#Just thinkin about Dad nothin to see here

[funsize-cenobites]

I don't know, I just love believing that Spy has a 'Type' and that type is anyone who presents themself strongly and confidently in some way.

Like Scout's mom, Spy fell head over heels for her, despite her being some nobody lady in Boston with a sharp tongue, a loud mouth, and more than enough attitude to share. She might not have had a lot or been much of anyone on a societal scale, but to herself? She was a god damn queen and you were gonna fucking respect her. She did not survive and thrive in motherfucking Boston and come out lookin like an absolute bombshell just so people could walk all over her.

No sir, no ma'am, no way, no how.

And of course it doesn't just look like that, Spy falls for Sniper too and Sniper isn't always loud. He's actually fairly reserved and almost gentlemanly (In a rough and tumble kinda way) when off duty. He keeps to himself. But when he's in his element? When there's nothing between him and the next sorry SOB on his list but distance, a scope, and a loooong barrel?

Sniper comes alive. He knows exactly what he's doing and just how damn good he is. He's a god damn professional and you're lucky he's not after you. ( And if he is? Well... at least you wont feel it. Much.)

And Spy fucking L O V E S that shit. He might play it off as annoyance, as a distaste, particularly for Sniper because God- how could he fall for someone so... uncivilized? But its like heroin to him. Nothing makes him Yearn Frenchly more.

Spy's got such a hard on for Confidence. For the kind of genuine and true Strength of Character you can only get from actually Knowing Yourself. Because after so long, I don't think he really knows who he is anymore. And it feels good and grounding to see someone else so sure, to let himself fantasize about building a home on such stable foundations.

Oh and uh.. also its just hot. Obviously.

[cupidscrule]

BUNNY TRAP

Stepdad!Leon X Fem!Reader

Cw - p in v, daughter chasing after dad, stepcest, noncon(?) Unprotected

WRD- 1.5k

You always knew your dad was hot, total babe back in the 2000's ever since you were a kid your friends always gushed over him, and it was fair, always thought it was gross though. Like he's YOUR dad, stepdad yeah but he still raised you, sure he had a cute face, big arms, his pornstar tits were an add on. But he was Dad, nothin' more, But fuck the way he cups your cheek when your sad, hugs you, gives you that awkward Dad kiss. Just makes you yearn for him, which is wrong you know it's wrong but it's like that itch.

Your friends are always tellin' you how lucky you are, not only is Dad hot, he's nice y'know? Real good dad, picks you up everyday, gets you real nice things. Best guy honestly can see why Mom picked him!

"Hi kiddo, you wanted to check out that new place-?" Dad said opening your bedroom door, stupid fucken smile on his dumb hot face

'bury your face in my tits'

"Oh no -! It's okay- really I'm real tired"

'fuck me till I can't breathe'

"Huh- alright, come down soon dinners gonna be ready, and sorry Moms not home yet she said she'd be here in a few weeks 'k?"

'i wanna scream your name'

"Oh it's alright, and of course dad!"

With that he left, shutting the door halfway, dick move but it probably wasn't on purpose, the smell of his colone in the room, only imagining Dad stuff you up. God your disgusting, this is dad. Fourth something year old DAD, since when did you have these thoughts about him, as a kid sure you always thought he was cute 'ohhb I would totally date someone as big and strong as my Daddy!'

But it was LIKE, not actually him. But you can't stop thinkin' about him, wanting Dad to shove your face in the mattress pull on your hair, do the shit they do in pornos. Nasty thoughts, feeling gross and hot imagining all the shit you wanna do with the poor guy, as he just stood there not knowin' thinking your his innocent little daughter who could do no wrong! Oh no she would never have sex before marriage! Oh no my little girl doesn't even cuss!

Yeah right Dad, mhm. Actin' like in middle school my friends weren't blushing over you, whenever you walked in.

Fucken idiot, your little girls not pure, she's not good. She ain't innocent, hell she fantasizes about fucken you every day. It doesn't matter, nothings ever gonna come of this right? Just walk downstairs, eat dinner with dad and go back in your room and sleep it off.

"Sweetiee you finnaly came, how was your day?" Dad says sitting across from you, he didn't even cook. Fucken liar this was clearly some bullshit from a 4 star restaurant he just put on a plate. "Oh it's fine, nothin' much." You say staring at the table, trying to distract yourself from him, how he smells, how he sits, how he opens his mouth, the way he moves his bangs out of his dumb face, his breath. The intoxicating feeling of just bein' near him now.

"Are you okay?"

"Why'd you ask that? You know I'm always fine-" you say in response, playing with your fingers, avoiding his gaze. God feels like a crush in primary school, messin' up words and giggling to your friends about the fastest guy. "You just don't seem like yourselfer Hun, you can always talk to me you know that?" He says, feeling his eyes on you, not in a creepy way more an endearing way which somehow made your entire situation worse. "yeah- I know, don't worry it's fine!" You mumble, lookin' up at him, god he really was dreamy, just wanting him to- NO no more fantasy's.

You finish up, so does he. He just gives you that concerned Dad look before you get up and run back up the stairs like a bitch and lock yourself in your room, typing into Google

'how to stop liking your dad'

'is it normal to have a crush on your dad'

'is it illegal to fuck your step dad'

Jesus Christ your search history, just laying on your side in your bed. Thighs squeezed together tryna' stop thinking about dad, you've seen him shirtless before. Yeah you felt a little hot in your core before, anytime he hugged you you felt so- just so warm. Not the lovey Awee dad and daughter warm, more like if your boyfriend hugged you nice and tight! Feels good, feels warm and fuzzy, pit in your stomach that can only be filled by one thing.

Tossin' and turnin' it's only 6:00pm shit, Dad's still downstairs probobly watching some old movie, he really likes thoughs for some reason, and westerns it's kinda creepy but your the one who wants to fuck him so you really can't be judging. your thoughts are too much to bare, a girl can only last so long on the edge, panties soaked thinking about shit, and hell when you can actually recreate what you want, Nothing's stopping you. Other then ethics but who even cares anymore, walking downstairs to Dear ol' Daddy, bingo.

"Mm- Dad-? Can I talk to you?" You mutter walking up behind the sofa he's laying in, playing with your fingers, how do even address this like,

'Oh yeah dad! Can you just bend your daughter over and fuck her till she's blubbering nonsense, you raised her since she was seven but y'know !!'

No.

"Hm, yeah of course, what's the problem bunny?" He says sitting up, glancing behind him to your miserable face, little frown on your lips. He raises a brow seeing your face, you felt all fuzzy feeling your throat get dry, the hell were you supposed to do?

"Uh Dad, can- can you come upstairs" you mutter looking at him, feeling your chest get heavy. Of course dear Daddy doesn't wanna disappoint you so he gets up and walks over to ya

"What's wrong, Hun?" He says, so sweetly fuck. Looken' all concerned for you, just fall into his chest, even though Dad was in shape he had fatass boobs, real nice to put your face in whenever he hugged ya. Just like always as a concerted Daddy does he puts an arm around you, pulling you nice and tight, "Baby?" He says in that same voice, pullin' your face away from his body, looking down at you.

"Can- can we just sit down" you say grabbing his hand forcefully and leading him to the nice leather sofa, you didn't know much about Mom but she really liked expensive shit and this was the only thing at home she bought..

You push him onto his back, his head resting on the arm, he looked kinda confused, like a puppy! You crawl over on top on him, ass rested on his lower pelvis. "Hey Bunny this is a little- whats wrong?" Dad says trying to carefully lift you off of him, awe stupid Daddy actin' like you're just gonna listen to him

"Dad just let me do this- please, you love me right?" You say looking at him in the eyes, pout on your stupid lips, he just nods slowly as a response. Unzippin' his jeans, wow this really is a shitty porno plot.

'Cute stepdaughter seduces and fucks her Dad while Mom isn't home!'

Jesus Christ you fucking creep.

With his pants open pulling out is fat cock, he wasn't hard which kinda hurt, you were being all cute and all dad did was just sit and stare in shock. Like sure you were gropen him and stuff but he could put some effort in it? Whatever doesn't matter-? You sit on his thighs pulling off your night pants, your panties were already wet from earlier, sadly it seemed Dad didn't really wanna reinact your fantasy so you gotta do all the work, flicking your garments to the side, crawling back onto him. Placing your hips over his Dick, and taking it in, feeling his tip touch your cervix "Mm- fuck-" you murmer, taking a second before getting used to it, slowly moving your hips back and forth, feeling ever little movement. It was euphoric, hands on his chest, looking at his face he looked like he was trying to not enjoy it, but you could tell he was. You felt his breath get heavier anytime you went faster, such a good boy.

His fat dick bruising your womb, your walls squeezing against him, you could hear Dad muttering curse words under his breath, made you feel kinda better about this whole thing. Going to your high and getting that numbing feeling, stomach felt warm, brain all fuzzy and messy collapsing onto him, feeling that warm stuff leaking out of you, pulling yourself off Dad, laying on his chest, glancing up at him, seeing his flushed and disturbed face, awe it was so cute!

He probably felt horrible but you felt amazing, fuck best experience. Putting your arms aside his

"I love you Dad.." you spout into his shirt

"Your Mother can't hear about this B-bunny.." he replies, putting one of arms on your back, you could feel his chest go up and down so cute.

[fantasticallyfruity4]

What if Neil Hargrove worked at the same plant as Wayne Munson?

Sure, Neil was higher up on the ladder, and a day shift manager man, but they knew eachother- At least of eachother in passing.

And wayne knew that that man was just dirt garbage, the day he met him. Fucker reminded him of his good for nothing brother, kinda guy who thought pushing around his wife and kid made him a man. Wayne found it pathetic, really. As he’d ranted shamelessly to Eddie about.

“Yeah, I go to school with that guys son. Billy, he’s in the class of ‘86.”

Wayne raised an eyebrow at that.

“He alright?”.

Eddie shrugged. “He’s a dick, but if you know his family- his dad, it makes a lot more sence. If you don’t, I guess you just think he’s a dick. He’s bought some pot from me a few times-“

“Edward! That shit-”

“What! I’m just saying, he’s bought from me and I feel bad for the guy, every time we’ve talked he’s kinda skittish the whole time, and paranoid about his dad finding out he’s- never mind”

“What? What’s he scared of his dad finding out?”

Eddies jaw tightened. “Nothin, don’t worry about it. It’s nothin-“

“He’s like you, isn’t he?”

It was simple enough, didn’t make Eddie say anything out loud. He knew what his uncle meant. And he knew this uncle would love him no matter what. He’d still be his boy, his son, no matter what. He’d told him before, many times, without expecting Eddie to say the words. So all Eddie had to do was nod.

“Shit. That’s a recipe for a dead kid, I’ll tell you. That man ain’t right in the head.”

One night Wayne goes into Eddie’s bedroom to ask him if he has any laundry he needs done when he goes to the Laundromat the next day. As he’s walking in, Billy’s climbing in the window.

Billy’s face is a panic when they make eye contact.

“Eddie, laundry?” Wayne repeats to the stunned, deer in headlights-esq teen.

Maybe a bit surprised at the casualty of his uncle, at the fact that he’s sneaking a boy in, Eddie just nodds handing his uncle his hamper.

“Use the damn front door next time, boy, or else one of my redneck neighbors will probably shoot you in the ass on account of thinkin your a theif” he calls calmly as he walks back out.

After that he notices Billy’s around more. Keeps his conversations with Wayne to a minimum, but he’s polite. Respectful. Clean. Seems to make his boy happy. Seems to be happy too. He looks relaxed here, like he feels safe. Good. He’s probably uncomfortable about fathers- or father figures, Wayne supposes. He doesn’t need to make some big show of ego, it’s alright with him.

He doesn’t exactly see anything between the boys, but he knows. How couldn’t he. When he walks in the room Billy always scoots away from Eddie on the couch, stops standing behind him in the kitchen, jumps across the bed. And Wayne wants to laugh, clap the boy on the back and tell him he’s about as subtle as an elephant but that wouldn’t do any good. He knows. He sees the marks on his nephews neck that he put in no effort trying to conceal. Sees the look in their eyes. Hears the sound of a car staring late at night and early in the morning.

Sometimes Billy shows up before Eddie’s home from hellfire or a gig. Those nights he has a black eye, usually. Or red marks on his neck. Or he’s got a limp. Or he’s clutching his torso. Usually more than one.

Wayne let’s him in without a word to wait for Eddie, makes him a cup of tea, something small to eat. If Billy’s afraid of parents, if he doesn’t want to talk, he’s not gonna make him. Not in this state.

One Sumer night eddie looks panicked, face white as he drops the phone in the kitchen. The sound of the receiver bouncing off the kitchen wall.

Suddenly they were distant for a while, Eddie and Billy, Wayne noticed. Billy wasn’t around too much anymore that summer.

It was maybe a month.

Eddie said Billy was acting strange- angrier than usual, more easily upset. Panic attacks. Acting Distant. He said something was up, he thought maybe Billy was doing drugs- bad shit, worse than he sold. His guess was heroin. But then eddie got that call.

“Eddie? ‘The hells going on in there?”

“Billy’s in the hospital-“

“Did that bastard father of his-“

“No, no. There was a fire, uh, at the mall or something? I have no idea his sister called me she was crying a lot I’ve gotta get to the hospital-“

“Edward you are not in any state to be driving god forbid you his something or god forbid someone let’s go I’ll take you”

“What they say?” Wayne asks, eyebrows knitted tight in concern, waiting in the hospital waiting room.

They’d let Eddie see Billy- the little sister had come or get him, convinced the nurse he was their cousin, that he lived with them too. And they’d let Eddie come into Billy’s room and see him, told him the story.

“He’s got a concussion, like a bad one. He says he’s having trouble hearing, but the doctors say it’s gonna pass, he just- he just held onto my tight and didn’t let go. Didn’t stop apologizing for like 20 minutes. Crying that it wasn’t his fault, that he didn’t have control” Eddie rambled, face knit in confusion.

“The hell does that mean?” Wayne wondered.

“I don’t know max said she’d explain it later. Just gotta worry about Billy now.”

The two munsons had barely finished their talk before Wayne watched Neil Hargrove walk in, yelling, flailing his arms, making a god damn scene.

“Don’t let him in there! Don’t fucking let him in there he’ll kill him!” Wayne watches the little red head sister scream at the sherif standing outside the boys hospital room.

It’s not just one of the deputy’s either, that’s the chief. Wayne knows the guys face. And he seems very invested in this all, assuring the girl he won’t let anything happen to her brother now, no matter what.

and Neil’s making a god damn scene, threatening hopper (which isn’t the brightest idea now, is it?)

And Wayne thinks fuck it, in for a penny in for a pound.

“Why don’t you shut the hell up and take a walk before the chief here shoots your sorry ass?” He calls across the room, everything falling silent.

“Uncle Wayne what the fuck?” Eddie whispers in a hiss.

“You talkin to me trailer trash?” Neil yells across the room, storming over to Wayne.

“The fuck are you gonna do about it, wife beater? Gonna hit me like you do your son? I don’t think that’s a good idea, I’m not some scared little boy, Hargrove, I hit back” Wayne promises.

“Neil take a step back before I have to put you in cuffs” hopper warns one last time.

But the thing about cowards like Neil, like Wayne’s brother, is they’re big men when it comes to putting their hands on women and children. But when it comes to being put in their place, they’re big cowards. Wayne knows the type all too well.

“Whatever, you and your faggot nephew aren’t worth my fucking time. I’m out of here”.

And she doesn’t know that Neil’s leaving for good, that he’s gonna get in that car leave hawkins, go to god knows where.

And max hates watching her mother chase after that piece of shit who beats her big brother, who terrorized her the last two years, it’s embarrassing. Her mom could do so much better. But At least Neil’s getting further away from Billy’s room with every heavy footstep.

And tonight when Susan and max are still stranded at the hospital both Wayne and hopper will offer them a ride home, and Susan will take Wayne up on the offer. Eddies going to stay the night in the hospital, not that Wayne doubted he would for a second.

And when they park outside the mayfield/Hargrove house susans going to ask Wayne quietly if he would keep an eye out for a vacant lot, or a trailer for sale. Because she can’t keep this place afloat on her own. Wayne knows just the spot, writes the supers number down on a napkin and hands it to her.

[saintsir4n]

17

thank you for 10k views 

WARNINGS: SMUT, MENTIONS OF WAR AND ABORTION

1914

THE Shelby brothers had enlisted and Eden Dawkins wanted to kill them all.

"Why?" She finally asked after being silent for five unnerving minutes.

"We wanted to do it on our terms," Tommy exclaimed, watching her nervously as she played with her fingers.

He and his brothers brought her to the nearby park where they all used to play. It was vacant but her boiling anger was suffocating them all. John sat next to her on a swing, but Arthur stood next to a cautious Tommy.

"Your terms?" Eden repeated, folding her arms.

He stiffly nodded, "Our terms."

"What's Pol said?"

"Very little."

"Ada?" Eden asked, and that's when John took a good look at her, seeing how she glowed, despite her frustration.

"Wouldn't stop cryin'" John grimaced at the memory.

"John," Arthur hissed, Tommy just sighed.

"What? She did."

"Little Finn? I know Isaiah was bawlin' his eyes at last night when he woke up they were swollen," Eden stated.

"We're tellin' 'im later tonight," Arthur informed, averting his eyes.

She turned to John, "And Martha?"

"She smacked me, then cried," the force of the slap caused his head to whip to the side full force whilst his aunt consoled his crying wife.

"She's your wife, popped out a baby for you and now you're off to war, I don't blame her," Eden muttered, and John sighed.

"Alright Eden," he didn't want to feel guiltier than he already did. He was leaving his girls for however long. But it was his decision and there was no way he or his brothers back out of it now.

Eden stared up at Tommy, with a look he couldn't read, "My dad and uncle told me the same this mornin', that they enlisted as well, my dad vows, promises to my mum, well they don't mean shit anyways."

"Thanks, Eden," John grumbled, then stormed off, leaving Arthur to follow him presumably back to the house.

Tommy appeared in front of her, "Edie, love."

She stood up and softly shook her head, "Don't, give me time to think."

She didn't sound angry anymore, just hurt, there was so much on her mind, the baby was a big factor and how was she gonna raise a child when he was shooting the enemy at war? Is there any point in telling him now? Her mother asked her if she wanted to keep the baby, as did Polly the following Monday and she instantly said yes, but it was all before this madness.

Before all the men in her life were gonna up and leave for... a few months? What a load of shite, it wouldn't be that easy, it never was. Her father would be gone, a part of her world. She wouldn't cope if she ever lost him.

"Fuck, don't shut me out," Tommy ran a hand throw his raven locks, which continued to grow.

He would have to cut it again, fuck Eden stop thinking about it all. But she couldn't. It was real, it was gonna happen whether she wanted it or not. It's men's business. Fuck.

She sent him a sad smile, "I'm not, just thinking about more life-changing decisions."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He cupped her face, trying to read her, her comments hadn't been making much sense to him recently.

"Nothin' Tom, just give me some time alright?" She placed her hands over his, then caught the panic in his eyes, "And before you ask, I'm not leavin' you, I'm just thinkin'."

"Alright," that answer he could deal with.

But the fact he wouldn't be here to protect her made him realise how much he needed her to put on the pendant, to put his mind at ease, fuck her stubbornness.

His eyes couldn't look away from her, fuck she's beautiful, he did notice a glow on her face, the summer added to her beauty, he realised.

"Alright," she nodded.

"I'm sorry," he dropped his hands and tugged her closer, bringing her head to his chest, breathing in her scent, her everything.

"Don't be, I know it's been on your mind for a while, I could tell, I'm just... upset," she mumbled against his jumper.

She was surprised tears were not pouring from her eyes, her emotions have been all over the place recently, it's the baby, her mum kept saying and wasn't wrong. She remembered Martha being the same.

"I know, I don't want you to be," Tommy tugged her away, raising her chin so she could look at him, "I love you."

His tender words made her smile reach her eyes, "I love you too, just give me a minute, okay? I have work tomorrow, come by after that, we can talk."

It's good to talk, Tommy nodded and just pulled her back to his chest as they stood alone in the vacant park, listening to nothing but the cool breeze whistling in the air.

—

Sitting across from the Dawkins was Tommy Shelby. He decided he needed to talk and explain himself to them, properly and in person, and alone while Eden was at work. Luckily he got them as they returned from their shifts and after he got John and Arthur into the betting shop to run the business in his haste absence.

Cecil Dawkins wasn't forthcoming in the slightest, he never really took to the Shelby man and didn't think he was good for his daughter, and despite trying to convince both Celestine and Eden the same, it was like talking to a brick wall. Celestine claimed it was because she could see Mara in Tommy, the friend they lost not long ago, but Cecil only noticed the same trickster act Arthur Sr wore throughout Small Heath.

He didn't buy it then, he wasn't gonna by it with Tommy sitting in their kitchen.

Or at least that's what he told himself.

"You claim to love my daughter, yet you enlisted," he started, rolling his broad shoulders back and not taking an eye off the younger man.

Tommy immediately couldn't ignore the hypocrisy, "Aren't you doin' the same to Mrs Dawkins?"

Celestine made a face, "He's got you there love."

"Celestine," Cecil cast her an annoyed look.

Tommy leaned closer, "Your daughter sees me. I used to hate it. Now love it. Well, I hate that I love it."

Celestine couldn't help but be touched by his words, "Awww—"

Cecil cut her off, "Celestine, he beat up that poor boy, made our little girl cry more than she smiled and we're supposed to give her off to 'im."

Tommy narrowed his eyes on the carpenter, "She's not property."

Cecil craned his neck to look at him in disgust, "Are you gonna lecture me 'bout property?"

"Boys," Celestine was quick to interrupt, "Cecil, I know what he's done and now I'm seein' what he's tryna do for our girl."

