message inside. Congrats on being promoted to Dad. She watched his face contort with a variety of emotions before meeting hers with a look of wonder.

“You’re pregnant?”

“I’m pregnant,” Jo nodded. “Probably about six weeks or so.”

“We’re having a baby,” Alex stood up from his position of being hunched forwards to wrap Jo in his arms. “Oh my God. We’re having a baby!”

“We’re having a baby!” Jo laughed and released the breath she’d been holding. “We’re going to be parents!”

“Hell yeah, we are.”

[burnedbyshoto]

bbs 10,000 celebration

hi all, so this is a lot, like always, because I don’t really know what we call... self control.

what you can do for this: come and thirst with me! come and be soft with me! let’s talk about any of my works you loved and now want to talk with me about! send me your favorite stories you’ve created and i’ll reblog them! or, as my typical antics go, choose a prompt below.

as always there are a few categories, and it is no different now.

you’ll find prompts regarding:  fluff, angst, smut, types of kisses, cliches, and miscellaneous 

all those options are down below so please feel free to choose any of those should you be unable to pick anything.

should you pick a prompt, submit it as the following: character, genre, number.

Fluff

“It’s too cold! Come back!”

“No, I’m never letting you go. It’s too early to get out of bed.”

“I’m not gonna stop poking you until you give me some attention.”

“What? Does that feel good?”

“If it wasn’t for you, I’d be so lost. I’m so glad you came into my life.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

“Us… I like the sound of that.”

“You always know what to say.”

“You weren’t supposed to laugh! I’m so embarrassed!”

“Come here, you tiny smug bastard.”

“Just let me lean on the damn cart!”

“This might sound selfish, but I don’t care about the world - I only care about you!”

“Stop staring at me like that.”

“I know how this goes. First, you buy me a drink, then you tell me how pretty I look, and then, at the end of the night, you ask for my number.”

“Don’t get too close to that one, she’ll singe your fingertips and have you on your knees.”

“You have nothing to be insecure about.”

“______, we have a problem.” “I’ve been gone for like two minutes.”

“No, keep it. I want you to have it.”

“If you’re gonna make fun of me…”

“Oh my God, …we’re gonna be homeless.”

“Why’d you let go of my hand? Did I say something?”

“I know I kissed you before, but I didn’t do it right. Can I try again?”

“I don’t regret every second with you, I treasure them.”

“He loves you, you know? He’s just afraid of admitting it.”

“I want everyone in the world to know you’re mine.”

“You’re so needy.”

“Need I remind you that your ring finger already belongs to me?”

“OH, you’re jealous!”

“Please just kiss me already.”

“I think you might be my soulmate.”

“I could punch you right now.”

“You’re insane,” “You love me,” “Not right now I don’t.”

“I’m going to fucking smack you in a minute, I swear.” - “That’s not very nice.”

Send in your own!

Angst

“You deserve someone who values you.”

“I can’t take the loneliness anymore.”

“Maybe I’m meant to be alone.”

“I’ve been alone for so long.”

“It isn’t up for debate.”

“I told you that I’d never leave you; I’m not going anywhere.”

“You take me instead, do you hear me? Give her back and take me instead.”

“You would risk the lives of millions for one person? Why?” - “Because it’s not just one life…it’s yours.”

“This might sound selfish, but I don’t care about the world - I only care about you!”

“You don’t have to carry the weight of the world all by yourself, you know?”

“You’re a coward, (Name)! You hide away this entirely different part to yourself because you’re afraid that someone might get close to you! You’re afraid that someone might just care about you more than you think you deserve. That - that isn’t fair.”

“I find that being a coward keeps me more alive, so no thanks.”

“You can’t tell that I am in love with you because you were too busy loving someone else to notice me.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m done waiting.”

“All I want is for you to look at me the way you look at them.”

“It was a blatant lie when you said that you love me, but I don’t care.”

“Have you ever loved me? You know what, don’t say anything, we all know the answer.”

“It’s time to stop lying to ourselves.”

“Can I convince you to stay?”

“You were no good for me and I was too naive to see that.”

“You did a wonderful job convincing people that you love me, I almost fell for it.”

“I’ve finally come to accept the fact that you will never think I’m good enough for you.”

“I’m sorry, I think you got the wrong number.”

“Whoever you want to be with right now, that person is not me.”

“I’m sorry that I’m not who you wanted me to be.”

“I thought there’s something wrong with me. Turns out, it’s all you.”

“You used to look at me like that.”

“Sometimes, I wonder if things could have worked out.”

“You know what’s funny? No matter what you’ve done, I’ll still fall for you all over again.”

“Say it, say you don’t love me.”

“I had been in love with you for my entire life and you decided to love me back when I finally gave up.”

“Your ego stopped you from loving me, how sad is that.”

“We aren’t meant to be, can’t you tell?”

Send in your own!

Smut

“Underwear is optional.”

“Would you prefer my tongue or my cock?”

“There are only two acceptable options: either you eat me, or I’m going to eat you.”

“Remember this: your body belongs to me, and me alone.

“Your body seems to have other ideas.”

“If you keep moaning like that, you’re going to wake everyone else up.”

“I want you to watch me when I fuck you.”

“Not until you properly beg for it.”

“Don’t worry…I’ll make sure to take my sweet time punishing you.”

“No need to fantasize when the real thing is right in front of you.”

“Stop teasing me, fuck!”

“You know, you always look so much better when I mark you up.”

“You look so good with my hand wrapped around your throat.”

“You’d better be quiet if you don’t want to get caught.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want? I could really hurt you.”

“If you’re going to act like a little brat then I’m going to treat you like a little brat.”

“I don’t care how good it feels you’d better not cum until I tell you to.”

“I bet you think you’re really cute letting them put their hands all over you. We’ll see how cute you look later when I get you home.”

“You don’t have to be gentle with me, I don’t break easily.”

“You take my fingers so well don’t you?”

“Did I stutter? Do as you’re told!”

“Look at you, I’ve only started using my fingers and you’re already shaking.”

“If you keep making those sounds I’m not going to be able to stop myself.”

“Take it off. Slowly.”

“Such a needy little thing, aren’t you?”

“Pushing back against my fingers already? How pathetic.”

“Did I say you could stop?”

“Well since you want to cum so badly, why don’t we see how many times I can make you cum right now.”

“Come sit on my face, let me show you how much I missed you.”

“So desperate for it, aren’t you? Well, if you want it so bad you’d better start taking it.”

“Maybe I should leave you like this, that way anyone who wanted to use you could have a go with you. Would you like that?”

“You know, you look really pretty when you cry.”

“Look at you, grinding against everything, you’re really desperate for it. Aren’t you?”

Send in your own!

Cliches/Situations

There’s people chasing us and I pulled you into the alley with me and wow you’re close

You confessed your feelings and we’re about to kiss but we get interrupted

I need a date for this wedding

I’m going to save you from the terrible date you’re having

You took a bullet for me

“I’ve been in love with you for years.”

I called you at 2 am because I need you

I’m scared but won’t admit it so you take my hand

Holding out their arm in front of s/o’s view to prevent them from being shot.

Suddenly pulling them in for a dance.

Watching them sleep in the early morning. 

Pleading for s/o to keep walking toward them in the midst of destruction, hand outstretched and desperate. 

Holding their hair back as they vomit into the toilet. 

Taking them to a pet store and falling in love with them as they gush over the millions of puppies. 

Singing together/catching them singing softly to themselves as they cook/do the dishes. 

Showing up at a club after they’ve called them, drunkenly needing their presence, and then taking them home. 

Breaking up in the middle of the pouring rain/watching them through the rear-view mirror as they drive away. 

Helping them with their homework, then proceeding to distract them. 

Taking them a bath after a long day/mission gone awry. 

Bandaging them up, scolding them for getting themselves hurt. 

Willingly becoming the bait in a mission to save them. 

Going on a mission together, partnering up as husband and wife. 

Calling them during a panic attack, having them rush over to sooth them.

Distancing themselves in order to keep them safe. 

Losing their memory only to have it come back after a much-awaited true love’s kiss. 

Watching over them while they’re in a coma, never leaving their side, never sleeping because they want to be there when they wake up. 

Being in denial about them actually being in love with them. 

Having to erase s/o’s memory of them so they can remain safe. 

Choosing someone else over them. 

Wrapped up in a sheet after a drunken night, flustered and trying to find their clothes while they watch you amusingly.

Waking up to them making you breakfast while half-naked.

Being utterly touch starved and too shy to ask to be held, so they resolve to brush their fingers against a part of s/o’s skin, etc.

Being the overly protective one during the pregnancy, doing everything for their s/o.

Send in your own!

Types of Kisses

Small kisses littered across the other’s face.

A breathy demand: “Kiss me” - and what the other person does to respond.

An accidental brush of lips followed by a pause and going back for another, on purpose.

Throwing their arms around the other person’s neck, hugging them close before kissing them passionately on the lips.

Wild, breathless kisses brought on by a heartfelt gift.

French kisses where they trace every tooth with their tongues as though trying to memorize them.

Laying a gentle kiss to the back of the other’s hand.

A hello/good-bye kiss that is given without thinking - where neither person thinks twice about it.

Morning kisses that are exchanged before either person opens their eyes, kissing blindly until their lips meet in a blissful encounter.

Sneaking away to a hidden corner to share a secretive kiss.

A kiss so desperate that the two wind around each other, refusing to let go until they are finished.

A fierce kiss that ends with a bite on the lip, soothing it with a lick.

One person pouting, only to have it removed by a kiss from the other person

Tucking their hands beneath the other person’s shirt, just to watch them break the kiss and gasp in surprise at the sensation of cold/warm hands on their skin.

One person stopping a kiss to ask “Do you want to do this?”, only to have the other person answer with a deeper, more passionate kiss.

Kissing in a stairwell, giving them an artificial height difference.

Deep kisses where they have their hands tangled in each other’s hair to pull them closer.

Brushing a kiss along the shell of the other person’s ear.

Kisses exchanged while one person sits on the other’s lap.

One person tracing the other’s lips with a fingertip until they can’t resist any longer, tilting their chin towards them for a kiss.

Staring at each other’s lips for a moment before moving closer, as if drawn together by some unseen force.

Weak, sweaty kisses because it’s unbearably hot.

Pulling away from a kiss, whispering words of love against each other’s lips.

An unexpected kiss that shocks the one receiving it.

Kisses that start on their fingers and run up their arm, eventually ending on their lips.

Kissing tears from the other’s face.

Kisses shared under an umbrella.

Distracting kisses from someone that is meant to stop the other person from finishing their work, and give them kisses instead.

A kiss pressed to the top of the head.

Tentative kisses that are given in the dark.

One person has to bend down in order to kiss their partner, who is standing on their tip-toes to reach their partner’s.

A kiss, followed by more that trail down the jaw and neck.

A single loving kiss left on the other’s forehead when they fall asleep snuggled close together.

Send in your own!

Miscellaneous

“You are weak with love for her.” 

“You attack one of us… you attack all of us.” 

“Sacrifice, that’s what we do for the people we love.” 

“I thought they’d killed you. I lost my temper.” 

“Don’t you touch her.” 

“If I can still breathe, I’m fine.” 

“Kind of a pretty boy, isn’t he?” 

“I wonder what will get you killed first – your loyalty or your stubbornness?”

“Where you go, I go.” 

“These people are my family, and if you hurt them in anyway – I will kill you.” 

“You are my dearest friend. My deepest love. You are the best part of me.” 

“You are the sun.”

“Oh, darling, everybody sees how you look at him.” 

“The choices I’ve made I would make again, for him, no matter the cost.”

“I’ll choose her happiness over mine every time.” 

“Of all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.” 

“That’s beyond stupid. He’s created a new kind of stupid.” 

“People say that I am heartless.” 

“You save everyone, but who saves you?” 

“I think you are the sweetest thing.” 

“Chin up, kid, they’d kill to see you fall.”

“I’m already home.”

“I want you to be proud of yourself. I want you to believe that you’re good enough because you are. You’re so amazing.”

Leaning into the others hand, turning their head and pressing a kiss to the palm

“If you want to leave, we can leave.”

“Should I go first or...do you want to go?”

“Would it help if I stayed?”

“I thought you said no more dangerous stunts?”

“Please don’t say that about yourself. Please don’t believe that. You’re so much more than that. You’re so...”

“You don’t own her/him/them. You don’t get to choose who they choose. I don’t get to choose who they choose. No one, but them, gets to make that decision.”

“I just want you to be happy...”

“I’m going to die. I’m going to die with an absolute idiot!” 

“I want you to be happy...even if its not with me.”

“Have you ever kissed anyone before?”

“If I told you I hate you, what would you do?”

[paodequeijofeliz-blog]

Let me tell you a good story

Bloodbound Fanfiction (characters and main story belongs to Pixelberry Studios).

Pairing: Kamilah Sayeed and MC (Annie)

Information:  this takes place after Bloodbound 3, here I’m recreating how Kamilah and MC would meet if she had never gone to Raines Corporation right away.

Summary: Thirty years after meeting Annie for the first time, Kamilah is now a wife and a mother. During a regular family dinner, she decides to tell her daughter and their new son-in-law the story of how she fell in love with Annie after an unusual meeting through the hallways of NYU.

Warnings: none.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7 (Finale)

Let me tell you a good story - Part 6

March 2nd, 2048

           “So… When and how did you find out, exactly?” Drake cupped his own chin, intrigued. “I mean, you DO know that the woman beside you is Kamilah Sayeed, Ms. K. Sayeed of Ahmanet Financial, right?”

           Anna’s snorted a laugh. “Yes, I actually DO know I married Ms. Kamilah Sayeed, although she isn’t a “Ms” anymore.”

           “Jump to the part you realized it. It was a painful and funny scene to watch, all at once. And it wasn’t long after you two started making out, right?” Adrian’s hands are always resting in his pockets when he feels safe and relaxed. Especially around family. Right now, they had been there ever since he entered the house. There was no safer place to be.

           “Four days after that. September 16th.” Kamilah gave a soft smile. She was damn good remembering dates. “Because on September 15th, I asked her to follow me to the Penthouse after work and share a drink. We had made great advancement on the research…”

           “…and on other things…” Anna cofed.

           “…that too…” The vampire relaxed back against the chair. “I think it’s your turn to talk. We’re all excited to hear this part from you, darling. Tell them how you found out the truth.”

           The historian sighed.

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

September 15th, 2018

           That place was nothing remotely close to what Annie had pictured in her head. She knew Kamilah was rich, of course, the woman wore only Armani and Louis Vitton for days, but not that rich. It was so big, she was afraid to wonder off and get lost in there. They would need to call the firefighters to find her back. Maybe even set up some search teams, hire a few detectives…

           “My goodness, you’re so dramatic. Stop stalling already.”

           “You hush, wife. You had your time telling, now it’s mine.”

           It was indeed a huge apartment. But it had nothing that could lead Anna into finding Kamilah’s last name. Not a document, a picture, a tag, anything. It was mostly fancy and elegant furniture carefully selected to match a refined set of Egyptian displayed objects. Everything there seemed to cost thirty times the historian’s pay check, so she kept her arms pretty tight to her body while walking slowly at a safe distance from anything that could be bumped into.

           “Are you feeling well?” Kamilah arched an eyebrow from the beverage side cart where she was choosing a drink.

           “Yes. I’m perfect.” Anna turned to walk in her direction but stopped after a few steps. There were too many fancy glasses and bottles on that cart.

           “What do you usually drink?”

           Her eyes scanned it from the distance. “Hm… Rum.”

           Kamilah lifted her gaze, impressed. Since Anna’s face looked confident, she didn’t argue, putting a generous dose on a short glass. “With…?”

           “Ice and peppermint.”

           “Who would’ve thought…” the Egyptian handed her the drink, choosing for herself a highly alcoholic liquor with scents of cocoa and cinnamon.

           “What?” Anna smiled, turning the glass and drinking half of it like it was some tasty light tea. “Were you expecting me to ask for something else? Something lighter or sweeter?”

           “Maybe. Although, you are a woman of good tastes for coffee. I should’ve expected you to own good tastes for alcohol either.”

           “Why, thank you. I also have a good taste for women.”

