#Laura Dresser

[subsidystadium]

The Kansas City Royals screwed themselves yet still blame everyone else

The Kansas City Royals lost yesterday. Local taxpayers decisively rejected a sales tax plan that would have provided funding for a new ballpark and stadium renovations (for the Chiefs). Clearly, the public said no thank you to funding another billionaire owner’s venue while receiving nothing in return. Why couldn’t locals see that this deal was worth it? The Royals committed nearly every blunder…

[yougoadedme]

"It's not that deep". To you

[togrowoldinv]

Drill Lessons

Natasha Romanoff x Female Reader

Natasha shows you how to use a power tool and your mutual crush comes to light

Warnings: Smut! 18+ please! Kissing, cursing, oral (N and R receiving)

Natasha Masterlist 1, Natasha Masterlist 2, Natasha Masterlist 3, Main Masterlist

To you, Natasha Romanoff is the most beautiful woman to ever walk the earth.

You’ve been wanting to tell her for months that you like her. Ever since you joined the team you’ve had feelings for her. But you can’t get a read on her.

You have no idea if she has feelings for you too. Sometimes it feels like she’s flirting with you but then you see or hear her act the same way with one of the guys and you brush it off as nothing.

This weekend Clint invited everyone to his farm to enjoy a quick getaway and clear your heads. Missions hadn’t been easy lately, so you all needed the reprieve.

When you arrive, Natasha walks in the house first. She’s clearly very comfortable here.

“Welcome!” Laura says to everyone. “Come on in. Make yourselves at home!”

“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Barton,” you say when you greet her.

“Oh please, called me Laura,” she says. Then she addresses everyone, “We don’t have enough rooms so you’ll have to share. Nat, can y/n sleep with you?”

You try not to have a visceral reaction to the idea. You hold your breath as you await her reply.

“Sure,” Nat simply says. She turns to you, “I’ll show you the way.”

You follow her up the stairs where you run across a couple of kids.

“Auntie Nat?” A girl asks, in shock of seeing Nat.

“Hey malyshka,” Natasha replies. She brings the girl in for a hug. “Lila, this is y/n. Hopefully you won’t discover you like her more than you like me.”

You smile and wave to Lila. She returns the smile before running off downstairs.

Nat takes you down the hallway and to what appears to be her bedroom when she stays here. There are photos of the Barton family and Nat on the dresser. You admire how happy she looks here.

“I always sleep on the door side, but we’ll do whatever you feel comfortable with,” Nat says.

“Oh, either side works for me.”

Nat nods. You set your bag down on the bed and unpack a few things. Natasha moves around the room, gathering a few of her own things.

You both go back downstairs for the rest of the evening. Nothing too eventful happens. Everyone makes plans to spend time outside tomorrow.

Natasha is first to the bedroom. She slips into the bed casually. You try to do the same but fail miserably at not looking nervous.

“I don’t bite, you know,” Nat says teasingly.

“Right,” you respond too quickly. “I just- sorry.”

“Relax, y/n,” she says. You settle on your side of the bed. “Goodnight.”

“Night, Natasha.”

You both drift off into a peaceful sleep. You first, and then Natasha.

At some point during the night, you end up snuggling close to Natasha. She wakes up to the feeling of your arm draping over her. But she doesn’t mind it. Actually, she likes it.

When you wake up in the morning, you find yourself still nestled in her arms.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you say, trying to move off of her.

“Hey, it’s fine,” Nat says, only tightening her grip a bit before letting you loose. “So, you’re a cuddler, huh?”

You look away shyly and Nat just smirks. Now you definitely can’t believe you slept next to Natasha and accidentally snuggled with her all night. She doesn’t say anything else about it until you go downstairs for the day.

“Good morning!” Laura greets. She’s pulling fresh biscuits from the oven. “How did you sleep?”

“Good,” you answer briefly.

“She sure was cozy,” Nat interjects. It’s just Laura in the room with you two, but you still try to hold back a blush.

“Mhm, I’m sure,” Laura replies. Somehow you’re sure she knows the way you feel about Nat and how Nat feels about you.

Soon, the boys come tumbling into the kitchen. You all go outside to do your respective chosen activities. Steve promised to show you how to chop wood while Nat and Clint run off to the barn to build a new shelter for some of the animals.

“So, what’s the deal with you and Romanoff?” Steve asks after a few minutes of chopping the wood.

“Oh, is there- is there a me and Romanoff?”

“Is there not?” He asks genuinely. “I’m sorry. I just thought that you two- nevermind.”

“It’s okay,” you reply, shrugging.

It does leave you wondering if the other members of the team think something is happening there too. You try not to think about it too much as you continue to work outside. The fresh air does wonders for you.

Steve asks you to go grab the axe sharpening block from the barn, so you walk to the structure. When you get there, you catch sight of something that makes your jaw practically drop to the ground.

Natasha is wearing only a blank tank top and shorts are she uses a power drill to build a wooden structure. Sweat drips down her neck and chest as she expertly uses the tool.

You swear she catches the sight of you out of the corner of her eye, but she continues on with her drilling. She lifts heavy pieces of wood with ease. You can’t stop staring.

Nat lifts her tank top up to wipe the sweat from her face. You see her ab happy stomach and the sports bra that’s keeping the rest of her skin covered.

“Enjoying the view?” Nat says aloud. You’ve definitely been caught now.

“Oh, I was just-“ you start, but there’s no use. You were doing exactly that. “My bad.”

“Don’t apologize,” Nat says. “Come on in, what did you need?”

“We needed the axe sharpener block thing?”

“Is that a question?”

“Well, I don’t know what it is so yes?”

Nat chuckles. She turns to look at the shelf behind her for the tool you need. Her backside somehow looks just as good as her front.

“Here you go,” Nat says. She hands you the block. You are standing close to her now. “The real fun is happening in there though. I can show you how to use this.”

She gestures to the drill in her left hand, pressing her finger on the trigger to make it whir. You shouldn’t be so intrigued by it. Or by her for that matter. But you are.

“Maybe tomorrow you can show me?” You ask her.

“How about tonight?” Nat asks. Her voice drops an octave. You pray she means what you think she means.

You swallow shyly and Nat shoots you a smile. Slowly, you leave her there and go back to Steve. He doesn’t mention how long it took you to get the tool, thank goodness.

Later that day, you all grill out burgers and hotdogs. Clint tries to show off his grilling skills, but the team just gives him a hard time saying that it’s not all that hard anyways.

By the time evening comes, everyone’s sitting around a campfire. Natasha sits across from you. She glances at her phone and then to you as a way of alerting you to look at your phone.

The text reads: Meet me in the barn. 10 minutes.

You nod in her direction to acknowledge you got the message. The minutes pass by and you both leave to go to the barn.

When you get inside, Nat is already over by the wood she was working with earlier.

“Come on, I’ll show you,” Nat says.

“Okay,” you agree. You stand next to her.

“First things first, always know your surroundings,” Nat says.

She abruptly places her hands on your hips. She easily moves you to the right and left to observe your surroundings. Your heart stops when she reaches around you and her face is mere inches from yours.

She steps back and has a pair of clear glasses in her hand.

“And wear safety glasses,” she says. She places them on your face. You’re sure you look like an absolute fool. “Cute.”

“You didn’t wear these yesterday,” comes your reply.

“That’s because I’m an expert,” Nat says. She surprises you by pinching your cheeks. “You’ll get there, sweetheart.”

Natasha grabs the drill and ushers you to move closer to the wood with her. She takes you through step by step on how to use the power tool.

“Now, you can try,” Nat says.

“Okay,” you reply. You feel a little nervous about trying it. Nat assures you that you can’t mess it up.

You try to focus even with Nat being so close to you. For the first time using a drill, you don’t do terribly.

“Nice job, y/n,” Nat says. “But you’ll want to apply more pressure. Let me help you, sweetheart.”

Natasha places her hand on yours and pushes down on the drill. You pull the trigger and drill the screw into the wood. Her hot breath is on your neck.

You smile at your success and turn just enough to look at Nat. She’s just inches from you.

“Should we take this inside?” Nat asks. Her eyes glance to your lips and back up to your eyes. She brings her other hand to your cheek and brushes the back of it against it.

“Are you- um- yes?”

“Yes? Or yes.”

“The second one,” you say. Natasha smirks at you.

You leave the drill and safety glasses behind. Natasha holds your hand as she walks you to the house. You slip upstairs easily and she closes her bedroom door behind her.

“I’ve had my eye on you for a while,” Natasha says.

“Really?” You ask innocently.

“Really, detka. Come here,” she says, bringing you to the bed with her.

You sit next to her and she kisses you softly. It’s like floating on a cloud. You didn’t think she would be this gentle. But you’re loving it.

“May I?” Nat asks, gesturing to your shirt. You nod. She lifts the material over your head. “Beautiful.”

You feel sure you’re blushing at her words and the way her eyes rake over your body.

“Can I- um?” You pull at her tank top hem.

“Yes, baby,” Natasha says. “You can do anything to me.”

You lift the thin material over her head. Your heart stops at her beauty. You immediately lean forward and take her nipple into your mouth. It surprises Natasha how intentional you are being.

“Fuck, baby.”

“Is this okay?” You ask, pulling away a bit. Nat pulls your head back to her breasts. You’ll take that as a yes.

Natasha fumbles with your pants. She gets them unbuttoned but grumbles in frustration when she can’t get them off. You chuckle against her.

“Okay, hold on,” Nat says. She stands up and pulls her own pants down before grabbing you by the hips and pulling you up too.

Natasha takes your pants off with ease this time and slips them down your legs along with your underwear. She grins and drops to her knees. It doesn’t take her long to get to work licking and sucking at your pussy.

“Oh my god,” you moan out.

“You taste so good, baby. All for me,” Nat says.

“Fuck.”

You feel close to coming embarrassingly quickly but Natasha is proud of her work.

“Come for me, y/n,” she says. Her voice drips with sex.

“Fuck, Natasha!”

You come hard against her tongue. She licks you clean and stands back up. She kisses you deeply. It’s the most on fire you have ever felt.

“I want to taste you,” you tell Nat.

“Your wish is my command,” Nat says. She lays on the bed and you crawl over her body.

“So beautiful,” you say as you kiss from between her breasts down to her hips.

“You’re not so shy now are you?” Nat asks. You answer by diving into her wet pussy.

Her folds are slick and she’s ready for you. You lick and suck her, cherishing every noise she makes.

“Fuck, baby,” Nat says. “I’m going to come.”

“Come for me, Natasha.”

She does just that. You relish in the sounds she makes. You move back up her body and lay next to her.

“So, all of those times I thought you were flirting with me you actually were?” You break the silence.

Nat chuckles. “Yes, y/n. I’ve been hinting at it for months. I’m glad we finally got on the same page.”

She looks at you through her long eyelashes. You rest your head on her shoulder.

“I’ve always liked you, Natasha,” you say. “Do you think the team noticed we left?”

“Nah,” Nat says. “Even if they did, I don’t care. I have you.”

“You sure do.”

You snuggle further into Natasha. She holds you close as you lay together and talk for hours.

[strawberrysands]

Scared out of my mind - Colby Brock

Pairing: Colby Brock x fem!reader

Word count: 3.1k

Warnings: angst, fluffy ending, talk about ghosts/paranormal activity, mentions of murder and suicide (in the story as of why the place is haunted), fainting, cursing, not proofread

You groan as the covers of your bed get violently ripped off of you. At the foot of your bed, Sam is standing with a shit-eating grin, blankets in one hand and a camera in the other. Colby on the other hand, pulled your curtains open. You immediately bury your head in the pillow in an attempt to escape the sudden light.

“Is this some sort of prank? Or just straight up torture?” You whine, earning a laugh from both of the boys.

“Sweetheart, it’s almost 2 P.M.” Colby deadpans, and it’s a good thing that your head is hidden in the pillows, because your face immediately heats up at the nickname.

“So?” Your voice sounds muffled but the annoyance is evident in it.

“As you guys can see, Y/N is not much of a morning person.” Sam says, probably to the camera, and you flip him off without looking.

“We’re going to the Drayman’s Manor. Wanna come?” Colby asks and his voice makes you turn on your back to face him. You gaze into his blue eyes just a second too long before answering.

“On one condition though…”

“Anything.”

“Really?”

“No.”

You sigh. “Gimme the blankets back please?” You plead, and make grabby hands at Sam. Colby almost aww’s out loud at the sight of you pouting just for the covers.

Sam laughs and throws the material over you, covering you from head to toe. “Alright. We leave in an hour!” He shouts before exiting the room.

You push the blanket away from your face, and see Colby still standing there.

You raise your eyebrows at him. “What are you still doing here?”

“I wanted to make sure you actually got up, knowing you.” He replies and you laugh.

“Good point.” You get up and walk towards your dresser, and Colby has to physically restrain every atom in his body to look at anything but you. Your hair was messy, your eyes still sleepy and the sleep shorts you were wearing made Colby’s mind wander to places it probably shouldn’t.

You turn and face him again and giggle at his expression. “Cat got your tongue?” You tease, bending over to grab something and purposely pushing your ass out a little more.

Colby clears his throat awkwardly and starts walking to the door. “I’m gonna-… I’m gonna wait outside. Yeah, I’m gonna do that.” He says, whispering the last part to himself.

--  time skip cuz im lazy

A couple of hours later you were standing in front of the Drayman’s Manor, together with Sam, Colb and Kat. Sam began the video and introduced you and Kat, and after that you headed inside to meet with the tour guide. Before you got in though, you swear you saw something move on the first floor, behind a window. Blaming it on fatigue, you shake your head and continue walking.

Colby, however, had noticed your discomfort and gently took your hand in his own. “Are you okay?” He asked. You gave him a smile that didn’t quite meet your eyes and replied. “Yeah, I’m just tired. All good.”

Colby seems hesitant, but you had reached to house and the tour guide was coming your way so he joined Sam to film.

“Are you okay with us filming?” Colby asks her.

“Totally! We get a lot of people here who want to document their time here, so it’s no problem.” She replies kindly.

Polly, the guide, immediately takes us up to the first floor, supposedly the most haunted one.

“As you may know, James Drayman bought this manor in the 1850’s for him and his wife, Laura. It was supposed to be a loving family home, but, naturally, it wasn’t.” She says, and Kat shivers.

“How did he afford this place? I mean, it’s a really big house, and I understood that James and Laura weren’t exactly that rich.” Colby asks and Polly nods.

“Correct. James really wanted to do something special for his newlywed wife, so he thought to surprise her with this home. He couldn’t afford it at all, but he somehow managed to convince the seller that he had some sort of loan going on, and he was able to move into the place. However, after a while, it became clear that James didn’t have a loan or the money at all. So he started to force Laura to bear his children, whom he later sold on a market downtown as slaves.”

A/N: I completely made this place and story up and I have no idea if this is historically accurate so just bear with me here, it’s just a story

The whole group fell silent, processing what she had just said.

“His own children?”  You ask to no one in particular. Just then, a cold breeze moves past you and Kat turns to you with wide eyes.

“Did you feel that?” She asks and you nod. “Yeah, almost like a door opened and now the air is flowing in here now.”

Sam and Colby look at each other. “I didn’t feel anything.” Sam says and Colby agrees with him.

“James is known to target women who come here, so…” Polly trails off.

“Oh my god!” Sam shouts and turns the camera to us.

“Why is it always us?” Kat says dramatically and we all laugh.

Polly then takes us to James’ room, old wooden floors and tapestry on the walls. The air immediately felt way thicker here.

“Is it me or is it hot in here?” You ask.

“Yeah no, I feel it too now.” Colby says.

“James tried to keep it a secret that it were his children that he was selling, but as you may expect, a lot of people who worked here knew what was really going on.” Polly says. “Laura had no power whatsoever. She didn’t want to get rid of her children in exchange for money, so one day, she hid a pregnancy from James. How she did that, we don’t know, but she succeeded and gave birth to a girl named Marie. Laura kept Marie hidden for years and when she was old enough, she ‘hired’ her to work at the manor so she could stay close to her.”

“Did Marie know James was her father?” Sam asks.

“Yes, she did. And this is when the story becomes tragic.” Polly says slightly sad, and leads us to Marie’s room.

“After a while, James grew suspicious of Marie. Probably because she had such a close relationship with Laura. He eventually found out that she was his daughter, so he decided to kill her. One night, he came into her room here with some sort of metal pipe. He hit Marie until she died. You can still see the marks on the wall here.” Polly says and she points to the evident holes in the wall.

We once again fall silent, shocked by the actual evidence that was still here.

“It’s almost like he raised the pipe above his head and just went berserk on her.” Sam says quietly, getting closer to the holes in order to get a better shot of it. Polly nods and remains silent for a while, letting us process what had happened here.

“Sadly, that is not where the story ends.” Polly says. “Laura walked in here, and when she saw what had happened, she ran from this room all the way to the other side of the building, towards the kitchen. Come on, I’ll take you there.” She walks out of the room, leading us through what seemed like a complete maze of hallways.

“Y/N.” You hear someone say, so you turn around and look at Colby with raised eyebrows.

Colby looks just as confused. “What?”

“What’s wrong?” You ask. “Why’d you say my name?”

Colby’s eyes grew wider. “I didn’t…”

Seeing as Colby was the last of everyone, you had assumed it was him.

“Oh.” You frown and you feel this wave of stress wash over you. Colby reassuringly puts an arm around you and kisses the top of your head. “It was probably nothing, right?” He says, seemingly also trying to convince himself. You, on the other hand, weren’t so convinced yet. You had heard the voice clear as day.

Trying to forget about it, you catch up with the rest of the group.

“James followed Laura all the way to the kitchen, and in a moment of rage, he took a knife and stabbed his own wife. Then, realizing what he had done, he sadly ended his own life with the same knife.”

“Damn.” Kat mumbles.

“We still think that it’s weird for James to turn on his wife like that. There’s enough evidence to suggest that he genuinely loved his wife a lot, so researchers started to think that he probably had some sort of mental illness.” Polly finishes the story.

“I understood that you wanted to stay the night here?” She asks.

Sam nods. “If that’s possible, yes.”

“Certainly. There are rooms possible for you to stay in at the end of this hallway.”

----

After getting dinner, we went to our room where we would be sleeping to set up the equipment. After setting up the EMF reader, it immediately spiked to orange and everyone freaked out.

“That’s never happened before!” Colby shouts.

“It hasn’t! It normally takes like minutes for it to even spike up a little bit, we’ve never had it spike up that much that quick!” Sam says excitedly. He grabs the camera and after explaining what had happened, he recalibrated the EMF reader just in case, but the same thing happened. Kat set up some flashlights in case there was actually something in the room with us.

“If someone’s here setting off this device, could you please step away for a second to let us know you’re here?” Sam asks, but the EMF reader was still spiked up to orange.

