#be kind to yourselves and gently scrub the show off your hands. listen to the song blue by chaos chaos instead

[tmos-time]

oh i CANNOT keep my mouth shut about this one. who is feeding you all south park to watch are you all okay. who's making you all watch that show. delete your tiktok accounts about it maybe

[heavenbarnes]

come on, baby, let me get to you

Nancy Wheeler x Female Reader

Warnings/Contains: swearing, mentions of a cutting your finger, fingering, tit sucking, implied top! reader, implied bottom! nancy, pretty soft by my standards

Word Count: 2.8k

i think about er a lot, so it was only right that i gave you something to work with! x

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Nancy wasn’t even sure how she was dragged, maybe coerced, into this. Her eyes had lit up at the news of her younger brother going away to summer camp for nearly a whole month. That light had died the moment her mother told her she’d be going too.

She argued she was too old for a stupid summer camp, until her mom explained that she’d be a camp counselor. Rambling on about how it’d look good on her resume, and how her skin could use some sun, that was what got her here. 

How she found herself stood up to her ankles in mud, the same slimy dirt splattered up her shirt and across her cheek. 

The culprit who threw the mud ball directly at Nancy was turning pink in the cheeks, pulling his feet out of the dirt so he could hurry away from his counselor before she totally flipped out.

“Keep running before I make you scrub the whole kitchen for that!” A voice came from behind Nancy, and if she could've sunk down into the sludge, she would’ve.

If anyone could’ve found her stuck in the mud, covered in it and nearly fuming, Nancy really didn’t want it to be you. She couldn’t fight the tinge of embarrassment she felt twang in the pit of her stomach when her fellow counselor stepped around the side of her.

“It’s just because you’re new, we’ll whip ‘em into shape sooner or later.” You dropped an eye into a wink as you lifted one of her arms.

Wrapping it around your shoulders you crouched down to give yourself enough leverage to pull the other girl out of the predicament she found herself in. As her feet became unstuck, she sighed quite loudly.

“I wish the kids liked me as much as they do you, they all think I’m boring or something.”

Nancy wrapped her other arm around your front, almost enveloping you into a hug as you continued to pry her from the mud. Silently, you hoped to whatever was listening that she couldn’t feel your heart speed up at her touch.

“You just have to give them time, soon they’ll love you as much as I do.”

You wished you could pluck those words out of the air and swallow them as quick as you’d said them. Nancy’s doe eyes darted in your direction, if you knew any better you’d think she was wiling you to elaborate.

“I- I love your fun nature and- and your tenacity.” Stuttering only slightly, you filled the silence your comment had left.

Nancy huffed a breath out her nose. “You think I have tenacity?”

“You’re up to your shins in mud, had the stuff thrown at you, and you haven’t demanded to go home.” Finally you freed both her feet. “You’ve got tenacity and then some.”

Still using you for support, Nancy had the hint of a smile drift across her face as she tried to take her first step. The change in feeling was too much for her, sending her flailing out towards the ground.

She would’ve hit the mud with an almighty splat, had she not grabbed you tight around the neck. Your arms flew behind her back and anyone watching on might’ve thought you both were practicing the dip in your waltz.

Blinking up at you with those big eyes, you knew there was no doubt she could feel your pulse against her arm, beating like crazy. You told yourself that if she asked, you’d play it off as adrenaline from catching her. A bold faced lie when just watching her walk across the room had you feel the same way.

You cracked a grin at her, shaking your head gently as you looked down to her. “If you could stay vertical, that’d make this a whole lot easier.”

She giggled quietly, a nearly angelic sound to your ears as you both managed to make your way back to main camp. Walking beside her through the trees, you wished you could have the smallest glimpse into what she was thinking.

Nancy stayed dead quiet, overall just rather embarrassed that you’d had to rescue her like this. Especially as this was the second time you’d had to save her (if you consider Nancy forgetting her towel and having to ask you to get her one and bring it to the shower to be a disaster).

To her, you had this effortless way of captivating everyone. The kids and the counselors loved you, and she couldn’t blame them. She just couldn’t put her finger on the reason why she felt the way she did whenever you showed up.

There was a feeling stirring deep in her and she most certainly hadn’t felt it before, but the moment you laid even the softest touch on her, Nancy swore she could feel it long after you���d let go.

Arriving back at camp, that desperation to sink into the earth and out of view came back to Nancy in an overwhelming sense. Her younger brother, Mike, was stood with his friends and had a shit-eating grin take over his face as he saw the state she was in.

You picked up on Nancy’s energy before she even said a word, her whole body tensed up in an instant. You’d had a sweet little crush on the girl since the moment you laid eyes on her, you knew when things weren’t right.

“Now, when I say you look like the creature from the black lagoon I don’t-“

“Michael, say another word and you’re on firewood duty till the end of camp.”

Both the Wheeler’s turned to look at you with mouth’s agape, the eldest looked considerably more pleased with you.

“What? But she’s my sister I’m allowed to say crap like that!”

“She may be your sister, but here she’s my bunkmate and what I say goes.”

Mike’s shoulders deflated as he kicked his toes into the dirt, you continued on past him with his sister in toe. As you left him behind, you tossed the final say over your shoulder.

“By the way, that was another word so you’re definitely on firewood duty.”

“God damn it.”

Walking Nancy over to the shower blocks, you claimed it was so she didn’t fall into another ditch, but both of you kind of knew it was to have more time together.

Neither of you said a thing about it.

“What did you mean by “bunkmate” was that just to get my brother of my back?” She asked quietly, toeing at the loose dirt like the other Wheeler had.

You shot her a second of confusion before speaking. “Did they not tell you Fatima Torrence got food-poisoning? They’re putting you in my bunk until they clean your one.”

Now, Nancy never wished ill of anybody. But if she said she wasn’t even the smallest bit happy her old bunkmate had eaten that grey chicken the night before, she’d be a liar.

Nancy Wheeler didn’t often find comfort in lies, but she did in kind girls who rescued her from mud and 13 year olds.

Reaching the door to the shower room, you felt yourself sink a bit. She was only going to be gone 20 minutes tops, but if you could spend every moment with her, that’d be quite alright.

“Thank you for before, and thank you for not making fun of me.”

Smiling kindly at her, you couldn’t ignore that tinge of embarrassment that clouded her. For someone that, to you, made the sun rise in the morning - she didn’t have an awful lot of confidence just yet.

“Any time, I’d never make fun of you, I like you too much.” That stirred a smile on her cheeks. “Don’t forget your towel, I can’t be running back here or they’ll think somethings going on.”

Sending her another wink, the blush the crept up her neck was undeniable but her smile wasn’t able to be kept down. You wouldn’t make fun of her, but tease her endlessly? How could you not.

Chopping potatoes for dinner that night, you physically had to stop your mind from wandering to that steam filled shower block where Nancy was probably humming to herself.

Her hands were probably running across her whole body, that lavender soap was filling her senses and if you tried hard enough it’d do the same to yours.

She’d be dripping hot water and her hair slicked back and you could nearly feel it, nearly reach out and touch-

“Can you hear me?”

Jumping at the sound of that sweet voice, the one you’d just imagined moaning your name, the knife slipped from your grasp and across your finger.

“Fuck!” Bringing the pad of your pointer finger to your mouth, you sucked at the superficial cut.

“Oh my god! I am so sorry!” Nancy reached out to grab your other arm and pulled you towards the first aid kid. “I am so stupid!”

“No, you’re not.” You mumbled around your digit. “I was just lost in my head.”

Opening the case she rifled around for a band aid as she carried on about how she shouldn’t have given you a fright. You haphazardly retorted how you should’ve been paying more attention.

Finding the sticking plaster adorned with a panda bear, Nancy reached out for your “wounded” limb.

“Stop sucking your fingers and give them to me.”

Your head shot up to her, eyes widening to nearly the size of her own. Whilst yours opened wide, hers narrowed at you. “And get your mind out of the gutter whilst you’re at it.”

“Yes ma’am, sorry ma’am.” You saluted with your free hand.

Once the finger was bandaged and you could get back to the potatoes, Nancy stood by your side as she took on the carrots. Working together in harmony, you swore you could’ve stayed like that forever, listening to her hum quietly as you worked away.

You willed for her to come into your kitchen and be the main course, the starter, and the dessert.

After the campfire where Nancy had curled into your side, allowing you to drape your blanket around the both of you, you found yourselves walking back to your bunk room.

It was more plausible that nothing would happen, you’d both tuck into bed and that’d be it. But there was something in the way she held onto you in the cold air of the night, the way she looked at you as you said her name.

If there was something up there and listening, please throw plausibility to the wind.

Picking up your shorts and t-shirt, you head to the bathrooms to get changed. As you brushed your teeth, you wondered how you’d even get any sleep knowing how close the girl that’d captivated your mind for so long, was within reaching distancing.

The cool air brushed along your exposed legs as you went back to your cabin, opening the door to complete darkness. Figures, Nancy just wanted to go to sleep, that was more than plausible and you nearly cursed yourself for thinking something could’ve happened.

With your back to her, you put your backpack under your bed as you pulled the covers back. Your shoulders jumped slightly as one of the cabin lamps were flicked on.

The softest voice called your name.

Turning around, all the breath in your lungs were drawn from you, coming out in a breathy moan. “Holy shit.”

Nancy Wheeler, sweet and righteous, doe eyes and cheek bones meant to be held. Nancy Wheeler laid before you in the dim light of a lantern, only in her frilly pink bra and knickers.

Nancy Wheeler was beckoning you over.

Letting your feet move before your mind could catch up, you were kneeling on the end of her bed and making your way closer before you even thought about what was happening.

All that mattered was this girl was reaching out and grasping your arms, pulling you up her body until you were caging her in on that threadbare mattress.

“Is this what you want, baby?” Running your finger tips along her thigh to her hip, you felt her shiver. “I want to hear you say it.”

Her voice was a featherlight whisper just inches from your ear, it was your turn to feel a shiver wrack your whole body as she spoke.

“It is, I want you.”

So your fingers were hooking over the edge of her panties as you drew them back, feeling like unwrapping a present on Christmas morning. Every inch of skin that was revealed to you seemed to get even more beautiful.

Squirming beneath you, those wide eyes watched every movement you made as you took your time with her. You purposefully drew your nails along her as you undressed her, making her buck up into you.

Her own hands came to the cups of her bra, fingers gently tracing the puckered lace that rested there. You stilled for a moment, eyes casting up to see what she might do next. She was almost waiting for permission.

“Go ahead, let me see.”

With that, she drew down the fabric to expose her chest to you. Your breath caught in your throat as she tweaked at her nipples, pulling them with her slender fingers.

Your head swirled with the severity of the situation, the very real situation where you had the wonders of the universe at your finger tips. Turning back to the panties you had in your hand, you tossed them onto your bunk, hoping they’d get lost amongst your belongings.

Gently gripping her thighs, you pulled them apart and opened her up to you. Tugging her down the bed a bit, you slotted nicely between her long legs, like that was where you meant to belong.

Bringing a hand to her center, you ran two fingers along her and felt the sweet wetness that lay there. You felt your insides seize, desperately aching to feel even more of her. Nancy gasped, telling you that this wasn’t a feeling she was used to.

“You ever had a girl this close to you, touch you like this?”

Nancy shook her head as she tipped it back, feeling the way you dipped your fingers in and pressed them tight against her clit. She rolled her hips into your hand, trying to angle you down and closer to where she wanted you.

Giving into her easily, you gently dipped your fingers into where she was wettest. You couldn’t help but moan quietly as you slipped into her, watching the way her back arched off the bed.

Dipping down, you pressed your face into the curve of her neck to breathe her in. Slowly working your fingers against her, you curled them upwards to draw the most beautiful moans out of her.

Nancy wrapped her arms around your shoulders, pulling you in even closer. Feeling her breath against your skin was enough to send you feeling, peppering your lips along the soft skin of her neck.

“That- that feels so good, faster.” Her stuttered breath had her chest rising and falling quickly beneath you.

Doing as told, you sped up the movements of your wrist as Nancy called your name. You felt her head turn beside you, lips moments from your cheek as she moaned for you. Turning your head towards her, you found your own lips so close to hers.

She closed the distance, pressing her mouth so gently to yours before you felt her tongue slip past. If there was a moment in life you could keep forever, this would be a pretty good contender.

Nipping her lower lip, you rolled your fingers up into her sweet spot. The noises you pulled from deep within her chest were mesmerizing, your name had never sounded this good in your life.

Nancy’s thighs tensed around you, body going rigid as you continued to move against her. Angling your thumb up, you rolled the pad of it against her clit. Her whole body tensed tighter, hands sliding down you to grip the material of your shirt.

You left her mouth, coming down to take one of her nipples between your lips. The varying pleasure had Nancy’s voice breaking, a strangled cry of your name rolling off her tongue. Working her through it, you felt her whole body melt around you.

“That’s a good girl, let me hear you.”