Cecil already recognised the influences Tommy had over his daughter, one day she was adamant that religion wasn't for her and all of a sudden she came back with a black Madonna on her neck, well not so much anymore. He knew Eden had her own mind, but love was clouding it and her dreams, big dreams, he didn't want Tommy dimming them in any way.

"Eden came home cryin' yesterday, those Changretta boys have signed up and all, she found out 'bout through Dorris." Cecil informed, turning back to him with a frustrated look, "You ruined that friendship for her as well."

After suppressing another glare, Tommy averted his gaze as the guilt and the nerves took over him. He was trying, very very hard to make things right with Eden but he knew it was something she would always hate him for, even if she was in love with him. The looks he received from Cecil were only adding to that, piling onto the remorse.

So he nodded, and finally snapped his head up again, "I know, it's somethin' I regret, can't change the past now, need to focus on the future, my future with your daughter."

"Sound so confidant," Cecil muttered bitterly.

"I am."

Celestine blurted, "Thomas, you think you've made the right decision, what if Eden comes to you with some news of her own?"

"Like what?" both men turned to her in curiosity.

"Who knows," Cesltine quickly waved them off, but Tommy didn't glance away from her, "y'know our Edie, she's a mystery half the time."

"I know she is, but she's easier to read than I thought," Tommy said, still trying to decipher her previous question.

Cecil rolled his eyes at his response.

Tommy continued, "I get that I've done wrong by her, but I'll live up to the promises I've made her. I'm not perfect –"

"–got that right –" Cecil murmured, wincing at the pinch he received from his wife.

"– But I'll be my best for her, I'll give you my word, that I will," Tommy stated.

"A man's only as good as his word," Celestine added, half smiling at the younger man.

Now I see where Eden gets her forgiving trait from. Tommy thought.

Cecil bitterly snorted, "Thank you my sweet but I'm not worried about his word, it's his actions that I'm cautious of."

"I understand," Tommy insisted.

"Dont think you do," Cecil argued, waves of conflicting feelings washed over him.

"I understand that in all the years I've spent on this lane, you two are the only ones that had a functioning relationship. No domestics, no lyin' or cheatin' from what I've seen," Tommy remarked, "Just love, understanding and forgiveness. That's what I want with Eden."

Tommy pulled out the ring he wanted to propose to Eden with, making Celestine's face light up, Cecil remained unimpressed. He's been carrying the ring around him for days since he brought it, (more than the horseshoe) looking for the right time and day to ask. It was a simple ring, one he brought before Greta passed away along with one for himself.

Two wedding bands.

Tommy rubbed the back of his neck, "It's not much, I know, Eden deserves a lot better than me. She's your daughter and you'll do anything for her, what parent wouldn't? But give me a chance, another one, I already lost her once, and I can't do it again. She makes me a better man, a smarter man, and with her brains it easy to do that," Cecil couldn't deny what he was saying. "I'll make her happy, happier than she's been, I fucked — I mean messed up already, I'd be a fool to do that again. If I didn't respect you, I wouldn't be here, I would've just asked her to be my wife and she'd say yes because I know her, but I'm here, askin' for ya blessing Mr. and Mrs. Dawkins."

"Celestine," she corrected.

"Celestine," Tommy smiled at her, and she returned the gesture, it's just like my Edie's. Turning back to Cecil, hespoke clearly, "And if it goes to hell, then I'll put the revolver in your hands, with a bullet that has my name scratched across it, Mr Dawkins."

Cecil hummed, "Sounds good to me."

"Cecil," his wife scolded.

"Don't fuck up," he jabbed a finger at Tommy.

"Oi."

"I won't," Tommy nodded along.

Celestine hissed at her husband, "Watch your language."

Tommy did his best to conceal his amusement as he watched the two bicker, is this what me and Eden look like? Christ.

"Sorry my sweet," he cupped her hands, pressing a kiss to them, then turned to the younger man, about to say something he hoped he wouldn't regret. "You've got my blessin'."

Tommy let out a breath he didn't know that he was holding and shook his hand with Cecil's.

"And you, Mrs — Celestine, do I have ya blessin'?" He corrected, much to her excitement.

Celestine chuckled, "You had it before you walked in, Thomas."

Tommy finally smiled.

—

"Anythin' you wanna tell me?"

"Like what?"

Tommy knew Eden inside and out, he'd been observing her since they came to lay on her bed after she got home. How she wiped off her subtle make-up and got undressed, revealing parts of her that he believed to have grown or thickened, had him aroused but overall he knew something was different.

So after she wrapped her hair in a scarf, he sat down at the edge of her bed, ready to ask her some questions.

"Your mum said somethin' weird today, somethin' 'bout you might havin' some news of your own," he pressed, still confused by her cryptic words.

"I don't," Eden rushed out, internally cursing at her mother, despite knowing she meant well.  "Besides you're off to war," she added, knowing the gears were turning in his mind, but she couldn't have him asking any more questions, "you all are, how are we supposed to cope?"

Tommy took her hands in his, "It won't be for long, papers sayin' it'll be a couple of months and we'll be back for Christmas."

"As if you believe that," she muttered,  softly scoffing at the thought. It's a fucking lie, the papers are lying to them all.

"'Ave to believe somethin'."

She pulled her hands out of his grasp, "It'll be hell. We joke 'bout Small Heath bein' hell but this is hell, all the things we learnt in school and church– "

" – You barely went to church," he remarked, smirking slightly.

She rolled her eyes, "Tommy it'll be hell, I just know."

"Aye, then we'll need to return to our havens soon," Tommy spoke with a glint of glee swimming in his eyes. 

"Please don't go," he could hear the pain in her voice, it almost crippled him.

It was too late now...their papers had been turned in, and they would be shipping out to France soon.

Taking off his blazer, he slipped into bed next to her, turning on his side, so he could take all of her in.

"Love listen, I'll come back to you, sooner than you think," he vowed, "you can write to me, and by the time I come back, you'll finish that book you've writing."

She bit down on her bottom lip, "What book?"

He softly chuckled, "The book that's runnin' through your mind right now, you fuel it with whatever you set your sights on so you can put pen to paper."

"It's hard to do that when war is on my mind and has been on yours for quite some time," she whispered.

"I know," he nodded, "what'll make you feel better eh? Visit a medium and they'll tell you what's what."

Tommy was never a believer in fortunes, well sometimes he was but his dad was a trickster for a living, stealing horses and telling fortunes, Tommy didn't want to be tricked but he needed Eden to settle and she hadn't been for a while.

"Don't need to see a fraud like Mrs. Price or whoever to know what's what Tommy, you'll be gone for a while..." and who knows if you'll come back the same.

Eden sniffled at the visions flashing through her mind, she was pregnant and he would be gone. How big was she gonna get, how much would she change? All the dreams and wishes she had about having a big family, she always thought Enzo and Dorris would be there for her, all three of them together, but the former wasn't an option and the latter, wouldn't be much of a help, instead turn it into a big joke and that wasn't what she needed right now. She needed guidance.

Hearing the Changrettas were all aboard with this suicide mission, her old best friend was gonna get himself killed and she couldn't even get within five feet of him for her to tell him to stay at home.

Soldiers at bloody war.

"Does Finn know?" She broke the silence with a quiet question.

Tommy frowned at the memory, "He does. Wants to come along with us."

"Course he does, you're his heroes."

"I'll be yours when we come back," he countered, not wanting to think of his little brother crying and begging to come along.

"How confident," she muttered the same thing his father had done hours before.

He smirked, "Y'know me."

She nodded, "I do know you."

"Can I ask you somethin'?"

"What?"

"To put the pendant back on," he rushed out, narrowing his eyes when she sighed, "We're together now Edie, no point of you carrying on this act. You love me, I love you. What happened ain't in the past, I know that, I messed up, it fucked up your head and all, but listen I'm changin' and I can't leave 'ere with the thought of your beck bare."

Eden deeply sighed.

"I don't wanna rush ya —"

"Give it to me."

His eyes widened.

"What?"

"Give it to me, I'll put it on," it's for the baby, she wanted to be safe and careful with the pregnancy, especially if he wasn't gonna be there.

Tommy quickly pulled it out of his pocket, shocking her that he'd been carrying it around this entire time. He put it around her neck, just like how he did when he first confessed his love for her.

It looked beautiful and he couldn't stop smiling, she thought his face would have to hurt.

In all honesty, she did prefer it on and missed it so dearly, but she was a stubborn woman and wanted to be petty.

"Back where it belongs," he said aloud, trailing a finger over her cheek, "You look so fuckin' beautiful, y'know that?"  he loved her more than life itself, "Can't get enough of you."

She blushed at the look he was giving her, "Tom..."

"You're glowin' I don't get it. But I love it. Come here," he tugged her closer.

"No, I'm mad at ya," she didn't bother fighting.

"Good, the sex is better when you are," he stole a kiss from her.

"My parents are here," she gasped when he tugged at her nightie.

"Like that's stopped us," he started to undress, rushing to get his clothes off.

She gasped when he got into bed again, still in his undergarments, but she could see all of him fuck no wonder I'm pregnant.

"Tom..." she whimpered when he got on top of her.

His lips trailed up and down her neck, "If you're worried 'bout puttin' a baby in you, I won't, I'll wait for some here."

She fought a frown and asked, "So you don't want a baby now?" She asked and he pulled back.

"Not yet, when I come back, maybe when the business improves y'know?" He rushed out, standing up and going to the door.

"Right," she whispered, knowing now wasn't the right time to tell him. Fuck when was it?

"Come here," he grinned after shoving the door stopper under the door, so they wouldn't be interrupted, "I love you alright, now, I need to make it up to you, your parents know I'm stayin' over, so lay back and be quiet."

Her small breathy moans haunted him at night in his room alone. Touching himself, imagining how it would be when he had her all over again. He craved Eden like the very air in his lungs.

"You're not tired?" She asked, putting aside her confession and focusing on his hardened state, palming it, earning a soft groan from him.

"Of you? Never," his head moved all over her body, travelling from the hem of her nightie to the inside of her thighs, "surprised your knife ain't here, can't 'ave you stabbin' me."

He didn't need another incident with the flick knife.

She let out a breathy laugh, "I wouldn't... yet."

Eden dragged his face back to hers, enveloping him in searing kisses as his hands began shifting off her nightie, pulling it over her head, freeing her breasts, whilst her nimble fingers pulled down his undergarments, he groaned against her feverish lips.

"Fuck, you're everythin', ya know that?" He grunted at the feeling of her hands.

Tommy pulled back, trying to suppress his grunts and groans but he couldn't. He moved away her hand, wanting, no, needing to focus on her and only her.

His tongue teased her breasts, "'Ave these got bigger? They fuckin' 'ave."

It was something he couldn't deny.

"Oi, that hurts," she hissed, then panicked at the worried look in his eyes, "Avoid 'em for the night. Just feel a little sensitive, that's all."

"Y'sure?" she never reacted like that before "They look so..." Tommy trailed off, biting down on his lip at how big they were, "alright sorry," he quickly apologised, then was taken back by her roughly pushing him, managing to flip him over, "Fuck."

"Wanted to be to top," she murmured as his hands settled on her waist.

He needed all of her, she squealed when he sat up, still keeping his firm grip on her.

"By all means, darlin'," he groaned, watching her rise on her knees, "be on top."

Sinking down on him, they both groaned and gripped each other.

Eden knew she would have to find a better time to tell him about the baby on the way.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

a/n:

it upsets me that those who went to war only thought they would be away for a few months. i was gonna watch 'all quiet on the western front' but i don't wanna upset myself. never been a fan of war films but been hearing a lot praise from that one.

and yes i finally made eden put the pendant back on, just for the sake of the baby. she's a superstitious person, so it would just bring her comfort to know that she's safe and so is the baby.

also i didn't realise how quickly this book would take for me to write, honestly thought it would be longer but I'm glad it wasn't too heavy, or violent, but I've been enjoying it so much, i love eden and tommy.

[cottoncandy-cult]

Zack Foster X Daughter! Reader

So this one ties into my Zack Foster Scenarios book over on wattpad, if you're interested my name over there is the same as it is here and on my Ao3

(Y/n) sat quietly on her daddy's back, the tall male carrying her through the forest. His wife was a government mercenary, something he became as well after killing Rachel. It was because of his wife that he was able to, he had originally met the girl years before Rachel. Before he was taken to that place. She approached him with the offer to join the group, a couple of serial killers already being a part of them. He denied a bit coldly, it wasn't until everything that happened with Rachel that he was able to swallow his pride even a little. He chuckled to himself, thinking about how much of a pain she was to find again but he was glad he did. This woman really brought him down to earth, her feisty nature sometimes scared even him a little. She knew it to, but she never bragged. "What's so funny daddy?" The young girl looked at him over his shoulder, she looked so much like her mother with her (H/l) (H/c) hair. Though slightly darker (H/c) than her mother's, he knew she'd probably look just like her in the end. She had heterochromia like her father, her right eye was like her mother's, but her left eye was black like one of her father's. She was the sweetest child, completely innocent. Sometimes he wondered if it was his golden eye that made him evil, but he always followed it up with a thought of 'that sounds fucking dumb.' And cracking open a beer. "Nothin squirt, just thinkin of your mom." His deep raspy voice made her grin, but before she could respond they came in view of the cabin.

(M/n) sat on the front steps, it was a warm summer night so she was in her pj shorts and an oversized shirt. Zack sat his little girl down and watched as she ran up to her mom, he was glad to see she came back from her job in one piece. The little girl launched herself into her mom's arms, the woman chuckling softly before pulling her up onto her lap. "Hey there sweety, how was your walk with daddy?” She looked up at Zack, the male always liked taking their little girl for walks around the forest when she went on a job. It helped to keep the girl distracted and keep her from getting cabin fever. She'd often take her daughter into town to the park or out to eat when Zack was doing a job, given their combined work money wasn't an issue. "Yeah, hey mommy can we have (F/f)?" The little girl gazed up at the woman's face, her mother nodding. "Sure sweety, why don't you go get cleaned up and take a break for a minute and I'll get it started."

With that the girl gave a squeal of excitement, one that had Zack covering his ears, then she ran off. The male approached the woman, leaning down to her height with a smirk. Though that was wiped off his face when she yanked him down and kissed him, though she pulled back before he could respond and he gave her a shocked look that made her smirk. "Go inside and get comfortable fucker, we got a week off and my dad will be coming to get (Y/n) tomorrow because she's been wanting to spend some time with him." She winked at the male, easily able to tell by how he tensed that he was blushing.

Once Zack had gotten changed into some sweatpants and a tanktop he got comfortable on the couch, the tv was on but it was more or less just background noise. He could hear his wife cooking, he simply watched as his little girl colored in one of her books. He never said it out loud, though his wife already could tell, his daughter amazed him. She was so sweet and innocent, completely oblivious to how wicked this world could be. Deep down he knew she'd learn the truth one day, but he wanted to protect her for as long as he could. One day she may learn about how wicked the world was, but he'd never let her experience it. He'd die before he let his angel be hurt. "Daddy?" Zack had jumped slightly at his daughter's voice, she smiled up at him from where she colored in her book.

"Yeah, what is it?" The little girl giggled at his low voice, making him quirk an eyebrow. "Can we camp out in the living room tonight?" That made him chuckle, every now and then they'd basically build a nest of covers on the living room floor. They spend the night playing games, watching movies and shows. Then they'd crash in a heap in their little nest, the hopeful look in her eyes made him nod. "Sure kid, but we can't stay up to late. Remember you're spending the day with your Gramps tomorrow." Right before their daughter responded his wife came in, handing them both plates. "Camping out? Sounds great to me." That made the little girl light up, quickly and happily eating her favorite meal. (M/n) went to get her own plate, leaving the two alone.

"So what do you want to watch tonight kid?" He relaxed as his daughter snuggled up to his side, staring at the tv as he flipped through various movies and shows on a streaming network. "Uh... Are there any new movies?" That made her dad chuckle, the girl always needed to look at all the movies and shows before she made a choice. So he flipped through the new additions, his daughter eating beside him. Soon his wife joined them on the couch and began eating, everyone joking and talking as they tried to pick a movie. By the time they did the trio had finished their food, so they ditched their plates on the coffee table to relax and watch the movie they settled on.

Halfway through the movie Zack had been dozing off until he heard the soft giggles of his little girl, he looked to her with a quirked eyebrow as she held a finger to her lips and pointed to her mom. (Y/n) had been on Zack's left and her mother was on his right, when Zack looked to his wife, he found her out cold. "Why don't you go get the covers and shit and we can get ready for bed, you have to get up early anyways." (Y/n) was quick to comply and as she gathered all the pillows and covers while Zack had moved to lie his wife down, the woman sleeping like a rock even though Zack nearly dropped her off the side of the couch. He had to try and not laugh out loud when he heard the quiet cackles of his daughter, from there he went to put the dirty dishes in the kitchen.

When he came back he moved to help his daughter set up their little nest, whispering over to her. "So squirt, what are you and Gramps supposed to do tomorrow?" He almost flinched at the new energy that seemed to radiate from the girl when he asked, he was almost worried that she wouldn't be able to sleep as she got so excited. "We are gonna go out for lunch, then to the zoo. Then we are gonna go to the park, and then a movie and dinner." She was out of breath from the excited ramble, making him chuckle and pat her head. "Sounds like fun, you better make sure to take pictures for your mom." With that said they had finished setting up everything, as (Y/n) went to get changed into her PJs Zack tucked his wife in under her cover. As he got comfortable his little girl came rushing in, turning out all of the lights as she moved before diving under the cover. "Careful kiddo, if you get hurt it might make things harder tomorrow." The little girl nodded, snuggling with her favorite stuffed animal as she scooted closer to her father and making him chuckle. He lied on his back, pressing play on the movie as his little girl laid her head on his chest.

When the movie finished, he glanced down to see a sleeping (Y/n), he adjusted the cover slightly and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well kid..." These were his soft muffled words as he turned off the TV and fell asleep.

[boygiwrites]

Harley D. Dixon 15

An amazing edit inspired by this story! (Cred to Cora_Line99) Harley D. Dixon's Pinterest Board! Harley D. Dixon's Playlist!

📖Chapter List.

Author's Note. As usual, please enjoy reading, everyone :) <3

Title might give it away, but we've all been waiting for this chapter winky wink

"How long's this girl been lost, exactly?"

"This'll be day five, now."

This'll be day three of my Dad bein' unconscious, I muse to myself solemnly, sitting nearby. It's the next morning, now, and with Dad's treatment more promising and Glenn taking iron supplements to help replace all the nutrients he lost from the blood he gave, people have decided that it's time to resume the search for Sophia. It's not gonna be an easy task, no matter how you spin it. By now, she could be anywhere. If I had five days to walk anywhere in the world, I could be halfway across the country already.

As I watch a brown butterfly flitter elegantly along the edge of the truck bed, lost in thought, Rick smooths a map out across the hood.

"Country survey map." He announces. "It shows terrains and elevations for fifty miles. We'll grid the whole area; search in teams."

"Finally get this thing organized." Dale hums, nodding.

"So far, we've covered this lower region, here, all the way up to this part of the river." Rick drags a finger this way and that over the page. "This is 'round about where we found Harley, down by this slope. Carol said Harley told her she followed this whole bit here and found Sophia's doll somewhere close by. Maybe around this part, here. Between everything that's been goin' on, we haven't gotten a chance to check it out until now, but I'm thinking we start today. Should take about a couple hours to cover, I reckon, with two people."

"And who are you suggesting goes with you?"

"I was thinkin' Glenn, but he needs rest. How 'boutchu, Shane?"

Shane, who's been mostly staring at the grass this whole conversation, looks up.

"Nah." He shakes his head. "My ankle's still pretty busted, man. Best if I hang back on this one."

"Okay, sure."

"Looks like it's just you, then, Rick." Herschel says.

The butterfly chooses this moment to fly away, leading my gaze up, and then onto Shane. His ankle's fit as a damn fiddle. I saw him doin' push ups this morning, but I don't say nothin'. He's been hovering around me since yesterday afternoon like a little insect that I just can't shake, staring at me, pokin' around. Something about Rick's return with the supplies seems to have affected him in a way I can't place.

Few days ago, I would've felt so safe having Shane this close to me, but now I know that's like a bunny feelin' safe around a coyote.

"Actually," Rick butts in, "Harley?"

I snap out of it, suddenly, meeting his eyes.

"Yeah?"

"You wanna come with me?"

"Huh?"

I didn't expect him to ask me that, of all things.

"I could use your help, y'know." He adds. "You'd recognise more of those woods than any of us will."

"That's a good idea." Dale agrees aloud, mainly just for the sake of convincing me. "Doctor, you think she's good to do some exploring?"

"As long as she doesn't put too much strain on those stitches," Herschel nods, "I don't see why not."

"Perfect. What do you say?"

Wow. They really wanna get me outta here today. I guess a few hours away from the house won't be so bad. I'm sick'a Shane breathin' down my neck, anyways.

"Okay," I eventually decide, "I'll go."

Shane suddenly looks like he's regretting his decision to stay here.

"Attagirl. You don't need t'be cooped up in that room, worrying all day." Rick smiles. "Your Dad might even be awake, time we get back. You wanna go getcher hat?"

Dale nods. "Hot out."

"Okay. I think I left it by the well when I was playin' this morning."

"Go take a look, then."

Herschel and Dale help me hop off the truck.

"We'll leave in five minutes, okay, Harley?"

"Okay!"

I make it across the dry field, where Carl is peering down into the pit of the water well.

"Hey, Carl," I say, approaching. "You seen my hat 'round here?"

"Harley! C'mere!"

"What is it?"

"Down here. Look." He leans over the cobbled wall, and I follow his pointing finger into the stinky, murky depths below. "You see it?"

I don't, at first, but then I get a whole big whiff of rotting meat and dead insect-mush, and I make out somethin' moving around down there in the dark, which makes me squeak a little in disgust. Might be an ogre down there. Ogres are gross. I saw in a movie that they pick their noses.