           Kamilah gave her a malicious smile, leaning in enough to brush the lips on Anna’s. The kiss she placed there was a light one, just enough to speed her heartbeat. After a couple seconds, the Egyptian gently took Annie’s hand and guided her to the balcony, so they could talk beneath the moonlight. Ever since the first kiss at the office, it had been impossible to keep their hands off each other. In the past few days, the historian was always finding an excuse to go see Kamilah unexpectedly. She had the permission to do so even before the kiss, and now it was using it on her advantage, showing up in different hours so the Egyptian would be caught off guarded. That morning, it was Kamilah who flipped the game.

           “Was I a good visitor today?” the CEO took their glasses once they were finished, leaving it on an iron table.

           Anna narrowed her eyes. “Yes. You could’ve announced your presence before pinning me on the wall, though. I almost had a heart attack.”

           Kamilah laughed, hugging her from behind and pressing Annie’s body against the balcony. They could see the entire city from there, but all the Egyptian’s eyes wanted was to admire the smooth curve of the neck where she started to kiss. “I like to keep you on the edge. You’ve been way naughty for my taste… I think I allowed you too much freedom around me.”

           “Is that so? Do you prefer me to give you space?”

           Kamilah’s grip around her waist tightened harshly, nails sinking. “No.” She turned the girl in a fast movement. Those brown eyes were glowing dangerously. “I do not wish any space to be put between us. What I want is for you to be a good girl and stop teasing me around.”

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

           “Now I have to skip a few parts…” Annie smiled at them, biting her knuckles to muffle a spicy laugh. “For my daughter’s sake.”

           “Thank God.” Lysia agreed. 

           “My sake too, ma’am. No offense intended.” Drake lifted his hands, blushed.

           “Non taken… So… Hm… In the next morning…” Anna’s voice was starting to get slower, loosing track while her accent seemed to strengthen.

           Kamilah is a smart woman. And knows her wife too damn well. The vampire’s gaze was lingering at the ceiling, but her ears and perceptions were capturing every single movement Annie made while telling the story. The historian was already showing her regular signs of being too sleepy. Kamilah fought the idea of interrupting and taking her wife to bed. But then, her attention caught the adorable giggle Anna made while describing how beautiful Kamilah looked that morning years ago. She just couldn’t stop her wife’s fun. Ten more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

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

September 16th, 2018

             “Good morning.” Kamilah woke her by gently stroking the woman’s hair, trying to uncover her sleepy face. She found out two dozy big black eyes opening to meet hers. “It’s almost ten, already. Did I tire you this much?”

           Annie denied it with a scoff, but her silly opened smile was there to unmask the truth. For a while, they just stayed there, breathing comfortably with their bodies still kind of tangled on each other. Kamilah kept caressing that wavy long hair, her face resting on the top of the historian’s head. She could smell vanilla on it, a sweet scent one day the Egyptian would know so well, it became part of her home. Mixed with it, there was Opium, Kamilah’s favourite parfum. Knowing she had touched Anna so much to the point of their scents getting mixed made the CEO smile. The idea of being all over the professor’s skin was too appealing.

           “I need coffee.” Annie finally said something, although her voice sounded half asleep. Slowly, she turned to kiss Kamilah between her breasts, tracing a path that finished under her earlobe. “Let me make you some. Ok?”

           The Egyptian loved the sweet way Anna would always ask “Ok?” after anything and everything, even though the answer for that question had only been “yes” so far. – “Of course. I’ll take a shower and meet you in the kitchen.”

           Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. Annie hesitated, a pan with boiling water on her hands. “Kamilah? Someone’s at your door…”.

           No answer. Still uncertain, the girl went to look through the peephole, but there wasn’t anyone there. She slowly opened a crack to find two silver boxes wrapped with satin ribbon bows and a small note with “Ms. Sayeed” written on it.

           “What are you doing?” Kamilah’s hand took the hot pan in a flash. “Don’t walk around with boiling water in your hands, you could’ve gotten in an accident.” Which was an extremely probable outcome, since she saw the historian dropping too many books and pens while working, besides constantly tripping on her own toes.

           “Uh, sorry, I forgot I had it… The doorbell rang…” Anna’s eyes scanned the carpet, afraid she might have dripped the water somehow, but there was no stain.

           “Bring it in, it’s our outfits.” With that, Kamilah head back to the kitchen to finish the coffee. It took a moment for Annie to follow her, as the woman was walking with extreme caution, like the boxes were made of crystal. “Relax, darling. Nothing in there is breakable. Leave it on the bed, please.”

           “Why is there a note with Ms. Sayeed’s name? She gave you this?” her voice came from the distance, while Anna was taking the boxes to the bedroom.

           Kamilah bitted her lower lip, pondering about telling or not the truth already. “Yes”, she finally said, deciding to let Anna find it out on her own, “It’s for tonight’s gala. She desires us to look elegant.”

           “Hmmmm I love the smell of a fresh batch of morning coffee.” The historian was right back, jumping happily to sit at the table. The smell of coffee was killing her. “Why did she send both here? Wouldn’t it be easier to just mail Adrian’s to his house?”

           For a moment, the Egyptian leaned her head, confused. “Oh” - she finally realized it, stopping on her tracks with the pot still on her hands. Kamilah cleaned her throat, suddenly uncomfortable. “Anna. The second box it’s not Adrian’s. I was, in fact, hoping you would accompany me to the gala tonight. Therefore, we received two dresses. In case you do decide to accept my invitation.”

           She smiled. An adorable, sweet and still kind of sleepy smile. “Are you asking me to be your date tonight?”

           Kamilah didn’t blush but dropped her gaze to focus on putting them coffee. “I’m terribly sorry for giving you such short notice. I’ll understand if you can’t make it.”

           “I can. I want to.” She whispered, leaning in to steal a quick kiss from the Egyptian. Those brown eyes widened a little, a hint of surprise quickly supressed.

           “Good. Then I hope you like the dress that… Ms. Sayeed… Chose.”

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

          “Come on!!!” Drake couldn’t take it any longer. “That’s not possible!”

           “We’re getting there, I promise!” Anna covered her face. “It was at the gala. Or course it had to be in front of everybody.”

           “You’ll love this part.” said the human girl, gently squeezing her fiancé’s hand.

           “It was a very, hm… Interesting… Revelation.” Adrian confirmed with a wink. “Go on, Annie. Rip the band-aid off. It’s time.”

[wolfoftheautumn]

Belladonna was sitting in her Mothers room. She had been there since she awoke she looked over to her Mother who seemed to be scanning a document while writing something down. She missed the privacy of her own room but understood their fears and concern. Valkyrie was on the bed with her as she pet over her. She had gotten a little stronger in the last couple of days but not enough to feel safe.

She sat there thinking, Amara and Ameiral came to eat and see her as her aunts and uncle. The only problem was she was growing restless and on top of that bored her Mother went everywhere with her even the bath but she could understand that since she had a problem moving still. She had fallen stiff in her joints and she was slower. Gideon said it would take a few weeks to get back up but she didn’t want that she wanted to move now.

Since she had awoken her Mama seemed to be in meetings from the time she awoke till almost time to sleep she knew she was stressed they both were. Her thoughts had started to creep back in. She wanted to speak but was afraid to break her mothers concentration. “Mother?” She asked softly looking at her. Her Mother put the document down “Yes darling?” She asked “I’m sorry about everything" She said looking down “This is all my fault" She said softer.

Xenia was shocked she quickly got up and went over to her sitting down and taking her hand. “No this is not your fault it never was. You are a target you have nothing to be sorry for my sweet girl" She said. Belladonna frowned “Everyone is stressed and overworked” She said “Mama, Aunt Ruelle, Amara, Ameiral and you" She said. “My sweet girl overworked yes but only because we want to see you safe" She said softly rubbing her back. “I know you hate staying with us, I know you enjoy your privacy. I also know you are bored but your body is still healing" She said.

Belladonna nodded “Do you think we can go to the garden today I would like some fresh air" She said softly. “Of course darling I think it would do you good" She said smiling. Belladonna bit her lip “Are you upset that I turned down your old title?” She asked in a soft tone. Her mother shook her head “I was actually relieved in hearing it. I have done things I am not proud of. I’ve hurt people close to me to keep up a façade once and I never want you to ever do that" She said. She nodded “I understand" She said closing her eyes “Can we visit the garden after dinner with Mama, I miss her" She said. “Oh course darling anything you want" She said. Belladonna pulled away yawning “Unfortunately, I think a nap is in store" She said.

Her Mother smiled and nodded “Sleep is good for a healing body" She said softly “Get some rest I will see if your Mama will eat lunch with us" She said as she stood. Belladonna laid down and it didn’t take long for her to succumb to sleep. Her mother covered her up and she heard a familiar pattern on the door. It opened and Ruelle came in. “My queen there has been a break through and also a loss" She said she looked over seeing Belladonna asleep. Xenia motioned her to come over to a corner where they could talk. Ruelle followed “What is the news first?” Xenia asked. “We were able to get some information out of them using one of your many talking agents. They come from the kingdom of serpents. Their was a priest or wise woman that had a prophecy it included the Wolf of Autumn and the location of our Princess. They did not go into details other then a mention of a sacrifice.” She said softly. Xenia frowned she didn’t like any of that, it meant this was no random attack but a planned one. “And the loss?” She asked concerned even more. Ruelle frowned “Our captive burst into a blue flame, nothing is left but ash" She said.

Xenia frowned that was not news she wanted to hear. “I see but at least we have a kingdom to search and look for" She said that was good. “How is she doing?” Ruelle asked looking over to the sleeping Belladonna. Xenia frowned “She’s growing restless and bored, though stronger every day. How are the talks going in the council?” She asked, normally Xenia would be there but with these circumstances she was not. “So far our idea has everyone on agreement to get her out of here but where is what everyone is fussing over" She said. Xenia nodded “I understand that" She said. “She is worried about everyone other then herself.” She said softly. Ruelle smiled “She has a heart of gold" She replied “I will go back to the council and urge them to recess for the day everyone is stressed” Xenia nodded “Belladonna wants some family time so I believe that would be in our best option" She spoke Ruelle bowed and left. Xenia went over sitting on the bed gently. “My sweet girl" She said softly. She started to remember when she was young how carefree she was always wanting to be by their sides doing what they were doing.

Xenia was extremely worried now a kidnapping she could handle but a sacrifice that chilled her. She watched as Belladonnas chest rose and fell. She had no idea how much danger she was in and yet for once in sixteen years Xenia was unsure if she could keep her safe. That fear paralyzed her the thought of losing her the frown was evident on her face. Would she wear a mourning veil once again would she ever take it off this time. “Get a hold of your self" She whispered to herself. Belladonna shifted from the whisper and Valkyrie looked up yawning she went over to Xenia to comfort her. “Please keep her safe in my absence young one" She said. The door opened and she was ready to pull out a blade when she noticed her wife. She shut the door and walked over. She knew that look the news she had received from Ruelle. She sat on the bed putting a hand on her daughters sleeping face.

“ I have always came to you for personal council but now I am unsure what we can do" She spoke softly. “I can tell you are just as worried possibly even frozen with anxiety of the future “ She spoke. Xenia nodded resting a hand on her wife’s back “I’ve always played a deadly game but this is one I wish I could opt out of" She spoke softly. River turned to her and buried her head into her chest as the tears flowed freely. Xenia rubbed her back “We will think of something darling” She said softly. “What if it’s not enough I cant….I don’t want to lose her" She cried harder. Xenia held her tight “We wont” She said “I will not allow it" She whispered. She held her wife for a long time it seemed time had frozen and she wish it could. River pulled back “How is she?” She spoke softly drying her tears.

“She is growing bored and quite restless. Then again she’s been a handful ever since she could walk. Always on the go but she is growing stronger which is a blessing" She replied softly. Belladonna started to wake up she could hear voices whispering she started to rub the sleep from her eyes and rose up. As she did Valkyrie started to lick her face and she laughed “Good nap for you to girl?” She asked petting the pup. She looked over and was surprised she seen a medium size table in the room with her mothers', aunts, Amara and Ameiral “Did I miss a memo?” She asked as she got up and started to stretch. “We all wanted to have lunch with you" Ruelle said “Also we have come to a solution, come sit and eat with us as we explain" She said smiling. Belladonna nodded as she came over sitting in between Amara and Ameiral. “We are opening trade back into the city, people can come and go as they please.” She explained. Belladonna nodded “That’s wonderful but I feel there is a catch to this all" She replied studying their faces. Amara looked over “You will be in a trading cart going away for a while some where safe" She said. Belladonna bit her lip “Just where is safe exactly?” She inquired. “My home town no one really visits it except traders and on top of that it’s in the middle of no where no one would think to look for you there" Ameiral said. Belladonna was quiet as she started to nibble. “Mother, Mama will you be safe?” She asked her Mama was shocked “Of course we will be your our main concern. You wouldn’t be going alone either Ameiral and Amara will be accompanying you” She said softly.

Belladonna nodded as she ate more “When do we leave?” She asked softly. “In a few days” Ruelle said. She nodded “Alright if you all believe this is the best course of action I will go with it" She said. She was sad in a way but understood they were thinking about her and her safety. As they ate there was small chit chat, Belladonna kept drinking the strange blue liquid Gideon had made and it seemed every bite and sip she took she was starting to feel like her old self again. After lunch Amara and Ameiral stayed in the room as her Mothers’ went to make the final preparations. She sat on the bed cuddled into both of them she had missed human contact “So are you two ready for our adventure?” She asked softly. Amara smiled “I am, a change of scenery is always nice and healthy" She said. Belladonna nodded “So what’s it like there?” She asked “Its medium sized, a lot of mines lots of farm land as well. Beautiful mountains, lakes and waterfalls.” Ameiral said. “It sounds beautiful" She said softly. As she laid with them “So where are we staying?” She asked curious. Amara was curious as well. “I have a small house there that I was renting out not like anyone grabbed it up but there.” Ameiral said. “This sounds fun" Belladonna replied and then sighed “Do you think anyone will know who I am?” She asked. Ameiral shook her head “We know of the royal family but that’s it, I mean we’ve heard stories of Amara but yeah. If anyone recognizes you I will be amazed" She said. Belladonna smiled “Then Alpha has a fresh start" She smiled. Amara laughed “True but your armor is not coming with us" She said. Belladonna whipped her head around “What! Why?” She asked. “Your still weak I fear if you wear it you will get worse or sickly" She said. Belladonna sighed “Anything else I should know?” She asked. Ameiral smiled “Well you wont be able to wear those nice suits either trust me you would stick out like a sore thumb" She said. “Well I’m not wearing a dress either" Belladonna said.

Ameiral laughed “I never expected you to dear" She replied as she kissed Belladonna on the lips. She smiled kissing her back “So did you guys volunteer or were you promised something to go with me?” She asked. Amara kissed her shoulder blade “We volunteered plus there was no way I was leaving you.” She said. Belladonna smiled she felt tired again “Please stay while I sleep?” She asked softly as her eyes started to close. As she slept both Woman held her close as if she would float away if they didn’t keep her there. Ameiral ended up falling asleep as well. Amara laid there smiling watching the two.

She heard the door open seeing the Queens return. “How is preparations?” She asked softly. “Finished when the shipment comes in, in two days you will all be set you and Ameiral will act as guards. Belladonna will be in the cargo chamber with what few things of hers.” Xenia said. “I promise I won’t allow anything to happen to her. I promise to protect her with my life" She said in a serious tone. “Amara we don’t blame you for the attack for her getting hurt” River said. “I feel like I failed, I’ve done it once before and this time with the one I cherish and love. It will not happen" She said. River thought “Will you stay for a bit longer I want to go to the winter temple with Xenia for a little bit" She said. “I will gladly stay you two need to relax together I will stay here till you two return” She said smiling

Belladonna opened her eyes a few hours later she seen Ameiral asleep and felt Amara drawing patterns in her back she smiled “Amara?” She asked “Yes darling” She said softly “Did you nap?” She asked softly. She chuckled “No but I relaxed so it was good" She said softly. She nodded “Where are my mothers'?” She asked. “Winter temple to relax in the bath house” She said softly. She nodded. Ameiral moved a little and opened her eyes she blushed “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” She said softly Belladonna smiled “You needed your rest nothing wrong with that" She said smiling.