Her fingernails gripped into your shoulders, dragging up as she continued to roll into your movements. You felt her wetness around your fingers, her moans still tumbling past her lips as she came for you.

Letting her catch her breath, you brought your fingers to your mouth, laying them against your tongue as Nancy watched with curious eyes. You smiled around them as she started to reach out for you again.

“Stop sucking your fingers and give them to me.”

[therealvalkyrie]

Through the Mirror: Part 1

my body, my music

Pairing/setting: Detective!Levi Ackerman x Female!Ghost!Reader, modern!AU within the Walls

Summary: When you’re murdered one Tuesday morning, can Levi piece together the true circumstances of your death with your help from beyond the grave?

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: dead body, descriptions of blood, swearing, mentions of violence

AN: Welcome to my new series because I have no self control and can’t finish projects before starting others! Lemme just start off by saying updates may come pretty irregularly because I do have a lot of other WIPs to work on, but! I’m really excited about this idea and have a whole lot planned:) I seriously hope you enjoy. After all, who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? Drop into my DMs/askbox/comments/reblogs to let me know what you think! Be kind to yourselves and others. ~valkyrie

“Ah, shit! Hello!? I’m standing right here!”

The woman completely ignores you, stepping carefully over the puddle of blood and across your tiny living room. You cross your arms and pout. She ignores that, too. 

“‘Scuse me, boys, let the experts take it from here,” she quips, gently pushing past the two detectives and crouching next to your body on the ground. 

It’s ugly, but she’s probably seen worse, you muse from where you’re leaning against the door jamb. It’s only been lying there for a couple of hours, so at least you haven’t bloated to something out of an NCIS episode. Must smell horrid, though, judging by the mask the head detective has pulled over his face.

“So, you said the landlady called at about 7 am?” the ME inquires, cocking her head up to look at the detectives, nylon gloved hands held at the ready.

“7:07 exactly. Said a neighbor made a noise complaint, she came up to check it out, found signs of a forced entry, and called us.” It’s the taller blonde who speaks up, reading from an off-brand pocket notepad in his left hand. The kind you’d find on sale at Staples after Back-to-School season.

Interesting. You lean your head against the wall, eyes trained on the trio. You’d pegged the ill-tempered shorter one as in charge. Maybe he’s just the quiet type. 

“Hmm, alright. Moblit, get off your ass and come take the pictures before we move her,” the woman calls to someone behind you, and you turn just in time to get a face full of Moblit’s chest as he walks towards you. 

You cringe back with a “God, seriously?” to no response.

“Yes, sorry, right away, Hange!” Moblit hurries past- no, through -you, sidestepping the ottoman and the blood. It feels weird, like a strong wind, but not altogether unpleasant to have someone walk through you, you suppose. You look down at your chest to watch your misty body re-settle into itself before looking back at the group in your living room.

Were it not for the gruesome accents of blood flecked up the walls and your body riddled with stab wounds, you’d chuckle at how all four of them struggled to navigate the space. It’s cramped enough when it’s just you, fitting only a couch, a chair, a coffee table, your fern (Boris), and a narrow IKEA bookshelf. With the four of them plus a dead body, it’s like watching a freaking clown car.

“Sorry, excuse me, Captain, oh, was that your toe—?” Moblit’s struggling the most, having to move to capture different angles with his bulky camera. When he steps on the shorter man’s toe, he positively blanches, fumbling over himself to apologize while the ME laughs openly.

“God, alright, just,” the Captain pinches his delicate nose between a thumb and forefinger, then decides it’s better to wait in the kitchen. “C’mon, Gin, let’s chat in there.”

The Captain and the blonde detective both pass through you on the way back to the kitchen, but you only sigh and shake the tingly feeling of being incorporeal out of your fingers before following them.

“So,” the man called Gin takes the initiative, flipping back through his notebook and standing by the fridge. “I got statements from the landlady and two of the neighbors, numbers 303 and 304 down the hall. 301, directly across the hall, didn’t answer, but I got contact info from the landlady.” He pauses to read and scratch at his whiskery beard. “It was 304 who made the noise complaint, said she heard yelling this morning at around 5:45, and that she normally wouldn’t’ve said anything but it was, quote, the fourth goddamn time this week and I work the goddamn night shift, I deserve some fucking rest, unquote.”

You grin. Mrs. Sheffield was never one to mince words, something you appreciated when your ex-boyfriend got too loud and she took it upon herself to give him a piece of her mind. You catch a glimmer of a smile on the ornery Captain’s face above where he’s pulled his mask down before he gestures for Gin to keep going, keeping his thoughtful gaze fixed on the floor and his back against your countertop.

“Then after she called the landlady, she went to bed, only to be woken by us two hours later.”

“You said she called the landlady at 5:45 and that she works the night shift?”

Gin double checks his notes. “That’s right.”

“And she works at the hospital?”

“Yes, as a scrub nurse on the night shift.”

“But the night shift at the hospital ends at 6:30.”

“It was her night off,” you and Gin say at the same time before you catch yourself. They can’t hear you, anyway. This’d be a lot easier if they could.

Gin plows ahead. “But she says she keeps the same sleep schedule so she doesn’t, ah, fuck up her circadian rhythm.”

The Captain practically snorts at this, itching for a second under his silk cravat (can someone say pretentious) before settling back into a listening silence.

“303 says he didn’t hear a thing. College kid, looked exhausted. Said he was asleep the whole night after he got in at,” a page flip, “11 o’clock last night. Wasn’t much help, but looked genuinely upset when we told him about the murder. Wanted to know if there was anything he could do. Oh, but he did, uh, hang on,” more page flips, “He did tell us that he heard her and her boyfriend arguing a lot. Which is consistent with what Mrs. Sheffield told us.”

“Ex-boyfriend,” you correct into thin air. 

“A lover’s spat gone wrong, then,” Mr. Pretentious Captain muses. You huff in annoyance. A lover’s spat. If that’s all that this is written off as you’ll have some serious PD haunting to do. Chris may have been an angry, loud, disruptive manipulator, but he wouldn’t murder you. He didn’t murder you. “Any info on the whereabouts of the boyfriend?”

“Ex-boyf—!”

Blondie cuts you off, “Not currently, but we do have a name: Chris Henderson, works in admin down at the University. Lives across town closer to the Bridge.”

“Send some uniforms to bring him in for questioning. No arrests yet, tell ‘em to keep it friendly.”

“Right, I’ll put Dreyse and Bodt on it.”

“Dreyse, really?” Captain Cravat gives Gin an incredulous look. 

“Hey, she may look like a ditz but she gets the job done. And she might get him to let down his guard,” Gin argues, grinning. 

“Fine. I’ll meet them at the station, you stay here and make sure that mousy-haired dunce doesn’t fuck up my crime scene.”

“Hey, who’re you callin’ mousy-haired, short stack?” Hange actually sticks her whole head through yours this time, to butt into the conversation, and you shriek and jump away to the other side of your tiny kitchen, now sandwiched between Blondie and Shortstack. The latter twitches and swats at the air by his ear, as though to dislodge a fly, narrowly missing yours. You give him a weird look then turn back to listen to the ME. She’s leaning into the kitchen at an alarming angle, one hand on the doorframe and the other on the end of the gurney you assume is carrying your body. You shudder at the thought of being toted around in a dark, musty, humid glorified coat bag. Ugh. 

“—takin’ this baby”-she slaps the gurney twice and you flinch-“back so I can get started on the autopsy, Moblit’s staying to take more pictures and collect forensics. If Eld’s stayin’ here with Mob, does that mean you’re catching a ride with me, Levi?” The question is addressed to Captain Grump on your right, who gives a heavy sigh and pushes off the counter. 

“I guess so. I get to choose music though.”

“Ah, ah, ah,” she’s wagging a finger, grinning. “My body, my music!”

“How about my body, my music?” you suggest, following Levi. “I deserve it after the day I’ve had.”

Again, Levi twitches and swats aggressively by his ear, nearly hitting you full in the face this time. 

“You hear that, Gin? This place got a mosquito problem or something?”

“I do not have a mosquito problem!” and “No, sir, I don’t hear anything.” overlap in the air. 

Captain Levi only grunts, then starts spouting instructions, which Gin notes down. “I want footage from any cameras in the building, and from the shops next door and across the street. I want statements from residents both upstairs and downstairs. I want names, addresses, and numbers of next of kin on my desk by noon, and lastly, I want no one, save for myself, you, shitty glasses, and mousy-hair, in or out of this apartment. Are we clear?”

“Crystal clear, sir.”

“Good. I’m leaving you Braus to help and to show her the ropes of this kind of thing. Even though she’s on the case, she will not set foot in this apartment. I don’t trust her not to leave breadcrumbs in the bloodstains.

“Yes, sir.”

“I expect an in-person report before shift-change this evening. See you then.” Then, he’s sweeping out of the kitchen in pursuit of Hange and the gurney, leaving you to scurry after. As you exit your home, he shoots a young auburn-haired woman in a crisp white blouse and wool slacks a look. “Braus. You’re with Gin. Don’t go in the apartment.”

She straightens up from leaning against the wall with a jolt and brushes croissant crumbs off her front. “Yes, Captain Levi, sir!” It’s slightly muffled by the pastry stuffed into her mouth.

“Tch.”

It’s fascinating watching how Levi and Hange manage to navigate the gurney down the narrow, twisting stairs of your walk-up apartment building. They’re both clearly used to this sort of thing, communicating only in short phrases and grunts when they encounter an obstacle. Occasionally, you offer up a pointer and watch as Levi becomes increasingly irritated. 

“Watch out for Mr. Laslow’s cat, he likes to sneak up on ya!”

“Hange, do you hear— shit!” Levi hops to the side, narrowly avoiding the tabby tail as Tubbins McGee whisks past.

“It’s only a cat, Levi, dunno what’s got you so worked up today,” Hange teases, grin echoing your own as you chortle from the landing above them. 

Eventually, they spill out onto the sidewalk and into the bright mid-day, and Hange groans loudly, stretching with both hands on her back.

“Ugh. Remind me not to die in there, I’d hate to put someone else through that.”

“Boof, tell me about it,” you commiserate. 

“Noted,” Levi snarks. 

Hange removes jingling keys from her pocket and unlocks the ME’s van parked along the sidewalk with a beep, then opens the back doors and steps in. You follow, leaning against the cool metal siding to watch.

When they both load into the front seats and the engine turns over, you lean forward between them to listen in.

“So,” Hange starts, smoothly pulling out into the road behind a silver minivan. “I’ll be able to give you a more solid answer in a couple hours, but my initial estimated time of death would be around 5:45 this morning.”

Levi nods, staring out the passenger window while he answers. “That lines up with the neighbor’s story.”

“Theories so far?”

“Well, there’s the boyfriend,” he muses, lifting a hand to rub his chin.

“Too obvious,” you say dully, not bothering to amend the lack of “ex” yet again. “Next theory.”

He’s quiet for a moment, then mutter, almost too quietly for you to catch: ��Too obvious, hmm? Next theory....”

You’re momentarily flabbergasted, hand falling through the faux-leather seat back in your shock. Can he actually hear you? You shake out your hand while it re-materializes, tuning in to the conversation as Hange’s responding. 

“—a little far-fetched, don’t you think? I mean, has there been any of that activity in this area recently?”

“Mm, I’ll have to touch base with Petra. If there has been, I think it’s worth looking into.”

“What is? Wait, go back,” you frantically plead, leaning further into his airspace. But Hange plows on. 

“Oh, it’s Petra, now, hmm? Not Raggedy Anne anymore?” Her tone is teasing, and she glances over to Levi for a reaction. 

He doesn’t give her one, just stares out the window pensively before reaching for the radio dial. The stereo blares up into an Oldies station, and you make a disgusted face along with Levi. 

“You listen to this shit?”

“Hey, my dead body, my music, sweetcheeks. Don’t like it, you can thumb it back to the PD.”

“How about my dead body, my music?” you suggest again, reaching for the dial at the same time as Levi does. Just as his slender fingers touch it, your hand passes through the whole front console and the oldies are replaced with a terrifyingly loud static screeching. 

“Christ, Levi, what’d you do?” Hange shrieks, lunging forward to punch the radio off as you remove your hand. 

“Nothing! It just went berserk!”

They bicker while you stare at your offending palm. “Huh. Didn’t know I could do that.”

If you can actually interact with objects, at least to some degree, and if it turns out Levi can hear you.... This whole thing might be easier than you thought.