“Did you work or live here? If you did, could you please step away from the device or turn on one of these flashlights? Just tap them and-“ You start, but before you could finish your sentence, one of the flashlights turns on and the EMF reader turns off.

“Okay, thank you very much. Is it okay if we ask you a few questions?” You ask and almost immediately, the flashlight turns back off again. You shiver and sit a little closer to Colby. Sure, you’ve come on investigations before, but you never really get answers like this.

“Thank you. We’re going to use the red flashlight for no, and the blue one for yes. Does that work for you?” Colby tries. Blue flashlights.

“Did you live here?” Kat asks. Red flashlight.

“Did you work here, then?” Sam tries, but no response. We asks a couple of other questions, but we don’t get a response anymore so we decide to try to go to another room. Marie’s room, to be exact.

“Woah…” You suddenly feel nauseous and stumble a bit. Colby rushes to your side and lightly holds you up by your waist.

Sam and Kat just share a knowing look.

“Are you good?” Colby asks concerned.

“Yeah, I just got dizzy. That was weird.” You say and you assure Colby that you’re fine, but his hand linger on your body for just a second too long.

Sam sets up the music box by the door, and pulls out the Ovilus.

“Alright guys, this device here is called the Ovilus. This way, sprits can come up here and talk into it and it’ll give us clear words.” Sam explains.

“Is there something here with us?” Colby asks, and the music box goes off for a split second. We all share a look before moving on.

“Could you maybe give us a sign of who you are? A name, a job, anything.” Colby continues. “ You can come up to this device here and talk into it, that way we’ll be able to communicate.”

“Labor.” The Ovilus spits out after a while.

“So you worked here?” You try.

“Children. Money.”

“Maybe it’s James and he’s talking about his children? He sold them to work, for labor, because he needed money.” Kat suggests and the music box goes off again.

We freak out and Sam’s signature ‘oh my god’ could be heard.

“That’s one of the clearest responses we’ve ever gotten.” Colby says in awe.

“Could you maybe give us any other sign? We heard that you like to touch people, why don’t you prove that?” Sam says.  

For a while, nothing happened. But then, for a split second, a clear image was in your mind. A family picture, a man, woman and a daughter. You shoot up and almost fly straight into Colby’s arms, terrified and eyes watery.

“Hey, hey, what’s wrong angel?” He soothes you. His hand gently runs through your hair, the motion calming you a bit. Kat and Sam are looking at you, worried.

You clear your throat and turn in Colby’s arms, facing the others. “I- I’m probably crazy but suddenly I had like this picture clear in my mind, of a man, woman and I think their daughter.” You say, voice shaky.

“What the hell…” Sam mutters.

“Did you make our friend see that picture?” Kat asks.

“People. Show.” The Ovilus says.

“It showed you people?” Kat thinks out loud.

“That’s terrifying.” You say, a shiver running down your spine.

“Are you good with continuing the investigation?” Sam asks and you nod quickly. The last thing you wanted was for their video to be ruined just because you got scared.

After not getting any response in the kitchen, you decided to move onto James’s room. Again, just like on the tour, you immediately felt uncomfortable.

“For the final investigation of tonight, we’re going to do something called the Estes method.” Colby explains. “Sam here is going to put on these noise cancelling headphones, so he can get the clearest responses to the questions we’re asking.” Everyone sat on the floor in a circle like shape, and Sam put on the headphones.

“Is there anyone here with us?” Kat asks.

“Present.” Came Sam’s voice, almost immediately.

“Can you tell us who you are? A name, job,…” Colby says.

“I own this.. and then something.” Sam says.

“I own this house maybe? Is this James?” You whisper, but somehow still loud enough.

“Yes.”

“Holy fuck.” Colby says.

“Alright James, if this is you, could you give us one more clear sign?”

“Murder. Kitchen.” Sam says.

“That’s so fucking clear.” Kat says, astonished.

“James, it is true that you needed to have more children in order to get money?” You say.

“Work. House.”

“He needed them to work so he could pay off this house.” Colby wonders.

“Yeah.. something, I didn’t really get that.” Sam says.

Kat and Colby ask more questions, but you zone out. You’re not sure why, but your eyes are drawn to the hallway. There, in the doorway to the hall, there was something that you never thought you would see. A shadow figure with a hat on, at least six feet tall was standing there, just looking at you. You are so terrified that you freeze on the spot, unable to look away from the figure. You are unaware that by now, your friends are trying to get your attention.

Suddenly, without a warning, the figure moves closer to you quickly and before you know it, it had somehow passed through you. You let out a gasp before you felt your eyes rolling to the back of your head, and everything turned black.

“Y/N?” Colby says as he sees you looking at the door for a while. He turns around himself to look, but there’s nothing there. When he turns his attention back to you, he sees your eyes grow wider before they roll to the back of your head and you’re falling to the floor. Luckily you were already sitting down so you couldn’t hurt yourself that badly.

Colby’s heart is beating so loudly that he thinks the others can hear it too. He cradles your face in his hands and try to stop tears from falling.

“Y/n? Y/n/n, please open your eyes for me sweetheart. Can you hear me?” He tries. In the meantime, Kat had taken Sam out of the estes method.

“Do I need to call an ambulance?” Sam asks, slightly terrified.

“I don’t know, Sam! What’s happening to her?” Colby shouts. He’s terrified, he can’t do anything but hope that you wake up.

“Y/n, please. I love you, just open your eyes for me. I know you can do it.” He pleads. Both Kat and Sam were worried as hell, but they could clearly see how affected Colby was by this. They had never seen him this way.

After what seemed like an eternity, your eyes flutter open and you groan.

“Y/n? Oh, thank god. Can you hear me?” Colby asks.

“What happened?” You ask groggily.

“You passed out.” Kat says, clearly relieved that her best friend was okay.

Colby helps you sit up, and immediately envelops you in a hug. “You scared the shit out of me.” He breathes. Images of the shadow man you saw flood your mind again, and you break down in Colby’s arms, letting the tears flow freely.

“Shh, angel, you’re okay. I got you, everything’s okay.” Colby says gently, kissing your forehead.

“I want to get out of here.” You whisper, and Colby immediately nods and helps you up. “We’re going home sweetheart, don’t worry.”

Sam and Kat give you two some space, staying behind to gather up all the equipment.

Once outside, you finally feel like you can breathe again. The cold night sky feels good against your skin and you close your eyes for a second. Colby gently cups your cheeks and you open your eyes, finding his blue ones looking at you with nothing but worry.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He whispers. Still at a loss for words, you just stare at him blankly. Your eyes flicker to his lips and back up again. Colby seemingly gets the hint and leans forward slowly, giving you every time in the world to pull away, but you don’t. He gently presses his lips to yours, his hands moving from your face to your hips, pulling you closer to him.

Once he pulls away, you cant help but let out a giggle that makes Colby smile.

“There’s the laugh that I love.” He says and you smile up at him. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” He say quietly, pulling you in for a hug. “I was scared out of my mind.”

"So was I."

[faithshouseofchaos]

“Sweet dreams” — Dbf! Jenson Button x Bf!daughter reader

(Dads best friend/best friends daughter)

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Jenson had just gotten home from Abu Dhabi, the last Formula One race of the 2023 season. Jenson grabbed the more important stuff from the car; everything else would have to wait till tomorrow morning. Walking inside he noticed that the lights were on in the kitchen and bedroom. Smiling to himself he turned off the kitchen light and walked to the bedroom finding you asleep in his bed. You had tried to stay up and wait for him to come home.

He covered you with the blanket that was at the foot of the bed so you wouldn't get cold and kissed you on the forehead. Walking over to the dresser he noticed a note you had left him. He read it and it made his heart fill with so much joy, he read it over and over again before putting it in his pocket. Jenson went downstairs to get a glass of water. He didn't want to wake you.

Grabbing a glass of water he sat on the living room sofa and read over the note again; tears started to fill his eyes. He was so happy. He started to wonder how lucky he was to find someone like you. After getting a hold of himself he walked back upstairs, sat on the bed not wanting to wake you, and just looked at you.

He sat there watching you sleep for a few minutes then got up to brush his teeth and change for bed. He lay in the bed next to you and looked at you with so much love in his eyes. He wanted to touch you so badly, but didn't want to risk disturbing you; that could be done in the morning.

Jenson rolled over and tried his best to fall asleep. He turned his back and stared at the ceiling. His mind started to wander. Thoughts of his F1 titles and wins, thoughts of the time when he was a McLaren driver, all of the memories flooded his mind, all the while trying to sleep. Finally, he drifted off.

He was sound asleep until he heard you stir. He opened his eyes and immediately turned to face you. You were the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes, and that made him very happy. He leaned over and kissed you softly on the lips.

"Good morning my love. How did you sleep?" Jenson asked you with his usual charming smile.

"I slept wonderfully, my love. I was just thinking about the first time I saw you." You said with your accent. Your accent has always driven Jenson crazy, it's a good thing the feeling is mutual. He smiled sweetly at you and squeezed your hand. He didn't ever want to get out of bed. He felt so comfortable and so safe with you.

"What were you waiting for me last night? I wasn't expecting you to be in my bed love." He said softly. His hands wrapped around your waist, and he pulled you closer so that you were lying next to each other. He nuzzled his head on your chest and listened to your heartbeat. He was so happy that he had found you.

"I wanted to stay up and wait for you, I missed you love." You said softly. You kissed his forehead and ran your fingers through his hair. You were so happy that Jenson loved you so much. You started to get sleepy again and you pulled his head down onto your chest. You just wanted to feel his skin and you loved him so very much.

Jenson couldn't hold back any longer. He kissed you passionately on the mouth. The sound of your heartbeat in his ears made it difficult for him to do anything else. His hands wrapped around your hips, pulling you closer to him, and he kissed you harder, deeper, better than ever. Jenson didn't have the words to describe everything he was feeling.

You kissed him back, wanting more. His touch made you shudder, it was like electricity. You wanted to rip his clothes off and have him right then and there, but Jenson was a gentleman, and so were you. Jenson pulled away enough to catch his breath. "You ok love?" He asked you. He could see that you were breathing hard and that your cheeks were flushed.

You smiled at him and started to slowly kiss him again. He started to kiss you back even more passionately. Jenson rolled over on top of you and kept kissing you. He slid his hands down your back and caressed your hips. You moaned softly into his mouth. You wanted him right then and there, but as much as Jenson wanted to have you, he wouldn't force you to do anything you didn't want to do.

Jenson pulled away after a few minutes. He looked at you with such adoration. He wanted nothing more than to hold you and love you and tell you how much he cared about you. Your eyes met, he held your chin and gave you another kiss. He wanted you to feel as beautiful as you looked.

"I'm going to make you love breakfast," Jenson said softly. He got out of bed and went downstairs to start making breakfast for the two of you. This is what it was all about, making you happy, making you smile, making your heart feel at ease.

You smiled at him, he was so sweet and thoughtful. You got up, got dressed, and walked down to the kitchen. You saw that Jenson was already cooking breakfast. He was cooking eggs, bacon, and toast. He put a plate in front of you and kissed you. "Thank you my love. You always know how to make me feel great." You said to him. You both sat at the table to have breakfast together. Neither one of you could stop looking at the other. You were so incredibly lucky.

Jenson looked at you while you ate. You looked so beautiful in the morning light that was coming through the curtains. He could have looked at you like that forever. You were the most stunning woman he had ever seen.

You finished your breakfast and Jenson cleaned the dishes. You both looked at each other and smiled at the same time. "Can I do anything to help babe?" You asked Jenson. He didn't want you to have any stress while you were staying at his place.

"No love, I have this under control. The only thing you need to do is to be happy, relaxed, and enjoy yourself." Jenson said to you. He was looking at you trying to understand every aspect of you. Every curve, every movement, every little thing about you was special to him. He could talk about you all day. He didn't want to let anyone else touch you, have you, or even look at you. It was all his. You belonged to him and he belonged to you.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

Survivor Blues

Part Six: Kitchen Scraps

A/N: I feel like every single one of my author's notes begins with me screaming and apologizing for how long it took me to update the story, so pretend that's what this says. I am very excited to share this part of Survivor Blues because even though there's not a lot of action, it sets up a ton of things to come, and we get a lot more background information on Reader. From the bottom of my heart I hope you all enjoy these kitchen scraps. Thank you so much for reading!

Warnings: language, mentions of trauma, death, murder, mentions of illness, some angst but hey that comes with the territory

Word Count: 8,454

Summary: Three months into your new life in Jackson, you start to notice some changes. But how much change, and are you sure you're entirely ready for it?

June - 2037 

With the start of your third month in Jackson came a considerable number of changes. 

Your apartment, for example, began to look like someone actually lived there. 

For the first time in nearly a decade, your pack had been unpacked, your belongings given places of permanence instead of just pockets and pouches. The pair of chipped enamel camp mugs now sat side by side in the cabinet over the kitchen sink. Gavin’s stained and threadbare concert tee was folded and put away with the rest of your clothing. A hook next to the front door held your coat by the hood, the key to your place dangling on another one right beside it. The creased and tattered old envelope you’d carried with you for years that held photos and a handful of notes had been emptied and tossed. The notes, mostly from Gavin but a few from Laura and Kyle, as well as a faded old marker drawing your nephew had done for you when he was six years old, were tucked away in your bedside table.

But the photos you chose to display. 

Because they deserve to be seen. Everyday. 

You’d found some old frames in a box in the hall closet a few days after you moved in, but you weren’t ready to use them then. Now one sat atop your dresser, holding the last picture of you and Gavin taken before the outbreak - incredibly youthful faces smushed cheek to grin-split cheek, Gavin’s inked fingers holding up your wrist as you showed off the diamond ring he’d slipped onto your finger only moments before. Your engagement ring had been sold ages ago, back when you were still in the Philadelphia QZ and people still cared enough about things like diamonds to trade medicine for them. But the photo was worth more to you than a rock ever could be. 

And I still have our bands. Even though we never… 

You were never officially married, and since the bands had been hand-me-downs from Gavin’s grandparents and didn’t fit either of your fingers, you’d only ever worn them on chains around your necks. But you knew that never mattered. Not to you, and not to him. Not since the moment that picture had been taken. Not since you’d joyfully exclaimed the word yes when he asked you to be his wife. 

Another frame sat on the T.V. stand in the living room. That one held a picture of you and Laura from the summer before the outbreak, the two of you sitting on the steps outside her building, cups of brightly colored Italian ice in your hands and Kyle’s father’s arm sticking in from out of sight to add bunny ears to his girlfriend’s head. Both of you were laughing at some long since forgotten joke, but you’d always be able to hear the sound of her laughter when you looked at it. 

There was another picture taken that day, one of just Laura and Dante on those same steps. You’d taken it yourself, with Gavin’s arms wrapped around your waist from behind you as he made faces at his sister to get her to laugh. That one you didn’t have anymore, though. You’d left it with Kyle. It was the only photo you had of both of his parents. It was only right that it stay with him. 

The last two photos that you had in your possession were polaroids taken with a camera you’d found during your time at the farm. One of them was of you, Gavin, Laura and a two year old Kyle, the little boy perched on his uncle’s shoulders, the four of you standing in front of the old oak tree that his family had been taking pictures in front of for generations. Ty had been behind the camera that day, not wanting to be caught on film herself but more than happy to capture moments for the rest of you. The other was a candid she’d snapped of just you and Gavin from the same day, your hands linked together and hanging between your bodies and his face turned in your direction. The expression he wore was one of pure adoration as he watched you watching the sunset. Seconds later he was leaning in to press his lips to your temple, kissing a whisper onto your skin. 

“Love you, Sugar.” 

Memories like those didn’t belong in your backpack anymore. If you were going to build a life here, they deserved to be a part of it. 

Because they’re a part of me. 

Those two, because of their unconventional shape, didn’t fit in the 3x5 frames you’d found. But you had another option in the form of your stark white refrigerator door. Using the plain green circular magnet that had been stuck there when you arrived, you tacked up the photo of you and Gavin. The last thing that you pulled from your pack was what you used to hang the other - the rest stop souvenir magnet that Joel had given you the morning after you’d sewn up his arm. 

It was the first “new” thing you’d brought into the apartment since you moved in. The first new item in your collection of trinkets that tied you to moments and people that mattered to you. It scared the shit out of you to admit, but one of the biggest changes you’d gone through since your arrival in Jackson was allowing things to matter again. When Kyle died you thought your ability to feel anything but emptiness had died with him. You thought life, however much more of it you’d be unlucky enough to endure, would be nothing more than putting one foot in front of the other until you physically couldn’t anymore. No more laughter, no more happiness, no more warmth and certainly no more human connection. Just the hollow feeling in your skull and the involuntary drive to carry on. Left, right, left until you marched yourself into the dirt. Or worse.  

But then Joel and Tommy found you in that split-level not far from town and now here you were, with a refrigerator door decorated with things that mattered. 

You wondered if it would ever be as covered up with kitschy clutter as the one in your and Gavin’s tiny apartment. Photobooth strips and postcards, recipes that you wanted to try, either clipped from magazines or scrawled hastily on scraps of paper, a birthday card you’d gotten one year from your friend Dave that was too funny to take down, the test results from Gavin’s blood work that showed improvement after his surgery which he jokingly slapped up calling it his A+ report card. Magnets from trips you’d taken, a promotional one from your favorite dumpling place, stray letters from one of those colorful alphabet sets, objects you’d simply glued a magnetic strip to to turn into a magnet, like the little plastic stingray you found on the floor in the hallway of your building or the cork from the champagne bottle you popped when you moved in. 

Like a scrapbook. 

That was what Gavin used to call it. A memory pushed its way forward from the back of your mind as you stood there looking at your mostly bare by comparison fridge, a moment you hadn’t thought about in what felt like ages. 

Your heels clicked against the hardwood floor as you scurried from the bathroom to the bedroom, fingers deftly fastening an earring before flipping the strap of your dress to lay it flat against your shoulder. The anxiety of running late and nerves about meeting extended members of Gavin’s family for the first time at his cousin’s wedding popped and jumped like corn kernels in your stomach. As a result, your thoughts tripped over themselves in your head as you stuffed your phone and a tube of lip gloss into a small purse. I still have to sign the card and - shit! The card! We need to stop at an ATM and grab cash for the card! Wait, the place is in Germantown, right?  

“Gav? Where’s the invitation? I need to check -” 

“Hung it on the scrapbook.” He followed you from the bedroom down the short, narrow hall to the kitchen as his slender fingers worked to form the knot in his tie. “Slow down, Shug, we’ve got plenty of time.” You plucked the invite from the collage you called a refrigerator door just as he finished his task, those same long digits now curling around your hips to pull you flush against his long, lean frame. When he spoke again, lips close to your ear and breath warm on your skin, you could hear the smile in his voice. “We’re not gonna be late, don’t you worry.” You closed your eyes as he pressed a kiss to your temple. “You look gorgeous.” His murmured compliment made you melt, made the nerves that were just exploding inside you go calm. And then he spoke again and made you snort out a laugh. “Gonna upstage the bride.”