Belladonna rose up and started to stretch she got up and got a drink she took a sip of the blue liquid and smiled she felt good. She heard the door open and seen her Mothers' they smiled “Feeling better?” She asked them. They smiled looking at her “Much better" They replied “Are you still wanting to go to the garden?” Her Mother asked. She nodded “I would like to have some fresh air" She said smiling. “Amara, Ameiral would you like to join us?” Her Mama asked. “I would love to my Queens" Amara said. Ameiral nodded “As would I" She said softly.

As they all made their way to the garden Belladonna smiled. Once out she smiled the fresh air made her smile more she missed going out. Valkyrie and Leoa were running and playing around. She went over to her usual seat and sat down enjoying the sun on her skin. She smiled she had no idea her Mothers’ were briefing Amara and Ameiral on final arrangements she just sat there enjoying herself. That was till she heard Valkyrie and Leoa growling and hissing. She opened her eyes going to where they were she seen a very odd looking snake one she had never seen. She thought this was curious as she leaned down to look at it the snake tried to bite her Valkyrie jumped at it. Biting it and started to shake her head beating it on the ground. Belladonna was pulled back by Amara and held so tight she didn’t think she could breathe. Xenia was over in an instant and grabbed it she had something in her hand and jabbed it the snake went limp. “We aren’t even safe in the garden" She growled “Amara, Ameiral follow me” She said. Belladonna was taken back to the room and she sat there with her Mama and Valkyrie. She sighed what little air she had gotten had been nice. She sat on the bed and started to write her thoughts she was frustrated. “Mama, why am I being targeted. What do they want with me why am I so special?” She asked looking at her from her journal

River looked up “I'm not sure my darling” She said lying she knew the reason so did those who needed to know. She would never tell her daughter though never. Belladonna nodded as she looked back down as she wrote. She missed her freedom and she hated that. Did the enemy want money? Supplies? What why her. She sat there thinking she wanted to know more about the snake What had her Mother done to it. She sat there watching Valkyrie she seemed to be on edge and that worried her the door opened and her Mother returned both Ameiral and Amara were in their armor she frowned. “I’m sorry Belladonna but I believe you need to leave tonight" She said.

She nodded “I understand" She said as she rose from the bed and hugged her “Stay safe my sweet girl" She said. Belladonna turned and hugged her Mama as they left. Xenia led them through a secret passage and to a place that Belladonna had never seen she seen a carriage just a regular one nothing fancy. Amara and Ameiral got in and she hesitated for a moment. Before picking Valkyrie up getting in as the door closed and they were off. Belladonna watched her Mothers’ get further and further away till they disappeared. It was quiet and she looked down at the floor “So our adventure has begun" She spoke softly.

“How are you feeling?” Amara asked Belladonna shrugged “Wishing my mothers were here honestly. I’m just glad I was able to have lunch with everyone I guess" She said. “Don’t worry we'll be back before you know it" She said. Belladonna nodded she truly hoped so. It was a quiet ride and she was growing sleepy. “ We will be at a inn soon we’ll get food and drink and beds there" Amara said. She nodded “Ameiral will it still be a two weeks journey with carriage?” She asked. “No just about a week and a half I would think. When we get there I’ll show you one of my favorite trails I like to take to the lake" She said. Belladonna smiled that cheered her up. As they sat there Belladonna pet Valkyrie who was sleeping by her side

Luckily the trip only lasted a week it could have been shorter but everyone needed breaks to walk around. When they arrived at the house Ameiral smiled as they all got their luggage and she showed them in “Its not much but its home" She said as she went in and went to the bedroom it was nice and large with a giant bed the three could easily fit them. “You two relax I’m going to go to the market and get food for us for the next week" She said. Belladonna looked up “I want to go" She said. Ameiral chuckled “Tomorrow I’ll give you both a proper tour. Rest it will be good if you want you can look around the house" She said. Belladonna sighed but nodded “Alright” She replied as she kissed her. Ameiral kissed her back and kissed Amara on the cheek as she left. Belladonna went exploring the house the kitchen held a small table that was perfect for the three and the bath was medium sized she wanted to go outside but waited for Amara as they went; she found a forge near the barn and that made her smile. The barn housed their horses that had been brought along who were resting eating oats and drinking water.

Belladonna yawned she was still sleeping she hated that. She was still not at full health either. They returned to the house where she laid down Valkyrie next to her and she fell asleep. Amara watched over Belladonna she had to protect her Ameiral and her had decided they would protect her with their lives and she would not know the full truth. She started to unpack their things to give her mind something to do. She worried for Belladonna since they had not had time to make the potion even though Gideon had wrote everything down it would take time to make and Amara was not good with things like that.

When she finished she laid down. Belladonna snuggled into her and held her close. She closed her eyes to rest them Ameiral had promised them a small adventure when they got here but it was getting late and she didn’t know if Belladonna could go in a small hike her health was slowly getting better but she knew even little things wore her out still. She heard a wagon and horse she got up going to the door looking out she smiled seeing Ameiral back. She watched as Ameiral unhooked the horse and took them to the barn. Valkyrie was next to her and she whined Amara looked down “What's wrong dear?” She asked. Valkyrie pulled at her pants to come back in she followed and she was led to the bedroom. Belladonna was up looking around she seemed frightened.

“Dear?” She asked, Belladonna turned looking at her “Your okay" She said “Is Ameiral back?” She asked. “Yes she just returned what’s wrong you looked frightened" She said. Belladonna wrapped her arms around herself “I had a nightmare" She said softly. Amara came over wrapping her arms around her “Its alright my little wolf everything is alright we are safe" She said rubbing her back. She nuzzled into her “My mothers they were dead, so was Ameiral and you.” She said as she nuzzled into her “It was so real" She said. “Everyone is fine dear, how about we go help bring supplies in" She said. Belladonna nodded “That sounds good" She said as she followed her to the door. Ameiral was bringing things in and they went outside to get the rest.

After everything was in they started to help put things away with Ameirals help and guidance . Soon the three of them were cooking. A knock came to the door and Ameiral went to see who it was. She opened the door to see a tall man with grey in his black hair and gold eyes “Dad?” She asked. “ I heard from going to town you were back I had to come see my baby girl" He said hugging her.

She hugged him back as she let him in “Who are these two?” He asked “My traveling companions" She said “Master Alpha of the Autumn and Amara of the summer" She said. He smiled “Nice to meet you both I am Ameirals father they call me Stone" He said. Amara and Belladonna shook his hand “So what brings you back dear the city life too much?” He asked.

“I’m only back force couple of weeks Master Alpha and Amara wanted some time to relax a bit before the winter so I offered them to come here for a few weeks" She said smiling. “ That’s great we never get visitors” He said smiling. Valkyrie didn’t leave Belladonna side Amara noticed she felt Valkyrie was trying to tell them something. “You three should come to dinner at the house sometime your mother misses you terribly" He said. Ameiral nodded “We will" She said. He smiled “I’m going to go home and tell your mother your home" He said. He hugged her again before leaving.

Belladonna sat there she felt drained and had no idea why. Amara noticed “ Ameiral do you have a place I can grind up those ingredients?” She asked. Ameiral nodded “Yes, follow me" She said as she took her to a small room. Amara thanked her and she went to get the bag that Gideon had made. Ameiral looked at Belladonna “So you met father I guess next mother and maybe my older brothers" she said. “ Your father was charming I cant wait to meet the rest of the family" She smiled.

“Thank you" She said as she and Belladonna continued to cook Belladonna smiled she liked this. Most of the time the cooks shooed her away when she wanted to make food. She adored this honestly she knew Amara was worried but she was fine. “I seen you had a forge maybe I can help you with your smiting I’m not a master but I do a good job" She said. She smiled “If you like but when your stronger" She said. Belladonna sighed “ What If I don’t get any stronger?” She asked “Its been two weeks" She said.

Ameiral shook her head “Your getting stronger everyday just be patient." She said. Belladonna nodded “Mother always told me I was always getting into something when I learned to walk” She said. “That’s a rather adorable image" Ameiral said smiling. Ameirals imagination went wild as she imagined a little Belladonna. Soon the two were plating up the food and sitting it down. Amara came from the room smiling “Try this” She said handing the blue concoction to her. Belladonna sniffed it before sipping it. “It’s just like Gideon but extra berry tasting its amazing" She said. Amara smiled “I added a bit more berries then Gideon did he said just a few but I know you like berries so I added a bit more" She replied smiling.

Belladonna smiled “Can we do something tonight?” She asked them. Ameiral smiled “I was hoping you would ask that, there is a hill not to far from here that is perfect for star gazing" She said. Belladonna smiled and so did Amara “That sounds fun would you like to do that Alpha?” Ameiral asked. She nodded “Yes I love looking at the stars" She said. Ameiral smiled “Then that’s what we will do" She said smiling. As they all sat eating Valkyrie and Leoa were eating together they seemed to be taking turns out of the same bowl. Belladonna smiled as she ate it was good food and all three of them had made it. She couldn’t wait to see the stars either she wondered what it would be like out in the country.

When they finished they all cleaned up. Ameiral went and got cloaks just in case it got to cold. The three of them left the house going up the hill finding a perfect place to sit. Belladonna had the cloak on looking up smiling. Amara and Ameiral stealing quick glances at her smiling. “Have you always liked stars?” Ameiral asked. “Yes me earliest memories are of my Mothers taking me out to look at them. When I was a little older I would sneak out and watch them. I don’t know how many times I fell asleep watching them but I always woke up in my bed somehow" She said softly she laid back on the ground watching.

Valkyrie started to howl and Belladonna smiled “You like the night to don’t you girl" She said smiling Valkyrie ran over getting on her chest and laying there she laughed as she pet her looking at the stars smiling. They stayed like that for a while and Belladonna fell asleep. Amara and Ameiral looked over “Amara I’m scared” She said watching her sleep “I’m scared we'll lose her” She said softly “I cant imagine a life without her, it really wouldn’t be a life. She has taught me so much in these past few weeks" She said. “We wont lose her I wont allow it. We'll keep her safe and protected were the royal guard it’s our duty" She said. “Plus she’s not defenseless she can handle herself.” She said softly.

Valkyrie got off as Amara picked her up letting her head rest on her shoulder as they walked back. She seemed to smile. As they walked back into the house Amara took her to the bed and gently undressed her putting her in her robe as she and Ameiral started to undress. They dressed and Amara put Valkyrie on the bed she laid at Belladonnas feet. As Amara and Ameiral got in they cuddled up to her and fell asleep.

Belladonna woke up in the morning with arms around her. The last thing she remembered was looking at the stars. She smiled as she looked down at Ameiral who was asleep and she felt Amara stirring from behind her. She felt Valkyrie walking up her legs sitting on her legs. She smiled she wondered what they would do today she had an idea and she wiggled out of the twos hold; she dressed silently and went down the stairs she then entered the kitchen looking at what they had. Eggs and meat sounded good for breakfast so she decided to start making that. She was cooking away with Valkyrie and Leoa watching what scraps of fat she cut off the meat she gave them.

Amara opened her eyes as she finally woke she seen the space between her and Ameiral empty she then seen Belladonnas robe hanging up. She wondered where she was and she nudged Ameiral awake she opened her eyes “Where’s is she?” Ameiral asked. “I’m not sure I just awoke" She said. Both got up and dressed and went down stairs there they found her cooking and they let out silent relieved breaths. She looked back seeing them. She smiled “Good morning you two come sit I almost have breakfast finished" She said both nodded going over sitting down Amara noticed she was sipping the drink which was good. Soon she had everything plated up and brought the three plates over she sat a plate down in front of everyone before she fed Leoa and Valkyrie then sat down.

“You didn’t have to make breakfast you should have waited for us” Ameiral said. She smiled “I wanted to surprise both of you" She said softly. “Well a surprise it was, next time please wake one of us we were worried” Amara said. She nodded “I’m sorry" She said as she started to eat. They ate in silence enjoying the food. “Since we slept in we’ll clean up" Ameiral said smiling and you make a mean breakfast" She said laughing. Belladonna laughed “Thank Amara, when I was younger my mothers' let me spend the night with her and in the morning she let me help her" She said. Amara smiled “You always loved helping me in the kitchen when you were younger" She said softly looking back on the memory. Belladonna smiled “While you two clean up do you think I can sit outside I really enjoy the sun" She said. They nodded “Of course just stay by the door" Amara said

Belladonna nodded “I will" She said softly as she finished up the last of her food. She picked up the plate and put it in the sink she then poured another cup of the potion and went outside sitting next to the door with it and Valkyrie. She sat there sipping it thinking hopefully they could go into town. She sat there as Valkyrie sat on her lap she smiled. She felt better with the sun on her skin and then wondered if she could eavesdrop on Amara and Ameiral talking. She closed her eyes focusing she heard nothing. She sighed as she decided to enjoy the sun.

It had been a while out in the sun she had finished the drink and was growing a bit sleepy she felt Valkyrie get up and she rose up as she picked the glass up going inside. She seen them both sitting at the table. She smiled as she sat with them getting a half of a glass of the potion. “Do you want to go into town?” Ameiral asked. Belladonna smiled “I would love to can we Amara?” She asked looking at her. Amara smiled “I don’t see why not" She said smiling. She was excited all the drowsiness gone from her “I thought we could have lunch at the tavern as well I think you’ll like it" Ameiral said. Belladonna nodded as she sipped the drink.

They loaded up in the wagon Leoa and Valkyrie in the back with Belladonna. She sat there watching the scenery she liked the country the life of the city was always fast paced. as they got closer she smiled seeing the town insight. Once they stopped at a building Belladonna jumped out of the back followed by Leoa and Valkyrie. She stretched and followed Amara and Ameiral inside a shop. Belladonna looked around it held different things from weapons to jewelry. “My baby girl" She heard a woman say. She looked up seeing a woman come from behind a work bench she had pink hair like Ameiral and the pointy ears. Her eyes were gold as well. She watched her bring Ameiral into a tight hug that made her smile. “Hey mom it’s like you haven’t seen me in years it’s only been a month in a half" She said hugging her in return.

“It feels like forever, your father said you were in tell me about your friends" She said as she looked at Amara and Belladonna. “Mom give me a second this is Amara of the summer, this is Master Alpha of the Autumn" She said. Her mother was shocked “You mean Amara of the summer the captain of the royal guard. And Master Alpha the wolf of the Autumn “ She asked she seemed visibly excited “Yes mother captain Amara and Master Alpha of Autumn" She said Belladonna didn’t know what to expect next other then she felt herself being pulled into a hug “The guards told us of your fight Master Alpha they say you were impressive" She said. “Thank you but you have to thank Amara I’ve been training with her since I could hold a stick" She said laughing.

“How have you been mom since I’ve been gone?” Ameiral asked. She sighed “Swamped with commissions, the local guard was able to pull money together to get new armor and weapons and I just cant get everything done” She said with a sigh. Belladonna looked up “If you have a forge I can do it. I have training in it. I’m not a master but close enough" She said. “Oh Alpha thank you but I don’t know if I could pay you" She said frowning. “No payment is needed as a Master and knight it is my duty to help those in need of help” She said. “Well… If your are sure getting that out of the way would be a great help" She said. She smiled “It would be an honor to help you" She said. She smiled “Thank you" She said. Ameiral smiled “I’ll help as well" She said. Amara nodded “And I" She said. “Oh girls you make an old woman want to cry" She said hugging them again. Valkyrie was chewing on something and Belladonna leaned down getting it, it was a small piece of snowflake obsidian Valkyrie whined and took it back swallowing it. Belladonna freaked out and then watched as she started to grow blue she started to grow a little. She looked to be a few months older maybe more. “Darling didn’t you know when a wolf like hers is ready to grow they eat the gem” Ameiral mother said “No, I didn’t that’s amazing" She said. “ what is their name their so cute I've seen them far away but never up close" She said. “Her name is Valkyrie “ She replied smiling. Valkyrie ran over licking her face she was happy which made her happy. “Tonight you girls come to dinner I’ll make it like a holiday meal" She said smiling. Ameiral nodded “Alright mom I’m going to continue showing them around we'll be here bright and early in the morning" She said. Her mother hugged them all again before they left.