[ironmandeficiency]

love me naked

pairing: fox / reader

word count: 1749

summary: you and fox both overwork yourselves and in order to get him to slow down, you have to do the same.

a/n: i love fox dearly and had intended on saving this for a while but i got impatient. i’ve never written for fox until now so he may be a bit ooc, fingers crossed that he isn’t. hearth is an oc and i love him so much, if you have questions abt him or any of my other oc darlings i’d love to answer them. (listen to this song)

“he hasn’t come out in ages,” thorn’s voice is rightfully worried as he approaches you. you’re treating a shiny that came back from his first rough shift. the poor thing was shaking, nervous and still reeling from the fact he was attacked by the civilians he was so eager to help. hearth, he said his name was, and you recognized the name from hearing chatter around the medbay. medics were flies on walls, and hearth was quickly becoming known for his empathy and what some claimed were the best hugs in the guard.

you knew that thorn was talking about fox. your boyfriend had a reputation that heavily revolved around the way he would throw himself into his work and burden himself with more than anyone ever should, but to point fingers would be quite hypocritical on your part.

being the chief medical officer of the coruscant guard’s medical bay, you’ve pulled all-nighters that could put some front lines medics to shame. you hadn’t slept in nearly three days, spending all of your time elbow-deep in blood and bacta. there wasn’t even a reason for you to be up; your staff had recently been replenished (there had been several civvie medics quit after a particularly bad riot) last week so there was no dire need for you to stay in the medbay.

it could be seen as hypocritical of you to chastise fox for his behavior with your current state as well as priors, but someone had to take care of the self-sacrificing commander.

“i’ll be with you in a minute, just let me take care of hearth here first.” thorn nodded and stood nearby while you finished up with the last of the bacta patches the former shiny needed.  it would’ve normally taken a minute or two tops, but you wanted to go slower; you could tell that hearth needed the extra attention.

after a few minutes, hearth is completely patched up. he’s leaving the medbay with a sucker in his mouth and a calmer demeanor than when he came in. your area is sanitized and the bloody gauze and gloves are unceremoniously thrown into the biohazard basket, and you’re off.

it’s time to rescue your fox from his own mind.

--------

three knocks snap fox from the hypnotic daze the datapad had over him. he hadn’t moved his eyes from the screen in what was probably hours, his eyes no longer registering the burn the blue screen caused. he called out a gruff come in and was surprised to feel how dry his throat was. when was the last time i actually talked?

you were in your greys, thorn standing slightly behind you. your eyes were a little hollow, probably from pulling the third triple shift this week. why didn’t you try to rest? you had the authority to maneuver the schedules of your medics however you wanted to, there was no reason you had to put so much on your shoulders.

but what upset him the most was the way your eyebrows shifted when you took in his surroundings. datapads were anywhere from six inches to two feet high stacked like a fortress around and on his desk, crumpled balls of flimsi scattered throughout. one stack of datapads had several dirty plates stacked from what little food he’d actually eaten in the past couple days.

your voice is soft, worried, when you speak. “fox, can i come in?”

fox hated the way you were using your gentle medic voice on him because it meant that his state was more pitiful than he cared to realize. “yeah, baar'ur’ika.”

thorn nods, seeming to be satisfied now that you were here to get his commander the rest he needed, and leaves. you slowly make your way into the room and fox goes to meet you in the middle so you don’t have to navigate his datapad fortress, but he must have been sitting far longer than he thought he had been. his legs start to give out under him and he leans onto the corner of his desk for support. his weight jostles the desk a smidge too much and one of the datapad stacks is seconds from falling on top of him before you’re pulling him towards you.

you both end up on the floor after you tripped during your daring rescue but it was fine.

the datapads crash into the space fox was occupying seconds before and for a moment, the office is completely silent. then fox laughs, and he laughs and laughs and laughs. it sounds like the heavens are singing, his weary smile shining brighter than the stars could even hope to. you grinned, soon joining him in gleeful fits. neither of you remembered the last time you both found something funny enough to show it this much and it was peaceful.

fox sat up, pulling you into his arms and resting his chin on your shoulder as his jovial demeanor mellowed out into a peaceful, easy feeling. you and him sat in comfortable silence for a while, letting you both heal from the long hours at the other’s side. moments like this are rare and you don’t think anyone or anything could drag you out of fox’s embrace.

that is, except for fox himself.

he pecked your temple lightly before shifting you out of his lap. there was no hint as to what he was deciding to do, no way for you to gauge his next move. when he picks up a datapad from the toppled stack you’re immediately standing. he was not about to start working again so soon, you wouldn’t put up with it.

right as you’re about to scold him for leaving your spot on the floor, music reverberates through his office.

it wasn’t a song you recognized but it was soft and slow, the kind of music you’d sway to on a date or in your bedroom after nights spent in his arms. it was relaxing and you could see the way fox’s shoulders released some of his backup supply of tension that it had the same effect on him.

fox knew he was working himself into the ground, and he knew that you had a tendency to do so as well. if taking care of himself would get you to do the same for you, he just had to take the bullet. for you, of course, not because he thought he needed (or deserved) a break. when there was an opportunity to rescue you from responsibilities for a little while, he had to take it. here you were, eyebags darker than he’d seen them in a while and a soft gleam in your eyes that reminded him of the first time you treated him in the medbay, and he felt at peace for the first time in a while.

he extended a hand out to you as he set the singing datapad precariously on one of the pillars of its brethren. “would you like this dance?”

the last time fox had danced was at a stuffy senatorial party, before either of you made your affection for the other known. that night he didn’t pull you as close as he wished he had, but today he held no such reservations about maintaining proper space between the two of you. he was so graceful when dancing, his body having an elegance about it in those moments that was utterly hypnotic. you didn’t realize how much you missed the way his body felt against you until he was beginning to guide you to the song.

but what if i told you

there's nothing i want more in this world

than somebody who loves me naked

someone who never asks for love

but knows how to take it

the words resonated with you, the softness of the instruments driving the sensitivity home. it made you pull fox as close to you as possible, his chest flush with yours. with the proximity, fox seemed to debate with himself for a moment before abandoning the structure of your slow dance in favor of both of his arms wrapping around your waist. yours went to his neck while one hand gently played with the hair at the nape of his neck, relishing in the serenity around you.

no matter how hard i try

to run away from love at the end of the night

i need somebody who loves me naked

you gasp when there’s an unexpected twirl, your feet somehow able to carry you away and back into fox’s arms with ease. fox shoots you a sly grin when his hands take new positions against your skin and you bury your face into his neck. he’s warm against you and you can feel the calluses of his hands even through your scrubs.

i need someone who loves me when i wake up

who thinks i'm beautiful when i'm looking fucked up

i want the perfect love, am i asking too much?

someone who shoots for the stars

knowing i think i’m never good enough

you allow fox to lead in the swaying (because let’s face it, it stopped being actual dancing after the surprise spin) and let the words and the solid body of your commander bring you to peace.

are you that somebody

who sees a wall and breaks it

are you ready to fight just to see what's lost behind my flaws

can you love me naked

--------

thorn returned to fox’s office a few hours later with two trays in hand stacked high with food from the mess. he’d asked around base if anyone had seen either of you since you left the medbay, but no one had. this brought the commander to the conclusion that you never left fox’s office. it also meant that neither of you had dinner, which was an error that would soon be rectified.

with a sense of balance thorn didn’t know he possessed, he was able to successfully rest one plate on a raised knee while entering the entry code for fox’s office. upon entry, he found you both curled up against the front of fox’s desk, clinging on to each other as if your lives depended on it.

“it was about time they took a damn break,” thorn mumbled to himself. he set the food down on fox’s desk and searched his vod’s office for a moment before finding a blanket to drape over you both. maybe this way you two would actually get some well-earned sleep.

[aries-writingblog]

Stay With Me (2)

Summary: James Buchanan Barnes had never looked at himself as a family guy. He never even thought of it until she came around, flipping his world inside out. Bucky likes trouble and this girl? Well, she seems to invite chaos to dinner.

Pairing: Mob! Bucky Barnes x OC! Alex Grant

Chapter Word Count: 1898

Chapter Warnings: Language, mentions of violence, actual violence (one little hit, nothing big)

A/N: This is an OC story but I try to make them with the least amount of physical description as necessary. The pronouns used are feminine for the character.

“Hey, Alex- you’ve got another package on the front porch.” Wanda announced, walking through the door with Peter and Pietro in tow. The woman groaned, pressing her head to the kitchen island countertop.

“Again?” Alex asked, she looked over to Peter. “It’s the third time in two weeks- are you telling your boss the supplies we need?” Peter’s eyes widened and he shook his head. For the past two weeks, three unmarked packages arrived on Alex’s doorstep. The first just had some essentials for wood working- stain, paint, putty, a couple of new carving knives. The second had been similar- then she read back over a receipt as she was balancing her cheque book, noting the exact same products were present in the boxes. She could only imagine what was in the next one.

And she absolutely refused to change hardware stores- the workers were always so kind to her and the youth that typically dropped by- most of them attending the annual auctions to show support. More than once, they banded together and presented the group with a donation- which prompted Alex to make holiday cookies for the store employees every year. So, no- she would not give up on her family simply because of one idiotic, stupid rich criminal, who seemed hell bent on forcing his way into her life.

“What makes you think they’re from Bucky?” He asked, snatching a drink from her fridge. Pietro grunted, jumping up and sitting on the island, leaning over to Alex.

“If he’s giving you free shit, I wouldn’t complain.” He commented, tugging at her hair gently. Alex looked up, cocking an eyebrow at the teen. “Wring that fucker dry.”

“Pietro.” Wanda scolded, slapping her brother’s arm. “I don’t blame you, Alex. He’s a shady character, with even shadier money.”

“Okay, why are two teens giving me advice, right now? Shouldn’t you be... I don’t know, cleaning your rooms or something?” She snipped, pushing Pietro off the countertop. “People eat here, get your ass off.”

“I’m serious, Alex.” Pietro stopped her, gazing at her. She stopped pushing, meeting his electric blue eyes. “It would help with some of the expenses here. You know that.”

“We aren’t broke. You are, dickhead.” Alex shoved him down the hallway. “Now go- I need laundry in five minutes or your ass is grass.”

Wanda laughed, following her brother down the hallway. The two had been orphaned kids when Alex found them. They were on the streets, trying to survive. Pietro had been caught stealing from a grocery store, Alex stepped in and apologized for his behavior. The, at the time, nine year old played along and then told Alex their situation. She immediately offered them a place in her home. Pietro had accepted, trusting her fully. Wanda had been suspicious but eventually warmed up to her. They’d lived together for six years, the teens would have their sixteenth birthday in a few months. Every time Pietro or Wanda offered to help out and get a job, she turned them down.

“I make plenty of money at the hospital. You’re only kids now, enjoy your time as kids.” She’d tell them.

“They’re right, you know.” Peter supplied, tossing his backpack to the floor. “He may make dirty money but he has plenty of it. If he’s blowing it on you- what’s the problem?” Alex scoffed, swallowing her last bite of cookie.

“The problem is that you don’t live here, Pete. Why are you always here?” She passed the last of the dessert over to Peter.

“Aunt May is working night shift again and I told her I would stay with you so she wouldn’t worry.” He explained, trying to talk around a mouthful of cookie. He swallowed, taking another swig of his drink. “Plus, Pietro and I have a science report due tomorrow and we haven’t started it yet.” Alex took a deep, calming breath, closing her eyes.

“That’s great, Peter. But I’m also working night shift this week. So, you’ll be here by yourselves.” Alex stood up, stretching her back out. “Don’t burn my house down.”

“Sure thing.” He beamed at her, a chuckle falling from her lips as she started up the stairs.

Alex quickly got dressed for work, pulling on her scrubs. She made sure she had her ID badge, clipping it to her pocket. She then stopped by Pietro and Wanda’s rooms to double check if the clothes were picked up. On her way down the stairs, she heard quiet whispering from the teens.

“- what’s the harm in a date with the guy?” Pietro asked. Wanda sighed, Alex could almost picture her pressing her fingers to her temples in annoyance.

“So what she doesn’t want to date anyone? Just let it go, Pietro. And no one said anything about her dating Bucky, Peter just said that he has an interest in her. And sending random gifts isn’t gonna win that woman over, trust me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, do you know something?” Peter asked. Alex stopped on the steps, curious to hear what Wanda was going to spill to the group.

“Well... here’s the thing. In the back of Alex’s closet, there’s a-“ Wanda stopped, turning around and greeting Alex with a sheepish grin. “Oh, hi Alex.”

“Kids...” she narrowed her eyes, skirting around the group and going into the laundry room. There was a pause before three pairs of feet scurried after her.

“Can we order pizza tonight?” Pietro batted his eyelashes at her, giving his signature pouting smile. She returned the smile, mocking him.

“Pizza in the freezer. And stop going into my closet, Wanda.”

“In my defense, you told me I could borrow that top a few weeks ago and it fell off the hanger. So, was I really in your closet?” She asked, narrowing her eyes. Alex cocked an eyebrow and continued the laundry.

“What would you do, if hypothetically Mr. Barnes was like really interested in you?” Peter asked her, leaning over the washing machine.