You turned in his arms to see the smile still on his face, his eyes shining softly as he looked at you. You rolled yours playfully, smacking his arm with the invitation as you did to draw a chuckle from his throat. “Oh, stop. I’m sure Maya is gonna be a stunning bride.” 

“Yeah.” He nodded, leaning in to nudge the tip of your nose with his. “Just not as stunning as you.” 

You wondered if you would ever again feel even a fraction of what you felt in that nearly forgotten, long buried memory. Like you were floating. Radiating love. Sure of every part of yourself. Safe in the arms and heart of a man who always put you first. Blinking at the expanse of white, powder-coated stamped steel that surrounded the two pictures and two magnets, you decided it was far more likely that you’d fill up that empty space before someone else filled the empty space in your heart. 

But… it’s not entirely impossible. 

Your focus strayed to the Wyoming magnet, a small, soft swell growing in your chest as you remembered the look on Joel’s face when he handed it to you. Maybe it was possible that you could find both here. You scoffed and shook the thought from your head before you took it too far. You knew you were in no shape for anything like that, emotionally speaking. 

The last time you’d been in anything that resembled a relationship had been a little under ten years earlier, just outside the Chicago QZ, and you’d done everything you could to keep it as stunted and strictly physical as possible. A means to an end. A way to release tensions pent up for too long, a way to feel something other than fear or pain or white hot rage or the soul sucking sadness that clawed at your throat most nights. AJ - a tall, muscular smuggler with a deep voice, far away eyes and a teenaged sister he’d shoot you dead to save if it came to that - was happy to agree to those terms. He understood you and your bricked up walls and your need to keep your broken heart behind them. He understood those things without you ever saying them because he was doing the same thing. 

It lasted three months before he ruined it by offering you more. 

“You know, Gia and I are thinkin’ ‘bout leavin’ Chicago,” he told you one night in the upstairs bedroom of the stash house he let you and your family stay in while Laura rested a badly sprained ankle. In exchange, you kept his cache of smuggled goods protected from raiders. The fucking had just been a mutual bonus. “QZ’s goin’ to shit. Think it’s time we get out for good.” 

You balked instantly at the casual way he dropped his future plans on you. Your clothes were still strewn on the floor, your bare skin still pressed to his. You were too exposed for that kind of intimacy. Shifting away from his hold you felt yourself shutdown, an icy flush running through your veins to kill whatever warmth AJ had managed to put there before he spoke. 

“Oh?” Your voice came out flat as you sat up and reached for your shirt. 

The man in the bed behind you cleared the gravel from his throat and sat up, too. “Yeah.” His large palm landed too gently on your shoulder blade, and you knew he felt it when you flinched at the sweep of his thumb, but he kept going anyway. “I was thinking maybe you’d wanna come with us.” He leaned forward and broke another rule, brushing a stubble-studded kiss to your spine. “You and Kyle and Laura, of course.” 

You stood, putting more distance between you so he couldn’t feel the way your heart was banging on your ribs, telling you it was time to pull up stakes and go. Yanking the shirt over your head, you looked at him with empty eyes and a slight shake of your head. “I don’t know why you’d think that.” You arched one eyebrow and shrugged. “That’s not what this is.” You took another step, bending down to pick up the rest of your clothes so that you could seal yourself away from him. 

He let out a sound somewhere between a scoff and a sigh and you heard the bed springs creak as he got up. “It could be,” he answered, reaching for your wrist in an attempt to slow you down, reel you back in, try to coax you into agreeing to let this thing between you go from bare bones and scraps to something more fleshed out and filling. You shook off his loose grip and finished getting dressed despite the click of his tongue and the low murmur of your name. “You could let it be. We can keep each other safe. I can keep you safe, and-“  

A humorless laugh escaped your lips then. “If you think I need you to keep me safe, then you don’t know a goddamn thing about me.” You shoved your feet into your boots and laced them up tight. 

“I know you don’t need it, but-” 

Wheeling on him, you cut him off. “You know what, AJ? I think this has run its course. Laura’s ankle is healed, so-“ You hardened your features against the way his face fell. “We’ll be out of your hair in the morning.” 

And you were.

AJ had tried one more time to get you to stay. One more time to tell you that he wanted you in his hair, that he wanted you in his life. But that would mean him becoming a part of yours. That would mean Gia becoming a part of yours. That would mean two more people to anchor yourself to. Two more people for you to protect. Two more people to weave themselves into the fabric of your heart, and two more people you could potentially lose, causing that fabric to tear in two more places. You’d already worn yourself ragged with responsibility and loss. You weren’t looking for more. AJ was a good man. He could have been good for you. The timing was just wrong. 

But you were safe now. There was no reason to run from companionship or intimacy now. That didn’t mean it would be easy, though. 

Like that’s ever stopped you before, you could hear Gavin tease, a smirk on his face. 

It hadn’t. You had never been one to back down simply because the task at hand might be difficult. You moved out on your own for the first time with only what you could fit in your car. You took your first kitchen job without a lick of experience. You fell head over heels in love with a man with a heart defect, knowing full and well that any chance at forever with him could be cut short by his condition and diving in anyway. Easy wasn’t really in your playbook. 

Again, it was Joel’s face that came to mind. You had no real idea what his story was when it came to relationships, you only knew that he wasn’t currently in one. And with the way you had heard some women in town speak about him when they thought only their closest friends could hear, you gathered that it was by choice. That it wasn’t something he was looking for. 

And though you were almost afraid to admit it even to yourself, a part of you already hoped that you were wrong about that. 

Another change came in the way that you interacted with people in town. For starters, you’d stopped outright avoiding eye contact and dodging conversation when walking to and from your apartment. When people came into the bakery, you smiled and found yourself chatting about things you used to talk to your customers about before the outbreak. 

“Morning, Heather! How was Kaylee’s birthday? Did she like the cupcakes?” 

“Hi, Marty. Didn’t see you yesterday when they were fresh, but I saved you some corn muffins. I know they’re Carl’s favorite.” 

“Hey Nadia, you live next to Allie and Greg, right? How are they doing with the new baby? Can you drop their order off to them on your way home?”

On patrols and trail sweeps you picked up where you left off on topics you’d previously spoken to your partners about. It was never anything truly personal aside from when you were paired with a woman named Jo who still spoke with an unmistakable Pennsylvanian accent, and you shared that you were from Philly. In an extreme case of it’s a small world afterall, she turned out to be from Glenside, a suburb just a few SEPTA stops away. The two of you had spent that shift - an overnight gate patrol - talking about restaurants, bars and other places you missed in the city. Typically you talked about books or movies or music, trading recommendations or trying to recall lyrics to songs you hadn’t heard in decades. Sometimes, like when you were paired with Jesse or one of the other younger volunteers, you brought up a movie they hadn’t heard of and you ended up summarizing or explaining it to them. Like some kind of post-apocalyptic storytime. The Tale of The Men in Black. The Saga of The Breakfast Club. The Epic of Empire Records. 

It never strayed into “opening up” territory, but you were refamiliarizing yourself with being a person again, and not just trying to stay alive for another 24 hour block of time. You were still hesitant to attend one of the Friday night gatherings at the Tipsy Bison, but you had started to eat one or two meals a week in the communal dining hall. You’d sit with people you knew and felt the most comfortable with - Evelyn from the bakery, Tommy and Maria when you saw them, Eugene or Henrik if they waved you over. You rarely saw Joel there but sometimes you caught a glimpse of Ellie surrounded by some of the other teens. You still spent most of your nights alone in your home - cooking small meals for yourself, reading, sewing patches or buttons onto things as needed - but you were trying, and that was new. 

Despite all that had changed though, some things unfortunately remained the same. The nightmares, for example, had proven far more stubborn than your crumbling resolve to not form attachments. They still woke you up every few nights, your breaths coming in greedy gasps as you worked to convince yourself that you were safe in your bed in Jackson and not tearing through the dark woods with a twelve year old Kyle’s hand clamped in your own, a pack of hunters hot on your trail. Or that Gavin hadn’t met a horrific end at the snapping jaws of a horde of infected. Or that those men hadn’t caught you in that warehouse in Kentucky and kept you chained to a mattress in a back room.

But it wasn’t the close call and what if nightmares that were the worst of them. Not by a long shot. The darkest dreams you fell victim to weren’t conjured by your fears or anxieties. They came straight from your actions and experiences. They weren’t dreams at all, just memories played back in excruciatingly high definition. Memories of the worst things you’d ever done. Reminders that you might not deserve this new lease on life. Portals to places where you’d committed the unthinkable. 

Places like that waterlogged and overgrown Walgreens where you crossed the line for the first time - where you became a murderer, taking the life of a human being who wasn’t infected. Who wasn’t even a threat to you. Your mind would floor with details from that fateful day. The squish of the moss covered floor tiles beneath your boots. The odor of rust and mildew that permeated the air. The rustle of things being knocked off a shelf and the terrified hiss of “oh, shit!” that followed. The tilt of your head as you took in the sight of the bottle gripped tightly in the dirty-fingered grasp of the woman, identifying it as the exact drug that you needed. That Gavin needed to stay alive. The way she pleaded with you on behalf of her sick son. “Please, he’s only twelve. He’ll die without them. I’ll split them with you!” The way you didn’t even blink as you shot her dead. The maraca rattle of the pills as you pried the bottle from her hand. The way that shot rang in your ears until you made it back to the farm. 

It vibrated in your lungs, even in the dreams. And when you handed the medicine to Gavin, it was written on your face clear as day for him to read. You’d told him what you’d done, waves of nausea roiling through your belly and adrenaline coursing through your blood to make your hands shake and your breathing turn to sobs and gasps. “Oh, Sugar,” he’d said, opening his arms to wrap you in them, pulling you closer to the weakening, uneven beat of his heart. “Don’t lose yourself over me.” Your hot tears soaked into the old, stained concert tee that hung baggy and loose on his frame as you clutched fistfuls of material. “It’s not worth the toll.” 

You’d tried to argue with him then, because to you, anything was worth it if it meant more time with him. Another year, another few months, fuck, even if it only bought you mere days there was nothing you weren’t willing to do for Gavin. “We both know you can’t buy me much longer,” he said, speaking calmly as he stroked his long, tattooed fingers up and down your spine. “Don’t turn yourself into something you’re not. Stay you, Sugar. Stay you and stay with me.”

In the end though, it was him that couldn’t stay, and that particular nightmare would always end with you sobbing into your pillow. Alone.  

More recently your nightmares took you to that grimey hotel room where you helped Kyle end his life. Where you killed him, your subconscious would remind you. Details you didn’t even realize you’d absorbed would come leaching out once you were asleep. The feel of the dust encrusted carpet against your sweaty, blood soaked palm. The pocked and peeling paint flaking from the walls and piling up in little heaps. The icy draft that came through the broken window to freeze the tears in your eyes. The way your nephew suddenly became so heavy as you held him. And that nagging, illogical thought that burrowed itself into the center of your brain and slammed every cell like a cymbal - He could have been immune. You don’t know that he wasn’t. 

There had always been rumors about the possibility of natural immunity to the Cordyceps infection. You’d heard the whispers whenever you moved through a place that had or previously had a Firefly presence. Genetic mutations are always possible, they’d posit. You’d always rolled your eyes and called it a hopeless hope, a pipe dream. Just something that desperate people told themselves so they could justify what they’d done or give themselves motivation to keep going. Everyone you’d ever known to be infected had turned within a day or two. You weren’t holding your breath for a miracle mutation. 

And even though it was one of the rules you and your family had written for yourselves decades ago, and even though it was what Kyle wanted, and even though you still thought it was easier than having to see your sweet, smart, funny, thoughtful nephew become a snapping, snarling monster, that thought still reverberated in your mind whenever that dream woke you up. He could have been immune. But now you’ll never know. 

There were others, too, but those were the ones that came most frequently. Those were the ones that the firewalls in your sleeping brain had no chance against, the ones there was no falling back to sleep after. 

On those nights you woke shaken and shaking, pulling yourself from the bed and turning lights on as quickly as possible to banish the things that crept into your mind. On those nights you didn’t try to find sleep again, knowing that the ache in your heart and the spike in your adrenaline wouldn’t let you. Instead you’d pad into the kitchen and do what you’d always done when you couldn’t sleep - open the cabinets and preheat the oven and bake something to take your mind off of whatever had just taken over it. 

In college, before you’d dropped out, it was blueberry muffins to distract yourself from the stress of exams. You’d bake dozens of them and give them to your friends as study fuel. On the nights following Gavin’s open heart surgery it was rye bread and cinnamon buns. You’d take them with you to the hospital when you visited him, giving them - along with your unending gratitude - to the nursing staff and doctors that worked on him. At the farm when you worried that you wouldn’t be able to keep your family safe it was potato rolls. And for the few months that you stayed in the Chicago QZ it was a modified oatmeal cookie recipe that tasted more like sugarless styrofoam due to the lack of certain ingredients, but bless their hearts, Laura and Kyle still told you they were delicious. 

Three months into your stay in Jackson, at six in the morning on your weekly day off, it was sourdough and carrot cake muffins. 

By ten o’clock you’d finished baking three loaves of bread - two of which you were planning to take to the community center to be used for meals that day - and were just getting started peeling carrots for the muffins, when there was a knock at your door. 

And as you crossed the room to answer it, wiping your hands on the dish towel that hung over your shoulder, you noticed another change - you hadn’t reached for the knife in your boot. You hadn’t even put your boots on that morning, your feet still only covered by the socks you yanked on before coming out to the kitchen. Your heart didn’t start to race. Your fingers hadn’t even twitched. You’d just heard the sound and moved to respond to it like it was normal. Like you would have before the outbreak. 

Like I would have back at home. 

Unwilling to have that conversation with yourself while someone stood waiting outside your door, you shook your head to clear your thoughts. Not now. Peeking through the view hole, you actually smiled as you saw who was on the other side. I wonder what… 

You unlocked the door and opened it. “Hey, good morning, Ellie. What are you up to? Everything alright?” 

She groaned in dramatic teenage fashion. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Except for the fact that I’m dying of boredom with these lame shifts Maria put me on this week.” 

Maria tried to keep the younger volunteers busy with tasks in the town or on the walls as often as possible, only sending them out when the schedule demanded it to relieve other patrol members, and it seemed that was what had brought Ellie to your apartment. Good. Boring is good and safe. I’m sure Joel loves boring for you, kid. 

“Oh yeah? What’s she got you doing today that’s so terrible?” 

“Compost duty.” She held up a metal pail that you hadn’t noticed at first, nose wrinkled and top lip curled. “I’m here for your rotten vegetables.”   

You let out a laugh in the form of a snort, pushing the door to open it wider. “Well they’re not rotten yet, which is kind of the point, but they’re all yours. Come on in. I’ll grab the jar, it’s in the fridge.”

Closing the door behind herself, Ellie followed you through the small living room towards the kitchen. “Ugh, it smells fucking amazing in here. Are you baking? Even on your day off? Jesus, what time did you wake up?”

You shrugged and looked back over your shoulder at her. “Yeah. You caught me.” You pointed to the counter where the loaves of sourdough sat cooling, moving aside so she could see them. “That’s what you’re smelling.” 

She groaned and slumped against the doorframe. “Oh my god those look so good. It’s making me hungry.” 

Laughing again, you pulled a serrated knife from the block on the counter. “You want a slice?” 

Her eyes lit up as she stood straight. “Are you kidding? Hell yeah I do!” You smiled and turned to saw off a hunk, the knife’s teeth scraping at the thick outer crust before sinking into the soft center. “You know, nothing against Todd or Evelyn, but the bread from the bakery is so much better now that you’re working there.” 

You chuckled, letting her compliment wash warmly over you. “Thanks, Ellie, I take my bread seriously so that means a lot to me.” You handed over the slice and she immediately took a bite. 

“Fuck,” she groaned through a mouthful, eyes rolling closed as she chewed. “So damn good!” 

“Good.” You wiped the blade off and sheathed it in the block again. “I haven't tried it yet, so thanks for helping out with quality assurance.” 

“Literally anytime,” she said around another bite. 

You smiled and already it was hard to imagine that you’d started that morning shaking and in tears. “Hey, if you’re not in a rush I’ll have even more to throw in your compost bucket if you can wait until I peel these carrots?” Picking up the peeler, you used it to gesture to the pile of vegetables on the cutting board. 

She shrugged. “No rush. Peel away.” You nodded and went to work as Ellie leaned against the countertop on the other side of the sink. “So, can I ask you a question?” 

You took a breath and considered the kind of question she might ask. “Um… sure.” 

“You were a baker, like… before, right? That’s what Joel said, and I mean -” She held up the remainder of the sourdough slice as proof. 

“I was.” You answered. “Had my own shop and everything.” 

“Okay, so then… How did you not… I mean, fuck, how do I ask this?” 

Turning in her direction you took a wild guess to help her out of her struggle. “How did I not become infected immediately since the initial cordyceps contamination was spread through flour?” 

She held up one finger, slightly gaping mouth snapping shut. “Yes, exactly.” 

You chuckled and went back to the carrots. “Mine was a little different from a regular bakery. I specialized in baking things for people with common food allergies. Eggs, wheat, dairy, things like that. So the flour I used came from a completely different source than…” You trailed off because you knew she got the picture. 

“Huh. Do you have allergies? Is that why you decided to bake like that?” 

You shook your head. “No, I don’t. I had…” You swallowed. “I knew people who couldn’t eat certain things, so I did it for them.” 

“Well…” She raised one scarred eyebrow. “I guess that was a good choice.” 

Snorting, you nodded. “Yeah, I guess so.” 

She pushed away from the counter and stepped closer to the refrigerator, her head tilting slightly to one side as something there caught her eye. The pictures. She’s looking at… Your grip on the peeler tightened, a pulse of panic seizing you at the thought that you might have to talk about your family. That was something you hadn’t done in a long time, something that you were still just on the cusp of readiness for. Hanging the photos up for your own eyes to see was one thing. You hadn’t thought about the prospect of others in your home seeing them, too. She’s gonna ask about- 

“Hey, Joel has this same magnet.” Reaching out with her pointer finger, she tapped the one shaped like your new home state. 

He… What? You let out a breath and set the peeler on the cutting board next to the pile of long orange carrot skin curls. The flash of panic turned to flurried confusion, Ellie’s comment catching you completely off guard. He took one, too? Clearing your throat, you prepared to respond when she spoke again, this time throwing something that looked like a smirk over her shoulder at you. 