Ameiral showed them around all the shops and market place she smiled as they went to the tavern for lunch. They sat there laughing as they ate and drank. “Alpha are you sure about helping my mother your still healing” Ameiral said. Amara looked at her concerned as well “I’ll be fine plus it will be good I can teach you more about blacksmithing.” She said. Ameiral nodded “Promise you’ll take breaks" She said. She nodded “I will, promise" She replied. After they ate they were on their way back. Belladonna was exhausted she had so much fun plus they had an excellent lunch. She laid back with Leoa and Valkyrie she smiled as she relaxed she was excited about tomorrow as well. Finally she was able to do something that was physical. The sun made her sleepy as she closed her eyes. Once back she hopped out going to the door Ameiral unlocked its they went in. Amara smiled “I don’t know about you two but I could use a nap" She said yawning. Belladonna nodded “I second that" She replied yawning.

Ameiral smiled “Let’s take a nap" She said. They went up the stairs to the bedroom Belladonna got in the middle. Amara at her back and Ameiral at her front as they put there arms around her. She closed her eyes “That was fun but I cant wait for tomorrow to be able to do something" She said. “Just rest now dear" Amara said as she nuzzled into her back and Ameiral under her chin. Belladonna fell asleep first then Ameiral Amara was starting to doze when she felt Belladonna shake she opened her eyes. She watched her for a moment Belladonna was indeed shaking. She knew from when she was young she was having a nightmare. She rubbed soothing circles in her back and started to whisper in her ear that everything was fine and they were both there.

Belladonna started to calm down and she kept it up till she was still again before drifting off to sleep. When Belladonna opened her eyes she was alone in the bed other the Valkyrie she rubbed the sleep front her eyes and seen Ameiral at the mirror putting something away. “Hey" She said softly, Ameiral turned smiling “Did I wake you if so I’m sorry" She said. Belladonna shook her head “ Nope woke on my own" She said smiling.

She rose up and started to stretch “Where is Amara?” She asked. “Making more of the potion for you she wants to get a few jugs fixed for tomorrow and when we help mom" She said smiling. Belladonna smiled as she got up “I cant wait to help" She said. She walked over and smiled “How are you feeling?” Ameiral asked Belladonna smiled “Much better after a nap" She replied as she wrapped her arms around Ameiral “How was your nap?” She asked. Ameiral smiled “Just what I needed as well" She said smiling. Belladonna nodded as she stood straight again “So how far is your family estate?” She asked “Not very far actually I think you'll like it" She replied.

[ficsandcatsandficsandcats]

Just thought of another idea for the Punk!AU 😊 How about the reader heavily pregnant, and is doing some last minute baby shopping with her mom, and she goes into labour in the shopping mall, but Jaskier and the band are doing a gig, and the reader’s mom phones Jaskier ranting to him, to get there quickly, as his wife is in labour, and there’s basically these hilarious things going on, like people giving the reader funny looks, whilst she’s on the floor, and things like that.

Fandom: The Witcher Pairing: Punk!Jaskier x Reader, Punk!Geralt x Punk!Yennefer, Punk!Valdo x Punk!Aevryn Word Count: 1,841 Rating: T Taglist: @heroics-and-heartbreak @whatevermonkey @mynamesoundslikesherlock @magic-multicolored-miracle @writingstudent @mlleecrivaine @coffee-and-stories @ultracolorfulnerdcollection @astouract @your-not-invisible-to-me @kemmastan @mycat-is-mylove @amirahiddleston a/n: I toyed with the prompt a bit but I hope you still like the result. Thank you!

The first thought you had as the contraction hit was Jaskier is never going to let this go.

Just that morning he’d fretted over you wanting to go to the grocery store. You insisted on going, in part because you were determined to prove that you weren’t an invalid and in part because you were going insane sitting in the house waiting for a baby who was taking her sweet time coming. He’d almost gone with you but you’d put your foot down here as well, reminding him that he needed to work on sound editing with the group in the studio and that if anything happened (which, you so arrogantly insisted it wouldn’t) he wouldn’t be far away.

You clutched the rack of onesies as a second contraction hit and you started to quietly talk to the baby.

“Sam, don’t do this. Not now. Not in a Target. I know we don’t know each other much yet but just do your mom this favor, ok kiddo?” you pleaded.

Then your water broke.

“Already taking your dad’s side I see,” you muttered as you pulled out your phone. Jaskier answered halfway through the first ring.

“Y/N? What’s happening?” he asked in a panicked voice. You had a moment of pure stubbornness where you considered saying everything was fine and just trying to keep it together till you got home but while you were still having this admittedly ridiculous thought another contraction hit.

“Y/N are you alright? I heard a strange noise,” Jaskier asked as you tried to stifle your pained cry.

“Let me have the phone,” you heard a voice said and then Geralt was on the line, “Y/N? Is it time?”

“Yes,” you bit out.

“Where are you?” he asked, his voice low and calm.

“Target. 2nd Avenue. Hurry.”

“We’re not far, we’ll be there soon. It’s going to be ok.”

-----

“What the fresh hell is this?” Jaskier cried, kicking at the flat tire of his car, regretting his choice to have them all carpool for inner city travel. Geralt pulled up Uber while Yennefer made a call, not bothering to take the time to discuss it with Jaskier though she doubted even he would care if this meant getting them to Y/N on time.

“Valdo?” Yennefer said into the phone, Geralt and Jaskier both looking over to her in surprise, “Where are you right now? Y/N’s in labor and Jaskier’s car has a flat tire.”

“I knew we should have taken Roach,” Geralt muttered under his breath.

“Target. I know, he tried to tell her but she’s stubborn. Which are you closer to? Get her first, we’ll find a way there. Yes I’m sure. Ok bye.”

Jaskier stared at Yennefer expectantly.

“Well? What’s happening?”

“Valdo is closer to Y/N, he’s going to pick her up and take her to the hospital. We’re going to meet them there, Geralt have you found an uber?”

“Five minutes away,” he answered.

-----

“Yes love we’re on our way there now. Breathe with me, alright?”

Jaskier guided you through the phone from the back of the little Prius that had gathered them. Geralt sat in the back with him, knees pressed up nearly into his chest while Yennefer texted someone hurriedly. You stood outside of the Target leaning against one of the decorative cement balls, glaring at anyone who walked by you and so much as gave you a second glance.

“Where is Valdo?” you asked miserably, and then you saw him. Well, you saw a pitch black Tesla come careening around a corner, deftly avoiding shopping carts and lamp posts. The moment the car came to a stop, Valdo jumped out, already opening the doors with his key fob.

“Hello mummy to be, let’s get you inside,” he said in a voice that was forcibly calm but you could see a little bit of panic in the usually unflappable emerald eyes. You let him guide you into the car, seizing his hand in a death grip as another contraction hit. He gently rubbed circles into your back until the moment passed and moved around to the other side of the car before shaking out his possibly fractured hand. As soon as the door closed and you were buckled in, he set off. You heard a strange shouting noise.

“Is the radio on?” you asked.

“No but it can be,” Valdo answered, already reaching for the dial. You glanced down and realized the sound you heard was Jaskier, still on the phone.

“Oh shit! Hey, babe, hey I’m sorry,” you said.

“What’s happening?” Jaskier asked, “We’re at the hospital, where are you?”

“Valdo just picked me up, we’re on our way now.”

“Y/N love would you put me on speaker phone?” Jaskier asked, his voice just a tad too calm. You were in no mood to argue so you hit the button and clenched the side of the car as another contraction broke.

“Valdo Marx you listen to me. Rivalry aside, the people in that car are everything I’ve got and if any harm comes to either one of them I don’t care how much Aevryn loves you, I will end you,” Jaskier said, his voice a dark, dangerous hiss.

“If something happens to either of them Aevryn will end me first,” Valdo replied simply, “Now keep your pants on, we’re pulling up soon. Grab a wheelchair.”

“I already have one,” Jaskier said.

“Excellent, see you soon.”

-----

The moment you pulled up you could see Geralt, Yennefer, and Jaskier already waiting with a wheelchair, each with excited, anxious smiles and no small amount of relief. Jaskier opened the door and pulled you into his arms for just an instant and you embraced him tightly.

“Jaskier I’m scared,” you whispered into his ear.

“I know, my love, but I’m not,” he lied, pressing a soft kiss to your temple, “We’re all here. You’re not going through this alone. Well, you are in some very important ways but we have your back.”

“Where’s-”

“Y/N!”

You had just sat in your wheelchair when you saw Aevryn and Win running up to the doors. Aevryn had gone to pick up Win the moment Valdo told her what was going on, knowing you’d want your best friend with you as much as anyone else.

“Alright, I have the push playlist, I have the chocolate, let’s go have a baby,” Win exclaimed.

One of the benefits of being the wife of a famous musician was you got seen quickly. You would have felt guilty about this but you felt that nothing could happen soon enough. The beauty of the room was totally lost on you as you asked every person wearing scrubs who walked by you where the drugs were. It got to the point where Jaskier was worried they were going to UA you but fortunately this was a common response and after a much shorter period of time than it felt you were sitting leaned forward as they administered the epidural.

“It’s a shame Aevryn isn’t in here, she’d have found this fascinating,” Jaskier said, keeping his eyes firmly away from what was going on with your spine and focusing instead on holding your hand and helping you stay calm. You hated needles and it was a testament to how much pain you were in that you’d been so excited when you saw them bring it in.

Once you were gently placed back against the bed Win went to get you some ice and give you and Jaskier a moment alone.

“This might be our last moments before we’re parents. Well, before she’s really here,” you mused.

“I suppose so,” Jaskier said, pressing a soft kiss against the hand he gripped tightly, “Any last things you want to do before she’s here? Our options are sort of limited. Perhaps building a house out of popsicle sticks or prank calling someone?”

“No,” you said with a little smile, shaking your head, “I just want this. You and me.”

His soft blue eyes gazed into yours adoringly and he squeezed your hand a little tighter.

“Well you’ve got it. You’ve got me.”

“Jaskier?”

“Hmm?”

“I think she’s coming.”

-----

The next half hour was a blur of action. Doctors and nurses pressing you up into stirrups, Win holding her phone aloft playing the music, Jaskier helping you breathe, your eyes focusing on his when they weren’t screwed up tight in concentration as you pushed. In one moment there was the sound of Jaskier’s voice and the doctor’s coaching and Push It by Salt n Pepa and then there just one thing – the clear, loud cry of a baby entering the world. She was placed against your chest and you could vaguely hear Jaskier saying something, vaguely aware that you were crying but your focus was wholly on the tiny, messy, squishy baby in your arms. She was taken to be cleaned up and your eyes fell back to Jaskier. You’d never seen him so happy and in awe and utterly, deeply in love.

“You made that,” he said.

“Fuck yeah I did,” you answered proudly. Win left to tell the rest of the group and by the time they were allowed in she was clean and wrapped up tight in a lavender colored blanket, a little matching cap for her head. Aevryn clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from squealing when she saw her. Geralt walked over to Jaskier’s side as Yen went to yours and Valdo and Win hovered a little bit by the door, not wanting to overcrowd the room and giving them all a chance to meet her.

“Well, I know you’ve been wondering what we’re going to name her,” Jaskier said. You saw Valdo open his mouth, could almost hear him proudly crowing that he already knew her name, and you shot him a look that made him close his mouth quickly.

“Everyone, meet Aksamitka Geralta Pankratz,” he said. Yennefer looked from the baby to Geralt with a soft smile and if the man’s eyes got a little misty, no one felt the need to comment on it.

“So are we going with a nickname or…” you heard Win ask.

“Sam,” you answered. Win tried not to look relieved and you couldn’t blame her. It was a mouthful of a name but you had no doubt she would more than live up to it. Sam made a little snuffling noise, tiny fist rubbing against her nose and then her brow furrowed and her eyes squinted open, glaring out into the world uncertainly. Her eyes were a pale, ocean blue and the little bit of fuzzy hair on her head was a very light brown that you knew would darken to match that on the man who now held her and gazed into her eyes. You weren’t sure when you fell asleep but when you woke up Jaskier was sitting next to you on the bed singing quietly into the bassinet and you fell back asleep with a smile on your face.

[wantstoflyafraidtofall]

Chapter 1: Afternoon Shadows

Send an ask if you want to be in the tag list for this fic!

---

The car rolled up the crunchy gravel driveway and came to a slow stop in front of the house. Dean took the keys out of the ignition and turned off the radio before getting out of the car and grabbing his bags from the trunk.

The house was old and relatively large with 4 bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom. Large stone steps led up to a set polished dark oak doors, set with intricate stained glass windows. On either side of the door stretched a porch with an overhang held up by thick, sandstone composite pillars.

The wood of the porch creaked as Dean walked across it. The key easily slid into and turned the lock in the handleset knob. The door gracefully swung open to reveal a large open atrium with a library off to the left through a set of glass paned french doors and a living room to the right through a large arch.

Stairs were set in the center back of the atrium that rose to a landing before splitting in separate directions. A large crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, lighting both the entryway and hall balconies above.

Two doors were on either side of the stairs. One led down a hallway with 3 rooms--a half bath, laundry and mudroom that had a door to the back yard, and the door to the cellar. The other door led into the kitchen. The kitchen had yet another door that led into a bright sunroom with skylights and shelves set into the walls.

None of the lights in the house were on but it was beautifully lit by the natural light seeping through the windows.

Dean picked up his duffles from where he set them on the porch while unlocking the door and carried them up the stairs. He went up the right staircase and chose the room at the end of the hall.

There was already a bed in the room but other than kitchen appliances, beds, and laundry machines, the house was unfurnished. The moving truck was on its way with the rest of the furniture Dean bought for the house when he first visited it.

A rumble and crunch of gravel alerted Dean that the moving truck(speak of the devil) was here. A few young men hopped out of the truck and began pulling out the furniture. After about 20 minutes, everything had been moved into the house and placed where Dean had directed.

Boxes were stacked up in messy towers in most rooms. Dean walked into the library and opened one of the larger boxes. It was filled with books given to him throughout the years by friends and family but mostly Sam.

Dean would never admit to it, but he enjoyed a good book. Sam saw right through his lies and brought him all sorts of books.

Dean left the box open and walked over to the walnut book shelves set into the walls. He ran his fingers over the polished wood, leaving trails in the dust that had accumulated on the shelves in the absence of books.

He wiped his hand on his jeans and walked to the kitchen. Smaller brown boxes were scattered around the room on the counters and floor. He grabbed the one labeled ‘fridge’ and pulled off the tape holding it shut.

Inside the box were some magnets and a few pictures. He pulled them out one at a time. First a picture of his brother, Sammy, and his wife, Jess, sitting in the yard with their dog, Bones. A picture of Mary smiling in the afternoon sun. Pictures of His father, Bobby, Sammy, and Dean himself laughing together or fishing or fixing up a car.

After pinning all the pictures to the fridge with some magnets, he reached what he was looking for. He pulled out the pad of sticky notes and a pen-- both had magnets attached to them so they would hang on the refrigerator-- and started his To-Do list.

Dust

Unpack boxes

Groceries

Call Bobby

Dean fished his phone out of his pocket and found Bobby in his contacts, pressing the call button.

After Dean's mother died, John drowned his sorrows in alcohol. He would release Hell’s fury on Dean and Dean took it to keep Sammy safe. When Bobby found out he became his and Sam's father figure, having them move into his house and help with the cars in his shop.

Bobby picked up after 3 rings

“Hello?”

“Hey Bobby. I'm at the house, gonna start unpacking tomorrow.”

“Is everything fine down there?”

“Yup. Tell Ellen thanks for me will ya? She’s too good to me.”

“Of course and we will do anything for ya idjits.”

“You said she got this house from a relative in their will right?”

“Sure did. Her great aunt left a little somethin’ to all her great nieces and nephews. She really loved Ellen so she gave her the house but only bits of her money to the rest.”

“Well it's damn lucky she has such a good family and that you and her got each other. I've gotta head out and get some food before I starve to death in this place. Thanks again, Bobby.”

“No problem, and Dean, take care of yourself.”

Dean ended the call, placing his phone on the counter with a sigh. As soon as he moved to go get his keys, his phone began to ring again. He looked at the screen name and answered.

“Hiya Sammy. Calling to check up on me?”

“Yes and No. I actually have a… favor to ask.”