“Peter.” She sighed. “I’m not dating your boss. End of story.” She started the machine before turning to Wanda. “Pizza’s in the freezer, keep an eye on it while it’s baking. Don’t let strangers into the house and keep an eye on your brother and Peter. Keep the laundry going and don’t work with any of the auction stuff until I get home. I don’t want any of you showing up at the hospital, wounded. Got it?”

Wanda nodded, repeating everything back to her. Alex grabbed her phone and keys, tucking them into her pockets. She hugged Wanda goodbye, ruffling Pietro‘s hair, before going out. She passed by the large box on the porch, groaning. She pushed it over to the edge of the porch, kicking it for good measure. Then, she got into her car and started to the hospital.

~~~~~~

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Bucky.” Steve advised, crossing his arms. He’d been slightly pissed all day, as soon as Bucky told him of the plan. Sam laughed, watching the buildings out of the window. Bucky groaned, throwing his head back onto the headrest.

“I’m just gonna ask if she got the deliveries. That’s it. No flirting, no banter, nothing. Zilch. Just a question.” Bucky reviewed, once again.

“But in practice, the deliveries are flirting tactics.” Steve pointed out, rolling his eyes. “She threatened to shoot you if you came back, Bucky. Leave it alone.”

“What’s the matter with you?” Bucky griped, cutting his eyes over to Steve. “You never give me shit for anything- girls in clubs, you’ve seen me beat guys senseless, shoot people, more questionable things than being interested in a woman.”

“She’s a woman who has her life together, man. Don’t pull her into this life.” Steve sighed, causing Bucky to shut his mouth. The SUV pulled to a stop in front of the house. Bucky unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out, slamming the door behind him. He jaunted up the steps and rapped his knuckles against the door. When it opened, he saw a teenaged boy with bleach white hair behind it.

“Can I help you?” He asked. He didn’t let the door open further than his shoulders. It was excusable. A strange, tattooed man at seven thirty standing on the porch of a woman who threatened to kill him. Bucky flashed a bright smile.

“Is Alex around, kid?” He asked, glancing over and spying the box still sitting unopened on the porch. “Ah... she hasn’t opened them?”

“You’re Bucky Barnes?” He asked, ticking an eyebrow up. Bucky nodded, reaching a hand out to shake hands. Pietro didn’t reciprocate, keeping the door tucked to him. Alex trained these kids well. “Well, thanks for the shit but Alex said she didn’t really want it.”

“Pietro, you left the oven-“ A girl with red hair stopped in her tracks. “What’s going on?”

“This is Barnes.” Pietro looked back at her.

“Oh, hi, Mr. Barnes!” Peter peeked his head around Pietro, opening the door wider. Pietro grumbled something but stood back a little to accommodate for the other boy. “What are you doing here?” Bucky silently sent a thanks to any deity currently listening in. Peter he could work with, the other two kids weren’t gonna give him the time of day. Much like Alex.

“Alex around?” He asked, trying to peek into the house further. Pietro shifted, blocking his view. He crossed his arms, scowling at the bulky mass of a man standing on their porch.

“No- she’s at work-“

“Peter!” The girl hissed, slapping a hand over his mouth. “Shut up!” She turned to Bucky again. “Listen, mister, we don’t want your gifts or you loitering on our porch. We’ve found Jesus, don’t need your depression pamphlet, and we don’t want any of your fucking cookies. Our mom doesn’t condone talking to strangers. Good day, sir.” She slammed the door in his face, the audible sound of several locks clicking.

“Wanda- what the fuck! He could kill you, you know that right?” One of the boys shrilled on the opposite side of the door. Bucky stood in shock- mom? Alex definitely did not look old enough to have two fifteen year olds.

“Oh please, as if. That’ll look real good to Alex, wouldn’t it? He won’t touch either of us.”

Bucky turned and jogged down the steps back to the car. When he opened the door, Sam was doubled over, laughing so hard he was crying. Steve was watching with a ‘I told you so’ smile.

“Alright, you’ve had your laughs.” He grumbled. Shoving his way into the car. Sam snickered, straightening up and looking over at the man.

“That little girl kicked your ass!” He burst out laughing again, pounding his fist on his knee. Bucky mimicked Sam’s words mockingly as he began a search on his phone.

“Whatever.” He breathed out, looking up to the driver. “Saint Quincy’s Hospital, Davis.” The driver nodded, starting the car.

“Why are we going to a hospital?” Steve asked, mirth in his voice. Sam began wiping the laughter from his face, sniffling. Bucky turned to Steve, unbuckling his seat belt.

“Punch me in the face.” He instructed, unbuttoning the top buttons on his shirt. Steve raised an eyebrow, cocking his head. Sam turned, serious again.

“Now, wait a minute-“ Sam was interrupted by Steve throwing a punch directly into Bucky’s nose. Bucky doubled over, holding his now bleeding nose. His eyes watered, stomach rolling.

“Shit!”

[hufflewritings]

A Pirate's Life for Me: part 5

Tags: @thomothy @sophiefrye22 @thebluebutterflyaffect

Dancing with Jack Ketch: to be hung

Knave: a servant boy or dishonorable man

It was high noon when Eric finished mopping the decks of the pirate ship, and now Pete ordered him to scrub the main spar of the ship with a rag and a bucket of soapy water. He had only been on the ship for half a day and was already being worked to the bone, his back and arms were beginning to feel sore. But he needed to keep working, he didn't want to be on Magnum's bad side. He continued to scrub until he felt someone pat his back rather harshly, prompting him to turn around only to see Pete look down at him with a grin.

"Well, color me impressed, lad. This ship 'asn't glistened like this in ages." Pete began, taking the rag from Eric. "But the Cap'n says that ye 'aven't eaten yet. So 'ow's about ye take a break an' get some grub?"

"A-Aye s-sir," Eric whispered as he sat the bucket down, looking around. "Wh-Where do I-?"

"One o' our cooks be preparin' it fer ye an' will brin' it to ye shortly. 'e dyin' to meet ye," Pete answered, picking up the bucket and tossing the rag in. "'e'll be 'ere shortly. Just wait where ye be."

Eric gave him a nod, watching as the quartermaster walked away, before noticing the pirate named John, casting him threatening glares, talking with a small group.

"Why does 'e get to eat early? we did nay get that there special treatment when we were 'ired." one of them murmured, giving Eric a dirty look.

Eric flinched as he turned away from them, clutching his leather vest tightly. He wanted to run when-.

"You're Eric right?"

Eric jumped turning around to see a pirate, holding a plate of fruits and meat, a warm smile on his face. The timid ego was quiet for a moment before clearing his throat, straightening his vest. "Uh, um yes- I mean Aye. I'm Eric. And uh um you are?" he asked, holding out his hand for him to shake.

"I'm cooking master Jim." He said with a smile, taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "But you can call me C.J. since my brother is named Jim as well."

"Wh-Who's your brother?" Eric questioned before watching C.J. pointing over to a man steering the ship, who looked exactly like C.J. minus the different outfits.

"That be him." C.J. began. "He and I are twins. Mother thought it easier if we had the same names." he chuckled before looking at the plate. "Well, I was ordered to bring ye some grub and so I brought you the best that this ship can offer. Don't want ye working on an empty stomach."

Eric smiled, taking the plate from C.J. "Thank you C.J. it's nice t-to meet a friendly f-face here."

"Ye, but don't be fooled by the Captain's harsh exterior. He's got a kind heart." C.J. shrugged. "Just chooses not to show it sometimes... Well, I'll take me leave then. Enjoy."

Eric waved C.J. off, before walking over to a lonely corner, where he sat, taking small bites of his food, thinking over what C.J. said. The Captain didn't seem... Too harsh to him... Was he like that to the others?... And what made him so different?

After he was finished, he walked around the ship looking for a place to discard the empty plate when he was shoved out of the way causing him to fall to his stomach.

"Watch it!" A pirate snapped, glaring at Eric before walking away.

Eric shook his head, lifting himself to his knees, about to grab the plate, when something grabbed him by his shirt, lifting him up in the air, causing him to yelp. He was slowly turned around, revealing that it was Magnum holding him up in the air with one hand, looking at him with a grin, chuckling to himself.

"The others can be a 'andful to deal with me lad. But ye'll get used to them." Magnum began, setting Eric gently down onto his feet, before helping him dust off. "Ye okay?"

"Aye Captain," Eric whispered casting his eyes on the ground, rubbing his hands together.

"LAND HO CAPTAIN!" A pirate shouted causing Eric to jump.

Magnum looked up to see that they were about to enter a giant cave, causing him to grin before turning to Eric, patting his back. "Ye be in fer a treat me lad, come."

Eric watched as Magnum walked to the front of the ship, before following him close behind, looking around the dark cave. He watched as Magnum grabbed one of the ropes, holding it tightly as he walked on the very edge, leaning forward as he stared ahead, able to see an opening in the cave. "HEAD ON THROUGH!" Magnum shouted. "AN' PULL THE MAINSAIL IN!"

As commanded, the pirates pulled the mainsail in as the entrance became narrower, the ship getting closer to the exit. Eric was blinded by the sudden light, causing him to rub his eyes, before opening them once more and what he saw left him in awe. Through the cave was what looked like a small city next to the shore that was surrounded by a huge cliff barrier. There were buildings and people laughing, singing, and fighting. The smell of food cooking filled the air and the sound of music rang through Eric's ear and all he could do was stare in shock. "Wh-Where are w-we?"

Magnum only chuckled as he turned to the timid ego, who was looking up at him in wonder. "This... here be pirate gulch... 'ome o' the deadliest pirates ye'll e'er see." he then turned to Eric hopping back onto the deck looming over the timid ego. "So I'd advise ye to stay close to the crew if ye want to stay alive." he smiled as Eric gulped, giving him a nod, causing him to chuckle, before walking ahead, the boy following him close behind. "CINCH THE SAILS AN' DROP ANKER CREW, WE'LL BE 'ERE AWHILE!"

After the ship was secure, Magnum and his crew walked onto the deck, heading into town. The streets were busy with people selling either food, livestock, or jewelry, all yelling their prices and what's for sale. It brought a smile to Magnum's face. He loved the loudness of the streets, it was home. However, he turned around to see Eric walking right behind him, following him like a lost puppy, looking around with timid eyes. He gave him a small smile before patting his back. Maybe the boy needed a distraction. "So, do ye 'ave any questions boyo?"

"Uh... W-Well... Wh-Why is Pirate g-gulch surrounded b-by a cliff?" Eric asked, looking up at Magnum.

"Oh, why fer protection me lad," Magnum answered with a smile. "No one other than us pirates knows about it."

"Why do p-pirates hide? And... Wh-who are they hiding f-from?" Eric whispered flinching when a person at a booth coped the head of a fish completely off.

"Well, sea creatures like sirens, ghost ships, everything." Magnum began before turning to Eric, stopping in his tracks. "An' worse o' all, the Royal Navy. Ye stay clear o' them me lad. No jolly will come o' it."

"Wh-What will happen i-if I do?"

Magnum only grinned, giving Eric a dark chuckle. "Then ye'll be dancin' with Jack Ketch."

Eric blinked in confusion before turning around, looking at Pete who was behind them the whole time, his eyes full of question on what he meant. It was until Pete made a hanging gesture when he realized what that meant causing Eric to gulp, standing closer to Magnum.

After strolling down the streets of pirate gulch, Magnum turned to the crew, watching as they all paused one by one. "Alright, crew! I 'ave important business to attend to, an' I wish not to be disturbed. So, yer assessment be to restock on supplies an' after go one o' the taverns get yourselves a drink. Ye've earned it."

Eric watched as the crew only cheered, before beginning to break up into small groups, going to stands or into taverns. He only stood there before feeling someone pat his shoulder causing him to look up, to see Magnum look at him with a smile.

"Find a crew to 'ang around. This here business be a private matter I be afraid." Magnum ordered gently.

"B-But... But I d-don't know who will-."

"Come with us." C.J. smiled pointing to his brother who just waved. "We're getting food supplies if ye want to join us."

"Good lads." Magnum cheered, patting C.J. and Jim's backs with a chuckle, before turning to Eric. "I'll see to ye later Eric. Pete, let's make 'aste!" he ordered as he walked away, Pete following close behind.

Eric watched them leave before feeling C.J. taking his hand, pulling him along. "Let's get to the market for fruit supplies." C.J. smiled placing Eric right between him and Jim, heading further into the market.

A few minutes later, Eric was watching J.C. and Jim as they were picking out fruits for the ship, along with livestock that they could cook with. Other than that he was watching the people of the market doing their work when he felt someone forcefully grab him by the shoulders and drag him away. He went to scream for C.J. when someone clamped his mouth shut. He watched as they dragged him into an ally way right next to a store selling fish. He was then slammed against the wall, causing him to yelp before looking up in horror.

It was none other than John and three other crew members looking at him with harsh grins, chuckling at his growing fear.

"Ye listen well an' ye listen jolly." John began with a growl, watching as Eric coward and squint his eyes shut. "I don't care if you were stranded or if you're really are a stowaway. But you will not last a week on our ship."

"I-I... I'm n-not-."

"An' another thin." he interrupted, watching as Eric pressed his mouth shut. "Ye may be the Cap'n new little pet, but that there doesn't mean that we be fixin' to give ye special treatment. Ye be no pirate! Hell, ye be not even a cabinboy. You're just a Lilly-livered knave."

Eric flinched squinting his eyes shut, fighting the urge to cry, but that didn't stop his eyes from filling with water.

"Now stay out o' me way, or there be consequences, savvy!?" John snapped.

"A-Aye!" Eric whimpered, before being yanked off the wall and thrown out of the ally, landing right into barrels of fish that he knocked over. Eric shook his head as he looked up to see John and his gang walk away, causing him to sigh in relief before hearing someone yelling.