"Hell's that?" I ask, scrunching my nose. "Stinks."

"A walker, I think."

"A walker?!"

There it is. I see it, now. Those shiny things are slippery limbs, and those lumpy ones are big, gross pustules.

I cringe loudly. "Eugh!"

"I know, right?" Carl exclaims, somewhat excitedly. "I think it fell in somehow."

"Well, we best not mess with it."

He straightens, only now registering why I'm over here. "Wait, where are you going if you need your hat? You wanna play tag again?"

"No. I can't. Your Dad's takin' me out to look for Sophia."

He looks confused.

"What? Not Shane?"

I make a face. "No. He's stayin'."

"Aw, man. Why didn't Dad ask me?"

"I'on know."

"Well, can I come, too?"

"No, Carl."

We both spin around to face Rick, who holds up my flimsy green bucket hat in the air as he approaches.

"It's just me and Harley today. Sorry."

When he's close enough, he fixes the hat onto my head.

"You found it?"

He nods.

Carl whines. "Why can't I come, too, Dad?"

He helps me drag the little bauble of the jaw-string all the way up under my chin, since it's kinda tough to do with little hands.

"Harley's goin' through a bit of a tough time right now, Carl. She could use some time away from the house. You're good right here."

Carl pouts.

"Besides," Rick shrugs, "Who's gonna protect this place while we're away?"

He rolls his eyes. "Be serious."

"I am serious."

"No, you're not. Dale's the one who keeps watch. Not me."

"Well, how 'bout you go ask him if you can join him today, huh?"

His eyes widen. "Really?"

"Yeah. I'm sure he'd appreciate that."

As Rick stands up, Carl considers the offer.

"Yeah, okay. I'll do it." He sticks up a finger. "But only if I get a gun."

"Woah. No, no, no. One step at a time, okay?" He laughs, nodding me back toward the gate. "Come on, Harley. We're goin', now."

Carl stomps his foot.

"But, Dad!"

"No. Go ask your mother!"

I can't help but snicker. Poor Carl.

"I can still be useful, you know. It's never stopped me before."

When we make it back to the main gate, where a few of our group are waiting to send us off, we walk into a small argument between Herschel and Shane. We stay out of it for the most part as Andrea hands Rick a backpack filled with useful supplies and one of our rifles.

"You push your ankle now," Herschel warns, "You'll be laid up in bed for a month, no good to anybody. I thought I made that clear."

"You did." Shane nods, playing along to get what he wants, "But I just feel like they could use an extra pair of eyes out there, that's all."

Rick raises a brow. "Thought you said you would hang back."

"Well, compared to what Harley's got, this is nothin'. Just a... a damn twist." He laughs it off. "Should be fine."

"I'm not comfortable with that." Rick firmly states, going back to loading the gun.

Shane just stares at him, annoyed with this conclusion.

"How about you take the car?" Herschel suggests. "It's better than walking. You can head back to the interstate; search for Sophia that way."

He sighs. "Yep. Yeah, okay. That's fine."

"Alright, then. And remember, no guns on my property."

Rick nods. "Loud and clear. We're guests here. We understand."

"Cute hat." Maggie grins, pinching the brim.

I giggle. "Thanks."

"Okay. We're off." Rick slings the bag over his shoulder. "If we're not back by dark, start worrying."

"Sure thing." Andrea smacks his shoulder. "Be safe."

Lori gives his cheek a kiss.

"Look after her, and be careful."

He smiles, nodding as Maggie opens the gate for us. "I will."

Even when we make it all the way to the treeline, I can still tell that Shane is pissed.

"Step over this rock, here. You got it?"

"Yeah."

"There we go. Nothin' stops you, does it?"

"Nope."

"Thought so."

Hiking with Rick ain't all that bad. We make our way into the woods, trailing the creek together for about an hour, before I start to recognise some of the oddly shaped tree trunks, mushroom clusters, and peculiar boulders out here. It reminds me a little of hiking with my Dad, especially when Rick stops to make me drink some water every once in a while, or tells me to watch out for a hole or snag in the ground. I never thought Rick could be like this, but he is a Dad, after all. He's got Carl. Everything I've found Shane's tried to do with me, Rick does it a hundred times more naturally.

He doesn't even make me uncomfortable when he does it, neither. It's almost like this is what it's meant to feel like, all this time.

"Good to be away from the farm for a bit, ain't it?" He muses, avoiding saying, away from Shane.

Up ahead, I notice a log caught in the stream.

"Hey, Rick."

"Yeah, Harley?"

"I saw this." Some frogs hop into the water when we reach it. "Yeah. This is where I found Matilda. She was in the water, right here."

He glances at me.

"Who?"

"Matilda." I repeat. "Sophia's doll."

"Oh. Right. Yeah. I knew that was her name."

"Did ya, really?"

"Not a clue. Let's look around a bit, huh?"

We spend some time combing the dirt and mud near the creek for tracks, but most of the imprints we uncover either belong to woodland animals, thirsty birds, or me, from when I was lost. We can tell 'cause when I step on 'em, the size and patterns are a perfect match to my boots. Just by pure luck, we eventually find some different, slightly bigger markings that could belong to Sophia, hiding under leaves.

We follow them into the trees.

I feel bad for not doin' this the day I came across the doll. If I did, we might've found her by now.

As we walk, I think more about Shane, and how Carl got made to stay behind today, even though he's older, and he ain't even hurt.

"How come you didn't bring Carl with us?"

Rick looks back at me.

"I just thought you could use some time away from everybody; get your mind off everythin' for a while, that's all."

"But you could'a done that without takin' me out here. Maggie did. We went peach pickin' in the orchard yesterday."

"I know." Rick sighs, reluctant to elaborate.

"But?"

"Well... One difference between the orchard and these woods is that there ain't no way for Shane to bug you out here like he can back there."

I almost trip over a pebble, but I save myself just in time.

"Soon as he brought up that ankle of his, I thought it would be a good opportunity." He raises a brow. "You know, don't think I haven't noticed all'a this. Not just the recent staring and the... the whatever-else he's been doin', but something's been goin' on there for quite some time now, I think. Maybe even before the CDC. I don't know. Whatever it is, I wanted you away from it for a few hours."

I always knew Rick was sorta smart, but I guess he's been paying more attention than I thought.

I don't say nothin', so he prompts, "Am I right?"

Yes, he's right. I wish he wasn't, but I can't change things like that.

"Yeah." I awkwardly shrug. "I guess."

"Care to clue me in?"

"Not really."

"Your Dad said the same thing when I brought it up with him. What? Is it some deep, dark, Dixon secret I'm not allowed in on?"

I giggle a little. "No. Not that."

"Then, what is it?"

"I don't know. A different type of secret."

"And what type is that?"

"A..." I put some thought into it. "It's a big secret."

He glances at me again.

If he's having a hard time navigating this, or he's feeling uncomfortable, then he's not letting on at all. In fact, I think he planned this.

"A big secret, hm?" He muses casually. "What makes it so big?"

"Because if I tell you even a little, tiny bit of it, then you'll need to know the whole thing, and I'm not allowed to tell you that."

"No? How about you try?"

"What? Tell you a little, tiny bit?"

"Just a little, tiny bit."

Something tells me no matter what I say, Rick's hanging on my every word and he's gonna remember 'em. I guess this is it, then — The moment I finally tell someone. His back is turned to me, walking just a couple feet ahead, which makes it much easier to treat this like it's nothin'. Wonder if he's doin' it on purpose. I never imagined it would be him I'd talk to about this, but here I am, anyway.

Okay. Just a little, tiny bit. Here I go.

"I think Shane did something really, really, bad."

I wish I could see Rick's face.

Unconfident, I stammer, "There you go. That's a little, tiny bit."

I think Shane tried to murder my Dad. I think he shot him. He shot him for beating on me, but that's another little, tiny bit for another day.

"Okay." Rick says, like he's digesting everything he's thinking; everything he's assuming, concluding, planning. He nods. "Okay."

Shane did something really, really bad, and so did my Dad, and so did I.

"Can I ask you one more question, though, Harley?"

"Yeah?"

"What would happen if you told me the whole secret?"

Oh, that's easy.

"Something even worse would happen."

We make it to a church.

An old, knobbly tree leans over the side of it.

"This the one?"

"Sure is."

When I told 'em about the faint ringing of church bells I heard that day, they explained that there really was a church out here, and that they even stopped at it for a while that afternoon, thinking one of us girls must've been causing the noise, but we weren't. The sound is on a timer.

The door creeks sorely as we step inside, immediately struck by a wall of pure dust and the smell of mothballs.

"Pleh." I mutter.

With a quick look around the barren room, it's obvious that Sophia isn't here.

Never one to be discouraged easily, Rick sets the bag down on one of the wooden benches, and gestures for me to take a seat.

"Trail ends here, I suppose. Maybe we can pick it up again later." He sighs, passing me a cloth filled with pear slices. "You gettin' tired, yet?"

"Not so much. Sittin' on this bench-thing is helpin', though."

He chuckles, "You mean a pew?" 

"Pew?" I exclaim. "Pew, as in, like, a gun? Goin' pew-pew?"

"Exactly like that."

"Weird. Why not just call 'em benches?"

"'Cause churches like to be fancy."

"Well, I ain't fancy."

"Nobody is, anymore. Except maybe Herschel."

He settles down beside me on the pew, and we take a short lunch break together. I unwrap the fruit and begin eating the slender pieces of fresh pear, which are kinda warm from sitting in the backpack all morning — Ew — while Rick snacks on his slightly lesser portion. I look around the church. It's much smaller than the one from our hometown. Ours had a classroom and a foyer and everything, but this one's more like a really big, dirty bedroom.

"Did you ever go to church?" I ask Rick, for no reason other than I want to. "Back when you could?"

"Sometimes," He answers, "But not always."

"We did. They used to give out free stuff. Every time we went, Dad was sure they was gonna tell us we had to leave, but it never happened."

"Did you enjoy going?"

"No... The other kids were always lookin' at us funny."

He smiles sadly. Then he says, "Carl didn't like going, either. He hated having to dress up."

"Did he ever pray?"

"Not really, no. I don't think he believes in all of that."

I don't know what someone like Carl would need to pray for. I bet he had a whole heap of toys, and all the friends he could ever want.

Rick catches me staring at the statue of Jesus at the head of the room, a dull hunk of wood more than anything, lent a pretty, fractured spotlight by the stained window behind it. Carol told me she prayed here, for me and Sophia to be found. She said she convinced my Dad to pray, as well.

"Do you think he's lookin' after everybody?" I ask. "That's what they say, ain't it? Up in heaven?"

"I like to think so. It's a nice thought."

Sophia might be there already. That's a not-so-nice thought.

"Morales, I reckon he's in heaven, 'cause he lent me his toothpaste tube one time."

Rick chuckles. "Yeah. He was a good man."

"And our dog, Tank. He's in heaven, too. I know so, 'cause the vet sent us a letter sayin' he was, after he died."

"Did they?"

"Yep. I don't get how they found out, but that's where he is."

"Must be. All pets go to heaven, you know that?"

"Not all people, though."

"No. No, not all people."

My Uncle Merle's gotta be in Hell, if he's anywhere. I love him, but just 'cause you love someone, it don't make 'em a saint. Uncle Merle used to kick Tank, sometimes. He enjoyed tricking people for money, and he was in jail a lotta the time. I remember one time he was there for somethin' so bad my Dad had to sell his guitar and the TV so he could pay to let him out. I was real mad when he got home.

You ain't happy to see your old Uncle Merle, baby?

No. I ain't got no cartoons no more 'cause of you.

Aw. Sappy little thing, ain't ya? Always told you, you're too soft on her, Darylina.

Rick can tell what I'm thinkin', 'cause it weren't no secret back then that my Uncle wasn't anybody's favorite person in camp.

"I told you before," He takes a chance at saying, "But I'll say it again. I'm very sorry for what happened to your Uncle."

A long time ago, I would've gotten angry at that, but there's not much of that left in me, anymore.

"It's okay." I utter, pleased with how good it feels to say; with how two words can take two tonnes off both my shoulders.

He smiles fondly. "You're not gonna wish death on me, this time?"

"This is a church." I scoff. "I can't do that."

"I won't push my luck, then."

"I'll take some of your pear, though."

"Okay, there. Now you're pushin' your luck."

"Not even half a slice?"

"Fat chance, Dixon."

When we've packed up and are just about to head back out into the sun, I take a last look at the statue.

"You got somethin' you wanna say to him?" Rick suggests.

"Yeah." I decide, and then I shout loudly, "You best wake my Daddy up soon, you sum' bitch!"

A rat scuttles away under the floorboards at my sheer volume.

"Okay." Rick ushers me out the door, trying not to snicker. "Come on, now."

"I got shot in the stomach, too, once. Did you know that?"

I glance at Rick as we step over a rock, sceptical. No, I didn't know that.

"Did ya? When?"

"About a week before I turned up at the quarry." He tells me. "It was a work accident. Put me in a coma for quite a while."

I was too busy hating everybody — hating Rick, especially — to ever really ask about what happened before that day, but there's my answer.

"Don't need to ask if you survived, then, I guess."

"I guess not." He smiles. "No, I'm still kickin'."

"You think that'll happen with my Dad?"

"I'm sure of it."

For once, I want my Dad to be a little like Rick, the man I used to want dead.

When we break through the treeline some hours later, we see Jacqui at the top of the hill, waving her arms around.

"What's she shoutin'?"

"I don't know."

Rick starts jogging forward on instinct, pulling me closer with one hand and grabbing his revolver with the other.

"What?" He shouts back, shaking his head. "What is it? What's goin' on?"

She calls out once more, and this time, her words are clear.

"Harley! Get over here! Your Dad woke up!"

Rick stops running all at once.

We look at each other, astonished, until I start to let the realization sink in, and my eyes well up.

"Go on, then." He nods, excited for me. "Go, go, go. Get up there."

I turn, running all the way to Jacqui.

"When?" I ask. "When?"

She grabs my hand. "About twenty minutes ago."

"Is he okay?!"

We hurry toward the house together, setting off small droves of orange and brown butterflies that were resting in the grass.

"He's okay." She grins. "Threatened to burn the whole farm down if I didn't bring you to him right away, though! C'mon!"

"Dad!!"

I race up the porch steps, squealing.

"Daddy!!"

The door to the Greene house almost falls off its hinges when I push past it. It smacks into the wall with a loud, loud bang, and the next door that stands in my way receives the same treatment. If I burst holes into the plaster, I'll just have to apologise to the Greenes later. As soon as I see my Dad — Awake and breathing, and even sitting up a little in the bed — I throw myself onto him with the force of a thousand lifetimes. He tries to say my name, but grunts when he catches me. He recovers from the pain almost immediately, wrapping me up in the biggest darn hug he's ever given me. All them times I ever waited for him to come pick me up from school, or I thought he didn't turn up for one of my tournaments — That's nothin' compared to this moment. I thought he was dead. Dead and gone, forever, but he's not. Glenn, Rick, and Andrea saved him.

They got me my Dad back.

I sob like I've never sobbed before, overcome with relief that consumes me like a tidal wave, hiccing, moaning, coughing into his shoulder.

I can't believe it.

"He's awake?" I hear Rick asking in the foyer, panting slightly from the walk up the hill. "He's alright?"

"He's going to be sore," Herschel answers, "But yes, he's alive."

"He woke up?" Shane asks, sounding almost offended.

"Yes. Seems those supplies really helped."

My Dad buries his face into my neck, shushing me gently as he soothes my back.

"Dad." I bawl, like he's about to leave me again at any moment, and I have to will him back into my arms. "Daddy-y-y-y."

"Shh, sh, sh, baby." His voice is hoarse in my ear, but it's the best sound I ever heard. "Daddy's here, baby. I'm okay. I'm okay."

I just keep wailing it over and over again until he's crying, too.

"Daddy's here, baby." He shudders, then, mutters, fuck, in embarrassment. "I— I'm here, baby. I'm here. Lemme get a look atchu, huh?"

He pulls back with a kiss to my cheek, steadying me with both his hands.

"You hurtin' bad, still?" He asks. "Your stitches?"

"I thought you was dead, Dad."

His chin crumples ever so slightly as he looks at me, and then wordlessly, he embraces me again. I'm cocooned tightly in both his arms, my ear pressed up against the faint buh-boom buh-boom of his heart. He lays back into the pillows, taking me with him, shushing me some more. I should be a little more embarrassed about how hard I'm crying, but he don't mention it.

If there was ever a time I'm allowed to cry, it's now.

The IV tube gets tangled up a bit, and I think I'm hurting him, but it just makes him chuckle between tears.

"Careful, chicken." He sniffs. "You're gonna— Gonna mess me up, here, in a second."

Herschel comes in to fix it up a bit.

"I'on know what the fuck this is. Sorry." Dad mutters as he tries to help him, clumsily de-tangling all the equipment. "Here. I'on know."

"Gave your little one quite the scare." Herschel smiles over the sound of my ear-piercing cries. "Gave us all quite a scare, I think."

"You're Herschel, right?"

"Yes. Herschel Greene. This is my farm you're sat up in. Did Glenn tell you everything?"

He nods. "Think I owe you my life, if I heard right."

"Well, it wasn't your ears that got damaged in the accident, young man."

"Da-a-a-ad!"

He turns his attention back onto me at an especially pained sob.

"Shhhh. It's okay." He jokes, "I'm right here, girl."

That makes Herschel chuckle. "I'll give you two a moment, then."

Dad lets me cry as much as I want in the privacy of this little room. He smooths down my hair, tucks it behind my ears, plays with it, kisses my scalp, all the while murmuring sh, sh, sh, like I'm a newborn baby needing coddled. I let him rock me side to side. I let him hum little tunes to me quietly, and smack firm but soothing pats through the back of my shorts. After what feels like forever, I calm down, reduced to whimpers.

"You know, I thought I told you not to go nowhere." He tries making me laugh, cradling my face as I look up at him. "Remember?"

"Shut up." I complain, struggling to breathe properly. "You al-al-almost died."

"I know, baby. I'm sorry."

"Every morning, I was so scared you wouldn't be breathin', no more. I had to check."

"Everybody take good care'a ya?" He asks. "Nobody needs a whooping?"

"Maybe T-Dog." I sniff, playing with his chain necklace. "He ate all the pretzels."

"Did he, now?"

"Yeah."

"When I'm all better, I'll sort him out for ya, then."

"Uh-huh." I mumble. "You better."

I can only hold back on asking the question I've been wanting to ask him since the moment I heard that gunshot for so long.

"Daddy, what happened out there?"

He pauses for a moment. I expect him to rat Shane out without a moment's hesitation; to get angry, to want justice. But that's not what happens. He doesn't swear, or shout, or even get that little, glinting look of fire in his eyes. It seems to have fizzled out, somehow, leaving only a wispy hint of what used to burn there so violently and for so long. It's strange to me, this tranquillity. It's like a biting dog that's given up his tricks.

"Baby," He sighs, stroking my cheek fleetingly. "How much you figured out?"

I've figured out lots of things in the past month — Enough for a lifetime.

I've figured out that being beaten by your Dad is wrong, but only to some people, and only if they happen to walk in on it. I've also learnt how to think for myself, a lesson taught by someone who promised I could trust him but ended up just another liar. I've learnt the feeling of a kill; the name for benches in a church. I've learnt my Dad is two people at once, like a mirror with a hidden edge. He's him, but he's all the men that came before him, too, all echoing their last laugh through a swing of his fists. I've learnt that loving your family above all else is a hereditary disease.

"Almost all of it." I settle on saying, thinking of all the things life has yet to throw at me. "Almost all of it."

He chews his bottom lip. Then, he pinches my cheek.

"You're my smart girl, huh?"

I smile under the weight of everything.

"Well, one thing at a time. Your old man can't hardly keep up." He lowers his hand, returning my faint smile. "For starters, it was Shane that shot me." I feel like I've been slapped. "I don't know what he's told you, or... or y'know, what yarn he's been spinnin', but it was him."

"Wh-Where? How?"

"I left that day to look for Jim. I didn't tell nobody where I was goin', 'cause I was— I was gonna kill him, baby." It's a tough thing to admit, but it's nothing I ain't heard before. When they first told me Ronnie was dead, and that my Daddy killed him, all I wanted to know was when I could see him again. "I's gonna ask you where his camp was that day, but seein' yer— yer little face, all fuckin' sun-burnt an'— I'on know. Plan changed. I asked Shane instead. And uh... Some walkin', I almost made it. I knew he was followin' me. He walks loud as Hell. Like a fuckin' Yeti."

I giggle. Shane don't got my Dad's finesse when it comes to slinking through the woods.

"I guess I's kinda hopin' he'd..." He takes a deep breath. I wait patiently for him to continue. "Anyway, he did."

"You lured him."

"Yeah. I walked 'bout two hours out before... 'fore I knew I'd waited long enough nobody would find us straight away, and then I spun around, and I tackled him to the ground. I could'a shot him, point-blank, but I wanted it to... W— I wanted it to hurt."

"'Cause he's a bastard cop?"

He falters when I ask this, pinching the bridge of his nose, like this is physically hard for him to get through.

He finds the courage to look at me again. "Yes, Harley, 'cause he's a bastard cop. 'Cause he made things difficult for us, and I wanted him to suffer for it. I got his nose again; fucked his ribs up. I was about to shoot him in the brains when he snatched the glock off me."

"And then he—?"

"Then he shot me."

"And... you didn't get anywhere near Jim's camp? You didn't see him?"

"That what he told you?"

"He said you got into a squabble wit' Jim, and that he shot you, 'cause he was mad about bein' left behind. But at first, he said it was Otis."

"Who the Hell's Otis?"

"He was a man that lived here. He was a hunter, like you. They said he mistook you for a deer, or sum', while he was out there."

Recognition washes over him. "Chubby fella?"

"You see him?"