Dean paused for a moment, wondering what kind of favor was making his brother so nervous to ask him about before replying. “Whatcha need?”

“I have a friend who just finished college and is out of a house. He is near your area and that house is big enough to fit the both of you so would it be ok if he stayed there till he finds a decent apartment?”

Dean never keeps people close in fear of becoming too attached and losing them or being hurt by them. He has such a burden -- courtesy of his father --  that people who become too close to him have to help bear. But it's not like this friend of Sams is going to be staying that long and Sams right, the house is big. If Deans being honest, the house was a bit lonely and it would be nice to not be alone. Maybe it won't be so bad to have another warm body in the house.

“Sure thing, Sammy. Can you, uh, tell me who he is and when he’s coming?”

“That's great! His name is Castiel Novak and he will be coming in about three days. He’s nice and quiet and won’t bother you much. You need some more people in that big house anyway you will get lonely and depre-”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, don’t make me take back my choice.” Dean grumbled.

“Ok, I'll tell him. Make sure you clean up a bit before he gets there.”

“Don't worry mom, I can take care of myself.”

Dean hung up the phone for a second time and decided to put it in his pocket in case anyone else wants to bother him on his grocery run. He should get extra food for this Castiel guy. Odd name, huh?

He grabs the keys of a box sitting in the entryway and locks the large doors behind him before almost bouncing down the steps to his car.

Deans Black 1967 Chevy Impala had been left with Bobby at his shop while Dean moved. Baby is Dean's pride and joy. They way her engine purrs when he rides down the street and Led Zeppelin blasting through her speakers filled him with joy.

The ride to the store was short and there weren't any people in the small building other than himself and a rather bored looking cashier. He grabbed all of the food he needed for the next few days and a six-pack of beer and put them in his cart.

The cashier began to scan his items, glancing up at his face a few times before asking, “I've never seen you around before, are you moving into the old Fletcher house?”

“Uh, yeah. I am.”

The kashier -- kevin according to his nametag -- nodded as he finished scanning the items.

“Im Kevin, by the way,” The cashier looked back up at Dean and held out his hand.

“Dean,” He said before shaking his hand, “You look a bit young to be a year round employee, are you in school?”

“I'm in advanced placement at the college a few towns over.”

“Well nice to meetcha Kevin.”

“Uh huh, yup. Have a nice night, here’s your card.” He handed back Dean’s card before going back to looking extremely bored.

Dean loaded the groceries in the trunk and drove back to the Fletcher House, as Kevin had called it, the gravel crackling under Baby’s tires.

By the time Dean finished unloading the groceries and eating his extravagant dinner consisting of cereal and some beer when he was done, it was already 9:30. He sighed and went upstairs to his room to get ready for bed.

He changed his shirt and boxers for a clean pair and threw his dirty clothes over in the corner by a dresser Sam got him when he decided to get his own house. He had been living with Sam and his girlfriend Jess ever since he got his knee shot and was deemed “unfit for duty”.

Dean was in the military for 5 years as a Marine, just like his father, until he got hit with a bullet right in his knee while deployed. It never healed properly causing him to have a weak knee and enough reason to be sent home.

The bathroom was large with a white tiled floor and shower. The sink was set in the center of the granite counter top in front of a large, frameless, mirror.

Dean turned the water on and wetted his toothbrush before putting a decent sized glob of toothpaste on it. He brushed his teeth and spit out the minty foam. He turned the water back on and watched as the water washed the used toothpaste down the drain.

He looked up at the mirror, still bent over the sink. Standing in the doorway was a dark, shadowy figure. Dean whipped around to face the shadow but the door was empty. He turned back to the mirror, the doorway still empty, and rinsed of his toothbrush and set it on the counter.

Dean walked over to his bed and curled up under the duvet. He really needs to sleep more, he needs to get himself together before his housemate gets here. Castiel . This guy sounds like he’s going to be a little stuck up but it’s only temporary and even bad company is better than none.

He fell asleep. Unaware of the shadow watching him from the corner of the room.

[imzadi-caskett-huddy]

House, M.D. Fanfic (7/?)

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to leave a note on my story. I hope you continue to enjoy my kind of rewrite and/or additions to certain episodes! As always, I don't own House. If I did, Lisa Edelstein would have gotten the respect she deserved contact wise for a season 8.

As stated in previous chapters, the story follows the big picture laid out on the show, but with my own take on things. This chapter picks back up with the show storyline in the beginning of season 3. I did use a bit of dialogue from the episode, but I definitely added and rewrote some stuff too. I also left out all the medical dialogue House spouted off at Cuddy's bedroom window because I'm not a medical professional and had no idea how to spell it or write it, lol.

Thanks to @love-hope-faith-feels-like-a-lie on Tumblr for reading my ideas and providing positive feedback! Anything in the way of feedback is always appreciated! Enjoy!

xxxxx

"Did you really ask out Dr. Cameron?" Cuddy asked when he stepped into her office.

"Would you have a problem if I did?"

She just looked at him incredulously. Was he serious? "Why would you think I would be okay with that?!"

"Why wouldn't you be?" he shrugged.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe because you're already sleeping with me!" she hissed, careful to keep her voice down. The last thing she wanted was for anyone at the hospital to hear that they actually were sleeping together. She knew they were always fodder for the rumor mill, but she wasn't about to confirm it for them.

"Threesomes are sexy. And a lot of fun. You'd like it," he smirked, heading for the door since he figured that was all this conversation was about.

"House!"

"Relax. I asked her out to make a point. I'm not interested in sleeping with anyone else," he said opening the door.

"What if she'd said yes?"

He shrugged. "I wouldn't have gone. You are a slave driver in the bedroom. You think I have time or energy for another one?" He grinned smugly before leaving.

xxxxx

"I can help him."

"That's it? That's your argument?"

"Seems like a good one." Why was helping someone suddenly not a good enough reason for Cuddy? Or Wilson? Or anyone else?

"If I thought for a second that you wanted to help him, you'd have carte blanche. You're doing this because it's...fun."

"Does nobody in this hospital have anything better to talk about than my motives? My motives have nothing to do with the case."

"Your motives have everything to do with your judgement."

"For the first time in years, I've got no opiods in my body, now you question my judgement? Is this still about asking Cameron out? Because I told you, that was to prove a point. Right now, jealousy has everything to do with your judgement."

"I'm not jealous of Cameron! House, 24 times a year you come storming into my office spouting that you can help someone, only you never say those words. You say something like, 'His pancreas is going to explode because his brain is on fire.' You come here with medicine, not with platitudes."

"I didn't want to bore you with the details."

"There are no details. You have a hunch. House, you don't use hunches. You always have reasons. This hospital doesn't exist for your whims. I'm sorry. As of 7AM tomorrow morning, I'm sending your patient home."

"I can help him!" he insisted.

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't think you can. Because I don't think anything new is wrong with him. This is just you trying to make a puzzle out of something that isn't there."

He felt like he'd just been sucker punched in the gut. She didn't trust him on the medicine. She had never doubted him before. Sure, she'd said no plenty of times to procedures that were... questionable... she had argued with him when she didn't always agree with him. She'd never outright doubted him. That stung. And he couldn't help but wonder if the lack of pain in his leg, the lack of Vicodin in his system had caused him to see something that wasn't there.

xxxxx

"So yeah, his brain is on fire." He stood outside her bedroom window like a teenage boy hoping to sneak in.

She shook her head as she got him a towel, handing out to him once he climbed inside. "Next time use the front door."

"The guy will have sex with his wife again. He'll hug his kid again." He took the towel and began to wipe his face and neck.

"House, you have no proof. No scar tissue on the scans. This is some wild theory that came to you while sweating and running into the university pool."

"Fountain. And it all fits. Just inject him with cortisol. There is no risk if I'm wrong." He studied her reaction and knew she wasn't biting. "You're smiling. That's a bad sign."

She nodded. "You're high."

"I told you, I haven't had anything in three months. You've been with me most of that time. You know I haven't taken anything."

"This is as high as you get. A theory that ties your case up in a neat little bow, but you don't have a lick of substantiating proof."

"Your decision doesn't make any sense," he said, clearly frustrated. "There is no risk to a cortisol injection. If I'm wrong, big deal. He goes home a vegetable, like he already is. But if I'm right..."

"This is not about downsides or risk management. It is a big deal for you to understand the word no." She sighed softly. "I'm sorry, House."

He breathed deeply and released it slowly, moving to sit on her bed and toss his towel beside him. She frustrated him to no end, but she was right. He wouldn't admit it to her right then, but as his boss, she was right to tell him no. He really had nothing to go on. No medical reason other than it fit. He couldn't do this, couldn't be the great doctor he had been without the leg pain.

She moved to sit next to him, placing a hand lightly on his back. "Do you want to talk?" she offered.

"No."

"Do you want to stay?"

He thought about it for a moment. He didn't have his bike, and he didn't really feel like running home. "Yeah, it's late."

"You don't say," she offered a small smile, picking up the towel and dropping it into his lap. "Go shower and dry off. You're getting my bed wet. And you smell like a locker room." She gave him a gentle shove to his feet then.

He took his time on the shower, both cooling off and working through everything on his head. Did he really need the pain to be great at his job? Was he really so far off base that she didn't trust his ability anymore?

She was half asleep when he came out of her bathroom with a towel around his waist. "You've got some clothes in the top drawer," she murmured. "I washed the ones you left here, " she added, seemingly answering his question before he could even ask it.

He simply nodded and pulled them on, leaving his wet towel on the floor.

"If you want to get in this bed, the towel goes back in the bathroom." She didn't even have to open her eyes to see the towel on the floor.

He just looked at her for a moment before picking it up and tossing it toward the bathroom.

"In the hamper, House," she murmured.

Once again he just stared at her a moment. How the hell did she know without even opening her eyes? "The force is strong with you," he murmured, going to put the towel in the hamper so she would let him in bed.

[alitaimagines]

request: “so I’ve read all of your pregnancy scenarios and I was wondering if you have enough 2p! italy. I’m a whore for mafia luci and I wanted one where she runs away and he looks for her and after a year, he finds her with the baby and he decides to win her back? fluff ending tho, thanks!” 

luciano vargas (2p! Italy) x fem! reader

fandom: hetalia (Requests open)

You weren’t supposed to be wrangled into the mafia life. It wasn’t your intention at all but you had met Luciano by accident. You were out shopping for stuff that you needed for your house and met your soon boyfriend.

Luci was charismatic, funny, stoic yet approachable. You were also someone he didn’t want to let go just yet. Considering what he did for a living and how well he did it, Luci was hardly around people so innocent. He was able to tell that you weren’t exactly in tune with your surrounding and he was going to use that. 

“Amore, what do you say about dinner tonight?” Luci said as he kissed your hand. “I’ll have the best of my men prepare us dinner tonight. Say what you’ll want and I’ll have it done.” 

Luci noticed that you hesitated but a smile appeared on your face, “Sure, I’ll give you my number and text me for a time.” You whipped out a sharpie from your purse and wrote down your number on his arm. You finished the signature with a heart which made Luciano’s heart flutter. 

//

After a few more dates, you started putting bits and pieces together. Luciano hardly took you out on dates in the public and if he did, he’d do it with multiple people around the two of you. You didn’t want to believe that Luciano ran the fucking mafia but it would be ridiculous of you to turn a blind eye to it. 

You were getting a lot of expensive things in the mail and things that the normal commoner wasn’t able to afford. Depending on the dates, Luciano would have his brother, Flavio, make you something cute and sexy for a date. You would blush at how revealing some of the dresses were but you complied and wore them. 

Finally after the thought would not leave your head, you finally decided it was time to ask him. 

You had a date with Luciano at his house. It was planned for really late in the evening and while you didn’t mind it, you weren’t exactly in the mood to be staying up until a random hour in the night. 

You put on one of Luciano’s favorite dresses. It was a deep red dress with a slit down the middle. You paired it with black heels and dark makeup. You knew with the conversation that you were planning to have, you knew it wouldn’t be exactly right to have bright colors on. 

One of Luciano’s men drove you to his house. You were beyond the point of getting blind folded and even struck up a friendship with one of Luciano’s right hand man. He was a german boy with an accent that made it very hard to comprehend what he said at times. 

Once you got to the Vargas household, you were escorted to higher level in the house. It was the same details although this time, he was holding the date in a different room. The view outside was beautiful and you were immediately mesmerized by the sight. 

“Bella, is something wrong?” Luciano asked as he held your hand. “I could see that you hardly have touched your food.” 

You sighed, “Luciano, I really like you but I have a question. I hope it isn’t disrespectful nor rude but do you run the fucking Italian mafia? I have theories that you may considering all of the measurements you have to do to keep yourself safe in the public. This doesn’t change anything but I just can’t get the stupid thought out of my head.” 

He belted out a laugh as he stood you up, “It is something that needs to be brought, no?” 

Luciano walked you down a few flight of stairs, being a gentleman that he was, he gave you his shoes once he realized that you were getting tired. You got to the basement and noticed multiple men dressed in black suits doing various things. 

“If you’re going to be mine, you should know what I do.” And with that, he told you about EVERYTHING. How you ran the biggest mafia in Italy, what he exactly did, and now that the two of you were serious, you had a lot of secrets to hide. 

From that point on, he would take you to meetings, dates in other countries, all of that. Luciano didn’t mind having you sit down on his lap during meetings, basically as a show to other men and what they were missing out on. You found it a bit embarrassing but it did amuse you at times 

The sex was banging. He showed you sex that your ex’s wish they could have shown you. Every time it was different and it usually ended with you passed out asleep as Luciano had a cigar hanging loosely from his lips. 

One night, the two of you were celebrating a huge deal that Luciano had closed. He was over the moon excited and he ran immediately to you. The night was filled with passionate love-making and sweet nothings. It was one of the best nights of your life and Luciano was able to say the same. 

A month had passed and you were sitting on your bed as tears prickled your eyes. The pregnancy test read positive and you knew your pregnancy gut feeling was right. You did love Luciano, you really did, but you didn’t know if you wanted to raise your child in a household filled with mafia members. 

You had spoken to a wife of a mafia member and asked for her help. She told you that when she was pregnant with her first child, she left her husband for a year to raise the baby. The first year was crucial to an infant and considering the lifestyle the two of you were in, you should leave for a year. 

You followed the advice and ran away. You left a note explaining everything to Luciano along with the pregnancy test and left. The first night after not sleeping with Luciano was the hardest. 

//

You woke up to your twins crying from hunger. You kissed both of their heads and trudged down the stairs with them as you had already pre-made their milks. The house you were living in was complete shit compared to how you were living with Luciano but you knew the lifestyle didn’t fit the life you wanted for your babies. 

“I need to get food.  We’re almost out of vegetables!” You said as you strapped on the double-sided baby carriers. You plopped your son on the front and your daughter on the back. “We need to make the trip quick, it looks like it may rain.” 

You ran to the store around the corner and seen the familiar store manager. She waved you a good morning as you grabbed the shopping cart. For a while, you were doing your usual routine, grabbing fruits and veggies before you heard a squeal from the manager. 

You snuck around the corner and seen very familiar faces. The town knew what the mafia could do and everyone in the store as well as outside had petrified looks. 

“We mean no trouble but have you seen this woman?” Luciano’s silky voice said as he whipped out a photo of you. The manager shook her head no but you knew if you continued to hide, they’d tear down the entire store looking for you. 

You gave a big sigh before revealing yourself, “Vargas, did you really need to bring all of them?” 

Luciano ran to you and immediately kissed you. The store manager sighed in relief and slowly got back to what she was doing. Luciano immediately noticed the babies on your body and knew they were his. They both had the familiar curl and darkened colored hair. 

“Follow me.” You stated as you put the basket on the belt. As you were about to take out your card, Luciano being the clown he was, took out the wad of cash and gave the clerk more than enough money. 

As you walked out of the small store, Luciano snapped his fingers and his men grabbed the bags from your hands. By the time you made it back to your tiny apartment, your babies had fallen asleep. 

You silently laid Luciano and Laura in their respective cribs before heading back to Luciano. He was scanning the photos on the furniture. Most of them were of you and the kids but the one that struck him was the photo of you and him. He couldn’t remember when the photo was taken but he was holding you by the waist and kissing the top of your forehead as you were smiling. 