"Who knocked over my barrels?!" a man snapped before he paused looking down at a frightened Eric. "You!" the man then reached to his side pulling out a dagger. "I'LL 'AVE YER AN' FER THIS!"

Eric gasped as he scrambled to his feet beginning to run, the man following close behind. He ran past dozens of people, trying to plow threw crowds, but the man was still on his tale and getting closer. He glances behind himself seeing the man reaching for him before he suddenly stopped. Eric then looked ahead seeing a cliffside. That he was about to fall off. He tried to slow down and skid to a stop but he went over anyway. He squints his eyes shut waiting for him to hit the ground below, but nothing happens. However, he felt a tug as he was hoist into the air causing him to open his eyes, staring right at captain Magnum, who was looking at him in confusion.

"What be ye doin' boyo?" Magnum questioned looking him over. "Ye could 'ave caught yer death-."

"Sir!" the man who was chasing Eric snapped with a scowl, pointing at Eric. "Unhand that there no jolly scoundrel so that I can-!"

Magnum's warm eyes suddenly became cold and callous once more as he let out a low growl, slowly turning to the man, who's scowl fell, being replaced with fear. Eric watched as the people around them gasped, backing away in fear.

"C-Captain M-Magnum?!" the man breathed as he backed away some more.

Magnum then gently sat Eric down, stomping toward the man, things around them shaking with every step he took. The towering pirate clenched his fist as he spoke. "An' just what be ye plannin' on doin' to me cabinboy?"

"He-He's y-your?-"

"An' I 'ope it be nothin' that could 'arm the poor lad. Because if that be the case." he suddenly grabbed the man by the neck and hoist him in the air, getting into his face, hearing the man choke within his grasp. "Then I'd 'ave to shoot ye out o' me canon. An' I've been dyin' to use 'her fer a while now. Though we don't want that right?" the man frantically shook his head. "Jolly, now go aft to yer 'ell 'ole ye call a fish shop an' leave me cabinboy alone savvy?!" the man nodded his head, causing Magnum to let him go, watching as he dropped to the ground before scrambling onto his feet and run the other way.

Magnum huffed as he straightened his coat turning to Eric who was looking at him in fear. Suddenly the coldness left Magnum's eyes as he walked over to the boy, looking him over. "Be ye okay? 'e did nay 'urt ye did 'e?"

"N-No. I-I'm o-okay." Eric whispered looking down.

"What 'appen to C.J. an' sail master Jim?"

"I g-got separated from them."

Magnum thought for a moment before turning to Pete who just shrugged. The captain hummed to himself before patting Eric's shoulder. "I suppose ye can come with me to the meetin'. Ye be me cabinboy after all. Besides, it might 'ave not been the best idea to let ye wander alone. Would ye like to accompany me?" he asked watching as Eric gave him a nod. "Jolly, but I must warn ye, no blabberin', or askin' questions, do as I say when we enter, an' whatever ye 'ear do not tell the crew anythin'. I'll tell them when I be ready to, savvy?"

"Aye Captain," Eric whispered cowering slightly.

"Jolly. Now come, we be fixin' to be late." Magnum quickly said as he began to walk down the street, Eric and Pete following close behind.

[imaginefan]

Preferences - what your first huge fight was about and how you got back together after ? with dean winchester (spn), draco malfoy, Hermione granger, ron weasley (harry potter), iron man, spiderman, bucky barnes (Marvel), reid spencer (criminal minds), stiles stilinski (teen wolf)

Dean Winchester

Your first fight with Dean was about your safety and it ended with him locking you in a room while he went on the hunt with Sam when he got back you refused to talk to him, you walked out of your shared bedroom “Hey where are you going?” He asked. “I need to think about whether this relationship is worth being locked up for the rest of my life.” You glared as you walked away from him.

You found yourself in the library where you laid across the sofa looking up at the ceiling, you knew that he wanted you to be safe but there were better ways of getting that and you refused to be treated like some 16th-century princess but the truth of the matter was that you weren’t angry about it anymore you just wanted to be sure that he understood that he did something wrong and when you heard him clear his throat you refused to look at him. “I’m sorry.” He sighed. “For?” You asked. “For locking you up, that was wrong, I was just so scared that I was going to lose you.” He explained and you nodded. “Look I don’t care why you did it I just need you to promise me that it’s never going to happen again.” You ordered and he nodded. “Words.” “I promise that it will never happen again.” He said as he slowly approached you when he was close enough you opened your arms allowing him to settle in a hug.

Draco Malfoy

You and Draco’s first fight was about his need to keep up his status, you overheard him talking to his friends and at first, it was the normal house rivalry stuff but before long he started saying things that you really didn’t appreciate so instead going to meet him like you were supposed to you hung out with some friends and stayed as far away from him as possible.

The next day he caught up to you in the hall “Why didn’t you come?” He asked. “I don’t think you want to spend your time with this of a lowly house member.” You answered and he frowned before his eyes widened in realisation. “I didn’t mean it like that.” He said and you rolled your eyes. “No one ever does.” You glared as you walked away going to sat at your house table with your friends pretending that nothing had happened.

Later that day you were in the library the book you wanted was little to high for you to reach, you were about to grab your wand when someone leaned up behind you grabbed it for you “Thanks.” You said and as you turned you wished you hadn’t said anything. “Wait.” He said gently grabbing your wrist, you looked back at him and rolled your eyes. “What?” You asked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, I was just saying what they wanted to here, I’m sorry.” He said again and you looked at the floor, this was a stupid thing to end a relationship over, you really did like him he was just ruff around the edges is all so you sighed and twisted your wrist until you could lace your fingers together and he smiled as he followed you to a table where you could finish your work.

Hermione Granger

You knew that Hermione was stressed but that wasn’t going to be something that she was going to let you get away with talking to you the way that she did, she’d barely spent any time with you and when she did she snapped at you so you decided to avoid her, the boys noticed instantly and even tried to fix it for her but you wanted an apology from her despite their hard work.

When she finally did realise that she hadn’t seen you in a long time she came looking for you and when she found you, you didn’t say anything “Where have you been?” She asked. “Around.” You answered. “I guess our paths just haven’t crossed.” “So you're avoiding me?” She asked. “It seemed that you didn’t want me around.” You answered and she frowned. “I never said that.” She argued. “You didn’t say that in words.” You corrected “everything else about these past few days has.” “I never meant for you to feel that way.” Hermione said and you raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry.” “You better be because I’m not tolerating this again.” You informed her and she nodded a smile taking over her face.

Ron Weasley

Ron and Harry were fighting and you saw both sides of the argument, you and Hermione were stuck in the middle and you were sick of it so you said that you would talk to Ron if she spoke to Harry.

“Hey, Ron!” You called as you wrapped your arm around his and he smiled. “Me, Hermoine and Harry were thinking about going to Hogsmeade you want to come?” “No.” He answered his voice dropping as he attempted to pull away. “Is this because of Harry?” You asked. “This is all getting a bit out of hand don’t you think?” “What? Now you're on his side?” He asked. “What when did I say that?” You frowned “I’m sick of being in the middle of this stupid fight that’s all.” You pulled yourself away from him and walked away after that. Ron to find you a few hours later “I… We’re not fighting anymore.” He informed you. “Oh good for you.” You muttered as you continued writing notes that were supposed to be for him. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be a jerk.” He said and you looked at him. “I sort of overreacted anyway.” You shrugged. “Let’s just pretend it didn’t happen.” You suggested and he nodded liking that idea.

Ironman/ Tony Stark

For the longest time, Tony didn’t have anyone but himself to look out for and so when you became a permanent part of his life he often forget that you were entitled to part of his time too, you weren’t asking for too much you knew how important his work was, you just wanted one night to yourselves, that was where the argument started.

“We only went out yesterday.” He complained and you looked at him. “That was a company party for your work, I barely saw you.” You argued and he rolled his eyes. “What do you want me around 24/7?” He asked and you raised an eyebrow. “No actually, one night a week would be fine.” You corrected. “I’ve got more important things to do.” He answered. “More important?” You asked. “Of course.” He stepped forward but you stepped back maintaining the distance “no-no, it’s fine I didn’t mean to get in the way.” Then you were gone.

Tony spent a couple of days trying to convince your friend that he was there to apologise but she wasn’t letting him in so he waited until you left for work one day before he grabbed you, you knew it was him and it angered you a little bit “Tony Stark put me down!” You ordered. “Sure thing.” He said as he dropped you on the roof of the nearest building. “Excuse me,” You glared as you attempted to walk past him to the first exit. “Your friend wouldn’t let me see you, you’ve got a good bodyguard, maybe we should hire her.” He tried to joke. “I’m late for work.” You informed him. “I need you to stand still for a minute so that I can tell you that I never should have said what I did and I didn’t even mean it, nothing is more important than you, what I was working on was for you, to keep you safe because you insist on being with me.” He explained. “You were making something for me?” You asked. “Nothing was working and I was frustrated because I wanted you to be safe.” He answered. “Why didn’t you say that?” You asked. “It’s hard for me to admit that I can’t get anything.” He answered honestly and you smirked. “Is that so?” You asked. “Ah, there she is.” He cheered “now you don’t need work come on we’re going for a day on the town. Anything you want you name it.”

Spiderman/ Peter Parker

Peter never really showed any regard for himself and that made you worry, he was always throwing himself into the front line and most of the time he got really badly hurt because of it one night he crawled through your window really beat up and that was where you found yourself wishing that he would take better care of himself.

You gently wiped at the cut on his check your face was cold and Peter couldn’t read what you were feeling “does this hurt?” You asked after a second. “N-no I’m okay.” He answered. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine, I’m not the one that’s been thrown around all night.” You answered as you finished cleaning him up and walking into the bathroom where you started to wash your hands off, scrubbing at you skin as if his blood was burning you, you didn’t even hear him walk into the bathroom after you his hands wrapping around yours as the tear caused ripples in the water that had gathered in the sink. “You're not okay.” He said softly. “You should be resting.” You scolded him. “I’ll rest when you're with me.” He wagered “we both need rest.” “I’ll be there in a second.” You said trying to move away from him but he caught you around the waist. “We’re both going.” He insisted pulling you with him but the second that you were laying in bed you were too tired to be angry and you knew that he was doing it for all the right reasons. “I’ll be more careful.” He promised. “Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.” You said softly. “Those are the best kind.” He said pressing a kiss to the top of your head “but this time I mean it, I’ll be more careful, I don’t like seeing you like this and if I can prevent it I will.”

Bucky Barnes

Your first argument was because you didn’t listen properly, there were two occasions where this could have been avoided but you missed both instead you were pacing the living room worrying because you thought that he was supposed to have landed 3 hours ago. The door opened and your heartbeat out of your chest, there was rustling before you saw him turn into the room. “Hey.” He smiled. “Hey! Hey! Is that all you have to say!?” You asked. “What’s happened?” He asked shooting forward to look around the room, nothing seemed out of place he was confused. “Do you know how much I worried about you?” You asked. “I called you every day and I’m home now.” He frowned genuinely confused. “You were supposed to land 3 hours ago.” You finally said and he honestly had a heart attack as he looked at the nearest clock before frowning. “Baby I was supposed to land at 2 and it takes me an hour to get home.” He answered, gesturing to the clock that read 3:15pm. “You said that you-” “Were landing at 2, I remember because you asked me twice.” He smirked down at you, your eyes widened as you remembered the conversation that he was referencing. “God I’m an idiot.” You muttered hitting the heel of your hand against your forehead, he smiled softly taking your hands and wrapping them around his next before wrapping his arms around your waist. “My idiot.” He winked. “You're lucky I’m too embarrassed to fight you right now.” You warned him but he just laughed.

Spencer Reid

Spencer was bad with understanding and processing feelings, this you knew and you knew that he was getting better but there were times when he had trouble and your first argument was more like him yelling at you while you waited for him to calm down, you weren’t ever really sure what had caused it “and then she just walked away, they all just left me there!” He complained and you frowned. “Who are we talking about again?” You asked. “JJ!” He yelled and you nodded. “I’m sure she was just joking…” You shrugged him off and he frowned. “How do you know?” He asked. “Because she texted me.” You answered handing him the phone that explained the joke that the girls were playing. “Oh.” He handed back the phone. “Do you feel better now?” You asked and he nodded sitting down. “Good.”

Stiles Stilinski