"Yeah. Gunshot drew him over to us. I guess he was out huntin', then, like they say. Shane was gonna leave me there to bleed out, but with this guy fussin' all over us, that weren't really an option, no more, so he made up some fuckin' fairytale about how it was an accident, and he was new to the group an' they'd never take him back if they found out, and he pressured him into takin' the fall for him. I passed out 'round 'bout then."

"Why ain't he just own up to it? Tell everybody he shot you, plain an' simple?"

"'Cause you wouldn't wanna keep bein' his friend if you found out."

My skin goes cold. "You know about that?"

"Yeah, baby. I know. He rubbed in my face so much I ain't never gon' forget it."

He must see my lip wobble, and the way I'm too scared to even blink, 'cause he gives my hair a kiss. I've been dreading this moment ever since I told Shane, Fine, I'll be your friend, and now I've finally been found out. I'm a liar. I betrayed my Dad. Oh, he's gonna pull his belt out right now.

"I'm sorry, Dad." I shake my head, already pulling away, trying to stop what's to come. "Please, Dad. I'm sorry."

"Harley—"

"He tricked me. He made it seem li-like I had to be his friend. I didn't want to, I swear. He j— He just said a whole bunch'a things, and then—"

"Harley, baby, I ain't mad."

"And he— He—? What?"

"I ain't mad." He repeats himself, raising his brows. "I ain't."

"W—?"

This is like finding out the Earth is flat, or the sun is a square.

"I promise you, baby, I ain't mad at you for that. Not even a little bit. Never, ever." He promises, grabbing my shaking hand. "That man, he's... It ain't your fault. Might feel like it is, but it ain't. Nothin' he says or does is your fault. I should'a ended this shit a long time ago. You shouldn't even have to worry 'bout things like this, Harley. You can be friends with whoever you like. Don't fuckin' matter what I say. Don't listen t'me."

Don't—? Don't listen to me?

"Dad—?"

"I know." He says. "Just... I know. Sometimes Dad says confusin' shit, don't he?"

I nod vigorously.

"Well, I mean it. How am I supposed t'be mad atchu for just doin' what you're told? The way I raised you, ain't it?"

"Yeah, but... I mean, you hate cops."

"For a long time, yeah. Every time I watched 'em drag your Uncle Merle away, I hated 'em a little more'un the last time. They ain't very nice in prison, neither. Lots of rules. They got power over you in there. Makes 'em turn into assholes. But that's me, baby. My bullshit is my bullshit to handle, and Shane — Leave him to me, too. Askin' to be your friend an' shit, that's sum' wrong wit' him. Not you. Not your bullshit."

"If I told you this, like, a week ago, you would'a..."

You would'a beat me.

The unspoken words hang pungent in the air, weighing down on him.

"I—" He clears his throat; sighs deep, and hard. He mutters, "I— I probably would'a, yeah."

I've never seen him talk this away about a beating. He was never proud of it or nothing, but he was never proud about washing dishes, either.

It was just a part of life, but for now, I guess, it's not.

"So... you're not mad?"

"No, sweet girl, I'm not. C'mere."

I lay back down on his chest.

"I knew it was Shane," I murmur against him, "'cause the bullet was round."

"They took it outta me, huh?"

"It was real scary. You wanna hear the whole story?"

"Yeah, baby. I'm all ears."

I tell him about the gunshot, and Maggie on the horse, and how Shane and Otis went out for emergency supplies, but one came back empty-handed, and the other didn't come back at all. I tell him about the night of the surgery, and the funeral. I tell him about the chickens, too.

"They got eggs here, Dad. Lots of 'em. Scrambled, too." I smile. "You're gonna love it."

"Haven't had an egg breakfast in months."

We used to go to the diner, sometimes, and get eggs on toast when Merle wasn't around. Those were the best days of the week.

"They don't burn 'em here or nothin'."

He chuckles. "What 'bout two-dollar coffee? They got that here, too?"

"Only if you wanna fight for the last of the coffee beans."

"It's on." He scoffs. "I could use some good coffee right about now."

"You tired?"

"Baby, I'm exhausted." He smiles. "Keep talkin', though. I wanna hear everythin'."

"Okay. You wanna hear about the walker me and Carl found in the well?"

"The what?"

Herschel comes back in a while later to perform a check-up.

He's an animal doctor, but he's still got a real stethoscope hanging around his neck, and a little light he can shine in my Dad's pupils. I hold his hand as Herschel checks over the IV, the baggie of donor blood, and the smaller scrapes and bruises all over Dad's neck and face.

"Looks like you got into a brawl with a bear." He comments, dabbing his slashed brow with a cotton pad. "This'll sting a little bit."

He hisses. "Weren't so far off as you'd imagine."

Herschel drops the wad into the tin tray. "That about does it for now, I think."

"When can I get outta this bed?"

"When you're better." He deadpans, packing up. "Which should be in about a week. Walking, I'd say, would be reasonable in one or two days."

Dad glances at me, unimpressed.

"Doctor's orders." I shrug.

"Listen to my best patient's advice, Mister Dixon." Herschel smiles. "There's a reason her wound's healed up so nicely."

"I'm guessin' it ain't the fishin' line."

"No." The med-kit clicks shut. "It's not the fishing line."

"I can play outside with Carl, now." I tell Dad, proud. "I been takin' it slow. You gotta, too."

He kisses my knuckles, too tired to answer, but agreeing.

As he's about to leave, Herschel notices something on the ground by his feet, and bends to pick it up.

"Is this yours, Harley?"

He holds it up.

Much to my discomfort, it's the shredded get well soon card.

"Yeah." I take the piece he hands to me, confronted by its obnoxious colors. "It was meant to be a card. Not lookin' so good, now, though."

"Lemme see it."

Reluctantly, I angle it so my Dad can take a look.

"It's just a corner." I murmur. "I ripped up the rest of it."

"That looks real pretty, baby. You made it for me?"

"I don't know..." I muse, unsure. "Shane kinda helped me with it."

"That why you ripped it?"

"Yeah. I was angry at him. I didn't wanna look at it, no more."

"Well, I do." Dad squeezes my hand. "How 'boutchu make me another one?"

"But you're all better, now."

"I don't know about that." Herschel chuckles. "It'll be a while before he's one hundred percent again."

I consider this. "How about I just draw you a picture this time?"

"Sure. Draw me anythin' you want."

"I'll get you some crayons and paper." Herschel offers, stepping out the door. "I'll be back in a moment."

"Good to see you awake, man."

T-Dog, along with Rick and Glenn, walks into the room while I'm leaning against my Dad's side, working on the drawing set up in my lap. I got a clipboard to lean against, and a whole bunch of different colored crayons to use. Rick sits in the bay window, near Glenn, who rests in the rocking chair in the corner. T-Dog smacks Dad's shoulder.

"Thanks." Dad nods, joking, "What's this I hear 'boutchu eatin' all the pretzels, though?"

T-Dog laughs, leaning against the wall. "Girl, you snitched on me about that?"

Swallowing down a giggle, I just send him a cheeky glance.

"Whatever, man. Lock me up, then."

"I think I still got my handcuffs in the back'a our car." Rick offers, mock-serious. "I can go get 'em right now."

Glenn interjects. "Woah, woah, woah. Innocent until proven guilty, guys."

"He��told me he ate 'em all." I butt in. "That's proof."

"Verdict's in, then, buddy." Dad shrugs.

"I ain't never delved into all'at court stuff or nothin'," T-Dog holds his hands up, "But I'm pretty sure that's hearsay."

Rick shakes his head, changing the subject.

"How you feelin', Daryl?"

"Sore. Stiff. Like shit."

"Gettin' shot in the stomach will do that to you."

"It's a miracle you survived." Glenn adds. "You lost a lot of blood. Thirty percent, I'm sure Herschel said. Something like that."

"You said you been givin' me yours, didn't ya?"

"Yeah. We weren't sure about anybody else's types, so we had to make do with what we had."

"I got Chinaman-blood runnin' through my veins." Dad laughs. "Hell's that mean for me, now?"

Glenn scoffs. "That you're slightly less of an idiot."

"Man, it's prolly true." T-Dog snickers. "What's the capitol of Russia?"

Dad sticks up his middle finger.

"What about you, Harley?" Glenn asks. "How's your side doing?"

I look up from the paper, where so far, I've drawn some spikey, green grass and colored in half the sky.

"It's a little better." I smile. "Y'know, I'm sorry for yellin' at you yesterday."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it."

T-Dog tsks, "What was all that about, anyway? What's up with Shane lately?"

"Maybe he's just feeling guilty about Otis." Glenn suggests.

"He's got a whole long list of things to feel guilty about." Dad says with distaste. "You wanna know who exactly it was that shot me?"

"No way."

Rick sighs. "I had a feeling."

"Why'd he go and do a thing like that?" T-Dog questions.

"'Cause he's off his fuckin' rocker, that's why." He retorts. "He hated my guts, so he went and shot 'em."

"Man, you think—? You think he left those supplies on purpose, then?"

I never thought of that. It would just add another layer of horror to that night.

"That poor guy Otis, man."

"Nothin' we can do about it, now. 'Less you think he's gonna do somethin' like this again, Daryl?"

He shrugs. "I'on know. Wouldn't put it past him."

"For now, I wanna keep this sorta thing to a minimum. I'm gonna ask Herschel again today about our arrangements here."

"We're only staying a week or two, right?" I pout.

"Until we find Sophia." Rick tries to smile. "But I'm gonna try change his mind."

"You still ain't find her?"

"No. Harley found her doll, but that's about it. We're gonna start grid-searching properly tomorrow."

I look back down at the page again, sad.

"Drawing done, now, chicken?" Dad asks, trying to lighten my mood a little. "Wanna show it?"

Nodding, I grab the sketch pad and turn it around so that they can all see. It's done. I drew me and my Dad in a field of flowers, but we're not holdin' hands or nothin' — We're killing walkers together. I don't think I got the crossbow exactly right, but I tried my hardest.

Dad laughs. "It's perfect, baby. That me?"

"Yeah. And me. That's the sun, and flowers, and a dead walker right there."

"Badass." Glenn approves.

"What that thing in the background?" Rick asks.

"Oh," I happily answer, "That's Dale. He's so scared, he ran away, and now he's just a little dot."

They all chuckle to themselves.

T-Dog offers to sit it on the chest of drawers, and it stands anew against a vase of real flowers, looking like it's belonged there all along.

Author's Note.

Finished this chapter at 5:49 AM 😣 Uuuuuuuuugh

Long author's rant below.

I got a comment the other day about how Shane was being really annoying, and I sort of agree. At first, I actually felt that way about Daryl, but now he's shown regret and apologized, and Shane's still a raging asshole set on taking Harley for himself. I guess he has good motives? Or HAD, at least... considering they've shifted from wanting to help her out a dangerous situation, to now being selfish. Then again... if I walked in on a man about to hit his 8 yr old daughter, I'd go apeshit, too.

It's going to be so satisfying when Shane gets what's coming to him. (I've been excited for it since the very beginning of this book. Rest assured, Shane will not see the light of day come Season 3.)

Started out as Daryl as the villain and Shane as the hero... Kinda switched.

Sophia's still missing... and Jim, he's MIA. Get ready for him to pop back up again.

Also, Harley is finally on good terms with Rick!! Took forever and a half but we got there. I chose to do this so he could replace Shane's role as pseudo-Uncle when the time comes. Glenn's already sort of there... but what's the harm in having TWO pseudo-Uncles? 😌

Anyway, I really hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.

Please leave your thoughts and feedback below. Sending lots of love!! <3

[notsuchasecret]

tricksies and treatsies - AtsuHina

Come trick or treating in my inbox! Leave a “Trick or Treat” and a character or ship in an ask, and I’ll treat you to some autumn-themed fluff or trick you with some twisted spooky aus! Treat

A bonfire seemed like a great idea on the last night of a MSBY camping trip. Meian had a stick in his hands, poking at the flames in that way that dads do, swatting at Inunaki’s hands when he tried to do the same. Bokuto had brought along a guitar and Adriah was plucking out some English song on it while Barnes hummed along. Even Sakusa was there, looking relaxed as he ever did.

But Atsumu only had eyes for one teammate.

It wasn’t anything new. Osamu had teased him for years about his stupid crush on the little orange-haired crow, teasing that had turned into incredulous, wheezing laughter when Atsumu had mentioned him among the new recruits back in 2018. Bokuto had noticed right away, and Sakusa not long after. The only two mercies in Atsumu’s life were that Inunaki had not yet noticed, and that neither had Hinata himself.

But now, watching Hinata, seeing the way the slowly-dying flames lit his face in softer shades than usual, watching the way his smile was just a tad sleepy and slow, Atsumu let himself wish that Hinata would notice. Because at least then Atsumu could know definitively, and could move on with his life.

Hinata’s eyes caught Atsumu’s, and he smiled such a soft smile that Atsumu’s entire soul ached with its longing. He dragged his eyes away, looking at the fire instead and trying to ignore the quiet scoff from beside him.

“This is just sad, Miya.” Sakusa’s voice was quiet enough that no one else picked out the words. Atsumu shook his head.

“Ya think I don’t know that, Omi-kun?” he hissed.

“The saddest part of it all is that you keep looking away,” Sakusa continued, because he loved watching Atsumu suffer. Bastard. “Maybe next time, keep watching.” Atsumu looked up at him, confused, and he shrugged. “You might be surprised what you see.”

With that, Sakusa stood, ignoring the team’s goodnights and trudging off to his own tent.

One by one, the other players split off as well, until with a final check-in from Meian, Atsumu was alone by the barely-cold ashes. He tipped his head back with a sigh, thinking of how few stars he could see in Osaka, trying to remember when the last time he’d visited home had been, holding off a daydream about seeing those Hyogo stars with—

“Tsumu-san, what are you doing out here by yourself?”

Atsumu let his head turn lazily, enough to hide the way his heart jumped and started hammering in his chest. He smirked at Hinata, then turned back skyward.

“Nothin’ much, Shouyou-kun. Just thinkin’.”

“About what?”

To Atsumu’s surprise, Hinata lowered himself onto the log next to Atsumu, letting their sides press together. Probably just for warmth, Atsumu told himself firmly. With the fire dead, the mountain air was a nippy enough to allow for huddling. Atsumu hummed, shrugging. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hinata look up as well.

“In high school, I used to wake up when it was still dark out, to bike over the mountain to get to Karasuno.” Hinata’s voice was soft, dream-like, almost. Atsumu turned away from the gaseous bodies above them to look at the star sitting next to him instead, and waited. Keep watching, he told himself, letting himself wonder if maybe Sakusa was on to something.  Hinata was smiling. “There were always so many stars on those bike rides,” he said. “When I moved to Rio, I’d still see them sometimes, but not as often. And of course, there’s so much light pollution in Osaka…” Hinata sighed. “I miss it sometimes.”

“Samu and I used ta go campin’ with our uncle at the end of every summer,” Atsumu said. “A lot like this, actually. He owned land on the far side of Kobe. Actually, not that far away from where my old senpai has his farm now.” Hinata looked at him, and something about the night, about the starlight washing out the color in Hinata’s hair but dancing in his eyes, about the chill in the air that wasn’t actually enough to justify how close they were sitting, about the lingering scent of campfire smoke clinging to their clothes, something made Atsumu want to be brave. And then Hinata smiled, moving the arm squished between them until his hand could snag Atsumu’s where it hung from his knee. He looked back up at Atsumu, still smiling, and squeezed.

“You should take me there sometime,” he said, and it sounded to Atsumu like he was really saying something else. Atsumu nodded.

“I’ll show ya all the places I knew as a kid,” he said, and he knew that Hinata could tell he was saying something else as well. Hinata’s smile softened for just a moment, then he turned back to the heavens and leaned against Atsumu’s shoulder.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen the sunrise in the mountains,” he murmured. Atsumu knew that wasn’t true, that Hinata had been up before dawn just that morning, and that he had risen early when living in Brazil, too. But rather than point any of that out, he simply rested his cheek on top of Hinata’s head and closed his eyes.

“Let’s stay up, then, and watch it together.”

[bxdbxdboy]

“So y’all should know at twelve years old okay. I had a Stash. Hidden from both of my parents of course. Now this was back ‘n when things were pretty rocky with my rents you feel me. Any additional drama would rock the boat for Mom. So after sneaking on all the dirty sites and scouring to find collections.” 

“One day I look at it with a fresh pair of eyes and I start thinking about my Mama and I say. 

“What am I doing Bro?” “If my mom saw this it would break her heart. She’d come in my room and be like “Whoa! Whoa! Mija! What is that? WHERE ON EARTH WOULD YOU-NOT UH!” Man I just couldn’t live with that at that age. I’m Wholesome!” 

“So the next day I’m thinkin’ “I gotta throw this away!” 

“As a dramatic kid you can’t just throw it in the garbage okay? My collection deserved a better farewell. Okay this was not just me throwing away pictures this is Time. This needs to be theatrical!” 

“I’m gonna Burn it.” 

“Coincidently enough my Dad like to burn stuff too. He had a bin and I said “I wanna burn something.” So I just turned that age where your parents start leaving you at home alone more. So I thought to myself, 

“Okay. Next time I’m home alone. We gonna go out Back. And we’s gonna have a BARBEQUE!” 

“Low and behold a few days later I go outside and let my dad’s dog outside. I realize out there. “Yo I’m home alone. I guess today’s the Day!” 

“I turn around to go grab my stash and my Dad magically appears. I didn’t hear alarm beeps no nothing! He just vaporized out of nowhere magically. So coming out to our back door we got the main patio and my dad has his own door leading into his bedroom off to the side. Me thinkin’ quick on my toes I whistle to the dog.”

“Here, boy! Where’d you run off to?” 

“I collect him and we go back inside. We Gucci Snakes.” 

“Next day home alone. I get my dad’s dog I grab my stash. Head outside look around Dad’s not here. Gucci Snakes. Go over to the bin throw all the stuff in the bin. We got a lot of thumb drives in there, We might have had some calendars. I won’t go into detail. 

“We might have had one or two drawings that I might have done myself ha ha ha You can’t confirm nor-deny This shall never hold up in court you got No Evidence! THIS WAS THE PURGE! Mom I swear to you I’m wholesome! Full Cleansing.” 

“I go to burn this stuff. “Ugh! I’m an Idiot! I forgot the matches.” 

“Boom! My DAD IS STANDING RIGHT-THERE DUDE! WHERE DID YOU COME FROMM?! NO ALARM BEEP FOR THE DOOR WHEN IT OPENed NO NOTHING!” 

“Why are you sneaking into your own house on and comin’ straight to the patio anyways? You’re Sus! Not Me!” 

“This dude is just staring at me. I am so committed to this y’all. There’s no getting out of it. He has me Dead-to-Rights! I don’t know how long he’s been out there! I don’t know what he’s seen! The fact that he caught me stumbling around yesterday then he catches me again out here Today! 

“So now I’m like: “Fluff it! Two Tears in a Bucket!” I don’t even care anymore! I go inside I grab the matches. I come outside like: “Maaan..mMmnN-Whatever Dude!” 

“I come back outside I got my matches I don’t say nothin’ to’ him!” (Match noises) Pssh! Pssh! Scrape! 

“First one doesn’t light.” 

“Whatever.” 

Pssh! Pssh! Scrape! Sph! 

“Second match doesn’t light. None of these Matches wanna light! Why is this happening to Meeee! Man! Screw it! I’m busted anyway.” 

“Dad. Can you come over here. Please.” 

He comes closer so he peers in and he see’s the MOTHERLOAD and he goes. 

“What’s up?”

“Can you-(sigh) can you help me light this match so I can burn this stuff?” 

“How weird do I look right now YA'LL? You know, it’s one thing to be a freak and a weirdo collect this stuff, but it’s Another thing to be out here lookin’ like a Weirdo out here tryna’ Burn this shit! You know, what I’m sayin’? Why couldn’t I just throw it away like a normal person?” 

The very First match this dude “Pshh!” And it LIGHTS and he tosses it in!! 

I don’t know if any of you’s--guys out here having battles with addictions, but hopefully all the embarrassment I had to endure from this brought you some entertainment.” 

[onlyheretoread2]

Lovin' my storm part 7

The group made there way into the prison and ones it was cleared storm went back to retrieve every one else.

A very pregnant Lori said:is it safe?

Rick: this cell block is

Hershal: what about the rest of the prison?

Beth : we sleep in the cells?

Rick : tomarro we will search for the infirmary ,cafeteria and armory but right now we're good.

Daryl: we ain't sleeping in no damn cage.well take the perch .

Daryl and storm brought jaxon up to the perch but storm didn't like it one bit.

Storm: baby this ain't safe.what we gunna do up here with a nearly crawling infant?

Daryl : I ain't sleeping in no cage do what ya want.

Storm: okay then.

Storm then grabs jaxon and her bag and just walks away from Daryl. Seeing this he immediately hops up and catches her.

Daryl: what are ya thinkin . I can't do the cage I'm sorry.

Storm: there's guard towers. Lots of other private places. But do what u want like u told me.

Storm then began to jaostil jaxon as he was getting heavy

Daryl: come here lil man.

JAXON reaches for his father so he takes him.

Storm: u got him ? I'ma find somewhere private to sleep. Do what ya want.

With that storm walks away . Tired of Daryl shooing her away she retreats to the guard tower they made love in the night before. She sat down and just began to think.

"I'm so tired of this. What did I do ? JAXON deserves better."

Daryl: got steam commin out cha ears woman.

Storm: I see u passed him off again

Rolling her eyes and stands up to leave.

Daryl stops her and says"yeah so I could talk to u. You act pissed off all the time and I'm tired of it."I gave ya what ya wanted"

Storm : excuse me?

Daryl: you were bitchin last night talking bout I don't look at cha. How you think I don't want cha. Storm IV loved you for over 5 years . Jaxkn is the best thing that's ever happened to me but I need help. I don't know how to do this husband and father shit. Merle....