“What, were they on sale or something?” She tapped it again. “Buy one, get one- Oh, shit!” 

The press of her finger must have shifted the magnet, freeing it from the pull that held it in place. You watched as she whipped her head back around and scrambled to try to catch not only the dislodged magnet, but also the picture that was stuck beneath it. She was only successful in saving one from the ground, though, juggling the plastic piece between both hands before closing it in one fist while the polaroid fluttered to the floor. Crouching down she snatched the picture up and reattached it to the door. 

“Fuck! I’m sorry! It- I didn’t mean to…” 

It was then, as she carefully put the photo back in its place, that you noticed the recognition on her face. Like she hadn’t even really seen the picture until that moment, hadn’t noticed anything beyond the familiar magnet. She went quiet, a sadness you wished she didn’t have to know creeping into her expression as she realized that none of the people standing next to you in the photo were there in Jackson with you now. 

“Is this your family?” There was a hollow tone in her typically light and bubbly voice as she stared at the smiling faces on your refrigerator. Like she didn’t want to ask but felt some compulsion to know. Like she already knew but couldn’t keep the question on her tongue. Like she should have been able to do something to change the outcomes for the people you’d lost. 

You recognized it right away and it broke your heart to see it in her, too. The guilt. The deep dark blues of surviving when everyone you loved was gone. When everyone everyone loved was gone. Oh, Ellie. 

Though only moments before you felt panic at the prospect of talking about the people you lost, suddenly, when asked, you were filled with an overwhelming urge to tell her about them. To show her - and maybe yourself, too - that not every memory hurt. That most of them didn’t. 

“Yeah,” you answered around a bittersweet smile. “It is. From about…” You hummed. “Fifteen years ago.” Wetting your lips and blinking back the stinging threat of tears, you stepped closer to where the girl stood. “That’s my-” 

You stopped yourself because you didn’t want to choke on the word you were about to use. You’d never had to explain to anyone who Gavin was to you. For years, the only people who mattered had simply always known. But that’s not the case anymore, is it? Not if you truly were serious about trying to have a life here. Left hand coming up to touch the outline of your chain through your t-shirt, you took a breath and focused on his smile in the photo. Hey, handsome. 

You cleared your throat and started over. “That’s my husband, Gavin.” You pressed the rings to your chest as you spoke his name. “And his sister, Laura.” Dropping your arm back to your side, you raised the opposite one to point at the little boy under the mess of curls that sat perched on Gavin’s shoulders. “And that’s Kyle, my nephew.” 

She stayed quiet for a few seconds, looking at the faces of the people you’d just introduced her to as though committing them to memory. “They look…” She sniffed. “You all look happy there.” 

She’s right. Despite the thick knot forming in your throat, you smiled. “Yeah.” Nodding, you looked down at her. “We were. Those were really good years.” 

The girl looked back up at you, lips pulling to the side before curving back into a small smile. “I’m glad you had those.” 

You took a breath, feeling somewhat lighter than you had in a long time even if it was a bittersweet lightness. “Yeah, me too.” Wetting your lips, you reached for the fridge handle. “Um, let me get those compost scraps for you, yeah?”  

Ellie nodded, lifting one hand up to wipe quickly at her eye. “Yeah. I should get going.” She moved over to the counter and scooped your pile of carrot peels into the bucket, then turned back to let you dump the contents of your scrap jar in as well. “Dina and I are supposed to hit all the apartments on this side of town before noon, so…” 

“So you better get moving, then,” you finished for her. “If I remember the schedule correctly, I think you and I have gate patrol on Wednesday night.” You winked. “I’ll make sure to bring snacks.” 

She grinned, almost all of the sadness that had crept into her expression gone. “You’re the best.” 

That made you laugh. “I’ll see you around, Ellie. Tell Dina I said hi.” 

She told you that she would, adding that she was also going to tell her that she missed out on the best damn sourdough left in the world by choosing odd numbered apartments, which only made you laugh harder. Closing your door after her, you couldn’t help but think of what a kick Gavin would have gotten out of Ellie. She would have made you laugh, too, Gav. 

Over the next hour you finished up the batch of muffins and cleaned the kitchen. Wrapping the two extra loaves in clean dish towels, you stuck them both in the canvas tote bag that you usually used to pick up your groceries from the general store. Once they’d cooled enough to handle, you did the same with the muffins, bundling them up and adding them to the bag. 

That done, you decided to get yourself together, changing your flour streaked shirt for a fresh three-quarter sleeved one, and the sweats you were wearing for a pair of jeans. When you looked in the mirror you were hit by yet another change - you no longer had that lost, wild, withering look that you arrived with. Your eyes had more light in them and fewer bags beneath. Your cheeks were less hollow and the windburn on them was healing well. You looked more like yourself and less like a spectral waif using your name than you had in longer than you could remember. Not that it matters but… Your lips - no longer peeling and chapped - hitched into a small grin. Not terrible. You took a second to adjust your hair, tucking stray pieces into place, and then flipped the lightswitch and left the bathroom. 

Grabbing your bag of baked goods from the kitchen, you shoved your feet into your boots and slipped your knife into place. Some things were unlikely to change after two decades of always needing to have a weapon on you, and you knew that it was the same for many other residents in town. Your gun, though, was left behind with your pack. Those items were reserved only for patrols, trail sweeps and supply runs. They had no place in your daily life anymore. Another small change. 

There was still a lingering late spring chill in the air as you stepped outside your building, but the sun was shining unimpeded in the clear blue sky and you hummed as it warmed your skin. It’s beautiful out today. As you turned onto the main street you were met with the sounds of the town. Windchimes and laughter, barking dogs and the clang of metal on metal from the blacksmith’s shop, birdsong and conversation. It felt like the much more rural version of strolling through your neighborhood in Philly on your way to the farmer’s market that used to pop up in the park on Thursday and Sunday mornings. It made you wonder what it was like here twenty some years ago, and how different things were now. 

The call of your name from somewhere to your right interrupted your thoughts before they could wander too far. You recognized the voice as you turned, eyes widening in surprise to see Joel Miller lifting one hand in greeting from the other side of the street. Oh. Hi. You stopped walking, raising your hand in a return wave and waiting for him to cross to your side.

As he did, you took a few seconds to let your eyes rake over him. He still wore a thin white bandage around his bicep, and it was visible beneath the short sleeves of his faded green t-shirt. As were his muscled arms, the warmer weather letting you see more of them than you had previously. His jeans were worn in but fit him well, the denim broken in to accommodate his movement perfectly. A toolbelt hung at his hips, hammer, tape measure, pliers and several screwdrivers attached to the loops or sticking out of the pouches. Right. He said he was in construction. You drew in a small breath as he came close enough that you could see the sunlight catching the silver in his hair. And then he smiled. Damn. 

“Thought that was you,” he said as he took the last few steps to close the distance. 

Forcing yourself to focus on the conversation at hand and not on how good he looked wearing a toolbelt, you smiled back at him. “You were right, it’s me.” 

That earned you a small chuckle, Joel raising the same hand he’d flagged you down with to scratch at the back of his neck. “How are you doin’ today?”

You tipped your head back, closing your eyes and letting the sun hit your face before responding. “The sun is out and I have a bag full of bread and muffins.” Bringing your chin back down, you shrugged the shoulder that your bag was on. “So I’m doing great.” He didn’t need to hear about the nightmare that preceded the baking. “How are you?” 

“A bag full of bread, huh?” He dropped his eyes to the goods and then brought them back up to yours. “Well I’m doin’ alright but not a bag of bread alright.” 

You laughed and pulled one strap of the tote bag down, reaching inside. “I might be able to help with that.” Pulling out one of the muffins, you offered it to him. “Carrot muffin?” 

He grinned as he took it from you. “If I ever say no to that question you’ll know there’s somethin’ wrong with me.” Nodding, he held your eyes for a second and the rush of warmth you felt had nothing to do with the sun. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome, Joel.” You cleared your throat and tilted your head in the direction you’d been walking in. “I was on my way to drop this off at the community center. Are you heading that way, too?” 

“I am. Meetin’ up with Tommy’n a few others to do some roof repairs.” You both started walking again, once your mutual destination was established. “Figure by now we won’t be gettin’ anymore snow, so it’s a good time to get up there and poke around.” 

You blew out a huff and shook your head. “The idea of snow in June or even April or May where I’m from is laughable. It’s probably 85 degrees in Philadelphia right now.” 

Joel made a similar sound. “Snow at all is laughable where I’m from.” You figured he was from somewhere in the south due to the slight drawl in certain words that he said, but before you got the chance to ask where exactly, he took a bite of the muffin you gave him and groaned at the taste. “Christ, that’s good.” 

Hoping you didn’t look as flustered as the sound of him groaning like that made you feel, you managed a smile. “Yeah?” He nodded, eyebrows drawn together in a serious expression as he chewed. “Good. You and Ellie make good taste testers, you know.” He tilted his head in question. “She stopped by my place this morning on her compost collection rounds.” 

“Uh huh, and she weaseled baked goods outta you, did she?” He took another bite, the reaction smaller this time but still visible and still making your chest puff up just a little. 

You shrugged. “She said she was hungry and she complimented my bread. What was I supposed to do?” 

“That girl is always hungry,” he said with a roll of his eyes that you could tell was just for show. “And if compliments are all it takes then let me tell you again, this-” He held up the last bite of muffin. “- Is delicious.” 

Letting a small laugh slip through your grin as you reached the community center, you turned to face him. “Well, thank you. If you like those, just wait until I get my hands on some apples or chokeberries.” 

“Lookin’ forward to it.” 

Just then Tommy appeared from behind the building with a ladder hoisted on one shoulder. He lifted his free hand to flag Joel down, calling out to him. “Waitin’ on you, big brother!” 

Joel clicked his tongue and turned to lob his response in Tommy’s direction. “Hold your horses, will you?” He gestured at you with his hand. “Can’t you see I’m havin’ a conversation?” 

“Yeah, I see.” The younger Miller tipped his chin in a nod and said your name. “Hope you’re havin’ a nice mornin’. Can you please send my brother up to the roof when he’s done yappin’ your ear off?” 

You laughed at that, Joel’s grumbles only making you laugh harder. “Will do, Tommy,” you said with a wave of your own. 

He grinned. “Thank you, ma’am. Take care now.” 

You called a “You too!” back at him as he disappeared behind the building again, and then you turned to face Joel once more. “Sounds like you’re needed on the roof.” 

Joel blew a huff through his nose and swatted his hand towards the roof. “He can wait a minute. I, uh…” He drew his hand up to scratch the back of his neck. “I’ve been meanin’ to ask you if you’d want to come over for dinner some night this week.” What? He dropped his hand to his side again and you tried your hardest not to let the shock you felt at his question show on your face. “Just as a thank you for stitchin’ me up,” he added. 

You blinked and took a breath, trying to process the offer he’d just made. Dinner. He’s inviting me to dinner? What is…  “I…” You shook your head as though your brain was a magic eight ball and shaking it would prompt a valid response to come out of your mouth, but immediately regretted it from the way Joel’s lips turned downward. Shit, he thinks I’m saying no. “That… That sounds nice, Joel.” Your heart hammered at your ribs as his frown faded back into a relaxed smile. “What um… What day were you thinking? I have a gate patrol Wednesday night, but-” 

“How’s Thursday, then?” 

Wetting your lips with the tip of your tongue, you swallowed and nodded slowly. “Thursday works.” Joel’s smile spread a little wider, sending his cheeks up into his eyes and making the skin around them crinkle. “Can I bring anything, or-” 

“Well I was raised to say no ma’am, just bring yourself,” he began, a mischievous glint brightening the depths of his eyes. “But I wouldn’t stop you from bringing something that you baked if you wanted to.” 

You let out a small laugh. “Got it.” 

“Alright then. Thursday it is.” He tilted his head towards the back of the community center, where the sound of the ladder being set up against the wall could be heard. “I better get up there ‘fore he has himself a conniption. You have a good day now.” 

As he turned to go, you reached into your tote bag and pulled out another muffin. “Joel!” He spun back to face you and you tossed the muffin in his direction, leaving him to scramble to catch it in one large hand. “For Tommy. Maybe he’ll be less annoyed at you if you bring him food.” 

He chuckled. “Maybe. See you around.” 

With that he headed off to join his brother and you were left momentarily standing there unsure of what had just happened. I just… He just… 

But then you heard the call of your name from the open door of the community center, and turned to see Maria grinning at you. “You comin’ in, or are you just going to watch my brother-in-law walk away?” 

You could feel the heat spread through your cheeks at her words, and quickly stepped toward the door as she started to chuckle. “Sorry, yeah, I-” 

“Hey,” she said, resting one hand on your shoulder. “I’m teasing.” She winked. “Besides, I think it’s great.” 

You let out a sigh. “Maria, it’s just-” 

“Just dinner, I know.” She nodded and held the door open for you to walk through it. “I still think it’s great.” The door clicked shut behind you and you sputtered for a response only for her to spare you the need to say anything more. “Anyway, what’s in the bag? You’re just in time for lunch prep.”

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[falsemortal]

Ache; Part 2

The hotel smells like a closet. Infested with mothballs and the aged hint of old perfume, powdery and somewhat floral.

Travis bids Laura good night, parting after assisting her with her luggage. Her room was right beside his, a door conjoining them if need be.

His joints creaked as he sat on the edge of his bed. He hadn’t bothered to turn on the lights as exhaustion poured out of him and made him sink further into the mattress.

It’d been a night and some driving after what happened. The blonde had fallen asleep about an hour into the trip, which left him to his thoughts.

The aching never went away.

She’s been the one holding his heart unknowingly, and while he is content with just being friends.. he still yearns for more.

Years, possibly decades holding and putting himself behind everybody and watching them grow and achieve their goals. He was left in the dust.

..Travis has no one now except her. No family; at least none that speak to him. No friends; he pushed them away years ago at the height of the curse that ruined his life. Ruined and poisoned everything he knew in life.

Yes, he knows his family life wasn’t.. great before.. but it’s what he had.

That’s all and gone now; buried with ashes on Hackett land.

He sighs, rubbing his knee before standing back up to stash his bag on the dresser. He takes his shirt off and catches a glance of himself in the mirror, making him grimace at what he’s become.

Old, mean..

He sees silver reflecting in his chest hair and groans.

Laura could never look at him like he does her. He fights himself each and every time because he shouldn’t be thinking such things about the young woman.. but it’s true; she’s beautiful.. and funny.. and so, so smart.

She deserves so much more than him. What could he possibly bring her? He’s nothing but a traumatic asshole, who she probably pitied and put up with because he’d do anything for her.

He’d had his hopes up, when her lips touched his. A daydream he often had, where they could both be happy and nothing more. After years of just a kind pat on the back from ‘friends’ and family, he was petrified getting to touch her that intimately, but just as it had started.. she’d used him.

The thought echoed in his mind, his heart splintering with every beat. Max, the fucking ex-boyfriend had seen them together and.. she used him.

Used him as a shield, used him to deflect conflict– it hurt too close to home and he’s silently angry that she didn’t recognize that, didn’t think things through.. but that’s how she is, right? A one track mind with one goal, not caring what else got in her way.

He touches his cheek like she had, brushing it upwards and into his hair and scratching his scalp. He felt stupid and naive; he greatly appreciated the friendship they had built but he didn’t understand why she stuck around. He ruined her life, he took away months from her, he introduced her into the fucked up world that they both travel in, hunting unknown creatures in the hopes of saving people so they don’t end up like… them.

Travis sits back down, undoing his boots and setting them on the floor beside the bed. His jeans come off next, and just as he’s thinking of slumping back into the uncomfortable mattress and just sleep it off.. he sees the mini fridge.

He sucks his teeth and crouches down, opening it up to see the ridiculously priced alcohol inside. He can spare for a few, just enough to get his belly warm so he can slumber in relative peace.

He grabs two bottles, the glass clinking satisfyingly in his grasp. They’re definitely not his brand, but it’ll do as he cracks one open and starts to down it, he squints his eyes as the taste runs over his tongue. “Fuck is this shit..”

His throat burns as he looks at the label, trying to decipher the brand and make but to no avail he puts the other one back. He’s not a quitter, so he downs the rest of the bottle with a shiver and goes to lay down in the bed.

The warmth travels down his chest as he lies down, he rolls onto his stomach in hopes of sleep taking him faster as he buries his head underneath the pillows.

It’s takes a few minutes of him drowning out the world around him, but he sleeps.

~*

Travis doesn’t dream often.

Nightmares, yes.

Dreams? No.

He’s in Laura’s apartment, he’s been there plenty of times to help her. Whether it’s when she was moving in, had an issue with something hands on.. he was there.

It was warm, so he assumed it was summer.

He sat on her couch, watching the cityscape. Something that was fascinating to him, so far and different from North Kill. He enjoyed city life in short bouts, but he doesn’t think he could ever live there full time.

The couch arm dipped beside him, and a hand touched his shoulder. His eyes blinked over and his face instantly heated up.

Laura looked at him with hunger; similar to that of when she transformed back into a human, riddled with blood and visceral, and so very naked and on top of him.

Except this time, there was no blood. It was just her and her natural beauty, her scent enrapturing him as she straddled his lap. He felt himself twitch to life, his hand squeezing the couch with all his might.

“Travis,” she purrs, pressing her chest into his, “Has it really been that long?”

His voice cracks, “About what?”

“Since you’ve,” She rolls her hips slowly, “been with someone.”

The older man bites his lip, holding back the sound of want that is rattling in its cage to get out. He can’t control himself as he gives a gentle thrust against her, making her gasp and giggle into his neck as she begins to kiss and nibble on him.

“Laur,” he groans, stretching his neck to give her more room on reflex. “What are you.. what are we doing?”

“Making you feel good,” she smiles, “You can touch me, y’know, I won’t break.”

“I.. see that,” he gasps as his hips give another thrust, his cheeks burning brighter, “..but why?”

“Can’t you just live a little?” She grinds down on him with more intention, making him whine slightly as he feels cock grow heavier. “We both want this.”

He shakily puts his hands on her hips, making her purr again as she rolls slowly, bringing them both pleasure. He wets his lip as he gently starts to guide her, the warmth of her flesh under his fingertips sung high in his nerves.

She laughs and suddenly they’ve changed positions, him over her. Her legs spread wide just for him, her wetness glistening and so tempting. He reaches out to touch her and moans, relishing in how beautiful and breathtaking she was.

“C’mon,” she grins and taps his ass with her heels, “You know you want to..”

He gives in. Lining himself up and thrusting inside, an explosion goes off in his mind at the sensation. He wants more.

And more he has, the girl before him hungrily joins him in thrusting back. She tightens around him and he about blacks out, his cock weeping in happiness.