Stiles was reckless everyone knew it and everyone saw it but the moment that you did the same thing it was time to hit the roof and that was where this argument started. “You can’t just run into the middle of a fight like that!” Stiles complained and you looked at him and glared. “You mean like you do!?” You asked and he frowned. “That’s not what I do.” He argued. “No that’s not what you do with your baseball bat and your Jeep?” You asked, he opened his mouth to continue arguing but nothing came to him. “That’s what I thought.” You left after that.

When your doorbell rang you rolled your eyes and opened the door, Stiles was standing there with a teddy was too big for the doorframe and a huge smile “I’m really sorry.” You tried to keep the smile off your face as he continued. “I never meant to make you feel like there was double standards, I just wanted you to be safe.” “And I you.” You admitted and he nodded. “I’ll watch your back if you watch mine.” He suggested and you nodded in agreement. “That could work.” You decided.

[nightskythoughts22]

Not What It Looks Like

Based off the prompt from @rauzadian. It was supposed to be more Jack/Sam-y than it came out, please forgive me! Maybe I’ll do a shippier one later in the year. Hope you like it! ---

It was beautiful day and Daniel was damn sure going to enjoy it. SG-1 had a whole week off, essentially ordered off-base by General Hammond to “relax, unwind, and enjoy yourselves”, and Daniel was going to do just that. Maybe he’d go to the park down the street and read. No, he thought, a walk sounds better.

He missed the openness of Abydos, the vastness of the desert with its ever-reaching hills. He missed strolling together with Sha’re, teaching her English and learning about her childhood, her family, her hopes, just her. He could listen to her speak for hours, in English or Abydonian, it didn’t matter. She was so free with herself in every way.

Speaking of free, Daniel thought, pulling himself from his memories. He hated feeling cooped up and he often walked around town for hours, stopping at various parks or benches to people-watch. It wasn’t that same as Abydos but it was fun in its own way. He may love history and cultures of different planets but that didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate the culture and people of today here on earth.

I wonder what Sam’s up to, Daniel thought. He’s walked to her place many times and convinced her to walk with him. She didn’t enjoy longer walks, being much more of the mindset that if you’re going to cover 5 miles in an afternoon that you might as well knock it out with a run. But she humors him when she’s not busy, still liking to get out and enjoy the company and fresh air for a little. Sam often teased him about walking so much on his downtime when that’s what they do for a large percentage of their time working.

But then again, I like doing all aspects of my job, on or off the clock, he thought.

Daniel picked up his cell phone and checked the time, 0930, good, late enough.

He called Sam’s cell and it immediately went to voicemail. He tried her house phone next but that just rang several times and then went to her answering machine.

Deciding he had nothing better to do, he poured his coffee into a travel mug and went to the door to put on shoes and a light-weight jacket. About 30 minutes into his walk he decided he may as well drop by Sam’s and see if she’s home. Maybe she was just running errands, he thought.

About 45 minutes after that decision, he strolled up the path to her door. He noticed her plants on the porch were looking a little worse for wear as he knocked. He went and nudged them forward into the sunlight, out from the shade of the overhang.

Huh, where is she? He knocked again and this time placed his ear up to the door. He could faintly hear some music coming from inside the house.

Well that explains her not answering the phone. Chuckling to himself, he got his keys out and unlocked her door. Walking inside he could more clearly hear Fleetwood Mac coming up from the basement. He shook off his jacket and threw it over the back of her couch and started to take off his shoes.

He knew her place almost as well as his own at this point. The living room was pretty but not really lived in. Her favorite part of the house, and his if he was being honest, was the furnished basement. It had one side with a computer and work area for all her personal projects and a large TV and comfy couch on the other. He has spent many nights on that couch, watching movies, talking, or just sleeping after drinking too much while doing the first two. He wasn’t surprised that she was lost to the world down there.

He walked over to the open basement door and shouted down over the music, “Sam!”

There was a little bit of shuffling and then the music was turned down and a slightly confused “Daniel?” floated back up the stairs at him.

“Yeah it’s me. You need some coffee?”

“Sure. I’ll be right up.” She responded.

With that he moved into the kitchen as he hummed along with the music. Daniel moved confidently around her kitchen, pouring out the remnants of what had to have been Sam’s breakfast coffee brew, and set about making a fresh one.

As Sam’s footsteps on the stairs rang out, Daniel pulled two mugs down from the cabinet over her sink.

“Good morning, Daniel.” Sam said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Hey Sam, coffee’s almost ready.” He replied with a quick glance over his shoulder at her.

“Great. So, what’s up?” Sam asked him. It wasn’t completely unheard of for him to come over but usually he would call first. She wished he would have since her calendar isn’t exactly free this morning.

He turned around and leaned back against the counter as the coffee dripped on behind him.

“Nothing. I was out for a walk and wanted to know if you’d like to join me.”

Sam smiled at him, “I’d loved to but I’m kind of busy this morning.”

He chuckled as he took her in completely. She was wearing lounge pants and a grey t-shirt. Her hair was different, sort of fluffier than usual, probably not doing much more than running her hands through it after showering. He noticed a small grease spot near her temple. He seen it a thousand times, both on world and off, Sam engrossed in her work and absentmindedly pushing her hair away from her face with oiled or greased up hands.

“I can see that.” He replied as he walked up to her and wiped at the smudge with his thumb.

“What?” She questioned, though she didn’t shy away from his touch. The entire team was casual and free with their touches. Teal’c had to qualms about placing his hands on their shoulders to gently nudge them away from their off-world discoveries for the night. The Colonel was quick with a pat on the back or the head, that really should seem condescending but never did.

That went doubly for the experts of the team. They worked so closely together that it was second nature for him to help pull her out from under a machine or for her to push his glasses up after they had slowly slipped down his nose. Not to mention the times spent lounging on her basement couch, watching a movie with her feet in his lap, or his head on hers. They were close by profession but comfortable by choice with each other.

“You have grease on your face. See?” He showed her his thumb and the stain on it.

“Oh jeez. I’m a mess.” She laughed.

His thumb went back to her head as he laughed with her. “It’s alright, we’ll have you back to normal in a second.”

Their conversation and laughter had drowned out the sound of a key turning in the already open lock of her front door. And the footsteps that brought Jack to the doorway to the kitchen.

“Uh, hey guys.”

They jumped and both turned towards the intruder.

“Sir!”

“Jack, hey!”

Jack just arched an eyebrow and cocked his head looking them,

It was then that Daniel noticed that in their surprise, his hand had traveled from the side of Sam’s face to her hair. With a sidelong glance at Sam, he slowly brought his arm down to his side. Sam’s eyes widened in realization. They looked at each other and then Jack with smiles emerging on their faces.

With a smirk, Daniel said “This is not what it looks like.”

Sam joined in his laughter as Jack just shook his head at two of the stupidest geniuses he’s ever known.

“Well, it looks like you were almost successful at removing that grease stain from Carter’s head.”

Calmed down but face still glowing in laughter, Daniel said “Ok, it is what it looks like.”

With that, Sam went and grabbed a paper towel, wet it in the sink and started to scrub at the spot on her face.

Daniel walked back over to the coffee pot and once again leaned back against the counter.

“So, what’s brought you over here?”

“Well, Carter-“

Sam interrupted, “The Colonel was bringing me over something that I needed for the project I’m working on.”

Daniel’s eyes immediately went to the grocery store bag in Jack’s left hand. It was twisted as if Jack had been spinning it around, which knowing Jack was probably the case. Daniel could just make out a black box through the plastic.  

“Oh yeah?” he replied.

Jack slowly smoothed the bag and reached into it.

Jack cleared his throat and said, “This is not what it looks like,” as he pulled out a box of Trojan Magnum condoms.

Sam immediately starting rambling about small electronic parts and organization methods. After a few seconds, both men erupted in laughter.

---

[bonniebird]

Perfection

Hvitserk x Reader

This fic is kind of @honestsycrets fault tbh. Her gifs are to good.

He was tired. It had been such a long raid and the weather had turned against them on the way home. He knew he promised to pop in and see you in case you didn’t make it down to the docks on the day he returned. But he was glad you weren’t there.

His brother’s split off to find their respective beds to roll around in and he would normally follow Ubbe’s promise of more women than he could count. But he just wanted to sleep. He’d bathe tomorrow.

As he trudged up the path to his cabin, he was grateful for it being a little out of the way. Ivar would complain to no end that he had to leave his chariot because of the twisting path Hvitserk and Ubbe had cut into the mountain side as they’d built the cabin. Ubbe promised to widen the path but Hvitserk insisted it stayed. By now it was so worn down that only torrential rain washed it away. He didn’t worry about anyone struggling with the path as you were the only person who visited and had an irritating habit of sneaking up through the woods, meaning he could never tell if you were coming.

As soon as he barged into his cabin he flopped onto his bed, rolling to his side. He sleepily scratched at the dry blood that was tugging at his beard. He’d wash in the river after a quick nap, he decided as he dozed off. His eyes snapped open seconds later to the sound of someone in his house. Blearily he fumbled for his sword as he stood, sleep causing him to stumble around like a newborn deer.

He drew his sword and pointed it firmly in front of him as he shuffled forward. “Hvitserk!” You said cheerfully and hugged him. He dropped his sword and sucked in a deep breath.

“(Y/N).” He said and sighed, chuckling when you pulled away and he realised you’d lit a fire, sorted through his pack and neatly arranged his new bounty on the table. There was the scent of fresh bread and a plate of meat was sat on a stool beside a steaming bath. He blinked a few times as he realised it was dark outside so he must have slept longer than he intended, irritable Hvitserk batted your hand away from the chest plate you were trying to unfasten while blabbering on about something he hadn’t been paying attention too.

“And then when Ivar said he didn’t know where you were I had to go and find Ubbe who… Seven girls!” You finished with a gasp that made Hvitserk chuckle.

“He’ll be a little while then.” Hvitserk teased snickering when you shook your head.

“Surely it would be more fun with less?” You said as you took HVitserk by the hand and sat him at his table. “Maybe I’ll ask Ubbe about it tomorrow at the feast.”

“What feast?” Hvitserk asked as he looked up at you.

“To celebrate the success of the raid.” You said and pointed to the pile or treasure on the table. “Now get in your bath, the bread is almost ready.”

“Where did you get all of this?” Hvitserk asked, sure he’d had little food left and what had been in his cupboards had probably turned.

“It’s some of my food, I know you Hvitserk Ragnarsson you do not have a Thrall yet you do not lift a finger to help yourself.” You huffed and went back to tugging his cloak off and fumbling with the straps of his armour. “If you do not hurry Ubbe will turn up and I’ll be hard pressed to get a mouthful of the food I spent all afternoon making you.”

“You just want to see me undress.” Hvitserk teased as he finally started to tug his clothes off. You winced when he slopped them on the floor but it gave you something to do while he plodded, painfully slow over to the bath with the wickedest grin that had ever grace his face.

“Brother! Come on you cannot be so tired women and need are not on your mind!” Ubbe called out.

Ubbe and Aslaug slowly swayed into the room. Her delighted face fell as soon as she saw Hvitserk naked by the tub while you neatly organised what needed to be cleaned.

“Hvitserk! (Y/N) has been kind enough to tend to you in your state you could at least be respectful.” Aslaug scolded as she glanced around the cabin, assuming you hand kept it tidy while he was raiding. She never did understand why he refused to marry you. “Goodness knows you should look after her for a change.”

Hvitserk glanced at Ubbe who was staring at his feet so that his mother wouldn’t see the grin on his face. When Hvitserk’s brow furrowed in confusion Aslaug sighed. “Thank you?” Hvitserk said testitly. Aslaug rolled her eyes and with the grace of a valkyrie, snatched the damp cloth that was sat in a warm bowl of water on the table, flung it at Hvitserk who grunted, and rubbed at the red spot where her strike had landed, while covering himself with the other hand.

“I want you both at the main hall tomorrow afternoon. I shall be announcing a feast, please try to behave yourselves until then.” She said as she left, though as long as they were happy she never minded what they did.

“Thank you?” Ubbe hissed through a laugh as he shook his head.

“What was I supposed to think, this one sat at the river's edge while I swam naked, it is not like she was seeing anything for the first time.” Hvitserk said and they both laughed.

“It’s true.” You said and Ubbe turned to you with a fond smile while Hvitserk hopped into the bath and sloshed water everywhere. “Ivar and I saw him running to the main hall naked after the baker caught him with his daughters.” You informed him and Ubbe laughed warmly as he glanced at Hvitserk.

“Both of them?” Ubbe asked curiously and Hvitserk shrugged as he flung a hand out to becon you over.

“He only caught me because I was kissing his wife.” Hvitserk said cheerfully as he scrubbed his arms and hands having set you to work on his braids.

“Well once you are finished, meet me at my cabin, I have a treat.” Ubbe said with a grin as he swiped at the plate of meats that you tried to defend by flinging water at him.