Storm: of course blame merle

Daryl: damn it shit up and LISTIN.

Storm: no ..... I'm tired of you blaming him for you not caring. You've been away from him for a fuckin year and you still don't care. I stayed thru his bullshit remember. All the time he'd drag u away at 2 am and you'd call for bail. Everytime u got drunk and fought who bailed you out? What did merle do ? Laugh in ur face and call u pussy whipped . Worse when he was high. .... Jaxon and me are here . He's god noes where and don't get me wrong I hope we find him but you gotta start at least pretending to care. I didn't make that little boy on my own . He need us weather were together or not.

Daryl: what ya mean by that .?

Storm: I feel like I do nothin but bug the fuk outa you and you don't make it easier telling me to do what I want. I want the man I married. The man that cried when the doc told me why I was sick. ..

Daryl:I'm still him. I just need help. You deserve better than a dumbass redneck.

Storm: I deserve what I want and I want Daryl Dixon back.

Storm said with tears briming.

Daryl:I'm right here . You don't bug me I just wanna keep ya safe. I wanna be with you but I can't sleep in a damn cage.

Daryl looks around the tower

"look why not this tower. Jax can sleep in the park n play we can bring a mattress up. I'm sorry for the way IV been .

Strom: if your struggling baby tell me. Don't shut me out. Don't leave.

Daryl:I would never leave.

Storm: you already did. Several times before Jax you'd get pissed and I wouldn't see u for days. Merle would tell me you were getting fucked or locked up so I just learned to live with it.

Daryl: we do find him I'ma beat his ass.

Storm: don't not for me . Just be here hold me...

Kiss ....

Be a dad..,.

kiss...

And when you want to , NOT Because IM BITCHIN, fuck me till I can't walk.

Kiss ....

Daryl: I can't do that.

Daryl snakes his hands around storms waist. He begins to suck and kiss her sweet spot as storm pushes him off.

Storm: let's go find our kid. He needs to eat.

Storm and Daryl walked to the prison hand n hand and as they walked in they found Jax with gamma carol and auntie Sofie . He spotted them from the highchair and stuck both arms way in the air.

Storm:hey bubba.

Jax got happy talking to his parents . Daryl then went to retrieve the pack n play from Maggie's car and set it up for them in the tower .

When Jax was done eating he drifted off so Sofia took him to the tower for. Nap.

While Sofia babysat storm and Daryl found some gear off of one of the guards. Storm,Daryl,Rick,hershals,Maggie,and glen went to clear the tombs. As they approached what they believed to be the cafeteria a heard shows and hershals get pinned and bit. The group pulls him into the cafeteria and ends up severing his leg.

Daryl: duck

When storm turns around there are several prisoners standing staring. One with long greedy hair stares a lil to long at storms breasts and Daryl goes off.

Daryl: watch the eyes!

The prisoner then gets a good look at storm.

Tomas: well if it ain't lieutenant Dixon. Remember me sweetheart.

Rick: we gotta go! Daryl! Storm!

The group takes off and returns to the cell block. Hershal is tended to by carol and Maggie including Lori. Storm leaves telling Daryl she wants to check on jaxon but he knows better. This is the Tomas Ramos that shot storm in the face with a 5o caliber hand gun. The same ass hole that almost took his wife from him.

Daryl: back up Tomas.

Rick: storm good?

Daryl nods

After a Convo with the prisoners Daryl and Rick go to the tower and discover a pale almost catatonic storm. Rick asks what's going on but gets no answer.turning to daryl

"babe just tell um"

Storm turns over and starts

Strom: that's the asshole that did this( she points to her scar.)

Rick : ok?....

Storm: I was a lieutenant in Atlanta metro swat. Tomas was a kingpin. We raided his stach house and that asshole pinned me and usedy own fuckin gun to shoot me.

Rick: shit storm. Were gunna handle him .

Storm: thank you.

After the prisoners were taken to another cell block. Daryl returned to her and said Tomas attacked Rick and is gone. Storm was so glad.

_____

The next week hershals was up and walking . The day hershals took his first steps storm was in the courtyard playing with Jax.

Carl challenged hershal to a race but hershals politely declined .

Carl suddenly screamed "walkers"!

The men by the fence scrambled to get to the top screaming for there loved ones.

Storm got hershals ,carol and beth into a cage and handed jaxon to carol. She then pulled her gun and began to take out walkers with t.

The walkers just kept coming so t and storm ran into the tombs where t was attacked so he pushed storm into a cell . Blocking the door with a walker.

_______

Daryl finally met up with the group taking out walkers as he went. He looked everywhere for storm but only spotted jaxon thru the cage with carol. He opened the door and retrieved his son.

Daryl: where mommy bud? Huh? Where'd she go

Beth:her and t ran that way

Hershal : the tombs.

Carol: I got lil ax you go.

Daryl handed the crying infant over and proceeded to the tombs.

He and Rick searched until they discovered t eatin alive. Daryl searched the halls till he came across storms desert eagle. He picked it up realizing there was blood all over the handle. His heart sank to his stomach

_______

Back outside carol rocked Jax realizing he may have just lost his mother. Daryl kept her gun in his waist band. Besides Jax and him it was her most prized item.

Daryl kept his emotions in check not wanting to cry in front of his son. Rick began to dish out order when Maggie appeared .

Crying infant in her hands Carl was pale and Maggie was covered in blood. Daryl instantly new what happned

Rick had a full blown melt down.

Hershal: let me see the baby

Maggie walked over with the baby and handed her to Beth . Hershal checked her over.

Daryl:we got anything else a baby can ? Jaxsons out .

Hershal: good news is she's healthy . Bad news we need to find formula fast. For her and by judging Jaxon's cry's him.

Daryl: you got him? He asked facing carol

Carol: of corse

Daryl:I'm goin on a run. My kid ain't starving and neither is she.

He kissed Jaxon's head and headed to his bike with Maggie. They found an old day care that thankfully was stocked. They got formula. Diapers clothes even some toys for jaxon. Daryl began to shead tears believing his wife was gone.

Once they returned to the prison Daryl held his son the put him with carol again as he picked up the screaming girl. Jaxon's bottle was handed to him and he held it like a big boy so Daryl helped the newborn.

Daryl: she gotta name yet?

Carl: I don't know was thinking jaqui or maybe storm.

Daryl: we'll see . You like that you like that lil ass kicker?

Daryl: am I right?

______

That night he layed in his tower on there mattress with jaxon fast asleep. He dreamed of storm and sobbed as he simply wanted his wife back.

______

4 days later Carl and Oscar joined Daryl on his never ending hunt. They approached the original hallway and Oscar pointed out a walker by a door that was opening and closing on its own.

Daryl: well come back for it.

Daryl hadn't slept in almost a week at this point. He simply wanted to find storm. Or what's left of her. He sobbed at night and let carol watch lil ax through out the day.

Vowing to not stop till she was found. Or a least whatever's left.

After having a discussion with Carl about how his mother died. Carl was a happier kids. Oscar found some slippers and was extatic. A walker tried to sneak up on Daryl but he took it out. When he tried to leave he noticed a nice in the walkers throat. He pulled it out to reveal a hand cared handle switch blade with a thunder storm on the handle.

DARYL: THATS STORMS kNIFE

he shooed Oscar and Carl back wanting some time to grieve. He sat by the door with the dead walker and became more and more irritated. He finally screamed

WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU!

The door by him slammed louder now. So he put storms nife between his teeth. Ripped open the door but was met with the brightest green eyes hes ever seen.

Storm : hey stranger

She said before passing out. Daryl scooped her up bridal style and ran back to the cell block. Screaming for hershal . Hershal inspected storm and was released she only was dehydrated. He hooked up an IV and allowed storm to eat once she's awake.

Storm woke up hearing babbling and looked over to see her son in his father's lap stacking blocks.

She coughed and Daryl was by her side with Jax in an instant.jax reached for his mama and she snatched him to her. Daryl embraced his wife and said...

"I'ma go find Rick"

"ok"

Jax: ma. Ma

Daryl and storm looked at each other with huge smiles.

Storm spent the rest of the day cuddling up to Jax and when Daryl returned he had carol and Rick there. Carol threw herself to storm. Rick simply asked Daryl how?

After telling him Daryl carried storm with Jax on her up to there tower. Daryl had to help Rick so he left stop there cautiously .

After a few hours Daryl returned with a dad expression.

He informed storm that gless and Maggie were taken prisoner and Rick wants to retrieve them but they both needed to go.

Storm: Carol's goin right?

Daryl:yea y

Storm: I'll get us ready lil man can keep gamma company while we get um.

Daryl just smiled .

After several hours everyone loaded up and went to where the woman Rick found by the fence said go. Jax stayed in the car with carol.

Glen and Maggie were rescued but Daryl and storm received some news.

Glenn: Storm ..,. Daryl this... Was merle

Storm and Daryl both froze.

"U sure "storm adked

"yea he's a lieutenant or somethin" Maggie said

"we gotta get him" storm and Daryl both said .

"no not now.we will return but we gotta go"Rick stated

"he's his brother!" Storm yeled

"fuck him we will come back " she stated hold Daryl's face.

Daryl pulled storm to the side

"I'ma go get him u get them safe. I'll come back"

"you better" storm said while kissing daryl

The group made there way out but Daryl lingered. As storm was climbing over the wall a bullet hit her rib . She fell from the wall unconscious. When she woke up she was in the back of the car. Carol was in the front crying. JAXON was whining and Daryl was gone.

DARYL WAS GONE

"where is he"

"storm I'll explain later " "u need hershals" Rick said trying to calm jax

Where the fuck is my husband!

Stormed was now screaming.

"he left" glen started."said it was always merle and him before this. Told us to make you go to the prison. Didn't say if he was coming back"

Storm began to open the car door only to have Oscar snatch it back.

As the prison approached and then the car parked storm asked carol and Rick to watch the baby as she locked herself in the tower . Little did she know Rick was hiding something.

______

[jamesbuckybarnes19174]

*slowly stirs awake, smiling sleepily at u* hi baby… i love you so much… i’ll see you when you come back… i love you… *kisses u softly, then hugs u tightly, rubbing ur back, then pecks ur lips back, going back to sleep*

*slowly stirs awake later, grabbing my phone*

message to james: hi lovey :) <3 i hope ur doing okay! i miss u so much already, i hope you’re okay, i loveeeee u :) <3 *sends a selfie of me and alpine*

voice message to james: hi honeybear…. *yawns softly* still little sleepy…. mmmm i hope you’re okay… i miss you…. i really really miss you baby…. i hope you’re okay… *sighs softly* i hope you’re safe baby… do you guys get a day to kind of… prepare before actually having to do mission stuff? hope you do… you guys deserve to rest… *hums softly* hmmm… i don’t have much to report on since i’ve only just woken up…. but i miss you so much already… i just wanted to send you a message anyways… *pauses* alpine is here with me now… alpine baby, you wanna say hi to dad? *rustling noises, then holds the mic to alpine as she meows* awwww yeah, you miss him, yeah? *giggles softly* am cuddling her, think she misses you though… i think she can smell you on the hoodie ‘m wearing and that’s why she’s curling up on my lap…. *chuckles softly* she’s misses you but i miss you more… i hope you’re okay honey…. ‘m okay, just gonna relax at home i think…. and i think…. am just gonna think of old memories of us *chuckles softly* i’ll tell you one…. *hums as i think* oh our first kiss, i was so nervous *giggles* so nervous but you, you instantly made me so comfortable james… and you were really gentle and sweet with me… i love thinking back to our first kiss…. almost makes me a little blushy *giggles* anyways… i love you james, and i really miss you but it’s all okay… we’re gonna make this work yeah? we’ll be okay… i know it… i hope you’re okay honey, please let me know how you are? even if you can’t send a voice message, a text would be good… *pauses* i love you james, you’re my soulmate… the love of my life, my everything… i love you james… i really love you… i’ll talk to you soon, yeah baby? i love you… i love you forever

message to kitten: hey baby. I miss you too. Missing you a lot baby. I’m alright honey, I hope you’re okay. I love you :) *sends a picture of me in the car with sam*

voice message to kitten: hey baby…my sleepy baby…you sound sleepy *chuckles* ‘s cute…’m already missin’ wakin’ up to you…*sighs softly* I hope you’re doin’ okay…’m safe baby…uh…we were at the compound for a little bit gettin’ ready but we left a little after…’s kinda hectic…not really a break but *chuckles softly* I miss you much too…can send me a message when you’ve done nothin’ that’s okay *chuckles* ‘s just…nice to hear your voice baby…’s really nice…*laughs* alpine and you sound so cute, honey…*chuckles* I think she likes you too though baby…you miss me more huh? I miss you…more than anythin’…I wanna be the one cuddlin’ you…’m alright baby…just a bit tired…’s always a little harder to sleep when ‘m away from home…tried takin’ a nap but that didn’t work…I just want to…hold you and rest my head on you and I’ll sleep really fuckin’ good *chuckles softly* I hope you’re okay baby…’m happy you’re relaxin’…you deserve that…our first kiss huh? I was nervous too…was very excited to kiss your but I just…wanted to make it good for you…’m glad I did a good job at that…it felt good on my end too *chuckles, then hums* let me think of a good memory baby…sometimes when ‘m…thinkin’ too much about my arm I remember when I first let you…see it all…I guess t-that’s also when you first saw me shirtless but *chuckles* I r-remember you…traced your fingers lightly on the scars…you knew I was nervous a-and…you were smilin’ and…told me how pretty I was and…I j-just watched you touched it for a bit *laughs* I f-felt like…I k-knew I trusted you a lot then…and I w-was fallin’ in love with you…look where we are now hm? *chuckles* I love you scout…I really miss you too…we’ll make it work I promise…I hope you’re okay…I’m alright honey…I love you too baby…*pauses for a moment* you’re soulmate hm? You’re definitely my soulmate baby…love of my life…I’ll love you forever and always…’s always gonna be you…I love you baby…really love you…we’ll talk soon I promise…I love you much Scout…I love you…

[nataliedanovelist]

GF - Timestuck AU: The Power of Mabel ch.2

While fighting over a time machine so one twin can win a pig or the other can win the heart of a girl, Mabel is left stranded in a snowy forest with no time machine and no brother. Oops.

The BEAUTIFUL art pieces were done by @clownwry and @elishevart ! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 😭❤️💋

ch.1 - ch.3

~~~~~~~~~~

Ford was way more nervous than he was letting on.

She had long, pretty brown hair, braces over her teeth, sneakers, a skirt, and a sweater that allowed the cold air to pass through it. Her cheeks were slightly chubby with youth and nosy, as well as her nose, due to the freezing weather. Her eyes matched her hair perfectly, and though they were clouded with fear and confusion, Ford swore he could see sparkling behind the clouds, sparkling that made itself well-known when she asked if she could make him a sweater or when she saw his hands.

She had long, pretty brown hair, braces over her teeth, sneakers, a skirt, and a sweater that allowed the cold air to pass through it. Her cheeks were slightly chubby with youth and nosy, as well as her nose, due to the freezing weather. Her eyes matched her hair perfectly, and though they were clouded with fear and confusion, Ford swore he could see sparkling behind the clouds, sparkling that made itself well-known when she asked if she could make him a sweater or when she saw his hands.

Ford would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy Mabel’s company, but she was practically a stranger, and keeping a random girl in his house that was located in the middle of the woods was fishy and Ford couldn’t help but feel like it was illegal. But he couldn’t leave her out in the snow and send her on her way to find her home and family, so he decided to keep her warm or healthy, simply because it was the right thing to do.

But then she said she had no parents to call. Only a brother, who was lost, too. Ford can remember the old rule: If you’re lost, stay where you are until you are found. So he then decided that she could stay here until her brother found her, which should be by morning at the latest.

Still, he felt uneasy, so once Mabel was settled in front of the TV, Ford excused himself and went into the kitchen to make a phone call. There was only one man who would have better judgement in this situation than him.

The phone rang a few times. Ford checked his watch to make sure it was a reasonable time to call. It wasn’t Sunday, was it? But then the ringing stopped. “Howdy! This here Fiddleford McGucket.”

��Hey there, buddy.” Ford smiled to himself at hearing that cheerful voice. “How have you been?”

“Stanford Pines! Good t’hear from ya!” Fiddleford cheered. “M’just fine, just fine! How are ya?! Ya haven’t gotten eaten by monsters yet, have ya?” He laughed, making his old friend chuckle along.

“No no, I’m alright.” Ford almost brought up the reason he called, but then he remembered something very important to Fiddleford. “How are Emma-May and Tater?”

“OH! They’re doin’ great! We’re all very happy n’ doin’ well! Ya won’t believe how big Tate’s gotten since ya last saw him! He’s already crawlin’!”

“Wow, that's great to hear.” Ford sat in a chair at the kitchen table. “Has he said his first words yet?”

“No, not quite. Actually, he’s extremely quiet. Not a lot of baby-babble.” Fiddleford chuckled. “The doctor says that’s perfectly normal. Tate’s so smart, he’s reachin’ for specific colors n’ such, n’ ya can tell he’s thinkin’ a lot n’ knows what’s goin’ on, he just got nothin’ t’say.”

“I was very shy when I was young.” Ford commented casually. He didn't feel like mentioning why. “If Tate is anything like either of his parents he’s very intelligent.”

“Oh, he’s so much like both of us it’s scary. Ya know Emma-May, so clever n’ quiet n’ such. Tate’s got all that. But he already looks so much like me! But he’s got his mama’s hair! N’ Santy Claus brought ‘im this fun little fishin’ game where ya fish for plastic fish with a pole with a magnet on it, n’ he loves it! I can’t wait to take ‘im fishin’ when he’s big enough! Ya really outta give yourself a break n’ come down for a visit, he’d move to see his Uncle Ford again.”

Ford’s face felt hot. “Perhaps. Spring is when a lot of anomalies are active and breeding, so i would prefer not to miss that, but maybe I could visit for a weekend before that…”

“Well, no pressure, I won’t assume anythang until ya tell me to, just know there’s always a bed for ya here.”

“Thank you, Fiddleford. The same for you and your family. The clean air will do everyone some good.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” Fiddleford sighed happily and perked up. “So! Whatcha callin’ for? Not that I’m not happy just t’chat, but ya never call.”

Ford laughed and shrugged to himself. “I suppose I don’t. I’m sorry.”

“No need t’be sorry, Stanford, just wanna know what’s up.”

“Well, I was hoping to get your advice on something.”

“Shoot.”

“Um… well…” Ford rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to tell him this. “I heard some unusual sounds outside today…”

“What kind of unusual sounds?”

“Cracks, like lightning. And some faint yelling.” Ford answered. “I thought it might be a tree branch or a new anomaly to catalogue, but when I opened the door a young girl was standing there in the snow with no coat.”

“Heavens! Is she alright?!”

“She’s okay, no frostbite. She was cold, but after sitting by the fire, drinking some hot chocolate, and changing into some dry clothes, she’s okay now.”

“Well, good.”

“So of course I brought her in. I tried to call her parents, she probably got lost playing…”

“Sure.”

“... but she says she doesn’t have any parents.”

“Oh.” Fiddleford sighed. “Oh. Now, wait, are ya sure she didn’t just say that so ya wouldn’t call?”

Ford chuckled and said, “I first thought that too, but she looked too sad to be lying.”

“Okay, I see. Does she got somebody ya can call?”

“She says she has a brother, but he was out there, too. So he is probably out there looking for her and therefore nowhere near a phone.”

“Fair enough, okay. So, I reckon y’all are waitin’ for him t’come ‘round.”

“Yup.”

“Well sounds to me like you’ve handled this all pretty well.” Fiddleford said confidently.

“You think so?” Ford asked. “I can’t help but feel like I’m doing something wrong. Like I’m missing something. Am I doing something wrong?”

“Nonsense, buddy, you’re doin’ great.” Fiddleford assured. “Look here, ya can’t just leave a young gurl out in the snow t’try t’find her way home...”

“I agree.”

“... so ya really got one option n’ that’s t’keep an eye on her n’ let her in as a guest. N’ ya tried t’call, but nothin’. The best thang ya can do right now is be there for this lil’lady n’ just be kind t’her. N’ if nobody comes for her by mornin’, why don’t ya go into town n’ see if anybody knows her, then they can help y’all out.”

Ford nodded, then remembered that his best friend couldn’t see it, so he said, “Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. Thank you, Fiddleford.”

“You’re welcome. N’ hey, are ya okay?” He asked seriously.

“Yes, yes I’m okay. I just want to make sure I do this right.”

“O’course. I understand. Ya want me t’come down there n’ give a hand?”

“No, that’s not necessary. I’m sure Mabel will find her brother in the morning.”

“Mabel, huh? Well, if y’all don’t, please call me. N’ even if ya do find her brother, call me. Keep me updated.”

“I will. Thank you, Fiddleford.”

“Anytime, Stanford.”

~~~~~~~~~~

When Mr. Ford gave Mabel the remote for the old TV and went into the kitchen, she decided to use her awesome detective skills to figure out what year it was. If it was before Grunkle Stan lived here and opened the Mystery Shack, she must be pretty far back in time. But she had no way of knowing if it was 1999 or 2005 or the 50s.

The TV was old, but so was Grunkle Stan’s in her time. So Mr. Ford could have had this TV for a long time and didn’t want to replace it. 

Okay, so when was the TV made? Mabel didn’t know. Dipper would have known.

Okay, Grunkle Stan mentioned watching TV when he was a kid once or twice. So at least Mabel was when Stan was a kid, okay. 

Mabel turned the TV on and it was in color. Okay, so she wasn’t too far back in time. But the TV was playing a commercial for clear skin. The picture was gritty and all the people in it had puffy hair and long socks and oh my god was that woman wearing legwarmers?! Mabel grinned at seeing her favorite fashion on TV, but then her face dropped. When was she?