But just as they’re about to get back into it–

~*

He blinks and he’s back in the hotel room, alone and thrusting harshly into one of the poor, lumpy pillows. He can’t stop himself, the pleasure feels too good and it’s been a long time since he’s indulged in himself.

He imagines her beneath him; how tight and hot she must feel. He imagines the sounds she might make as he grabs and slams the headboard, god, he’s so close it hurts. He doesn’t even hear himself as he pants and calls her name gently, he’s so stuck in his head as pleasure pulsates through him.

He hits the edge, his whole body twitching as he rapidly thrusts into the poor pillow. A cold sweat breaking out as he feels his balls tighten, he comes with a shout, hot loads shooting out of him and into the sweaty, cheap sheets. He felt incredible for the first couple moments and then realization hits as he slumps into the mess he made.

“I’m a fucking monster,” he murmurs, regret flooding through his mind as he lays there and contemplates getting up or suffering the consequences later.

Only.. to hear something from the other side of the wall. Laura’s side of the wall.

[kiryoutann]

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Six months later.

It's so beautiful.

Green grass under the warm sun. A fresh breeze stirred the decorative flags that were hung all over the capital Mondstadt. Gothic architecture is still strong and stands as the main attraction of this country. The river that flowed outside the great wall was reflecting the white clouds that extended beneath the azure sky. Those who are busy with their daily activities are surrounded by the scent of dandelions. Little ones are playing and running around.

Mondstadt is so beautiful. Unfortunately, you spend all day sleeping on the soft bed provided in one of the palace rooms for royal guests.

Childe left the room early in the morning for a diplomatic meeting, so the opposite side of the bed has been vacant for a while. You (thought) you managed to persuade Sasha to let you sleep a little longer, but instead she assumed you were sick and immediately asked Laura to find Childe.

“Love?”

Here he is. You pulled the covers over your head, trying to ignore the sound of his approaching footsteps. The end of the bed was pressed down and you guessed he was sitting next to you. Slowly, Childe pulled your covers up to look at you.

"Are you sick? Want me to call a healer?”

You shook your head quickly, "I simply want to sleep a bit longer."

Childe glanced at Sasha who was standing not far from the two of you before turning back to you. "But, angel, you've slept all day, and they said you have to attend a tea party this afternoon. Well, I don't mind if you don't but, are you sure you're alright?” He brushed away the strands of hair covering your face.

"I'll be fine. Just.. give me one more hour of sleep.” You spoke drowsily and then shut your eyes once again.

Childe frowned in worry. "Are you sure? Should I stay? I can tell them I have urgent business and leave the conference—”

"Don't be silly, Ajax." You opened your eyes to glare at him. “Why do I feel you’re trying to make me as an excuse to get out of your responsibilities?”

A laugh from him. “Hey, I was really worried you know.” He says.

"I told you I'm fine. I'm not going to die, at least not now."

"I thought we agreed not to have talks like this again." Childe stares in disappointment and you can't help but laugh.

"Good God, I was just kidding." You cupped his face with one hand. “Stop sulking like a baby. I might actually ask you to stay and cuddle with me."

A smile appeared on his handsome face as he drew closer to you, “Hmm? What's stopping you?"

Meanwhile on the other side of the room, Sasha and the other two were trying hard to deaf their ears to the conversation you both thought was quiet enough for them not to hear. Her eyes darted to the walls of the room as if that was the most interesting thing. At least that will distract her from you and Childe who are too preoccupied with each other to notice anyone else's presence.

A kiss on your lips. “I'll hurry back for you alright? Don't look at other men at the tea party." You almost roll your eyes at his words.

“It’s a tea party only for the ladies.”

"You can never be too careful."

Childe got out of bed and you already started to miss his warmth. He briefly spoke to Sasha, saying that she should immediately call a healer if anything should happen to you. After giving you one more glance (and a wink), he walks to the door to Dmitri outside the room.

A sigh left you before you got up reluctantly asking your maids to prepare warm water for a bath.

One rosewater bath later and you're sitting at the dresser. Laura did your hair, while Ksenia applied your makeup. She patted the powder pad so gently you yawned. Sasha noticed this and stared suspiciously at your reflection in the mirror. You took a deep breath trying to relieve the tiredness in your body.

"We are finished, Your Majesty." Laura and Ksenia said together.

You said a small thank you to them then got up from the chair. Laura opened the door for you, letting you leave the room first. Your three ladies-in-waiting followed behind you on your way to the garden where the tea party was being held.

Warm air hugs you as soon as you step into the palace garden. Butterflies and a few small insects flutter and land on the colorful flowers that grow around you—you almost forget how beautiful they are after living on Snezhnaya for so long. Once more, the wind blows. The sun falls to illuminate your path to the gazebo with a white iron roof where a table spread out with beautiful cloth is located. The sound of your footsteps turned the heads of the Mondstadt nobles, and you smiled at them all.

“Empress (Y/N), good afternoon.” The blonde-haired woman—Countess Jean—carved a thin smile with her polished pink lips.

Some Mondstadt nobles you've never met before welcome you. Jean stood next to them while helping introduce them one by one to you. “This is Lady Fischl, daughter of Duke Verurteilung of Immernachtreich.” A green-eyed blonde bowed politely at you before giving an enthusiastic look.

“Empress! I, Fischl, hast known all kinds regarding thou, especially how  they define thy grace and beauty as being comparable to the stars that adorn the welkin at dusk. Wouldst  I may add, thy lovely gown caught mine eye and wondered where I might find some one with such stitching talent!”

"Ah? Um..” While trying to figure out what she said, you lifted the hem of your dress slightly. "This was made by a Snezhnayan tailor."

“'tis decided. I shall cross mountains and sail oceans to meet this tailor!"

Jean cleared her throat awkwardly. “Lady Fischl, may I continue?” she asked, earning a nod.

After Countess Jean introduced you to the Mondstadt nobles who were present at the tea party, Princess Ayaka waved enthusiastically. “Princess—! Ah, I mean, Empress! Please sit next to me!” She pointed out the empty chair next to her.

Jean watched as everyone had taken a seat. She then continued, “Since King Diluc doesn't yet have a partner to handle the tea party, I'm the one responsible for this. For that, allow me to present traditional Mondstadt delicacies for overseas guests to taste.” She signaled the maid to put the snacks on the table.

A cake covered with pink cream and fresh raspberries is set in the middle. Lemon buttercream cakes make you smile seeing their small size. You looked around the table as Jean described each dish. The cookies placed in front of Ayaka appeared to be delicious.

What smells like boiled eggs wafts into your nostrils, and you instinctively cover your mouth to hide the nausea that's roiling in your gut. Ayaka immediately got a handkerchief for you. Sasha who is sitting at the table along with other nobles ladies-in-waiting rushes over to you.

“Princess!” Ayaka mistakenly called out from panic.

“Your Majesty! Is something the matter?!”

You were too occupied trying to ease your nausea as you covered your nose with a blue handkerchief to respond to Sasha. Jean orders one of the maids to call a healer. You glance out of the corner of your eye for the source of the pungent scent.

"That.. the smell.. get rid of it, please." You said after finding a loaf of boiled eggs not far from Jean. "I'm sorry but, the smell .."

Jean followed your gaze and nodded quickly. “No need to worry, Empress (Y/N).” He gave the plate of bread to the maid to take away. "The healer will come soon."

A server arrives with a new meal just as your nausea begins to subside. The smell of eggs returned. The handkerchief was tightened over your lips as the shaking of your stomach intensified. Sasha noticed your face beginning to flush and rose up from her kneeling position in front of you to approach Jean.

“Your Excellency, I'd better take Her Majesty to a healer right away. Please accept my apologies for leaving the tea party early.” He says.

“I understand. Please, lead them to the healer's room!”

In response to the blonde's request, one of the maids nodded. Sasha and Ksenia put strong hands on your shoulders helping to support you while stroking your back. Laura pulls out a bottle of fragrance trying to ease your nausea. The long hallway was filled with hurried footsteps on the way to the healing room. After passing through the door, the royal healer immediately tells you to lean on the red velvet couch.

The first thing she did was check your pulse. Her warm fingers touch your skin as she furrows her brows in concentration. She pursed her lips thinly, asking about your monthly cycle—which Sasha answered in detail. You feel awkward knowing she knows about it more than you do.

The healer nodded while retaining an assumed diagnosis. "I already have a suspicion, but I'll need to confirm it again." She dipped her hands in a basin of clean water before turning back to you while making sure her palms were raised; you watched as the water dripped down her elbow. "I must request that you remove your dress, Your Majesty."

Although the examination is uncomfortable, you know that it is necessary for the healer to confirm the diagnosis. After she was done, Sasha helped you put on your clothes again while waiting for the woman to tell you what was wrong.

"There are several reasons besides pregnancy that can affect your late monthly cycle, such as stress or fatigue. However, after I combined that with the nausea caused by the strong smell—the smell of eggs as one of them—and the physical examination just now that revealed enlarged breasts and changes in areola—I can confirm that you are pregnant.”

Laura and Ksenia gasped with joy. Sasha smiled silently. While you are frozen.

The healer's lips curved up, “Congratulations, Empress (Y/N). You are with child.”

Something defines the brilliance of this world's hues. The basin is no fuller than your heart which flows happiness and emotion to every inch of you. The realization that there is another life growing inside your tummy sweetens the air. You want to set your foot on every green meadow here to let them know that you are the happiest human being on earth.

As you covered your mouth to contain your sobs, your hold on the fabric of your dress' grew tighter. Your maids approach you to congratulate you. You couldn't help but extend your arms and hug all three of them. Women celebrating other women's blessings

You wiped your tears, looking at Sasha with a smile.

"Please don't tell him just yet."

Sasha's eyes widen from that, but what she gives you next is a smile—a warm one. You wouldn't have realized she was holding you if it wasn't for the light squeeze she gave; her way of telling you that she will continue to be with you and wants nothing but the best for you and now, your child. Laura and Ksenia congratulated you, saying they would do their best to accompany you on your pregnancy journey.

Aside from the promise made by Sasha, it's another one that makes you smile with blushing cheeks.

In your room, Sasha instructed Ksenia to prepare warm water for a bath while Laura hurried to inform Jean that you were unwell and couldn't continue the tea party. The ball is being held tonight—that's reason enough for Sasha to force you to stay in bed and take plenty of rest.

When they dress you in a mauve dress for the ball, your ladies-in-waiting make sure not to tie the bodice too tightly. Diamonds and gems accessorize your neck, ears and fingers. You try to hold back a smile when you see the door swing open showing Childe ready in his nice suit. He leans against the arm of the couch, blue eyes sweeping across your back carving a thin grin before he meets yours and gives you his usual wink.

"We are done, Your Majesty." Sasha told you.

"Thank you." You got up from your seat, not missing the enthusiastic stares of your ladies-in-waiting.

Childe holds out his hand to receive yours. He squeezed it gently before bringing it to his lips, a chaste kiss you received from him. "Are you sure we shouldn't skip the ball and cuddle the night away?"

“Absolutely. Besides, I heard that Mondstadt has the best wine.” You reasoned that even if you knew full well, there would be no alcohol going down your throat tonight and in the months to come.

"Firewater is still better in my opinion." Childe said, leading you to the door.

The sound of music is heard the second you enter the ballroom. A resounding blend of harp and piano throughout the opulence. Many of the guests had dragged themselves onto the dance floor, their partners clutched tightly in their hands. You and Childe get greetings from several familiar faces, but not a few Mondstadt nobles who you don't recognize have the courage and courtesy to introduce themselves and give a warm welcome.

“Emperor Childe.”

When Childe and you turned around, two men were standing there, one with red hair and the other with dark blue strands. Both of them had long hair, with the only distinction being the height of their ponytails.

“King Diluc.” Your husband holds out his hand for a handshake.

Diluc Ragnvindr. The red-haired King of Mondstadt who reminds you of fire. You wonder if he's hiding a smoldering spirit behind his polite face. He was present in another set of his dapper suit. Unlike at Snezhnaya's recent banquet, he appeared with his long hair pulled up into a higher-than-usual ponytail.

Diluc gave you a brief nod before turning to the man next to him. “Allow me to introduce my brother. This is Duke Kaeya. Perhaps you have not met." He said, making your attention fall on the man wearing an eye patch.

“Ah, right. This is the first time we have met, Duke Kaeya.” Childe shook his hand.

Kaeya painted faint dimples on his tan skin. "It is an honor to meet in person such a wise person as you, the Emperor and Empress of Snezhnaya." He gave Childe a friendly smile, which you swear turned into something else when he swept his dark eyes across you.

Diluc's red eyes widened as he watched Kaeya hold out his hand asking for yours. He didn't have to do this, but he chose to do it. Childe watched as you offered your hand hesitantly. A kiss that was too long for Childe not to think anything of it landed on the back of your hand. Kaeya opened his eyes to look at you accompanied by a smile that had a meaning behind it.

“Welcome to Mond, Empress (Y/N).”

If looks could burn, Kaeya would have already emptied all the drinks in here to quell the fire that was searing him. You swear you heard Childe pulled out a light scoff. Kaeya straightened his back again with an expression close to satisfaction.

“Ahem.”

Diluc made a fake cough noise, but it was more to remind Kaeya to keep his boundaries than to break the uneasy silence between the four of you. "Kaeya is known to be friendly with others, so I hope you don't take it the wrong way, Your Majesties." He says.

Childe laughed dryly. “Does this mean Duke Kaeya is also friendly enough to take me on a little tour around Mond?” His voice is sweet, but you know the intent in it contrasts from that.

"Why, of course, Your Majesty." Kaeya smiled widely and placed his right hand on his left chest. "It would be my pleasure.”

This situation is too heavy. You want nothing more than someone to save you from this and luckily, Diluc has the ability to read that. "If you'll excuse us, we have to greet the other guests." He then turned to the buffet. "Do enjoy your time with banquets and refreshing drinks like grape juice."

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” You said.

Childe and you turned the other way while Diluc and Kaeya started walking toward the other nobles. You take a deep breath before emptying your lungs again.

"I would appreciate it if you would stop picking fights with every man I talk to."

"He was flirting with you." Childe stopped in his tracks.

You hastily put your hand in front of his lips stopping him from letting out a longer protest. "Could you get me a glass of grape juice?" you ask him.

Childe furrowed his brows, "Not wine?" You shake your head.

Although not completely convinced, Childe gives you a kiss on the hand then tells you to stay here. You see his figure walking to the buffet table. His broad shoulders make you smile. You sweep your eyes around to relieve boredom.

Strands of blonde caught your eye. You remember she has longer hair; now it falls a little lower than her earlobes. The woman with gold eyes was spinning in an orange gown, in the arms of a man with nearly the same hair color as her. His eyes could still be seen through the mask that covered the right portion of his face.

The smile on Lumine's face was so wide it radiated happiness.

Footsteps draw your attention to Childe, who is holding a glass of grape juice and another of what you assume is dandelion wine. He handed you one. You stared at the liquid before taking a gulp, feeling the sweet taste on your tongue.

"Do you like it?"

You nodded, "It tastes better than I imagined."

"Wanna bring home ten barrels of it?"

A laugh from you. "One bottle is enough, Ajax." You said.

In the midst of a sea of people, a figure stands out for some reason; you're not sure why; it could be his complex fancy suits, the way he carries himself, the power in his gaze, or the fact that you've known him all your life. You greet your old friend with a smile on your face.

Zhongli made strides towards you with a handsome smile. Under the extravagant chandeliers, amber eyes sparkled beautifully. Childe did not take his blue eyes off his every move.

The man stops right in front of you for a bow, "Your Majesties."

Weird to hear that from him. Even though it had been six months ago Childe had inherited the throne and three months ago Snezhnaya had declared it an imperial state; You think you'll never get used to all this. Let alone one that came out of Zhongli.

"Duke." Childe gave him a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

“Duke Zhongli.” You called him enthusiastically. "It's.. a surprise to find you here."

Zhongli nodded, “His Majesty Emperor Shiva is unable to attend. I've come to represent him at his request.” He says.

“Make sure you do well, Duke.” Childe commented.

Zhongli pretended to be blind by the sharp glare Childe gave him. “I appreciate the concern—

"Who said I was concerned?"

“—but, everything is well.” Zhongli continued despite being interrupted by him.

Your lips were about to part to change the topic to break the pressure between the two when a woman bumped into Zhongli and spilled her glass on him. Her voice is sweet, making you turn to look at her and stop in place.

“O-oh my! I'm so sorry! I was careless and—”

A laugh from Zhongli. "Nothing to worry about. Are you alright?”

Zhongli asked the woman—the woman you saw in your vision. You're completely convinced after casting a glance at the hanfu she's wearing. Zhongli continued to talk to her with a big smile that seemed to be permanently etched on his face.

"This is my first time here, and I've already ruined someone's expensive suit. I'm truly sorry!” The woman kept apologizing to Zhongli.

"As I said, this is nothing, Lady..?"

“Guizhong! My name is Guizhong.”

Guizhong.

Guizhong appeared in front of you with everything that made you believe she would be a good fit for Zhongli. You watched her give him a blue handkerchief. Long fine strands of hair. She's clumsy, but you find that to be cute. You wonder if Zhongli thinks so too. They were lost in their new conversation and every word they exchanged dripped happiness into the depths of your heart.

The promised happy ending had at last arrived.

“Duke Zhongli, Lady Guizhong, “You have their attention.

Guizhong looked at you and then at Childe before bowing deeply in regret. “Goodness! Your Majesties! M-may prosperity and health be bestowed on you! I'm sorry I should have realized sooner." She tightly shut her eyes after hearing your chuckle.

"Please rise. Forgive the interruption but, we'll leave you both to your talk."

Zhongli turned to face Childe who was grinning happily at you. "Now?" he asked.

"Yes." You turned your gaze on the area where people were dancing. “I suddenly want to dance.” You turned to Childe. “Perhaps the Duke can bring Lady Guizhong for one.” You said to Zhongli.

Those amber eyes stared at you in curiosity and confusion. In your heart, there is one thing you want to tell him: that happiness is close to him. But, just as Zhongli and Guizhong gave nods and let you go, you twisted your heels and tightened your grip on Childe's arm.

"That’s scary." Your husband comments.

“What is?”

Childe slowed down as he reached the dance floor. "Your smile. You look like you've planned something and it's working." He put his hand on your waist.

A chuckle escaped your lips. You put your hand on his shoulder, and he starts picking up on the melodic tempo of the music. “If so, will you stop sulking and dance properly?” You see the annoyance reflected on his face again.

"How could I not when nearly every in the room—in all of Tevyat—was trying to flirt with my wife?"

"They were just talking to me, Ajax." you corrected.

“They were flirting with you, angel. Don't try to manipulate my memory."

A sigh comes out a sign you give up arguing with him. Childe took you for a twirl. "You are the most jealous man I have ever known." You then continued, "I can't imagine how you'd react when the other one showed up."