“How did you find me?” You said quietly as you shoved a small cup of coffee to him. “I never gave anyone my address.” 

Luciano laughed, “Mi amore, I know more than you think but why? Why did you leave me?” 

“Luci, you really think that our children should be raised that way?” You asked as tears threatened to escape. “Our babies deserve be surrounded by love. Not by guns and men who could snap at any moment.” 

Luciano ran a hang through his hair, “Amore, they’re my children too. I deserve to see them just as you get too.” 

Luciano had a point. You went to sit down but before he could, he pulled you down on his lap. He started to kiss down your neck knowing this always made you weak. You quietly moaned but before he could do anything else, you pushed away. 

“Luci, no. We need to talk about this.” Luciano nodded as he tightened his grip on your waist. “What if we build another house. Next door to ours and it’s strictly for our little ones. No men, just you and I. How does that sound? We could even put up a private fence.” 

You knew you were going to cave because it didn’t sound like a bad deal. You thought about it some more and as you were going answer, Luciano started to kiss your neck. 

“The babies, they’re going to wake soon and they’re going to be hungry.” You said as you jumped out of his lap and went to make them milk. Luciano wrapped his arms around your waist as he seen you pour the powder. “What are their names?” 

You smiled, “Our son, the first born, is named Luciano. Our daughter, born five minutes after, is named Laura. They’re going to be three months soon.” 

You were able to tell that Luciano was getting teary eyed on the thought that you named his son after him. Hearing the cry of your daughter, Luciano darted to the second room and seen the fragile baby crying. He picked her up, making sure the neck was stable enough, and shushed her as you got into the room. 

You gave Luciano the milk as you grabbed your son before he could start crying. Luciano looked at the three of you and smiled internally. He might have not had the ideal job for someone like you but he loved you. He was never going to let you go and now knowing that you had gave birth to his children, he was more than sure he would never let you leave again. 

“We can move your things back to our house tomorrow and get a contractor to start building us a new house as well.” Luciano stated as he carefully bent down to give you a kiss. You nodded and leaned into him as you felt your own eyes drifting off to sleep. 

-ALITA

[7deadlycinderellas]

In the bleak midwinter

AO3 link

Despite the others no longer being a threat, it was still a long winter, and possibly the coldest Westeros had seen in living memory.

Even King’s Landing becomes blanketed in snow and ice, though not heavily enough to stop the carts coming in and out, the trade and struggle of its people, who’s memory of so recently being burned is still too close to the surface.

It’s King sits on his throne, as cold and unfeeling as the season.

Or so it’s citizens see.

Bran had been stuck as the cold and unfeeling raven for so long that it is easy to keep the face on, and let them believe that’s what he still is.

It’s only behind closed doors, with those closest to him. His hand, Tyrion Lannister, and the head of his Kingsguard, Ser Brienne of Tarth. The grand maester and his wife and children. It was only with these whom he felt he could let himself be seen, the Bran Stark who had been lost for so long.

It was better that way, Bran thought. No matter how overwhelmingly glad he is to have himself back, that’s not what Westeros needed from their King. They needed someone staid, unmovable. Someone without passion or anger or bloodlust. And if his manner was off putting, then maybe they would learn to only seek his aid when it was truly needed. And those times would come less and less often.

And maybe someday, they would not need him at all, and he could be done with all of this. They would realize they did not need a king to sit above them and decide what they needed. And that damned throne, and all the bloodshed it caused, could die with him.

He dreams, endlessly, of when that day will come.

But now, in the depths of winter, he sits upon his chilly throne, and stands stolid, the king of the ice and snow.

And sometimes, he finds himself in the Godswood. He doesn’t come here much now, not since that one sweet, far day, but today he locks his wheels underneath the still-red leaves of the weirwood, and checks on the others he holds dear.

There is, within the Red Keep, a room with two small beds which is on paper, Gilly’s. She has never slept there.

Right now, her and Sam sit at the desk in the grand Maester’s chambers, pouring over paperwork and whispering. Little Sam sits upon the bed, playing with his younger sister without a care.

“It’s a good idea,” Sam admits, “But I don’t know if people will go for it.”

“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” Gilly insists, “You remember what it meant to me.”

Bran smiles. It had been the same day that they had asked him to come with them to the Godswood that they had told him of their plans.

 “It’s just there’s so much of this place that isn’t being used…” Sam had trailed off. This as true, the rebuilt Red Keep having whole wings which were not in use.

    “And really it isn’t fair for them to keep everything to themselves in Oldstown.” Gilly had added. Truthfully, Bran hadn’t felt any guilt at letting Sam break the maester’s vow. What happened in the Godswood was between the gods and them. It would never go down on paper, and Sam and Gilly knew it.

 But what did that matter to them?

And after, they sent little Sam, now nearly as tall as his father, out into the streets near the keep, to find the other children. And now, every moon or so, in one of the rebuilt buildings near a gate that goes mostly unguarded, scores of children meet, boys and girls, street rats and merchant’s children alike. They reach the keep leaving their footsteps in the snow, and wearing their thickest wool, and come to learn their letters and their numbers, and how to tie a snare and a bowline.

And, for now, they are thinking and planning about what else they could teach them.

Ser Brienne is on guard duty this night. She stands her perch with poise. Bran sometimes wonders if she had ever dreamed of this life, even if she never spoke of it. It was a coveted position, but one that was doomed to loneliness. Sometimes he thinks he should release her, allow to travel North to serve Sansa again, that they might both have a friend. Selfishly, he knows he depends too much on her.

In his own chambers in the tower of the Hand (though much smaller than the one previous), Tyrion Lannister writes a letter.

The friendship that lingered between the Hand and his former wife was truly a sight to behold. Perhaps the man, having lost what was left of his own family, clung to something that might not have been perfect, but was honest in it’s own way. It seemed Tyrion, much like Bran, often feared Sansa was lonely in Winterfell.

But the truth is, Sansa is too busy to be lonely.

Even in the depths of frozen winter, the North did not grind to a halt. Roads still had to be cleared, animals fed and watered, stores kept an eye on. And the Queen in the North presided over all of this.

And on it’s own, the North can thrive.

Tonight, Sansa is sitting by the fire in her solar, reading. Her hair hangs loose down her back and in her night dress, she is in a state no one but those closest to her has ever seen. Tomorrow she will be taking petitions, and then finding accommodations for a group of orphans.

Orphans have been a special problem in the north it turns out. So many died in the war for the dawn, they are everywhere. And it’s not just the number, it’s that so much still needs to be done. Repairs are ongoing, even this nearly ten years later.

It had been the first decree Sansa had made as queen. Orphaned children would be placed in apprenticeships, cost paid by Winterfell, and would be placed either with families or allowed to shelter in groups. No children would die huddling for warmth on a village street while Sansa was Queen in the North. Sometimes she thinks of what Jon told her once, about how many groups of the Free Folk treated the children as if they belonged to all of them, and wonders if there was anything to convince her northerners to take this view.

But tonight, the Queen simply reads a letter from the north, then snuffed out her candle and went to bed.

The letter she reads come from far north of Winterfell. Jon sent it from the last Free Folk settlement he had been to, the bird that carried it is huge and sharp-beaked; the only raven to travel north of the Wall.

Bran’s heart aches at the sight of his brother-cousin. Though the devastation has finally begun to fade from his eyes after all this time, his appearance still belies his self-imposed exile: His hair has grown long, a beard accompanying it.

But despite his mental state, the others follow him. They have made their way across the land of beyond-the-wall. Sometimes they stop, clearing debris from a formerly abandoned village. They burn corpses, and rebuild dwellings, and sometimes some of them settle and don’t leave.

But Jon always does.

Bran wishes that sometime during the night, he will be able to reach out and touch Jon, the way he did Meera years ago, to remind him of those there are south of the wall, who do not want to lose him to the winter.

And finally, Bran lets himself drift east.

It doesn’t snow often at Storm’s End. The winters here primarily consist of the immense, stone castle being battered by endless storms that drop rain, and hail and wallop it with winds enough to scrap the skin from your face for days on end.

But inside the castle, the fires burn warm, there for anyone to dry off from being inside.

Two girls, black of hair and blue of eye, wring their plaited hair out over the hearth, talking over each other.

As their words reach the point of unintelligible, their mother approaches from behind them with a towel.

“All you would have to do is pull up your hoods and you wouldn’t get so wet,” Arya chides them, rolling her eyes at their cloaks, left on the ground by the door, “That is why they have them.”

And in the winter, the rain in the Stormlands could freeze a man to his bones, she doesn’t add.

Both girls ignore her, and instead launch into a roaring stream of what they’d done that day.

“We saw a dolphin!”

“That was a fish!”

“Nuh uh, it was too big!”

“Oh, and a rainbow over the sea-”

“Lysa pulled off my ribbon again”

“I did not! It fell!”

Arya shushes them both by picking their fallen cloaks and thrusting the wet wool in both of their arms.

“Lyra, go the forge and drag your father out. It’s past supper, and we’ve all missed it again. Lysa, go to the kitchen and have Polly have our food sent up to the solar by the guest wing.”

Lyra runs off without another word. Often taciturn like her father, only being around her twin brought the mischief out of her. Gendry couldn’t spend as much time in the forge as before, but whenever he had the extra time, he would sneak down, and his daughter would follow, fetching and moving things for him, and between the two of them they would pull tools and armor and other joys straight from the flames.

Lysa’s eyes go bugged out at her mother’s words.

“If we’re having supper, does that mean Maester Elric doesn’t need you anymore? The baby’s born?”

Arya’s barely perceptible nod causes Lysa to squeal loudly. Arya’s reaches out and grabs her by the plait before she can run off.

‘Hold onto your guts, giving birth is tiring. Leave your aunt be, and we’ll let you both meet your cousin tomorrow morning.”

Lysa pouts, but doesn’t race off. Lysa loved babies, and had been ecstatic to meet the aunt she hadn’t known she had, especially since she was going to have a tiny cousin to squeal over.

Gendry comes in from the forge still in his apron. He takes it off, goes to the basin and scrubs his hands clean with a thick paste before joining his wife and daughters.

Supper is a stew of salted fish and mussels, The storms wash plenty ashore even if the fisherman cannot always go out. Lysa happily chatters off stories the twins had been told of the krakens that must live in the waters.

Afterwards, Arya sends both the girls off to bed, where they go, sulkily.

Once they are gone, Gendry pulls on her hand towards their bed, and she pulls back.

“Gonna go check on Meera again.”

He sighs.

“I’m surprised Elric let you leave. He speaks of you like some kind of legend. “

“Well I did carry twins and walk around like normal until they day they came.”

“And then tried to get straight up the day after and resume your duties.”

Arya shrugs.

“Not like I could know as a child I would be good at having them.”

Just what she’d always want to be known for, Bran thought to himself. Forget the uncharted islands her ship and crew had found, or the new route to Essos they had mapped, all the Maester wanted to praise her for was the ease at which she bore children.

Sometimes, when the Maester says these things, Arya dreams of the places she’d been. The islands with spiky fruit that tasted of soft custard. The huge, long toothed beasts the sailors would spy, sunning themselves on rocks. The smell of spices on a bay, well before anything but the buildings can be seen on the horizon.

 She tells Gendry that she longs to go back. To smell the sea air and feel the boat shifting under her feet. Her three years at sea had reinvigorated her soul, let her breathe again and rediscover what joy was.

    She’d missed Gendry terribly though, and had told him so often. She’d kept her promise to come back for more than a single reason.

She wants to take him this time, wants to nestle underneath his arms in the hammock on deck, being rocked to sleep by the ocean waves. She wants to show him everything she had seen, that he might come alive again without the stress of being a Lord Paramount who had never once thought he would amount to anything.

 “Maybe in the future,” she says, “When the girls are older. We can leave all the paperwork and all the squabbling and all the disasters on the horizon and just sail off into the sunset.”

When he watches his nieces, Bran is very glad that one of the first royal decrees he had to sign was ushering in Dornish inheritance laws into use across Westeros. It hadn’t been a popular decision, especially when it came to heirs who were already being prepared to rule(and wouldn’t be ousted, his advisors assured them), but it was necessary. Every one of the six kingdoms would be left with at least one house wiped out of existence otherwise.

He makes it up to the guest wing before Arya does, but waits before she enters. When he does, he finds himself averting the memory. Watching Meera on the bed is like looking into the sun.

She’s only wearing a shift, her curls stuck to her scalp with sweat. The linen wrapped bundle she holds against her chest is quiet for the moment. She tilts her head up when Arya enters.

“You feel back in one piece yet?”

Meera snorts,

“I don’t think I have any bones left. I can’t believe Ser Davos’s wife did this seven times.”

“Nonsense,” Arya insists, “You did fine. Didn’t tear even a little.”

Meera’s expression mirrors Bran’s thought process. Of all the things the visions taught him, that such a thing was possible was on a long list of things he wished he could unsee.

Arya sits at the chair the maester had left beside the bed.

“I hadn’t asked. Did you have a name picked out?”

Meera nods.

“Catelyn. We- we were going to leave it for Sansa...but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards so…”

There’s a moment of silence for that. Arya reaches out to flick a finger on the tip of the child’s nose, causing her to make a gurgling sound and shift in Meera’s arms.

“I was thinking of sending one of the twins to Winterfell,” Arya admits, “But I can’t bear the thought of separating them. I might have to eventually.”

“There must always be a Stark in Winterfell,” Meera recites.

Arya stares off, sadly, before changing the subject.

“There’s no rush. You can stay here until you’re back to normal and she’s sleeping more soundly.”

Meera’s eyes squeeze for a moment, as though she was blinking back tears.

“Thank you...I wasn’t sure what we were going to do when- and it wouldn’t have been safe to try and travel back home this time of winter.”

“Is that,” Arya asks, trying not to pry, “What you’re going to do when you leave? You’re going to return to Greywater Watch?”

Meera nods. One of Cat’s arms has come unwrapped, and she reaches up for her mother’s face.

“I owe my father an heir...and Bran can’t have a wife or an heir. That was the plan, and it seemed to be working out fine for us. We talked about it a lot the morning before I left. I’ll stay there for a bit though- at least long enough for him to write it down. Thanks to the power of royal decree, she will bear my name.”

To the world, Meera thought, on paper her daughter might as well be a bastard. She wouldn’t get to know her father until they were all older. The tears gathered in the corner of her eye breaks free, marking a path down her cheek. She nudges it away with her wrist.

“I wish I didn’t miss him so badly though.”

 Sam and Gilly had stood witness for them in the Godswood, without even a question.

    “You did the same for us,” Gilly insisted, “Of course we would.”

Sam had helped him from his chair, so he could sit in the snow beneath the weirwood, and Meera had knelt beside him. Sam had said the words, stumbling a bit, and needing Gilly to nudge and whisper to him. The only cloak available was the same plain wool one he wore everyday, which Meera replaced with her own so he would not shiver, despite not being a traditional part of the ceremony, it suited them.

They clasped hands and prayed, the light snow collecting on their clothes and hair.

It could never go down on paper, they all knew that. But the Godswood had seen more than one of these, and what went on between them and the gods was for them alone.

 Bran would be the last king of Westeros if he had anything to say about it. Maybe sometime in the future, the story would find it’s way out. The queen and princess who weren’t there.

“Seven years it took,” Meera commented, and Bran breaks away from the memory. “We were beginning to think the maesters were right and Bran couldn’t have children,”

Arya rolls her eyes.

“I never understood why they were so certain of that. Though it did take all seven years.”

“And it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying-”

“Hey, if you’re going to go down that alley, I’ll just leave you alone tonight.”

“I don’t think I am alone.”

Arya smirks.

“You think he’s doing the creepy all-seeing bit again?”

“I don’t think he can help it. When I’m not there it’s harder for him to stay in the moment.”

Arya leans foward and claps her on the shoulder.

“If he decides to show up in your dreams again, tell him hello from all of us.”

And with that, she leaves her good-sister and niece alone.

Meera plays with the bit of twine she still wears tied to her wrist. Catelyn is snuggled up against her chest, and she stares off into the candle lit darkness.

Then she tilts her eyes to the ceiling, sticks out her tongue and crosses her eyes.

“Quit lingering,” she says out into the void, “Go to the day I left if you must. I’ll be back soon enough, if only for a little while.”