She tapped her chin and tried to think of how to know the date without being suspicious. She could ask Mr. Ford, but that might be suspicious. Mabel decided to start flicking through channels to try to guess what year she was in based on what was airing. A lot of shows were about cowboys, space, or game shows. Huh. Okay.

All the TV shows were definitely older. Nothing her dad would watch from when he was a kid, so if Mabel had to guess by everyone’s crazy air, the cheesy TV shows, and the music occasionally playing, she was in the 70s.

Huh. Okay. But she needed an exact year. So Mabel turned off the TV, saw an old radio on a desk, and turned it on to listen.

“... cuz it’s cold doesn’t mean you can't boogie, folks! So grab someone you wanna get warm with, turn up the music, and get your bodies warm in the coolest way possible! Here’s Night Fever, by the Bee Gees!”

Mabel grinned at the disco music. Her personal favorite song from these guys was More Than a Woman, but Night Fever would do. For a moment Mabel forgot her mission, jumped off the couch and left the blanket behind, and in the over-sized gray t-shirt Mr. Ford gave her while her clothes were drying, she danced along to the music, singing the chorus since those were the only words she knew.

“When you reach out for me. Yeah, and the feelin' is right,

Then I get night fever, night fever. We know how to do it! Gimme that night fever, night fever. We know how to show it!”

Mabel laughed at herself as she spun around in her socks and tried to do the point-and-hype dance she didn’t know the name to, but everyone did it when a disco song played.

Little did she know that Ford had returned to check on her, and was smiling at her as she shook her hips and waved her hair around and had fun. He leaned against the doorway and planned to let her dance in peace, but when she did a spin and saw him, she grinned and took his hand. “C’mon, Mr. Ford, come dance with me!”

Ford chuckled and shook his head. “No, no! I can’t dance!”

“You got two legs that aren’t broken?”

“Yes.”

“Then you can dance! C’mon!” Mabel encouraged, let him go when they were both in the middle of the room, and she started to dance again. “Don’t make me dance alone!” She even pulled an evil move and gave him puppy eyes. Rude.

Ford smiled slyly at her and hesitantly copied her boogie moves. It was true that Ford never liked to dance, but there was no one around but Mabel, and though he had only known her for an hour or more, he was sure she would never make fun of him.

And he was right.

“Wow! Look at you, Mr. I-Can’t-Dance! Yeah!” Mabel hopped on the couch, standing, and took Ford’s hand. “Here, I’ll spin you!”

Ford laughed and allowed it, doing a single spin, but then scooping her in his arms to dip her and then let her down, making her laugh as they continued to dance. 

“Alright alright, you crazy cats, that was Night Fever by the Bee Gees! It's a snowy day here in the heart of Oregon, with snow flurries coming in harder all night, but it should clear up by morning and be a fun day to go out and play! The date is January 26th, 1978 in case you gotta write a check or mail a thank you note to a friend or family member. I’m still writing letters for Christmas! We’ll be right back with some of your favorites after a word or two from our sponsors, so don’t go anywhere!”

Mabel stared at the radio. “Wow, 1978.” She breathed. Her parents were only kids right now, maybe only six or seven-years-old. Wow.

Ford chuckled. “I know, I’m still in the bad habit of writing ‘77.”

Mabel realized her mistake, but was grateful her host misunderstood her. “Me too.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for dinner. How about some ramen noodles?”

“Yes, please! Can we play a game after we eat?”

“Sure. I don’t have many board games, but I do have a deck of cards.”

“Do you know any card tricks?!”

“A few.” Ford admitted, wiggling his fingers. “There are some advantages to having more fingers than average.”

Mabel grinned up at him and followed him to the kitchen for dinner.

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

Euphoria: 2x08 (quotes)

1. Lexi & Fez: “- Well, why would I want anybody knowin’ what I’m thinkin’ or feelin’? - I don’t know.  - You can connect with people who have similar interests. I just feel like people be sharin’ way too much on there.  - Online?  - Yeah. They be ruinin’ the mystery, you know? Like, say if I like a girl, I wanna find out what she’s about on my own, you know? I don’t wanna google the scraps. I wanna, I wanna peel back the layers. - Yeah, but, like why would you wanna waste time getting to know someone if you don’t have anything in common with them? - We don’t really have nothin’ in common.”

2. Lexi’s assistant: “- What act are we in? - Don’t question it. That’s the brillance of Lexi Howard.”

3. Rue and Elliot: “- So, you know, whatever happened. However it happened, you know, however... it got to be... whatever it is... I think you might’ve accidentally saved my life, thank God it did. ‘Cause I wouldn’t be here to tell you that I forgive you. And that feels really, really nice because I have a lot of “I’m sorry’s” to do. But not a lot of “I forgive you’s.” So...thank you for that. - Do you think we can still be friends? - You know you’re the one who said we weren’t any good for each other. I still think that.”

4. Lexi and her assistant: “- It’s the only thing I’ve ever done and it’s a disaster. - It could be worse. - How? - It could be boring. - That’s true. - Art should be dangerous.“

5. Nate and his dad: “- You know what I think we have in common? When we both get off on hurting other people. What do ya think? That’s not fair. You don’t get to ruin our lives. And then, just... move on and get to be happier. Eleven years old...I found these videos of my dad fucking hookers in a motel room. I had this recurring nightmare, just over and over... and in it, he was fuckin’ me the way that he fucked them. And instead of loving me, you fuckin’ hated me for it.”

6. Rue about her dad: “I watched you die and all I could think about was how none of it felt real. What if.. the reason if felt like a movie was because I wanted to believe that losing you... is a part of a larger story. One that maybe I could maybe I could still shape. I... I remember a couple of days before you passed away. You told me that if I ever wanted to be with you all I would have to do is close my eyes and we’d be together. You said that memories exist outside of time and have no beginning or end. You said as long as I live you’ll be with me forever.”

7. Rue and Lexi: “I think your play was the first time I was able to look at my life and not hate myself for everything I’ve done. - What do you mean? - I don’t know. I think I’ve been through a lot. And I don’t know what to do with it. But you’ve been through a lot and you know what to do with it. - I don’t know about that. - Lex, look what you made. I don’t know how to do that. I don’t know how to get to where you are. But I just wanted you to know that seeing it meant the world to me. When my dad died, everybody would tell me that he died for a reason. That shit used to piss me off. I would literally wanna fucking strangle them. But I think what they’re actually saying is that you gotta give it a reason. You gotta five all this shit a reason.”

8. Simply Rue: “Jules was my first love. I’d like to remember it that way. I don’t know if that’s actually true, though. I think I was high for too much of it. I know it wasn’t easy for her. And I hope she forgives me. I stayed clean through the rest of the school year. I wish I could say that was a decision I made. In some ways, it was just easier. The thought of maybe being a good person is what keeps me trying to be a good person. Maybe there’s something to that.”

[queenxxxsupreme]

There Comes Bad News (dad!Arthur Morgan)

A/N: This belongs in my dad!Arthur Morgan AU so if you haven’t read any of those fics, it might be best to read those. You can find my masterlist here!

Warnings: anxiety attack, language 

Word Count: 2.0k

Summary: John visits Lupine Valley Ranch to warn Arthur of an impending threat.

***

You moved around the kitchen, humming as your eyes glided over the window behind the kitchen sink. You spotted Daisy in the temporary corral with Piper. The corral had been placed in the front yard where you would have a clear sight to Daisy as she spent time with the foal. Though Arthur could watch her since he was outside tending to a few chores with Charles’ help, you liked to be able to see Daisy while you were inside. 

“You reckon that filly will make it?”

You jumped, turning to look at Hosea. He stood at the edge of the kitchen with a coffee cup in hand. 

“Christ, Hosea. You scared me.”

He chuckled. 

“Piper seems to be gettin’ stronger.” You wiped your hands off on a rag. “And she’s not missing a meal, that’s for sure. So I suppose I’ve got some hope.”

“Just hate to see the little one with her heart broken.”

“I know.” You nodded in agreement.

“It’ll be a shame if I have to beat Arthur’s ass for getting her a lame horse.”

You smiled at him, knowing he was half teasing and half being honest. 

The sound of Carson barking caught your attention. He was alerting the family to someone coming down the road that led to the house. 

“Who could that be?” You thought out loud, moving towards the front windows.

“Is that Carson barking?” Hosea asked as he followed behind you. “He sounds angry.”

You spotted John getting down from his horse before it even came to a full stop just in front of the house. Behind him was a cloud of dirt and dust he must’ve kicked up on his way in. 

“Something ain’t right. Why’s he in such a hurry?” Hosea headed for the front door. You were right behind him, going out on to the front porch. 

Your eyes flickered over to your husband, who was crossing the yard with Charles to see what John was doing. 

“What’s got you runnin’ like you’re bein’ chased, Marston?”

“I saw Micah in Blackwater yesterday.” John held on tightly to the leather reins. He appeared tense and nervous, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as his eyes flickered around as if he was taking count of everyone there. “Is Lucy here with you?”

“She’s home.” Charles shook his head. “Wasn’t feeling well this morning.”

“Wait a damn minute. You what?” Hosea rubbed his eyes. 

“I saw that bastard. He was in Blackwater yesterday.”

You looked to Arthur, your stomach churning. His eyes very briefly met yours before he returned his gaze to John. 

“I was runnin’ errands with Jack and Grace when I saw him. He was on a horse across from the bank with a couple other fellas.”

“How are you sure it was him?” Your voice was quiet as you spoke. 

“Micah’s voice ain’t easy to forget.” John met your gaze.

“Did he see you?” 

“Course not, Hosea. Got my kids outta there before he could see them.” John ran his hand along the shoulder of his horse. “I can’t stay for long. Gotta get back to Beecher’s. But I wanted to let y’all know he’s around.”

“Do you think he’s going to start looking for us?” Charles asked. Arthur shook his head, running a hand over his face. Even from across the yard, you could see the anger on his face. 

“It’s hard to tell with Micah Bell.”

“At the very least, he’ll try to find Hosea.” Arthur spoke up, voice low and heavy with the weight of all the fears he’d carried for so long. “Hosea’s the only one who knows about where that Blackwater money is. The only other person who knew about it was Dutch and well….”

You looked down at your hands, taking a deep breath. 

“Micah would do anything to find us. That includes goin’ to you, John.”

“I ain’t tellin’ him shit, Arthur.”

“I never said he’d ask nicely. Micah’s a sick bastard. He’ll go through Jack and Grace to get to you, to get to me and there’s no tellin’ what he’d do-,”

“Arthur.” You cut him off firmly. His eyes shot over to you. “Stop right now. There’s no sense filling John’s head with that. He doesn’t need to worry any more than he already does, I’m sure.”

Silence filled the air. 

“Why don’t you bring Abigail and the kids up here, John?” Hosea suggested, moving to sit down on the front steps. “That way you all aren’t alone down there.”

“I couldn’t do that, Hosea.”

“Nonsense.” You shook your head, directing John’s attention to you. “We’ve got plenty of room. Daisy can stay in our room. That way you and Abigail can have your own room and Jack and Grace can have Daisy’s room.”

“I don’t want to crowd nobody. We aren’t a little family.”

“No, but you’re our family.” Arthur sighed. “It’s safer for you all to be up here with us and Charles and Lucy, John. You know that.”

John looked between you, Arthur, Hosea, and Charles for a few moments before nodding. 

“I’ll talk it over with Abigail when I get home. Only problem would be Roxy and our livestock.”

“Roxy can come up with you. Carson gets along with her just fine.” You smiled. 

“And if it’s just temporary, leave the livestock down there at Beecher’s. Me and you can go down every day or so to check on ‘em.” Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. 

“Alright. I’ll see you guys soon.”

You waved goodbye to John and watched him disappear down the drive. 

As he left, the weight in your stomach seemed to shift to your chest. 

“Why don’t we take a little break, Charles?” Arthur told him, giving him a pat on the arm. Charles nodded and began to move towards the house. 

“Maybe you and Uncle can share a room, Hosea.” Charles teased as he passed Hosea on the stairs. 

“Bullshit. I’ll be sending Uncle over to your house. You and Lucy have too much room in that house of yours.”

Your eyes followed Arthur as he stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Your hands were folded at your waist, thumb rubbing against your skin as you bit the inside of your cheek. 

“What?” He asked you. 

“Why did you have to go put all those thoughts into John’s head?”

“I wasn’t tryin’ to scare him, Y/N. I was just tellin’ him the truth. Micah is relentless. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. He’ll go through anyone and anything.”

“But you didn’t have to put thoughts into John’s head about what that bastard could do to his kids, Arthur.”

“Hey, sweetheart!” Hosea greeted Daisy loudly as she approached the porch from behind Arthur. She carried a handful of wildflowers in one hand. “Where’d you get those pretty flowers, Daisy?”

“From the yard!”

Arthur turned his attention to her, smiling as she offered him a portion of the bundle. 

“Here.”

“Thank you, sweetpea.”

The next bundle went to Hosea. He began to tell her of the different kinds of flowers she had picked up, and she gladly absorbed the information like a sponge. 

As you watched her, you couldn’t help but think of Micah. Arthur was right. The man would stop at nothing to get answers, to get what he wanted. It would be nothing for him to kill an entire family just to get the answers he was looking for. 

The more your mind lingered on the possibilities, the more the thoughts spiraled. The weight on your chest worsened and you suddenly gasped for breath, unable to breathe. Tears sprung to your eyes and you turned away, not wanting to ruin Daisy’s moment with Hosea. 

But everyone heard your gasp and saw you turn away so suddenly. 

Arthur moved up the front steps, brows furrowing together slightly. 

Daisy tried to move past him to get to you but Arthur caught ahold of the material of her shirt, quickly stopping her. 

“Daddy-,”

“Just give me a minute, sweetpea.” He cut her off gently. “Go back to Papa or Uncle Charles, okay?”

“Is momma okay?”

“She’ll be just fine.” Arthur kissed the top of Daisy’s head before moving towards you. 

Since Hosea was still sitting on the front step, Charles moved towards Daisy, holding his hands out for her. 

“What’s wrong with her, Uncle Charles?” Daisy opened her arms for him to pick her up but her eyes remained on the back of your head. 

“Mommy just needs a minute with daddy.” Charles explained. “What kind of flowers do you have there, Daisy?”

While Charles had Daisy somewhat distracted, Arthur was able to tend to you. 

His hand found the small of your back.

“You okay, pumpkin?” His voice was quiet and gentle.

You couldn’t speak. You knew the words would become jumbled in your throat or come out all too quickly. 

He kissed your shoulder.

“M’sorry if…. if what I was sayin’ scared you.”

“It’s not….” You shook your head. “Just…. Just me.”

“Is it him that’s got you this scared?”

You nodded, closing your eyes as you turned to face him. In the same instant, you were able to tuck your nose into the front of his neck. 

“Pumpkin, you know I ain’t gonna let a damn thing happen to you or to Daisy. He’ll have to get through me to-,”

“Don’t.” You cut Arthur off, pulling away so that you could look him in the eyes. “Don’t you-Don’t you dare say that Arth-Arthur Morgan. I-I can’t lose you.”

He brushed the tears from your cheeks then pushed your hair back out of your eyes. 

“I love you.”

You nodded and leaned forward to press your forehead against his lips. His hand rubbed up and down your back as you tried your best to take even breaths. 

“Ain’t nothin’ gonna happen to either of you. I’ll keep you safe, pumpkin.”

Hosea stood up from the steps and began to make his way towards the front door. He looked to Charles and nodded for him to come inside. 

“She can go. Y/N’s probably gonna want her near.”

Charles nodded and placed Daisy on her feet. 

“Behave out here.”

Daisy giggled, curious eyes watching her uncle disappear into the house. Then she looked to her parents. 

You lifted your head and sniffled. Arthur wiped your cheeks again. 

“That’s enough thinkin’ about all the bad. We’re about to have a busy house.” He told you. “What kind of things do we need to get done before they get back here?”

You said nothing, unable to shift your thoughts to something else. 

There was a tug on your skirt. You looked down to see Daisy looking up at you.

“You okay, momma?”

“Yes, love.” You nodded, moving to sit down in a chair on the porch. This allowed her to climb into your lap.

“Why are you crying?” She reached up with her free hand to wipe your tears away. 

“Because…. Well, ‘cause I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

“What do you got there, sweetpea?” Arthur knelt down beside you. “Did you pick those flowers yourself?”

“Yeah! Papa said they are cornflowers, poppies, and daisies.”

“Daisies are momma’s favorites.” Arthur leaned in to whisper to her. “You think those might cheer her up?”

You smiled as Daisy handed you the bundle of flowers. 

“Thank you, honey.” You leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Those cornflowers look like daddy’s eyes, don’t they?”

Daisy looked from the flower to Arthur, then back to the flower, and finally back to Arthur. She giggled and nodded her head.

“They do.”

“Don’t you think daddy’s got pretty eyes?”

“He does!”

“You girls are gonna make me all red in the face.” Arthur muttered, a shy smile coming to his lips as he stood up. “Is your room all cleaned up, sweetpea? Uncle John’s coming up here and Grace’s is gonna need somewhere to sleep.”

“A sleepover?” Daisy excitedly jumped down from your lap. 

“Only if your room is clean.”

“I’ll go check!”

Your eyes followed her as she ran into the house. Then your eyes flickered down to the flowers. 

“We’re gonna be alright, Y/N.” Arthur held his hand out for you. 

“I know. We always are. It just…. It never comes easy.”

Taglist: @winterwolf @lauramb7 @caraqas @bluscryn @krenee1drful @zodiacaldust @nonodino @gabstaroc @cal-lifornication @thefirelordm @sargeantsea @sokkasdarling @thecollection @mayday1284 @kashasenpai @misskrql @brooke-supernatural16  @micahs-bird

If your name is in italics, it wouldn’t let me tag you :(

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers LUNATIC PARADE ;; Subaru Route ー Chapter 2

*Thud*

*Creaaaak*

Yui: ( Nn... )

( Huh? What time is it...? )

*Rustle*

Yui: ( Last time, I somehow had trouble sleeping, so I didn’t get much rest... )

( ...? Huh...? I can’t move...! W-Why...!? )

???: ...

Yui: ( Someone’s...here...? Wait...!? )

ー She opens her eyes in the hotel room

*Rustle*

Yui: ーー S-Subaru-kun!?

( Huh, hold up? Why is Subaru-kun on my side of the bed...!? )

( Did I fall asleep on the wrong side by accident...? ...No, that shouldn’t be the case... )

Subaru: ...Nn...

Yui: ( Wah! Oh no! Is he waking up...!? )

Subaru: ...Ah?

Yui: Um...Well...Good...morning...?

Subaru: Yeah...Hm?

Wait, y-you!? Why are you here!?

Didn’t I tell you to stay away from this side!?

*Thud*

Yui: No! This is my side...!

Subaru: Haah!? Yeah riーー

Yui: But look! My Rosary is placed next to the pillow...

Subaru: ...

Yui: ( What now? He went silent... )

Subaru: Aah...Right...Yesterday...

Haah...

Yui: Um, Subaru-kun...?

Subaru: ...How are you feelin’?

Yui: Eh...? How I feel? I’m totally fine though...

Subaru: ...Good.

Yui ( I wonder what he means...? )

Anyway...Why were you sleeping on my side of the bed...?

Subaru: ...Well...

...Oh shut up. Why does it matter!?

Yui: Eh? ...I’m curious...

( I mean...He’s the one who kept on telling me to stay on my side... )

Subaru: ...

Yui: ...

Subaru: ...Che! Aah, fuck!

Fine! I just gotta tell you, right!?

...You were...grunting in your sleep last night.

Yui: Eh...?

Subaru: I could hear you suffering all the way over on my side so...

So...I decided to check up on you.

...Got a problem with it?

Yui: Ah...

( So the pain in my chest from last night didn’t just occur in a dream... )

( So that’s why Subaru-kun joined me... )

You were worried about me, weren’t you?

Subaru: Wha...I wasn’t concerned or anythin’...

Yui: Fufu...

Subaru: Fuck! Don’t you dare laugh!

*Thud*

*Rustle*

Yui: Kyah...!? 

Don’t pull me by my arm all of a sudden...!

Subaru: Shut up! Let’s get some more sleep.

Yui: Eeh...!? 

Subaru: Now shut up and let me hold you...!

*Creaaak*

Yui: ( Geez. We should really hurry and get up though...However... )

( I’m sure he watched over me all night yesterday... )

( I guess just a short nap...should be fine? )

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the main street

Yui: This antique dealer you mentioned yesterday...Do you know where we can find him?

Subaru: Yeah. ...If I’m bein’ honest, I’d rather not get anywhere close to him though...

Yui: Is he that much of an oddball...? 

Subaru: Rather than odd...He’s just a plain freak who always finds something to call you out on.

He’s just some stupid old geezer who doesn’t even hold back towards my Old Man.

Yui: Come on, no need to say that...

Subaru: Hmph...

However...He’s probably the only person in the whole Demon World who would dare to defy our dad.

I have to give him credit in that regard.

Yui: Heeh...I see...

( Going against Karlheinz-san...That’s quite the impressive feat... )

( I wonder what kind of person he is...? )

Subaru: I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere around here...

Aah, right here! ...Let’s go in.

ー The scene shifts to Aizen Stahl antique shop

Subaru: ーー Oi, anyone here?

Antique dealer: Hm...?

Ooh! Well if it isn’t the Sakamaki’s little one!

Yui: ( So this man is the antique dealer... )

Antique dealer: You used to be such a wee little fella! 

But you’ve scored yourself a girl in the meantime, I see?

Antique dealer: ...Well, seems like she has a bit of a shovel face (1) though.

Yui: A-A shovel face...!?

( How mean... )

Subaru: Che...

...Don’t let it get to your heart. I told you he’s a disgustin’ freak who only knows how to insult others, remember?

Yui: Y-Yeah...

Antique dealer: So? What brings you here today? You sure don’t drop by every day!

Are you here to run an errand on Karlheinz’s behalf? Hehe...