“(Y/N) wanted to know how it is you pleasure so many women at one time.” Hvitserk said, grinning when he felt you freeze as you twirled the metal twists holding Hvitserk’s braid out of his face.

“Really? Perhapps Hvitserk should bring you with him and I’ll show you.” Ubbe said. His tone was different from the usual friendly tone, his eyes drifted up and down your body, when you met his eyes you felt like a trapped rabbit. Only Hvitserk heard the small whimper that slipped past your lips. With a quick glance at his brother Hvitserk realised the mistake he’d made in using him too tease you.

“Not tonight brother.” Hvitserk said in a tone that rumbled deeply in his throat as he leant back and wrapped his arms around your waist. He didn’t look at you as you started on his hair again but he knew from Ubbe’s gaze that the challenge he was posing in his brother’ attempt to bed you had missed you entirely.

“Perhaps another time.” Ubbe said as he winked at you. “You know where my cabin is, you ever need someone other than my brother to keep you company.”

Hvitserk clenched his fists under the water as he listened to Ubbe wonder out of his cabin as he whistled to himself.

“Hvitserk! He is going to start stealing me away! I cannot go to the feast.” You hissed as you grabbed the bowl from the table and gently ran your fingers through Hvitserk’s hair as you poured the content over his head.

“Ubbe won't be a bother.” Hvitserk assured you. His eyes fell shut as you combed through his hair. He must have dozed off again because when he sat up a set of clothes were on the stool where the plate had been. You’d added up again and candles lit the way to his bed while you slept by the fire, a log under your hand and an old broken sword Hvitserk had found in England and decided to keep it to stoke the fire.

He winced as he stepped out of the bath and drenched the floor that you must have scrubbed dry. As he finished dressing he shuffled over to you, scooped you up and carried you to his bed. “Hvitserk?” You mumbled sleepily and Hvitserk had to clear his throat and try to remind himself you were not one of the prey he and Ubbe chased to their beds. “Do you need more food?”

He grinned, ever a woman after his heart, he shook his head. “I was just getting you comfortable. Mother was right, I should take care of you.” He smiled as you let him loosen you dress and handed you one of his heavy shirts, it would keep you more than warm enough. When you made him turn his back as you changed he couldn’t help but laugh.

“After all of me that you have seen I cannot have something in return?” He asked as he tossed a few more logs on the fire and came back to the bed. He helped take off your jewelry that he had gathered in England and some that Aslaug had given to you for birthdays. He lay you down against the pillows he liked to burrow into, carefully un twining your hair until it was loose and he could brush his fingers through it.

“I am glad the Gods brought you home.” You said through a yawn as you rolled to face him.

“I am too.” He said with a cheeky grin. His smile faded when you leant up and kissed his cheek before snuggling deeper into his bed. You were perfect for him, everything he wanted, yet he just couldn’t figure out why he didn’t want you.

[parkerspicedlatte]

Lay It All On Me

Pairings: Shawn Mendes x Girlfriend Reader

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: mentions of school shootings and suicides, self doubt, fluff, lots of emotion, not even a swear this time. 

Summary: Shawn is tired and feeling down about not being able to do enough to help shooting victims and others, reader comforts him, nothing smutty, just fluff and emotion. 

Eight pm on the dot. Shawn pulled into the driveway, parked and made his way for the front door. As soon as his keys were unlocking your shared home, he pushed the door open and was greeted with the smell of fresh garlic bread and pasta sauce. Kicking his boots off, Shawn took in a deep breath, enjoying the smell of a nice and simple home cooked meal. Immediately he made his way up the few steps to his right, knowing that you'd be in the guest room that you were currently using as your studio. As he approached the room, he could hear the soft acoustics of an indie folk band that you two had gone to see the summer before.

"Hey." Shawn said as his knuckles rapped gently on the open door, so as to not scare you.

"Hello yourself." you responded distractedly, not yet turning your head around to face him. You were in a trance while concentrating on how you were applying the variety of color with the variety of tools onto the stretched, unframed canvas in front of you. "Dinner's in the oven keeping warm, I'll be down in about five minutes. Good?"

"Okay, I'll go shower first then." he tells you not making any movement to leave the room. Slowly he walked up behind you and peered at the canvas before bending down slightly to kiss your paint covered cheek.

"I like the colors in this one." Shawn mumbles, moving from your cheek to your hair, pressing another gentle kiss atop of your head.

"Hmm thanks." you say. After a few minutes you realize that you'd completely spaced out, too engrossed in your work to stay down to earth. "Gosh sorry I'm not trying to ignore you, I just got a little distracted." you tell him looking up to meet his eyes.

"It's okay babe." Shawn chuckles. "I love it."

"Thank you. You know I'm actually kind of impressed with how this one's coming along.” you smile at the abstract arrangement of colors and shapes in front of you.

"I was talking about you silly." says Shawn causing you to blush slightly, though most of it hidden under the layers of paint scattered on your face. "Also this piece is freaking amazing. Kay, I'm going to go shower now for real this time." he adds, finally sauntering out if the room.

***

Ten minutes later the two of you were both scrubbed clean, changed into comfy clothes and dishing food onto your plates.

"Table or couch?" questions Shawn casually.

"Let's do couch. My backside is already complaining about sitting on that stool for so long.” you suggest, earning a slight chuckle from Shawn behind you.

"Lead the way."

You both get yourselves situated on either end, backs against the opposite arm rests with your feet meeting in the middle, intertwined. The two of you ate in silence, the only sounds coming from the forks against the plates and the channel that Shawn had picked out. The silence was the comfortable silence that the both you needed sometimes, just there to enjoy each other's company while you ate.

"How was your day?" you asked Shawn once you were both finished eating. "Shawn?" you tried after he didn't answer.

"Hmmm sorry, zoned out there for a second." he admitted. "What did you say?" he asked turning back to look at you.

"I was just wondering how your day was.”

“Hmm good, finally got that one song finished.” he said playing with a ring on his finger subconsciously. “How was yours?”

“Not very eventful, I did a little grocery shopping this morning then met up with my sister for lunch downtown at that new falafel place off of Young Street. Then I came home got dinner started and then got lost in the studio, and well you saw the rest.”

Shawn nodded his head, leaning his head against the back of the couch sleepily.

“My sister said to say hi. She wants us to go on a double date with her new boyfriend Craig, which coming from her, actually means she wants you and I to tell her what we think of her.” you told him, “It’s funny how even now she still wants me to confirm all of her boyfriends before the fourth or fifth date.” you rambled on. “So were thinking of doing to double date next week, maybe Saturday night. Do you think you’ll be free?”

Shawn was still looking in your direction but he looked dazed, lost in his thoughts. It didn’t look like he’d heard anything that you had said to him.

“Shawn?” you bumped your foot against his attention, once again, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Shawn, are you feeling okay?”

“Yes,” he sighed, “I’m sorry I’m not trying to ignore you or anything I’ve just really tired.” he confessed looking slightly guilty.

You studied his figure for a second, taking in his slumped shoulders, the red calloused fingertips of his left hand, the dark circles under his eyes that the makeup artist had had to put in a little more effort in hiding before shows and events. Shawn looked beyond tired; he looked like he could fall over at any moment.

You leaned over and took both his plate and yours and set them on the coffee table. Then you picked up a pillow from the floor where it had been tossed and placed it on your lap. “Come here.” you patted the pillow indicating that you wanted his to rest his head in your lap. Without a word Shawn half leaned, half crawled over to you, practically throwing his head into the pillow, facing the back of the couch.

He wrapped his arms around your waist loosely enjoying the close proximity between you two. You began to run your fingers through his hair, rubbing tiny circles into his scalp as you went. You felt Shawn start to relax. First his shoulders, then his back and neck, and eventually you felt his arms relax around you but still holding you close to him.

“I love you.” he sighed, words slightly mumbled from the pillow his mouth was half pressed against.

“I love you too.” you whispered letting your fingers dance through his curly hair and down his neck, rubbing the spots that felt tenser than the rest.

“You have magic fingers.” he tells you, his voice was the most relaxed you’d heard in weeks.

“What’s been stressing you out?” you asked after a few moments.

“I just-” Shawn sighed and nuzzled his face further into the pillow. “I just always feel like I’m not doing enough. Like I’m of the generations where kids are killing themselves left, right, and center and I want to help, I want to do something about it.” he confesses. “When we did the video for Youth and got all of the kids involved, I got to hear their stories and it made me want to do more. Dedicating a song in a performance to a school that has been shot down doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t help them.”

“Shawn, can you look at me for a second please.” At first he doesn’t budge, finding comfort in his position but slowly he rolled over onto his back, looking up at you. His eyes were watery and red. “This world sucks, it brings us good thing and then it brings us double the crises, doubled the tragedy. There’s nothing you or I, or anybody else can do about it. You can’t stop people from hurting others or themselves. But what you can do, is set an example.”

You slid your hands down to his face and ran them along his law line.

“You have an actual army, the Mendes Army. They look up to you, they want to be like you and do the things you do. Think about how many people have told you that they started learning guitar because of you, the same way you did because of an Ed Sheeran song. Those are the same people who are looking at you when they see you doing something to help people. When you dedicate a song to a school who has faced a tragedy, or to a family, you are bringing awareness to them, you are showing your love and support which is what these people need. They need people out there to acknowledge that what they went through was not okay, and that people do care. It won’t fix a problem but it can help soothe it.”

By then Shawn had a few tears that had slipped from his eyes and down the sides of his face. His bottom lip was between his teeth in attempt to try to make it stop quivering. All Shawn wanted to do at that point was crawl into your arms, bury his face into your chest and cry, the same way he’d done with you on many sad occasions. So he did. Slowly he crawled up to you and lied down, head on your chest, ears listening to your heartbeat. You kissed the top of his head then continued to run circles into his temples, forehead and cheek bones with your finger tips as Shawn tried to calm himself down.

“You don’t have to hold the world on your shoulders baby.” you whisper, gently resting your chin atop of his head. “It doesn’t need you to do that. Just be yourself and be the best example you can for the people who love you, that’s all I can say.”

You heard his sniffle a little. Shawn scooched up a little to rest his head in the crook of your neck, sighing breathing in your scent. You felt his placing the smallest, most delicate kisses to your skin.

“Please don’t ever leave; you’re too good for me.” Shawn whispered quietly against your neck.

“Baby,” you coo, “I’m not going anywhere as long as you’ll have me. I love you too much for that.” you told him. The two of you laid that way until Shawn eventually falls asleep, wrapped in your arms, enjoying the feeling of safety and comfort. His soft snores tickled your skin but not a single part of you minded, as long as he was content, so were you.

[wlw-multi-fandom-imagines]

could i request something from the 100? a post-battle lexa x reader where they're patching each other up and cleaning each other's wounds and falling asleep together. thanks love!

“Does that hurt?”

Lexa’s eyes flash up from the washcloth in your hand, which has just brushed against the scrapes across her left thigh.  She tightens her jaw, always trying her best not to show that kind of weakness in front of you.  You just take her silence as a ‘yes’, and begin carefully dabbing at the fresh wounds, clearing them of any debris left from the battlefield.  

“They lost a lot of their people today,” you point out, continuing to work quietly.

“And we lost too many of ours.”

“We were outnumbered and taken by surprise, yet we still defeated them.  Take pride in that, my love.  War always means death for both sides.” 

She sighs at your reminder but doesn’t argue any further.  The room is filled with a comfortable silence as you spread a salve on her leg and bandage it for the night.  Between yourselves, you have too many cuts and bruises to count.  It had taken most of the night to scrub the grime of battle off of your skin and tend to the damage.  

“You look like you’re ready for bed,” you note after a painful transition from kneeling on the floor to standing.  Lexa takes your hand and pulls herself off of the edge of the bathtub.  Exhaustion is etched in her features and her eyelids continue to droop lower every minute.

“Lay down.  I’ll blow them out,” you block her from heading towards the candles lighting the room and nod at the bed.  With the last of “the Commander” slipping away, Lexa actually listens and gets under the furs on the bed.  Her vision gradually darkens as you circle her chambers and blow out the small flames.  You slip in bed beside her before blowing out the final candles on her bedstand.

“You fought well today,” she mutters in the darkness.  You draw her gently against you, all too aware of the injured states you’re in.  

“You led well,” you reply and press a soft kiss to her bare shoulder.  “Get some sleep.”

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too.”

[designationpinknoise]