The frown in the middle of his brow deepened before his limbs came to a complete stop. He gave you a dumbfounded look. “Wait, what are you—” His expression now full of hurt. "—you're.. you have another man?" He spoke with trembling, and you stifled a laugh in the guilt that you were covering up.

"Well," Your hand tried to lead him to dance again but, Childe refused to move his feet before you answered him. "After all, I'm still not sure if it'll be a boy or a girl, right?"

Confusion hit him like a tsunami even though his betrayed expression was still there. “A boy or a girl? What kind of nonsense are you playing—”

“I’m pregnant.”

The words died suddenly on the tip of his tongue. Childe stared at you with wide blue eyes. The blood seemed to be drained from his face before returning to fill his cheeks.

For him, the world came to a halt for a brief minute. His brain stopped functioning. His ears suddenly went deaf leaving your voice and those words repeating over and over in his head. His mouth gaped open. His heart was pounding inside his ribs pumping out the feelings he was still digesting. Then a tsunami of happiness washed over him, so overwhelming that his lips curved and he sobbed as he took you in his arms.

It was one moment he wished could stay forever. Even so, Childe—Ajax, is aware that there will be more happy things in the future. With you, with now—his unborn baby. At the same time, Childe felt and desired a lot.

In the middle of the melodies that flowed from a combination of piano and harp, you hugged him even tighter. He is the luckiest man in the world. His heart felt like it was wrapped in satin and moonlight. You laugh, but it's his chest that warms. What a dream this is, and God has the generosity to make it not end up as one. Perhaps He knows: happiness should come in the form of a really sweet fruit for two human beings who have suffered for a long time.

Childe gave you a smile before laying a kiss on your lips. He didn't mind if he had attracted everyone's attention as a result. The music could stop but, he wouldn't with this. He placed another one, still not caring if people would label him unethical.

“I,”—he kissed you again—“love,”—another one—“you.” He said in between kisses.

You both left the ballroom early that evening. The moonlight filtering in through the opened window illuminates the bed where you lie down for a cuddle. The wind of Mondstadt's capital is finally appreciated the next day in the lush meadows.

"Please be born healthy." Childe speaks to your still unnoticeable pregnant belly before giving it a small kiss.

The blue sky stretches above the white clouds. He held your hand as you walked down the grassy path. The gurgling waterfall sounded faint. Dandelion blooms swayed and then scattered into the air. On a wooden chair with a view of a statue in the center of a lake, the two of you decide to take a break.

"I wonder how Shiva will react to this." You start the conversation.

Childe's shoulders shook as he laughed. "He will definitely kill me. For impregnating my wife." You join in the louder laugh.

There was a silence before you lifted your head from his shoulder to say, "About that grape juice.." Childe looked at you curiously. "I don't think ten barrels will be enough."

Childe carved a smile. The two of you returned to enjoy the sight ahead.

"Twenty it is."

AbbyBianx, ness

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[silentglassbreak]

Fragmented

Here’s a short part that I was able to get written prior to my relationship exploding on me. I wanted to put this out now, because it’s a completed thought. Hopefully I’ll be able to get the next one out sometime this weekend. It’s filler, but I liked it. No real plot development here.

Warnings: Very mild smut, and still got descriptions of vomiting (not as bad as the last part).

+It goes without saying. This is a work of fiction. My words are mine. Plagiarism is a crime.

Taglist: @flowery-mess @lma1986 @myownthoughts12 @poisongirl616 @missduffsblog @reidsblessing @malerieee @jilliemiw86 @thisbicc @xx-like-a-villian-xx @diabolicdiatonics

Part 8 - Running Up That Hill

The first thing I noticed when my eyes cracked open was that the bed was empty. My arm stretched out long to her side of the bed, and a breath fell out of me.

Mileena and I had fallen asleep sometime around 10PM, another movie started. I turned to look at the clock on my nightstand, seeing it was about 5AM.

Something had woken me, but I wasn’t sure what. I noticed her jeans still folded neatly on the dresser, so I doubted she had left. Maybe I felt her get up?

I let my eyes fall closed again, but they shot open when I heard the sound of gagging from the bathroom.

Uh-oh.

I stood to my feet, noticing the now familiar ache in my back was more relaxed, and my stomach didn’t heave at becoming upright as it had the last two days. I silently praised the universe for it.

Making my way to the bathroom, I noticed the door was cracked, so I swung it open, leaning a shoulder against the frame.

“Leena?”

The sight in front of me was just short of pathetic, and my heart pulled as I saw her, knees tucked underneath her, sweat built on her brow bone, body arched over the toilet, spitting the last of the vomit out of her mouth.

She held a finger up at me. “Not a fucking word.”

I smirked, smug.

I’ll be fine. I’m not worried about getting sick.

“I’ll go get the Zofran.”

“Yeah, she’s got it.” I shrugged into the phone.

“Ugh, I warned her to just let you suffer through it alone.” Laura’s voice was annoyed.

“I’m sorry?” I snorted. “Look, I’m feeling pretty good now. If you want to drop Addie off, I’m sure I can handle her while helping Leena get back into good health.”

“And risk my sweet precious angel baby getting the virus? Absolutely not.”

I rolled my eyes. “You know, we are her parents.”

Laura scoffed. “And I am her Godmother. Me and Nick are taking her to the aquarium. We can handle her one more day. But I will have to drop her off Tuesday morning. I have to get back to work.”

I shrugged. “Can we at least FaceTime with her later? She’s going to think we abandoned her.”

“Yes. You can. Just don’t float your germs through cyberspace. Keep that shit away from us.”

I chuckled before hanging up, bounding back up the stairs.

“Babe?” I walked back in the room, armed with water and nausea meds, but what I found made me soften a moment.

Mileena was curled up on the bathroom floor, head resting on a folded towel, eyes closed and shivering.

“Oh, baby.” I set down the items in my hand on the bathroom counter and walked over to her.

She shook her head. “I don’t think I’m done.” Her words were muddied together and whiny.

“Well, we’ll bring the can in bed. You can’t lay on the floor, that’s gross.”

She groaned. “I’m gross.” A cry came out of her and her big brown eyes peered up at me, full of despair. “I puked in my hair!”

I couldn’t help it, I let out a hard laugh at that. Her eyes narrowed,

“Don’t laugh at me! I’m dying!”

This only made me laugh harder as I put a hand under her head and lifted her from the rug, forcing her to stand,

“Then let’s get you cleaned up and laid to rest, yeah?”

She just nodded, a pout on her lips.

I pulled at the hem of Leena’s tank top, her arms lifting while I pulled it over her head. I reached an arm around her back to unclasp her bra, letting it fall.

Taking in a sharp breath, I noticed the goosebumps rising on her breasts, her nipples hard from the feverish virus running through her. I tried to maintain my respect while I pulled her pants and underwear down at once, noticing the tuft of hair between her legs.

I was definitely feeling better.

In an attempt to distract myself, I turned and flipped the shower on, turning it to warm.

“You want help?”

She looked so small. Nodding at me, she stepped a foot in the shower, hissing when the water touched her skin. Wasting no time, I slipped my own clothes off, and stepped under the warm spray. Her eyes were closed as she balled herself up in the corner, avoiding the sensation.

I reached a hand for her, pulling her arm to bring her under the water, making her lean her head back so the warmth could cover her head and scalp.

“Mm,” She let her eyes close, leaning into me for as much warmth as she could get.

Respect, Noah. Be respectful.

My dick apparently had none, as I felt it growing against her, so I shifted my hips to relieve the contact.

A dark, raspy laugh came out of her mouth. “If only we weren’t so sick, huh?”

I squeezed some shampoo into my hand, reaching behind her to lather her hair. “Yeah, if only.”

My fingers massaged her scalp, and worked the soap into the ends of her hair, leaving no evidence of throw up behind. She pressed her head into my chest as I maneuvered her under the water to rinse.

Making quick work of washing her, not dwelling on the parts of her body I ached to touch, I turned the water off and grabbed the hanging towel, wrapping it around her.

“Give me a sec.” I had to step onto the rug, grabbing another towel from the underneath of the sink, and wrapped myself.

When I opened the curtain, Leena had a look on her face that startled me. Her mouth was held tightly shut before she stepped out of the shower hastily, leaning back over the bowl and beginning to vomit again. I slumped forward, catching her hair before it landed in the line of fire.

It was going to be a long day.

-

Three Zofran, two water bottles, five movies, and one sleeve of Saltines later, I was laid on the couch, Mileena dead weight on top of me, while I finished the last half of The Exorcist, munching on a piece of toast I had made several hours earlier. Her breath was soft, brushing across my face as she slept. It wasn't the most comfortable position, but I would rather die than disturb her.

Her waist was laid over my right hip, her chest pressed against my stomach. One arm was tucked underneath her head, and the other fallen off of the edge of the couch. She had one leg on either side of my right, and I had the large blanket draped over us both. I was wearing my boxers and a t-shirt only, while she was in my newest Omens merch shirt, and also a pair of my boxers.

The hand that I wasn't balancing the slice of bread in was holding her to me, weighted comfort helping her sleep off the stomach flu that had gripped us both.

I had been feeling better today, no puking spells or fever, just taking it easy on my stomach and staying hydrated. Mileena's fever had broken a few hours ago after the last time she puked. She said she didn't have body aches so bad after the shower, and she was hoping she had a lesser version of my illness. I hoped so too; I hated seeing her so miserable.

I set the crust of my toast on the plate, using my now free hand to lift her fallen arm and tuck it into my side, nuzzling the top of her head with my nose, relishing that she smelled like my shampoo. Once again, I was taking all I could get.

I felt her stir, so I stilled, fearing I would wake her.

"Mmm." She hummed, and I wasn't sure if she was still asleep or not. One of her knees bent up, adjusting.

I took the opportunity to shift my hips into a slightly more comfortable position. My body froze, however, when I felt her body rut against my leg, her crotch grinding hard into my thigh. My hands lifted off of her, eyes blown wide.

She was just adjusting...right?

I stayed stone still, fearing I would misconstrue the situation further.

That is, until she gasped hard, pressing herself into me again.

Oh my fucking God.

She was sleeping, eyes still closed, lids fluttering gently.

"Noah." The word came out as a breath, so low that had I not been laying underneath her, I was sure I wouldn't have heard it.

My brain scrambled, racing and stuttering all at the same time, my own arousal growing between my legs. Fucking hell, this girl was going to actually fucking kill me.

"Hmm." She wined, now picking up a rhythm against my leg, fingers now digging into my side. For fear that she was going to throw herself onto the floor with her movements, my arms came back down, locking her into place.

It was wrong, and I knew that, but Jesus fucking Christ if this wasn't the sexiest fucking thing I had ever witnessed, I was insane.

"Noah..." The words drew out slow off her lips, her face turning slightly to breathe into my shirt.

She was going at it hard now, grinding onto the skin of my thigh, the center of the boxers she wore growing more and more damp as the seconds passed.

I swallowed hard, losing my fucking mind at what I decided to do. "I'm here, baby." My voice whispered low into her ear, not wanting to pull her from her dream.

"Mm, fuck." Her breathing was so rough, her voice hoarse.

"That's it, Princess." I urged her through it, listening to her soft whimpers, my cock twitching with each of her thrusts. "I've got you."

Her mouth was open, panting like a dog against me.

"Ugh, I'm-" Her words cut off, fingers gripping my shirt hard enough to rip.

"Come for me, baby."

I heard a short cry, followed by a long, satisfied sigh before the skin of my leg was drenched in her climax.

I groaned quietly, my dick begging for friction, which I couldn't grant.

It was bad enough I talked her through a sex dream without her knowing, but to then touch myself while she was still asleep? How much of a creep was I trying to be?

Instead, I pulled her closer, snuggling back down under the blanket.

[gingiesworld]

The Woods (2/?)

Wanda Maximoff x GN! Reader

Warnings : Angst. Violence. Death. Horror. Reader has a penis

18+ MINORS DNI

A little over a year ago

As everyone had settled into their rooms, Tony and Clint decided to go out for some fire wood. Wanda remained glued to Y/N's side throughout the day.

"Can't we leave yet?" Wanda questioned shyly as Y/N smiled softly.

"If you aren't comfortable by morning, we will leave and find a hotel." Y/N told her softly. The girls all sat beside the fire that was dying out as they waited for the boys who soon came running inside.

"You guys need to see this." Tony said as Clint nodded. "It's so fucking freaky."

Everyone followed Tony and Clint outside. Wanda held on tightly to Y/N's arm, following them into what looked like a log shed. When they entered, they saw a bloodied table and a lot of hunting knives and other sharp objects.

"Who did you hear about this place from again?" Wanda questioned as Tony smiled.

"It doesn't matter but this is cool." He told them.

"Tony, this isn't cool." Y/N pointed out as they brought Wanda closer to them.

"It was probably only ever used to kill animals Y/N." He shrugged as Y/N shook their head.

"Did your friend tell you more about this house?" Y/N asked him as he shrugged. Looking at the different blades, picking up an axe and pretending to weild it.

"No." He said as he swung it. "It's quite heavy." He told them as everyone started to leave the cabin.

"We should leave here Tony." Y/N told him as Wanda went with Nat and Maria.

"Come on Y/N, we just got here." He told them. "Besides, you were the one who said to give it a chance."

"That was before I saw this." They gestured to the weapons on the wall. "I didn't expect to find a slaughter room."

"Come on." He said as he wrapped his arm around their shoulder. "Let's have a fun weekend." He led them back out and towards the cabin. Everyone waited for the two before they went inside.

"Should we make some dinner?" Laura questioned as Wanda nodded.

"Yes. I need something to distract me from this place." She told her as the two headed to the kitchen. Y/N stood with Nat as the others argued with Tony about this place.

"Wanda wants to leave." Y/N told her as she nodded.

"I don't blame her. This place gives me the creeps." Nat answered. "Maria will also be tearing Tony a new one."

"I told her to give it one night." Y/N informed her. "Then we will go to a hotel tomorrow."

"I think we will join you." Nat said as they watched Maria grab Tony by the scruff of his collar.

"I'm going to have a look around. Would you watch out for Wanda?" Y/N asked her as Nat nodded. She watched curiously as Y/N walked passed everyone up the stairs. Walking in every room, the decor was the same. Stained log walls, a deer or bear head on the walls above the bed. It wasn't until they felt an uneasy breeze in the master bedroom. Looking around, checking the window which was shut. It wasn't until they moved the dresser that Tony came up.

"What are you doing?" He asked them as they just shushed him.

"There is a breeze coming from here." They whispered as they felt around the wood, seeing hinges on a small door. It opened inwards, Tony watched as Y/N crawled through it, followed by Tony. The two used the torches on their phones to look around.

"This is just like that outhouse." Tony whispered. Except there were more weapons up here, different kind of old torture equipment.

"We should leave Tony." Y/N told him.

"Come on Y/N. You said it yourself, give it a chance." He reminded them.

"No." They yelled. "Wanda is pregnant and I wouldn't chance losing her or the baby for nothing."

"You won't Y/N. I promise." Tony told them softly.

"Don't make promises you can't keep." They said before they crawled back through the door, heading straight to Wanda. "Where's Maria?" Y/N asked both Wanda and Nat who were in the kitchen.

"She went upstairs for a nap." Nat told them.

Tony remained in the other room, running his finger along the blade of a jagged knife.

"Fuck." He hissed as the knife sliced his skin. Bringing his finger to his mouth, he started to suck on the wound, hoping it would stop bleeding. Not really paying attention to the humming sound and the tingly feeling within him. Completely disregarding the evil aura that now surrounded him.

Present

Wanda was sat in her room, she only had another six months left of being here then she can go home. Her thoughts always drifted back to that weekend. The screams of her friends. The cries of the love of her life.

"You have visitors." The nurse told Wanda with a gentle smile. Wanda followed her out to the family room, it was like a living room, giving off a homely aura. Wanda smiled when she saw the twins and Pietro.

"Mama!" The two squealed as they ran to her, wrapping their arms around her.

"Hi." Wanda smiled as she kissed their heads. Listening as they told her about school.

"How have you been?" Pietro asked her as a nurse took the twins for some snacks.

"I'm getting better." Wanda told him. "I still have the nightmares but not as much."

"That's great." He smiled at her. "So it shouldn't be much longer until you come home?"

"When I'm 100% ready." She told him. "I miss them so much and." She took a deep breath. "I just hate that they're always in my nightmares. Before all of this, I used to have wonderful dreams about them. What our future would be like, but now all I see is their death, hear their screams and I hate it."

A little over a year ago

Wanda and Laura both set the table as Y/N came downstairs. Checking their watch before heading to Wanda.

"First thing tomorrow, we are leaving." They told her as she just nodded.

"Why?" Laura questioned as Y/N explained to her what they had found in the master bedroom.

"We should just leave now." Pepper told them as everyone agreed.

"It is dark out now Pepper. It will be dangerous to attempt to drive through the woods right now." Y/N told her.

"Why don't we just sleep on it." Tony said as he stood at the foot of the stairs. A distant look in his eyes.

"Yeah, we can leave at sunrise." Y/N agreed as everyone nodded.

"Someone needs to wake Maria." Clint said as Nat nodded. Walking upstairs to the room and sitting down on the bed.

"Baby, dinner's ready." She told her, shaking her lightly. In the dark room, she couldn't see Maria's glossy eyes wide with fear. The pale greying skin or the blood. "Maria." She tried again, resting her hand on her stomach. When she noticed that there was some sort of liquid there, she fumbled for the light, screaming at the sight.

Y/N grabbed Wanda and made their way up the stairs with Clint. The three stopped in the doorway, Wanda immediately nuzzled her face into Y/N as Clint went to Nat. Wrapping his arms around her as she screamed and cried out for Maria.

Present

Nat still had the nightmares too, but she never really had anyone to talk to. She would send letters to Wanda, hoping to bring a bit of comfort. The two friends had lost a lot that weekend. Not just their spouses, but their beliefs changed, they saw something that no one had ever seen before. An evil so dark, that no one deserves to find out even exists.

"So, you still get the dreams?" Steve asked her as she nodded.

"I still see her blood on my hands." Nat whispered. "I just, I want to go back in time and stop everyone from ever agreeing to go there."

"I know Nat." He spoke tenderly. "Also, Bucky and Sam are looking into that cabin. We're going to clear your name." He told her as she just nodded. "We will get you out of here."

"Is Wanda still in that place?" She questioned.

"She is." He confirmed. "She is getting better though, it's been almost a year since she checked herself in there."

"Good." Nat smiled softly. "I'm happy she's getting the help she needs. She has lost a lot."

"Both of you have." Steve told her as she nodded. He was right, the two of them lost their loved ones, best friends. Just a lot of people they had considered to be family.