Subaru: I’m not. The Old Man has nothin’ to do with this.

...Do you know Count Walter?

Antique dealer: ...

Subaru: Let’s just say I ended up wreckin’ a few of that guy’s furnishings yesterday. 

Antique dealer: ...You did?

Subaru: ...Yeah.

Antique dealer: Hooh...Furnishings which belonged to Walter, huh...?

Heh...Hahaha! Right, I see! You destroyed them!

Splendid!

I have to give you props, little one.

Yui: Eh...?

( He burst out laughing for some reason...!? )

Subaru: O-Oi...?

Antique dealer: I won’t hide it, I loathe that guy.

Yui: You do...?

Antique dealer: Yeah, of course! He actually stole something very precious to me in the past.

Ever since, I’ve had a strong hatred towards him...

So hearing what happened just now made me very pleased.

Yui: ( I see...So that’s his reasoning... )

Antique dealer: I’m pretty sure I should be able to cover for pretty much anything he has in his manor aside from the stuff in his treasure storage?

Subaru: For real!?

Yui: Thank god...!

Antique dealer: If it’s to give that guy a run for his money...I’ll gladly lend you a hand.

What are you looking to replace?

Yui: Vases, sculptures and paintings...

Antique dealer: I see. I might be able to help out then. Wait one second, okay?

ー The antique dealer walks away

Yui: Seems like we might be able to fix things somehow, Subaru-kun...!

Subaru: Yeah, you’re right...

*TIMESKIP*

Antique dealer: Sorry for the wait. What do you think about this?

I assume the items which were destroyed were similar to the ones lined up here?

Subaru: Yeah, pretty much.

Yui: In which case...The Count might just forgive us if we bring him these...!

Subaru: Yeah, thanks for the help. Well thenーー

Antique dealer: Halt!

*SMACK*

Subaru: Ow...! The fuck was that for!?

Antique dealer: I never said you’re gettin’ this for free, did I?

Subaru: Haah!? Weren’t you gonna help us out!?

Antique dealer: If you’re gonna complain to me, then you can forget about getting these!

Subaru: Guh...

...Right! I’ll have the Old Man arrange the money from the human world.

So can’t we make a trade?

Antique dealer: Hmph! I can’t imagine Karlheinz will pay for something like this.

Subaru: ...Ugh...

Yui: Then...What do we have to do to get these...? 

Antique dealer: Let’s see...

If you bring me the three items I want, I’d be willing to exchange.

Well, in other words, you two will be my personal servants!

Yui: Servants...

Subaru: Che...It’s a drag...but guess we have no other choice...

ーー Fine. We’ll fetch them for you.

Antique dealer: ...Is that a yes? We have a deal then!

Yui: What should we look for first?

Antique dealer: ...A clown mask. An antique one.

Subaru: Haah!? Why do you want that!?

Antique dealer: Sometimes we just want things without a specific reason, right?

You don’t have to if you don’t want to? Although that also means you won’t be getting any of these.

Subaru: ...I said I’d do it, didn’t I!? I’ll find that crap in no time so just wait here! ...Fuck!

ー The scene shifts to Saint Nore Park venue

Yui: It’s even more crowded than I thought...

Subaru: Yeah...This sucks...

Yui: ( It was to be expected with the ongoing Parade though... )

 ーー Ah! But there’s a clown over there! I wonder if some sort of performance will start soon?

( Seems like we made a good decision by coming to the amusement park. Now if we can just ask him about the maskーー )

Vampire Child A: Ah! It’s a clown! Hurry up!

Vampire Child B: Wait for me!

Clown A: Now, now, don’t push!

Yui: ( Wah, he’s really popular...We can’t even get close... )

Subaru: Oi, what are we gonna do now? We can’t get to the clown ‘cause of all these lil’ brats who are in the way.

Yui: Yeah...At this rate, the show will start...

( What now...? )

Clown B: ...What should we do?

Clown C: It’s not like asking that question will get us any further...We’re in quite the pinch...

Yui: ( Hm? Those people over there... )

Say, why don’t we try talking to those two clowns preparing for the show over there?

They seem to be struggling with something...

ー Yui and Subaru approach the clowns

Yui: Excuse me...

Clown B: Yes?

Yui: What’s the matter? Is there a problem of some sorts...?

Clown C: Ah...Well...The clown who was supposed to be the star of today’s show, you see...

He injured himself and can no longer perform...

Vampire Child A: The show’s still not starting!?

Vampire Child B: We’re tired of waiting!

Yui: ( Ah...The children... )

Clown A: ...I don’t think I can buy us any more time! What now!?

Yui: Excuse me! Could we perhaps help out in some way?

Clown B: Eeh!? But...

Subaru: Hah? Oi, you, what are you...!?

Clown C: No...This might work. Even just some help with the fountain show would be much appreciated...

Clown B: ...Now that you mention it...They should probably be able to handle that much...Guess we have no other choice, huh?

Subaru: What are you thinkin’!? There’s just no way we could help out...!?

Yui: I’m sorry for making a rash decision, but...

If we help them out, perhaps they’d be more willing to return the favor afterwards...

Subaru: ...

Clown A: Will you do us this favor?

Subaru: Good point...It’d probably speed things up a little...

...Fine. We’ll do it.

Clown C: Thank you so much! Well then...We’re running short on time, so let’s get straight to it.

Yui: Yes...!

*TIMESKIP*

Clown A: Attention, everyone! The long wait is over!

Clown B: Allow us to take you to a world of dreams and fantasies!

Yui: ( Okay...Let’s give it our best shot...! )

Explanation: Press the arrow keys at the right time, following the instructions on the screen to complete the fountain show.

You can play this game in EASY, NORMAL or HARD mode.

*Clap clap clap*

Yui: ( I suppose...it went well...? )

Vampire Child A: Ohー! Amazing!

Vampire Child B: The fountain was awesome too...!

Clown A: Thank you very much! It was a grand success! 

Yui: Really...? We did it, Subaru-kun!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Uwah...!?

Yui: ( Thank god...We pulled it off...! )

Subaru: O-Oi! Move back!

Yui: Eh?

Vampire Child A: Ahー! It’s a couple! They’re dating!!

Vampire Child B: You’re right~! Look at them being all lovey-dovey!

Yui: ...!

( I was so happy, I acted without thinking...! )

Ah, Subaru-kun. This is...You see, I didn’t...!

Vampire Child B: Couple! Couple!

Subaru: Che...Shut your damn mouths!

Vampire Child A: Wahー! He got mad! Let’s make a run for it!!

ー The children run off

Subaru: Fuck...!

Yui: ( Uu...What am I doing...? How embarrassing...! ) 

I-I’m sorry for doing such a weird thing out of nowhere...!

Subaru: Geez...

Clown C: Gosh, we were only able to hold our show because of you two.

On top of that, it got an even better reaction than we expected!

Clown B: Thank you so much!

Yui: ( I’m glad we managed to help them out. )

*TIMESKIP*

Clown A: ーー Allow me to once again thank you both for your cooperation.

Clown B: Please let us give you something to show our thanks!

Yui: U-Um...Actually, we happen to be looking for something...

ー Subaru shows them an image

Subaru: ーー This is it. Does it ring any bells?

Clown C: This is...

Yui: ( Ah...That picture... )

Subaru: Apparently it’s a clown mask. If you have it, could you give it to us?

Clown A: Ahー ...This is a rather old mask. I just hope we still have one left in the storage...

However, you were such a great help to us earlier, so we’ll try our best to look for it!

Yui: Really!? Thank you so much...!

Clown A: We’ll go search then...Could you wait for us for a while?

Yui: We’re counting on you!

ー The clowns walk away

Yui: Good news, right?

Subaru: I just hope they find it...

Yui: ( ...We’ve got some free time on our hands. What should we do? )

Ah...Say, Subaru-kun? Why don’t we go on some of the rides while we’re here?

Subaru: Aah?

Yui: I’m sure it’d be boring to just stand around waiting...

Subaru: ...Which one do you want to ride?

Yui: Um...Let’s see...Ah, how about the merry-go-round?

Subaru: Haah!? You really think I’m goin’ anywhere near that childish crap!?

Yui: Ah...

( Guess that’s a no...I would have loved to go on a ride together now that we have the chance though... )

Subaru: ...

...Che.

ー Subaru walks away

Yui: Subaru-kun...?

Subaru: ...Why are you spacin’ out over there? Hurry up.

Yui: Eh? ...Hurry for what...?

Subaru: That thing...You want to ride it, right? Then come here before I change my mind.

Yui: ...Yeah!

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: Haah, that was so much fun...!

Subaru: In what world!? ...The only thing I felt was shame!

For one...I was goin’ to sit down in one of the carriages...

But that darn employee...How dare they seat us on one of those stupid horses...!?

I’m sendin’ them flyin’ the next time we meet...!

Yui: ( Well, it was a little embarrassing to ride the horse together... )

I enjoyed riding together with you. Thank you, Subaru-kun.

Subaru: ...

Well...I guess it’s fine if you had fun...But I’m never gettin’ on that thing again!

Clown A: ーー Sorry for the wait!

Yui: Y-You’re the clown from earlier...

Subaru: Did you find it?

Clown A: Well...As we feared, it’s too old of a model so we didn’t have any left in stock.

Subaru: Haah!?

Yui: N-No way...!

Clown A: However, they might still have it over at the dress shop in town!

Yui: Dress shop...

( I suppose we should try heading there then. )

Thank you for the valuable piece of information. We’ll try our luck there next.

Clown A: Yes. Be careful...!

ー The scene shifts to Aizen Alleyway

Subaru: ーー So where’s this dress shop?

Yui: Yeah...According to the map we received earlier, it should be around here.

I suppose it could be that place attracting a crowd over there...?

Subaru: A crowd...? I’ve had enough of those.

Yui: Ahaha, right...

( However, is this bad hunch just overthinking on my part...? )

ー They enter the dress shop

Yui: ...

Subaru: ...

Why is it this crowded in here as well...!?

Yui: Y-Yeah...

( The bad feeling I had became reality...! )

Um...Excuse me. Is something going to happen here?

Female Vampire A: Yes. The fashion show is about to start.

Yui: Fashion show!?

If their show is about to start, I’m sure the staff will be busy...

Subaru: Yeah...This crowd is getting on my nerves as well. Let’s wait somewhere else till it’s over.

Yui: Yeah...Guess we should...

( I’m kind of curious what a fashion show in the Demon World looks like thoughーー )

???: Ah! Hey! Wait, you!

Subaru: Aah?

Yui: ( Hm...? )

???: Come with me, please!

ー She pulls Subaru along

*Rustle*

Subaru: Aah!? The fuck do you want all of a sudden!?

Dress shop owner: I’m the owner of this place! I’ll explain the details in the back, just come with me for now!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Oi, wait!

Yui: Ah, hey...!

( What is going on...? Guess I’ll follow them for now... )

ー The scene shifts to the changing room

Yui: ( We were taken to the back of the store... )

Dress shop owner: I’m sorry this is a little sudden, but could you please change into this outfit? 

Subaru: Haah!? This is more than ‘a little’ sudden! The fuck do you want!?

Dress shop owner: ...Right. I suppose I was a little too pushy...

We’re actually about to get started with our fashion show...

However, I’ve been in quite the pinch since I was unable to find a model to wear my best creation.

We did find a substitute, but they just don’t fit the image I have in mind.

Then you appeared in front of me! You’re the perfect fit!

Yui: ( Subaru-kun...A model... )

Subaru: Fuck off! You must be mental if you think I’m doin’ that shit!

Dress shop owner: Oh no! I will have you be my model!

I’m sure my clothes would be overjoyed to be worn by you as well!

Subaru: Hmph, bullshit. Oi, we’re leavin’.

ー Subaru starts walking away

Yui: Ah, but...

( We have to ask her about the mask... )

( And above all... )

( I’m very much interested in seeing Subaru-kun take part in a fashion show...! )

Say, Subaru-kun...Why not take this opportunity to participate?

Subaru: Aah!? Have you hit your head as well!?

Yui: ...Oh come on, please?

Also...Lend me your ear for a bit?

Subaru: Aah?

*Rustle*

Yui: It might be a good chance to ask about the mask...!

Subaru: ...

Dress shop owner: I don’t know what you’re whispering about but...

I’d like to ask you for your cooperation as well. I’m convinced you’ll be the best model for this outfit!

Subaru: ...

...Gimme that. I’ll go change.

*Rustle*

Yui: Subaru-kun...!

Dress shop owner: Oh my! Thank you so much! This way, please!

Yui: ( I can’t wait to see what it’ll look like...! )

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the main street

*Snap snap*

Yui: ( All of the models have such great figures. (2) I can only dream to look like that... )

( I wonder when it’ll be Subaru-kun’s turn...? )

Dress shop owner: Well then, to wrap up the show, we have none other than my pride and joy!

Yui: ( Ah, there he is...! )

*Snap snap snap*

Monologue

Subaru-kun’s appearance as he set foot on the stage,

was so handsome,

he made the whole crowd swoon.

...He did seem somewhat grumpy though.

Perhaps it’s due to the different style of clothes,

but it felt refreshing to me.

Standing next to him,

was the shop clerk from earlierーー

who looked equally stunning.

However...I could not help but grow a little curious,

as this seemingly picture-perfect duo,

seemed to be whispering something to each other. 

Dress shop owner: Just look at how ecstatic everyone is...!

Come on, you should wave at the crowd as well!

*Smack*

Subaru: ーー Get your hands off me.

Yui: ( Ah...! He slapped away her hand. )

Subaru: I’m already taken. (3) Go try your luck with some other guy.

Dress shop owner: Oh dear...

...Fufu, could it be that young lady?

Subaru: ...Hmph.

Yui: ( I just hope he won’t start another fight... )

*TIMESKIP*

Yui: ーー Subaru-kun!

Subaru: ...Ah, there you are.

Yui: Ah...You already changed it seems.

Subaru: Well, duh. You really think I was gonna stay in that get-up forever?

Yui: ( I’d love to tell Subaru-kun my thoughts on his performance from earlier while I have the chance...Now how to put it? )

Selection

→ You looked interesting

Yui: Um...You looked interesting just now, you know!

Subaru: Funny...Aah? Are you makin’ fun of me!?

Yui: Eh!? Ah, I didn’t mean it like that...I just thought you looked very precious while going down the catwalk wearing something you usually wouldn’t.

Subaru: Please make it clear whether you’re complimenting or insulting me...

Yui: ...Sorry.

( I should have just genuinely complimented him. )

Subaru: Then what were you tryin’ to say?

Yui: Well...You know, I just thought

→ You looked handsome (☾)

Yui: You were very handsome just now!

Subaru: Y-You think so? I didn’t do anythin’ special though.

Yui: That’s not true. The clothes fit you to a T as well...!

Subaru: ...Thanks.

Dress shop owner: Thank you so much for earlier. Thanks to you, the show was a big success.

Subaru: I did as you asked earlier, so now you have to listen to one of our requests.

Dress shop owner: What could that be? I will gladly help where I can.

Subaru: ...Does this picture ring a bell? We’re lookin’ for it.

Dress shop owner: ...Oh my, we have this in our storage room. I’ll go get it so wait here, okay?

*TIMESKIP*

Dress shop owner: ーー Is this it?

*Rustle*

Yui: Ah, that’s it!

Dress shop owner: I don’t see myself using it any time soon so...If you need it, you can have it.

*Rustle*

Yui: Thank you very much! We did it, Subaru-kun!

Subaru: Hmph...I honestly have no idea why that guy even wants this relic of the past...

Whatever. Anyway, we’re goin’ back to that geezer’s place pronto!

Yui: Good idea. Ah, thank you so much, truly!

Dress shop owner: I’m just glad I was able to return the favor. Please feel free to drop by again anytime!

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts back to the antiques shop

Subaru: ーー Here! Happy now?

*Thud*

Antique dealer: Ooh! This is it! I didn’t think you’d actually be able to find it!

Subaru: Honestly, I don’t get why you want this crap.

But...We cleared the first hurdle now, right?

Antique dealer: Yeah, of course. I’ll be counting on you two again tomorrow!

ー The scene shifts to the Diamante Fountain

Subaru: Haah...I’m beat...

Yui: We haven’t been able to catch a break right from day one, huh...?

Ah, I got us some churros from that food truck over there. Want some?

Subaru: Yeah...Nn...

...Guess it’s true that sweets are the best thing to eat when you’re tired...

Yui: Fufu...

( Still, so much stuff went down today. )

( I hope we can get through tomorrow as well... )

Subaru: Don’t look so worried. ...I’m here with you, remember?

Yui: Yeah...!

( Right, as long as I’m together with Subaru-kun, I’m sure everything will turn out fine...! )

( Okay, I’ll try my best again tomorrow! )

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) In Japanese, he calls her チンクシャ or ‘chinkusha’, which is a very rude term used to describe women who have a flat/small nose and are therefore considered ugly. 

I looked up similar slang terms in English and ‘shovel face’ seemed like the best fit.

(2) スタイルがいい or ‘style ga ii’ actually refers more to someone’s body type/figure, rather than their fashion style, even when talking about models.

(3) Literally he says that he has already been booked, using the word 予約 or ‘yoyaku’, which you would also use when booking a hotel room or a restaurant.

← RETURN TO CHAPTER 1

→ PROCEED WITH MAIN STORY [CHAPTER 3]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #1 [W/ REIJI]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #2 [W/ KOU]

→ SUB-SCENARIO #3 [W/ CARLA]

[acabecca]

“i just like seeing you happy.” Jas and Bucky!

i saw this prompt and was like wtf sam what am i supposed to write for this i write ANGST!!!! but it was fun to write so maybe i should let ppl be happy instead 😌

*

“Do you want to dance with me?”

Bucky looked up, eyebrows raised as he sipped at the whiskey and let his eyes roam over the woman standing in front of him. “Uh, sorry,” he scratched at his beard. “I’m here with my girlfriend. I don’t think she’d like it if I danced with someone else.”

She shrugged. “Pretty sure I could take your girlfriend in a fight if it came down to it.”

“I don’t know…” Bucky paused thoughtfully. “She’s pretty tough. Real good with a gun, got a killer right hook.”

Huffing, Jas rested her hands on the sides of the chair he was sitting in, caging him in as she leaned down to him and narrowed her eyes. Bucky grinned widely.

“Get off your ass and show me a good time, Barnes.”

“You’re so bossy,” he chuckled, quickly finishing the rest of his drink and placing the glass down on the table before he stood up and offered Jas his hand.

“Thought I was bossy.”

“I like bossy women, so long as they let me take charge where it matters. Like on the dance floor.”

Rolling her eyes, Jas placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her out between the other dancing couples. Wrapping his right arm around her waist, his hand on the small of her back, Bucky took her right hand in his left and pulled her closer to him.

“You gonna teach me to dance like how they did in the olden days?” Jas teased, and Bucky scoffed.

“Better than the dancing I see now.”

“Okay, Gramps,” Jas giggled, and Bucky grinned down at her.

“I don’t think I’ve told you how beautiful you look, by the way,” he hummed, his thumb rubbing circles against her back. “Your cousin must be furious; don’t you know it’s rude to upstage the bride on her wedding day?”

“Shut up,” she squeaked, ducking her head down and burying her face in his chest. Bucky chuckled, leaning down and placing a kiss on top of her head. “You’re so embarrassing.”

“Why? Because I like telling my girlfriend she’s beautiful?”

“No, because you say it around other people who can hear you,” Jas looked up, gesturing around them. “Do not let Kellie hear you saying I’ve upstaged her. She’s murder me and dumb my body in the ocean for the sharks to feast on.”

“You like sharks.”

“Not if they’re gonna eat me, Bucky,” she said in exasperation. Bucky smirked, and Jas narrowed her eyes. “Do not turn that into a sex joke,” she warned. and he snorted as he leaned down and tucked his face into her neck. “I knew you were gonna say something dirty.”

“Am I that transparent?” he muttered, pressing featherlight kisses against her skin.

“Only when you let your guard down,” Jas hummed, tapping at his shoulder. “Stop that, we’re in public. What is with you today?”

Bucky pulled back with a raised eyebrow. “I can’t just wanna kiss my girl?”

“Not like that. Not when we’re surrounded by my family,” she hissed. Bucky snorted out a laugh, his eyes twinkling and the corners of his mouth lifting up into a grin as he wiggled his eyebrows. Jas smiled despite herself, and she shook her head. “I like seeing you like this, Buck.”

“Like what?”

“Like this. I just like seeing you… happy.”

He kissed her softly. “That’s because you make me happy.”

“Sap,” Jas quipped, her eyes darting around the room and landing on her father who was whispering something to the bride, his eyes fixed firmly on her and Bucky. Jas frowned. “Hey, uh… Did I see you talking to my dad before?”

Bucky paused. “Maybe.”

“How come?”

“He’s your dad, Jasmine,” Bucky laughed quietly. “I thought I should probably introduce myself, given the fact that I’m living with his daughter.”

Jas huffed. “He and mom haven’t spoken to me in over a year. Haven’t made any effort to come talk to me today. You shouldn’t have wasted your time. What did you talk about?”

“Nothin’ much.”

Jas’ narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She knew Bucky well enough to know when he was fibbing to her, and the way the muscle just beneath his eye twitched and he refused to meet her gaze was enough to tell her he was hiding something. “What’d you talk to my dad about, Buck?”

“I had somethin’ I had to ask him, is all,” he shrugged nonchalantly. Jas opened her mouth to question him, but Bucky gave her waist a squeeze and quickly changed the subject. “So, hey! I can’t believe Kellie wanted me in her wedding pictures? I was kinda scared when I saw her stompin’ towards me in her wedding dress. Didn’t realise the maid of honor’s boyfriend was supposed to be in the photos.”

Jas scrunched her face up in confusion. “Buck, they didn’t want you in the photos because I’m the maid of honor. They wanted you in the photos because you’re family.”