Bran’s mind chuckles deeply. He could never get much past her.

Opening his eyes for a moment in the Godswood, just long enough to make sure he hadn’t frozen in place, he takes her advice and slips back to the morning before she’d left for Storm’s End.

 Podrick and Brienne took turns on guarding his chamber at night, and then helping him get up in the morning before ending their watch. The chambermaid who handled this part of the keep didn’t come in until later in the morning. Being quite elderly, Bran wasn’t even entirely sure she knew when one monarch changed to the next.

    In practice, this meant Meera could stay with him most nights into the morning without arising whatever gossip would have made it’s way about the keep, even if her few things were kept in the mostly unused chamber that Gilly supposedly slept in. The castle staff was much smaller than it had been in years before, and most of them found King Bran as off putting as the citizens.

It was his favorite part of the day. It was somehow both so different, and just the same as the nights north of the wall when they’d had to sleep practically on top of each other for warmth.

This morning, in particular, he has one of her thighs on one shoulder and his mouth pressed up against her cunt.

One of her hands twists in his hair and he smiles against her.

He licks a stripe up the center of her, and is rewarded with a whisper of a moan. She’s not especially loud, so every one that he draws from her is a victory. He can do this as well as any man, legs or no legs, he thinks.

The visions had told him that some men thought this act below them. They were morons, Bran thought, morons who were missing out. He had long since ignored any knowledge gained in this area from the visions, and just let Meera show him what she’d figured out for herself, and they worked out the rest together.

Her moans get quicker and breathier as he works his tongue faster against her flesh. He feels her quiver and her hand wrench the handful of his hair as she comes underneath him.

And it’s with a satisfied smile, that he takes one of her hands she offers to help pull him back up to the head of the bed, and then gently rolls him onto his back.

“You make me feel selfish sometimes,” she says, head laid back, chest still heaving.

“Wouldn’t do it if I didn’t like it,” he assures her. He reaches down to lay one hand of the small swell in her lower abdomen, “Believe it was you attempting to return the favor was what got us into this situation.”

With a twitch of her lips, she leans over and kisses him, before sliding one leg over and gently lowering herself onto him.

Her movements are languid, still tender from her earlier orgasm. She rests her forearms on his chest and watches him.

“It’s not fair that I have to leave already,” she says, pouting.

His hands find her waist.

“You’re too skinny, people will notice too fast.”

She sighs deeply.

“I know, but I still don’t want to.”

Even as her movements pick up speed again, she still won’t stop touching him, his shoulders, his chest. He had tried to explain to her before that most of the pleasure he got from this was watching her, but she never wanted to stand for it.

When she bends to press a kiss just below his ear, he whispers to her,

“My queen.”

His words make her twitch and clench, and when one hand wanders to twist a nipple, she comes again, softly this time.

Afterwards, when she lays on top of him, face against his chest, he tells her,

“Someday I’ll be able to leave. Someday this damned place won’t need a king anymore and we’ll be able to launch that godsdamned throne into the sea. Then I can come north with you and we can leave all of this behind.”

 It’s a good dream, they both agree. As much as they both know it’s just a dream, especially in the depths of winter.

“Your grace?” he hears in the Godswood, breaking him from his memory. It’s Podrick.

“It’s getting late your grace, are you ready to come in?”

Bran nods, and lets him push his chair through the snow and back into the keep.

And behind him, unnoticed, a snowdrop pokes it’s head through the ground.

[sennextheassasinkingoflight]

Do You Know Who I Am?

I love assassins, and I love the idea of a cross dressing Jaskier, so here you all go. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think? I might make this into something. We shall see. Maybe give you some exploits of what happens when Jaskier is a way. Thank you Nerdynix for the beta.

Jaskiers alias actually has a meaning. Ill tag it in the tags.

Oh the smut is at the end and doesn't have to be read to enjoy the story. its denoted by: xXxXx

Rated M or E depending on where you stop.  Murder obviously.  Cross posted at AO3 to SennexTheAssasinKingOfLight

________________________________________________________________ Do You Know Who I Am?  

Geralt has been looking for Jaskier for a week. Ciri is studying with Yen and he finds the silence on the road to be suffocating now. He won't admit it. Not ever to anyone, but he misses the sounds of company. Specifically he misses Jaskier. They had parted ways a while back, on mutual terms. Jaskier to go to some competition, where Geralt learned later he had won, unsurprisingly. And Geralt took Ciri to Yennefer. Yennefer had portaled him and Roach to Jaskiers last known location at his not so subtle suggestion. Both Girls had laughed as he had left.

It wasn’t that funny, he thought, but then perhaps they both knew how he felt for the bard. They were keen like that. He growled lowly. He and Yennefer were reconciled enough that they could do what needed to be done, and had become quite amiable friends. And now that the dust had settled and Yennefer had up and portaled her and Jaskier away for a few hours things were very good between them all. He still didn’t know what they had talked about; but when they had come back, Jaskier despite his obviously red and puffy eyes, was smiling and laughing at Yens jokes. He accepted it for what it was. Their banter on the outside seemed harsh but it was like the two of them had some kind of understanding. They knew their boundaries, and stayed within them. 

Geralt smiled at the thought. It had taken him a while to reconcile with Jaskier, and it was thanks to Cirilla, really, that it had happened at all. It had gone like this. He was low on coin so he left Ciri at the inn to go on a hunt. Paid the innkeeper's wife to keep the girl fed and safe while he was away. Said she was his niece come ward. She had agreed, and Geralt reluctantly left to deal with the creature. It would only be a night. “She'll be fine” he had thought.  It took two. When he returned he found Ciri at the darkest most secluded table in the inn. She had picked that up from him, and with her was Jaskier. Neither seemed to notice his arrival so he stood out of sight where he could listen.

“C- sorry, Fiona he’s been gone two days and it was what?”

“Vampires I think.”

“Oh Melitele's sakes, he’ll be fine.” 

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, probably he had to track down a few stragglers.”

“Oh.”

“Chin up sweetheart, he’ll be back soon.”

“I trust you Dandelion. Thank you. It’s good to have a familiar face around.” “It’s good to see you too, Little lion. Have you had supper?” The rustling of fabric, a shook head.

“Well then why don’t the three of us eat.”

“Three?

“Oh yes, Geralts, just listening in and brooding.”

“What? Really? Where?” Ciri said looking around.

“How’d you know?” Geralt asks perturbed that the bard had noticed him but not said anything or given himself away. Had he always been this observant, this sneaky, he had wondered.

“The atmosphere, dear witcher, always changes when people notice you. My job is to be aware of my audience.” Jaskeir responded not looking away from Ciri who was making a face at Geralt.

“You said one night! Liar.”

“Hmm.”

“I’ll just go order food.” Jaskier left the table.When he returns to the table he doesn’t sit. He looks at Geralt with a very particular look. There is anger in it. He taps the table and Geralt meets his eyes. He nods and stands.

“We’ll be right back dear one.” Dandelion winks at Ciri and leads Geralt into the back alley. It’s late. The sun has set. They stand there while a cart pushes past the mouth of the dimly lit alley. Jaskier gave one more look around and Geralt is about to ask him what he wants. Because he’s angry and guilty and relieved all at once and can’t process it.

“YOU! YOU!” Jaskier drops his voice from a shout to a low, dangerous tone.

“You fucking arse! What the hell were you thinking leaving a fourteen year old girl alone in a seedy tavern inn! Not just a fourteen year old girl. Princess Cirilla! What if someone had noticed her. Recognized her! Geralt you are a fool if I ever met one. What the bloody-” he cuts off, takes a breath and gets in Geralt's face.

 “Do you even know what could have happened to her? Do you? Slave trade. A crime lord who saw a pretty little girl and decided he needed her. What the fuck Geralt.” His voice is dangerous and low, his eyes wide and full of rage, hurt, pain.“What if I wasn’t me? What if it was someone else who had sat beside her and was able to convince her that he was a safe person? She knows me. I’ve played in Cintra since Pavetta and Duny. Do you ever think? Oh nevermind, we know the answer to that. You don’t. You just fucking act. Consequences be damned. Then you don’t take responsibility for them, but if something had happened to her it would have been your fault and you’d have no one to blame. What then? That's it, like it or not I’m going with you. You obviously can’t be trusted with her well being.” He crossed his arms in challenge without leaving Geralt's space.

He hadn't spoken. Just swallowed and gave a stiff nod. He felt like he’d been kicked in the gut by Vesemir during training.

“Oh no. No. You're going to tell me you understand you big oaf.Your going to tell me it won’t happen again and then you’re going to make sure it doesn’t or I’ll run you through with your own sword. Poison you with your own damned potions. Am I clear?”

He blinked, who was this man? “Yes, Jaksier. I understand.” He nods, transfixed by the man in a sea of colors before him. “ It would be good of you to join us.” 

He wasn’t sure what had changed for the bard, but he was fiercer and this anger was genuine and righteous. What was he to do? The bard would come with him asked or not. He turned towards the door.

“Oh, and Geralt.” Voice softer now, heart rate just as even and steady. “ It’s good to see you.” 

He’d stopped and turned to him then,“Likewise. I- I’m glad you’re well. And…” silence hangs between them, Jaskier arches an eyebrow at him waiting.

 “I’m sorry. You’re right… not just about this, but me, my faults.”

“We’ll work on it.” Then the bard had brushed past him and swept into the tavern. Shortly after that he’d managed a real apology for the mountain incident. Jaskier had laughed, called him a fool and forgiven him all in a single breath. Ciri clung to Jaskier like a life line and so it was good that he had stayed.

Roach snorts bringing him from his memories. They are nearing a new city. Jaskier had left the other one and Geralt hoped from what he gleaned that he would be here. He missed him. He really did, though he’d not say as much.The town had a fair going. Of course it did, or some kind of large gathering. A festival. He shakes his head and wrinkles his nose. The scents are overwhelming. 

It takes a while before he finds an inn with a free room available. A little one on the far end of town from where he had entered. It's better than nothing he supposes. Roach is happy in the town stables so he starts looking around. The town had just started this celebration, it was for the harvest. The main square was a bustle of colour and loud noise. Vendors from all over selling their wares and catching the attention of any passerby they can. The market smells of food and sweat and ale. The perfumes are strong and many. There is no way he will be able to scent Jaskier out if the entire town smells like this. Every inn and tavern had. He looks around still breathing deeply, and gods forbid Jaskier changed his perfumes. He growls. The best he can do is check out taverns at night, watch the square and its musicians by day. Keep his ears open for any mention of or sound from the bard.

He’s walking towards the music when he whips his head around suddenly. He’d caught the slightest hint of a familiar scent, but it was too muddled to make it out. He scans the area. There is much to notice, much more to ignore. Something does catch his eye though. A woman with broader shoulders than most. Her hair is shoulder length and blond, done in curls using hot tongs. A hat sits atop her head with a peacock plume in it. This is what caught his attention. One is white the other is colored. She stands with the other woman by this silk cart and smiles, turned just enough from him that he can’t quite make it out. He does a double take. He stares but the woman doesn’t turn towards him. Instead she walks the other direction arm in arm with another lady. An amber and midnight blue silk shawl in her other hand. He huffs, annoyed and continues on his way. He can feel eyes on him, but that's nothing new, so he ignores it.

He stays in the town two days. He keeps hearing whispers of Jaskier playing, but never seems to be in the right place at the right time. The city is large and over crowded. There are people in tents filling the field outside the city gates. The festival is large and there is a ball two days from now at the house of the nobleman who rules over the city. One needs an invitation to get in, and yet he intends to go despite that. If Jaskier will be anywhere it will be there. 

As he walks back to his inn, he keeps to himself and takes the alleys. Even these are crowded. It’s late so there is more room. Most of them are unlit which isn’t a problem for him. What is a problem is a woman with long brown hair braided down one side being chased into his path by a shouting group of men. She runs past him, knocking against his side in the dark. She stumbles.

“Where’d the bitch go?” 

He hears one of them shout.“Down the alley!” Another says angrily. Without thinking he grabs her arm and pushes her against the wall, effectively blocking her body from their view.

“Don’t scream.” He whispers in her ear. “I won't harm you. Play along.” He keeps his voice light as he can. She nods. Blue eyes down cast. Are they blue? He can’t tell. It doesn’t matter. He leans into her. Lets a hand rest low on her waist, the other on the wall behind her. She buries the fingers of one hand in his hair. His breath ghost her neck. She smells strongly of spice and too much chamomile. Medicine. He wrinkles his nose. One of the spices making him want to sneeze with its strength. She lifts her skirt above one knee and leans into him hiding her face in his shoulder. The men start to pass, one of them stops.

“A girl run past here?”

“Busy.” He snarls. The men move on. Only when he can't hear them does he move back to the other side of the narrow alley.

The girl lets her hands fall to her sides, then keeping her face down cast plays nervously with her braid.

“You alright?” He asks voice its normal level of gruff. He rubs at his nose. His eyes water. She nods fervently.

“What was that about?” The girl swallows. Her voice is pitched a little high and it grates on his ears. He shakes his head.

“ ‘ook eh loaf o’br'd from me M'ster, for me brotter sir.”

He nod’s satisfied.“Don’t get caught next time.” 

He starts for the mouth of the alley way. He can hear her follow but doesn’t look back. She goes the opposite direction from him. He sniffs. His nose is dead to the scents around him and it makes him angry. He quickened his pace and rubs at his ears.

When he returns to the inn he washes his face three times and changes but the scent is still there. It seared to the inside of his nostrils. He send his clothes to be washed. He glares at the ceiling. He knows Jaskier is here. He just can’t find him. He keeps catching his scent, hidden, buried, weak but there. He keeps hearing whispers that a well known bard is there, but he can’t seem to be in the same place. He growls. He knows that the ball is his best shot. He just needs to figure out how to get in.

The following afternoon, the day of the ball, he’s in one of the side squares. There's a fountain in the middle and children play in its water. It’s unusually warm for an autumn day. He continues to look for signs of his friend. Because that he will admit. Jaskier is his friend. He watches as all members of society move around the smaller square. He notices a woman who looks familiar. A peacock feather in her hat. She walks with the grace of all noblewoman. She’s pretty, he notes, a little flat chested. She pales her skin with powder and colors her lips a purple. It suits her. It happens very quickly. 

A man, a thief grabs something of hers and she yells. The guards can’t get to him from their locations and he looks as though he will make it out of the square with whatever it is he had grabbed. He smirks. This is his chance. Catch the thief and maybe a grateful noblewoman can get him into the ball. Casually he moves into the thieves path and stares him down.

“It doesn’t suit you. Give it here.” The thief steps back, looks for an alternate escape. He's about to change course.

“Don’t make me maim you.” Geralt says, still smirking, hand reaching for his sword. The Thief looks up at him, lip quivering. Geralt gives him a meaningful look and his shoulders slump. He hands the items out to him.

“Please here. Take them, just let me pass. Please.” He begs quickly. Geralt takes the items, considers it a moment and says,

“If they catch you you’re on your own.” Then he steps aside. The guards give him an incredulous look and chase after the thief. Carefully he approaches the woman with the peacock feather. Smiles just barely. Trying for human, trying to use every trick Jaskier had taught him. He can hear the bard lecturing him in his head. “Yes, there's a good smile. No teeth, keep your eyes soft. There. That's the one. That's how you should smile at balls and towards people in general.” It was hours of practice with Jaksier poking and prodding his face Ciri laughing beside them at night. The lady hides her face behind her fan, keeps her eyes turned down.

“These belong to you. I believe.” He bows slightly holding a gold necklace and a broach out to her.

“Thank you, kind witcher.” He startles some. He shouldn’t be surprised that she knows he’s a witcher. But there is something prickling on his skin. He trusts his instincts, but he needs into the manor.

“Of course my lady.” She holds her hand out to him palm down. He understands, takes it in his free hand and kisses it lightly. She giggles a bubbly laugh from her throat at the act. She smells strongly of Lilac and Daffodils, he can just barely make it out. His nose is still dead from the night before.

“I am Lady Narcissus Oszust. Thank you for retrieving these.” She takes the items with her free hand. “The necklace was my mothers’ and the broach, my grandmothers.” 