Taglist :@justyourwritter69

[strniohoeee]

laura does not have the degree to be a manager! neither does someone else she made the head of zstardigital! she is a hair dresser! and memo is her cousin!

This is what I was talking about in my other post from yesterday I was like she’s helping out her family by giving them jobs, but like??? NOBODIES QUALIFIED THIS IS SOOO MESSY WTF

[hellfirestxnes]

Imagine Us

Chapter One

eddie munson x f!reader

word count: 3k+

warnings: 18+, female!reader, dad!eddie, eddie is in his 30’s, divorce, swearing, infidelity (if there’s any tags missing please let me know!)

notes: i didn’t edit this! but it’s the first part in this new fic. i haven’t written in ages and feel pretty rusty at it, so please be easy with me. i hope you like it!

Eddie rubs over his face, wishing the grogginess of a Monday morning would wash away as his alarm begins to sound for the third time this morning. It’s loud and sharp. The noise he’s always found to be obnoxious, shoots a pain through his skull with each ring, he reaches over to hit the snooze button once more before rolling out of bed. His bare feet hit the carpet of his bedroom before he takes a deep breath. Barely any sleep, but he’s gotta get the ball rolling. Moving with ease, he’s sliding into the cleanest set of coveralls and socks he has. Soaked in oil stains that won’t come out no matter how many times he’s washed them. A once over in the mirror hanging above the dresser has always been long enough to sort his bangs out. And then he’s off, padding down the hall, he stops at the second bedroom door. The only other occupied room in the trailer he’s been calling home since leaving his Uncle’s.

Opening the door as quietly as possible, he peeks inside, seeing the tops of two heads of dark brown hair cuddled up with one another. Both on the bottom bunk. He smiles, pulling the door shut as he works his way into the kitchen, turns on the coffee pot. He catches sight of the manila envelope with the papers he’s been itching to sign and return inside. And that might’ve pulled a smile to the corner of his lips. Soon he wouldn’t be tied to her. Soon he won’t be a married man. And he couldn’t wait— not to say he hasn’t been on a few dates here and there, but a single dad? his kids are only away from him two weekends out of the month, when does he have time to start anything new with anyone? He remembers ten years ago when he met her, a freshly turned 22 year old, getting out of Hawkins for the first time in his life. He remembers the way her hair fell in curls that framed her face, the way her sweater was worn and had a hole in the sleeve, how she yelled her name over the music. Laura. He remembers how she hung on his arm and whispered good luck to him and pressed a kiss on his cheek. A girl he’d just met, a girl he married a year later. A girl he settled down for.

He forces every pleasant thought of her away when he remembers just what tore them apart— Eddie pushing in the door of their trailer. Her dress on the floor, another man’s shoes on the mat. His daughter’s were asleep in the room next door when he caught them. His wife fucking someone who he couldn’t even remember the name of, he doubts that she does either, in his bed. Eddie saw red then. How could his wife, the mother of their children, let another man into their home for a quick lay with them asleep through the thin walls. He can admit, maybe he wasn’t the most attentive to her feelings, maybe he worked longer and harder than he should have. Maybe he didn’t love her the way he did in the beginning. Things got distant between them. But he always showed her he cared in the ways that naturally came to him. He sat a glass of water on her night stand every night while she was in the shower, he had her coffee ready every morning before they went to work. Always a kiss on the head, squeeze of the hand, and a rushed, “I love you.” as she would rush out the door to get their oldest to school on time.

Eddie’s eyes catch on the flashing green numbers of the microwave clock and he’s sighing, walking over to the girls’ bedroom. He leans down, his spine creaking with each move, reminding him just how much strain his job and age is putting on his 32 year old body. He shakes the thought and twists on the little pink lamp on the bedside table. “Girls? Time to get up.” His voice is softer, lighter than anyone in this town that had ever known Eddie could imagine his voice being. He smiles down at the brown eyes peering up at him— hair every which way. If he was any other parent, he might’ve gotten choked up at the thought of it being his five year old’s first day of school. “Jane.” He says again, the lightness of his tone beginning to melt away, replaced with something a bit more stern— with more urgency. They’d be late if they didn’t get a move on. And that’s the last thing he needed, to give her another reason as to why he shouldn’t have custody of them.

His eight year old, Jane, sits up slowly. Who he can soon hear a groan of annoyance coming from and he knows he’s done his job. He can hear Alice, his youngest, squealing as she gets dressed— too excited for her first day. He smiles at that. He quickly pops a few pop-tarts into the toaster, darting into the bathroom himself to finish getting ready for the day as quickly as he can. He reaches into the jewelry dish on the back of the sink and slides his rings on— except for the one he loathes to see but can’t bring himself to get rid of. He couldn’t throw ten years down the drain like she could. “Daddy, can you do my hair?” Eddie looks down next to him where he hears Alice’s voice. Her smile stretched wide across her face, revealing that she had lost one of her bottom front teeth. Eddie nods, setting her up on the edge of the sink. Her legs are folded neatly in the bowl as he grabs her hair brush and a ponytail holder. He brushes her hair quietly, seemingly lost in his own head. He can hear the quiet hums coming from Jane across the hall as he braids Alice’s hair quickly. It turns out to be a very messy end product, but the smile on her face tells him all that he needed.

The toaster pops up just as Jane stops at the counter. Eddie is ushering Alice to the table behind her. “All set?” He asks softly as he’s shoving his wallet off the counter into the back pocket of the coveralls.

Jane smiles, quietly eating her pop-tart as her sister tiptoes to reach the other. “All set, dad.” Her voice has always reminded Eddie of himself. Something he used to wish she would’ve gotten from her mother, but here he is now so thankful she holds a piece of him. Jane grabs her backpack, holding Alice’s up for her and Eddie’s grabbing the keys. He pauses at the door for a moment, as the girls climb into the car. His eyes fall on that manila envelope. He’s quick, stepping back into the house to swipe it off the dining table with a pen, pulling them out and scratching a signature across them. Deciding he’d rather get this done sooner rather than later. Climbing into the car, tossing the envelope into the passenger’s seat, he’s hoping that he’s got the energy to deal with his ex-wife at drop off.

*****

Jane is quick to find her classroom, not needing Eddie’s help. She’s as independent as they come, Laura used to say to him. But Alice? Alice holds onto his hand, begs him to walk her to class and he just can’t say no. Not even when he sees Laura and her newest beau standing outside of her classroom, waiting on them. Alice perks up, letting go of Eddie’s hand to run into her mother’s waiting arms. Laura lifts her up with a grin, eyes meeting Eddie’s. “you’re late.”

“It’s three minutes, let it go.” he sighs out, pinching the bridge of his nose. The man next to Laura extends a hand to him and Eddie pauses. His eyes flick up to his, dropping his own hand from his face to shake gently as he introduces himself. Eddie looks skeptically, he can hear and see the other parents inside and his blood is already boiling at the thought of this guy spending the first day with his daughter instead of him. But, he has to pay the bills— has to get to work. His attention turns to Alice and Laura moments after dropping the handshake, “are you good to stay with her?” he asks, the need to leave pushing at the base of his skull.

“No, daddy! Stay, please.” Alice pouts at him after her short shriek, hands starting to fidget nervously. Before Eddie can respond, a kind face is popping into the doorway. He isn’t sure what comes over him in that moment, he feels stupid and dumb, and 22 again. The back of his neck is hot, something he hasn’t felt like this in years.

“Well, you must be Alice Munson.” You smile at the little girl, taking in the appearance of the pale blue smock dress and black shoes buckled neatly. You introduce yourself to whom you can only assume to be her mother, learning her name to be Laura. You extend your hand to the man beside her, “and you must be Mr. Munson?”

Eddie clears his throat, reeling from the most innocent two words in this conversation, two fingers popping up with his slightly raised hand, “no, that would be me.” He gestures so casually you almost miss it, as he tries to push down the rising embarrassment. But Laura can, and maybe she has an eyebrow raised as Eddie shakes your hand to be polite. Alice is quiet, shy, reserved, and sticks next to Laura as she and Beau walk her into the classroom.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Munson, I just assumed—” you start to explain yourself, feeling that hot rush of embarrassment beginning to take over.

“Oh, please. It’s just Eddie.” He replies with a kind smile, silver clad hands shoving deep into his pockets. “Pickup is still at three, yeah?” You hear his question as you study how deep the dimples of his cheeks are, how there are a few strands of hair that curl just under his jaw.

You finally manage to respond, nodding your head, “I’m sorry, excuse me, didn’t mean to zone out on you there.” you clear your throat. “Yes, pickup is at three, Mr. Mun— Eddie.” Your smile is just as kind as Eddie’s was, something that sent a shockwave through Eddie’s core. He nods, afraid to say anything else. He peeks into the classroom, waving at Alice before he’s turning on his heel to walk down the hall and out of the front doors. You take a deep breath, collecting yourself. You’ve never felt so shaken simply by someone's presence. You catch your eyes drifting to Alice and Laura throughout the morning as they settle in. She seemed to need a little extra help in opening up, feeling comfortable in her own space, but she easily bids her mother farewell when they stand to leave. Something you weren’t expecting after noticing how she reacted to Eddie having to leave.

Laura stops at the door where you were standing to thank parents for coming and she passes you a small sheet of paper. “This is all of her emergency contact information. Eddie sometimes forgets to add me to the forms.” You nod in response, “if he’s late for pickup, which I’m sure he will be, please give me a call?” She smiles again and you try to keep your expression calm, collected.

“I’ll pass this along to the secretary. She handles all of the emergency forms.” You fold the paper, holding it in your hand as Laura sends on last wave to Alice before leaving. You take a deep breath, already putting together that she’s going to be a handful to deal with throughout this school year. With a turn on your heel and a chipper call to your students, you file the emergency contact information with the things to take to the school’s office on your planning period. Today is the day where you’re determined to learn all of their names, to see their faces light up when you remember the fun facts they’ve told you. But with each activity you do and game you play, you notice little Alice Munson off to the side, watching with a smile as big as her father’s, but not interacting with the other children. And no surprise to you, you find her eating her lunch alone at her desk instead of the scattered tables around the back of the room.

You decide to take a seat at the desk in front of her with your own lunch, offering her some silent company. And she appreciates it, you can see the way she straightens up, smiles. You watch as the gears start turning in her head, wanting to start a conversation with you. “How is your first day going, Alice?” You ask, taking the pressure off of her slightly.

She picks at the sandwich in front of her before looking up at you. You see so much of her father in her eyes— and you start to reprimand yourself. You don’t think about other student’s parents this much? Why is Eddie Munson so different? “It’s okay. I miss my daddy.” She shrugs a bit.

“Yeah?” You can feel the way that one sentence starts to tug at your heart strings. “I know that can be hard. But, you’ll see your daddy soon. Yes?” You reassure her, eating a bit of the oatmeal you had brought. You notice how she sinks back in her seat, embarrassed for the moment of vulnerability. “You know, sometimes I miss my dad too.” You push the oatmeal around, pausing to check her reaction. And fortunately for you, it’s a positive one.

“Really?” Alice grins, enthusiastically.

“Yeah, really. It’s good to miss the people we love. I’m sure your daddy misses you just as much.” You explain to her, just as the bell rings for recess— with the recess monitor lining up the class by the door. You smile, nodding your head at Alice to go on and she listens.

*****

You spend the rest of the school day chasing after 28 5-year-old’s, smiling as they give you flowers and rocks they had found outside on the playground. You display them each proudly on the edge of your desk, knowing by the end of the year, if this keeps up, you’ll have many dried flower bits and rocks to add to the basket in the bottom drawer of the cabinet. When your eyes drift to the clock and see the time getting closer and closer to three, your stomach starts to turn in knots.

The last bell of the day is right on time at 2:55. Parent after parent filing in to fetch their small children, smiles on their faces and rambling all about how fun their first day was. But at 3, Alice sits in her seat, quietly coloring on a page in her journal— almost like she thought she’d be sitting for a while— as another little girl peeks into the room. You share a confused look between the two of them, but realize with how much they look like Eddie, they must both be his daughters. You stand up, offering her a seat next to her sister.

Eddie’s really trying. He pushed around his schedule, he made sure he covered the rest of the work that needed to be done. He had to be there on time. He can’t just give her anything to use against him on a silver platter. His eyes flick from the speedometer to the clock on his dashboard. He’s got ten minutes. If he can make it in ten minutes, he’s got it. Nothing to worry about. He can just hear Laura now, telling the court just how much he doesn’t deserve them— just how big of a screw up he was. How she wished she picked literally anyone else to procreate with. Eddie’s heart stings. He remembers that fight, how she attacked the one thing he’s proud of. The one thing he’d give everything in his life up for. The moment he became a father was the moment everything changed for him. When he checks the clock again, he’s got five minutes to get there. Then three as he whips into a parking space away from the line of cars waiting to pick up their kids and he bails out, barely getting the car in park before he’s running inside. He comes running up the hall, chest heaving as he breathes heavily, “I’m here!” He’s got oil stains drenching the coveralls, oil smudged onto his cheeks.

And before you can say anything to him, Alice grins as she stands, abandoning the journal as she runs to greet her father. Eddie leans down to hug his daughter tight, neither of them worried about the oil stains or smudges. You notice the older of the two gathering Alice’s things and Eddie presses a kiss on her head gently. “Did you guys have fun on your first day?” he asks softly before he notices you watching them. He feels his cheeks starting to turn red and he nods in your direction before he ushers the kids out to the car.

As he climbs into the driver’s seat, his forehead hits the wheel for a moment. He takes a deep breath and breathes out slowly. He’s trying to get a grip. No one has ever had that kind of grip on his emotions. Not even Laura. Eddie has never been one to believe in soulmates, but he thinks he can get behind love at first sight. It’s happened to him twice. Twice. Jane is the first to speak up, “Allie’s teacher seems nice.” All he could do is nod as he sits himself up, puts the car in drive and takes them back to the comfort of their home.

————————

Chapter One || Chapter Two ||

*****

*****

*****

*****

*****

tags

@peachyproserpina

[droughtofapathy]

The Gilded Age's Broadway Divas: Aurora Fane (Kelli O'Hara)

Beloved by all, Aurora Fane enjoys a powerful position in Mrs. Astor's New York. Having suitably recovered from impending financial ruin last season, this season, Aurora has done some ill-fated matchmaking, worn some fantastic hats, and provided beautiful window dressing to scenes where she just sits there and looks pretty.

One of Broadway's (few) leading sopranos, Kelli O'Hara is a dying breed. As trends shift towards a more pop/rock sound, and classical musical theatre becomes a thing of the past, Kelli nevertheless finds her niche. A seven-time Tony nominee, Kelli has won Best Leading Actress in a Musical for the 2015 revival of The King and I. You'll recall another Gilded Age Diva who won for that same role some years prior. A proshot of the NT Live production can be found online. It is a gorgeous shoot, even if I take issue with that show as a whole.

She has also been nominated for Kiss Me, Kate (2019), The Bridges of Madison County (2014), and The Light in the Piazza (2005). Ironically, though Aurora Fane supports The Academy, Kelli is a classically trained opera singer who has appeared on the Met Opera stage three times, and will play Laura Brown in an encore run of The Hours this spring. (See my breakdown post over costumes here.)

However, prior to her opera appearance, Kelli will be starring in the new Broadway musical Days of Wine and Roses for a limited 16-week run, opening on January 28th. Kelli has been nominated for every role she has played since 2005, and this will almost certainly be no different. Booked and busy.

#1: "Shall We Dance?" The King and I (2015)

Kelli's voice is otherworldly angelic. That much we already know very well. The King and I opened in 2015 at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center, the third musical Kelli has starred in at that venue. The Beaumont is, of course, right next to The Met Opera, and the only Broadway theater outside the theatre district in Midtown.

As Anna Leonowens, Kelli travels to Siam to teach the children and wives of the king how to speak English. Orientalism aside, the show is a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the score is divine in Kelli's mouth. Fun fact: Kelli's replacement was Marin Mazzie in one of her last onstage roles. Marin was the Passion co-star and dear friend to Donna Murphy, our Mrs. Astor.

This video is from the 2015 Tony performance and showcases the incredible quick change Kelli makes between singing "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance?" aided by a team of unbelievable dressers. It is a marvel to witness. As is Ruthie Ann Miles, Kelli's co-star who recently performed in the Encores! production of Light in the Piazza.

#2: "What More Do I Need?" Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration (2020)

In 2020, despite a global pandemic, the theatre community still found a way to honor Stephen Sondheim's milestone 90th birthday with an online concert. Kelli performed a song from Saturday Night, Sondheim's first professional musical that was slated for Broadway in 1955, but was scrapped. It only got its New York premiere in 2000. This particular number is a cabaret favorite, and Kelli is an absolute delight with just a camera and digital accompaniment.

Fun fact: it wasn't until this particular performance that I truly started to appreciate the wonder that is Kelli O'Hara. I had previously seen her in concert just that March, and loved her, of course, but I have a complex relationships with sopranos. I now recognize that I love mature sopranos, but it's the ingenues I can't listen to without wincing.

#3: "They Don't Let You In the Opera" (2016)

Lest we think Kelli is limited in her range and style, this song was written especially for her to showcase her vast talent and comedic timing. Kelli, an Oklahoma farmgirl, isn't the sort of person you'd expect to be both classically trained and country literate.

Kelli, who has been typecast as refined and often repressed characters who go through harrowing emotional experiences, much like Aurora Fane, is more than capable of bringing a rollicking comedy to the mix.

This number is a favorite in Kelli's concert repertoire. There isn't much more to say, except that you need to witness its hilarity for yourself.

#4: “Heaven? Somebody else’s heaven?” The Hours (2023)

Speaking of opera, here is an excerpt from a scene in Act II where Laura Brown has fled to a hotel room to contemplate some very serious courses of action. Kelli, alongside soprano Renee Fleming and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, makes up a trio of phenomenal women in Kevin Putts' adaptation of the book and movie.

The Met Opera theatre seats nearly 4,000 people across six levels. The performers do not use body mics or amplification of any kind, but rather rely on intense vocal training to be heard across the theater. For this reason, alongside the vastly different vocal techniques and styles, musical theatre actors rarely cross over into opera, and vice versa. Notable exceptions include Renee Fleming, Kelli's Light in the Piazza co-star Victoria Clark, and Mary Beth Peil, who made her musical theatre debut in The King and I as yet another Miss Anna, hers in 1985.

#5: "So in Love," Kiss Me, Kate (2019)

Starring in yet another Golden Age musical revival, Kelli brings a different take on Lilli Vanessi, a glamorous movie star in a turbulent relationship. Kelli's vocal talent, of course, speaks for itself. For Kelli, this role was a tribute to her dear friend, the late Marin Mazzie, who had passed away some months before the show opened. Marin, who replaced Kelli in The King and I, had played this same role in the 1999 Broadway revival to great acclaim. In her first entrance of the show, Kelli wore a costume that featured the very same hat Marin wore in her show.