Bucky froze. “What?”

“…You’re family,” Jas repeated. “You’re my boyfriend, have been for a while and they love you, so you’re part of the family now. That’s- that’s okay, right? I’m sorry if that weirds you out or-”

Bucky stopped her from finishing when he cupped her face in his hands, leaning down and pressing his lips against hers in a hard, firm kiss.

“Will you excuse me for a second?” he didn’t wait for an answer as he turned around and walked away from her, heading over to the stage where the wedding band were set up.

Jas could do nothing but stare after him in confusion, her arms hanging by her sides as she caught her cousin's eye.

“What’s he doing?” Kellie mouthed, and Jas shrugged her shoulders in reply, her eyes following Bucky as he made his way back over to her.

“Dance with me.”

“I thought that’s what we were doing before you ran off,” she raised her eyebrows. He ignored her, lifting her arms up and pulling them over his shoulders before wrapping his around her waist. “Bucky, what are you-” she dropped, her eyes widening slightly when she heard the song the band had begun to play.

“When I fall in love, it will be forever Or I’ll never fall in love…”

“Bucky…”

“Yeah?”

“Did you… Did you ask them to play this?”

“Uh-huh,” he nodded, smiling softly. “This is the song, right? The one your Nana used to sing to you when you were little, when your Grandpa would dance around the living room with you.”

“Y-yeah…” Jas blinked, her voice cracking. “I can’t believe you remember me telling you that.”

“I remember everything about Wakanda, sweetheart,” Bucky whispered. “But I especially remember this story, because you had this far away look in your eyes, like it was your favourite memory.”

“Every memory I have with my Nana and Gramps is my favourite memory,” Jas smiled gently, taking a deep breath and resting her cheek against Bucky’s chest as they swayed to the music.

“I wish you could have met them - especially my Gramps, you two definitely would have gotten along.”

“You made me facetime him in Wakanda, remember? And he just asked for my autograph,” Bucky snorted. “But I wish I could have met them both in person, too. Would have been nice for them to see Kellie getting married.”

“Shit, Gramps would have interrogated Ross so bad,” Jas snickered. “He would have interrogated you, too. He interrogated all of my boyfriends.”

“He interrogate Sharon?”

“No, he loved Sharon. He interrogated me,” she laughed quietly, burying her face back in his chest with a sad sigh. “Love you, Buck.”

Bucky leaned down, pressing his lips to the top of her head. “Love you too, sweetheart,” he murmured into her hair, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “Look, uh… Do you maybe want to- I mean, would you like to-… Do you, maybe, wanna have one of these with me, one day?” he asked quickly, nervously, as Jas pulled back to glance up at him in confusion.

“What, a party?”

Bucky chuckled anxiously, coughing to clear his throat as he brought his right hand up to rub at the back of his neck. “Uh,” he paused. “Not- not exactly…” he gestured around and Jas’ eyes widened, her whole body going slack.

“You mean a- a… wedding?”

“…Yeah,” he whispered, nodding his head and pulling her closer. “Yeah, a wedding. Would you? I know it’s not something we’ve talked about and I figured we should because, well… Because I’ve thought about it, and it’s what I want, but I can live without it if it isn’t something that you want-”

“It is,” Jas interrupted him quickly, biting her bottom lip to hold back her grin. “It is something I want.”

Bucky beamed. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she confirmed. “I’ve thought about it, too.”

“Okay,” his fingers tightened on her hips. “So we’re gonna have a wedding one day.”

“I mean, are we… Was that you- did we just-?”

“Oh, no!” Bucky shook his head quickly before leaning down and brushing his lips against hers. “Christ, no. I’m gonna- it will be better. I have a plan.”

“You have a plan?”

“Sure I do,” he shrugged as though it was no big deal. “Been thinkin’ on it a while.”

“Okay,” Jas whispered, ducking her head down to hide the flush on her cheeks. “If it helps any, I’ll definitely say yes, whenever you’re ready to ask.”

Bucky hooked a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his and smiling softly, leaning forwards and placing a loving kiss to her lips.

“Good to know, sweetheart.”

taglist: @sgtbuckyybarnes @mer-writes @jewelswrites-ish @foxesandmagic @hiddenqveendom @starcrossedjedis @lukespatterson @if-you-onlyknew

Jas taglist: @suethor @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123 @ohhitherekatie

(let me know if you want to be added/removed!)

[word-scribbless]

Oh Baby: part 6

Brainstormed and co-wrote with @gibbsandpridegirl

Masterlist - oh baby Masterlist

Gif not mine!

—————

Amelia is a little younger than 2 when y/n and Gibbs wake up to her screaming for Gibbs after a nightmare.

“Poppa! Poppa!”

Gibbs and Y/N both jolt up and rushed to her room.

“You okay baby?”y/N asked as Gibbs scooped her from her crib.

“Poppa! Need Poppa!” She wailed, barely awake.

“I’m here baby girl what’s wrong?” Gibbs soothed.

“Scared!”

“Did you have a nightmare princess?” He asked calmly, as he swayed her gently.

She nodded into his chest and Y/N rubbed her back, and whispered, “It’s okay baby, you’re okay. We’re here and Poppa has you, you’re safe.”

Gibbs smiled and kissed Amelia’s head, leaning into his wife. He loved the way Y/N never got jealous that Amelia clung to him when she was sad or scared. She once told him she couldn’t get mad at their daughter for doing exactly what she does when she feels that way.

Y/N kissed her head and then Gibbs cheek.

“I’ll warm up some milk, want some tea? She asked Gibbs. Who nodded, he was usually a coffee drinker of course, but Y/N never offered that after midnight (unless they were on a case)

“Come on little girl let’s sit.” He cooed. “You’re okay you’re safe.”

“I scared” she whimpered.

“I know princess” he said, rocking her and rubbing her backl

“Poppa ing?”

“Sure sweetie poppa can sing for you.”

“-oana!” She sleepily requested.

“Moana again?” He chuckled.

“Mhm!” She hummed, nuzzling into his chest.

“Anything for you”

He began singing one of the calmer songs from his daughters favorite movie while rocking her on the chair. As soon as Y/N walked into Amelia’s room she smiled at her husband and their little girl curled up on the big rocking chair in her room, and listened to his soft singing for a moment.

“Wanna bring her to our room?” She whispered, setting the drinks on the dresser.

He shook his head. “Let’s just stay here for a minute” he said moving his arm and Amelia so that Y/N could slide into his lap.

“Guess she didn’t need the milk, just Poppa.” She said as she stroked the mostly asleep girl’s face.

“Luh Poppa!” She murmured and snuggled deeper.

“I love you princess” he cooed.

“And momma” she added quietly before falling asleep inHer dads arms.

“And I love you” she whispered and then looked up at Gibbs. “Well at least she didn’t forget me!” She smiled beforelaying her head on her husbands chest and nodding off as well.

The week after the nightmare incident, Gibbs had been stuck on a case for 3 days. Y/N and Amelia had been doing well but missed him very much and y/n could tell her little girl was struggling with out her dad. They drew him pictures and she played videos of him every night, he called when he could.

Y/N knew Amelia was a daddy’s girl through and through, but she knew she was lucky with how well she did when he was away. She pouted about him being gone for story time, and refused to break from Gibbs and her morning routines, but overall she was a sweetie.

Y/N woke up that morning and almost forgot about the Gibbs and Amelia morning ritual... then she’d see the not so sweet side.

“Poppa!? Or momma?” Y/N heard through the baby monitor.

“Oh crap!” Y/n said as she messed up her hair again. Then laughed at how Amelia always tacked her name on as an afterthought.

Gibbs had made a habit of getting up early with Amelia and getting ready in the guest bathroom with her sitting on the counter, so when he was away Y/N kept up pretenses. Sure there were times when Y/N made Amelia compromise and learn to deal with things not going her way.... but she figured the least she could do when her dad was away was stick to routine.

“Hey bug!”

“MOMMA!” Amelia squealed.

“Momma work?” Amelia asked and y/N smiled at her use of words and her little hopeful and questioning face.

“Nope, momma doesn’t have work today! But you and me are gonna head to the library and get some shopping done!” It was the summer, so unless she was needed for a case, she was at home with Amelia.

“Yayyyy” Amelia squealed and then frowned “where poppa?”

“He’s still out catching bad guys”

“Bad guys” she grunted with a pout.

“I know I miss him too! Let’s go get ready in the daddy bathroom and then we can send him a video to say hi sound good?”

“YAYYYY”

Amelia sat of the counter kicking her little feet as she “helped” y/N with her hair and makeup. She loved when Y/N would puff her face with her foundation brush and would giggle for minutes afterwards. She requested “Poppa hair” which was 2 high ponytails with mismatched hair ties. Y/N always made a joke when she asked for Poppa hair that no one would ask for that hair cut. To which Amelia would say NO NICE! And laugh along with them. They finished getting ready and sent Gibbs a video before getting dressed.

Y/N stopped at the door to do the next Amelia and Jethro ritual.

“MOOO” Amelia yelled when y/n picked up her keys.

“I didn’t forget, ya goof!”

“Okay ‘ready to go Miss meali moo?” She said in the best Gibbs voice she could.

“MOOOOO” Amelia yelled and nodded before kissing her mom, causing y/n to laugh and shake her head.

‘Of all the traditions he could start with you he has to have you moo when you leave the house.”

Gibbs had started saying ‘see you soon meali moo’ when he left the house or ‘you ready meali moo’ if they were leaving together, to which Amelia would yell “moooooo” and give him a kiss.

Y/N and Amelia had a good day but she could tell their daughter was missing her daddy. Before she fell asleep in the car she started to cry and when Y/N asked what was wrong she said “me want poppa” y/N decided that when she woke up they’d give him a call.

She didn’t have to though, Amelia had just woken up from her nap about 20 minutes after they got home, and her and Y/N we’re having a little Moana dance party in the living room when the door opened and Amelia squealed

“Poppa home!”

“Yayyyy poppa’s home! We missed you!” Y/N cheered and Gibbs smiled wide.

Y/N started to walk Amelia to Gibbs, holding onto her hands, when Amelia broke free and started wobbling to Gibbs all on her own.

Y/n gasped and Gibbs crouched down to meet her when she got there. He scooped her up and swung her around and Y/N clapped and ran over to hug them.

“GOOD JOB BABY!” Gibbs cheered

“you walked baby!!! You walked to Poppa!” Y/N laughed and kissed her cheek

“Poppa home!!!!!!” Amelia giggled.

“Yeah meals I’m home! And you walked!”

“You did so good bug!” Y/N said

“Meali walk!” She squealed.

“Yeah meali walked! Good job!”

Gibbs spent that night with his girls, celebrating his daughter walking by watching Moana (again) curled up on the couch. He couldn’t help but smile as he thought about how different his life was before Y/N and Amelia flipped it upside down. After a case like this 3 or 4 years ago he’d be alone, with bourbon in the basement. Now he sat with his wife curled into his side, humming to the closing song of Moana, and their almost 2 year old daughter sound asleep on his chest.

“What?” Y/N smiled up at him after hearing him huff a small laugh.

“Nothin”

She cocked an eyebrow, not believing him.

“Just thinkin’ how different my life is with you two in it.”

“A lot less quiet” she smiled and nuzzled her nose into his cheek.

“Quiet is overrated” he smirked and captured her lips. “But only with you two.”

Y/N smiled and snuggled into him, drifting to sleep.

About an hour later she woke up and noticed Gibbs sound asleep with Amelia still on his chest. She carefully went to scoop her up and suddenly the little girl let out a loud wail.

Y/N quickly placed her back on her husbands chest and she stopped and settled down immediately.

“In whose world was that gonna work?” Gibbs let out with a sleepy laugh.

“Don’t be smug! I know you’re her favorite, I was just trying to let you rest.” She laughed as Gibbs lifted their daughter up to carry her upstairs.

“How about we put her down together?” He says turning back to her with a smile. She nods and follows behind him.

“I can’t honestly blame her for picking you as her favorite.” Y/N said as she nuzzled into his back after he had laid her in her crib.

“Oh stop it” he smiled, turning around in her arms, “our little girl is so lucky to have you.

“And you” y/n whispered back.

Much like everything, Amelia seemed to reach the terrible 2s early. At 20 months old she refused to take a bath. Y/N couldn’t complain if that, and refusing to sit in a high chair to eat were her only ‘bad’ habits at this age. However she needed to bathe the child.

The poor girl didn’t just dislike baths, she was terrified of them. Y/N tried everything; shower crayons, toys, a little seat. Nothing worked. She was reduced to tricking the girl into bathing in the sink, half the time fully clothed, and now she was even catching on to that. After another week full of failed attempts, Y/N had an idea.

Amelia was sitting on the floor with Gibbs reading a book after dinner when Y/N crept over to them with a smile that gibbs knew meant she was up to something.

“Hey you” he said as she leaned over to kiss him.

“Hi momma! No bath!” Amelia informed her, and y/n just kissed her head.

“sooo I have an idea!” She said to Gibbs with a smirk.

“What’s that?” Gibbs questioned and cocked an eyebrow as She held up a pair of hisswim trunks.

“It’s February, we going swimming?” He teased and Amelia gasped “swimmy?”

“Sorta?” Y/N singsonged

“Imma need more y/n”

“Well Ami refuses to take a bath...” she whispered the ‘b word’ “ I’ve tried everything short of pulling out the big guns” shaking the swim trunks at him.

“I’m the big guns?” Gibbs laughed

“Always” she nodded and gibbs smiled.

“Come on meals we’re going swimming!” He said scooping the little girl from her play mat and grabbing the swim trunks from Y/N “you’re not getting out of this Y/N/N” he joked as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along.

Y/N was already in shorts and a T-shirt she didn’t mind being soaked, she took Amelia to get the bath set up as Gibbs got changed in their room.

“Daddy go swimming?” Amelia asked as Gibbs walked in, in his swim trunks.

Yup you and daddy are gonna go swimming” y/n told her.

“But no bath!”

“You have to go in the tub to go swimming with daddy.” Y/N reminded her, terrified that not even this would work.

“Yup! And mommy makes the best baths”. Gibbs said as he kissed y/N’s head and stepped in the tub.

“ coming in miss Amelia?”

“SWIMMMM”

Luckily y/n laid down towels on the floor before their little swim party because the Gibbs family spent the next hour splashing and giggling. In between the fun gibbs and Y/N took turns washing their daughter as the other distracted her.

“Bath is fun momma!” Amelia giggled as she dried her off with her little hooded towel.

“Sure is, bug!” Y/N smiled.

“That’s right my little monkey” Gibbs laughed as he kissed her head. “No more fighting mommy for baths!”

“Otay we swim again?”

“Of course princess”

Y/N smiled as she took Amelia to her room to put her jammies on her. She was so lucky to be raising this sweet little girl, with the most amazing man in the world.

Not long before Amelia’s second birthday, it was Y/N’s turn to be the one out of town. She was asked to speak at a linguistics conference in New York. At first she was going to turn it down, but Gibbs encouraged her to go. He even got Andi on board to convince her, saying she would be on call to scoop Amelia up if Gibbs had a case. They both knew Y/N was worried about making Gibbs miss work for her to go. With assurance that everything was covered, Y/N agreed.

As much as Amelia is a Daddy’s girl, she was used to spending at least a part of every day with her mom. Gibbs knew she might have trouble adjusting, just like he knew Y/N would struggle with leaving her.

The day before she left for New York Gibbs declared a family day.

“Poppa!” Amelia squealed as he came in her room that morning to scoop her up.

“Hi sweet girl! Don’t be too noisy! We’re gonna surprise momma”

“Sprise?” She peeped.

“Yup! Momma has to go away for a little bit tomorrow so we are going to spend all day together.”

“Momma go way?” She pouted

“Yeah, but only for a little bit! And today we all get to play together”

“YAY!”

“Shhh little goose! Let’s go make mommy breakfast.”

“Cakes?” She whispered

“Of course! Poppa’s pancakes are momma’s favorite.”

Amelia clapped as they went down to the kitchen to make breakfast.

“Hey you two, what’s going on down here?” Y/N asked as she entered the kitchen a while later.

“Spise” Amelia yelled, her form of surprise.

Y/N smiled and picked her up out of her high hair she sat in to “help” Gibbs cook.

“Mmm pancakes? What did I do to deserve this?”

“Everything” Gibbs smiled and kissed her gently.

“Momma go way?” Amelia asked with a pout.

“Bu- no- yet!” She continued in her little gibbs voice, repeating what he had told her earlier.

“That’s right princess, not yet. So we are spending the whole day together!”

“Aw the whole day?” Y/n smiled and hugged Gibbs and Amelia close.

“Yup. I took off” Gibbs said like it was nothing.

“YOU WHAT?” Y/n gasped

“Aaaat?” Amelia mimicked (it was her new phase and Y/N and Gibbs loved it).

“Tony is in charge and they aren’t to call me unless all hell breaks loose or there are zombies.” He laughs and Amelia giggled and starts to moan like a zombie.

“She learned that from Abby” y/n chuckled, “and she taught Riley” she tickled her. “Andi loooooves it” she joked.

They spent the whole day together. They went for a walk in the park, had a picnic, spent the whole day doing their favorite things. including family bed time, where they would all snuggle up in their big bed to get Amelia to fall asleep and then Gibbs would carry her to her bed once she was out.

Right before she fell asleep Amelia rolled over on her usual spot on Gibbs chest and reached for Y/N.

“Momma uggle” she whispered and Y/N scooted closer as Gibbs moved Amelia to be on her chest. He rolled on his side and curled up with one hand on their daughters back and is nose nuzzled against his wife’s face.

Y/N sniffed and Gibbs felt a tear trickle down her cheek.

“Hey” Gibbs whispered and kissed the tear away. “You okay?”

“Mhm, I just. I’m going to miss you both so much” she said snuggling into them both.

“And we’ll miss you but you’ll be back so soon.”

“I know, I just! God I love you both so much” she sniffled again.

“And we love you.”

He kissed her temple and played with her hair until she fell into a peaceful sleep, before he carefully scooped Amelia up and took her to her room. He came back and curled up around Y/N sighing happily and she nuzzled into his side.

The next day, went left for New York, knowing her little girl was in the hands very best friend and most importantly,her amazing husband.

The first night Y/N was gone, Amelia slept in the big bed with Gibbs. They knew how to get the little girl to sleep with out Gibbs there when she was wailing and missing him, but neither Amelia, or Gibbs knew how to deal with going to bed with out Y/N.

“Momma home soon?” Amelia asked sleepily and Gibbs nodded.

“Just 2 sleeps”

“poppa stay?”

“Mhm, poppa will be here when you wake up, and then you’ll get to go play with aunt andi and Riley while Poppa is at work.”

“Otay”she nodded sleepily as she clung to Gibbs’ t-shirt that Y/N always slept in. Y/N had stolen another one from his closet to take with her, she wanted her little girl to be able to sleep but she couldn’t sleep with out his smell either.

“Momma call?” Amelia peeped sleepily.

“Yup any minute now” Gibbs said as his phone began to ring. “See?” He said turning the screen to show y/N’s picture. They had their nightly bed time routine with y/n on the phone, and then Gibbs and Y/N talked until she fell asleep on the line. He chuckled slightly and whispered an ‘ I love you’ before hanging up.

The second morning that Y/N was away, Gibbs got a phone call that a case came in, so Andi and Riley rushed over to get Amelia ready to take to their house for the day while Gibbs headed in.

About a half hour later Gibbs phone lit up with a call from Andi.

“Everything okay?” Gibbs answered

“Yeah, except why the hell is your daughter mooing at me and refusing to leave the house?” Gibbs chuckled and tried to quietly explain the “meali moo” ritual with out Tony hearing from his desk. “Put me on speaker” he said after his hushed explanation.

He walked alway from the desks and said “have a fun day with aunt andi, I’ll see you soon meali moo!” And chuckled as he heard his daughter yell ‘mooooooo’ through the phone.

When he got back to his desk Tony was up with his gear.

“We got a lead, ready to go gibbsy moo?” He snickered until he was met with a Gibbs slap to the back of the head.

The case was wrapped up quickly and Gibbs was about to head home that night when he got another call from Andi.

“She mooing again?” He joked but stopped laughing when he heard her tone.

“Gibbs I need you to get here now!”

“What’s wrong? Are you guys okay?” He said as he raced to his car.

“Some guy was here! Said he’s Ami’s grandfather and he was demanding to see her.”

“Where is he now?”

“Outside I have all the doors are locked and Josh is down there making sure they stay that way, and waiting for the cops... Ami, Ry, and I are locked in the master bathroom with both doors locked and a baseball bat.”

“Thata ’ girl! I’m almost there”

“Y/n taught me well” andi laughed tightly.

“My girl is smart, is Amelia okay?”

“She’s alright, a little scared” she said hugging her close.

“Can she hear me?”

“Can now”

“Hey baby”

“Poppa!” Ami cried.

“Hey baby I’ll be right there okay?”

“Momma?”

“Soon baby, you’re safe! Aunt Andi and Uncle Josh have you alright?”

“Tay daddy!” She sniffled

“I love you baby, so does mommy.”

“Luh ou!”

As soon as he hung up with Andi he gets a call from Y/N.

“Y/n we have a problem”

“ yeah I know, I just got a call from a lawyer!”

“What?”

“Some one is claiming to be Amelia’s grandmother and is trying to get custody.”

“Yeah well someone claiming to be her grandfather is at Andi and Josh’s trying to take her.”

“Jethro! They can’t take our baby girl!”

“Call the lawyer back. Tell him about the man. Then call our family lawyer. I’m pulling up at Andi’s , cops just got here. It’ll be okay baby, no one is taking her.”

“Please take care of her. I’m still half an hour out, call me when you’re with her.”

“I will, I love you Y/N. I’ll keep her safe.”

“I love you!” He hung up and tried his best to calm himself down, all he could focus on right now was getting to his little girl.

Next chapter

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