Rung, Chromedome/Rewind,Cyclonus,Bluestreak and Ratchet.helping their female SO take a bath after breaking their arm or some sort of injury involving a cast?

It all started with “you’re my boyfriend[s] there’s no one on this ship I trust more than you.” so here they were in their holoavatar waiting for you to come in.

Rung: oh, boy years of psychology classes could not prepare him for this! when you first came in he was relieved ( and little disappointed.) to see you in a bikini, but, still very much flustered! he’s never seen you show that much skin before. “Rung?”  he snapped out of his stupor when you awkwardly held your cast arm out  “could you wrap my cast? I’m not to get it wet” he complied and to you both got in the tub. oh, primus help him! he was a wreck the entire time!  the girl he loves is sitting in his lap with almost nothing on! it was taking everything in his power not to…grind you gears. Till’ one wrong tug caused your top to fall off; causing Rung’s avatar glitch and fizzled out. 

C.D./Rewind: they were busy fighting over which one of them got to scrub your legs. since Rewind got to wash your back it only seemed fair that Chrome got to wash you’re legs till’ Rewind mentioned, C.D. got to wash your hair, which they agree it was his turn. Yes, you’ve taken baths with them before. and they do this every time. 

You just sighed “Boys.” they looked at you lifting your top up flashing them, both were stunned into silence. you sighed pulled your top back down. “I wash my legs while you were arguing.” they were still staring in awe “I’m ready to get out now. please.” they both blinked “huh? oh! yeah of course” they said over each other before helping you out of the tub.

Cyclonus: Thank primus! he chose a female avatar…Cyclonus mentally screamed as he gently scrubbed his fingers through your hair. because if he had chosen a male…he shuddered, when his hand made contact with your bare shoulder. He is suffering! he’s never seen you wear something, so… revealing before, You had no idea what kind of danger you were in right now! 

“Cy? are you okay? you’ve been awfully quiet.” he flinched when you went to turn you head “ f-Fine.” he answered quickly “ just keep your head straight and your eyes closed” he ordered rinse out your hair. you hummed as he finished then turned suddenly straddling him. 

“Are you sure you’re okay” his face turned red when a loud noise suddenly came from your bedroom. it sounded like a gong? You tuned back to Cyclonus only to find him gone! he was later reported in the washracks a very cold shower.  

Bluestreak: Thankful he chose a girl avatar, except you could barely get a word out of him. needless to say you were very worried. he would just hum whenever you asked if he was alright. it wasn’t till he accidentally got soap in your eyes that he finally said something. though you couldn’t understand exactly what. 

“OHGODI’MSORRYIWASJUSTSODISTRACTEDBYYOURBIKINIIWASN’TPAYINGATTENTIONRIGHTNOWBECAUSEI’VESEENYOUINONEANDYOU’REREALLYSOFTANDI’MREALLYREALLYSORRYANDINEEDY-TOTOto too…excuse me…” 

You blinked as Blue’s  lips quivered before deactivating his avatar and hid in his habsuite for the rest of the night. 

Ratchet: the sly fiend. has taken baths with you before, he has no problems seeing you in bikini or nothing all. He’s mostly professional, the whole time making small talk as he washed your hair and helped scrub you back. Ratchet likes bathing with you; it gives you both time for yourselves without any interruptions. Such as right now you two were discussing when your cast will come off.

“Not for another two weeks.”   

“aww…really? I was hopping it come off tomorrow.”

“yeah, and I hope you’ll listen the next time I to tie your shoes before running in the halls of a ship filled with giants.”

“Yes, Doc.”

You teased before getting up, Ratchet smirked and grabbed your good wrist.   let’s just say that you’ll both be needing another bath after this. ;)

[thefloorisbalaclava]

A Long and Happy Life - Edward Kenway x Reader

A/N: A little something for the Captain of my heart, Edward Kenway on his birthday!

Words: 2,082 Warnings: A little bit of Eddie feeling sorry for himself but other than that it’s pretty fluffy

Tagging @sushitr-sh and @princessnanaxlaxus!

He was standing, hunched over a table with maps and charts scattered all over when the men first brought you to him.

“Found this one trying to sneak onboard, Captain,” the man holding your arm says.

“Then throw him overboard and stop wasting my time,” the Captain responds rather agitatedly, smoothing back his blond hair without looking up.

“We thought you’d like to…search this one yourself,” another man says, a sinister smile on his face.

“What are you on about?” The Captain asks finally looking up from whatever was frustrating him looking as if he was ready to kill everyone in there…until he laid eyes on you. “Is this some kind of joke, men? Trying to get a rise out of me today out of all days?”

“No, sir, not at all. We really did catch her climbing onboard while we were loading up the cargo. We just thought maybe you’d want to have a little fun before we got rid of her.” The man squeezes your arm tighter at this and you wince.

“What were you trying to do, lass?” He looks you up and down with the bluest eyes you had ever seen.

“I was…I was trying to hide,” you admit sounding smaller than you wanted to.

“Hide? From who?” He looks at you but you look away then down, ashamed. “Men, leave us,” the Captain commands then you two are alone. “Well?”

“M-my husband.” You flinch when Edward takes a step towards you; you were sure he was going to kill you. “I’ll leave right now just please don’t kill me. I know it was stupid of me to try and sneak onto a pirate ship but…”

He chuckles, “I’m not going to kill you especially since I don’t even know your name, your story.”

You tell him your name still unable to look him in the eye. “And you, Captain? What is your name?”

“Why do you need to know?” he asks, grinning playfully trying to lighten the mood.

You finally look him in the eye, “So I can thank you properly, Captain…?”

“Kenway. Edward Kenway.”

“Well, I thank you Captain Edward Kenway. I’ll be on my way now.” You turn to leave but a gentle grip on your arm stops you.

“Before you go, I want to know your story. Why are you hiding from your husband?” He looks at you with something akin to concern on his face but could you trust this man – this pirate?

“I don’t love him,” you blurt out, “…and he doesn’t love me. He just wants to own me. All I am to him is property and I don’t want to be treated like that anymore.”

“So you sneak onto a pirate ship?” He crosses his arm over his chest and tilts his head. When he put it that way, it sounded silly.

“Well, I knew he wouldn’t find me here. He would be too afraid to follow me. He is a coward!” you say angrily and Edward’s eyes widen.

“What if it was someone else’s ship you snuck onto? Not all Captains are as…lenient as I am.”

“But I didn’t. I snuck onto your ship, Captain Kenway. Am I safe here?”

“Of course you are, lass, but I’m afraid we don’t have much to offer you – some food, a place to lay your head, that’s about it. The Jackdaw will be docked here for a few days. You’re welcome to stay as long as we’re here…” He wanted to continue but you could tell he wasn’t sure what to say.

“I’ll figure out where to go after, sir. You don’t have to worry about me,” you say with a small smile, turning and walking to the doors that take you on deck.

“Aye, but you see now that I know you and your story, I can’t help but to worry.” His words stop you in your tracks and you turn to him.

“Do you really know me that well already?”

“I know enough to care.”

You nod. “By the way, that ship you’re looking for is docked off the coast of Havana,” you jut your chin towards his table. “Will be there for a few weeks…” You leave him with a look of astonishment and wonder on his face.

You were introduced to a kind man named Adéwalé who showed you were you would be sleeping and told you that he would be keeping an eye on you and the other men to make sure you were not bothered.

A little while later, the Captain emerged from is quarters and the men greeted him excitedly.

“In a few days’ time, we will be sailing for Havana. I received some reliable intel…,” at this he looked at you and nodded, “…that that’s where we’ll find what we’re looking for. Until then, enjoy yourselves!” The man cheer and laugh, “But not too much, lads!” The men laugh even louder at that.

You were putting yourself to good use, scrubbing down the deck when the Captain made his way over to you. You stand quickly, smoothing down your clothes, “I just thought I’d earn my keep around here. I thank you again for your kindness, sir.”

“It’s Edward and you don’t have to thank me – you definitely don’t need to be scrubbing the deck…you’re a guest.” You expect him to walk away after that but he pulls you to the side and moves close to you. “How did you know about the ship?”

“My husband is a high-ranking officer in the Navy, I hear a lot from him.” Edward’s eyes widen at this and you shrug. “That is one benefit of my marriage I guess.” You look around before looking at Edward again, “May I ask you something?”

“Of course, I won’t promise any answers though.” He smiles and you can’t help but smile back.

“What’s it about today that’s got you all worked up?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when the men brought me in you asked them if they were trying to get a rise of you today out of all days. What’s so special or upsetting about today?” you ask.

He looks at you for a long time. “You’re perceptive, aren’t you?” You shrug again. “Sorry to let you down but there isn’t anything special about today, lass. I was just getting frustrated about finding the ship and all.” He clears his throat and you can tell there’s more but you weren’t getting it out of him right now.

“What would you like me to do? I’m sure you’re not letting me stay here for nothing. You’re a pirate after all,” you joke but when you see the look on his face you wish you can take it back.

“Is that what you think of me?” he asks, his forehead wrinkling.

“N-no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…upset you.”

His face softens and he sighs, “You’re forgiven. If you need anything just let me know.” He nods and walks away. You hope he’s not as upset as you think he is.

You wrack your brain all night about what could be bothering the Captain besides the fact that you made a joke in bad taste. There was something other than ships on his mind but you couldn’t figure out what it was.

Knocking on his doors gently, you’re met with a gruff ‘Yes?’ and enter warily.

“What is it?” he asks without even looking at you.

“I wanted to apologize again for the slight earlier. It was in bad taste and I’ve no right to say such things especially when you’re upset about other things.” You wring your hands nervously which is only made worse when his eyes find yours.

“You really think I’m upset about that? Lass, I’ve got more pressing matters to worry about first and foremost what I’m going to do with you when I leave in two days.” His words are a bit slurred and you spot the open bottle of rum on his table.

“I’ll be fine. I’m more concerned about you. Are you sure you’re okay, sir?”

“Please, stop calling me sir. You make me feel older than I am. My name is Edward. Just Edward.” He closes his eyes for a moment then focuses on you again. “I just wonder…what’s going to happen to her when I leave this life behind? You know, I can’t live this way forever…”

Why was he telling you this? And by her did he mean his ship?

“I’m sure your ship will be fine if you leave her in the right hands. Your quartermaster seems a perfect man for the job.”

“I don’t like thinking about it – the future. It frightens me. Here I am, finding treasures far and wide with nothing to show for it. Do I look happy to you?” He slaps his hands down at his sides. “No, right? Well, I should be. I believed that all this would make me happy.” He looked miserable and it made you feel sorry for him but that wasn’t what he needed right now.

“Looks to me like you still have all the time in the world, Edward.” You flash him a smile and you swear you see his cheeks turn pink. “Maybe there’s a different kind of treasure you should be looking for to make you happy.”

He sighs and sits down heavily with a groan. “I just need this day to be over. I need to be out at sea again. I need…happiness.”

“And you’ll find it. You’re a good man and you deserve to be happy.” You walk over and pick up the now half empty bottle of rum. “Here’s to you, Captain Edward Kenway.” You lift the bottle in the air then drink, enjoying the slight burn and sweet taste of the rum.

He takes the bottle from you and drinks without toasting. “Aye, here’s to me…a sorry excuse for a Captain.”

“Your crew seems to like you well enough and I’ve taken a shining to you as well,” you admit blushing slightly.

“Have you? And what would your husband think of that?” he jokes.

You shrug, “Who cares? He’s probably forgotten me already and it hasn’t even been a day.” You laugh and he watches you, his face lighting up. When you catch your breath again, you place a hand on his shoulder and look him in the eye. “I know how you feel, really I do but things will get better and you will be happy. I know it.”

“How are you so sure?”

“I just am. Now drink up, Captain, and be merry.” You shake him then turn and walk to the doors.

“Thank you,” he says and you stop.

“For what?”

“For listening to me ramble on. For talking to me. I can’t do those things with the crew so…thank you. I may have to keep you around.”

“You enjoy talking to me that much?”

“Aye and maybe I just enjoy you.” The rum had to be getting to him now; he was talking nonsense.

“Captain, you hardly know me,” you say trying to hide the goofy smile on your face.

“First impression is the best, they say and you’ve made quite the impression on me.” You expected a pirate Captain to be harsh and uncaring but Edward was proving you wrong with every word.

“I could say the same about you,” you say before walking to the doors again.

“Think about it, will you? Staying on and seeing how to you take to a life at sea. I could use someone like you,” he confesses. “Maybe you can help me find that happiness I’ve been searching for.”

“I’ll think about it, Captain.” You reach the doors and look back at him once more. You had finally figured out what had been bothering him and though it may seem silly to some, you completely understood his predicament. “Happy birthday, Edward,” you say quietly hoping it didn’t upset him. “You still have a long life ahead of you.”

He shakes his head, smiling, probably wondering how in the hell you figured it out. “A long life full of happiness, you reckon?”

“Oh, I know it.”

With those few words, you had given him the happiest birthday he’s had in a very long time. You left him with a smile on his face and a bottle of rum…and butterflies in his stomach. You left him feeling something he hadn’t felt since his first love – hopeful and happy.

Even pirates deserved that.