Though this video is beloved, my personal favorite rendition can be heard below. It was taken at a concert Kelli put on at the 92Y in New York last February. In it, Kelli sings for and to Marin, and the entire theatre wept.

Bonus: "Back to Before," Ragtime Reunion Concert (2023)

The role of Mother was originally workshopped by Donna Murphy in Toronto in the early 90s, but she left to do King and I, which worked out well for her. In came dear friend Marin Mazzie, who originated the role on Broadway, and established a precedent no other has been able to top. Also in that cast? Audra McDonald as Sarah, for which she won a Tony, of course.

In 2023, after years of pandemic-related delays, they staged a one-night reunion concert of this special show. And who better to take on Marin's iconic role than Kelli O'Hara? Listen to her "Back to Before" here, and then do yourself a favor and run, don't walk, to listen to Marin's.

[j-nope-not-today]

First meeting

Platonic Charlie x reader, Bernard the elf x reader.

A/n: Hello! This is my very first Bernard the elf story so I hope you like it! This wasn't proof read so I apologize for any mistakes.

I let out a huff as I turned over for what felt like the thousandth time tonight. My stomach was filled with dread for the coming morning when I would have to listen to what Charlie deemed to be the most life altering conversation we would have.

I had no idea what he meant by it and I wouldn't until tomorrow. His mother and Neil had invited me over for dinner. I agreed since it was important to Charlie. His father would be there and he really wanted me to go with. Then he hit me with

"When you come over tomorrow I have to tell you something really important about me and it might change our friendship..I'll see you tomorrow!" Then a door was shut in my face.

I huffed and concluded I would in fact not be getting much rest.

The least I could do is finish wrapping the presents I had gotten for all of them. So I let out a sigh and laid each gift on my floor before grabbing the striped wrapping paper, scissors, and tape.

Plopping onto the floor in front of them I laid down my supplies and started with the biggest gift. I had gotten Laura a small, red toaster since I had broken theirs by accident the last time I was over.

I laughed at the memory of me and Charlie. He dared me to make as much toast as possible in five minutes of course it was stupid and I was rushed. So it ended up breaking.

I moved on to wrap Neil's gift. An ugly, grey plaid sweater that only he could be fond of. Grabbing Lucy's gift I gently began to wrap up the small snow globe. I knew how much she loved them and I knew she would go absolutely wild for it.

Charlie's gift didn't take much thought or planning. I already had it set aside for his birthday, but at his words last night I figured I better give it to him sooner than later. I wrapped the small photo book as carefully as possible. I didn't want to bend it.

I don't know why I was so worried. I had known him practically my whole life. Whatever it was he was going to tell me couldn't possibly be that bad. I grabbed Scotts gift. Just a small card. I had no idea he would have been there until today, but I couldn't let him feel left out. I signed my name in the card and placed it with the rest of the now wrapped items and let out a huff.

Now there was no avoiding it. Now I really had to go to bed. Wake up and then go find out what Charlie needed to tell me.

Why was he so difficult?

I stood from my place on the ground and crawled into bed. Pulling the covers over me. I laid on my back letting my eyes close. Running over all the possibilities of what could happen. When my mind began to drift.

The beep of my alarm startled me awake and blearily felt for it on the stand next to me. Turning it off. I sighed before rubbing my eyes. Letting out a small groan and sitting up. I stared at the gifts on the floor and rolled my eyes. Today was the day.

I tossed the covers off of me and reluctantly got out of bed. Shuffling over to my dresser and tossing on the nicest, warmest clothes I had. A soft sweater and some pants. That would have to do. I did my hair and looked over myself in the mirror.

I didn't look sleep deprived so that was good. I turned to my closet and opened it. I began to ruffle through it for a bag big enough to carry all the gifts. I finally found one that would do after ten minutes of what seemed to be a hopeless search. Turning and placing all the gifts carefully into it I grabbed the rest of my things before I left.

The pit in my stomach seemed to grow. My worry doubled tenfold once I stood in front of his house. I walked to the front door and softly knocked and the door flew open. Little Lucy greeted me with a shout and a hug.

"Hey there Lucy!" I laughed at the small girl and she smiled at me.

"I'll tell him your here!" She shouted and ran down the hall. I laughed again before I stepped inside.

I shut the door behind me and slipped off my boots.

"Oh y/n let me help you." I turned to see Laura and she took the bag from my hands.

"Thank you!" I slipped my coat off and hung it on the small coat rack before turning back to her.

"Here you go. How are you?" I took the bag back from her and smiled. I looked to the stairs waiting for Charlie to come down.

"Fine." Right on cue.

He came down the stairs and smiled at me

"Hey! Glad you made it."

I gave a nod before opening my arm. The other was occupied holding the bag. Charlie seemed to notice as he hugged me back he took the bag from me.

"Well we'll be in the kitchen and you two can join us once you talk." Once she was out of sight I turned to look at him.

"What is going on? Did someone die? Oh gosh was it Neil?" Charlie laughed at me before setting the bag on the floor.

"No will you calm down and come sit." He motioned to the couch and I sighed before sitting down.

"Okay..what I'm gonna say is a family secret and you can't tell anyone about it ever."

I nodded at his words and he sighed.

"My dad..he's Santa clause." I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.

"Mhmm." I hummed before looking down at my hands and I couldn't help it. I let out a laugh at his words before I looked back at him.

"Oh your serious." I stopped laughing and my eyes widened.

"You want proof?"

"Yeah..that would be nice." I nodded and he stood grabbing the bag.

"Come on then. Follow me."

I stood from the couch and followed him into the dining room and there at the table sat who I knew to be Scott. His father. But when I looked closer all I saw was.. Santa?

"Oh my God..you were so serious." I looked behind me at Charlie and he smiled. Although I had learned what life altering news he wanted to share with me. The pit in my stomach had yet to disappear.

"I know it's a lot to take in." I turned to look at Santa and I nodded.

"I..I have gifts." I didn't know what else to say. Better to just move past this.

"Yay! Me first!" Lucy shouted and I smiled at her and Charlie set the bag on the table.

"Here you go." I handed the wrapped globe to her and watched her eyes light up once she saw it.

"I love it! Thank you!" She excitedly jumped up and down and I opened my arms for a hug which she gladly accepted.

I handed Neil and Laura their gifts. Same with Charlie and Santa. I don't think I can move past the Santa thing..

"Oh how lovely thank you y/n."

""Yeah..sorry about the old toaster." I grimaced and she reached out and squeezed my shoulder.

"Thank you y/n this is a really nice sweater!" Neil smiled at me and I nodded.

"Only you would think so." I mumbled to myself and Santa let out a laugh. I looked over at him and he leaned forward.

"I would have to agree with you. Thanks for the card." He smiled warmly at me and I returned it.

"Your welcome Sa-Scott."

"No! Go ahead you can call me Santa."

"Okay." I smiled again and glanced at Charlie.

"Like it?"

"Your so weirdly sentimental..thanks." He smiled at me and I knew he liked it. He just didn't want anyone else to know he did. Boys. I rolled my eyes before I noticed something dark moving down the hall.

"Hey!" I let out a shout and pointed before a boy walked into view.

"Hey to you to." He laughed and I dropped my hand to my heart and sighed.

"You scared me!" I shouted out. Before realizing the pit in my stomach was gone. It was probably just nerves about Santa.

"Sorry." He laughed and I realized I didn't get him anything. Then again I didn't know he would be here.

No one else seemed to be bothered by him. They all turned into their own conversations. I walked over to the boy and smiled.

"I'm y/n. Sorry I didn't get you a gift I didn't know you would be here."

"no apology necessary. I'm Bernard." He reached his hand out and I gladly shook it.

He has such a warm inviting energy about him. For some odd reason I seemed drawn to him.

"Are you a friend of Charlie's?"

"You could say that." He smiled again. I noticed he was looking for a way out of the conversation.

"Your outfit..is very unique." I motioned to his attire and he gave a tight lipped smile.

"Well uh thank you."

"I meant that as a compliment." I rushed out. I didn't want to come off as rude.

"Oh..well thanks...your outfit..is also unique."

"Thank you." I moved to stand next to him as he seemed keen on observing Santa.

"You know Scott?"

"Yeah. We're work buddies." That's when his words clicked and I laughed to myself.

"What's so funny?" He turned to look at me.

"I know that he's Santa if that's why your so tense." Upon my words he seemed to instantly relax.

"Well that's a relief to know."

"Yeah." We fell into silence again and as he stood looking at them I turned to observe him.

He wasn't much taller than me. Only a few inches taller and his hair was so curly..kinda cute. There was something about him. Almost as if I knew him from somewhere.

"You look so familiar.." I mumbled.

"I don't see how we've never met." He laughed although this one seemed nervous.

I began to sort through all sorts of thoughts. Memories. I had seen him before. I just knew it.

"Why don't you two come sit and eat." Laura motioned to the table where everyone else had sat.

I quickly moved to sit and Charlie motioned to the spot next to him. Bernard took the seat next to me. Which I had the feeling he did that so I couldn't stare at him.

Dinner was quiet. My mind was loud and my thoughts buzzed over the small conversations everyone else was having.

Eventually dinner was finished and everyone began to move to the living room. I slowly stood and followed. Although I was confused at why the tree was being lit up and decoration's we're being sorted through.

"Their having dad put on the tree topper." Charlie whispered to me.

"Oh.." I thanked him and stood in the doorway and watched as the tree topper was placed on the top of the tree.

"Uncle Scott can you please read me a bed time story?" Lucy pulled on his sleeve.

"Of course! Charlie why don't you join us?" He looked over at Charlie. Who was searching for a reason not to.

"He'll be right up." I spoke up for him. He would thank me later.

I watched as they disappeared upstairs and Laura and Neil followed. My eyes moved to where Bernard was stood.

He seemed to have not noticed me as he moved over to the tree and adjusted one of the gifts under it.

That's when it clicked. That's where I knew him from. I was twelve and heard a loud crash come from downstairs. So as any kid would on Christmas night I jumped out of bed and ran to see what it was. The only thing I had saw was a boy moving a present under the tree and hanging a few decorations back up.

The same boy that stood before me right now.

"I do know you.." I smiled at him and he quizzically looked at me.

"We've never met.."

"No we haven't, but you fixed a present under my tree once when I was twelve. Picked up a few decorations too." I saw the realization on his face and he smiled.

"Well I guess your right. I didn't think anyone had spotted me."

"Isn't it Santa's job to break in?"

"Santa did do his job...the gifts got switched up and so I had to fix it. It was a rare mistake." He laughed.

"Wow...I can't believe I was right."

"Must not happen very often." I made a face at his response before moving to sit on the couch.

"Sit with me." I patted the spot next to me.

Placing my hands in my lap. I smiled as he took me up on my offer. Sitting next to me. We sat in what now seemed to be a comfortable silence.

"You haven't aged." I looked at him and he smiled.

"Elves don't really look any older. But trust me I'm centuries old."

"Ah.. well it's a good thing I'm into older guys." I cringed at myself. Why did I have to go and say that?

"You got older though." I let out a sigh of relief that he decided to ignore my comment.

"Yeah. I'm like nineteen now." I smiled.

"Wow? Your a lot older than Charlie."

"Yeah I know, but I always forget we've been friends since he was born."

"I didn't forget what you said if that's what your thinking." He mumbled and I laughed.

"Yeah..I figured you wouldn't brush past it." I felt my cheeks get all blushy and hot and cursed silently at myself. I had no idea why I was acting this way. He was just any other cute boy.

"What are you thinking?" I watched his brows furrow as he observed me. I began to fidget with my fingers.

"I'm just thinking about how cute you are..and how I probably got no shot with you..since you seem very uninterested." He slowly smiled at my words.

"I never said that I wasn't interested.." He placed his hand on mine to stop my hands from moving.

My pulse seemed to be racing and it's as if I could hear my heart beating in my chest.

"Would it be crazy if we maybe hung out sometime?" I bite my lip and waited for his response.

"Would it be crazy if I said yes?" He smiled at me and I smiled back.

He ripped his hand off of mine as Charlie stepped into the room.

"I heard everything so.." He looked between us and I placed my head in my hands.

"Your such an embarrassment sometimes." I mumbled and Bernard laughed before quickly feigning it as him clearing his throat at Charlie's glare.

I looked between them before I sighed and stood from the couch.

"Bernard...I'm sure you'll be able to find my address. Be there tomorrow at four." He nodded at my words and smiled.

I grabbed Charlie and pulled him out of the room.

"Wait I didn't even get to say anything!" He shouted out in protest.

"That's the point." I pushed him up the stairs.

I hoped Bernard would show up tomorrow. I had a feeling we could have a very special connection. All I could do now was just hope.

[iriel3000]

When Will You Let Her Go? part 2

Whumptober Day 9: Polaroid

LAURA WHUMP, emotional whump,

Summary: The redhead in the picture was not who she expected.

“Clint? Do you have any cash in your wallet?” Laura cracked the bathroom door and hollered in. "Cooper is going to the movies and I didn’t stop at the bank before you came back.”

Clint and the kids returned from New York a couple of days ago. Lila, Nate and Cooper couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had and how they wanted to go back next time.

“Wallet should be on the dresser or in my duffle bag.” He yelled back from the shower.

Not seeing it on the nightstand or dresser, she grabbed his black bag off the floor and set it on the bed.

The worn, old, leather wallet was stuffed with receipts, money, ticket stubs and a variety of business cards. She took a couple of twenties.

A brightly colored ticket was partially sticking out. It was for Rogers the Musical.

Laura straightened it and went to slide it back in when the date caught her eye.

March 13.

She knew he and the kids went at Christmas last year, and then again this past week when they were in New York.

In July.

Clint never mentioned going to the play while he was out in the spring by himself.

She shoved the stub back in its spot and began to rummage through his wallet.

A few restaurant receipts from their trip that seemed way too much, but that city was expensive. A couple more from some women’s clothing stores.

Behind a wad of business cards was an old Polaroid picture folded in half.

Laura smiled wondering if it was from Clint’s childhood or when Lila decided she was going to be a professional photographer for one whole week.

Her smile dropped as soon as she unfolded the photo.

Red hair and a gorgeous smile looked up at her.

Except it wasn’t who she expected.

She turned the picture over to read the writing.

For my Hawk, so I can always be with you. Your little Spider.

find the whole series here....Laura Whump

AN: sorry so short, the day got away from me. I'll add to this when I post it to ao3

[jjtheresidentbaby]

CG!DEREK BEDROOM PROMPT LIST?! SUPER LAST MINUTE SORRY

- @bebbie-bilinski

🐺Caregiver Derek Hale Bedroom Headcanons🐺 ➢ event masterlist

this kinda just turned into his whole loft hcs but shhh

1. What kind of bed do they sleep in? What size is it?

- it’s a king bed and it’s super comfortable, the right mix of squishy and hard for Derek to actually enjoy sleeping on it. it was a gift from Peter a couple months into them being more comfortable around one another after everything that happened, Peter had noticed that Derek wasn’t sleeping and while getting a new mattress didn’t fix the issue completely, it definitely helped

2. How many pillows do they sleep with? What’s the color of their pillows?

- there’s four pillows on his bed but he really only uses the two on the right side as that’s the side of the bed he sleeps on

3. How many blankets do they sleep with? What colors are they?

- his comforter is gray and he has one maroon red throw blanket that stays on his bed at all times. although he does have another throw blanket that’s crocheted and was saved from after the fire that Laura made that he keeps in his closet, he’s scared to ruin it so it only gets used if he really wants it

4. Where do they keep their clothes? How are their clothes organized?

- he has a dark wood dresser that’s from his time living in New York, he keeps it very organized but also makes sure to keep one of his drawers stocked with clothes for littles from the pack incase of emergency

5. What kind of light sources do they have? How many do they have? Why?

- since the loft has that huge window he doesn’t feel the need to have a lot of light sources. he obviously has main lights for each room, but other than that he just has a small bin of different light projectors & fairy lights that he may use while looking over someone in the pack

6. What colors are their bedroom walls?

- his bedroom has a darker gray color brick while his living room/rest of the loft have light gray brick, you can barely tell the difference but it’s there okay. he needs people to be aware of it.

7. What does their bedroom look like? What kind of furniture do they have in there? How big is it?

- the loft is extremely open so it’s not necessarily a bedroom but more of a section he’s deemed to be his bedroom. he can see into most of the loft from his bed which he likes, it’s easier to see danger coming, but also to see if any littles are causing chaos if he can’t be at their side

8. What kind of floor does their bedroom have? What color?

- they’re concrete but have built in heaters that he can change the temp of, yes they were expensive but so worth it (especially when he comes home to theo & malia curled up on the floor together)

9. Do they have any toys? Do they sleep with any of them?

- he has a toy bin he keeps at the end of his bed for the littles, it’s filled with plushies, action figures, dolls, toy cars, anything that can fit really. he had started it when Scott mentioned that the loft might be a nice place for the littles of the pack to come and relax, it’s grown immensely. some of the toys Derek hasn’t bought himself and they’ve just appeared but he never questions it. he takes time after the littles leave after a visit to clean them all with disinfectant wipes and spray, just so nobody has to worry about them potentially getting sick from a shared toy

10. Do they have any rugs? If so, what color are they?

- there’s a rug under his bed but it isn’t big, his floors being heated means he doesn’t need them aside for decoration

11. Are there any decorative elements to their bedroom? What are they? Why?

- not really, he’s a minimalist through and through, but there’s a couple things he keeps. he has picture frames saved from the fire he keeps on his dresser next to a few of the pack that Melissa got him, and he has a board hung up by his bed that has all of the postcards Cora’s sent him hung up, he likes to reread them at night when he misses her. and occasionally a little will draw him a picture that he happily hangs up on the fridge with magnets (he has a folder of all of them in his closet)

12. What are some of the things they do in their bedroom?

- technically all he does in his bedroom part of the loft is sleep, or read, but as for the rest he does just about anything. when he’s watching over littles he lets them have free range on the house aside from the kitchen since that can get dangerous, so there’s lots of games of hide & seek, they can set up huge race car tracks across his floor since it’s so open, Kira & Lydia like to have talent shows for their stuffed animals, Theo & Malia sometimes shift into their wolf form at the loft so they play fight if Derek allows it— he doesn’t have strict rules. If nobody’s getting hurt, offended, or being left out, than it’s most likely okay

13. Do they share their bedroom with anyone. If so, who?

- nobody sleeps there every night but sometimes littles will stay the night in the loft, they always have the choice of the couch, Derek’s bed, or the floor which is mainly just for Malia & Theo staying over