Her voice is a little deep for a woman but he doesn’t question it. He’s been around the continent enough to have met many people that seemed odd. Men with voices like women, women with faces like men, women with hair short as a man and men with hair as long as a woman. He lets it be without much thought. He’s seen many things.

“How may I repay this debt?” She asks lightly. He smiles a little. He feigns uncertainty for a moment.

“Oh, well. Perhaps, My lady... You see, I am looking for a friend of mine and I have reason to believe he may be at the celebration tonight, and I find myself, sadly, without an invitation.” He will suffer one night at her side if it means finding Jask. He hopes however, that she will simply have him added as a guest of hers and that will be the end of it. She flicks her crystalline blue eyes along his body, but never meets his gaze.

“Do come better dressed than that. And I expect at least one dance from you.” Then she turns.

 “Oh I suppose I need your name for the list.” She adds over her shoulder, face hidden by a curtain of blond curls.

“Geralt of Rivia.” He grins, a little too sharply.

“I’ll see you tonight, White Wolf.”

He makes his way back to the inn with determination. He orders a bath. He has a few hours to kill before the celebrations begin. He takes his time, treats his hair as Jaskier would insist. Dressed in clean clothes, the set Jaskier insisted he keep in his pack should they need to infiltrate a noble estate, he ties his hair back. It goes against all his instincts but he leaves his swords. Instead he places a dagger at his waist, neatly hidden, it's a thin blade, and a knife in his boot. His instincts tell him there is something amiss. He meditates. And when the sun is low enough he makes his way towards the manor. 

They are expecting him. No one stops him as he makes his way up the main entrance on rounded steps. A fountain, shaped like a siren sending spray into the air at their base.Once inside he makes his way to the main hall. It opens into a garden behind the large mansion. A cool breeze blows through the open doors, it’s pleasant against the warmth of bodies pressed into the confines of the room. It brings with it the scent of fresh cut flowers, and autumn air. The golden glow of the sun cast long shadows across the marble floor, it’s fading quickly. He remains at the edge of the room, in the shadows, watching, waiting. He sips at an ale that he takes from one of the many servants. There is no sign of Jaskier among the musicians or nobles yet. So he waits. It would be much easier if it weren't a masquerade.

“Find your friend yet?” He turns to look the woman over. Narcissa is standing to his left, blond hair done up without a hat. The amber and dark blue shawl cover her shoulders, the sleeves of her dress are long and flowing. The gown itself is deep midnight blue, or perhaps it more closely resembles the ocean at midnight. Amber thread binds it together and there are golden accents like stars on the sleeve edges and the corset. It stirs something in him. Her face is hidden behind a mask, half like a burning sun, half like a slumbering moon. Two halves of the whole.

“Not yet.”

“Perhaps, you could tell me his name. And here, I forgot to mention this affair was a masked ball.” She hands him a mask, in the shape of a wolf's snout. Its white, and soft. She sips some wine. She wears delicate gloves also of white. Geralt realizes this woman is a complete mystery. If pressed he isn’t sure he could describe her face. The jaw is strong up close, but also slightly round, innocent looking. The chalks make it look thinner, more feminine. He furls his eyebrows and nods, donning the mask.

“That’s better. Now his name?” She smiles at him behind her mask.

“Jaskier. He's a bard.”

“ And a Lettenhoven.” He narrows his eyes at her behind the mask.“ Don’t worry. I know Julian quite well. Though, I cannot say with certainty that he will be here.” She frowns. Geralt let out a sigh.

“Will you be staying the duration of the evening?”

“Only until I am satisfied he won’t be here.”

“Then perhaps I should claim my dance now.” He clenches his jaw and then aquiessaces. They move to join the dancers. Narcissa is an exceptional dancer, and he finds that he enjoys dancing with her. So when she asks for a second, he agrees. They don’t speak much but she occasionally bats her eyelashes at him, squeezes his arm, or lets her hands brush against his hair, down is back. Finally another Lord wishes to dance with her and he returns to his spot on the wall. He finds it difficult not to watch her. 

There is something ethereal about her, too mysterious and his senses are telling him something isn’t right. She’s not a vampire. He can tell that much, even from here. He begins going through a list, but is pulled from his thoughts when the clock strikes the tenth hour. He’d leave if he weren’t so concerned about what Narcissa is. It's obvious the bard won't be here. He knows he’s spent too many days here. But he had been certain. He added that to the list of confusions in his mind. He watches Narcissa for a while longer. Occasionally she makes eye contact with him across the room and smiles.

Just after the eleventh bell, one of the lady’s collapses in the middle of the dance floor. Instantly the comotion begins. Someone shouts for a doctor, others go rushing towards her, trying to help. Geralt recognizes her as the woman who had been with Narcissa the day at the market. It's blurry but he’s almost certain of it. He looks around swiftly and catches the train of her dress sweeping across marble leading into the hall. 

He navigates across the room, blocked far too often by some person or another. He straightens his shoulders and people move for him. He casts the mask to the side, and that hasens his pace as people actually part for him. A witcher on the hunt. When he enters the hallway no one is there. He growls. He continues onward, he can barely make out her scent. He follows it straight out the front door.

Neither guard looks up from their game so he presses onward into the brisk night. He follows, breaks into a run even. She can’t have gone far, but she is fast. She takes all the alleys, avoids the main streets and well lit places. He stops abruptly. Her scent at the door of his inn. He swallows and enters, a cursory look around reveals that she isn’t in the main room.

 He follows her scent up the stairs, slowly. He removes the stiletto blade from his waist. Or he tries to. It’s gone. He reaches for the knife in his boot. Carefully he pushes the door to his room open. He steps inside. Narcissa sits on his bed, legs crossed, her chin propped on her hand, elbow on her knee, curled in on herself, completely relaxed and pouting. In her other hand lies his blade. He inhales sharply. There is excitement in the air, radiating from her. Familiar. The room is lit by a few well placed candles and the fireplace stoked hot and bright. It casts shadows about the room, but Geralt can see Lady Narcissa clearly.

“Do you know who I am?”

“An assassin.” She leans back on his bed, supporting her weight on her hands. Exposing herself to him, almost playfully. She’d known where he was staying and had fled there. He clenches his jaw. ‘What does she want?’

“Oh Geralt. Of course I am, that’s a part of me trained from birth. But it’s not what I asked. Do you know Who I am?” She moves and he moves faster. His only weapon is the knife in his hand. He won't need it though. They fall backwards, his knee between her legs, arms locked above her head in one hand and his blade at her throat in the other. She looks up at him from beneath the mask, smirking, and laughs. He goes ridgid. He knows this laugh inside and out, blind, would know this laugh, deaf he would know this smile.

“Jask?”

“This has been a fun game of cat and mouse. Tell me love, do you like me all dolled up for you?” He swallows and looks down at swirling blue eyes. They meet his gaze for the first time.

“Jask?” he asks again.

“Geralt?” With an unsure hand he pulls the mask off. He doesn’t shift his position or lose his hold.

“Hello darling. Do I look good in a dress?” He licks his lips.

“Yes.” It falls from his mouth before he can stop himself.

“What about pressed against the dark wall of an ally?” Geralt stares at him confused. Jaskier pouts.

““ ‘ook eh loaf o’br'd from me M'ster —”

Geralt stands abruptly and stares at him wildly, face contorting in an array of emotions. Finally he whines,

“You fucking destroyed my nose.” He rubs at it instinctively, the memory causing it to burn.

“Only temporarily, Geralt, nothing permanent. I just couldn’t risk you catching my scent.”

“What the fuck?”Jaskier stands and goes to the washing basin. He wets a rag and sets to work removing the makeup.

“Subterfuge me friend. Lady J— and her family were getting rather pesky. I was asked to resolve the issue.” He says like it's not a big deal that he’d just killed a woman.

“How?”

“A concoction of nightshade and hemlock in her wine. Very effective, no mess, easy enough to slip to her.”

“But why?”

“Because I was asked too and had access.”

“No I mean. Fuck. Jaskier when did you..”

“Oh this, I’ve always been able to. Part of my training growing up around nobles, you learn quickly how to deal with enemies. I just happen to be an actor and I didn’t want it connected to the Lettenhovens in any way. It would ruin my reputation.” The bard smiles cheekily at him, face clean.

“Why...” He gestures at the gown and swallows. Something about it being Jaskier in the gownhas him reeling. He pushes it aside, he can’t let it in.

“I’d be recognized or noticed if I’d been a man. People would think I was trying to court her… to many variables. A new female friend at court that came from nowhere and disappeared, much harder to trace.” He smirks at Geralt from the dresser.

“When did you take my dagger?”

“Second dance, when you were trying to figure out what kind of monster I was and not rip my hands off for taking liberties.” He winks. Geralt tears his jacket off in frustration.

“You've been in this town the entire time dressed as a woman.” He seethes.

“You looked right at me. I just couldn’t tell you anything. I thought you’d get a clue from my color scheme. Daft as always.”

“What?” He looks at the bard again.

“Blue and amber? The color of our eyes.The peacock feathers? Oh you foolish man.” Jaskier frowns at him. Geralt can only stare in disbelief.

“Is this what you were doing? Is this where your courage came from?

”“I’ve always had it. I just didn’t think I’d ever need to use it on you. Then I did.” Jaskier pushes off the dresser and glides towards him. He stops short, chest inches from Geralts and looking up at him through his eyelashes whispers,

“Get me out of this dress, witcher.”

xXxXx

Geralt looks at him, stiff and unmoving. The dam in his mind breaking free, dislodging well hidden thoughts. Jaskier tilts his head, hair falling off it and exposing his neck.

“Or am I mistaken?” 

He asks with false shyness. Geralt doesn’t miss a beat. He launches forward and kisses Jaskier hard on the mouth. The Bard smiles into it, fisting his hands into the witcher's shirt. He pulls away to catch his breath all too soon.

“I swear to every god, if you rip this gown or my corset I’ll make you beg for me.”

 Geralt promptly spins him around picking up one of his knives in the process and cuts through the laces of the corset. He pushes the sleeves of the dress from Jaskier shoulders and kisses them instead. Jaskier pulls the corset from around his chest and lets it fall to the ground. He shrugs the rest of the dress off. 

Geralt tugs at the fabric of the chemis and pulls it roughly over Jaskiers head. The bard laughs.

“Why the hell are there so many layers?” He whispers, dragging his teeth across Jaskiers neck. The wig came undone and Jaskier tosses it to the side.

“Virtue?” He deadpans as he turns to face Geralt in nothing but his underclothes. Jaskier tugs at his shirt and Geralt kisses him again, deep and wanting. He can feel Jaskier working the buttons of his shirt. He breaks the kiss only to pull it over his head, and then he’s licking back into Jaskiers mouth. It tastes sweet, like the wine from earlier. He explores, threading his fingers through Jaskiers hair while the bard undoes his trousers. He tugs sharply when he feels them get pushed down and Jaskier moans. The bard pulls away and pushes more urgently at the pants.

“You’ll get as good as you give if you keep that up.” Geralt growls, low in his throat and kicks his trousers to the floor. Then they kiss again and Jaskier pulls at his hair just as hard. He groans into it. He lifts Jaskier and feels his legs tighten around his waist. He moves his mouth to suck at his throat and the bard throws his head back and moans. Geralt bites down. He knows Jaskier will tell him to stop if he goes too far or if he hurts in any way, but the way the other jerks against him says he doesn’t have to worry. He knows Jaskier, knows he doesn’t have to be as gentle, as careful as he does with the others he’d taken to bed in the past. He settles Jaskier on the bed and tosses his dagger to the floor. Neither of them needs to be stabbed with a real blade.

Jaskier tugs at his hair again, frantically and squirms. He understands. Standing he removes the last of his clothes and Jaskier does likewise, kicking them off the edge of the bed. He looks down at the bard, fully undressed and aroused below him. Jaskier makes eye contact with him, and makes a show of stretching out to be seen.Geralt licks his lips and takes a step back towards the bed. Then he stops.

“You're sure?” Jaskier laughs at him, that heavenly sound that Geralt wishes he could put in a bottle to listen to at his convenience.

“I don’t sprawl myself out for just anyone.” “You do.” “Haven’t in years.” “Oh.” Jaskier sits up, leans on his hands, “Seriously? Really? You oaf. Get down here.” 

And then they’re crashing against each other and it's glorious. Jaskier rut’s up against him and doesn’t make any attempt to be less vocal. Geralt lets him, shivering in delight when he adds a hand to the mix, deft fingers working in all the right ways. He lets out a soft moan against the newest bruise on Jaskiers collarbone.

“Fuck me.” He says against the bards neck.

“Is that an option?” Jaskier asks, completely surprised.Geralt looks at him, all innocent curiosity on his face and fire burning through the lust in his eyes.“It is now.” He says and Jaksier is pushing him up and backwards and he lets himself be manhandled. It’s been a while since he allowed someone this control, but Jaskier. Jaskier has control of every other part of him,whether he knows it or not so why not this? He looks up at the smaller man.

“You're sure?” The bard copies. He nods.

“Say it, Damn it Geralt. Use your words.” He flushes at the command.

“Yes Jaskier. Please.” A glint in the musicians eyes.

“Please what?” Geralt groans as hands position his legs just the way they’re wanted.

“Fuck me.”

“Hmm…” a pause “uhm.” Geralt looks up at him confused and exasperated. He’d like to get on with it. The abruptness of the pause is grating and not at all like he expected from Jaskier.

“Oil?” Jaskier asks.

Silence.

Geralt leans back into the bed and laughs almost hysterically. His cock is so hard it’s almost painful from the way they’ve been touching and teasing. Jaskier leans over him with a quirked eyebrow and a deadly expression on his face.

“I will kill you if you don’t shut up and suck.”

There are fingers near his lips, he grins and teasingly takes them into his mouth. Jaskier maintains eye contact the entire time. He sucks each finger individually, coating them thoroughly in saliva, runs his tongue up and down each one, sometimes catching them with his teeth. He Moans when Jaskier pushes more than one into his mouth at the same time. He watches through half lidded eyes as Jaskier swipes his own precum down his cock, uses his own spit to slick it. 

Finally he pulls his fingers free from Geralt's mouth, trails his pinky also soaked down his chest, his abdomen, around his cock and down to his entrance. He tenses and takes a steadying breath. He forces himself to relax. Jaskier watches him, waits until he’s comfortable and presses his index finger inside. It's been sometimes since he was so vulnerable and Jaskier seems to know it. The bard leans forward and peppers kisses along his thigh, his hip bone, anything he can reach. After a while he adds a second and a third. He teases Geralt's cock with his tongue and occasionally his other hand, he never takes more than the tip into his own mouth, giving soft sucks as it pleased him too. 

Abruptly Geralt lets out a gasp as his hips twitch. He feels Jaskier smile against him.

“Jask, please” he says horsley. 

The bard obliges, makes sure that he’s as well slicked as he can be without proper lubricant and presses against the witcher.

“How are you this tight.” He chokes out, pressing in at a painfully slow rate. “Will you relax please, Geralt.” 

The witcher does as he’s told. Finally Jaskier is seated inside him. It satisfied something in him that he hadn’t realized he was missing. They stay like that unmoving for a moment, catching their breath. Jaskier leans over and kisses him, and he groans into it, the movement pleasant as it forces Jaskier a little deeper. Slowly, the bard begins to rock against him, he doesn't move all the way out, not at first. It's a rhythmic rolling of hips against hips. Eventually they pick up speed and if anyone were outside their room the only thing they would hear was the obscene sound of skin against sweat slicked skin, erotic moans of pleasure, the words, “More, harder, fuck, Jask, shit, and gods above Geralt”.

It doesn’t take long for the foreignness of it to push Geralt over the edge. It’s a good new, something he could get used to; something that he enjoys. His own release brings Jaskier over the edge just as quickly, he pulls out just in time to spill on his hand and Geralt's chest. The witcher just laughs and pulls him against the mess between them and kisses him breathless again.

“You should wear Lilac and Daffodil more.” Gealt whispers against his ear when they’ve cleaned themselves as well as possible, and curled together under the blankets. “Lilac is Yennefer's scent...” Jaskier trails off looking up at him from the circle of his arms, chest to chest. “It smells better on you.” He says meaning it, and gives the poet a pointed kiss. He isn’t great with words, so he hopes it's enough.